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Newbie question I'm afraid :/ I have a device with an unusual sized power jack (5.5 x 3.3) making it difficult to work with for my project. To switch this out can I simply remove the current socket and solder a slightly differently sized one (capable of accepting the same voltage) in its place or are there any other gotchas I should consider?

I've been looking at the various power socket components and they all seem to share the same 3 prong underside arrangement as my current power socket- can it really be that simple (assuming my soldering skills hold up)?

Power socket

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  • \$\begingroup\$ They are quite often an absolute b**** to desolder without wrecking the PCB though. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Oct 16, 2021 at 13:19
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    \$\begingroup\$ Related: electronics.stackexchange.com/q/132503/35022 \$\endgroup\$
    – MarkU
    Oct 16, 2021 at 20:40

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They're likely to be the same, but it's not guaranteed, so check with a continuity tester first. The unsoldering is likely to be the tricky bit, larger components are harder. Is this really easier than making up a cable with the correct plug on?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks- TBH it probably would be easier for someone who knows that they're doing to make a cable with the correct plug but I've never done anything like that and am trying to avoid having to worry about connecting individual wires if possible. I just assumed switching out a component would be simpler but see now even that might be fiddly also. \$\endgroup\$
    – bcl
    Oct 16, 2021 at 9:05
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    \$\begingroup\$ Difficulty of this is like a 2 out of 10. Difficulty of making an adapter cable is like 2.5 out of 10. \$\endgroup\$
    – Passerby
    Oct 16, 2021 at 9:23
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks guys- I think you're right. If I can just study up on how to wire what I need to to this cable it should simplify the whole project. \$\endgroup\$
    – bcl
    Oct 16, 2021 at 9:31

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