FRC roboRIO's USB Cable is Stuck

Updated Nov 7, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • roboRIO-FRC

Issue Details

I am using the NI roboRIO for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and after I plugged a USB A to B cable to my device, so I could connect it to my computer, the port seems to be stuck, and it seems impossible to take it out. What can I do?
 

Solution

The USB port of the NI roboRIO uses a standard USB type B connector, which has metal folded to the inside of the port. It is possible for a USB cable to attach itself to these metal pieces and not allow for release.
  1. Power off your device and disconnect all other I/O (to avoid electrically damaging the device)
  2. Find a small piece of plastic or metal and use it to clear the small space between the port's inner walls and the USB cable
  3. Disconnect normally