Pixel C Hardware repair - Pixel C General

Hi,
I got a dead Pixel C and managed to open it, it looks (sounds) like a defective switching power module is the culprit.
Being somewhat qualified for electronics repair, I'd like to attempt to fix it.
So I am now looking for a schematic of the device, does anyone have a pointer where to get it?
(All schematics are available, they are just very hard to find
Thanks,
pit

I use ifixit website for tearing apart devices. If you have a heat gun, spudger, suction cup, and soft hands, taking apart the device is rather painless. I just repaired the split screen issue where the connection to the actual screen comes loose.

0xpit said:
Hi,
I got a dead Pixel C and managed to open it, it looks (sounds) like a defective switching power module is the culprit.
Being somewhat qualified for electronics repair, I'd like to attempt to fix it.
So I am now looking for a schematic of the device, does anyone have a pointer where to get it?
(All schematics are available, they are just very hard to find
Thanks,
pit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forget what board view software Louis Rossman uses but I bet it might have it
Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] Scrap Screen Part

I rather recently received this chinese tablet, and unfortunately whilst charging the tablet it stopped powering on and working period, so I took it apart and salvaged the working parts. I am inquiring about the name of the screen connector and the touch surface connector. I have attached images of them both below.
Anyone?
Anyone? please?
Anything written on the back of the screen which may help?
MacaronyMax said:
Anything written on the back of the screen which may help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope just empy space my best guess would be a C or D sized ribbon cable but im not sure and If I can learn the pin out I can just wire it up to a VGA or the likes the touch screen is another story I also need to know how much power this thing runs on because Im sure ive got the resources to power it.
The main thing is getting the LCD controller: is there some chip or PCB somewhere on (or inside maybe?) the housing of LCD display? If not, you'll find the chip on the tablet's mainboard, and by searching for it's name, you might find a complete controller with VGA/S-Video/Composite/RGB input (something that's supported by controller), and you hook up the display there.
Simpler way, how I'd do it, would be to look up for the datasheet of chip on the Google, and then wire the inputs according to pinout in datasheet.
It might take time to find out how to power it up and how to feed it with image, but in the end it should work - currently I'm working on a same thing, but with LCD taken from portable DVD player with controller in the LCD housing.
It seems to have the controller on the accessory board, I will try to look for the data sheets like you said, thank you so much
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
Your post is asking for the name of those 2 connectors? They are called flexible ribbon cable, easy to break and imo not really flexible at all, cause they break.
Can't remember how many of those buggers I broke over the years.
sent from my legend, currently using extream legend fuse™
ranger4740 said:
Your post is asking for the name of those 2 connectors? They are called flexible ribbon cable, easy to break and imo not really flexible at all, cause they break.
Can't remember how many of those buggers I broke over the years.
sent from my legend, currently using extream legend fuse™
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Just the information I needed thank you!

