Related
I got a serious problem with my mda vario here.
sometimes, 7 out of 10 times, when i get a call the screen gets totally corrupted and jumbled like on the picture in the attachment. i can only see black vertical lines on a white screen. in order to make the screen work properly i have to turn the phone off/on (stand-by mode) then.
does anybody know where the problem is?
i have to confess, that the phone slipped out of my hands and fell on the ground 3 times so far.
thanks
well, you say youve dropped it 3 times already? is it possible that something may be loose inside? is there cosmetic damages from dropping?
yes, there are some scratches on it. i don't really think that something is loose or broken, because the screen gets only on icoming calls corrupted.
so i don't think that it is due to a loose contact or something like that...
I have exactly the same problem. I personally think it is unlikely that dropping the phone has caused it as it corrects when you cycle the power button. Any help on this from other forum member would be much appreciated.
roads said:
I have exactly the same problem. I personally think it is unlikely that dropping the phone has caused it as it corrects when you cycle the power button. Any help on this from other forum member would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any resoluation this? I have the exact same problem!!
Oh dear ... somethings in the air...
mine's got it also. first time i saw it was a couple of days ago. only happens with the alarm clock in the morning :?
My phone is crap like hell... gotta hard reset and reconfig the damn thing. acting up lately...
(ps... AFAIK i barely dropped the phone... maybe 1 or 2 times. nothing more)
I have the same problem
I have read the service manual of wizard and said:
Unusual Vertical / Horizontal lines or partial display
(1) Check the connection of LCM FPC whether is properly connected. (Is a conector between motherboard and LCD)
(2) Try with another LCM. (LCM=LCD Screen)
(3) Try with another Main Board.
(4) Replace LCM if necessary
(5) Replace Main Board if necessary.
(6) Once the defective part has been identified, verify it again with the defective part whether the
symptom could be duplicated
Any sugestion?
Okay..
so far, i have installed Molski 2.26 rom (30meg free version) and upgrade the radio rom form 2.25 to 2.47.
I have not had another occurance of this so far.
Maybe a fluke.
Screen fixes when pressure applied to bottom of the screen
Guys,
I now have to keep my finger pressed hard against the bottom of the lcd unit to get the screen to display to work properly. it is under warranty with Imate but they want me to send it to Abu Dhabi for repair. I'm in Canada and concerned that I may not get it back.
So has anybody else identified this as being a loose connection rather that a real hard fault. Also has anybody fixed their unit by dismantling and reseating the connections.
Finally has anybody used the Imate repair service and was it timely & reliable?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Mick
This is a real hard fault.. had it with my mini s, took it into the shop, it was away 2 weeks... and in the end they gave me a replacement!!
I agree - took it completely apart and cleaned everything ....
And still have the issue.
Serves me right for buying something in Middlesbrough I suppose
It must be a hard fault with the LCD assembly. Will have to see how Dixons handles an overseas repair.
Take care & thx,
Mick
I had the same problem, in the end i took it into my local t-mob shop to have it repaired, they ended up sending me a new one.
Well, I've exactly the same problem since the past two-three weeks, it also occurs only in the morning. I'm living in the Netherlands and this is happening since it's rather cold over here, especially in the morning (3-4 degree Celcius). Since my bedroom window is open during the night, it gets rather cold in my room.
During the rest of the day it is +8 degree Celcius, and the phone works flawless. Maybe this problem has something to do with the Temperature?
Temperature
Bebob - don't thin so as I have had this problem for a number of months and the temp here in the summer is high (30+ degrees C)
It looks to be a bad connection type issue and may be a bad screen cable. It makes sense though that the issue is at the bottom of the screen cos this is where we press the select buttons all of the time.
Pls keep me posted on how you do. mine is going to a local repair shop (on my dime) tomorrow to see if they can fix it.
If not can any of you guys recomend a new unit that could be considered an upgrade to the KJAM ?
Many thanks
Mick
suggestions needed
friends, i have o2 mini s and got the same problem with screen for the last 3 weeks....
can anyone tell me that will the problem aggravate or else will i be able to use my cell properly for few months...
and also what will be the approx cost of repair..
all suggestions will be warmly appreciated...
