[MINI PRO][SK17][CICADA] Continuous electrostatic noise when the device is active

Do you have that noise?

  • yes

    Votes: 98 62.4%
  • no

    Votes: 59 37.6%

  • Total voters
    157
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garychencool

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2011
155
14
11W32

Well that's what the sticker said but chances are this device is really a refurbished or mostly new phone...

The warranty ended two months ago since I got the phone last year in September and I'm pretty sure it has ended so I can't send it back. And I got it back in late August and I really didn't want to send it back again, and again.
 

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  • 4
    Hi all!

    I've got some strange electrostatic noise from the back side of my mini pro (when the screen is on and even off - just listen to it longer). And it turned out that the problem is common for new mini pro (some people just doesn't mention it). Looks like it is hardware one, so it could harm overall device work in the future (no one know when). So this thread was started to collect all related info: reasons, workarounds, solutions, official comments etc. If you're sk17 owner, please, take part in this thread (check instructions below).

    Sony tells that the problem was solved. So if you have this issue:
    1. Update the software of your device via SEUS or PC Companion
    2. Visit repair centre if the problem remains
    3. Having troubles with the repairment? Contact Johan-SEAnswers on official SE forum

    Noise samples
    Audio:
    http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=17067629&postcount=74
    Video (sorry for Russian comments :)):
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-BKIxDxOdc (with back cover)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71UresimhaQ (without back cover)
    Another sample (not mine) with SE comment:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rapg47uyQU

    News
    • 27.oct.2.3.4 update launched. They removed the noise from videos. But it's just a workaround. You can still hear it by putting the backside of your sk17 to your ear with the screen turned on.
    • 05.oct.Cricket Team rebranded to Cicada Team. More info...; firmware update time shifted to late October - early November.
      12.sep.: SE promises to solve the problem via software update (check this post for details). The same day me and BlackArty got similar emails from Russian SE Customer Support, which promised to launch that update in mid-October.
    • SE really approved the problem? Check Linkinsoldier post for details.
    • Thanks to sxxorp we have massive update. Check the official thread.

    All sk17 owners! Please contribute to the related thread on SE official community! Don't let them to forget about the problem.

    ==> http://communities-origin.sonyericsson.com/thread/22121?start=0&tstart=0 <==

    You can use the following template (bold text should be replaced by the data of your sk17):
    My mini pro has electrostatic noise when the device is active.

    Device model: sk17i (your country)
    SI 1249-4753
    Prod. week: 11W28
    All the info could be found on the sticker under the battery.

    What devices have this problem?
    At the moment both SK17i and SK17a are reported to have this issue. Production weeks mentioned: 11W28, 11W29, 11W30, 11W31, 11W32, 11W33, 11W34, 11W35, 11W36, 11W37, 11W38.

    How to check the device?
    1. Listen to samples to know what kind of noise we're speaking about.
    2. Turn the screen on, place the backside of your mini pro near your ear and here it is (the best part of the backside to 'enjoy' that sound is upper left corner, right under the headphones jack). Though sometimes you can hear it even when you're calling someone if the environment is quite enough. And it's still here when the screen is off (not continuous if there's no active apps; several short clicks with silent intervals). Actually, the noise is here when the device is active (even with the screen off). For example, connect headphones, start the music player, lock the screen and check the noise.
    3. Please, share the results of your tests in comments below and take part in SE community discussion mentioned above. This could help us to know more about this problem and get it faster to solve the issue. If you do not have the noise, please, make a short video in silent environment, upload it to youtube or somewhere else and share the link with us!
    4. Contact SE support in your country with the problem description via email, twitter, facebook etc. If you'll get some interesting info from them, please, share it with us.
    The device is checked. What to post?

    Please, first of all contribute to the related thread in official SE community (look at the BIG red text above).
    1. Do your device has that noise or not? If not, proove it by video sample.
    2. Info about your device: SK17i or SK17a, country, SI and production week (a string like "11W28", which means 28th week of 2011; you may use the template under the BIG red text). All could be found at the sticker under the battery.
    3. (optional:))Some extra info that could be useful for other sk17 owners: probable reasons, workarounds / solutions, official SE answers, comments etc.


