Phil Harvey
06-28-2003, 05:03 PM
Dear Psion User
The RS232/serial connectors fitted to the 7, Netbook and some earlier Psion PDAs can become irrepairably damaged and must be replaced. This task is well within the capacity of the electronic hobbyist with the correct tools and a little patience.
The 'Honda' connectors, which are often found on PCMCIA/PC Cards, are manufactured in Japan and can be difficult to find. Harder still is finding a local dealer who can supply them. I have overcome both these obstacles.
I have tracked down the website where you can download a PDF copy of the Honda Connectors catalogue. The connectors you need to look for are the RMC Series. Look here ...
http://www.honda-connectors.co.jp/htk-e/products/e11_mobile.pdf
The RMC connector fitted to the motherboard of the 7 and Netbook has the following part no./stock code ...
RMC-EA15MY-OM15-MC1
I can provide the contact details of a supplier, located in the UK, who can provide this component or any of the Honda connectors.
If you feel brave enough to make your own serial leads, my supplier will be able to help with the special plugs you will need to plug into the Psion. What you put on the other end of the cable is up to you.
Please note, replacement of the RMC connector will require the Psion to be taken apart. There are several sites on the Internet that provide pictures showing how this is done. I have download some exellent high-res. pictures of the motherboard showing the location of the serial connector.
The first screw you must remove is located under the eliptical badge above the keyboard. This can be lifted using petrol or another gentle degreasing agent to desolve the adhesive holding the badge. Rapid evaporating agents is preferred. One this screw is removed the Psion can be taken apart very easily but you will need to exercise great care.
The motherboard is populated with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components and the RMC connector is one of them. Handle with care.
You will require a temperature stabilised soldering iron (ESD-safe) and low temperature solder/paste. A steady hand and a set of tweezers will prove beneficial.
The repair can be completed in a couple hours and is not the kind of job to be rushed. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.
I hope this information proves helpful to someone.
Regards
The RS232/serial connectors fitted to the 7, Netbook and some earlier Psion PDAs can become irrepairably damaged and must be replaced. This task is well within the capacity of the electronic hobbyist with the correct tools and a little patience.
The 'Honda' connectors, which are often found on PCMCIA/PC Cards, are manufactured in Japan and can be difficult to find. Harder still is finding a local dealer who can supply them. I have overcome both these obstacles.
I have tracked down the website where you can download a PDF copy of the Honda Connectors catalogue. The connectors you need to look for are the RMC Series. Look here ...
http://www.honda-connectors.co.jp/htk-e/products/e11_mobile.pdf
The RMC connector fitted to the motherboard of the 7 and Netbook has the following part no./stock code ...
RMC-EA15MY-OM15-MC1
I can provide the contact details of a supplier, located in the UK, who can provide this component or any of the Honda connectors.
If you feel brave enough to make your own serial leads, my supplier will be able to help with the special plugs you will need to plug into the Psion. What you put on the other end of the cable is up to you.
Please note, replacement of the RMC connector will require the Psion to be taken apart. There are several sites on the Internet that provide pictures showing how this is done. I have download some exellent high-res. pictures of the motherboard showing the location of the serial connector.
The first screw you must remove is located under the eliptical badge above the keyboard. This can be lifted using petrol or another gentle degreasing agent to desolve the adhesive holding the badge. Rapid evaporating agents is preferred. One this screw is removed the Psion can be taken apart very easily but you will need to exercise great care.
The motherboard is populated with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components and the RMC connector is one of them. Handle with care.
You will require a temperature stabilised soldering iron (ESD-safe) and low temperature solder/paste. A steady hand and a set of tweezers will prove beneficial.
The repair can be completed in a couple hours and is not the kind of job to be rushed. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.
I hope this information proves helpful to someone.
Regards