C500/SMT5600 Disassembly & Dust Fix Instructions

[Guest specialized]

I've decided to post my Do-It-Yourself solution to the C500 / SMT5600 dust problem on my website. You can find it here:

http://www.digimission.com/2005/03/29/smt5600-c500-disassembly-and-dust-fix-instructions/

I've tested it so far for 2 months+ and I'm still dust free. When I got my phone new I had dust after only 1 week! I wanted to test it for a bit longer just to be sure it works before I post it but there seems to be a lot of concern and talk about the dust issue lately. Anyone have a broken phone for a torture test?! The disassembly instructions are on my website as well. And the fix is very simple; the hardest part is opening the phone. Enjoy!

Edited July 25, 2012 by specialized

[Guest tudor]

Very nice guide and clean and coherent instructions! :D

I have thought about this solution at some point, but I was put off by the fact that the screen would remain stuck there because of the adhesive tape. You say, however, that you can take it off relatively easily. My question is: why did you take it off at all if there was no dust?

[Guest specialized]

Very nice guide and clean and coherent instructions! :D

I have thought about this solution at some point, but I was put off by the fact that the screen would remain stuck there because of the adhesive tape. You say, however, that you can take it off relatively easily. My question is: why did you take it off at all if there was no dust?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The tape is removable, so the screen is not permanently stuck. I removed the seal to test if it was easy to remove and to take pictures for the website. I added removal instructions just incase you didn't get all the dust/fingerprint/hair/etc... out before closing the phone.

Edited March 31, 2005 by specialized

[Guest tudor]

Thanks!

Do you know if there's any place where I can find that kind of rubber-sponge seal they have put around the screen originally? I suppose it should be available for DIY things.

[Guest odinjon]

Thanks for the great guide! I tried other guides, but had problems getting the upper-back case lifted.

[Guest specialized]

Thanks!

Do you know if there's any place where I can find that kind of rubber-sponge seal they have put around the screen originally? I suppose it should be available for DIY things.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The foam seal originally on the phone would have been manufactured to size and shape specifically for the phone but you might be able to find similar foam in strips at electronic stores. I choose to use the tape because its widely available, cheap, simple and you'll have a continuous & tight seal.

[Guest ekent]

Looks good. Anyone know where to get hold of this poster tape in the UK?

[Guest mcwarre]

Excellent instructions. TVM =D> =D> =D> =D>

[Guest specialized]

Looks good. Anyone know where to get hold of this poster tape in the UK?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I got the tape from Staples. It might also be called '3M Scotch Wallsaver Removable Double-Sided Tape'.

[Guest Confused Stu]

Excellent instructions Specialised! I've posted instructions on a coupe of threads as to how to strip the phone, but I've always had problems getting the top cover off. Never tried your method of putting a small screwdriver through the holes - THANK YOU! I'll be trying that next time I need to get it stripped.

I kneel in homage to a master in his craft! =D>

[Guest odinjon]

the hardest part is opening the phone.

Again, these are great instructions! 8)

But, getting that top-back cover off is very difficult, and I'm still haveing problems with it. Could you ellaborate on how you get this cover off? Perhaps a detailed close-up of the back cover would help everyone understand how it clips in, so we can better understand what to do.

Odin

Edited April 3, 2005 by odinjon

[Guest specialized]

Again, these are great instructions!   8)

But, getting that top-back cover off is very difficult, and I'm still haveing problems with it.  Could you ellaborate on how you get this cover off?  Perhaps a detailed close-up of the back cover would help everyone understand how it clips in, so we can better understand what to do.

Odin

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I sent you an email with some tips and a larger image of the top back cover. I might update the site later with the pic/tips. I hope it helped!

Edited April 4, 2005 by specialized

[Guest Hax]

I called Orange CS up on Friday afternoon, explained the problem and was told that it was a recognised issue and that they'd replace my handset for me. 8:58 the next morning, I was holding a nice, shiny, brand new SPV C500 in my clammy little mits :D

Oh yeah - and I've not got Orange Care with my phone either - so all should be able to get this service I'm sure :D I'd highly recommend at least trying for a free replacement before you start taking your phone apart :D

[Guest Gavin]

I just did this to remove dust, my phone is now dead :cry:

When I turn it on I get a white screen and nothing else :cry:

Such are the costs of having to fiddle.

