Right, let me start off by saying that I am not a professional, I do not know for certain anything mentioned below, and I do not suggest you whip out the soldering iron and attempt to modify your tablet.
This is my personal analysis of the images of the mainboard which iFixit posted.
I have annotated all of the below images myself, if anyone wishes to 'borrow' these images, please reference this thread.
right with that out of the way... on to the PCB!
this is the top (side first seen when you remove the rear of the tablet) side of the mainboard. I have labelled all the connectors.
the most interesting thing to note here is the connector just next to the square cutout, one which I suspect to be for the rear facing camera which was on the ASUS MeMO 370T which we all suspect this tablet to be.
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when the PCB is flipped, you can see that I have once again, labelled all the connectors.
Note the silkscreen on the board which indicates that this is indeed ASUS' ME370T mainboard
Note also, the missing components around the regulator... possibly to form part of the driver for the LED flash the rear-facing camera once possessed.
Also, there is a header at the bottom of the board for what I believe to be the HDMI port we all so desperately desire!
and finally, this is a cropped image showing the mainboard still in situe. you can see the framework within the square cutout of the board, I believe this to be for the rear-facing camera/ LED flash unit.
Theretically (at least in my mind) it SHOULD be possible to take the HDMI and camera modules from an ASUS ME370T BRANDED tablet and after soldering on the relevant connector, plug in the devices and have two of the three most complained about 'missing features'
perhaps some of the devs on here could take a poke around the firmware and see if there are any drivers/references to a second camera/ HDMI port.
please remember, these images are the property of iFixit and I take no credit for them.
anybody have any other suggestions on what these unpopulated connectors could be for? or anybody have access to the tools to research this further and confirm my suspicions? I would be interested to hear what you guys think!
I don't think it would really be worth the effort and cost to rebuild it, as opposed to just buying a tablet with the features you want already on it. It seems more like a hehe look what I can do thing to show off to all your nerd peeps. lol
How many 7 inch tablets are there with quad cores and 1280x800 HD screens?
Which other ones can we buy?
I don't know of any alternatives. If we can solder an HDMI port onto that connector and make it work somehow... I'm doing that.
I suppose we'll see if it's possible over the coming weeks.
What I take away from this is that the NFC antenna is on the top edge, so two tablets would go head-to-head to communicate. Within about 2 inches...
There is already another thread discussing the iFixit teardown, please continue all further discussion there.
Related
After disassembling an i896, I was attempting to fix a malfunctioning mini usb port. I did not see any physical differences from i897 board infact the mainboard is labeled as i897. The daughterboard for sim and microsd is also labeled an i897 just for reference.
I have already looked at images of a disassembled i897 and could not find a location for the audience chip. Has anyone have any clear images of the i897 board, with the audience chip clearly identified?
The board I had, was manufactured in May 2010 on the actual circuit board. There was no reversion indicating it was special for the i896 model so I'm assuming it does have the audience chip.
On a sidenote that particular board was stable for overclocking purposes could do 1.4 ghz at 1300 mv and 1325 mv. So that particular batch maybe pretty lucky if you have it.
Also is there a water indicator strip near or on the mini-usb port? I could not fix the unknown usb device in download mode. I was trying to determine if it had corrosion on it, but I have cleaned the contacts to be sure and same issue.
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This is the nexus one board showing the audience chip
And one on a Captivate board. This was taken by a member of the board, and is an I897. The chip is to the left of the processor in this pic. Did you happen to take any pics of yours? Or would you be willing to tear it apart again to take some?
Pictures
From what you've shown me I'd need to look under the shielding.
However I did not remove it and sent it back for repair to Rogers for warranty repair.
I did take pictures but there somewhat low quality. I can take high res pictures with a Nikon w/ macro lens but I still haven't heard word what was wrong with the unit and whether they'll send it back. My current replacement isn't functioning as well as the old unit.
I suspect it does have it though no board reversion indicator when you look by the mini-usb. Indicates model and date of manufacture.
