After the replacing of my X1's housing with the new one in the SE Service center I went home gladly with my new X1 housing. I noticed there's an error in signal in my X1 when I was checking my phone at the SE center.. But I thought it was maybe due to poor reception thus I neglected it. (the officer in the SESC say so)
Now I know that there's some new problem arise.. Any idea what might cause this error? the phone can read the Sim card but there is no signal (no connection, no call or no data can be made). i try to check the antenna module, but it seem to be OK (i did not see any problem on it).
the next day i came to the SE center, they said it might be something wrong with the software (since i am used using cooked rom) how come it can make any different while i'm using it before i replace the housing. and they have to take it into the HQ. and guess what, it may take another 6-7 week... WTF
is there anyone having the same problem with me?
Well if you have the tools, you can try openingu p the bottom cover, that little rubber thing where it has the mini sony ericsson logo. Open that rubber up, and you should see a mini screw in the middle, open that up take it out, maybe just give it a quick clean, fit it back properly, and make sure everything is tight and see how that works out.
I've seen/heard a few people having such issue when taking the housing off, and not placing that radio/reception thingy back properly, therefore causing issues with reception.
briian_ said:
Well if you have the tools, you can try openingu p the bottom cover, that little rubber thing where it has the mini sony ericsson logo. Open that rubber up, and you should see a mini screw in the middle, open that up take it out, maybe just give it a quick clean, fit it back properly, and make sure everything is tight and see how that works out.
I've seen/heard a few people having such issue when taking the housing off, and not placing that radio/reception thingy back properly, therefore causing issues with reception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it twice, just to make it sure that everything was on their place, also try to flash the ROM, The Radio but still remain the same....
any other suggestion or idea what should I do?
Same problem!
I had disassembled my phone by myself twice; the first time it worked perfectly, the second, unfortunately, it didn't!
I bought a new antenna module for U.S. $10, installed it myself (warranty ended three months ago), walked out of the service centre and voila; I had reception and managed to make a few calls. However, on the way back home, all calls placed while driving dropped every 5km, which means the hand-over between cell towers was failing. The moment I walked home it was dead; no reception whatsoever indoors.
Now the way I see it, this could be due to one of the following two reasons: either the RF power amp failed, which means that most probably the phone needs a new main board (too expensive, not worth it) or something went wrong during the assembly, like the smearing of a sensitive part by skin oil (thus causing a short circuit) or failure to position a connector or multiple ones to connect properly to their respective terminals/connection points.
Upon further investigation, I noticed that my phone wasn't properly grounded; whenever I connected it to a computer to sync using ActivSync or in disk drive mode, I got a small electrical shock (painful though) whenever I touched the phone. This, however, doesn't occur at all when I connect the phone to the wall charger. I disabled USB charging since day 1 of owning my X1i
I believe that the battery cover acts as a ground for the phone electronics; it touches four golden connectors which in turn touch the mini USB port, the GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna, a point on the main board half an inch away from where the loudspeaker is, and the metallic cover placed over the phone RF chips. Failure to ground the phone properly can result in either damaging any of these chips, building up a static charge that affects the antenna performance, or an open-circuit condition for one of the many systems on board.
Since my phone is fully working as a PPC now (PPC functions, Panels, Keyboard, Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc...) and since I get reception outdoors, and since I have a brand new antenna module, I am guessing that either the RF amplifier is dead, or the housing is ****ed up beyond repair (i.e. it can't be aligned perfectly to get perfect contact on all said points) that it's either shorting a connection, or opening one that is vital for the cellular radio to function properly.
So what to do? Well I forced my phone to do two things:
1. Settings > Phone > Band
- Network type: I chose GSM instead of Auto, as we don't have consumer CDMA in Egypt
- GSM/UMTS Band: I chose the correct band for my provider instead of Auto.
2. Settings > Connections > Advanced Network > Disabled HSDAP
What happened? It worked indoors for a minute, and then stopped working again! Frustrating! So what did I do? I ordered a completely new housing off CNN and will attempt to rebuild the damned thing.