[Q] Screen flicker - suspected hardware problem

Greetings,
I tried to search for this problem on this forum but I couldn't find anything specific to this device.
The tablet works fine in all aspects, except the screen flickers when the aluminum back is stressed, i.e. when its being held. The tablet screen will flicker in brightness as the back is pressed.
Usually the most reliable way to reproduce the problem is to flex the tablet, as if you were trying to split a piece of plastic into two by gradually flexing it until it breaks.
Therefore, I have concluded it is a hardware problem, but I don't know exactly what.
I apologize if I'm difficult to understand, and if you need any clarification, let me know.
Thank you everyone for your time.
-Kevin
ktong747 said:
Greetings,
I tried to search for this problem on this forum but I couldn't find anything specific to this device.
The tablet works fine in all aspects, except the screen flickers when the aluminum back is stressed, i.e. when its being held. The tablet screen will flicker in brightness as the back is pressed.
Usually the most reliable way to reproduce the problem is to flex the tablet, as if you were trying to split a piece of plastic into two by gradually flexing it until it breaks.
Therefore, I have concluded it is a hardware problem, but I don't know exactly what.
I apologize if I'm difficult to understand, and if you need any clarification, let me know.
Thank you everyone for your time.
-Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Kevin,
Yeah, seems like a hardware issue. But I advise not to "flex" the back too much
Probably could be 2 things.
1. Loose connector for the digitizer
2. Bad digitizer
3. Something grounding out against the case.
So my guess would be to spit the case apart. You can find videos on Google Search showing the procedure at You Tube. Then a good inspection of components, paying attention to connectors and the boards (for cracking).
I saw the other day that there are plenty of parts available for the 500, like digitizers, display glass and several other items. Check E-bay.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
Hey Kevin,
Yeah, seems like a hardware issue. But I advise not to "flex" the back too much
Probably could be 2 things.
1. Loose connector for the digitizer
2. Bad digitizer
3. Something grounding out against the case.
So my guess would be to spit the case apart. You can find videos on Google Search showing the procedure at You Tube. Then a good inspection of components, paying attention to connectors and the boards (for cracking).
I saw the other day that there are plenty of parts available for the 500, like digitizers, display glass and several other items. Check E-bay.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice Moscow Desire. I've taken the back off before but noticed nothing unusual. Should I just take every component that can be separated out and inspect it? Sounds like a recipe for disaster for an inexperienced person like me.
ktong747 said:
Thanks for your advice Moscow Desire. I've taken the back off before but noticed nothing unusual. Should I just take every component that can be separated out and inspect it? Sounds like a recipe for disaster for an inexperienced person like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Moscow Desire,
I have taken my tablet apart with the instruction from the videos but I didn't see anything that is loosen so far. Do you think I will need to unscrew everything until I take out the screen to know what's wrong? My screen keeps flickering with white lines at the edge of the screen and it's really annoying. :crying:
Thanks!

Uses for a N7 Mobo?

I've got a broken nexus 7 that I tore down after the screen shattered with a good motherboard... Is there anything I can do with it? Any possibility of outputting to a screen?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
You might be able to check the wiring to the screen on the nexus and see if the wire leads match any of the know configurations of other video sources and possible hard wire it into another video source. You might have to change the resolution to match the screen you use though. Anyway, you will still have to use a keyboard and mouse.
You could scour the internet to see if the LCD panel & digitizer can be purchased somewhere. But possibly that might cost half as much as a replacement.
You could sell it on eBay as a "broken - for parts" listing.
You could see if Asus will quote a repair for you.
If everything still operates normally as far as the USB port & physical buttons are concerned (it still operates correctly as far as software is concerned), donate it to a dev who wants to try cracking APX mode on the N7; either that or become that dev yourself! I suppose there are folks who are willing to try, but don't want to put their own unit at risk of hard-bricking.
Well that's 4 suggestions. Sorry to hear about your device.
Mine shattered too and I took the battery out. Will use it for my replacement (which I got the N73G) if the battery ever dies.
Sorry for your loss.
cyanogendroid said:
I've got a broken nexus 7 that I tore down after the screen shattered with a good motherboard... Is there anything I can do with it? Any possibility of outputting to a screen?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't mention if the LCD broke as well.
If the LCD is still working, just use a USB mouse with the device.
Otherwise, if the LCD is no good, part-out the unit.
Look to ebay for avg asking prices for various modules.
As for the MoBo, since this system was really designed to be touch-centric, unless you can really create a new ROM for the unit that doesn't rely on touch (the Ubuntu ROM maybe?) it's uses are limited.
With the Ubuntu ROM you might be able to turn it into a web/media/file server. But then again, it may not start up if it can't find all the peripherals it thinks should be attached.

