Magnetic phone cable - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hooverphonique
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 01:57:13 pm
content: Facebook suggested a post about these to me, and I thought it might be something for you to review/debunk...https://www.magnetphonecable.com/products/magnetcable

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:05:57 pm
content: I've seen these advertised on TV.It's nothing more than a small plug inserted into the phone with a magnet and a set of contacts. The cable has a similar magnet (I think) and a set of pins. When the two are brought close together, the magnets attract and pull the two parts together, with the pins being pulled onto the contacts.It's a cute gimmick, but it does allow for a cable to be yanked and the magnets will give way rather than the socket getting hammered.

author: ElectronicCat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:25:52 pm
content: Interesting idea, although of course you can then only use it with that one proprietary cable unless you either unplug the adapter from the phone or unplug the cable from the charger which kind of defeats the point of it. Also the 'Android' version appears to only be USB micro B whereas most android phones (mine included) seem to be moving over to type C now.I suppose I can see a niche market for people who only plug their phone in to charge with one charger and are also prone to tripping over cables, but it seems a little gimmicky for most people.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:26:36 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on March 22, 2017, 02:05:57 pmI have some WSKEN ones after seeing Techmoan's review. They work very well. Less wear on the fragile micro USB, and even in the dark, you can put the cable relatively close and will snap into place.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:29:25 pm
content: Also the adapter sticks out enough to damage the socket if it gets bumped heavily, and exposes the contacts, making it more sensitive to ESD.If you are generally careful with you kit and frequently connect/disconnect the cable, they can be useful - reduced wear & tear on the socket and much less fiddly - but otherwise I wouldn't bother.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 03:12:52 pm
content: Now all I need to find ones that work with RJ-12 (well, 6p6c RJ-11 to be more technical) and broken cables and broken connectors on my DCC model railroad control system will be a thing of the past.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 08:04:33 pm
content: I use wireless charger to save micro USB connector. Works well for me.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 06:31:33 am
content: Are the contacts stiff or are they springy like pogopins? (i.e. how hard are the two parts kept pushing together?)

author: hooverphonique
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:14:55 am
content: Ahhh.. probably not worth it then.. I thought it was some sort of inductive transfer.. Seems I should've researched better

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:55:29 am
content: Quote from: electr_peter on March 22, 2017, 08:04:33 pmSame here, wireless charging has been around for what 5 years now, easy to find phones that have it, i won't ever go back to non wireless.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 12:30:06 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on March 23, 2017, 06:31:33 amThe WSKEN ones I have are springy. I have no idea if they are actual pogopins such as those on Intel motherboards.

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:34:48 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on March 23, 2017, 06:31:33 amIt works just like Apple's MagSafe system. (A neodymium magnet around the outer shell of the connector with pogo pins in the center; the device port is slightly recessed and has a steel plate around the gold plated target pads to attract the magnet.)On the MagSafe, the springy pogo pins are rounded, to reduce marring and deformation of the contact pads. It's a neat system that works well.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 08:01:58 pm
content: Quote from: timb on March 23, 2017, 01:34:48 pmSo it will catch fire too?