yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Good news.

I received my 2nd dock, and opened it. There are only two screws, under the rubber feet in the back by the hinge. These screws help support and hold the hinge in place. Run a plastic separator tool around the edge to open. I started in one back corner. It is tight in a few places. Do not bend the metal by the socket positions, where the metal is very thin and flexible. The front edge separates last (most difficult) using leverage of flapping open and closed the top/bottom pieces, and starting separation on one side.

I will post pictures soon. I took some and in the process of uploading. I have my digital caliper at the other office so measurements later.

There is a great position for a female socket for a barrel plug charger, behind the current charger and pointing to the back. It is between the hinge and a circuit board, so there is no leeway in width. The width is narrow, just under 5mm, so a socket needs to be thin. If we find a 4mm wide barrel socket, maybe 7mm or less high it should fit. Of course that makes a slim barrel. :)

UPDATE: On further consideration, we might trim up to 3-4mm of the hinge plate, giving up to 7-8mm square barrel socket.

The area between the battery (centered under the keyboard) and the back hinge is wide open. Literally room to drop in x4 sd cards end to end, and stack another row of x4 on top, with space left over. The entire space is about 5-10mm height. A switch can go anywhere in this area, mounted on the bottom face, which is protected by the protruding hinge.

I was thinking with all the USB ports, it might be worth considering loading up some internal USB devices later.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] DevCake:
Nice!

Get some pics up !

One thing I would do is install another USB port and connect it directly to the battery so you can use the battery to charge other 5V devices without having to connect the TF.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
I removed the circuit board, now, and pulled back some of the covering tape.

I will post pics tomorrow. Sorry. I want good sunlight of circuit board stuff, because I think that is where we will need to attach the barrel plug charger wires.

The charging socket on the dock has 20 solder points and it looks like up to 3? power lines (visual inspection). With my sub-mm solder iron I can attach wires to charge via a plug. At some point we will need to know at least the power positions on the cable/plug, especially the grounds.

I think we can simply cut into the x2 red and 2x black battery lines for a switch, or aux power. There are total 8 lines on battery, exactly like the tablet, and about 4 inches of exposed wires.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Full list of photos:

Plug showing depth behind battery & rubber spacer (7mm depth; 5.0mm battery, 2.0mm rubber spacer):

Circuit board removed showing full hinge (back left):

Full keyboard under side:

Full bottom of dock with keyboard removed (large space between battery and back hinge):

Closeup of back left hinge and charging port (4.75mm between circuit board and hinge metal, 8mm between circuit board and hex nut on hinge):

Opposite to left hinge on keyboard side:

Back left hinge and charging port:

Keyboard under side (right half keyboard):

Keyboard under side (middle keyboard):

Keyboard under side (left half keyboard, side with power plug):

Bottom of dock (middle):

Bottom of dock (left):

Bottom of dock (right):

Bottom of dock (middle):

Bottom of dock (left):

Full keyboard underside with touch pad:

Full bottom of dock with keyboard removed:

Bottom of dock (left side, with power plug):

Bottom of dock (right back side, with USB port, large space between battery and hinge):

Bottom of dock (left back side, with power plug):

Under side of keyboard:

Bottom of dock, with keyboard removed:
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] cowballz69:
Can u try to see if u can follow the usb ports to the 40 pin connector to see what points are for usb connection? That way we can follow up to the tablet and install a usb port in the tablet. There is plenty of room for one inside it
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] mlbl:
since the keyboard dock is opened, whats the battery rating in mah inside?
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
The battery says:

ASUS LI-polymer Battery Pack C21-EP101

Rating: +7.4V =~ 3300mAh, 24Wh

It is 5.0mm thick, 137mm long, 104mm wide. It is wrapped in a black plastic bag-like cover, and the length at top seems empty when pressed - so about 20mm at the top is just a cover and not *battery*. The battery inside is closer to 5mm x 117mm x 104mm. There are two 2.0mm thick rubber spacers on top of the battery, running the full length and 29mm wide each.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] mlbl:
Good to hear that. Thanks for the info :)
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
I was able to use my fingers to easily slide out the battery plug on the circuit board. I will try to get some detailed photos of the circuit board today.

