Loose power cable

[netcomrade]

All, my 'plug' into the x40 has become extremely unstable. can i squeeze it or do something else? What's the best course of action here.

I am confident it's the cable, b/c it behaves the same while plugged into my t43.

BTW, why did they change connectors in t6x series?

Thanks,

[netcomrade]

Um.. looks like the wire it totally shot (started getting warm and shorting :).. went out to ebay and got a new (used) one.

[rkawakami]

Looks like this is too late, but I had already typed it up...

I don't believe you should squish the contacts inside the barrel of the DC plug together from the outside. It looks like there are two contact points 180 degrees apart which provides the positive 16V connection.

With the AC adapter unplugged, insert a non-conductive probe into one of the two slits in the end of the barrel. A round toothpick would be ideal (wood=non-conductive). Gently push the metal towards the center of the barrel. Repeat the same for the other contact point. Plug that end of the adapter into the laptop. Does it feel any tighter? If not, buy/borrow yourself another adapter and see if that replacement has a better connection.

[netcomrade]

Toothpick was a good suggestion.. I thought of using a screwdriver... I am pretty sure it would've worked.. i inserted a toothpick right under the pin. Anyway, will save this tip for the next power supply, don't feel safe plugging this one back in.

[rkawakami]

If the power supply started getting warm, sparking, smoking, or otherwise showed symptoms of shorting out, then the cable probably was the cause.

[netcomrade]

It was the cable right next to the plug that broke while I was writing these posts, as I felt warmth and strong tickling from current when I touched it :)