TF300 Back removed

graphdarnell

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Jan 25, 2012
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my gf broke the the LCD and digitizer, does anyone know how much Asus charges for repair because from what I understand few people have been succesful in replacing them themselves, or do I stand a better chance with a digitizer LCD combo? the warranty seal already seems to have broken in the fall.
You'd be better off buying a used one. I don't anticipate anything below $200.00. But with a little patience, you should be able to do it following all the advices in this thread. I did it, no big deal. Though to me, the fun is more in doing it, not in getting the end result. A combo would be hard to come by. I haven't seen one anywhere, except one place in Washington State but they were out of stock at the time. Try "laptopscreen.com". Putting the screens together is not that hard unless you're really clumsy. Just handle it the way you do your girlfriend. But you should follow the steps in strict order. Good luck.

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 PM ----------

So you got your touchscreen working with the borrowed T/S board? Because I'm there... Got the keyboard, setup the unit from scratch, updated all the firmware as well as lastest OS and everything that I couldn't test before works EXCEPT for the freaking touchscreen still! If the T/S Board is the fix at this point - I suppose I'd like to know where to get one, because even with a keyboard, this thing is severly handicapped without a touch function.
Yes M8t. You can get one here while they still have them:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190784972545?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Or you can wait a little. I might have a member send me one card to test. If it works, maybe you can convince the person to sell it to you. Either way, just remember to black it out before replacing the board.
 
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mabretske

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Mar 23, 2011
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You'd be better off buying a used one. I don't anticipate anything below $200.00. But with a little patience, you should be able to do it following all the advices in this thread. I did it, no big deal. Though to me, the fun is more in doing it, not in getting the end result. A combo would be hard to come by. I haven't seen one anywhere, except one place in Washington State but they were out of stock at the time. Try "laptopscreen.com". Putting the screens together is not that hard unless you're really clumsy. Just handle it the way you do your girlfriend. But you should follow the steps in strict order. Good luck.

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 PM ----------



Yes M8t. You can get one here while they still have them:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190784972545?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Or you can wait a little. I might have a member send me one card to test. If it works, maybe you can convince the person to sell it to you. Either way, just remember to black it out before replacing the board.
Awful nice of you to be testing stuff out for folks.. Sounds like you are putting your unit at risk everytime you do something like that? Also sounds like I have an extra digitizer.. I'll have to test it out once I get this thing working..
 

graphdarnell

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Jan 25, 2012
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Awful nice of you to be testing stuff out for folks.. Sounds like you are putting your unit at risk everytime you do something like that? Also sounds like I have an extra digitizer.. I'll have to test it out once I get this thing working..
I volunteered to test that board because I was looking for a working one when we talked. Also, I was curious whether having the unit plugged in while replacing the screens might trigger something negative. Doesn't appear coincidental lots of units going through replacement would go belly up afterwards. Seems not a lot of people think about detaching the battery when working on it. But apparently, the person hasn't gotten around to it. I would post the result if and when ascertained.
 

Stempanssi

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Mar 28, 2012
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I just put everything together but no!
It does NOT work. Fu*k.
I am now downloading latest asus firmware but what do you guys suggest me to do? My sdcard still works...
 

graphdarnell

Senior Member
Jan 25, 2012
714
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I just put everything together but no!
It does NOT work. Fu*k.
I am now downloading latest asus firmware but what do you guys suggest me to do? My sdcard still works...
Oh Crap!!!

People must be tired of this question but did you detach the battery? Could you tell exactly what you did? Up here, seems installing a new dig is an accident waiting to happen. Mine went bad when I dropped and smashed the screen, so it doesn't count. But a few have managed to fry it during. If we are to help others by putting together a comprehensive guide, we need to know what possibly trips us up. The fact that the sd card slot still works is just that. The TS circuitry is totally different. One can go down without affecting the other.

You need to inspect the cable first. Pay particular attention to the green part with the help of a magnifying glass or even a microscope because tiny tears cannot be detected with the naked eye. Make sure you do that with the cable connectors' (metal strips) ends too. Move onto the board's connectors. Look inside to see if any pin has been bent out of place. Look beneath the opposite black tabs used to lock the cable in place for any abnormality. From there, go to the silver flat cable. Do the same thing with the cable ends and the connectors on both MB and TS boards. If I seem meticulous, it's due to personal experience. I destroyed the cable and the TS board's connector when I first removed it, which damage could only be seen through a lens.

If no physical defect then of course either the dig or the board is bad. I highly suspect the latter though you might want to take issue with the vendor about the former and ask if they test before shipping (who is it anyway?). In my case, if everything is right, the device would start updating the firmware for the TS right after the splash screen. All the roms I've tried do work so it's definitely not software. Gotta run now, but let me know. TTYL.
 
