AndyCorps blog

Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 erratic battery status

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000+01:00

I really like my S2, but the last week or so I've noticed an annoying problem with some bizarre symptoms. At first it looked firmware related, but as investigated further pointed more towards hardware. Either battery, the sensors within the battery or the micro USB charging port.
Symptoms;

when switched off and without a USB lead connected the phone display alternates between a battery level indicator (as if charging) and a temperature warning.
Plug a USB lead in to get past this and boot the phone normally
When switched on and you've received a 100% charged notification, rebooting the phone and checking the battery level again, shows the battery hasn't charged to 100%.
I'm trying to force mine up to 100% by rebooting every time it stops charging to charge it a bit more. This might get it over the hurdle eventually...
With no lead plugged in, trying to disable USB debugging mode (settings>applications>development) gives the error: "USB is connected. Remove the cable"
I've got no fix for this yet, except maybe flashing a clean ROM onto the device with the debugging mode already disabled

There are a few forums dotted around that describe this and offer a couple of solutions that seem to point to the problem being the micro USB port itself; the solutions I have found are;

Clean the micro USB port- switch the phone off & remove the battery. using some isopropyl alcohol, some cleaning tissue and a toothpick, carefully wipe the 'tongue' of the port, the side nearest the screen primarily Gently tease the tongue up towards the screen also. This assists the lead make contact properly
Contact a Samsung service centre, giving the details of the problem and that it has reported as a problem globally. As the symptoms can be erratic, they may not see the problem at first, but a skilled engineer should be able to replace the USB port in under an hour (according to reports)
Replace the USB port yourself. The part can be found at http://www.tvc-mall.com/details/Samsung-I9100-Galaxy-S-2-Dock-Connector-Charging-Port-Flex-Cable-Ribbon-Original-SAMF-I9100/ and detailed disassembly instructions are also floating around.

I don't advise the last option as it will most certainly invalidate any warranty you may have.

2011-07-12T11:26:00.000+01:00

You've gotta love Silverstone Village and its road names. The village is steeped in motorsport history and isn't shy about it.

New toys...

2011-05-09T17:28:00.001+01:00

2 packages from Amazon arrived today.

First up, a 3000mAh battery (with extended back cover) for my HTC Desire. I'm hoping that with this I the phone will last longer than 4hours when using the my tracks software and uploading my location to Google latitude plus taking a few photos.

Secondly, a wireless htpc keyboard with built in touchpad. Useful for my media centre and for configuring some awkward to reach machines.

I expect the phone battery will need a couple of full power cycles before I see full benefits, but first impressions are good.

Camping packing list

2011-04-19T21:08:00.009+01:00

A basic list of stuff to pack for camping...

Main Bits Tent and poles (+base sheet) Utility tent and solar shower Airbed (+pump) Bed sheet Sleeping bag Pillows Tables & chairs Cooker (+gas) Cook pans & Kettle Crockery & Cutlery Plastic cups & glasses 5gal water bag	Extra bits: Gazeebo SolarPanel (+leads) Cooler Bag Washup bowl Washup Lqd Dust pan & brush Rugs\blankets Torch\lantern Trash Bags Ice packs (for transit) Tupperware	Flask\water bottle Condiments Food, beer, wine Food bags Cards Books to read Local map\leaflets Clockwork radio Clothing & Footwear Towels
Dog: Blanket Harness Lead Dog waste bags Food & water Bowls Food & treats

Android blogger

2011-03-10T23:23:00.001Z

Just installed Google's Blogger app for Android.... simple enough interface. Still can't decide wheather to use blogger or sites... if only Google could merge some their devices together.

first entry

2008-02-13T11:36:00.001Z

This is just a first entry to see how things work.