I come to you guys to hopefully get some information. I've been trying to find a way to charge my old ThinkPad Tablet without hoping I with the "charge the tablet long enough to be disappointed" lottery. I know originally the tablet either was designed or was just unable to charge quickly over USB, and I was OK with it, until an update or some other issue caused it to randomly cut out from charging some time after the screen goes off. It seems others have had similar issues when I've researched this in the past.
Unfortunately the tablet is very much off. No way of getting any response beyond a single vibration. No way of getting anything, without hovering over the tablet for more than 40 minutes in the hopes that I can get enough juice without damaging the USB port (which might be... it feels a little loose).
I remember some time ago I had seen people trying to reverse engineer and make some kind of power cable that attaches to the dock but I don't seem to see it anymore, and what I have found seems to have no more pictures regarding what was done or how it was obtained. And I'm willing to just shell out cash for a dock, however that's the next big issue. The dock seems to have vanished off the face of the earth. Sure, places list it once I FINALLY have located the part number, but it's out of stock. Nothing seems to work.
So my questions to you all:
Is there an updated place with the how-to to create a charger of my own? If not, is there any place I can obtain a dock that will work with the tablet? Another lenovo dock I can modify, even if I have to hack it apart (not if the dock connector is unique to the TPT or is something from other lenovo products)? Does anyone have a dock they're willing to provide to me for a reasonable
price?
...Do I have a $450ish brick of a birthday gift from a few years back?
I missed using it. It wasn't perfect but it was, at the time a great tablet for me. And I've been itching to clean it up and see what I can do to hack/modify the tablet/android/whatever... but I can't right now, while it's effectively a paperweight...
Anything? I really am hoping someone has some kind of information I can use. Somewhere I can buy stuff, or a good link with details on building/hacking together a cable/dock...
Related
Each time I dock my EEE PAD in the docking station I only have a 10% chance it will recognize the keyboard. Sometimes I get the keyboard only, sometime it recognizes the keyboard and the mouse (pad) but mostly it recognizes neither. Sometimes it says it is connected to the docking station and still doesn't recognize the keyboard but mostly it says it is not connected to the docking station after insertion.
I called ASUS support - they had me reset the transformer (Hold volume 'down' while hitting power) and also do the Factory Data Reset. Curiously while on the phone with them the keyboard just started generating 'd' keystrokes over and over! Finally they sent me instructions for updating the firmware, which I was to do myself. I did not research how to do this last step because I think it is completely unnecessary: the latest version is 8.4.4.5 and I already have that version. I called ASUS support back but they say their computers are down and call back tomorrow. However, the last thing he said was I will have to send it to their repair center in CA.
Basically, two questions: 1) Do you think I should download the firmware anyway? 2) Has anyone else experienced this issue?
I am not a genius but I would try reinstalling firmware. Maybe you got a bad firmware in your keyboard?
Fascinating is it not?
Not trying to be too simplistic but you might also make sure that the thing is really in there good too. The connection between my tablet and dock is pretty tough to get just right and the only way I really know for sure it's in there is to pull up on either side of the screen to make sure it's seated properly. I can imagine if one was more finicky then mine it might look like it's in there, latch slid and all, but still pop one side out if you tugged.
Just a thought based on my use.
I noticed the same thing...it's easy to think the dock is in correctly...it has to "click" and the little bar has to go ALL the way to the right side of the slot..otherwise it's not making 100% contact.
I had a broadly similar issue with mine. I eventually got the retailer to accept it back as faulty and ordered another [from a different supplier so it was from a different batch] and have had no issues with the new one... so far!
I am quite conscientious about docking the tablet solidly in the docking station. I use both hands (on each side of the tablet) and push firmly till I see the silver clasp pop completely over to the right. I have tried tugging it out afterward and neither side will budge upward.
Bottom-line is ASUS created an RMA # for me today. They want only the docking station, and not the tablet also. (My concern is what if the problem is the connector on the tablet?). One of the three main reasons I purchased ASUS was reliability, yet this is the first computer I have bought which failed out of the box! Anyway, it's nice to have prompt support and service. I called them 3 times and got through in less then 5 minutes all 3 times.