There are two groups of wires from the circuit board to the tablet plug. The silver colored is a shield and the black is unshielded. I was assuming the unshielded was USB, because USB lines do not *require* shielding - but, USB lines do require about 1 twist every 20mm or so. Also, I was assuming the shielded bits were keyboard & trackpad. But, I could be entirely wrong with these guesses.

One partial approach is to unplug both silver and black groups of wires and test continuity of each line from the tablet plug.

Tracing lines on the circuit board might be a good approach.

I was also going to test my cable, the USB end continuity against the 20 pin connector, and then plug in my cable to the port and test the matching solder points under the connector on the circuit board. Slightly safer now with battery removed.

Suggestions welcome as we go.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
I am going to try something like this for the power jack: (See UPDATE below for correct component)

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/1052051-conn-pwr-jack-0-65x2-6mm-smt-pj-038-smt.html

IMAGE REMOVED (I suggest you do NOT use the component seen in link above)

I ordered a variety of jacks to test. The "DX-UA Universal" has a 0.7mm ID, 2.35mm OD - Plug tip. I noticed the Motorola 10.1 tablet has a similar power plug, but unsure of their voltage.

==

UPDATE: I do *not* like the socket listed above, because it has an open bottom (hard to glue in place) and it is *not* tall enough. It is too short so if the charging plug is pushed up and down the socket can be pried loose, no matter how good it is glued in place.

Rather I prefer this other component:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CP-031HPJCT-ND

I reviewed about 10 various component models. The new choice, CP-031HPJCT-ND is:

(1) cheaper, shielded costs more and no benefit.

(2) taller, it fills the space between top and bottom of dock. Therefore, the screws holding the dock top/bottom together also hold it in place in addition to glue, e.g. it cannot be pried loose by impact on the charging plug.

(3) the hole is centered in the component, giving max strength to each side (other similar have a hole off center, which some might prefer but I do not, e.g. this CP1-022PJCT-ND is not as good in my opinion).

I will attempt to mount the preferred CP-031HPJCT-ND in the next few days, and advise of results. There are some mounting details that are required to successfully use these components, e.g. hole placement, electrical connection, positioning, etc..
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] dmc971989:
guys... if we're already this in depth then why not just wire the power leads from the existing usb port in the dock over to the power/charging leads on the proprietary connector?

it would be far eaiser than adding a new connector/modding the case of the dock and would be even more "universal" since you could still charge with any usb adapter out there...
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] DevCake:
That's a good point but with some cons.

1. You still need to make or buy a cable to use an off the shelf universal charger.

2. That port will no longer supply power to any USB device you connect to it.

The main purpose of this mod is to be able to use almost any universal charger that is available so the extra work adding the new connector is worth it IMO.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] DevCake:
Nice, looks like plenty of room in there.

So were you between flossing or is that flosser thing for something else =]
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Tera Tike:
Bob:

I'm curious, is that a slide switch in the "Circuit board removed showing full hinge (back left)" photo between the main power connector and the track pad connector? If so are there any markings?

Thanks,

Mark
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Holy c*ap! I missed that entirely. If it is a switch to disable the battery - then life is very good indeed!!!

I ordered a couple of these: 642-25139NAB from Mouser.

http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=/s1LKTamv0xyAKLMsRubMQ==&cm_mmc=findchips

If that switch is to disconnect the battery, and it works with tablet connected (on and/or off), it would be trivial to hookup a switch to turn the battery off for long storage.

Great eyes Mark. :)

PS: I am uploading better circuit board photos today. 2nd set I took this morning looks better.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Tera Tike:
Yes I am hopping that is a battery disconnect to. Then could add a reed switch to turn on and off the dock when you close the pad down. Just a thought.

Look forward to the photos. Thanks for doing this for all of us!

-Mark
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
circuit board TOP, under black tape

These are closer, not great quality from my Droid-X macro camera.

