Has your laptop charger connection problem caused any issues?
Has your laptop charger connection problem caused any issues?
Hi everyone, I'm troubleshooting an old HP laptop. The trackpad seems inconsistent—sometimes it works, other times it lags or even responds to unintended inputs. I noticed this problem only appeared when the laptop was charging and not when on battery. After some investigation, I suspected a grounding issue. I used a damaged USB cable, cut one end off, and connected the ground wire from an old metal case (just the case, no electronics) to a USB port on the laptop. The trackpad functioned much better. It was still slightly less stable than when using battery power, but it was more usable. Now I’m unsure whether the problem lies with the charger or the laptop itself. I purchased this model as part of a bundle without any chargers, so I don’t know if the issue was present with other chargers. I’d prefer not to buy another one if the fault isn’t related to the charger. I also tested my multimeter in resistance mode between the plug’s top pin and the barrel jack, which showed 0Ω—suggesting a good connection. However, some forums mentioned that grounding isn’t always necessary. What do you think?
Typically, chargers deliver DC voltages and aren't linked straight to the AC plug side. This means you can't verify ground using an ohm-meter since it shouldn't be connected directly. You might assess the charger's output by measuring the DC voltage—place the probes at the center and outer barrel, using a second set of hands can be useful here.
You're asking about possible reasons behind the trackpad problem. It seems the resistance reading from the charger might indicate a charging issue, but since the voltage is slightly higher than rated, it could point to a different hardware concern. The fact that it works when grounded suggests the problem isn't with power delivery but possibly with the device itself. Consider checking the trackpad's connection and environment.
Most probably a damaged trackpad or ribbon cable. Or maybe the drivers need updating. I've noticed this before. Laptops aren't typically grounded, while home computers usually are. Servers often have proper grounding, though it depends on the power outlets. In my country, standard wall sockets don't provide grounding, except in bathrooms and kitchens where appliances like refrigerators, stoves, dryers, etc., are used.
It seemed there was a problem with the charger. The power brick came with a figure 8 connector, but I switched to a clover connector and it resolved the issue. I'm not sure if the new cable caused the problem or if using a different connector fixed it. Thanks to everyone who assisted.
they're typically referred to as shaving machine connectors, often used in older radios as well—low power output, just two wires without a ground. they resemble a Mickey Mouse connector in basic design, though the exact specifications differ. it's interesting that a similar issue exists with laptops, where power bricks are simple to swap, making the replacement straightforward.
It looks like most third-party replacements use the 8 or shaver connector shape. I spent some time searching for one with the clover or Mickey Mouse end, hoping it would help. I wanted to test it since I think that’s what the original power adapter is. Thanks! Actually, I wasn’t too sure, but I figured it might work because grounding via a USB port seemed to resolve the issue.