[Guest specialized]

I called Orange CS up on Friday afternoon, explained the problem and was told that it was a recognised issue and that they'd replace my handset for me. 8:58 the next morning, I was holding a nice, shiny, brand new SPV C500 in my clammy little mits

Oh yeah - and I've not got Orange Care with my phone either - so all should be able to get this service I'm sure  I'd highly recommend at least trying for a free replacement before you start taking your phone apart

I would recommend trying to get a free replacement first if you still have warranty as well. Always nice to get a new phone!

I just did this to remove dust, my phone is now dead  :cry:

When I turn it on I get a white screen and nothing else  :cry:

Such are the costs of having to fiddle.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It sounds like you have a loose LCD ribbon. Behind the LCD screen there is a connector for the ribbon. Flip up the dark grey tab on the connector to loosen the ribbon. Push the ribbon back in, close the tab to secure the ribbon.

If you choose to open your phone please do so carefully.

[Guest Gavin]

It sounds like you have a loose LCD ribbon. Behind the LCD screen there is a connector for the ribbon. Flip up the dark grey tab on the connector to loosen the ribbon. Push the ribbon back in, close the tab to secure the ribbon.

If you choose to open your phone please do so carefully.

Yeah, I thought that might be it at first power up - but no joy so far :cry:

I'm an electronics tech by profession & had no trouble with the last SPV - but these C500 are so well put together inside ;)

God knows what I did!

I'll try ringing HTC tomorrow and see if they can give me any pointers and maybe the price of a repair.

I'm so annoyed with myself right now :oops:

The friggin thing was still under HTC waranty and all! But I didn't fancy having to send it away just for some dust - expensive lesson learned :cry:

[Guest arvind]

Hi ,

Just wanted to thank you for the instructions, I dismantled and re-fixed my c500 successfully. I did have some problems - and anyone planning to do this pls be prepared for minor cosmetic damages (this would depend on the patience level of the person). Otherwise this is a fine guide.

Btw, my problem was that I pushed the LED a little too much and as a result it went a little too inside (till then i was not planning to take the risk) . So I dismantled the phone to put the LED back in place .... and also cleaned the phone in the process ;)

Regards

Arvind

[Guest vtdstein95]

Alternate method to remove dust from the screen...a little long, but very effective on my SMT5600!

If you are like me, you frequently keep your mobile phone in your pants or shorts pocket. Depending on the construction of the phone, pocket lint may build up in the phone, under the keys, in the battery compartment, and worst of all on the LCD screen behind the protective, impossible to remove, clear cover. I have by accident discovered an ingenious way to clean it, just follow these simple steps:

1. place phone in pants, or shorts pocket

2. care for a child that is not feeling well

- a child young enough to be carried is ideal as will become clear

3. keep the child hydrated

- lots of pedialyte

- milk

- water, etc.

4. feed the child

- pizza

- pasta (red gravy only)

- peanut butter sandwich

- use your imagination

5. ensure that the child is not feeling well and hold the child in your lap, usually that is all the child will want to do anyway

6. don't forget to make sure the child is hydrated

7. wait for it...may take 5 min. to several hours depending on the state of the child, I recommend watching TV or reading a book

8. when the child is looking green in the face and making strange noises it is best to turn the child to face you

9. at this point your instincts may drive you to head for an area that would be easier to clean, use your best judgement, think about the following:

- how much food and liquid the child recently consumed (choices made in steps 3, 4 and 6)

- is there a potential for a larger mess if the child erupts while you are walking

- sometimes it is best to remain sitting and try to use your shirt to "catch" the eruption, although depending on consistancy your shirt may only act as a filter

- I'm sure you will recognize that this was something to think about several steps ago, as you knew the child wasn't feeling well (step 2)

10. KEY POINT - you may be slack jawed at the odd noises and strange color of the child, close your mouth! It may be a violent eruption, remember step 8.

11. once the child has "relieved" itself proceed to the clean up phase

12. remove the childs clothing as it is likely splattered

13. remove your clothing as your's are likely to be coated in a special concoction that can only be made in one place - the stomach of a sick child

14. start the washing machine and add detergent. I use powdered Tide mainly because that's what my wife buys. Looking back choosing the detergent wasn't a conscious decision however Tide does seem to remove lint and leave the LCD as well as both sides of the clear protective cover streak free.

