[Q] GPS Antenna - Galaxy S I9000 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone!
I accidentally broke the GPS antenna of my Galaxy s. Fortunately, the phone is still under warranty
Do you think they would repair or replace it? Or should I keep it as is now?
(I don't know how warranty works, because i never needed to use it.....Until now )
Thank you in advance!!!

How did you manage to break it ?

Not ME, but rather my little sister!
She, to make me a stupid joke, thought well to remove the little sticker next to the speakers
Obviously I did not know this, but it was really hard to get the GPS signal (which is common to all models of galaxy s ),so I performed the usual tests of the application lbs .... But the GPS only received 1 satellite with a signal strenght of 0 Therefore I focused on this problem, until I found out, sifting through various forums, that maybe the antenna was damaged or something like that. So I discovered that my phone was unfairly castrated ...
This is the sad end of a sad story...
But in almost all the respectable stories, there's a happy ending (and I hope so for me).

Unless you have taken a specific "fail proof" waranty from your provider, manufacturer's waranty doesn't cover "user made" damage.
Only thing to try is to "cover it up" and return it and hope they won't see it... :|

What do you mean for "return it" Do you mean perhaps returning it saying that it has a GPS problem?
Certainly they may find out that the antenna is missing.
So I was thinking of "simulating" or "generating" a different problem that can make the phone being replaced (I know...It is a bad idea But...Who knows...)

capez said:
What do you mean for "return it" Do you mean perhaps returning it saying that it has a GPS problem?
Certainly they may find out that the antenna is missing.
So I was thinking of "simulating" or "generating" a different problem that can make the phone being replaced (I know...It is a bad idea But...Who knows...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing the antena voids the waranty, not just in part.
But then, I don't work there, give em a call to get the facts!

Related

GPS busted from dropping phone?

Hi,
I probably can claim the title of the first guy to drop a touch pro on a flight of concrete stairs. :'(
Afterwhich (painfully ignoring the scratches), I realise that my GPS doesn't seem to 'home' at all.
Anyone could help me on troubleshooting if its a real physical damage before I send it (overseas) for repair?
What problems are you having?
I mean, do you get serial information from the GPS? Doesn't it fix the satellites? More lag P)?
this happend to a friend of mine.
he dropped his polaris and no GPS signal anymore. he sent it to the repair center and, yes, gps antenna broken...
...it was repaired foc
carloshdez said:
What problems are you having?
I mean, do you get serial information from the GPS? Doesn't it fix the satellites? More lag P)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was using TT7 and it works, but after the dropping incident... i cant get a fix to the sats... now after reading more threads, i cant pin point is it the HTC gps lag issue or due to the drop
is there any way to diagnose?
what do you mean getting serial information from gps? sorry my knowledge in this is quite limited...
I had an X500 before and I dropped it just once and the GPS wouldn't work after that. I had it for more than a year so no free repair. I opened it and saw the antenna was out of place. I repaired it myself following some guide (made for that precise PDA) and it was working again (better than before!).
You should bring it back to where you bought it without mentioning that you dropped it. Just tell them that GPS doesn't fix anymore.
alpha01 said:
Hi,
I probably can claim the title of the first guy to drop a touch pro on a flight of concrete stairs. :'(
Afterwhich (painfully ignoring the scratches), I realise that my GPS doesn't seem to 'home' at all.
Anyone could help me on troubleshooting if its a real physical damage before I send it (overseas) for repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dropped mine on the road when getting out of a car. Except for a dent in the aluminum frame it's just like new.
try GPStest.
Blazeitup123 said:
try GPStest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think GPS test will show you if you have a GPS module or not.
It will not show you if the antenne is broken.
BTW, when you shake the phone, is something loose in the phone?
Thanks for the replies everyone!
@g-fall: when i shake it, it doesnt seem that anything is loose...
@WeeRuz & Scotchy49: My drop was worse, there is no way I can hide it, The sides were scratched, the battery casing flew out, the battery was scratched, the stylus plastic was chipped. It was on a concrete staircase... *sobs*
My problem now is I'm miles away from where I bought this device, so I want to make sure it is a hardware fault before I send it back....
which GPS program do you use?
BTW, you didn't change your ROM or RadioROM recently, right?
Just read that some people have GPS problems with radio .08
Had my X500+ GPS on, fell out of my hands, GPS never worked again. It seems to be a very delicate part...
Hopefully it won't be the same with you, and it will work eventually!
g-fall said:
which GPS program do you use?
BTW, you didn't change your ROM or RadioROM recently, right?
Just read that some people have GPS problems with radio .08
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, i'm still on the original ROM, and i'm using TT7 and at the same time I did try out the HTC GPS tool that was floating around, but for the life of me, I've no idea how it should work.

Help with a physical repair

So the flat wire that connects my nook color screen to the motherboard was pierced. Sufficed to say, do not allow idiot relatives who say they can fix something to be alone with said beloved gadget. (It was dropped and the frame dented somewhat, not a big deal, worked fine still) Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew how to fix this issue, should I get a whole new replacement screen? Can I fix the wire, and if so, where would I find parts that fit my nook? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I really do miss my nook.
I'd say call 1-800-THE-BOOK and see how liberal their warranty service is. Put everything back together and just tell them "it quit working". Don't offer any liability (don't tell them you dropped it, don't tell them a relative "fixed" it for you). If they want to troubleshoot over the phone, do what they say (if it won't even power up, tell them that). Don't lie, just don't tell ALL the truth.
Edit: They will be able to tell what happened once it shows up, but by then then easiest thing to do will be to bin it and send you a new one. Don't go to the store.

What happened to my radio?

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.