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Stempanssi

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Oh Crap!!!

People must be tired of this question but did you detach the battery? Could you tell exactly what you did? Up here, seems installing a new dig is an accident waiting to happen. Mine went bad when I dropped and smashed the screen, so it doesn't count. But a few have managed to fry it during. If we are to help others by putting together a comprehensive guide, we need to know what possibly trips us up. The fact that the sd card slot still works is just that. The TS circuitry is totally different. One can go down without affecting the other.

You need to inspect the cable first. Pay particular attention to the green part with the help of a magnifying glass or even a microscope because tiny tears cannot be detected with the naked eye. Make sure you do that with the cable connectors' (metal strips) ends too. Move onto the board's connectors. Look inside to see if any pin has been bent out of place. Look beneath the opposite black tabs used to lock the cable in place for any abnormality. From there, go to the silver flat cable. Do the same thing with the cable ends and the connectors on both MB and TS boards. If I seem meticulous, it's due to personal experience. I destroyed the cable and the TS board's connector when I first removed it, which damage could only be seen through a lens.

If no physical defect then of course either the dig or the board is bad. I highly suspect the latter though you might want to take issue with the vendor about the former and ask if they test before shipping (who is it anyway?). In my case, if everything is right, the device would start updating the firmware for the TS right after the splash screen. All the roms I've tried do work so it's definitely not software. Gotta run now, but let me know. TTYL.
It is getting late over here so I am going to answer more tomorrow...
I did not detach battery ( I know I should´ve :( ). I just put everything together. I then after this tried to reseat the ribbon cable and try again, but no. I will check your tip tomorrow.
Thank you!

P.S. I am starting to wonder about this GO1 and GO3, there should also be a third one (which my original one was) it has no GO just a code with FPC-1 at the end. May there be certain ts boards for certain dig type?
 

mabretske

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Mar 23, 2011
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Stempassi,

Now ur in the same boat I am.. I'm not going back in without a TS PCB. Its on order.. Look at the bright side - you just wrapped up the hard part (probably).

I kept a tight handle on which firmware that got updated as well after getting my keyboard. T/S firmware is one of the few items that did not update.

Android OS, Kernal, B/T, GPS, Camera, WiFi, Build all got updated.

Touchpanel, Pad EC Version and Mobile Dock Version did not.

As stated by GD, I am guessing Touchpanel will update after its working. But, will see for sure in due time.

Its not like me to dedicate so much time into the repair of a consumer grade product.. I don't know why I'm doing this.. But I am..

Can I see a show of hands from all who wish they'd optd for the Drop Insurance???
 
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Stempanssi

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Mar 28, 2012
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Hey!
1. So the moment the tablet starts to update its touch firmware, it is the TS boards, right?
2. This means no difference in GO1, GO2 or the one without either.
3. In my case my ts is broken because it did not update anything after powering on?
4. Will I be able to just buy a new ts (the one I got says rev. 3) and after that I would work? I do NOT want to spend any more money to waste....

And mabretske, you have ordered a new ts, right? And what GO did you have?

Graphdarnell what does it say on your ts board and dig. Does it also say rev 3 on the ts backside? And on the dig ....?

Sorry but I am just trying to clear things up for me here :)
 
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graphdarnell

Senior Member
Jan 25, 2012
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Hey!
1. So the moment the tablet starts to update its touch firmware, it is the TS boards, right?
2. This means no difference in GO1, GO2 or the one without either.
3. In my case my ts is broken because it did not update anything after powering on?
4. Will I be able to just buy a new ts (the one I got says rev. 3) and after that I would work? I do NOT want to spend any more money to waste....

And mabretske, you have ordered a new ts, right? And what GO did you have?

Graphdarnell what does it say on your ts board and dig. Does it also say rev 3 on the ts backside? And on the dig ....?

Sorry but I am just trying to clear things up for me here :)
I don't know that your TS board is bad. I'd assume it is from what you described. The question is how we got there. Anyways, I'm not sure why numbers make so much difference for you but here we go: the original dig on mine has no version number printed. The current one is GO1. The current TS Board is version 1.3. If you order from the source I quoted above, they have a return policy if the item is defective. So you're safe. Just do not f.. up on your own and return as if it's their fault. These guys can't afford fudges, I don't think.
 
