This is a Griffin iTrip FM transmitter (older model). I used it, daily, when I was driving 600 miles per week. The gold thing is the mini-USB connector. It came loose inside the case. The transmitter still works, but there was no way to charge the iPod while using it.
I built of pair of MintyBoost rechargers. That involved soldering a USB connector to a circuit board. That made me wonder if I could open the iTrip's case and repair it.
I couldn't get the case open. Daniel suggested the case was glued, and a hair dryer would soften the glue. He was right. Hair dryer, a sharp knife, and patience were all it took.
Soldering will be more difficult than I expected, though. The interior of the case is even tighter than I expected. Plus, the mini-USB's attachment points are smaller than I expected. If you look at the image, I need to solder the red-arrowed tabs onto the red-arrowed squares. Should be fun!
I couldn't get the case open. Daniel suggested the case was glued, and a hair dryer would soften the glue. He was right. Hair dryer, a sharp knife, and patience were all it took.
Soldering will be more difficult than I expected, though. The interior of the case is even tighter than I expected. Plus, the mini-USB's attachment points are smaller than I expected. If you look at the image, I need to solder the red-arrowed tabs onto the red-arrowed squares. Should be fun!
I have done something that small (with that iron) before and it's pretty tough.
If you were going to get an iron anyway, you might consider getting it before attempting this as something with a smaller tip would probably be much easier to use.
I was thinking of getting a smaller tip for your iron. Much less expensive than buying an entire iron. And, frankly, after I do this, I have little need to solder.