I will update you if I find out anything or reach any results with this phone that I love so much and hate more than anything I have ever hated in my life...
More info!
- During the drive mentioned above, the phone was switching between H, E and G, which means that all three RF chips are, or all components of the whole RF chip if it's one responsible, are working. At one point I got 4 bars of H and call quality was perfect between hand-over failures.
- Before disassembling my phone for the second time, people were complaining about high-pitched static; it can blamed over the mic, the RF (antenna or chip) or humidity levels (which are currently as high as 85%) affecting cellular communication channels.
- Flashing the firmware (R3A Generic UK) and hard-reseting didn't solve the problem.
More Info!
- The battery cover isn't the phone's ground; it's grounded by being connected to four ground points: the mini USB port metallic frame, the GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna ground, a ground point on the main board and the metallic cover over the sensitive RF chips.
- This is definitely an assembly problem. The reception is great outdoors switching between all bands and speeds. On my drive to work today it worked getting G, E, 3G and H all in 4 bars. The signal, however, is completely unstable, jumping from one speed to another. I am more inclinded now to believe that a new housing will fix this problem. Your housing was probably handled poorly at the service centre, which in turn caused this problem.
My advice is to shake them a little bit and see what they will do.
A New Housing didn't fix it!
I purchased a new housing from CNN. It came in good condition. The phone looks brand new now but still no signal. I am sending it in for service. I guess I blew up my Power Amplifiers...
Good luck mate!
melaskalany said:
I purchased a new housing from CNN. It came in good condition. The phone looks brand new now but still no signal. I am sending it in for service. I guess I blew up my Power Amplifiers...
Good luck mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem haa...
I still waiting for a good news from the service center... I have been waiting for a month..
I wish You a good luck too...
I'm having the same problem. I opened up my phone a few days ago to clean the keyboard. The bottom row wasn't working correctly. Unfortunately after I closed it up again, it wouldn't get any reception (and the keyboard's bottom row was still not working correctly).
So I figured it was the antenna and tried to reposition it. I even removed the rubber layer as described here: http://blog.whitesites.com/How-to-Increase-Reception-on-Sony-Xperia-X1__633958291637656250_blog.htm
Outside I get ok reception, but it's far from stable, inside I get none. And even if I get reception inside, once I pick up the phone, signal drops. So I thought about grounding as well, problem is I even tried rubber gloves and that doesn't solve the problem. I'm afraid replacing the antenna's won't help here and my xperia is dead. Anyone has any other ideas?
Been there too!
I tried the same solution the blog explained. However, I ended up not getting any signal at all. It's only after I purchased a new cellular antenna+buzzer module that the phone started getting an unstable signal outdoors.
Did you notice any small pieces falling off the main board or the housing? It's either a hardware failure or a simple short/open circuit situation that can be fixed in a blink of an eye!
Question
Is there any possible way, hardware or software, to test whether all chips on the main board function properly? I tried the diagnosis tool available here but it doesn't check the chips one by one.
Service Centre
I took my phone to the service centre 6 hours ago. With the new housing on, and new screws that I scored from a secret source of mine, they deemed the phone untouched and serviceable; i.e. it passed for a phone that hasn't been tampered with!
They told me to call back in four days. I will keep you guys updated. Cheers!
I wonder if that'll fix it So to summarize you have:
- new housing
- new screws
- new vibramotor
- new antenna
And those things twice and that fixed it maybe?
I guess it's time for a new phone for me
Vibramotor?
Who said anything about changing the vibration motor? I installed a new antenna + buzzer module; i.e. a new cellular antenna and a new loud speaker (external speaker). The loud speaker is housed within the antenna module. My bad, maybe that part was vague because I never explained it enough.
And yes, it has a brand new housing too. I only installed the lower part though, as the upper part is just fine. Maybe they will fix it man; maybe they won’t I really don't know. I do hope they will fix it though.
