We are now on our second Motorola video baby monitor – the first couldn’t withstand a prolonged dunking in the dog’s water bowl. This second monitor, a Motorola MBP36S, has developed its own problems. There is a short between the monitor and the charger input that keeps the monitor from charging. Other Motorola models that have the same input and likely the same problems are the MBP33S and MBP41S. (Note: This topic is far afield from my usual law blog stuff, but I felt pretty heroic when I figured this hack out, and I knew I had to share it, because apparently this short circuit development is really common with these Motorola monitors).

There are two variations of this problem. 1) The short circuit is in the power cord – I have a solution for this problem. 2) The short is in monitor’s receiver input – you’re on your own for this one, and I don’t think there’s an easy fix (if any).

The charger input for the Motorola video baby monitor is MicroUSB, which is the same input as your Kindle and other devices you likely already own. In fact, you probably have a dozen or so MicroUSB cables lying a round the house. So this hack may keep you from having to drop the extra coin on a dedicated Motorola power adapter.

Here’s your hack in 3 easy steps:

1. Plug your video baby monitor into one of the spare MicroUSB cords;
2. Plug the USB end of the MicroUSB cord into a universal USB adapter/charger; and
3. Plug the USB adapter/charger into the wall.

Your monitor should be charging now. If it’s not, then you know that the short circuit is in the monitor itself. And that means you’re probably out of luck.

Disclaimer: You will want to make the sure voltage output on your universal USB adapter is the same as for the Motorola video baby monitor’s dedicated charger, or you risk frying the monitor.