Snapmaker U1 Front-USB for my Top Cover Adapter

If you have my top cover adapter for IKEA Samla or Walmart Sterlite boxes in version 2 or 3 you can add a front USB port. It is just an extension of the USB port on the back of the U1. I use the USB port mainly to transfer printfiles, export log-files or update the firmware. It is just an easy way to access the USB port.

IMPORTANT: If you don't know how to solder or you don't know the pin out of a USB plug or you don't know how to use a multimeter than stop here and don't try it! You don't want to damage your printer!

The adapter can be found here: 

Parts needed:
You need my top cover adapter in version 2 or newer. If there is a small hole in the front right of your adapter (or a label covering the hole) you are good to go.
You will need a cabel of at least 110cm / 44inches with a USB A plug on one side. The maximum diameter of the cable can't excide 4mm / 0.15 inches. You can just use an old USB data cable. Messure 110cm from the USB A plug and cut off the rest. 
You will also need a USB A port with soldering contacts (not with a PCB) like the ones in my picture. I bought these: https://www.amazon.de/RUNCCI-YUN-Stecker-Steckerbuchse-Kunststoffabdeckung-Schwarz/dp/B0BGL7W5ZK
The print files here are optional. You have to remove one of the plugs of the cable channel in the back of the adapter. I added a replacement for the plug which guides the cabel through the back. If you use a label on the front right - it will no longer fit. I added a print file with new labels which fit in the USB port.

Tools needed:
You need a soldering iron, a flush cutter, a wire stripper and a multimeter. You may also need a wood screw to remove the plug in the back of the cabel channel. 

Assembly:
Please take a look at all the pictures first! Remove the top cover adapter from you printer and place it upside down on your table so you can see the cable channels. Find the little opening in the front for the USB port. Take the loose end of your USB cabel and push it from the inside through that opening to the outside. Pull enough cable through for easy soldering. Now strip the insulation of the wires. You should have a red cable (+5V), a black cabel (GND), a green cable (Data+) and a white cable (Data-). Check the cables against the USB plug with a multimeter. Pin outs can be found on the internet. If everything is OK solder the cables to the USB port. Check again with a multimeter whether all pins are correct! If you make a loop and plug the USB Plug in the USB port all pins (+5, GND, D+ and D-) should connect to themselfs. If everything looks OK plug a USB stick in the port and connect the cable to your PC. If the USB stick shows up everything should be working. Remove the USB stick and disconnect from the PC. Pull the cable back through the opening and push the USB port in its place (check first whether it is the right side up). Now you can push the cabel into the cabel channel. At the back you have to remove the plug and guide the cabel through and out. To keep the cabel in place you can use the replacment plug.
I would also add some glue (hot glue) in the opening behind the USB port to secure it in place. DONE!

Please upload your make - I would love to see you prints!

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