It's happened to me as well. I have lived with that for one month now. It is happening, when I touch the cursor keys or when touch the lower part of the display. I tried "shaking/hitting" the xda and it looks better, so I assume it is a faulty connection cable.
I have active Cleartype and no more vertical lines for the past 2 days.
I seems to be a problem when background is white and leters are black.
Regards
similar problem
i dropped the phone (T-Mobile MDA Vario) and now when i turn it on the screen is fine for 5-30 seconds but then it scrambles, but works again if i smack the bottom of the phone on my hand!
t-mobile staff told me there are sensors to identify if it has been dropped. I'm suspicious that it could even be programmed to go "faulty" once it is dropped as the screen is fine for a limited time so it obviously works somewhat. do you know if this is the case? or what's happened? also is it a simple thing i could do myself? i didn't take out insurance so that's why i haven't just claimed off that as i'm really broke
Any help is appreciated
Regards,
Steve
whiteish screen / over temperature
hi,
I have a problem smilar at qtek 9100. I had upgade to my ppc wm5 to wm6 around 3 week ago and overclocked to 221 mhz with batery status today plug-in . 2 days ago Screen became whiteish (almost no contrast or over gamma) and working temperature is around 30c. I tried to re-flash with many kind roms but noting chaged.
Is there anybody has these kind of experice. If I can not solve. I am planing to buy new LCD ( I am not sure new LCD will solve the problem)
Thanks
Same problem here. Dropped it ONE time and the screen went crazy. Sent it to my t-mob shop and they got it repaired. They said in the report that they changed the "flex". Dunno if this helps.
Hi, going through the emails on this list was indeed very useful. I bought an iMate JASJAM in January 2007 and it started giving me a weird problem with the screen.
The phone was working perfectly OK till Mid Feb when I started noticing that any application I opened (including phone or contacts) got closed automatically within a second. I observed carefully and saw that the 'X' on the top left corner of the screen was probably getting clicked on its own. I suspected it is most probably a screen problem and took it to the iMate service center. They promptly replaced the screen in 2 days.
It worked fine for 15 days before I am seeing the problem again. Could someone help me please. I am seriously dependent on email through my phone for my work. Would appreciate any sort of guidance, even if it seems obvious.
My JASJAM is 647XX s/n based
Thanks a ton,
Aditya Deshoande
If indeed the X is getting phantom taps, this is not a screen problem as such. In other words, you could replace the screen time and again and it would recur. The issue is that the screen gets pressre/pressed by the bezel around the screen. The screen is rather stupidly sensitive to touches even below the bezel. Pressure can arise from a slight twist in bezel, from heat expansion and from dust trapped between bezel and screen. You might try the "business card solution" - though it is not guaranteed.
I would also take a backup and do a hard reset. Try the problem apps without restoring the backup. This will identify whether it's software or the SA related problem.
f the problem is still there, I would demand a replacement not a fix, because if something is out of line it's not going to be fixed by swapping screens.
Mike
Thank you
Mike,
Thank you for posting a reply so quickly. I suspected it is not just a screen alignment issue the moment it appeared again. None of the fixes mentioned for the SA issue work. I just wanted to check if anyone has any suggestions to try something. There are no applications installed by me and I have tried hard reset. In fact the crosshair in the align screen application keeps moving without me touching the screen.
The problem is that this problem makes the phone useless because I cannot open the dialer. We need to be extremely careful of what iMate and HTC seem to be shipping out. This is a damn expensive phone to have such problems.
I will request for a replacement but would not be surprised if I am refused and told that it will be repaired since it is warranty.
Let us see if I need to drag them to consumer forum. I will, if the need arises.
Regards
Adi
Good luck Adi - I hope it works out. Yes that jumping around of the cross hairs does prove there is pressure being put on somewhere. Indeed HTC did appear to have largely resolved the SA and SA related problems - but I'm still seeing quite a few.
Cheers
Mike
Heats up during charging
Hi Mike,
Perhaps the problem is compounded by the fact that it really heats up if you charge the phone while it is still in the cover. The one with a belt clip that comes in the box
My screen does not respond to any taps anymore. Which in a way is good because I am at least able to call as well as send/receive emails.
