Versa Charger Connection

[sandyt2001]

I am at my wits end with FitBit. I am on my 5th device in the last decade and they all just break for no good reason.

My Versa 2 is unusable because the gold contacts used to connect the charger are worn off. That means the device won't ever charge. I'm an electrical engineer and I know this is caused by under specifying the hardness of the layers of metal used to form these contacts. Why would they do that???

I really want to stay with FitBit but I don't feel like buying yet another device. Has anyone else had this problem? The photo shows the gold completely worn off

Worn Charger Contacts During Normal Use 

[Guy_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @sandyt2001 - it looks like some form of corrosion from soaps or other products. Fitbit don't recommend it coming into contact with products or hot water.

[sandyt2001]

Hi Guy,

It's actually the gold pads being broken up by the contactor in the charger. What you see on the photos isn't a film, it's the missing gold caused by the contact friction. If it was a film it could be removed easily using an eraser or similar. It can't be removed.

[Guy_]

@sandyt2001  - the corrosion is when the gold has been eaten away, or removed by friction or sparking with the charger.

If the terminals get dirty this can cause the connection to make poor contact, thereby increasing the possibility of sparking.

Here is the state of my watch after over 18 months.

It has had 177 charges in that time.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi! Is there anything that can be done so I can still use my Fitbit? I'm seeing the same linear pattern as you have on your watch (which I've been using since mid 2018) and my watch isn't loading at all. 

Thanks in advance for your reply!

[sandyt2001]

See the attached image which shows USB connections to the Fitbit device.
When the contact pins erode the connections like this you'll see different
types of operation depending on what's been worn off. In my case the device
won't charge which implies either pin 1 or pin 2 (+5V or Gnd) is not making
a connection. If your device is still charging that implies both of the
power pins are making contact but since you can't sync I'd say one or both
of the data lines is not getting through.
I ordered a new one yesterday, but I have to say this will be the last time
I use fitbit unless they pay more attention to the mechanical side of the
charger.

[sandyt2001]

Hi Guy,

I need to eat some humble pie here...

I cleaned the contacts pretty hard with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol. 

My Fitbit works again. 

Thanks,

Sandy

[SunsetRunner]

Mine doesn't charge either and the pins pattern is looking like the one in Guy's picture. Looks more like the point of contact between the pins created a worn-off pattern that doesn't enable the charging process.

In my case I haven't used any chemicals to clean it, which is making me second-guess if I should really get an another one.

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner-  this shows how to clean and that may be sufficient. How do I clean my Fitbit device?

Worth a try.

[JohnPE]

In theory at least, the contacts could be resurfaced. Ideally, a jeweler with a laser welding station could renew the contact with gold. A 'backyard' solution may be an SMD soldering station and a microscope. I have had success with this on similar sized contacts but it's a 60/40 shot for success at best

[SunsetRunner]

Have tried this already without any success. Thought it might also be related to the charger nor getting enough power and tried different sources and nothing worked.

[SunsetRunner]

@JohnPE to be honest those solutions shouldn't be even be taken into consideration. I get that some usage signs are to be expected (in my case after the time I've been using it), but considering soldering and/or taking it to the jeweler to renew the gold pins shouldn't  be within the scope of things needed to maintaint the usage of the watch.

Thanks for your suggestions though, really appreciate it!

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner  - they actually require little power. Have you tried plugging it into a computer?

The computer should detect it's presence with a sound, that way you will know there is a connection.

It may sound silly but do you have an older watch? It has a charger but if you use that one by mistake it won't charge the Versa 2.  

As a very last resort you can buy conductive paint, which I use for my trains, it may not withstand regular charging so you may have to renew it often but it might work.

[JohnPE]

@SunsetRunner  Yep, I take your point. Not really very practical and you would not have an issue if they spent an extra 3 cents on the contacts!

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner  - Am not aware of issues with the Versa 2 charger, though it could be faulty. I just picked up mine and it rattles but it is working.

Can you get hold of another charger, they can only be a few $. Eg. Replacement Versa 2 charger

[SunsetRunner]

@guy I also think that in my case it's linked to the charger itself. Ended up moving a bit the pins and the watch started charging again. Have already ordered a new charger and hopefully the matter will be solved for good.