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Stempanssi

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I don't know that your TS board is bad. I'd assume it is from what you described. The question is how we got there. Anyways, I'm not sure why numbers make so much difference for you but here we go: the original dig on mine has no version number printed. The current one is GO1. The current TS Board is version 1.3. If you order from the source I quoted above, they have a return policy if the item is defective. So you're safe. Just do not f.. up on your own and return as if it's their fault. These guys can't afford fudges, I don't think.
Yea and you do have a working tablet now.
 

mabretske

Senior Member
Mar 23, 2011
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Hey!
1. So the moment the tablet starts to update its touch firmware, it is the TS boards, right?
2. This means no difference in GO1, GO2 or the one without either.
3. In my case my ts is broken because it did not update anything after powering on?
4. Will I be able to just buy a new ts (the one I got says rev. 3) and after that I would work? I do NOT want to spend any more money to waste....

And mabretske, you have ordered a new ts, right? And what GO did you have?

Graphdarnell what does it say on your ts board and dig. Does it also say rev 3 on the ts backside? And on the dig ....?

Sorry but I am just trying to clear things up for me here :)
1. Dunno.. Sounds like it from GD's accounting.. Putting my money there.. Literally..
2) Dunno.. yet..
3) Maybe broken.. likely if you ask me.. From GD's investigation, possibly from the incident that shattered the digi in the first place OR, more likely, digi plugged in/unplugged with battery still connected. I'm just guessing mine will update because it hasn't been working since last May. It sat around broken for a long time until digi's were reasonably priced.
4) Pretty decent chance from what GD experienced.. Mine should be coming in the next couple days if you want to hold out and see how that goes..
5) I have never pulled out my TS board and have no idea if anything is printed on it or not.. But I'll sure let you know in the next couple days or so.. I ordered from the contact info that GD supplied - not sure if it's new - but the seller has a whole lot of positive feedback - so I took the chance..

Hope that helps..

Mike
 
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Stempanssi

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1. Dunno.. Sounds like it from GD's accounting.. Putting my money there.. Literally..
2) Dunno.. yet..
3) Maybe broken.. likely if you ask me.. From GD's investigation, possibly from the incident that shattered the digi in the first place OR, more likely, digi plugged in/unplugged with battery still connected. I'm just guessing mine will update because it hasn't been working since last May. It sat around broken for a long time until digi's were reasonably priced.
4) Pretty decent chance from what GD experienced.. Mine should be coming in the next couple days if you want to hold out and see how that goes..
5) I have never pulled out my TS board and have no idea if anything is printed on it or not.. But I'll sure let you know in the next couple days or so.. I ordered from the contact info that GD supplied - not sure if it's new - but the seller has a whole lot of positive feedback - so I took the chance..

Hope that helps..

Mike
Yes. The one you bought from is the only one who sells atleast on ebay.
But yes I will wait and see how it goes for you... please report your progress asap :)
 

graphdarnell

Senior Member
Jan 25, 2012
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ASUS owes us all new Spare TS Boards!
Haha! Hold your horses cowboy! We're still investigating. If Mab could get his to work after replacing in accordance with the collective experience so far, this might show it's not Asus's fault, apart from the fact they did not tell us to cut off all currents. Then again, it's not their legal duty to inform us so, no obligation to support DIY adventures. I can't say I'm sympathetic to corporate maneuvers aimed at maximizing profits at the expense of the little guys, yet our best vindication is not to reciprocate, but to deal with them fairly (my personal opinion). Don't get me wrong, 'cause should it be proven otherwise, I'll be the first to thrust a spear.

Addi. PS: Apparently, these TS boards are far and few in between. Those who buy one from the source I gave and get their devices to work should know it's Tandynor who "discovered" this merchant and directed me there. I had searched Ebay before that and could find nothing. We have him to thank for, not me.
 
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mabretske

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Mar 23, 2011
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bupkiss

Yes. The one you bought from is the only one who sells atleast on ebay.
But yes I will wait and see how it goes for you... please report your progress asap :)
Received TS PCB today with cable already installed.

Ripped this thing apart, disconnected the battery, disconnected all ribbons, replaced pcb, reconnected all ribbons and reconnected battery; BUPKISS!!

Disconnected battery and pulled MB to TS replacement ribbon and inspected - looks good.. Pulled my original ribbon and inspected it - looks good also.. Re-installed mine, and reconnected battery - BUPKISS!!

Disconnected battery again, removed TS PCB and reinstalled my original TS PCB and reinspected my cable once again - still good. Reinstalled all original stuff and reconnected battery, reassembled and everything still works but the damned touchscreen.. Been making all of these responses with the unit ever since I got the keyboard...

This is getting pretty hard to believe.. Although, I feel like I am getting proficient at the whole ribbon cable removal and insertion thing now..