Regards
Adi
Same problem here!
So my Hermes, which just got replaced by Cingular after the "red light..not charging problem" (Thanks for the pointers on that Mike!). But my new unit is also having phantom clicks on the x or in landscape the Start menu kept getting clicks. And I too got the moving crosshairs during screen alignment setup. Now the whole screen is whacked, not repsonding to any clicks.
Cingular are sending out another unit. I love my hermes, but seriously getting worried about the reliability of these units. I really can;t be without my unti working for too long, I'm stcuk having to go back to my SE P900 (with a flaky battery) or my SE S700 which sux.
It is a worry and very frustrating. However, when you get a good one it is well worth it. A hassle I know, but some folks here say they've been through 3/4 before being happy. This is the secret I think, put up with no physical defect and get an immediate replacement. Use a cheap mobile while you wait for the replacement. Most of the 'pain' comes from trying this and that and the other to get the device working and perhaps 6 out of ten times you fail. Use the warranty without hesitation. There ARE good ones out there!
My thought for today!!
Mike
Hi all,
I need help,suggestions,anything with an issue I've had for a while. Since the time I started loading WM6 the screen has been randomly fading to white. I have LSVW latest rom 22/4 SE and 1.40.10 radio and 1.40oli although it doesn't matter what rom you load. I tried going back to WM5 and its better but now still fades to white as well.
on advise from oli and legolas I purchased a new battery but still have the same issue.
I have dropped my phone once which resulted in a crack to the right of the DEL/CR keys so could it be a HW issue and if you think so is it one I could open up the phone and fix?
Any and all help appreciated
IN FACT IF SOMEONE CAN RESOLVE THE ISSUE I WILL DONATE SOME CASH TO THEM!
test
Im updating to
LVSW 4-23 Full, Radio 1.40.30.00, SPL 2.10.Oli, IPL 1.04
seeing if any difference comes out.
This is not the first time this issue has been reported:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-301003.html
The conclusion is that it's hardware related. It may be as simple as one of the internal ribbon connectors having a less than firm connection. It may be brought on my anything from physical movement or pressure to internal pressure if the device gats warm. However, it is possible that there is a failing component. IMHO, a case of take it for replacement/repair or first check connectors if your brave and not worried about a warranty.
Mike
mikechannon said:
This is not the first time this issue has been reported:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-301003.html
The conclusion is that it's hardware related. It may be as simple as one of the internal ribbon connectors having a less than firm connection. It may be brought on my anything from physical movement or pressure to internal pressure if the device gats warm. However, it is possible that there is a failing component. IMHO, a case of take it for replacement/repair or first check connectors if your brave and not worried about a warranty.
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HHmmm interesting thread .. the only issue i have out of that is the fade to white one.
Maybe Hardware .. i got the phone off ebay and now it has a crack in it .. so i dare say it isnt under warranty any more. (even though its a max of 6 months old).
It may also be software. I experienced the WSOD on my JASJAM when playing with the GPS-related DLL's. Once this problem appeared when switching on the camera. The screen would turn white and soft reset would not fix this, only power off/on would sort it out. Seems that the drivers do not reset (some of) the hardware to a known state on boot.
Had EXACTLY the same problem. Hoped it would be a software problem. Hard-reset a few times to no avail. Upgraded to a couple of the WM6 ROMs. No change. I did notice that when it was cool it tended not to happen, but after being on the phone a couple minutes or using the PDA for a while, it would do it AGAIN.
One weird thing I noticed was that if I did a Soft-reset and held down the Left Soft-key, I could "force" it to fade to white on start-up! VERY WEIRD.
I finally bit the bullet, and sent it back to Telstra to get it sorted. Didn't want to void warranty myself.
It has been just over 2 weeks since I sent it off, and They have sent this reply...
-------
-------
Hi
This phone is currently waiting on a part which was ordered yesterday. Some parts have already been issued but needs further repair.
Regards
Nadine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: LJ Boyd [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, 20 April 2007 2:18 PM
To: ! TMS Customer Service
Subject: RE: Imate JASJAM Problem
Hello, I am emailing about an I-Mate JASJAM phone I sent for repairs early last week (tel # xxx ).
