Database Users

Cracked hermes screen - digitizer/LCD distinction

Hey there, I have a crack in my Tytn screen, but the LCD seems to be fine, no bleeding or changes in appearance at all, just a big crack in front of it. It seems as though the crack is in a different layer to the actual LCD, slightly in front of it.
The touchscreen has gone retarded though and is barely usable. I was wondering whether it is just the digitizer I have cracked, and if that can be replaced separately? I have seen Hermes digitizers on eBay for $20ish, as opposed to screens which are more loke $70.
Is it likely that a new digitizer is all I need?

The answer is that you could replace JUST the digitizer. BUT i would not recommend it. You have to seperate the layers, re glue them and the hermes screen can be temperamental at the best of times. So if it was me I'd get the whole package even if does cost more - you'll save yourself a very tricky job.
Mike

Ok, thanks for that. I think I may have a crack at doing i that way, despite the risk. If there's any sort of guide or thread that will help, would be grateful if someone could point me in that direction. Couldn't find anything on the Wiki.

I have not seen a detailed "how to" for this. Here's a thread but I'm not sure it will help much and it's not Hermes specific:
http://forum.brighthand.com/showthread.php?t=218359
Mike

potatophone said:
Ok, thanks for that. I think I may have a crack at doing i that way, despite the risk. If there's any sort of guide or thread that will help, would be grateful if someone could point me in that direction. Couldn't find anything on the Wiki.
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I "accidentally" purchased a Hermes Screen (LCD with Digitizer) for about $50 shipped. Turns out I don't need to replace the screen at all. I did install and test it so I know it works fine.
If you want to save some money on the replacement let me know, I wouldn't mind minimizing my loss!

Replacement Screen overlay?

I got my htc off ebay and the screen is a little scratched, it doesnt effect use at all but i was wandering if it were possible to replace just the front plastic layer and not the whole screen?

cycloid said:
I got my htc off ebay and the screen is a little scratched, it doesnt effect use at all but i was wandering if it were possible to replace just the front plastic layer and not the whole screen?
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Yes it´s possible
But first to know what HTC you have?
This section called Universal does not means all HTC devices, it´s a model!!

Orange SPV M5000 / HTC Universal.

Are we talking about screen protector? Then just buy another one and apply.
If we are talking about digitizer, it's a part of the screen that is responsible for the touch function. That part is better replaced by an experienced technician, and I take it, you are not an experienced technician.
The alternative is to replace the entire LCD unit.

It looks like it's integral to the unit but is definitely plasticcy and not glass-like like i'd expect the front of an LCD to be, guess it must be the digitiser. Replacing any part of it shouldnt be a problem i've soldered and hacked smaller devices before, guess it'd just be getting hold of the part cheaply that'd be the problem.

cycloid said:
It looks like it's integral to the unit but is definitely plasticcy and not glass-like like i'd expect the front of an LCD to be, guess it must be the digitiser. Replacing any part of it shouldnt be a problem i've soldered and hacked smaller devices before, guess it'd just be getting hold of the part cheaply that'd be the problem.
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Not a problem to buy a digitizer at all, they are just a few bucks on eBay. Just make sure you know what is involved before you do. Good luck.

Found some on ebay, will read up on the procedure before I take the plunge, thanks for the tips

cycloid said:
Found some on ebay, will read up on the procedure before I take the plunge, thanks for the tips
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You had better read the following dialogue...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3906555
I ended up having to obtain a whole new screen+digitizer. Soldering is not the issue - it's the way you do it! Be warned.
I've put the dialogue together on the Wiki here

