Replacing my Samsung A50 Charging Port

For some random reason my phone began charging only when plugged into a computer. When plugged into the wall it would just sit there. Suspiciously, this happened after an Android update. 

Then the phone stopped opening in Windows (so I could not move files in/out or sync it with my computers). 

So I spent 20 hours trying different cables, different plugs, different phone sync settings, etc.. I finally resorted to purchasing a $4 board with a new charging port. 

Replacing the charging port involved taking the phone apart and trying to put it back together following some random YouTube instructions. The process involved 10-12 screws, removing the cover & applying epoxy to re-attach it, unplugging 4 wires, taking off an inner cover - - basically ripping the phone apart. 

• Chances of breaking phone permanently: 50%
• Chances of fixing the problem: 30%

As a result, I purchased a new phone (Samsung A52) before attempting this.

 

Phone repair in progress

 

The repair was a harrowing experience. Notice in the picture that the new board (in the phone) has a slightly different shape - this required some minor surgery on the board to make it fit. 

After the new card was installed the phone decided to apply a massive Android update. After the update the phone was able to connect to the computer, share files, and charge properly. 

Did the new board fix the problem? Did the Android update fix the problem? At this point I've waster 2 hours and spent $4 ... so these questions will remain unanswered.

Weekend in Whitetail

Finally some cold weather and natural snow opened up a few trails. We braved a snow storm and got to Whitetail on Thursday night. Doug started setting up his computer to work on Friday and ... no power supply. Gads.

On Saturday we got out early. From 9-11am was pretty awesome. From 12pm - 4pm was pretty crowded - a good time for Sara to watch the NDSU Championship football game. 

 

The next day was a bit rainy and icy, so Carter and RJ decided to build and open their own ski resort.

RJ and Carter building a jump

Snow and demise of pine tree

After 2 weeks in Whitetail, the gang returned home and it snowed 6-8 inches. Grrr. 

Pine Tree

It's been a tough year for pine trees in the back yard. Luckily this one didn't fall on the shed. The treehouse was pulled up, but might be salvageable.

Heavy snow + breeze + hollow trunk = treehouse with no tree

Trunk of tree was almost completely hollow

Sledding

Wet snow made ideal conditions for sledding. RJ, Bradly, Julia, and Doug risked a trip to the ER for some pre-sunset fun. 

RJ built a jump when the hill itself was not dangerous enough.

Here is what it looked like from the cockpit of the sled.

Christmas Break

There was limited skiing at Whitetail over Christmas break. Unseasonably warm weather resulted in only two trails being open. The kids made the most of what was there ... riding until 2 minutes AFTER the lifts closed on most days. 

Kids and Sara missed the last lift 3 of 4 days!

Julia learns to snowboard!

Bristol helped Julia learn to snowboard. RJ hung out with the Whitetail gang. Doug liked that Julia's snowboard has a picture of a person being run over on it.

Bachelor Week

Sara and the kids are 'skiing' in Whitetail. Things around the house are starting to get out-of-control. Take a look at all the dishes that are piling up in the sink.

Three days of dishes

Truth is that some pots/pans were washed and there is 1 plate that didn't make it to the sink yet. 

Christmas at Whitetail

Christmas Eve

After mass at St. Luke in Mercersburg, PA

 

The washing machine decided to stop oscillating and spinning, so we took it apart spun it around, gave it a pep talk and it started working again. We decided it was a good time to get outselves a Christmas present but the depth of the closet was a key factor in the selection of our next washer/dryer.

With the help of the Saunder's tools, we installed a lock in our attic storage space.

    

 

Christmas Day

We asked Santa for some snow this year, but it was up to the folks at Whitetail this year. They made some snow, but the slopes didn't open. 

Walter the Rescue Dog

 

Grandad and Aunt Debbie made the trip from Baltimore to Whitetail for Christmas Linner.

Grandad, Aunt Debbie, Walter, and Kids

 

Legos, Legos, Legos

Julia got a technic set for her Dash robot and an elf club house. RJ got a Lego powered Car. Sara worked hard to build the motorized Lego car and RJ took it for a test run...

Clearview Manner Decorations Winner

 Sara when all in with Christmas decorations this year. Between that, Aunt Donna's train gift, bribing the judges with candy canes, being 2 of the judges, and driving/influencing most of the other judges  were able to log a win!

Two of the judges bask in the victory

The House Looked Good at Night