Can you please update me as to status of this repair, as the Telstra shop did not provide me with a second phone while I await return/repair/replacement of the phone.
Thanks,
-------
-------
So, I guess it IS a hardware problem. But then again, that kind of reply, sounds a bit "dodgy" as it doesn't seem to "technical" does it?
Hope this helps.
jyetara said:
So, I guess it IS a hardware problem. But then again, that kind of reply, sounds a bit "dodgy" as it doesn't seem to "technical" does it?
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their reply was not very technical - does not surprise me however. The people who repair these devices are usually faced with some component/connection/screen or a m/board that needs replaced. They often fail to take account of something as basic as the case pressing on the screen or other components - particularly when device is warm. So they replace the component they think is faulty and then discover the problem is still there. With this issue in particular I think that there are no faulty components just the case is a fraction of a millimetre too tight for the internal components and hence swapping out parts can have no effect. With this fault I advise people to go for a replacement not a repair if possible.
NB: This issue should not be confused with white screen that may appear after installing particular software or when an application crashes, or when the flashing of a new ROM goes wrong! The hardware issue arises most commonly when the device gets warm or put another way goes white after maybe 10 minutes of use and will continue to go white even after hard reset.
Mike
I have this same problem! =(
My phone screen recently (4-5 days ago) started to go white. I never saw this happen with my own eyes but when i picked up my phone and its sleeping i push the power button to get to an all white screen. I can hear noises when i touch the screen but no image other than white. I can solve this by removing the battery and putting it back in, then my scren works fine....its not verry often just like 1-3 times a day.
I want to try a hard reset but have a question first: My phone is unlocked by the ebay guy i got it from, will a hard reset lock my phone back to Cingular?
Next i want to try upgrading my ROM and Radio and anything else...im looking in the wiki for instructions on how to do this. Any help? What else shouls i upgrade?
Ive only had my Hermes for around 2 months so im new to much of this.
THanks!
I recently purchased a Used Imate Jasjam (Ex Telstra Australia) with this issue.
I pulled the unit apart, and reseated and pressed the Power and LCD Display Data Cables... attempting to ensure they were firmly fastened.
I then upgraded to LVSW's Latest WM6 Release.
I have had the Phone go to White once in that timeframe since. I brought it back by pressing the power button of, then one again.
I don't feel that it's really a "100%" Faulty Part... Because it works fine othertimes. It almost seems as if connections or a Data Cable has an Issue.
I'm intending tonight and using the Phone over the weekend to see if the issue continues to occur.
BAD NEWS!!
Well, got my phone back after a bit over 3 weeks I think? I kept ringing the repair center and emailing. Finally they said it was ready, and was sent back to the shop I bought it from. Rang the shop "no it's not here yet, we will ring you"... now the repair centre to the shop is a 20 min drive... on the 3rd, I rang again at 1pm and "no it's not here yet, we will ring you when it arrives." At this point I was really getting p*ed off. So I went to the shop, and demanded, and guess what was AT the Shop?!?!?!
Anyway, after 1 friggin day, I have lost the Red & Green phone buttons! As of tonight the whole bottom section no longer work, and the screen has gone white again.
The repair report listed 3 things replaced...one was a "bezel" another was a "poly" something. I will get the report a list the replaced bits if anyone likes, but their descriptions are kind of strange if ya ask me.
Anyway, I have to send the phone back for repairs again, which could take another 3 weeks +, which I think is completely PATHETIC OF TELSTRA, especially for the fact they dont give the same phone or even similar to "loan" while I wait for my defective $1300 phone to get "repaired"... (more like 'fiddled with' & "yeah, she'll be right mate"...
GRRRRR!!!!
My girlfriends phone was having the same problem. Try popping out your SD card and putting the phone into/out of sleep and see if that brings back a visible screen. Thats how we determined her situation was a hardware problem and not a problem with the rom.
jyetara said:
Well, got my phone back after a bit over 3 weeks I think? I kept ringing the repair center and emailing. Finally they said it was ready, and was sent back to the shop I bought it from. Rang the shop "no it's not here yet, we will ring you"... now the repair centre to the shop is a 20 min drive... on the 3rd, I rang again at 1pm and "no it's not here yet, we will ring you when it arrives." At this point I was really getting p*ed off. So I went to the shop, and demanded, and guess what was AT the Shop?!?!?!
