HackRF USB connection not working.

[JamesWest]

I bought my HackRF in 2014. It worked great and then I stopped using it a few years ago and now my same PC running SDR# can't see it. Device manager does not see it. The green USB LED is not lit. I have tried four different cables, one which was brand new. I am thinking the USB connector is shot. What happens is the source HackRF window in SDR# has no controls. There is no message saying SDR not found. The run SDR button works and some noise shows up on the waterfall. There is no signal as if input levels are at zero. Weird. I ran the original Zadig and it does not see the HackRF. Not sure if I am up for brain surgery to replace the USB connector. Connector visual inspection shows the pins to be ok but it is so small hard to be sure. I thought I would run this past the experts here in case there is some thing I have missed. Thanks.

 

[dave3825]

Open it up and use a multi meter and test each wire. Place on probe on first pin where soldered to the board. Other probe on usb a sides corresponding wire. Do for each wire.

You have another pc/usb to try on? No light means no power.

 

[foxtail]

As Dave said, you will need to open it and check the connector to the board. I didn't think the mini-usb port would hold up after all the plug/un-plugs...some mods have been to replace the mini-usb to usb-c port. What I did was sell my 2014 hackrf and bought 2 hackrf's with usb-c. But that's just me...

 

[amcferrin90]

If you don't have a heat gun you could try using a hair dryer to warm up the solder pads or just hit them with a little flux with a soldering iron. You might have a weak solder joint.