Changing port

Posted by: @mot

↑

Hello

I am trying to change this micro usb port to usb c port.

I've asked people on Reddit some say it isn't worth it, you may fry it and some say it can be done.

I'm not sure what I need and which usb c port I need as well, as there are a few variations.

Let's condense this into a couple of lines.

• Can it be done? Of course it can.
• Should it be done? Probably not.
• Can you fry it? Yes, yes you can.

USB C is a whole different animal from USB 2 which, for all the software complexity, is only four wires in all, USB 3 doubles that for the "superspeed" line and then to USBC's 24 pins in a smaller, reversible plug - so 12 actual signal/power lines.

Worse, it's highly like that socket is not the one's you've seen there. A mouse can operate over USB 1/2/3 equally and uses the lowest speed data connection so it's likely a four pin socket but not knowing the manufacturer of that particular one, there's a good chance those won't fit. It's also (if not obvious) the sort of job that requires a reflow kit and a fair degree of skill.

And this is all why the people over at Reddit are broadly correct. It depends where you fall on the line and already have the correct equipment. I've had to upgrade a lot of mine to work with SMD and I don't really care for manual work with small parts. I've had to do some "402" resistors recently and that required the use of a stereoscopic microscope. Although a jeweller's loupe would likely do. I just have the scope for looking at bugs and scaring children.