Vx backlight

[davewuk]

My Vx is suffering from the dead backlight/battery drain problem (IC failure in the control circuit). I've disabled it now, but would like to get it back up and running. Anybody know of the source for the part or cross-referenced component. I know that there are repair centers etc for this but I have the facilities at my disposal to do it myself...if I can just get the info on the chip!!

[DrMud]

This fellow is a real talent with Vx eletrical repairs and a helful guy.
"Chris Short" at ips@chartermi.net
Mention I sent you. You will like Chris.
DrMud

[y201k]

Hi.
How far have you progressed in repairing your palm?
Can you tell how to open the Palm V?
I saw a post said briefly about using a heat gun to open a palm.
Thanks

[davewuk]

Hi y201k

I managed to pick up a broken unit from ebay and used the motherboard from that. No actual joy on locating the part itself, but in the end the benefit of the backlight was negligble, in my opinion it is not that great! I reassembled the 'broken' PDA with an old V model's digitiser and screen and now have a second Vx without backlight! Ebay (UK) is swimming in units and if lucky can be picked up for a bargain price.

As for opening the unit, ********hightech.bigstep.com/generic.html?pid=114
has a great series of instruction for getting the device apart.
Speaking from experience, actually doing it is very easy, keep the heat moving and watch you don't burn your fingers (metal case gets very hot) or directly heat the front of the PDA (things will melt/distort). Don't force anything, if it doesn't feel like it's seperating easily, reheat it a bit more, the glue stays liquid for around a minute or so (avoid fluff etc). The screen itself will discolour for a while but it's not permanent. To put it all back together, bulldog clips are excellent, but use more than 2, I did 5, a couple down in the corners by the buttons for a good close.

[y201k]

Thanks Davewuk.
I understand the procedure now.

[Mippen]

I have the same exact problem with no working backlight and a battery drain. I havn't removed the circuit yet but I do like to replace it. Have anyone of you found more information on the chip, ore cross referense ones?

/best regards

Michael

[davewuk]

Michael
Follow the link that DrMud gave me earlier using the same courteous format to introduce yourself. Chris Short gave me a lead for a European supplier and I am currently in the progress for making a purchase of the chip, if you are US based, Chris will advise you on the acquisition of the part there. No actual info on the IC itself though!

If you do need to get your Vx up and running, get the thing apart and verify that when powered up, the component is getting warm (hot eventually). Better still is to use a seperate 4volt dc supply and get a current reading on the unit without battery in place - it tops something like 200 - 300mA when really it should be around 17 - 40mA. Then pop the chip off, desolder it or use a sharp scalpel to cut through the legs - take care not to apply too much pressure causing a slice onto the PCB. If you have no use for it, leaving the unit without backlight maybe preferable.

Good luck and let us know how you get along!

Regards
davewuk

[Mippen]

Thanks for the help!

My problem with the non working backlight and the battery drain
might have a solution that works for me.

The IC that fails is a HV826 chip from Supertex,
www.supertex.com.
Here I found information and pdf data on the chip.

I start searching for some kind of part referense when I got the
tip from Chris Short at ips@chartermi.net that I could try to
contact Richard at pdatechcenter@sfinx.demon.nl

I have got an answer from Richard and he said that I can
buy the chip from him.
I am going to do this and I hope this will solve the problem.

Thanks again!

Michael

[DrMud]

I am really proud of you guys! You decided you were going to get this done and you didn't quit.
We have a great bunch of neighbors on PalmBlvd.
DrMud

[davewuk]

Good stuff Michael, same solution as the path I am following, Chris & Richard showed up with the goods. Big thanks to DrMud for pointing us in the right direction too :D

[rvsarch]

I purchased two Palm Vx's for $40 each and both had batteries that were completely drained. One charged up fine and the only problem is a dead backlight. The other charged up about 80% and then drained quickly. A second charge brought it to about 95%, but still it drains overnight. The backlight is also dead, so I suspect a bad circuit is draining down the battery, but I have not completely eliminated the battery itself as the culprit. I am the original owner of a Palm V and just checked it and found the backlight is dead as well. I never really used the backlight and the unit is holding a charge just fine. I have found the gethightech webpage that details the disassembly of these "glued" case Palm V series. What I am trying to find out is which component is the controller for the backlight because I understand that simply clipping the legs and removing it will stop the drain and I don't mind loosing the backlight. Any help would be appreciated.

[rvsarch]

I figured it out. I was able to remove the back quite easily and spotted the H826 chip. It was hot to the touch. I cross checked it on the Supertex site and it looked like the same 8 lead IC they list as HV826. Cut it out and am now recharging. I was wrong about my Palm V. The backlight does work, but it's so ineffective I couldn't tell when I made a quick check yesterday. Turns out the other Vx does self discharge, but not as badly as the one I just opened, so it looks like I have one more to do. This site seems like a great source of information. Thanks!

[Mippen]

The IC that fails is a HV826 chip. Its located near the lcd ribbon.
Its marked with 826.

I hope this help.

/regards

Michael

[rvsarch]

It's been a few days and both Palm Vx's are holding charge perfectly. Seems the batteries are both healthy. Thanks again for the great information.

[PGS]

I also had a problem with the battery drain problem. I wasn't bold enough to fix the problem myself so sent it off to STNE Corporation to have it fixed. Good service, prompt and upfront. Seems the battery drain affects a Vx with serial number beginning with 10G, 50G, and 10H. I really like my Vx better than the other Palms (like the m500) and am glad to have it fixed for less than half the price of a new m500.

http://www.stnecorp.com/

Hope this helps the non-technical folks like me. Had I seen this thread before I sent mine off I don't know if I would have attempted the fix.