Anyway, after 1 friggin day, I have lost the Red & Green phone buttons! As of tonight the whole bottom section no longer work, and the screen has gone white again.
The repair report listed 3 things replaced...one was a "bezel" another was a "poly" something. I will get the report a list the replaced bits if anyone likes, but their descriptions are kind of strange if ya ask me.
Anyway, I have to send the phone back for repairs again, which could take another 3 weeks +, which I think is completely PATHETIC OF TELSTRA, especially for the fact they dont give the same phone or even similar to "loan" while I wait for my defective $1300 phone to get "repaired"... (more like 'fiddled with' & "yeah, she'll be right mate"...
GRRRRR!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sadly this is kind of predictable as I said in an earlier post in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1233420&postcount=7
This is why, as I said, get a replacement not a repair if possible. My view is that the individual components are fine but connectors come loose or the heat generated causes pressure to be put on the screen etc So it's a problem with some cases and how the innards in some cases get squeezed. So off course changing the top poly board, connectors, bezel gasket, may by pot luck make a difference but is just as likely to make no difference at all.
Mike
Status Report:
After having my phone playing Video's Through the Night (My Way of a "Stress Test" to Generate Heat) I woke up the find the screen to be "almost completely" White.
Usually its gone completely, however in this instance I was able to see the icons through the whitewash.
I put the phone into sleep and back out and the Display is fine again.
Being that these phones are much easier to pull apart and put back together than my old JasJar I might to do some further experimentation.
I think the issue will have something to do with either one of the following
- Heat
- Pressure on the LCD from Parts Around it
- Faulty Ribbon or Power Leads to the LCD
My suggestions
- In the Case of Heat... I'll run the Same Test, with the Phone Directly in front of a small airconditioning unit I have.
- In the Case of Pressure, I'm going to look and see if I can place some extra Insulation Tape or Similar on the Phone to relieve this
- I wish I could find somewhere to buy the Replacement Ribbon Cables but I don't know where I can get them in Australia... any ideas?
VolarisPtyLtd said:
Status Report:
After having my phone playing Video's Through the Night (My Way of a "Stress Test" to Generate Heat) I woke up the find the screen to be "almost completely" White.
Usually its gone completely, however in this instance I was able to see the icons through the whitewash.
I put the phone into sleep and back out and the Display is fine again.
Being that these phones are much easier to pull apart and put back together than my old JasJar I might to do some further experimentation.
I think the issue will have something to do with either one of the following
- Heat
- Pressure on the LCD from Parts Around it
- Faulty Ribbon or Power Leads to the LCD
My suggestions
- In the Case of Heat... I'll run the Same Test, with the Phone Directly in front of a small airconditioning unit I have.
- In the Case of Pressure, I'm going to look and see if I can place some extra Insulation Tape or Similar on the Phone to relieve this
- I wish I could find somewhere to buy the Replacement Ribbon Cables but I don't know where I can get them in Australia... any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We wait to see. Mind you one guy on these boards found he could get half an hour from his device if he put it in the freezer for a while - so I'm not sure that air-con will be strong enough!!!
Mike
Well Results.....
After pulling apart the unit and reconnected, I think I found my cause to simply be excess pressure.
I've removed the "Black Plastic" Micro SD Card from its Blanking Plate.
Since I've done this... not one White Screen Whatsoever.
I don't use an SD Card, so the issue is resolved for me, however it is very interesting.
Could be Pressure or Heat (Small Hole Might Increase Airflow/Allow for Greater Dissapation or something)
Hi folks,
i've also small experience with this "white screen" issue and just wanted to inform you about it.
I got the device from my former boss who did already complain about this "white screen" issue on his O² XDA trion with original ROM. (honestly i did not really believe him due to my experience with couple of other devices so after i got the device i was just wondering - ok back to the facts).
I installed on Friday the Windows Mobile VI Pro - BLACK 2.5 Release and until today it was running (as far as i remember expect one time) nearly perfect w/o white screens. About 45min ago, i flashed the device with BLACK 3.0 Release and got until now about 5-10 times a white screen.