I hope these images are sufficient.
Solution???
Bumping an old thread but we can't tell by comparing the above ATT board picture to the ROGERS board picture because it's covered by that metal protector.
Does anyone have a definitive answer? I want to believe the I896 has the chip, even if it's just my wishful thinking .
OK, so far in an attempt to get a better signal in my office, I have bought two different external antenna types to get a signal. I bought them as I wasn't sure what the heck the connector type is. (For those that don't know, there is an external antenna connector directly below the MicroSD slot, covered by a black sticker).
I have bought an MMCX aerial: Does not fit, connector too small
I have bought an Motorola V3i antenna as the connectors look the same: But it's too short to reach into the port on the O2X :-( I cannot find out what this connector type is however!
So... next I was going to try a CRC-9 antenna for it... but it's getting expensive lol. So.. does anyone know for SURE what the connector type is I need please?
I'd think your best bet is to take a close look at the service manual
Downloading. Its the same connector with the tapered insulator as the V3i and the TG01. I just can't find the name of the connector to get something that will fit it!
Right, after looking at the manual, I believe it to be an MS-156 series connector of some description (It's listed at MS-156C). (see page 239 in the service manual). See here for a description: h t t p://www.digikey.com/Web%20Export/Supplier%20Content/Hirose_26/PDF/hirose-MS156C07018W.pdf?redirected=1
It's likely just a test connector, but if I can use it for an external antenna like on the V3i, that would be fantastic.
EDIT: here is a very good reference: h t t p://www.hirose.co.jp/cataloge_hp/e35801678.pdf
The adaptors are massive though as it's intended as a test terminal, which is odd that they made an official external aerial for the Moto V3i with this connector in that case.
The most readily available adaptor is at least £24 euro's from a spanish website. What I might do is order a CRC9 connector, and see if I can file down the ends, to expose the centre wire and get that to fit.
this was really interesting to read (as i'm thinking about doing the same thing)
hope you find a good solution!
I get paid soon, so I'll order the CRC9 pigtail as an experiment to see if I can get it to fit. £24 (Plus whatever they want to deliver to the UK) is a lot to pay for a tiny cable, so if I can find a much cheaper method I'll give it a go
Once I found out the connector was MS-156, you can see loads of posts on different forums of people who have gone through exactly the same process as me lol. Annoyingly, they never update their posts to say what happened
Scougar said:
Annoyingly, they never update their posts to say what happened
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh?
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Scougar said:
I get paid soon, so I'll order the CRC9 pigtail as an experiment to see if I can get it to fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been soon
Oh just caught your "O2X - Sold" sig
I hate dongles. There, I said it. I. Hate. Dongles.
With the OTG capabilities and the enormous (relatively) storage capability of SD cards these days, it seemed that using a dongle with the N7 was inevitable. So I took the plunge and got one. But what to do about strain relief and <sigh> that damned floppy dongle getting in my way all the time?
I added Velcro strips to the case and to the dongle in order to keep it in place and out of my way when I was using it. Two wide strips on the back of the case, and one on the front provide more than adequate anchoring so that the N7 can sit on my desk in landscape mode AND hold the dongle in place and out of the way without a problem. It also keeps the mini USB socket from sustaining any damage from the dongle flopping around.
Here's the photos of what I did and I'm very satisfied with the end result.
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As long as it works for you admittedly otg cables and dongles are not very handy things, I'm sure someone could come up with an all in one solution that matches the base line of the tablet and looks like a short extension of it.
No luck yet but im hopeful
I have send email and a small drawing to a hand full of connector design companies . Asking them about a ribbon like micro usb connector something that would be very slim low profile.. IF i get someone willing to make them . i will start a thread asking for those wanting a low profile usb otg to buy into getting the minimum made. Its like to be about 300 connectors at 25 cents to 1.00 each... There is a unlimited use for such a plug for this and other devices ..
