[MiniMee]

My preferred surfing locale (when plugged in) only has an available outlet on my right... that is, opposite the power adaptor's jack... it seems as though I'm always worrying about too much lateral pressure/leverage on the relatively stiff cord end and find myself constantly playing with it, playing out slack and whatnot... anyone out there feel the same way, and if so, do you know of a right-angle adapter or 'pigtail' to reduce this torque (if that's the correct term) effect?

I see there's some sort of slot just to the rear of the power jack... is that for a Kensington security device? If no adapter available, could this slot be 'adapted' (heh!) to somehow grip the cord and prevent tugging?

[holmes4]

Yes, that's a Kensington slot. I have not seen anything that would use that, but check this out:

JerkStopper Laptop Power Cord Retention Kit

[MiniMee]

Thanks Steve... I'll give it a try (Tug Resistant Yank)!

[holmes4]

I have a set of these on order - should be here in a couple of days. I'm not sure how useful it will be on the Mini - the USB connector doesn't lock, but it could serve to relieve strain. The RJ45 jack is on the other side, but that might work for you.

[BlackCherry04]

I agree it would be easy to do major damage with the adapter sticking out 2 ". I use a old HP power supply that has a 90 deg made on it, cause it's already plugged in on my desk.

[bunjin]

I also have my ac coming to my mini9 from the right when using it while laying on my bed. This is the place I most often use power. As a mattter of fact I have a rather permanent though soft 90 degree bend at the plug going into the mini and I also take great pains to keep slack in the cable.

The RJ45 clamp would benefit me I believe.

I think I will take a spare RJ45 jack I have laying around and make a modifaction to it to accept the power cable. It may or may not become a permanent attachment to the cable.

Thanks for the idea holmes4.

I may look at doing something along the same lines with the Kensington lock as well. If that seems to be a good alternative, I may be able to tool something up for others who may have an interest in this "addtional" damage prevention control.

[bunjin]

RJ45 Jack Mod. (for cord management)

Sketch, layout and some tool images.

[bunjin]

Continued RJ45 Jack Mod.

1) layout drill holes on sidewall and drill through both walls with 1/8" (.125), no. 29 (.128) or no. 30 (.136) drill bit. Note: cord dia. is .135 +.005/-.000. You may want to start with 1/8" and follow with no. 29 or no. 30 as the hole may drill larger than the spec. for the bit. This is especially true if free handing. I like to use a no. 1 (.125) center drill personally and step up. Your choice.

NOTE: If you do not have a drill or allowed to use same or just don't feel comfortable using, It is possible to do this mod with just a file or two. Start with a flat .100 or .125 (1/8") and finish with a 1/8" round (see image file and saw) to match the look I pictured. You can also just use the 1/8" flat (see image file and saw) and go down until you reach the wall. The cord doesn't care if it is in a round hole or a square hole. Just stay smaller than the cords dia. and see the next step below (forming the channel profile)

2) Cut sidewalls from bottom side of jack with a razor saw (i.e. exacto fine tooth) or alternately use a .100 to .125 wide file. Note you should be forming a channel which corresponds with the detail existing in the bottom of jack. Groom the channel to look like this )( veiwed from the bottom. Channel widens toward the holes on sidewalls to almost equal or equal the holes dia.'s. This allows holes to be a bit large yet having cord grip controlled by the channel midpoint. Groom to desired snugness. Soften (radius) all edges as the cord is rather soft and nicking could occur.

3) The RJ45 jack is meant to be "crimped" onto wires in it's design, thus gently file brass contacts down to desired fit in the mini's port. I adjusted mine to work as a "break away feature", meaning it will pull out of the port before the jack can pull the port out of the mini. My purpose is to "help" keep slack between the plug and the brick when adapter is to the right of me.

This is a very simple item which can be done in 15 mins. 30 max. It could be a fun project for younger people to help "Mom or Dad " "mod their mini9". Under supervision of course.

I had the RJ45 jack laying around. It came from Radio Shack.

Sorry for the poor quality images. Camera refused to focus on the correct object and I was also hand holding in poor light.

[MiniMee]

Clever, thoughtful post... great idea!
Thanks!

[Bob3]

So... are there any sources for either an aftermarket powersupply with a 90 on it or just a bare plug that can be soldered on?
Does anyone have the plug & pin dimensions?
tanx in advance...