SDA dehumped and screen fix

[Guest grumpy_old_technobyte]

First of all, I want to thank Fluffcat1 for his help and sell of the case. It really made a difference. I got the SDA off ebay and knew it was scratched up but how bad was the question. I purchased a new case and began the transfer immediately upon recieving it. At first I thought I would unload a brick! But once you get through the whole thing (20min) you feel like you could do it again. My next project is to replace the digitizer and case on my MDA once parts have been procured.

Tools: iPod case opener, T5 screwdriver, eyeglass repair kit, small scissors, utility blade, double sided tape and compressed air.

*Note* Disassembly of your case will void your warranty. Points of interest are arrowed in red.

1. Remove aerial by gently prying from the sides of case. Gently pry antennae from back and trim to fit new aerial size. The size isnt that much larger and I have not lost any bars! So there goes the low signal myth!

2. Removed the six T5 screws to separate the back piece from the front.

3. Use the iPod case opening tool to pry the two case pieces apart from the bottom on the sides, work your way forward. Push metal tension retainer in and up. Slowly move back piece down and over the mini USB and 2.5mm plug.

4. Disconnect the camera ribbon connection from the mainboard and lens assembly.

5. Now the pieces are in two. I chose to keep using the back piece from original since it wasnt damaged so there was no need to remove the camera lens assembly, speaker, retainer and vibrator solenoid to the new case, but it's easy to just pop all up out of sockets and move to new back piece. The speaker and retainer are the only two components here that have small screws. This is where the eyeglass repair kit would be handy. I would use the Phillips screwdriver to remove screws. Also the Mini sd retainer can be slide out of place and replaced on new case easily too.

6. The mainboard isnt secured in place now and can be removed by unattaching the keyboard ribbon connection. The board just popped out for me.

7. Unscrew the center plate and remove it with the rubber gasket. Unscrew the keyboard plate and over over to new front case. Tighten to snug fit, not too tight though, it will affect the joystick and buttons if tight. Remember to clean as you go. There will be some dirt built up here. Same goes for joystick assembly.

8. Cut small strips of double sided tape and place around the sides of the new screen. Place earpiece reciever at the top in the new case. Remember to wipe the screen after and spray air to remove all traces of prints and lint, dust, etc.

9. Place mainboard into new case. Reconnect keyboard ribbon connection.

10. Secure the back case over the mainboard by sliding it over the mini usb and 2.5mm plug. Snap the two case pieces together until it clicks on both sides of phone. Tighten T5 screws down snug. Not too tight or the screw will strip out in the center.

11. Snap new aerial and antenna in place over the top first and then the sides.

Im going to put this in PDF format like Typhool's 2125 Dehump guide. I hope this helps others when the time comes.

Edited September 7, 2006 by grumpy_old_technobyte

[Guest cng]

I understand you changed the complete housing. However, what if I want to repalce just the top piece. Because the whole housing is exactly the same up to the top piece at the back where the hump is. Can I just open it, trim the aerial and put back the new piece? If so, where can I get just that piece (or a spare housing and install just that piece. Lastly, how much does it cost? Thanks for the tutorial!

[Guest grumpy_old_technobyte]

I dont know of anyone just selling pieces. It would make more sense to buy a whole new case. Why would you want to just change the aerial? The hump does have some purpose, I think!

I did a just fascia change because it was all scuffed up. The aerial was just to see if it could be done. No housing change was done, I used the original housing, re-read the post!

If you did read the post, you would notice i searched ebay for the case. I know a brain fart when I smell it, Im old so it's legal. Anyways, it might be best to buy a bricked SDA and tear out the good stuff.

[Guest TheAfroman]

I have a few questons..

1. what did you search for on ebay to get that..

2 would a QTek 8100 housing fit?

i found a few of those for sale. i scratched my screen pretty bad..

[Guest th1rt3en]

Where can I get this housing? I have been lookin for the better part of a month now.. please help!! Fluffcat's PM box is full, or i'd ask him.

[Guest grumpy_old_technobyte]

Do an advanced search on Ebay with sellers listed: Fluffcat1, Wellcomchina, China Mobiles and Tekbuyer1. If Fluffcat has them available, I'd go with his.

Afroman, i think the Qtek 8100 housing would fit, ask seller if its for the Tornado though.

[Guest th1rt3en]

no luck. I dont think i'll EVER get this housing.

[Guest grumpy_old_technobyte]

no luck. I dont think i'll EVER get this housing.

Ok, try these:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ2...Q3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

http://stores.ebay.com/TEK-BUYER_W0QQssPag...sQ3amesstQQtZkm

http://stores.ebay.com/china-mobiles_W0QQs...sQ3amesstQQtZkm

You may have to log into ebay to open these.

[Guest th1rt3en]

I saw those, just waiting on confirmation that the Qtek 8100 will fit the Qtek 8300(SDA, SP5m, etc..)

[Guest fluffcat1]

I saw those, just waiting on confirmation that the Qtek 8100 will fit the Qtek 8300(SDA, SP5m, etc..)

It won't - for many reasons, including but not limited to...

Size ( length) of higher res LCD.

Size of individual keypad keys.

Dimensions of entire keypad.

Number of buttons on left side of circuitboard. (2 on 8100, 3 on tornado based units)

Length of circuitboard etc etc etc

And the real killer - one is a typhoon based device, the other is a tornado!

Richard

[Guest th1rt3en]

I had a feeling it wouldnt. Any other ideas Fluffcat1? Anything available from you?

[Guest th1rt3en]

I hate double posting, but it had been two days..

Does anyone know if the UK's "TMobile SDA 2" housing would fit?

[Guest th1rt3en]

dare i say.. triple post? LOL.. its been a while since those posts.. so i figured it'd be okay.

SUCCESS!!!

I got the housing.. and switched it.

[Guest grumpy_old_technobyte]

Nice stereo speakers! :rolleyes:

Are they Altek Lansing's?

[Guest th1rt3en]

not sure what brand they are, gottem from mobile.brando.com.hk (i believe thats the address..).

I found them during my scavenger hunt for the housing.. but finally! lol thanks for your help with this too grumpy and everyone else.