Top, after removing some black protective tape.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
circuit board UNDER SIDE

These are closer, not great quality from my Droid-X macro camera.

Under-side after removing screws and power from battery, flip over.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Tera Tike:
GREAT pictures.. So what does SW1001 do????
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Another great idea, I like it. :)
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Sh*t, sh*t. I need to drive back to get to the board. Tonight I will find out. LOL
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
couple picks of TOP BLACK cable assembly

These are to the TOP BLACK (not silver) cable assembly.

I think they are USB lines, but that is a total guess.

There are a bunch of wires (as many or more) in the shielded SILVER cable.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
It looks a lot like:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/D...g=en&site=us&keywords=679-1847-1-ND&x=15&y=13

I will also measure SW1001 tonight.

==

UPDATE: I think this is an exact match for the SW1001 switch. If so, it is rated .3A at 4VDC. You can see the details in the .pdf at digikey. I measured SW1001 with my digital caliper and it is exactly the same sizes (within .02mm).
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
I am going to try the reed switch idea, thanks Mark.

(1) One of these mounted in the front center, inside in all that free space, under the ASUS label on hinge:

374-1059-ND

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/1781052-sensor-magnetic-reed-flat-pack-mk04-1b90c-500w.html

The switch is expensive, but it carries more amps. This switch is normally closed (NC), the magnet opens it. It is rated at 1A carry current.

Or, also works and cheaper:

59140-040-ND

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=59140-040-ND

(2) And one of these (UPDATE) mounted in a hole drilled in the U in ASuS on the hinge.

http://www.magnet4less.com/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=709

Note: The original item 374-1102-ND is *not* powerful enough to trip the reed switch

(TF101 switch SW1001) A switch (similar to SW1001) shown below is rated up to .3A:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/D...g=en&site=us&keywords=679-1847-1-ND&x=15&y=13

In this configuration, any time we close the hinge, even with the tablet disconnected, it would disconnect the battery.

==

UPDATE:

The original magnet I selected (374-1102-ND) is *not* powerful enough to trip the reed switch.

My next attempt is:

http://www.magnet4less.com/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=709

I tested a few magnets slightly larger than these and they work great. I think these will work.

These are Neodymium Discs 0.125 inch Diameter x 0.0625 inch Thick (hinge thickness is 2.5mm, e.g. just under 0.1 inch)
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Anyone got ideas how the tablet currently knows to shut down when closing with the dock?

I suspect sensor in the tablet, and magnet somewhere in the dock, but I do not see anything.

Maybe a magnet test is required?

==

UPDATE:

With the tablet disconnected, hinge open, laying the tablet on the dock and the tablet stays powered up. No magnets, maybe?

Does some function in the dock hinge closing turn off the tablet (when connected)?
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Tera Tike:
I bet the dock go into "ultra low power" state after a set time when the screen/display turns off. This is why it still uses power as it is still sensing the Pad connected and charging it.

I was thinking if the switch did not do what we hope then trace the power leads, which I bet are the non shielded black wrapped wires and making the disconnect with them.

As for the switch I was looking at this...

http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9557

With a magnet mounted in the transformers dock plate countersunk, same thought as you Bob.

Using the reed switch to disconnect the power the Pad should think the dock has been disconnected. This is what I am thinking, or is there a loop back connection in the dock telling the Pad it is connected to the dock??
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] isolated_epidemic:
Is it possible the tablet is using readings from the light sensor to determine when its closed? Maybe that in conjunction with a sensor in the hinge?
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
These are just my guesses, I could (easily) be wrong.

@Tera Tike

"I bet the dock go into "ultra low power" state after a set time when the screen/display turns off. This is why it still uses power as it is still sensing the Pad connected and charging it. ..."

ANS: Nope, the dock shuts down immediately when closed & connected to hinge. But, never shuts down when disconnected and the tablet placed on top of keyboard. It is a perfect fit either way, since the hinge does *not* block the tablet.

"I was thinking if the switch did not do what we hope then trace the power leads, which I bet are the non shielded black wrapped wires and making the disconnect with them."

ANS: Well, the switch .... drum roll ... WORKS! Basically when in default position the battery from the dock charges the tablet, e.g. tablet shows charge. But, when the switch is in other position the tablet does not charge, e.g. the charging indicator on a connected tablet goes to not charging. My dock is at over 90% so this is no mistake. :))))

The reason I do not like your reed switch is because its Max current is .25A which I have found too. And because the *existing* switch (if it matches what I found earlier) may be rated up to .3A, e.g. 300mA at 4VDC. I am not an EE so I do not know if your switch could fail. And, I do not know if the switch I found that looks similar is a match or not. At these small sizes these switches will likely not have much current, however.

==

UPDATE:

I changed my mind, and now I think your reed switch will work.

Another way to look at voltages I measured on switch is the top pin is ground, the center pin is at +1 volt (approximately) and the third (bottom) pin is not connected. In this way of thinking the switch only has to push +1 volt and whatever amps (likely small). It is very possible, since the switch is so small, the switch is probably not pushing volts/amps anywhere near its limits. In this case, your reed switch should work fine.

I will connect my reed switch across the center and top pins (exactly like the closed switch in default position now), and switch off the switch. This should activate the reed switch, with the magnet disabling the charge to the tablet.

Your reed switch is a lot cheaper, and might be a better solution. I may get a smaller one, like yours, and try it.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
These are just my guesses, I could (easily) be wrong.

@isolated_epidemic

"Is it possible the tablet is using readings from the light sensor to determine when its closed? Maybe that in conjunction with a sensor in the hinge?"

ANS: I do not think so, because the tablet (disconnected) still fits perfectly over the keyboard and closed. There *has* to be something in the hinge.

What is in the hinge?

Magnets?

Slide switch?

Sensor?

Any suggestions welcome, including pointing out that I am wrong. :)
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
@Tera Tike

I used a multimeter to test the switch when charging the dock, but tablet disconnected. Results are:

The positive battery lines (red, both same potential) to the top switch post (outer connected in default switch position, aka farthest from the other two) is about 7.7 volts. From the positive battery line to center post (default position) is about 6.4~6.8 volts (it seems to be unstable or I can not hold steady). The positive battery line to bottom post is 0 volts (default switch position).

When the switch is thrown the top position is still 7.7 volts, and both lower positions are 6.4~6.8 volts.

I did not test switch with multimeter with dock connected. However, throwing the switch definitely turns on/off charging the tablet.

Thanks, Mark.

==

UPDATE: Removed gratuitous thanks to encourage readability by alpha geeks. Suggest Mark do the same in following post please? My bad.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Tera Tike:
@ Bob

So you think the same by wiring the reed switch in parallel with switch SW1001. Then turn off the switch and good to go.

Now we need to tap the 40 connector to add a 12V power tap.

Thanks, Bob.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Proprietary ASUS TF101 cable pinout (USB power)

Hope this is self-explanatory. :)

[FONT="Courier New"].-------
.|.....|\
.|01 21|.\<-shield (00)
.|02 22|..|--------
.|03 23|..|
.|04 24|..|
.|05 25|..| Proprietary cable plug (blank side)
.|06 26|..|
.|07 27|..| (ASUS label is on other side)
.|08 28|..|
.|09 29|..|
.|10 30|..|
.|11 31|..|
.|12 32|..|
.|13 33|..|
.|14 34|..|
.|15 35|..|
.|16 36|..|
.|17 37|..|
.|18 38|..|
.|19 39|..|--------
.|20 40|./
.|.....|/
.-------

Measured against USB 2.0 cable power leads:
00-Ground

Row of pins on ASUS side:
01-Ground
02-USB Power
03-USB Power
04-USB Power
05-
06-
07-
08-
09-Ground
10-Ground
11-Ground
12-Ground
13-
14-
15-
16-
17-
18-
19-
20-Ground

Row of pins on blank side:
21-Ground
22-
23-
24-
25-
26-
27-
28-
29-
30-
31-
32-
33-
34-
35-
36-
37-
38-
39-
40-Ground

Under side of circuit board:
.-----------\
.............\................^ back hinge
..............|-------
...21.........|
...23...22....| Circuit board, cable socket (blank side)
...25...24....|
...27...26....| (See pictures for orientation)
...29...28....|
...31...30....|
...33...32....|
...35...34....|
...37...36....|
...39...38....|
........40....|
..............|-------
.-------------|[/FONT]

Solder points #21 thru #40 have nothing to do with power.