Swapping Motherboard

Unfortunately I dropped my xt907 (with some serious force) and smashed the screen.It appears that the phone itself is still functioning because lights are flashing, its making notification sounds and when connecting to my computer via USB i can access all my files. Since i dont want to buy a new one and be handcuffed with a locked boot loader I'm going to attempt a repair. Does anyone know if putting my motherboard into another phone (maybe with a bad ESN) will bring my phone back to life? My other thought was to salvage the motherboard, battery and camera and just install them in a brand new LCD screen, digatizer and backing. any feedback would be appreciated!
Just pick one up off Ebay or something and swap the screens... Its rather easy to do in my opinion... I usually grab one that's water damaged...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
ezknives said:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Btw how is KK soak bld hunting getting on?
I wish it was as simple as replacing the screen but the backside got all messed up too. I managed to get the board out but in doing so there was a tiny metal hinge looking thing that broke off the backside of the board next to there the power plug. I'm sure that completes a circuit somewhere so I guess my little project is over. not good.
aviwdoowks said:
Btw how is KK soak bld hunting getting on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ole lady won't let me on the PC to flash back to stock I on the hunt for a recovery flashable unmodified stock ..
PantherVT said:
I wish it was as simple as replacing the screen but the backside got all messed up too. I managed to get the board out but in doing so there was a tiny metal hinge looking thing that broke off the backside of the board next to there the power plug. I'm sure that completes a circuit somewhere so I guess my little project is over. not good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you post a pic...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
here are some photos. I have circled the area of the motherboard that was chipped. In motherboard1 the piece that broke off is in the photo as well. In the backing photo I circled the area that may be a contact point to complete a circuit.
Yeah that looks done... It may just be for the wifi but doesn't look like it can be Jimmy rigged ... I was thinking maybe a touch of foil on it but I don't see any tracers to make the connection
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
Yeah i think some solder and a a little luck would be my only shot. Ill probably just try to buy a used one that someone already unlocked.
That's for the LTE Rx antenna. The motherboard will probably still work, but you will have diminished LTE reception.
That motherboard might still be useful for someone who is using their phone on GSM networks and can't use LTE anyway.
I might be interested in it if you'd be willing to sell it real cheap.
GnatGoSplat said:
That's for the LTE Rx antenna. The motherboard will probably still work, but you will have diminished LTE reception.
That motherboard might still be useful for someone who is using their phone on GSM networks and can't use LTE anyway.
I might be interested in it if you'd be willing to sell it real cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation. If I end up selling I'll let you know. Do you think the antenna can be reattached and become fully functional again?
PantherVT said:
Thanks for the explanation. If I end up selling I'll let you know. Do you think the antenna can be reattached and become fully functional again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to say, but in my opinion, the answer is YES. I don't think you'll have any chance of finding the broken trace, I sure can't see it in that photo and I'm guessing it's not visible. However, I bet one of those tiny components near where it used to be was directly connected to it. You would need either a wiring diagram or trace an undamaged motherboard with the ohms setting of a multimeter to see if any of those components were directly connected to the terminal. You could then probably reform that gold terminal with tweezers, and solder a very, very tiny wire between the solder end of the appropriate component and that terminal and use a good strong epoxy to glue the terminal back down to the board in its correct location. You'd need a really good pencil-tip soldering iron, really steady hands, and good soldering skills to do that kind of micro-soldering.
I'm thinking to part out the RAZR M that I bricked over the weekend. If you're interested, I can test my board to see if any of those nearby components have continuity to the terminal.
Not sure if you're still wanting to fix it, but I pulled my bricked RAZR M apart today and saw this is a pretty easy fix.
That terminal connects directly to the lower of the 2 black SMD components. In fact, I didn't notice before, but in your pic there is still some visible trace connected to it. Should be pretty simple to epoxy the terminal back onto the board and solder a short piece of wire onto the remainder of the trace.
I do want to fix it and will be giving it a try! I'll post the results
PantherVT said:
I do want to fix it and will be giving it a try! I'll post the results
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Luck.
I made a Mobo Transplant also once.
Got a Broken LCD phone which was damaged before the OTA (that locks our BL)
And took that and swapped it into mines =)
Now i have a good Phone with a Unlocked BL
And sold my old one back out for same price =) Win Win for me.