Well, lets see if they'll switch it out for another - just like the digitizer..

BTW Stempassi, original and replacement TS pcb's both read Rev.1.3..
 

graphdarnell

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Jan 25, 2012
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Received TS PCB today with cable already installed.

Ripped this thing apart, disconnected the battery, disconnected all ribbons, replaced pcb, reconnected all ribbons and reconnected battery; BUPKISS!!

Disconnected battery and pulled MB to TS replacement ribbon and inspected - looks good.. Pulled my original ribbon and inspected it - looks good also.. Re-installed mine, and reconnected battery - BUPKISS!!

Disconnected battery again, removed TS PCB and reinstalled my original TS PCB and reinspected my cable once again - still good. Reinstalled all original stuff and reconnected battery, reassembled and everything still works but the damned touchscreen.. Been making all of these responses with the unit ever since I got the keyboard...

This is getting pretty hard to believe.. Although, I feel like I am getting proficient at the whole ribbon cable removal and insertion thing now..

Well, lets see if they'll switch it out for another - just like the digitizer..

BTW Stempassi, original and replacement TS pcb's both read Rev.1.3..
When it rains, it pours. Did you try with the extra dig? I guess lightning always strikes twice with Mab. Check the MB connector; make sure it's the TS Board. It's a long trip back to the East Coast of the States. They tested them before shipping out, at least that's what they said. Darn it!
 

mabretske

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Mar 23, 2011
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When it rains, it pours. Did you try with the extra dig? I guess lightning always strikes twice with Mab. Check the MB connector; make sure it's the TS Board. It's a long trip back to the East Coast of the States. They tested them before shipping out, at least that's what they said. Darn it!
I did not try with the 1st digi.. Going to send this pcb back and see if it still works, Eugene from eBay restated the fact that it was indeed tested prior to being shipped but said he would still refund for the unit. Told him I only want a refund if it still works - gonna have to test it again anyway if they're gonna resell it.

As solid, again, as this unit has been, with all of the dang disassembly and reassembly, beginning to think that there is something basic that everyone is missing. There is a mesh grounding pad on one side of the SD card receiver, and an area of the digitizer that is right underneath where is mounts that perhaps is a crucial grounding point? Looking for anything at this point.. Getting curiouser and curiouser..

MB connector didn't appear damaged.. I had never disturbed it prior to this.
 
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graphdarnell

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Jan 25, 2012
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I did not try with the 1st digi.. Going to send this pcb back and see if it still works, Eugene from eBay restated the fact that it was indeed tested prior to being shipped but said he would still refund for the unit. Told him I only want a refund if it still works - gonna have to test it again anyway if they're gonna resell it.

As solid, again, as this unit has been, with all of the dang disassembly and reassembly, beginning to think that there is something basic that everyone is missing. There is a mesh grounding pad on one side of the SD card receiver, and an area of the digitizer that is right underneath where is mounts that perhaps is a crucial grounding point? Looking for anything at this point.. Getting curiouser and curiouser..

MB connector didn't appear damaged.. I had never disturbed it prior to this.
But you can't troubleshoot until you've isolated the bad component. There are so many inter-related parts guess work is almost futile. If the MB connector is not bad, then there are only two components left: the dig and the board. I'm almost sure the board is good because none of us has had a "bad" one until your turn.

That's why you should test it with the spare dig. You don't have to assemble it. Just be careful with the ribbon. The hard part is to guess your finger's position on the screen if you're gonna have the unit lie face down with the ribbon attached to the loose spare dig. I'd connect it to a tv because it's easier to map with the big screen in front of you. The 16:9 screen is exactly in proportion to the tablet's lcd. If the padlock symbol is in the middle of the big screen, that's where you hit on the small one and drag to the right to unlock. Don't ask. I wouldn't tell you to do anything I haven't tried myself. :laugh:
 

graphdarnell

Senior Member
Jan 25, 2012
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Hey GD I saw your post on that other thread.
So do you think that Mabs new pcb is just broken or is something else wrong?
I have no idea except from talking with a technician here that between the glass screen and the PCB, the only way to find out is to begin with one component that you know for sure is working properly. In Mab's case, we assume that the board works cause it was tested before being shipped out. He had 2 screens and should have tested both but didn't. So at this point we're back at square one with the case. It's always possible, no matter how remote it may appear, that one of the screen, or both, are bad due to human mistakes (mishandling on anyone's part), but I guess we'll never find out now since Mab wanted a refund. Mab, if you're reading this, don't chicken out on us, mate (lol). Work the damn thing until it works again!