How to make a custom USB cable a proprietary device?

[iKokomo]

I know this is not a cell phone, but the principle seems to be the same if you have a phone with a proprietary USB charger that is missing.

Someone gave me a swimming, underwater Finis Neptune MP3 player but the problem is the charging cable was not included. Since this is a waterproof MP3 player the cable is proprietary and it is impossible to find a cable (from the company or otherwise) without buying a second unit on eBay with the cable.

My 1st question: Is there a way to cut apart an old USB cable and make my own charger/transfer cable? How do
My 2nd question: There are four contacts on the bottom of the MP3 player. How do I map each one to know what is positive, negative, ground and data transfer? (Photo of pins attached)


Thanks!

 

[hallux]

My 1st question: Is there a way to cut apart an old USB cable and make my own charger/transfer cable? How do

With a connection like the one shown your best results will be to find the proper mating connector to wire up. On the up-side, if you can find the connector it may have matching wire colors to those found in a standard USB cable so it may be easier.

My 2nd question: There are four contacts on the bottom of the MP3 player. How do I map each one to know what is positive, negative, ground and data transfer? (Photo of pins attached)

You'd need to find a schematic of the device (maybe on an FCC filing?) that details the pin mappings for that connector.

 

[Rukbat]

You have to find a mating connector - if it's USB (it may not be - 4 pins doesn't automatically mean USB), but the Duo charging cable may work (the picture is more detailed than your picture if you roll over it with your mouse cursor - take a look). It's US$20 (plus shipping), which isn't bad for a proprietary cable. Or contact Finis at:

USA
FINIS,Inc.
7085-E Las Positas Road
Livermore, CA 94551
Phone: +1(925)454-0111
Fax: +1 (925) 454-0066
Email: info@FINISinc.com

EU
FINIS,Inc.
Malashevska Str.
No.8 Store E2
Sofia 102, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 936 86 36
Email: info@FINISinc.com


Or submit a support ticket at https://www.finisswim.com/contact-us, asking how you can get a charging cable for the Neptune if the Duo cable won't work with the Neptune.