Problem with sound in vibrator, anyone else?

Well I have already my Z1 since almost 9~10 months, I love it, so far I'm very comfortable with it, but after all this time it start to make a strange sound with the vibrator (do it randomly, sometimes when I'm just writing something with the keyboard, get a notification and so on....)
I recorded and it sounds very crearly:
You can hear the normal sound the vibrator will do and sometimes a rare sound, I dont know the exact word to describe it, I have already taken to telcel service (the carrier here, they send it to sony) and already (according to them) replace the vibrator, and the main board (I dont know if it is correct to say the "main board", I have another IMEI number from the original I have , but it is still the same phone, same scratches )
It still make this noise, I dont remember that in the beginning make this noise, and its a little annoying sometimes
I want to know if someone has this problem too, I search a little in the forum but I dont see anyone else with this problem :crying:
jacker60 said:
Well I have already my Z1 since almost 9~10 months, I love it, so far I'm very comfortable with it, but after all this time it start to make a strange sound with the vibrator (do it randomly, sometimes when I'm just writing something with the keyboard, get a notification and so on....)
I recorded and it sounds very crearly:
You can hear the normal sound the vibrator will do and sometimes a rare sound, I dont know the exact word to describe it, I have already taken to telcel service (the carrier here, they send it to sony) and already (according to them) replace the vibrator, and the main board (I dont know if it is correct to say the "main board", I have another IMEI number from the original I have , but it is still the same phone, same scratches )
It still make this noise, I dont remember that in the beginning make this noise, and its a little annoying sometimes
I want to know if someone has this problem too, I search a little in the forum but I dont see anyone else with this problem :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Check this post ...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56152393#post56152393
@soka said:
Hi,
Check this post ...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56152393#post56152393
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it seems like a common problem now that I read that post, the problem at least with mine its that even after they change the parts it still make the sound
jacker60 said:
Thanks, it seems like a common problem now that I read that post, the problem at least with mine its that even after they change the parts it still make the sound
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have job, and repair sheets which they claimed to have carried out. Including changing the vibrator. ( one Techie , also stating the vibrator was outta place ), nothing fixed it.
This is after 5 or 6 attempts trying to fix it.
Had to threaten them with legal action , to get it completely replaced. So far so good with the replacement , no sign of trouble.
@soka said:
I have job, and repair sheets which they claimed to have carried out. Including changing the vibrator. ( one Techie , also stating the vibrator was outta place ), nothing fixed it.
This is after 5 or 6 attempts trying to fix it.
Had to threaten them with legal action , to get it completely replaced. So far so good with the replacement , no sign of trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? well it sound like you was without your Z1 like a month or more, I just have 3 weeks lost so far, but I dont want to waste more time, well I hope this time they said that a replacement is the solution, otherwise I will tell them the same about take legal actions (I have already think about it, but I'm just trying to be patience) I really hope this get fixed ASAP! its horrible not have how to communicate
jacker60 said:
Really? well it sound like you was without your Z1 like a month or more, I just have 3 weeks lost so far, but I dont want to waste more time, well I hope this time they said that a replacement is the solution, otherwise I will tell them the same about take legal actions (I have already think about it, but I'm just trying to be patience) I really hope this get fixed ASAP! its horrible not have how to communicate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try two months... that's the amount of time it took them to try and fix it. Had no patience by the end of that bro.... wish you the best , sure everything will be sorted out.
Had the same Problem, turned it in, vibrator exchanged, problem fixed. No charge because of guarantee.
minifamilie said:
Had the same Problem, turned it in, vibrator exchanged, problem fixed. No charge because of guarantee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They had change me the vibrator, that doesn't resolve the problem

Sudden death and...root !

My phone decided to not switch on any longer. The only sign of life is the notification led blinking red when is in charge, no way to access it with any program if I attach it to the PC with a USB cable.
I should send it to the Sony repairing center (still under warranty) but the phone is rooted; given its situation do they discover it ?
I had that exact problem. Turned out that the battery suddenly died after about a year.
In my experience they never care what stuff is currently on the phone. Instead they'll just flash it with the latest stock rom after fixing the hardware.
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I really hope will be the same in my case as well. I'll post here what will happen.
PS I'm wondering about the batteries' quality: my daughter with a z1c had your same problem (a little more than one year life), you, may be myself... I know the sample is not significant but...
Same thing happened with mine & i was on a custom rom with unlocked bootloader...they probably had no way to get into the phone just like i couldn't so they probably couldn't tell it was modified...it was just a brick at that point...i noticed certain batches were affected by this sudden death and after pulling my tag out i noticed my phone was part of that batch that was poorly assembled in china...so brand new phone for me!
Fictional Reality said:
Same thing happened with mine & i was on a custom rom with unlocked bootloader...they probably had no way to get into the phone just like i couldn't so they probably couldn't tell it was modified...it was just a brick at that point...i noticed certain batches were affected by this sudden death and after pulling my tag out i noticed my phone was part of that batch that was poorly assembled in china...so brand new phone for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, another positive experience. I cross my fingers and I'll post what will happen to me
I have the impression they dont even check the software, they just flash a new fw and thats it. Or they dont care.
My phone locked up on me like this, but I solved it by pushing a pin into the reset button hole.
Geoff2 said:
My phone locked up on me like this, but I solved it by pushing a pin into the reset button hole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion but I tried any possible way to resurrect my phone, including what you're saying, without any result. I hope to confirm soon what all the contributors to this thread are saying...
Just received the device from assistance; everything went well: the motherboard was replaced.
The only drawback is that the lost the tiny grill that cover the mic at the bottom of the phone !!!!!

Categories

Resources