Just thought i would add it as i see the stressful post .. I have a similar thing for my nexus Its ugly tacky and i do not like it .
Nice pics thou
I did something similar to my Poetic case last night., I just used industrial strength velcro, and less of it. Here's a few pics. I'm at work, and in a low light environment, so the pictures aren't great...
Sent from my Nexus 7
How To: Fix A Broken Screen On Galaxy S5
Nice going. You dropped your phone as you were trying to take a dirty Snapchat at a really awkward angle. Normally this isn't a problem but you were sitting on the ledge of your apartment window on the 43rd floor of your building. I don't know what kind of stuff you're in to that has you balancing out of a window taking dirty pictures, but all I know is your phone screen has been obliterated.
Don't worry too much, phone screens are the most common part of a phone to break. There are plenty of tools to help you make this repair yourself. Check out these resources to get everything you need to get started.
Tools Needed
When you're replacing the screen on your Galaxy S5, it's important that you have the appropriate tools to begin your repair. Set aside your hammer and crowbar for a minute because we are going to need something that's a little more precise. I'll list the tools that you'll need here, along with the links to purchase them on iFixit. You don't have to buy them from iFitit if you don't want to, but check out the links to make sure you know exactly what you need.
Plastic Opening Tools
Phillips #00 Screwdriver
Opening Pick
Spudger
Heat Gun
Parts Needed
Since you've gone and goofed up the screen on your phone, you're going to need a whole new LCD and Digitizer. Avoid dodgy websites and stick to these links where you can find the part you need for the listed prices.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Display Assembly (LCD, Digitizer/Front Panel)
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iFixit $199.95
Amazon $129.97
Diectfix $129.99
Repair Universe $149.99
Repair Guides
Now that you have your tools and the part you need, it's time to get started with the repair. Don't go and try to do this on your own. You're going to end up slicing your fingers off and drowning your phone in hot lava. If you're the type of bloke that gets along well with reading material, here are some great guides that will walk you through the repair process.
ETrade Supply Guide
iFixit Guide
Repair Videos
Of course if you're like me, you need to see a video of the repair that you're doing so you can see every single step. If that's the case, then check out this list of videos that I've put together. I feel these are the best videos and easiest to follow along.
Follow one of these guides carefully and you'll have your screen repaired in no time. Be more careful next time.
Hi,
Just been tinkering with a Pi-Top V2 and some cables/other bits and now have a Samsung DeX laptop with a 14 inch 1080P display.
Needs a few more bits before it's more polished but thought I'd post my initial project and will post updates as they occur.
More details on the Pi-Top forum where I describe what's needed to make it all work.
Ok, have added the following enhancements:
1. Dual USB-2 hub - provides 2 x USB ports at the rear where the Raspberry PI middle ports would be
2. USB-C socket - this means no wires come out of the unit - a USB-C to USB-C cable (with 4K video capability) is used to connect the unit to the smartphone
To do
1. See if I can get some speakers into the unit or use extenal pocket USB speakers
2. Alternative would be to somehow breakout the audio from the HDMI signal and feed that to an internal amp and speakers - not sure there would be room for the electronics but will take a look
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<mod edit>
This is really really great! Can't wait to see how this project develops!
Can you post a link to the pi-top forum? I would like to follow this project too
That absolutely awesome. I was just about to buy an older laptop and gut it.
Details
I have checked out the link on pi-top. You have done an amazing job and appreciate your sharing.
I really would like to build this for myself.
Can you post or send me pictures if you have any from before you threw the insulation tape on? I wanted to get a better look at the parts where you have to cut the usb cable and connect to the GPIO.
Also can you send me the names of the parts you used (part numbers) so I can purchase from Amazon. I have a list made, but want to double check since your set up currently works.
Thank you.
Subbed to this thread. I think I am going to try and do something like this!! I have a dozen or so laptops that are in various forms od not functioning that I can gut.
But that color!
I burnt the pi top screen trying to do this :crying: