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I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

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Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#21

Post by jdsully »

sneak wrote: post #8
Hnaomyiph wrote: post #4

I feel like USB-C is cursed enough on its own. The sheer number of times I’ve had to explain to family members why just because the two USB-C ports on a laptop look the same, doesn’t mean they work the same.

This is true of electrical power outlets (15A/20A), HDMI, schrader valves, RJ45 (this one especially!), and many other things in life, and I don't think it's very fair to pick on USB-C in this manner when it does so many other things much better than previous alternatives.

20A plugs look different, they have a prong rotated 90 degrees.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#22

Post by thedanbob »

kristiandupont wrote: post #14
sneak wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is true of electrical power outlets (15A/20A), HDMI, schrader valves, RJ45 (this one especially!), and many other things in life, and I don't think it's very fair to pick on USB-C in this manner when it does so many other things much better than previous alternatives.

I am reminded of Einsteins quote about making things as simple as possible but no simpler. I feel that USB-C is an attempt to make things just a bit simpler than possible. With USB-A and -B, there is a physical indication of the direction of flow (data and/or current). Just "connecting" two things is sometimes unambiguous, but sometimes it's not.

From what I remember reading about the spec, USB-C feels like an attempt to make things simpler for users (one plug for everything!) and manufacturers (here's all the things you can do, but they're all optional!) simultaneously, which of course just makes things more complicated for everyone.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#23

Post by mumblemumble »

unwind wrote: post #11
sneak wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is true of electrical power outlets (15A/20A), HDMI, schrader valves, RJ45 (this one especially!), and many other things in life, and I don't think it's very fair to pick on USB-C in this manner when it does so many other things much better than previous alternatives.

But the point is that USB was introduced more or less on the promise of not being like that. When USB 1.1 came in the late 90s, it was pretty nice. Lots of different ports and cables went away, and all were replaced by standardized USB ports and cables. You could geek out and learn the difference of upstream (A, host) and downstream (B, device) ports, the various types of B port sizes, and that was it. Later USB 2.0…

I guess?

Except that my desk has three USB cords, each with a color-coded label so that I can tell what each one is for. One is seemingly the only one that will charge my e-reader, but only does low speed data transmission so it never really gets used for anything but my e-reader. Another is power only and therefore useful for charging devices without my computer attempting to talk to them. And a third is a proper, modern (ish, I suppose), well-behaved USB 2.0 cable.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#24

Post by dogma1138 »

TheRealSteel wrote: post #9
sbarre wrote: post #5

I love the comment that says you could make a device that requires you to unplug and plug the other way before it works, no matter what.

I believe to properly conform to the USB specification, the device must be tried one way, tried the other way, then tried the first way again before it plugs in properly.

You forget the chicken bones and the tears of a Virgin step.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#25

Post by airhead969 »

tyingq wrote: post #12
sbarre wrote: post #5

I love the comment that says you could make a device that requires you to unplug and plug the other way before it works, no matter what.

Two counters tied to an AND gate and you could require X number of orientation flips before it works :)

USB-C port knocking... flipping.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#26

Post by airhead969 »

Hnaomyiph wrote: post #4

I feel like USB-C is cursed enough on its own. The sheer number of times I’ve had to explain to family members why just because the two USB-C ports on a laptop look the same, doesn’t mean they work the same.

And why didn't it use a water-/corrosion-proof, breakaway magnetic connector?

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#27

Post by airhead969 »

I often have to flip old Lightning cables if there is corrosion on one side of the plug contacts. Also, Lightning has a problem with dirt and lint accumulation, so the end of a large paperclip is useful to clean-out the port on the device occasionally.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#29

Post by rand49an »

Tade0 wrote: post #18

My Galaxy S8 and 60W USB-C charger appear to work like this - I often have to do a 180° turn for the phone to start charging. They only do that in this combination. Not sure if it's consistent though - I should probably mark one side and check.

My Nokia phone is the same, it's a broken port I think.

Re: I’ve made a Cursed USB-C 2.0 device

#30

Post by unilynx »

airhead969 wrote: post #27

I often have to flip old Lightning cables if there is corrosion on one side of the plug contacts. Also, Lightning has a problem with dirt and lint accumulation, so the end of a large paperclip is useful to clean-out the port on the device occasionally.

Frequent problem indeed with dirt from pockets, but I'd recommend a toothpick over something metal.
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