    Official information
    • Here's the related discussion on official SE Community:
      http://talk.sonyericsson.com/thread/22121?tstart=0
    • We've got more info. SE promises to solve the problem via software update (check this post for details). The same day me and BlackArty got similar emails from Russian SE Customer Support, which promised to launch that update in mid-October.
    • I sent an email to Russian SE Customer Support. They told me to go to service. Without any comments. It was done on August, 20.
      UPD The phone got back on August, 25 with software reinstalled and noise persisted. Though they told me that 'there's no described problem'.
      sxxorp has got a little bit more info from them. Check his posts: #31 and #32.
    • Somewhat like the first official approval of the problem: SE left the comment under one of the 'noisy videos':
      Hi Everyone, we are investigating this noise that some people are hearing. Please be sure to check out our forum at our website for any more news. - Jeff
      There's the similar comment in the official thread.

    Probable reasons

    No ideas for now.

    Workarounds / solutions
    • Removing the back cover reduces the noise.
    • Looks like plugging USB-cable in (doesn't matter if it's plugged into laptop or charger) removes the noise. But still some quite clicks (not so annoying though).
    • (thanks to BlackArty)The noise disappears when the processor is loaded heavily. For example, run the StabilityTest (could be downloaded from Market for free) and check your device. You'll hear only 'metronome clicks'.
      Check post #3 and #10 by sxxorp to find out what else we've tried to do.

    Similar threads

    If you know some related threads on any forums, post link to them in the comments. I'll add them here. Just don't forget to mention its language.
    Official SE community (Eng): http://talk.sonyericsson.com/thread/22121?tstart=0
    Androidforums (Eng): http://androidforums.com/sony-erics...o-video-playback-static-background-noise.html
    Sony-Ericsson.ru (Ru): http://www.sony-ericsson.ru/forums2/index.php?showtopic=64895
    4pda.ru (Ru): http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=269616

    Thanks in advance for your contribution!
    Regards,
    the Cicada Team =) (former Cricket Team)

    P.S. Cicada Team & Cricket Team names (c) by sxxorp.
    P.P.S. My mini pro is SK17i, 11W28, SI 1249-4753.
    4
    finally got a satisfactory answer from sony ericsson:

    "We regret to inform you that there really are problems with this model. The aforementioned problem has been escalated and we are already working on an appropriate solution. Whether these is going to happen in the form of an update or a revision in the hardware, we can not tell you at the moment. But this will soon be the case."

    I keep you posted... but this sounds great!
    4
    NEWS!

    "Got my replacement this morning and it is '11w31.
    Viedeo recording static noise still happens.

    phones4u in the UK have told me that all the xperia mini pro's have been 'quarantined' meaning they have been sent back to manufacurer, which I could pretty much guess because of the above issue."
    From GSMArena forum...

    One fact is for sure, I checked the SE sets that can be ordered - Mini Pro is missing: http://www.phones4u.co.uk/shop/shop_contract_sub.asp?ManKey=5
    first sign of hope...

    UPD: Please contribute to this thread!!!: http://talk.sonyericsson.com/thread/22121?tstart=0
    4
    Some massive updates on the official thread! Possibly I also deserve some pressing of Thanks :D :D, check it:) http://talk.sonyericsson.com/message/100679#100679
    Highlights:
    - GSMarena rumour (though now I see Likvit posted it also here)
    - official Facebook comment
    - step forward in my humble story :)
    - and last, but not least Linkinsoldier's hope-raising comment from here;)
    - more editing to ensure easy accessibility of essential info

    @Linkinsoldier: sorry mate, I post this to the official thread, with your subsequent permission :)
    @Likvit: Hi, I'm also active there (GGG) :), there are frequent posts with colorful rumours seen nowhere else :)
    4
    @sur1k:

    can you please maybe add the issue about "hearing similar noice" during call out of the phone speakers or when putting your ear on the speaker will display is on.

    I think this is an even bigger issue for the phone :/
    Added. I hear it too. Even during a call.

    The first post was updated.

    Changed thread name, added info about new thread on SE community and 11W32, added the list of related threads on different forums.

    sxxorp, check your thanks meter :)