Replacement bits for broken 3C case

[DamNie]

Hi,

I recently acquired a 3C quite cheaply, and have found it to be a useful little machine that 'gets to the point' without distracting it from being an organiser ;)

Anyway, the problem with this 3C is not the elctronics, but the bung case. The underside of it was obviously covered in a sticker of some sort and has left the underside a bit messy (although that's no major problem). The main issue is that the battery compartment was completely cracked in half (which I fixed with epoxy, but has turned the plastic white, yuck) and the left visible hinge (the one next to the button bar) has totally snapped off, causing the left side of the 3c to jerk forwards when I close it (which is probably stressing other parts of the case). And to add insult, the hinges squeak everytime I open and close the case. The top lid is perfectly OK.

I've asked a few people, POS, posted on usenet and been hunting ebay UK for the last few weeks to no avail for parts to replace the case. I see there's lots of broken Revos and 3a's going, but never any 3c's :(

Does anyone have, or knows where I can either get a full replacement case, or the battery compartment (along with the battery cover, which has a piece missing) as well as the bit to replace the left hinge next to the button bar?

Any help would be madly appreciated, and save me forking out for a Revo :P

[MikeMcC]

And to add insult, the hinges squeak everytime I open and close the case I have never known a 3a or 3c where the hinges don't squeak when opened and closed :(

[Graham Tanner]

DamNie,

I *probably* have some spare cases and battery sections in my spares box. For quite some time I have been buying various Psion 3/5's from Ebay and elsewhere, and take them apart for spares or to repair other Psions.

The broken hinge problem is quite comming, but is the 'break' on the bottom section (by the keyboard) or on the top section (by the screen?.

If the damage is on the bottom section you will need to reaplce the entire bottom casing. I have seen some attempted repairs to the hinge area on various 3As and 3Cs, but none of them are particularly robust or satisfactory. If you need to replace the bottom casing of your 3C you will need to completely dismantle the entire 3C. There is no seperate 'chassis' and 'case' in the 3A/3C series, the bottom case has almost everything built onto it. You will need to take everything apart, take out all the ciruit boards and connections, and then separate the bottom case from the screen section and button bar.

It looks quite daunting when you first see how it is done, but it is not quite as bad (or difficult) as it sounds.

I'd be happy to check my spares box for these parts, and sell them to you at a cheap rate (anything to help a fellow psion-eer!) but it will be quite expensive getting the parts to NZ. And are you able to do the repair work yourself?


Also, I agree with Mike about the squeaking hinges. They all squeak, and it is a sign of light usage.

[DamNie]

Graham,

Many thanks for your reply - I did eventually get a Revo instead, but I am keen to restore the 3C as well (I have a bit of a soft spot for underrated vintage computers :D), and it seems a lot more susceptible to knocks than the Revo would. Although I may be tempted to sell it for parts if somebody wanted it...

OK, the broken hinge part is the part that attaches to the screen, so I think it's only the plastic that surrounds the screen that needs replacement.

A photo of it is here: http://hyperspeed.orcon.net.nz/3c.jpg

Again, thanks for your reply :)

Andrew.

[Graham Tanner]

Andrew,

glad to hear that you got something sorted out. I'm sure that you will be pleased with your Revo, the extra speed and memory will come in handy. The screen on a Revo really is superb, but the lack of a backlight is a bit of a drawback. In you case, it's not too much of a loss, as your 'damaged' 3C appears to be a non backlit version anyway.

As you say, the hinge problem is in the screen surround, so if there are any members/readers who have a 3C with a broken screen then hastily beat a path to Andrews door! The screen still works (as seen in the picture) and can be fitted to another 3C to make a 'working 3C'.

I would have been interested in your 3C a few weeks ago, but now I have a veritable 'pile' of Psions - 4 Revo's (1 std, 3 plus), a 3C, a 3A, 2 5MX, a 5MX with a slightly damaged screen , a standard 5 (all these are working!) and a pile of bits, pieces and spares.

[DamNie]

Just thought I'd let you all know the 3C is available for sale if anyone is interested. Please email me digital (at) orcon.co.nz if you are interested.

As far as the Revo goes Graham, I've been cursed with the dreaded battery problems, but I won't bore you with that.

;)

[boconnor]

Did you get any joy with finding spare part for your psion?
I have a similar problem only with my psion 5. I need the metal frame and a screen data ribbon.

Brendan