I assume this is not a hardware ONLY issue but indeed very strange.
I'll go back to 2.5 and will look forward if i get again the white screen or it'll be ok.
Cheers so far
FaCeOff said:
Hi folks,
i've also small experience with this "white screen" issue and just wanted to inform you about it.
I got the device from my former boss who did already complain about this "white screen" issue on his O² XDA trion with original ROM. (honestly i did not really believe him due to my experience with couple of other devices so after i got the device i was just wondering - ok back to the facts).
I installed on Friday the Windows Mobile VI Pro - BLACK 2.5 Release and until today it was running (as far as i remember expect one time) nearly perfect w/o white screens. About 45min ago, i flashed the device with BLACK 3.0 Release and got until now about 5-10 times a white screen.
I assume this is not a hardware ONLY issue but indeed very strange.
I'll go back to 2.5 and will look forward if i get again the white screen or it'll be ok.
Cheers so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right to ask the question "is it hardware or software".
1
We know a white screens can arise if folk duff up flashing a new ROM.
2
We know there is a hardware caused white screen that comes and goes often when device gets warm.
3
But there maybe white screens caused by some kinds of crashing software or a buggy ROM etc
Crucially in terms of finding a cure will be distiguishing between these.
2 for most people is easy - take it back and get a replacement.
1 is a matter for the ROM upgrading and fixing boards
3 is a case of trying different ROMs testing 3 party software by selective installation until the problem starts or stops.
In your case I am worried that this is a number 2 device as it did sometimes get the problem before you flashed the ROM and now it's worse. It may only be worse because this particular ROM is generating more heat and consequently more white screens. (see explanations elsewhere).
I suppose if it's an occasional problem you might live with it but otherwise it's replacement at best and repair as a rather dodgy alternative.
Mike
Hey Mike,
well, before flashing the device with a custom ROM, in my opinion it was really difficult to use it.
By flashing it with V 2.5, it was very good usable and with V 3.0 it returned to become more unusable. Nevertheless, i upgraded 10min ago with HARD-SPL-V7 and it's running fine now (i've been wating with downgrading to V 2.5. If it returns to become unstable, i will downgrade to V 2.5 again.
I'll keep you informed.
yes for this particular "white screen" issue it will be useful to hear how things go - thanks
Mike
White screen - in my case definitely a hardware issue
Hi folks,
i was testing and playing around with my Hermes and today i found the problem (very funny because now i can't reproduce it anymore but just read ahead).
Today i was playing around and after pressing by accident on the case of the Hermes, the screen appeared disappeared and changed into white.
Please download the video i recorded from the attached link - you'll see that it was able to reproduce it by tapping on the case:
http://asuka.descipe.de/dphome/test/HTC_Hermes_White_Screen_issue.mp4
Please use VLC or MPC (additional codecs required) to watch the movie.
Honestly i'm not sure if this can be reproduced by anyone but this makes the whole situation much more clear.
Any feedback is welcome.
Cheers
Hello, I will start by saying despite my aged condition i have only recently (in the last week) been seduced to the ownership of any sort of mobile phone. I have one that works fine. But in my investigations a friend offered and gave me a XDA exec (O2) mainly to stop me moaning about the silly way text messages are entered with out a Qwerty keyboard. Unfortunately the phone seem to be dead. Or at least in a coma (as it has some life signs).
The symptoms are, White screen, not much else, odd times my eight year old got the keyboard lights on and thats about it, plain white screen. I have investigated the net for answers and tried. Reset (power, back light and reset), taking out battery and replacing, taking out the battery over night, i investigated 02's web site which i found of very little help, the user manual there etc presupposes some sort of information on the screen ! I seized on the idea that a Rom Upgrade might help but all links to that i have found are dead.
I installed Activcync to my PC and the phone syncs up allowing me to see that there is indeed things on it the windows files etc. Which gave me hope that it isn't totally dead.
So any suggestions? can i do anything with this impressive looking paperweight?
Hi,
From your description I would say you have a hardware fault regarding your screen.
Either the cable is broken, not correctly connected or the LCD itself has a defect.