DreamU said:
Basically, two questions: 1) Do you think I should download the firmware anyway? 2) Has anyone else experienced this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.It can't hurt.
2.Nope, all is well here.
So... My Transformer has a bit of a bug, where when I am charging it or the charger is plugged (separated or in the dock), the touchscreen would become unresponsive unless I also touch the metal of the Transformer with my hand simultaneously.
Now, that Tablet is about half a year old and it suddenly happened from one day to the other.
Naturally, I researched it first, and I found that a few people had similar problems. Suggestions ranged from completely discharging the battery to updating the Tablet - I tried them all, they all didn't work.
So, I send in a request to ASUS support - in the UK, and after a bit back and forth (like asking what version the Tablet was running at), I was referred to their exchange and repair-service.
So I contacted them, and it seemed to work out quite well. The tablet was collected and I included the charger as well as a description of the issue.
At some point I got an answer - in polish, for whatever reason - that told me the tablet was repaired and sent out. A bit weird that it was in polish, but oh well, I can deal with it.
So I finally get it back, wrapped up very nicely. With a little note (in English this time) saying that no issue was found. Awesome. Maybe you could've informed me via Mail before just... Sending it back with that note. Maybe I could've helped them to reproduce the error.
Needless to say, as soon as I plugged the tablet in, the error was back. They reset the Firmware tho. Nice guess.
So yeah, stupid support, not helpful at all. I will consider that in future purchases. -_-
Just to point out the obvious. How do you know it's not something YOU are doing?
CrazyPeter said:
Just to point out the obvious. How do you know it's not something YOU are doing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what I COULD do to make this happen... I mean, there's not too much you can do wrong with plugging in a cable.
have you tried pluggin it in at a friends house?
It could be static build up. Perhaps your house has carpet that builds up static when the air gets dry from running the heater. Since the screen operates by capacitance from your fingers vs. pressure, this could be an issue if you are holding more than the expected charge. Do other people experience this issue with the device? How about if you use it in different locations?
My Nook Color will double or sometimes 10X enter a keypress when I use it when it is connected to the charger. The fix is to not use it on the charger.
Did you try to change the charger plugged in the wall socket ?
I mean turn around.
It sounds silly but I read about people get a little "shock" if they touch the tablet when the charger plugged in, depending how it is put in the wall socket.
Maybe you will see a difference.
I had to send mine after less than a month having it because something appeared between the backlight and the screen.
I got it back one week later with a dead pixel right in the center (and lightbleed) and left speaker not working.
I sent it back and got it back two weeks later with working screen and speaker but a lot of lightbleed.
I then gave up on sending it back again and learned to live with the backlight bleed which is present at least one third of the circonference of the screen.
So I mean yeah they will fix it to a degree but don't expect perfection...
Hello you all out there,
After having my dock for a week the keyboard stopped responding. As in the touchpad and the usb port work like they should but no key what so ever is responding. The accu in the dock get recognized by the dual battery widget and it displays a percentage of power left.
I have tried rebooting the devices in several configurations. With the dock attached, without it attached. Even a factory reset didn't help.
Is there anything else I should try before sending it back to Asus?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Hey dude. I just sent my second RMA for this issue. Same exact problem. Keys do not work, but trackpad and peripherals do. I sent the dock the first time and they returned it. When I tried to use it, to my surprise, the problem was there.
The only reasonable thing I can think of is that a component in the tablet is damaged, thus, I had to send both the tablet and the dock. If you can test your tablet on another dock (I couldn't) that may help shed some light.
What has me worried this time is that I know they received my package (FedEx tracked) early Monday morning, but my RMA status has not been updated, which makes me suspect things are complicated. It also makes me question the quality of the product; this design flaw is bound to repeat itself, and I have my doubts on their apparent effort to make sure that doesn't happen.
I seriously love this product, but the quality of the guts just kills it for me. I'll let you know what I find out; I'd love it if you keep me posted too.
