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I have had to order 3 cameras in 5 years because the socket the cord plugs into in the camera seems to wear out. The camera will stop working suddenly and the SmartNav window will say no data. If I unplug the camera in any way and plug it back in, my computer responds so the computer is aware whether the camera is plugged in or not. I have restarted my computer, reinstalled the software and drivers and there is no difference. If I lightly jiggle the cord where it connects to the camera, it will start working again temporarily but the situation degrades until that does not work. Shouldn't a product I'm paying $500 for last longer?
*I do not disturb the camera connection during regular use

Hello banikslap,

I am concerned because this is not a typical issue. I don't often see failures like this, this frequently. The cameras do carry a limited warranty as well as life time tech support. Did you contact us for help on any of the previous SmartNavs you've had? Have you created a ticket at help.naturalpoint.com to resolve this issue? Have you tried supporting the cable in a way that the weight is not pulling on the USB jack as much?

Regards,

I, too, just purchased my second unit because of the same problem. I didn't contact anybody because it was well past the warrantee. I got a second computer and was transferring the smartnav device between the two machines by unplugging it from the mini-usb port on the back of the device. After only 2 months of that, it did exactly what the original poster described. Those mini-usb ports, I learned too late, are notorious for dying quickly in cellphones with any frequent activity. I actually came here to ask if the company would replace the port on my first device for under $75. Otherwise, I can go to amazon.com and buy a soldering kit for $35 and a new port for $1.50 and ask a buddy to be my hands and fix it myself...

TheIronGod,

Please create a ticket for me at help.naturalpoint.com and I will see what I can do to take care you this for you.

Regards,