What let's me conclude that is:
- you say you will get a white screen: this means the backlight is working
- you say ActiveSync will recognize the phone and you can browse its contents: this means that the device is working (except for the screen) and that it is not like stuck in the bootloader, or so
- you say your daughter managed to get the keyboard lights on: this means they are working... this, by the way, only happens when the device is in the dark and thats probably why you did not manage to do it yourself
From now, your options are:
- sell the device as broken and get up to 100 Euro on eBay for it
- buy a working Universal at eBay, at prices starting at 140 Euro (better condition will cost more)
or
- get the PDF that explains how to disassemble the device
- check if all cables are properly connected
- check if there is something you can (and know howto) repair
and eventualy
- buy a new display, which will cost 100 Euro or more
So to tell the truth, the easiest option is to actually sell the phone as broken and get a second hand one, which is not broken...
Or get a second hand one (not broken) and keep yours for spare parts.
Cheers,
vma
ah thank you for the step by step reasoning there, i have to agree...
I don't want to sell it, it was given to me and if i cant get it going i'd rather pass it on in the same way.
I will look for the pdf and see if i can confidently have a look inside... many thanks.
A small investigation inside reveals no obviously loose cabled etc.. Oh well!
again many thanks.
I've passed it on to someone who is more electronically knowledgeable than me, i hope he can get it going and use it...
Hello! could people please share tips and things to remember when buying a used universal? I mean what are the things that you should do to check or find tell tale signs of defect, hardware, the firmware the os, I have already done a search in the forums and already know some, but there might be things that I have missed, so help would be very nice, I will be meeting the seller so I get to inspect the device up close so it would be nice to armed with the info how to inspect the device from how to check the bootload etc.
Thanks for the help and I hope that this helps others too
The Universal can be bought cheap at german eBay. Look for MDA PRO. You should be able to purchase one for around or less than 100 Euro.
Preferably look for the following signs:
1) Unmodded. Many users got the Universal within a contract from the operator, but did not use it much, because it is too big for them. Such Universals are normally in good condition. When advertised that it ships with an OS different than WM5, you know that the owner has been flashing it. I personally don't like that, because that means it belonged to a power user and must be more worn out.
2) Warranty stickers. Make sure the hinges have the warranty stickers inside. If they are missing, the device has been opened. You don't want to purchase one that has been opened.
3) Screen. Screen should be without scratches and should have had always a screen protector.
4) Speaker. The external speaker which is used for calls can break, as it is fitted with some kind of pogo pins. Make sure it is working.
If you get to test the device first, do as this:
- do a call (bring your SIM card)
- check WLAN and Bluetooth (bring a headphone and try it somewhere with WLAN activity)
- bring a SD card and see if it is read
- check for bad pixels
- play a song
- take a picture
- try the keyboard and touch screen
- try all the buttons
If everything works, that is the best you can check it for.
Of course it could break the next day, but it shouldn't.
Cheers,
vma
Great guide vma!
I´ll just add:
Take special care on the swivel piece (The one that gives Uni it´s great and unbeatable form factor: PDA - Micro Lap top)
take care of another thing when i bouted my universal after i used it for about 1 week the phone was hangs soo much the reason was in the memory crd .....so you must try a memory crd and play a small video on it about 10 minutes
The most important thing everyone forgot to mention is USB port. When looking for a device, see if the port moves in any way or wiggles in its opening. See if the device synchronises with AS, charges etc.
The fact the device had been flashed or opened wouldn't play a huge part for me if everything else works well and the body is in sound condition, e.g. the hinge is not loose, the screen rotates and closes properly, all keys are present and work, keyboard backlight works with and without sensor etc.
Speakers don't just break, as post No2 claims (POGO PINS??), but it is good to check that phone is capable of making/receiving calls, you can hear the other party and the other party can hear you, can play music and earphone plug is in working condition/attached properly
Not reading SD or SIM card is a biggie, dim screen, lost touch sensitivity, scratched or damaged digitizer, worn out buttons - all obvious signs. You can open the back, remove the battery and SIM card and check for a small white blotting paper sticker covering the small mainboard pins under the SIM card, any change in color towards pink - do not buy.
@enigma1nz:
Shame on me, I did indeed forget the USB port!!! You should of course check both: charging and Active Sync connection. A broken USB connector is a mayor issue and hard to solder without proper equipment.
Regarding the speaker: I am speaking out of experience, as one faild on me. The speaker is like a small button and it has two contact plates. They are not pogo pins, but act like them. The speaker will be pressed by the case against two contact points on the PCB. What happens is that apparently some car-holders do too much pressure on the sides of the Universal casing, causing the speaker contacts to bend back and forth everytime the phone is placed or removed from the holder. After a few months the contact gets worse and worse until one of both plates brake off. Because they are so tiny, it is impossible to repair the speaker - believe me, I have tried. I ended up buying a new speaker cell at eBay.
Cheers,
vma
vma said:
@enigma1nz:
Shame on me, I did indeed forget the USB port!!! You should of course check both: charging and Active Sync connection. A broken USB connector is a mayor issue and hard to solder without proper equipment.
Regarding the speaker: I am speaking out of experience, as one faild on me. The speaker is like a small button and it has two contact plates. They are not pogo pins, but act like them. The speaker will be pressed by the case against two contact points on the PCB. What happens is that apparently some car-holders do too much pressure on the sides of the Universal casing, causing the speaker contacts to bend back and forth everytime the phone is placed or removed from the holder. After a few months the contact gets worse and worse until one of both plates brake off. Because they are so tiny, it is impossible to repair the speaker - believe me, I have tried. I ended up buying a new speaker cell at eBay.
Cheers,
vma
Click to expand...
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And believe me, I repair devices for a living. Thanks for the run-through, although I could give you the same. It happened to you, doesn't mean it happens often or it is a fault in design. I could give you a list of design faults in quite a few models of expensive cellphones on the market today, the mentioned speakers are not one of them.
I appreciate, the help people! any more inputs? I am happy that all the previous posts were, about how to inspect the device upfront and some other useful tips what to check other inputs will be highly appreciated
Battery can be also considered. Some are sold with good batery some with dead battery. It is not so expensive, but costs something. In general if battery shows less than 50% and devidce still works (even under load) that is a good sign.
Also as for the touch screen - the best test is to open note taker and try to paint something. The painted line must exactly follow the stylus movement if it jumps somewhere, then the touch sensitive layer is bad. I bouht such UNI on eBay (was described as perfect working order), had to replace the digitizer myself.
I do prefer buying not working UNI's on Ebay with good display. Once I bought not booting one - mtty job fixed that. Other time I bouht one where the display was still off - the flex cable popped out from connector. Etc....
Thanks for all the advice people! now, please welcome me to the HTC universal family, (well actually, I have a Dopod 900 but what the heck all are the same right?) your inputs had been essential, for me to get my new baby without any hitches I hope that nothing manifests after the one week assurance the seller gave me
Special thanks to enigma1nz for all the patience and help provided to me I asked her a lot of questions in the pm's but she answered in full detail
Now I have my own device so I will be flashing away, I hope without any problems. Again my thanks to the community hopefully there are more inputs for others who are thinking of buying their 2nd hand universal via meet ups
Excellent news! Congratulations!!! And welcome to the Uni family, of course. As you can see, we are one friendly bunch, all help and support will always be available. Have fun
Damn, I was hoping to do a very good Marlon Brando Godfather impersonation with 'Welcome to the family'
LOL
You started in the right direction!
to midnightsights : welcome
orb3000 said:
LOL
You started in the right direction!
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No, sweetie, the right direction would be an Orb3000 impersonation and 'Welcome to the forums', but I was worried, being Orb2000, hehe, that I simply won't be able to compete with a more updated version
enigma1nz said:
No, sweetie, the right direction would be an Orb3000 impersonation and 'Welcome to the forums', but I was worried, being Orb2000, hehe, that I simply won't be able to compete with a more updated version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.........
enigma1nz said:
No, sweetie, the right direction would be an Orb3000 impersonation and 'Welcome to the forums', but I was worried, being Orb2000, hehe, that I simply won't be able to compete with a more updated version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dear, you´re nice
you´ll be Orb4000!!!
Cheers and have a nice weekend,