Update
Well, according to the ASUS RMA status website, my Transformer has been "ready for shipping" since March 30th; way to get on the ball there, ASUS.
I can't recommend ASUS for tablets. Not with this sorry excuse for customer service and product quality. I sure hope those buying the Prime (not me) get a better deal.
There are two hacks I want to do to my Sidekick 4g. First I want to swap the volume buttons and the charging port, cause its kind of a dumb layout and I end up hitting the volume buttons all the time. Also I would like to use docking stations and cant with the charger on the top of the phone. Second I want to add a flash to the camera. I don't know why they didn't include one it makes no sense. Any ideas? If there are any other interesting hacks you want to do or have done tell me about them. I will post pictures as soon as I get things all moved around.
I found a complete teardown of a SK4G on here so I'll use that as a atarting point. My dad knows electronics so he said he will give me a hand. I am currently searching Ebay for a second handset so I'm not tearing apart my daily driver for hacks. I will post all steps I take for everything, but I am still looking for advice from anyone who knows more about the SK4G.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA
I think the flash is going to be really difficult. The flash I think uses a big cap to charge and then discharges it into the flash element. The problem is first getting the synchronization, too soon or too late and it is moot. Tying it to the button might work but you might need to insert a short delay (more electronics and room).
Moving connectors is probably the easiest to do. Really you need to remove the one from the board, solder some connections and run it to the new place. Routing the wire might be challenging because of the limited room but should be possible. The volume is going to be a comparable challenge, the buttons are likely on the board and very small but once you get them off all you have to do is wire them.
Thank you Giritrobbins! I didn't know that cell phones needed the flash cap too, I thought it was just an led. That will slow things down some but that saved me a unneeded headache.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA
why i can not want to stop these hacks.
So my awesome Venue Pro with an already sketchy battery is giving me trouble.
It has only happened lately. I'll turn on the phone from standby in order to, well, use the phone. But 95% of the time, the screen will within a split second go black, showing nothing on it. Funny thing is, every key works and illuminates and you can even interact with the touchscreen as I noticed it made sounds previously when I just started moving my finger along the screen, same with powering it back on when it likes to actually show what's on the screen and it'll be on a totally different app or screen itself.
Because I bought it on eBay, Dell, very ignorantly, is refusing to even deal with me in regards to warranty despite the phone being manufactured this year, so I'm hooped for sending it in at all for repairs.
If the touchscreen technically "works", then what could be the problem?
Thanks for your help, guys.
You might want to google something like "dell ownership transfer." Seems to me there was a way to transfer the original warranty term to another person. If you can get in contact with your ebay seller, he may be able to help you out.
Short of replacement, I say the first thing you should try is opening it up and making sure all the cables are connected internally.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1297315
The next step will either be re-flashing the original stock 7.0.7004 rom in hopes that it's a software problem (unlikely if you ask me,) or ordering another DVP off ebay and swapping parts until you have diagnosed the problem.
That's the issue- My eBay dealer didn't actually buy the phone himself. He took them as a donation for his not-for-profit business so the proof of ownership is pretty much MIA.
I'm starting to believe the backlight is failing or something close to that. Possibly due to the slider being used? Not any more often than someone else would use it, though. I looked at the disassembly guide and it's something nearly impossible with my lack of tools or understanding.
I'm pretty much hooped then?
Wow, shady. I bet he took advantage of and offer like this and then just sold the phone for profit.
http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/commu...ected-with-donated-smartphones-from-dell.aspx
I can't think of any other ideas personally. Selling it off for parts seems to me like the best course. If you decide to do this, you should wipe your phone with a soft reset as you normally would when selling this phone (in settings > about > more > reset my phone.) If what you're experiencing is a software problem (which, again, I very much doubt) this might fix it. If not, your personal data is gone, and you're ready to sell it.
You may want to let the other forum members weigh in on this, but I don't think there's going to be an easy fix that doesn't involve disassembly.
I have attempted a reset + restore and whatnot, so most likely it would be a disassembly issue then.
The issue with me taking it apart would be that I'd probably do more damage that way lol.