我的问题
Most of Jlab's wireless earbuds have a dangling USB-A cable that is permanently attached to the case. This is a nice feature to have as you don't need to carry a charging cable (only a charging brick or a device sporting a USB A port). However as soon as this cable is worn out mechanically, for instance by the daily bending of the cable that is required to use it, the charging case becomes a paperweight. The cable itself isn't available to order, which is to be expected from less than €30 earbuds.
我的修理方法
This repair was a an excellent excuse to use my new 3D-printer. I measured the dimensions of the cable slot as precise as possible with a set of calipers, and made a cad drawing with OnShape. If found some hand-solder friendly USB-c ports on AliExpress and designed the wiring enclosure around that. I had to print and adjust the cad file a few times to make it fit into the cable slot. The end result is ridiculously elegant, and it even complies with EU regulations!
我的建议
As expected, this took more time than planned, and could easily be done with some glue or epoxy around the wires and usb-c port. But it was good exercise in designing parts that fit onto commercial devices. The cheapest way to handle this repair would be just to replace the cable with a USB A part of a broken charging cable. That way it can even be considered upcycling.
2条评论
Really thoughtful work here. This is a smart solution to a common failure point, and I appreciate how you approached it with both precision and intention. The fact that you designed something clean and reusable—rather than just patching it with glue—is impressive.
If you ever feel up for it, this would make a great repair guide.
I imagine a lot of people with these earbuds would be glad to have a clear path to keep them going, especially with a USB-C upgrade.
Thanks for sharing this!
Kris Rodriguez - 回复
I had a similar issue with my wireless earbuds when the attached charging cable broke after frequent use. Instead of buying a new pair, I tried a simple fix by carefully replacing the cable with a spare USB-C wire I had at home. It wasn’t as sleek as a custom 3D-printed solution, but it saved me money and kept my earbuds functional. This kind of hands-on repair not only stretches the life of gadgets but also feels rewarding. For some light entertainment after a day of fixing tech, I often unwind by playing the Slope Game - it’s simple but surprisingly addictive!
BellaHugo - 回复