Dual USB stack on A3+ ?

[XueHai8]

I've seen posts on this regarding the original Model A, but can't find anything about the 3A+.

Would it be possible to upgrade the 3A+ to have 2 USB Ports, instead of just the one?
And would it be as simple as just de-soldering the USB Port and soldering in a dual stack one?

Clearly, I have not electrical engineering background. But I really like the small(ish) form factor of the 3A+, but the single USB port is very limiting for me, and I'd rather not have to resort to a USB Hub (bulk and price) to plug in more than one USB device.

Thanks!

[Imperf3kt]

Kind of.
You need to add a usb hub.

Also note that cleanly desoldering the USB port is tricky.

[XueHai8]

Well, like I said already, I don't want to add a USB hub because of cost and space (bulk), so I asked if just replacing the single USB connector with a dual one would work.
So hopefully someone else can answer my question.

[Imperf3kt]

Maybe a more direct answer: no
The USB on a Pi3A+ is a single usb port connected directly to the SOC, in order to add additional ports

You need to add a usb hub.

There is no option, you either add a usb hub, or you live with one usb port.


Let's say for arguments sake, you don't need to add a hub. You solder on a dual usb header, which has eight pins (two each of +5v, D+, D-, GND) The Pi has four holes you can solder into. You need at least two more, an additional D+ and D- (+5v and GND can be shared, D+ and D- cannot)

[XueHai8]

Ok. Thank you for clarifying your answer. I did not understand the first time.
Bummer. Guess I'll dig around for the the smallest USB hub I can find.
Thanks again.

[Imperf3kt]

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can design your own and order some usb hub chips for a few dollars. You'd need some capacitors and resistors and prototyping perfboard, but it is doable.

I'm making one such thing myself because of the same reason.