Replacing X1 Housing

New here but thought Id share my experience of completely replacing the housing for my 10 month old X1. It can be done - even by a non techy person like me!!
Basically the keyboard was worn where it rubbed duiring open / close movement, the cover over the camera lense was cracked and there was general wear and tear. Could have sent it back under warranty but it would have taken an age and they would have charged me for all but keyboard probably.
Instead I bough a complete housing for £22 from here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Original-x1-xperia-Housing-Cover-Case-Housing-UK-T6_W0QQitemZ390078842052QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccessories_MobilePhoneFascias_JN?hash=item5ad282c4c4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14They say they are used but mine was immaculate. Apparrantly when someone returns a phone during the 14 day money back period the innards get removed and put in a new case ready for resale. This guy buys the old cases. A real bargain I think as others are priced in the £50+ bracket.
Second you will need to be near a computer when you do the deed. Instructional videos taking you through every stage can be found here
http://www.mygsmtube.com/category/Sonyericsson.html
You will also need to assemble some tools. You will allready have the special screwdriver needed for 2 of the screws in your phone (comes with your new case) but you will also need a small cross head watchamkers screw driver for all the rest. Additionaly I found that I used tweasers and a small pair of bull nose pliers. As I dont bite my nails lol, I managed to seperate the clip together casings using my thumbnail otherwise you will need a thin, stiff piece of plastic (they use what looks like a plectrum in vids) Finally and very importantly, you will need a workmat. Unlike on the video I discovered that things fall out of the phone when you take it apart and you definitely dont want them bouncing off a hard surface onto a floor never to be seen again!! I used a white towel for this.
Ok, I had to do mine twice before it was right so here are the reasons and I hope it means you will only have to go through it once!
1. When you take apart the back section of the phone buttons are likely to fall out / may not be present in new. Not sure which but found out camera button was missing only after I had completed reassembly!! No probs they just slot in and used one from the old case.
2. The little metal clips holding the battery cover in place can drop out. Watch out for these they are small and easily missed!
3. You have to pull apart a very small white electrical connection on the phone. Mine was very stubborn and in the end used the small bull nose pliers for better grip. It will come apart you just need to be firm and waggle it a bit!
4.When you take apart the front (screen) section of phone a small black rectangle of rubber falls out. Dont miss it as it keeps the optical joystick in place and gives it the push down springy effect. There is a similar shaped recess for it to fit in but I found that I had to make one side of it sticky in order for it to stay there during reassembley. After you finish assembling this bit check the joystick is properly in place and has that click feel - if not, that rubber pad is not right and you will need to re-do it.
5. Make sure you remove the speaker from the top part of the screen case (behind Sony Ericsson wording) from your old case and fit it in the new one. It just clips in and will come out with a little bit of gentle persausion and leverage. I didnt realise it was missing from my new case and panicked like mad when I couldnt hear anything on starting up!!
6. The most fiddely bit was attaching the ribon cable between the two parts. Take your time with this as you dont want to damage the connection by being too heavy handed. I discovered that the ribbon is longest when the phone is half closed/open. If you can keep it in that position you will have more ribbon to play with and it will be alot easier to lign the connection up.
Ok, the process isnt a walk in the park, I was nervous as hell doing mine (especially when it wasnt right the 1st time) but it wasnt half as bad as I thought so, it can be done....even by me lol!! and is well worth the effort - Good Luck

I have my case in a lil bad conditions and thought I would do the same as u did and change the case, but then I though I would wait a lil bit to get even worse, so that it'd be worth the hassle....
However since lately ma KeyBoard started going crazy, I decided to go with the video and open it to get some dust out....you won't believe it.....I got stuck at the very first step....can't remove the antenna cover, no matter what I do or use !!!

I replaced my housing to and i used this two movies on youtube. youre Instructional videos are removed by user so i wanted to post the youtube link. it is the same clip as yours i think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWDurQrRt-Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGUbxFqvyc

I really need to clean up my keyboard, but it is so complicated to do that, that I'll whait until it stops responding and then I'll try. Some keys are not fully functioning good anymore (you have to press harder to get the symbol), which it turned out to be a common issue with X1's keyboard. There are some cracks in the case ofcourse.
So I suppose, sooner or later I'll follow your lead on this

There are infact 4 vids - 2 disassembly and 2 assembly. Iff you are like me you will need all 4 lol. They are still up on the site I linked to, you just need to scroll down the menu of vids at the bottom right to find the X1 vids. The advatage with this is thay are all in one place, but the original source is YouTube.
darkhalf520, I can believe it!! I almost gave up a couple of times. With the clip on bits, sometimes you need to be quite firm with them

Forgot to mention
Not sure if it was clear on original post, but the new housing came with a keyboard also - mention this as keyboard probs seem to be quite common.

