Treo 650 Headset port issues

[bigshadow]

I am having a problem (albeit different) with the headset port, again. I had to have my Treo replaced in June of 2005 (purchased in Feb 2005) because the headset port was damaged or something. When using a headset it would sound like static if the plug was moved around or even slightly bumped.

Well now, this Treo behaves as if there is a headset plugged in at all times. I cannot use the phone to make or answer phone calls without either a wired headset or my BT headset. So I had to go to Sprint to get a replacement.

It seems to me that the headset port design is quite problematic. Maybe it has something to do with dust or something getting inside. Maybe they should have designed a rubber stopper to plug into the port when not in use.

Anyway, this will be my 3rd Treo 650.

Yes, I do use the headset port to play MP3s through my Stereo headset when on the road in my noisey Jeep, or I use a palm headphone adapter when at the gym to listen to MP3s. Outside of that, I use the bluetooth headset or no headset at all.

I am not looking for answers just thought I would throw this out there to see if others have had similar problems.

[millerhifi]

I found this interesting info about the audio jack from Treo 650 Tips, Tricks and Hacks:

The Treo 650 suffers from an audio jack of poor quality. Their are different issues with the audio jack, but the most common are:

1. The internal speaker and speakerphone stop functioning.
2. The stereo outputs only mono.
3. crackling sounds with audio connector movement.
4. jack is easily broken when using an adapter, and sometimes without.

The problem with the jack, aside from its smaller size compared to its more rugged 3.5mm cousin, is the fast that it is a generic jack that is even less rugged and durable than a normal unswitched 3 pin 2.5mm jack.

The jack is of the switched type with one switch and 6 pins, one of which is redundant. The plastic housing being generic for the 2.5mm size, has a provision for 2 switches. The second circuit is the circuit that causes problem #1. It is basically a "switch" that is always connected, with the connector inserted and the connector removed. With gereral use, this switch opens, and causes problem #1. With a good board design this would not be a problem, but seems Palm initally had planned to incorporate a switch in that location and later changed their mind. An error in their Treo 650 developers guide indicating a switch in the problem circuit would seem to suggest a switch was planned but later removed.

Why palm even used a mechanical switch in the jack is hard to understand, since the Treo also has an electrical switch.

[Byfaithman]

I came on to ask if there was an alternative to changing phones. My problem is with the audio jack too. My wired headset picks up music from the MP3 but it won't answer the phone anymore. I of coarse can't talk on it anymore and I hate holding the phone to my ear.

I like the wired headset over the bluetooth because I can listen to MP3's on it and I don't think the bluetooth will let me do that.:redface:

right now I am listening to MP3 via speaker phone

[bigshadow]

I came on to ask if there was an alternative to changing phones. My problem is with the audio jack too. My wired headset picks up music from the MP3 but it won't answer the phone anymore. I of coarse can't talk on it anymore and I hate holding the phone to my ear.

I like the wired headset over the bluetooth because I can listen to MP3's on it and I don't think the bluetooth will let me do that.:redface:

right now I am listening to MP3 via speaker phone

I am beginning to think that using a wired headset for calls or for MP3s will eventually wear out or mess up the port. So it might just be the nature of the beast. The only alternative I can see is to replace the phone. I have SprintPCS and I had them put the equipment protection plan on it after I purchased it. So I am covered, the most I will have to shell out is $50. Presently, it is under the 1 year warranty, so I didn't have to shell out anything this time.

I am waiting for them to call with my replacement, it should be sometime this week.

[ZopharShinta]

I have a Treo 650 with the same problem but, can't get a replacement with out paying for it.

I was wondering if you could simply solder off the broken port? I would rather use a bluetooth headset anyway.
Would that work?

[stevetaz]

Hi:

Take a look at this item. It may help you:
http://store.everythingtreo.com/cont...12-45--634.htm

SteveTaz

I have a Treo 650 with the same problem but, can't get a replacement with out paying for it.

I was wondering if you could simply solder off the broken port? I would rather use a bluetooth headset anyway.
Would that work?

[bucbroker]

Hi, I have used the item that Stevetaz suggested and it works in resolving the situation described.....

[bigshadow]

I found this interesting info about the audio jack from Treo 650 Tips, Tricks and Hacks:

The Treo 650 suffers from an audio jack of poor quality. Their are different issues with the audio jack, but the most common are:

1. The internal speaker and speakerphone stop functioning.
2. The stereo outputs only mono.
3. crackling sounds with audio connector movement.
4. jack is easily broken when using an adapter, and sometimes without.

The problem with the jack, aside from its smaller size compared to its more rugged 3.5mm cousin, is the fast that it is a generic jack that is even less rugged and durable than a normal unswitched 3 pin 2.5mm jack.

The jack is of the switched type with one switch and 6 pins, one of which is redundant. The plastic housing being generic for the 2.5mm size, has a provision for 2 switches. The second circuit is the circuit that causes problem #1. It is basically a "switch" that is always connected, with the connector inserted and the connector removed. With gereral use, this switch opens, and causes problem #1. With a good board design this would not be a problem, but seems Palm initally had planned to incorporate a switch in that location and later changed their mind. An error in their Treo 650 developers guide indicating a switch in the problem circuit would seem to suggest a switch was planned but later removed.

Why palm even used a mechanical switch in the jack is hard to understand, since the Treo also has an electrical switch.

I went to the link you provided and followed his directions. I bridged Signal2/Switch2 and now it works perfectly. Never soldered before, but hey, it wasn't hard to do, after a few tries! LOL

[kimberlysmoore]

Hi:

Take a look at this item. It may help you:
http://store.everythingtreo.com/cont...12-45--634.htm

SteveTaz

Thanks for the link.
Bought one tonight.
My Treo 650 sarted having problems with "Jack" right away and Palm offered a refurbished replacement?!! Duh... no thank you.
What's the deal with bluetooth technology anyway? When are we going to see stereo headsets (or even better, bluetooth earpieces) that can be used to listen to music and movies on the 650?