I am currently using a backup cheap Nokia and ordered the Sony Ericsson Aspen. If they ever fix my X1 then I can change seamlessly between both phones. If not, then I will just use my X1 as a media/GPS device in my car and an Internet device over Wi-Fi.
Lucky you..... if they can fix yours in a few day... since mine has been in the service centre more than a month, without any news...
they said to me that it will take about 6 week...
What a joke!
The phone remained at the service centre for a week. They called me yesterday, and told me that the phone was fixed and that the total cost was EGP 100 (~U.S. $18). I went over and as soon as I held the phone in my hand to test it, it lost the cellular signal. When placed on the counter, the phone had a constant E signal.
I asked to speak to the manager, who told me that they just reflashed the phone with the latest firmware (Generic UK R3A, which I already had installed). Oh, and before that, he said he was sorry but the phone had a hardware problem and that they don't fix hardware; they only flash firmwares and if that doesn't fix the phone, then the user is pretty much on his own! I refused to receive the phone, so he gave me a refund for my money and promised to have its hardware checked and get back to me in 24 hours!
What a joke, what an f'ing joke! I already regret ordering the Aspen that is due to arrive next week with a friend of mine returning from Paris...
melaskalany said:
The phone remained at the service centre for a week. They called me yesterday, and told me that the phone was fixed and that the total cost was EGP 100 (~U.S. $18). I went over and as soon as I held the phone in my hand to test it, it lost the cellular signal. When placed on the counter, the phone had a constant E signal.
I asked to speak to the manager, who told me that they just reflashed the phone with the latest firmware (Generic UK R3A, which I already had installed). Oh, and before that, he said he was sorry but the phone had a hardware problem and that they don't fix hardware; they only flash firmwares and if that doesn't fix the phone, then the user is pretty much on his own! I refused to receive the phone, so he gave me a refund for my money and promised to have its hardware checked and get back to me in 24 hours!
What a joke, what an f'ing joke! I already regret ordering the Aspen that is due to arrive next week with a friend of mine returning from Paris...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG...
I do hope that you will get the good news next...
Bad News!
Deep breath... Ok!
Here is the deal: the service centre officially announced that the fault lies within the Mainboard; i.e. my guess that the Radio Frequency (RF) Power Amplifier Chip is toast was correct. They want to charge 90% of the phone's original retail price (which was EGP 4000 = U.S. $700) for a new Mainboard. I replied that that was impossible. They will contact SE's HQ and get back to me on Saturday to see if they can offer any other alternatives.
I guess that is the end of my ride with the X1. I will sorely miss it; it was a great phone while it lasted. Let's hope that the Aspen won't die on me in a year as well...
I've just bought an used Diamond for $82. It looks great, there are only a couple very minor scratches on the display (fixable with a little Displex methinks), came with all the standard accessories plus a genuine HTC leather pouch.
Story is as follows: The owner bought it last week for $140, but noticed later that the G-sensor only works up and down. He took to "the only authorized HTC service center in Romania" and they said something about a broken foil and asked for over $150 to fix it, so he decides to sell it. He'd just picked it up from service today (the diagnosis itself cost him $5 so they didn't even give it back for free). He could've sold it for more, but lucky me.
So, i check it out, and accidentally drop it. It falls flat on its back. Okay, it isn't hurt, everything works, i pay the guy and leave with the phone. On the subway back home everything fine, but at home when i try to connect to wifi it won't start. I reboot the thing and i get the dreaded MicropError. Then the backlight decides only to work when it wants to.
I take the thing apart only to find the wireless cable had come out of its connector, and when i lift the mobo out the display cable also detaches easily. I plug the wireless back in, and notice that the display cable doesn't "click" when the board is mounted back in its place. Aha, so this must've been it. Great service center they have, they can't even click a connector in place.
I use a flat screwdriver to make sure the cable locks firmly in place, put a piece of paper under it to keep it from moving around again, and put the phone back together. Success. I haz working HTC.
It's true that a broken G-Sensor can't be fixed, right? Not that i care too much about it, i just want to know a yes/no type answer.