Pixel 4 - Need Replacement Motherboard

Hi all, was replacing my cracked screen and managed to graze some of the resistors on the motherboard and its possible one was unseated.
New screen and old screen both turn on but the touch does not register. I think I need a new motherboard.
Does anyone know where to get motherboard parts? Does anyone have one for sale as i would love to put this thing back together!
A more likely culprit is that the digitizer wasn't plugged back in properly . I would suggest that you take the phone apart again and make sure all of the connections are seated properly.
I've had a phone with motherboard issues and they generally completely stop working (black screen, no boot, etc). That's why I really don't think the touch screen issue is a result of a loose component on the mother board. That being said, if you really feel like it is a loose connection on the mother board, you can try baking the board in an oven to soften the solder joints which allows them to re-adhere when they cool down. Yes, it can actually work. Take the phone apart and stick just the motherboard (don't put the case, screen, battery, etc in the oven) in an oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. I've always rested the motherboard on top of two wooden spoons that were sitting on a cookie sheet. This keeps the motherboard off the hot metal surface and allows the hot air to get to all parts of the mother board. Remove the motherboard and let it cool down before installing the board.
Thanks Sic for the reply. You made me not give up hope. I will try again and bake some mobo.
But which wire is the actual digitizer. Is it the one on the far right?
The rest seem to attach to bumpers or usbc charger. Thanks again for reply.
Attached 2 photos. 1 is my mobo with red circles around what i think was damaged. I think this is the only connection to the screen digitizer in the phone.
The second is from IFIXIT mobo. it looks a bit different, possibly different revision but showing the same angle. Digitizer connection on top.
Could one of those circles connections cause the digitizer to not pick up finger contact but the screen works perfectly?
Looking at the two pictures, I could be easily convinced that there isn't suppose to my any components where you have your red circles. If you look at the IFIXIT picture, there are three components, then a break, then 6 more components and another break. You red circles seem to correspond with the breaks in the IFIXIT image, although it is clear that the motherboard isn't identical in the two images. Just my two cents.
sic0048 said:
Looking at the two pictures, I could be easily convinced that there isn't suppose to my any components where you have your red circles. If you look at the IFIXIT picture, there are three components, then a break, then 6 more components and another break. You red circles seem to correspond with the breaks in the IFIXIT image, although it is clear that the motherboard isn't identical in the two images. Just my two cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
Well, back to using my Pickle 3 which is still great and my Pixel 4 cupcakes are about ready. Let me check the oven.
Any update? I'm curious to know if baking the motherboard helped at all.
sic0048 said:
Any update? I'm curious to know if baking the motherboard helped at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update. Phone no longer boots after reinstalling everything.
I pre-heated to 200c ~ 400f and let it sit for 10 minutes and cool before reinstalling all the components. Was a final attempt I know.
ridethasky said:
Update. Phone no longer boots after reinstalling everything.
I pre-heated to 200c ~ 400f and let it sit for 10 minutes and cool before reinstalling all the components. Was a final attempt I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too bad. I'm not all that surprised it didn't help, but I am surprised it actually made the problem worse.
Perhaps one of the components was loose and baking it made the connection fail completely. As I noted before, motherboard issues generally result in a no boot situation.
Baking it was a last ditch effort to try to get it to work, but don't feel like you have to quit now. You can try baking it again - perhaps for slightly longer this time. You have nothing to loose and perhaps it will cause a bad connection to re-solidify. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Hello I am sorry that your phone is not working. I was wondering if you do find a new board if you wanted to sell me your old mother board. I want to try a project of replacing the ram chip with a 16gb chip but to do so I need a old board.
Hello, I have the same problem, my pixel 4 XL got wet (I know, it was stupid) it reaches a depth of 2 meters, I opened it to myself if I could save it and it was completely rusty. and several transistors and chips came out. So I decided to look for a motherboard to repair it. anyone know where i can get the replacement? :crying: :crying: :crying:
ridethasky said:
Does anyone have one for sale as i would love to put this thing back together!
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Thread closed and cleaned! Do not sell or trade on XDA!
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7. Do not sell or trade on the forums.
If you wish to advertise a product, simply contact us. We can provide ads but you are not permitted to just post it in the forums. If you do, it will be removed and you're likely to receive a ban.
The buying, selling, trading and / or exchanging of any item is now prohibited on XDA, in any forum or via Private Messages. We now use www.swappa.com
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