Thanks man, I'm going to do this in about a year, Silver to Black son!!!

crank1... three posts only and I already love You man. thanks! I've just ordered black one for myself as well. this price is a bargain.

thelucius said:
I really need to clean up my keyboard, but it is so complicated to do that, that I'll whait until it stops responding and then I'll try. Some keys are not fully functioning good anymore (you have to press harder to get the symbol), which it turned out to be a common issue with X1's keyboard. There are some cracks in the case ofcourse.
So I suppose, sooner or later I'll follow your lead on this
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I have the same problem like you. the space-bar doesn't work so good any more. a friend of mine lost his whole keyboard. but i don't think you can clean it you have to replace youre keyboard. i replaced mine xperia case and still the you have to press really hard for the space. i think the keyboard ""dies"" but i'm not sure. does more people have this problem??
and sorry Crank1 i looked at the wrong vids, My mistake

is the ebay selling original or oem? coz i saw 100% ORIGINAL xperia x1 HOUSING
14 DAY STOCK ------- GRADE A -------
Grade A mean oem?

from my understanding, OEM means Original, those cases for the 22lbs are real, just used... if you see fascia some other place then its possible it could be one from some other maker, fascias dont always fit either

spikegotti said:
from my understanding, OEM means Original, those cases for the 22lbs are real, just used... if you see fascia some other place then its possible it could be one from some other maker, fascias dont always fit either
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Yes thats right, the cases are genuine & come from phones returned by customers under the 14 day returns policy that some retailers have. The Grade A refers to the quality / condition. As I said the one I got was mint.

I found this on cnn.cn for 79.99USD, any feedback for the site anyone? Should i get the used one or the new one? Is the new one worth it? thank you

just got mine, as op stated - almost perfect condition. I'll swap it as soon as my little curious son will go for his nap.
in the package I've got full unbranded black housing, including keyboard.
[EDIT]
all done and I am sooo damn impressed. the black one looks better imho. the only problem I had, was that those two covers for screws next to camera were not included, so I had to paint my old ones black. after that I've used some clear nail top coat polish from my wife's drawer and it looks brand spanking new.
thanks again for the heads up crank1.

No Problem bronx. Great to hear that all went well.

bronx said:
just got mine, as op stated - almost perfect condition. I'll swap it as soon as my little curious son will go for his nap.
in the package I've got full unbranded black housing, including keyboard.
[EDIT]
all done and I am sooo damn impressed. the black one looks better imho. the only problem I had, was that those two covers for screws next to camera were not included, so I had to paint my old ones black. after that I've used some clear nail top coat polish from my wife's drawer and it looks brand spanking new.
thanks again for the heads up crank1.
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I maked my xperia also black. it is like you said it looks better and the same color problem with the two covers. but i have a hard case so this new Black wouldnt be damaged or get scratches.

Just changed mine from silver to black. looks the nutts , wasnt to tricky if u take ur time

instructions
Btw if anybody needs them there are Sony Ericsson's full disassembly and reassembly instructions at http://rapidshare.com/files/155696508/Guide_Working_Instructions_Mechanical_X1i.pdf.html . I found them much more useful than the video.
Still not for the fainthearted though. Bits have to be unstuck and restuck (some form of EM resistant tape) and the instructions leave you still with small bits of plastic stuck to the covers at the end. And now my earpiece buzzes most alarmingly. But I do have a fully chromed X1!

Also, attached is Sony Ericsson's software for testing all the features of X1, so that you can check everything works properly after you reassemble.

For those who replaced their X1 housing - How long did it take for the whole process?
Thanks!

Dropped my precious HD2 ... doh!

Hey guys,
Just got out the car, fell over the cat and my HD2 has slipped from my top pocket and slammed screen down into the concrete driveway, doh! The screen is obliterated with cracks ... however
1. The picture is 100% clear/fine
2. The touchscreen works 100%
Can I just replace the top glass cover/screen, or is it an all in one combined unit? Im confident with electronics, just wish to know the answer before part hunting and stripping the device.
Cheers
Mike

Vapourmike said:
Hey guys,
Just got out the car, fell over the cat and my HD2 has slipped from my top pocket and slammed screen down into the concrete driveway, doh! The screen is obliterated with cracks ... however
1. The picture is 100% clear/fine
2. The touchscreen works 100%
Can I just replace the top glass cover/screen, or is it an all in one combined unit? Im confident with electronics, just wish to know the answer before part hunting and stripping the device.
Cheers
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would call HTC. They are good on their prices when it comes to fixing stuff that is out of warranty. A guy I knew got his Nexus One screen replaced for $90.

ap3604 said:
I would call HTC. They are good on their prices when it comes to fixing stuff that is out of warranty. A guy I knew got his Nexus One screen replaced for $90.
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Click to collapse
Problem is, I cannot afford to be without my phone, the phone is still usable its just difficult to read through the cracks, the image and touchscreen still work perfect, it's as if another layer of glass sits overtop.
Im 100% confident in stripping electronics etc, was just after a quick answer as to whether anyone knew if this was likely to be an entire screen or just a digitizer, if no one knows I will just strip it down tomorrow when I can get to my T drivers.