So, now the main question. I already noticed that the built-in speaker is crap, something typical of WinMo devices as far as i've seen. Now, the supplied headphones are also crap and it doesn't have a jack adapter either. Before i slice the handsfree and patch my Samsung in-ears onto it, i want to know if it sounds good on quality headphones. I don't need it loud as the Samsungs are plenty sensitive, but i need good bass. I have a Sony Ericsson w595 and it's got really powerful bass. I used to have a HP iPAQ rx4240, and it was loud, but it was miles behind the SE phone in sound quality and bass.
The main idea is that the HTC will replace one of my two phones - either the Nokia N93i or the SE w595. The N93i is held in one piece by superglue only and sometimes i need to restart it before it will accept a charge (and it's a PAIN opening Symbian menus for the first time after you restart it). The w595 i got as a gift this summer and is in pristine shape complete with protective foil applied to display. So i could easily sell it for what i paid for the HTC.
OK I have been using my N1 for almost 2yrs now. I love it, but out of nowhere the connections on bluetooth, wifi, 3G, and occasionally cellular drop. Coincidentally it happened when 2.3.6 was released and I refused (updated since no change) the update. When I use my bluetooth headset I'm told I sound like I am underwater. I installed CM7 thinking that would solve it (maybe it's a stock ROM issue) but it was still the same. I can put my phone next to the router and still show (1bar) a poor connection .
OK so what can I do to fix this? I don't want to purchase a new phone (besides this glitch it looks mint) right now. Also I don't really have the cash for it either. Someone said the antenna may be loose (don't know how that would happen) and I could open it up and fix it.
Now you all Mod software but has anyone actually opened up an N1 and is there really a way to tighten the antenna? Please let me know if anyone else has had this issue or is there a way to test for a solution.
Thanks
A little more info
Was just on a cell call and noticed that the green cellular indicator turned white (no idea if that's related) it is back to green now and full. However this seems to be a pattern of being green 3G and Cell strength to white. Hope that provides so more info to someone trying to help me.
Green/white is an indication of connection to Google servers, nothing else.
Radio is only responsible for 3G data, bluetooth and WiFi are completely different entities and aren't related to radio. If you're experiencing bad reception - most probably your antenna contacts need cleaning or are misplaced, open the lower cover (not the battery one) and look there (this cover IS the antenna - just don't know which one).
Special tools?
Jack_R1 said:
Green/white is an indication of connection to Google servers, nothing else.
Radio is only responsible for 3G data, bluetooth and WiFi are completely different entities and aren't related to radio. If you're experiencing bad reception - most probably your antenna contacts need cleaning or are misplaced, open the lower cover (not the battery one) and look there (this cover IS the antenna - just don't know which one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK found a teardown on youtube of the Nexus one so I understand the antenna is on the bottom. However it looks like they used a special tool to open the case on the bottom. Where would I get that? Also considering I paid for it outright (yep unsubsidized direct from Google); even if I'm out of warranty would you recommend (if this is something more complicated) I send it to HTC for repair? Someone else said the Broadcom chip may have gone bad if both the wifi and bluetooth seem to stop working or have poor reception. Not sure if that seems correct since if it went bad I would think it wouldn't work at all but before I make tool marks trying to take it apart I figured I'd ask.
I'm not sure the repair will be worth it, financially.
If you want to open the lower part of the case - you may only need a small flat screwdriver and good hands, to avoid scratching the surface.
Something else now
OK now voice dial command isn't working when I hold the bluetooth button. Maybe indeed it is the chip. I was able to take off the plastic cover but I need to get a T5 screw driver (lol for some reason smallest I have is T6) so I will get one tomorrow and see how it goes. There is one more cover to remove and put back on. Financially since I paid full price I'm not sure why it's not worth fixing? I figured HTC would charge around $100 for a repair. Which is less than going price for a new (i.e. Galaxy Nexus II) phone . Also I haven't seen any new phones with a trackball (which I love for the notifications and when I need precise movement) so I really don't want a new phone till they add something like an optical trackball or improve precision on finger location. Also I might get lucky if the credit card I purchased it on will cover a repair (they double warranties) and I still have a few months left.