15. attempt to remove any large chunks from your's as well as the childs clothing

16. place clothes into the washing machine

17. KEY POINT - do not empty the pockets of your clothing, besides depending on the angle of the eruption the pockets may be full

18. close the washing machine lid

19. give the child a bath, you may want to take a shower as well (after step 20)

20. resume clean up duty as you likely have a chair as well as carpet and a long trail of that special concoction to clean up. If you have a young child I highly recommend purchasing a carpet cleaner. The Bissel ProHeat Steamers work really well and you can often find them on sale for the equivalent price of calling a professional carpet cleaner once. It's one of the best investments I have ever made.

21. sometime later when you are looking for your phone, call it from a different phone. When your are immediately kicked to voice mail without even the hint of a ring, you may also get a strange felling in your stomach as you recall step 1.

22. locate phone in the washing machine

23. allow phone to dry out for 24 hours or so

24. charge the phone

25. power the phone on and marvel at how clean it is!

Note the steps of turning your phone off, removing the battery, SIMM and any other additional features are not addressed but would likely be good idea prior to step 16. Removing these items after will surely speed drying. Also note you can skip a couple of the above steps, I'll let you figure out which ones. I am sure this will void your warranty, is likely to result in permenant damage to phones of lesser quality, and is unsafe if the battery is left installed (refer to the plethora of stories about damaged Lithium Ion batteries violently self destructing). If you're out of options or about to get a new phone this may be worth a try (get that new phone before you try it, or at least have an old phone on hand). If you do try this, please remove the battery first (and don't wash it!).

Good Luck!

Dave

[Guest CRCs Reality]

I’ve decided to post my Do-It-Yourself solution to the C500 / SMT5600 dust problem on my website. You can find it here:

http://www.digimission.com/?page_id=25

I’ve tested it so far for 2 months+ and I’m still dust free. When I got my phone new I had dust after only 1 week! I wanted to test it for a bit longer just to be sure it works before I post it but there seems to be a lot of concern and talk about the dust issue lately. Anyone have a broken phone for a torture test?!  :D  The disassembly instructions are on my website as well. And the fix is very simple; the hardest part is opening the phone. Enjoy!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a quick thanks, I performed 'open phone' surgery on my 5600 tonight, and your directions were spot on.

Thanks ;) I am now dust free, and hopefully sealed from future screen dust.

[Guest marcdbl]

Anyone had any joy getting this tape in the UK? I can't find it anywhere, including staples.

[Guest Xenzo1990]

I need to do this but im so worried about breaking my phone.

[Guest scr]

I’ve decided to post my Do-It-Yourself solution to the C500 / SMT5600 dust problem on my website. You can find it here:

http://www.digimission.com/?page_id=25

I’ve tested it so far for 2 months+ and I’m still dust free. When I got my phone new I had dust after only 1 week! I wanted to test it for a bit longer just to be sure it works before I post it but there seems to be a lot of concern and talk about the dust issue lately. Anyone have a broken phone for a torture test?!  ;)  The disassembly instructions are on my website as well. And the fix is very simple; the hardest part is opening the phone. Enjoy!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi specialized,

Nice job on your 'how to' site. I am a new SMT5600 owner and have not seen this dust issue yet. I am a jeans pocket cell phone person, so I suspect that this issue is waiting in my future. Any ideas or preventative advice for those that do not yet need to do surgery?

[Guest specialized]

Anyone had any joy getting this tape in the UK? I can't find it anywhere, including staples.

Any double sided masking/transparent tape should work but may not be as easy to remove. I've been told the tape is also called: 3M Scotch Removable Double Sided or Scrapbook Tape.

Hi specialized,

Nice job on your 'how to' site. I am a new SMT5600 owner and have not seen this dust issue yet. I am a jeans pocket cell phone person, so I suspect that this issue is waiting in my future. Any ideas or preventative advice for those that do not yet need to do surgery?

You can try using a cell phone case for your SMT5600. Krussell Case and the Silicone Jacket are popular options.

[Guest Madeye]

WOW! My I-mate SP3 is now a dust free zone. Some tips -

I used a small flathead screwdriver instead of the T5 / T6 torx - worked a treat.

The double sided tape can be found in B&Q ( I "borrowed" some from my workplace)

I experienced no cosmetic damage, and I'm not patient! Just go for it, don't be scared. As long as you haven't got elephant fingers you'll be fine.

Thanks very very much, I'm a happy bunny now!

[Guest Dumdidum]

Hm I just can't open it!

I have take away the top black cover and I have taken away all 6 screws, but I can only open it at the top, until the Camera and the Volume-Button, but I can't go further down with my card...

What am I doing wrong?!

Sven