Backlight Problems - m500

[Cstelter]

Last night my backlight on my m500 just went off while in use and it won't come back on now. I'm not sure if it's something in the software or if it's physical damage. I remove the unit from the Palm hard case quite a bit (to hotsync it) so I'm not sure if this has something to do with it or not. I'm running the new 4.1 OS.

Any suggestions? The unit is about 8 months old.

Thanks in advance.

~Chris

[DrMud]

Your backlight circuit may have failed. Their are a couple of components that are in that circuit that could have defected. It may be time for a replacement or repair under warranty I hope.

You may want to try this first: Open a new Memo and in Graffiti type the following characters: the graffiti "short cut" (looks like a lower case cursive "l", tap twice (graffiti "period") make the number "8" in the number area. Your Palm should say "inverting backlight". I word of WARNING these types on tricks using the same basic strokes but numbers other than 6 or 8 can erase HotSync information on the Palm or lock it up. If the back light still is not working call Palm. If out of warranty gethightech.com and STNECorp.com may offer some repairs.
DrMud

[Cstelter]

The key strokes with the number 8 worked. It says "Inverting Backlight" on my screen. When hold the power button for 2 seconds, it makes the screen black and the letters reversed. Does this mean the backlight is working? I noticed when I turn on the backlight (even with the backlight not inverted) I can hear the "hum" of the backlight working, but there is no light. When I turn the backlight off (holding the power button again) the "hum" goes away. How do I take the inverted backlight off?

Thanks,
~Chris

[JohnKes]

The hum means the DC/DC converter for the backlight is working. I don't know about the rest of the backlight circuit or the bulb. If it is 8 months old, it is still under warranty. Just call Palm.

Do another shortcut 8 to get back to where you were before.

Good luck

[DrMud]

Chris,
If you can see the inverted backlight the bulbs and circuit is working. I am surprised that you can't see the backlight in normal mode!
I prefer the inverted backlight myself. Let us know how Palm responds.
Doc