Nope!
Jack_R1 said:
I'm not sure the repair will be worth it, financially.
If you want to open the lower part of the case - you may only need a small flat screwdriver and good hands, to avoid scratching the surface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK got the required tools and took it apart (both covers on the bottom) and then re-assembled it back, making sure I seated the vibrator motor back carefully. Turned on the wifi and still have same issue. So guess my phone is broke further than I can repair it. Thanks for your advice but unless there is software to check that chip it looks like only option is HTC.
Yes, looks like it might be damaged beyond the home repairs capability.
Financially - If I were you, instead of spending $100 on Nexus One repair, I'd sell it for parts for $70 or so, added the $100 you wanted to spend on the repair, and bought a used MT4G in good condition. You'll lose colored trackball (and get a trackpad - which, if you use Sense ROMs that this phone runs perfectly, will be absolutely useless), but gain WAY better phone, in just about every aspect you can think of. The same applies to any phone you can get for cheap from "outdated" MSM8x55 family - Desire HD/Desire Z/G2/Desire S (some of them aren't compatible with T-Mobile frequencies, put attention). I know this from first hand experience, since until recently I had 3 of them - Nexus One, MT4G, and Desire S for my wife. Guess which phone did I get rid of?
But - just in case you'll want to follow this advice and settle specifically on MT4G - make sure you read MT4G forums thoroughly before you do. There are 2 weak points for MT4G - the screen (more important) and the eMMC chip (less important, but still counts). Both can come in 2 variations, better and worse. Make sure you choose the better.
Hey guys,
So I've personally owned this device before and sold it, however, luckily I was looking about on Craigslist and managed to run into a post where this lady was selling her Midnight 128gb OP3T for $10 due to the wifi not working. The phone is literally spanking new and the only thing I can think of is water damage. She said the wifi suddenly stopped working and spoke with OnePlus Tech support and wasn't going to pay $275 to fix it so she just wanted it gone. So I figured whats there to lose, right? I went home performed a factory reset on the phone and the wifi actually was working. Then I realized it's intermittently working. I found that out because after sometime it suddenly disables itself and I have to sleep the device for like two minutes and it'll kick back on. The proximity sensor is also dead too. I did the *#808# to test the sensor and nothing is generated. These are the only real issues this phone has. The loud speaker also sounds a bit off... I'm sure I could easily replace that too.. It could just be me. I've posted the snapshot of the proximity sensor test. The wifi was currently working when I took that snapshot and like I said it's a hit or miss.
I haven't gotten into the device just yet, however, I'm planning to check the water damage sticker once I do as that is my suspicion. I'm waiting on my tool set I ordered on Amazon at the moment. My question is, do you think replacing the wifi antenna cable will fix the wifi connectivity issue? The phone is currently on 8.0 Oreo and I haven't tried performing a complete reset/restore so I'm not sure that could be a fix. Also the phone doesn't get too hot and usually with water damaged devices the phone typically overheats pretty fast due to corrosion. I guess I'll find out after I open the device, but for now do you guys have any other suggestions? I've heard of the whole IPv6 intermittent wifi issues and can assure I have IPv6 disabled.
Thanks for taking the time to read my question!
The WIFI thing isn't something I think you can just replace, I think you would just need to replace the board right?
Yes, you would need to replace the mainboard of the phone. However 10$ is quite cheap for a spare screen and midnight black metal casing. Just find a cheap 3T with broken screen and switch mainboard with that one and you have a working phone. [emoji16]
Before doing that, check the phone's board and look for corrosion. If you find any, try cleaning it up gently, with some alcohol and if you manage to get it all cleaned up, try testing it again to see if it solves the problem.
If you get the schematic for this device and have a boardview program you could find the wifi circuitry..... it is more than likely some short to ground due to the fact that you are feeling heat.... due to liquid damage or not. Sometimes changing a small component can fix the issue but you need a microscope, heat gun, solder pencil, etc......