The RED points on the pictures match USB power continuity.

I did not mark ground because it should be obvious. :)
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] DevCake:
Nice Work Bob. Exciting that you will be able to come up with a good mod but don't rush into it. Take from someone who does to often and regrets it later.

Let me throw a wrench into the whole thing. There has been post about the Dock discharging while the tab is not in use. Have you considered a switch to cut off the battery to the Tab? This would conserve dock battery while it is connected to the tab.

If the switch on the circuit board cuts off charging to the battery what does that accomplish by tying into it? If you wire your magnetic switch in parallel to the same circuit that the factory connector uses so that both are still active to charge having the ability to turn off charging to the dock battery IMO seems useless. Because if you eliminate the magnetic switch to cut off charging from the new barrel adapter even if you cut off charging to the battery and by accident have 2 power sources connected to the dock you will still damage either the dock and one of the power sources due to the voltage differences.

I would continue down the path of the magnetic switch to cut off charging from the new barrel adapter making sure that the switch is closed till the magnet is in place. Then add a switch to cut off battery power to the Tab so that when you are storing the tab connected to the dock no drain on the dock battery will occur. as a bonus I would supply one USB port on the dock with 5V power via the battery cutoff switch so that you can use the dock as a 5V power source for any device without having to connect the tab.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
By default when switch SW1001 if off (or using reed switch mod with tab closed) will stop the dock from discharging while the tab is not in use. I will test this overnight soon.

I meant the switch cuts off charging to the *tablet*, but the reed swith will have no effect on connections to the dock battery. I think you misunderstood my bad descriptions. ;)

Your other points like two cables connected, and extra USB are great. My flush slide switch (pictured earlier) could be used to toggle between two cable power sources, I need to think more about how.

Thanks!
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] DevCake:
Now we are talkin, great info.

Without a scope it will be difficult to find which pins are for USB host but not impossible. I realize your focus is on power but since you have this thing open and you have time try some test to find the USB pins on the 4pin connector.

If you can get everything connected( tab to dock) and still have access to those pins here is what I would try.

1. Check for any voltage across any of the unknown pins taking note.

2. Connect any recognizable USB device to one of the Dock USB ports and check the pins again taking note.

You should see some low voltage through the data ports. If you have a scope it will make life easier

3. Cut apart a usb extension cable and expose the data pins 2 & 3.

4. Supply separate 5V power to the power pins on that cable.

5. Connect the same device to that USB extension cord( i wouldn't use a hard drive, maybe a keyboard or mouse)

6. touch the data pins from the extension cable to any pins you found low voltage on until you see the tab recognize the device.

As long as you keep the data pins away from known 5V power sources you should be good.

Put this on your list if you can.
[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] Bob Smith42:
Will do. Thanks, great guide.

I split open an USB 2.0 M-F adapter cable, and plugged my multimeter on stripped power leads for my tests. With dock battery disconnected, I plugged in the ASUS proprietary cable to the dock and into my USB F cable with attached multimeter lead to get the RED positive continuity points.

I do not have a scope. Some of these test will have to be later in week, because this takes hours. :)

Also, the ASUS proprietary socket on dock is surface mounted and the USB power leads (2,3,4) are exposed on the socket (that row is farthest from the surface of the circuit board). They are thin wires going down into the circuit board and disappearing, reappearing at the RED dots. I do not know if they can be tapped into successfully or not because they are very thin. The cover slips off the proprietary socket, and I can post a picture later.