check out this vid on dissembling the hd2 - you might find your answer there..hope it helps
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/03/02...g-the-htc-hd2/

look on craigslist. a lot of shady places replace your broken screens for cheap

Moschino02 said:
check out this vid on dissembling the hd2 - you might find your answer there..hope it helps
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/03/02...g-the-htc-hd2/
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Click to collapse
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/03/02/official-htc-step-by-step-video-for-disassembling-the-htc-hd2/

mrroey said:
look on craigslist. a lot of shady places replace your broken screens for cheap
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I'm happy to repair myself as I see no reason to pay someone money when I work with electronics daily and I can locate parts easily, just need to know if its the digitizer or the LCD that's broken without pulling the device apart.
Also, thank you for the link above, will give that a look now, I really think it's just the top digitizer as the screen still shows a crystal clear image, the backlight works fine and the touchscreen works too, its just badly cracked.

This happened to me (apart from the cat), however it seems you got lucky, the LED screen decided to break, has all funny white lines over it but the glass is perfect.
^^ As far as going to fix it your self is concerned, I would have tried myself, however I just know with my luck that something would go wrong and it wouldnt work D:

I usually go via the DIY route but I've seen too many stories where HD2 repairs have gone horribly wrong. It seems that replacing one part is fairly straightforward but avoiding damage to others is not. I'm sure that as miniaturization continues repairs, even by talented amateurs, will become impossible.

It's your digitizer. It's available online. Just make sure you get the right one for your country. TMO-US uses a different one than everywhere else, I believe. Also, watch the video linked above. The digitizer removal I hear is somewhat tricky. Good luck!

Hi there and hello from Croatia!well,i must say changing digitizer on hd2 aint easy.lcd is glued with some special glue type and after you glue them up u need to glue digitizer for housing,for that im using ebay double sided iphone 3m tape but it is not strong enough.as for the hardware inside u ned to be 100% concentrated on this cuz flat for keypad is 30$...digitizer around 50$...chinese resellers with good quality.good luck!

Replacing Tf300 Digitizer

Hi i have looked just about everywhere i can find and have been unable to find any sort of concrete information, if anyone has themselves replaced the digitizer how did you go about doing it? As of now i am unable to tell if it is possible to take the screen off from the front and snake the connector back through where the other one went and just hook it all in that way (it is my understanding that it is held in by double sided tape making this possible) thus avoiding taking it apart piece by piece, or if i will have to take the entire unit apart piece by piece to do the install(also i suppose if anyone knows a few specific screws that will release the whole insides as one unit it would be very helpful). Anyways anyone with any experience doing this your advice would be greatly appreciated and if not i suppose i will be tinkering with it and try to figure it out on my own.

adv0589 said:
Hi i have looked just about everywhere i can find and have been unable to find any sort of concrete information, if anyone has themselves replaced the digitizer how did you go about doing it? As of now i am unable to tell if it is possible to take the screen off from the front and snake the connector back through where the other one went and just hook it all in that way (it is my understanding that it is held in by double sided tape making this possible) thus avoiding taking it apart piece by piece, or if i will have to take the entire unit apart piece by piece to do the install(also i suppose if anyone knows a few specific screws that will release the whole insides as one unit it would be very helpful). Anyways anyone with any experience doing this your advice would be greatly appreciated and if not i suppose i will be tinkering with it and try to figure it out on my own.
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Try youtube. I found one for the eepad tf101 i think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-6dKsGJ4VY&feature=plcp its the best reference you can get...otherwise keep trying repair websites I think Ifixit would be a good place ( although I can't be 100% sure). I dont know for sure but it seems that the lcd and the digitiser are most likely adhered together, most capacitive displays are these days are; so the best option would be to use a heat gun to seperate the two or i guess a hairdryer. But thats after you remove all the frame and stuff off it lololol. So you might just have to spend at LEAST two days with nothing to do besides repair...If it happened to me and if asus voided my warranty or i ran out of warranty I would do it...considering I have experience with repairing laptop lcds and phones, so I guess I would be brave enough to try. Otherwise the cost of repair is 200+...and by comparing replacement digitisers http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Asus-EeePad-Transformer-TF300-Touch-Screen-Digitizer-Glass-Replacement-Brand-New-/280929374154?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4168b20fca#ht_4213wt_1397 this being the cheapest, you might have to look at the most viable option here. Hope this helps. Goodluck