Paul

[PDATechCenter]

Guys, fro the ones who can solder in the chip themselves: i can provide the chip.
Price is Euro 15 or US$ 15 in cash. this is inclusive worldwide shipping (priority letter).
I have a shitload (400) of those chips so anybody who needs one
can send me in CASH US$15 or Euro 15 with an TYPED letter with the address where to send the chip to.
I will send the chip one day after i received your payment.

The chip type i provide is the HV 857 MG, which is the perfect replacement for the HV 826
the chip is almost double in price, but this one does not explode.
We investigated the cause, and the new HV 587 suits the Palm Vx better. It even produces more light!

Replacement is simple:
Open the back of the Palm, using a hairdryer (do NOT open the front with a hairdryer!)
Locate the 826,
Remove it, and replace it with the 857

Replace the back cover using the same hairdryer, Done.

Pricing: 1 chip: 15
10 chips 10 e/a
50 chips 8 e/a


Send your payment to:

Richard Rosenberger,
PDA Tech Center,
PoBox 1296,
3600 BG Maarssen,
the Netherlands.

My street address:
Reigerskamp 431,
3607 JA Maarssen,
the Netherlands.

Richard.

We are a professional technical service center specialized in Palm PDA's. In corporation with Vivomobile.de, STNEcorp.com, GetHighTech.com, and Palmscreens.com we provide third party service for all models. We where the second who developed the 16 Mb upgrade for the m50x, and the first with the Zire 8 Mb upgrade.
http://www.sfinx.demon.nl/palm

[Wolf359]

I just recently purchased a Vx for $30.00 that the guy kept telling me the battery was bad. I just removed the offending chip and everything is perfect minus a backlight. Thanks for the information.

[davewuk]

Glad to see this thread is providing the info needed to fix this extremely common problem. A look at ebay shows that a bargain can be had by purchasing 'defective' units, fixing them up and shifting them on for a profit :cool:

[bendyrabbit]

It's good to find this forum.

I just bought a new Vx from eBay. I can't seem to get the backlight on--or off, I don't know. I hold down the power button like the manual says but nothing happens. Screen still seems dark and hard to read. Also, the battery charge doesn't seem to want to last a day--I thought it should last a week or two... Any ideas? Palm support page hasn't turned up anything.

Thanks very much.
-Nelson

[davewuk]

Go to beginning of this thread and read thru from there. Sounds like the backlight control IC is down on your motherboard. This in turn takes out the battery as a high current drain.

Options from this conclusion are in the follow ups but as a quick guide if you are competent with soldering iron, and happy with dismantling your machine source the chip from PDATechCentre (European), or GetHighTech.com (American/Canadian) both of which will also carry out repairs if you aren't happy with digging out the insides of the PDA.

Let us know how you get on!!

davewuk :cool:

[bendyrabbit]

Thanks for the advice, DAVEWUK. I'm hoping that I can have Palm look at it, since I just bought it new and it should be under warranty. I've emailed tech support and will see where it goes from there... I hope not to have to take it apart. Thanks again.

-Nelson

[davewuk]

Didn't realise it was brand new and warrantied, in that case warranty repair is the only option.

Be aware that the backlight itself works as a 'negative' image of the text and to be effective, dark conditions need to be really dark to notice it. Take it into a completely darkened room to check it out. Oh, in the preferences menu, set system sounds to medium initially and when you hold down the button to initialise the backlight, there should be a beep as it turns on and off - no beep indicates a problem for sure.

davewuk

[DrMud]

Dave could be right. The difference made by the back light is only seen in the dark.....really dark!
But the battery is not right.
THe last I knew of Palm selling a new Palm Vx was almost one year ago. They sold off their referbished units back in the spring.
I am really amazed to hear of a NEW Palm Vx being sold by Palm. Where did you find it listed for sale?
DrMud

[bendyrabbit]

The unit's a French over-stock, or some such thing, from Europe. It's new, or at least not used, but with French manual. I've sent it back to be replaced. I tried the backlight in total darkness: nothing, no beep and no light.

Many thanks for the help. Very appreciated.

-NC

[bendyrabbit]

Just a quick note to say that I got the replacement Palm Vx and everything is fine--the backlight works and the battery keeps a charge. Thanks again for the great help!

-NC

[davewuk]

Good to see that the warranty held true! :cool:

Davewuk

[DrMud]

Great way to finish the story.
Doc

PS: have you checked the manufacture date on the Vx? Just curious. If you are curious here is how to read the serial number: 50GK18h9HNJU - This a fake serial number just as an example.
The 3rd and 4th letters are the make of the palm. GK is for the Vx series. The 6th, 7th and 8th is the Month, Day and Year.
So, for our example serial number the month would be August and the Year would be '99.The day would be as follows...
1-9 is just 1-9, a=10, b=11 and so on.
Our Palm was made on August 17, 1999

[allquestions]

I have been reading this thread and want to say thanks. I popped the chip out of my defunct palm vx and it looks like its holding a charge. That really is a tiny chip and my eyes just dont see like they used to. I dont think I need the backlight and I dont remember if it was bright enough to use. Are any of you going to order chips and if so should we order together to get a price break?

[davewuk]

Already ordered and fitted mine, the price isn't too bad, I expect that you'll need quite a quantity to get a reasonable saving!

[allquestions]

I just looked at the supertex website. You have to order at least 100.00 worth. That would be about 75 chips I think. Maybe Im mistaken. These chips from Supertex's distributors dont cost more than 2.25. Might be worth looking into.

[davewuk]

Personally, unless you really liked the 'backlight' then I wouldn't bother. The backlight's effectiveness was questionable at best!
If you have plans to move the unit on in a sale then obviously it is worth it to keep the value up but as you say, it is tiny and a steady hand is needed. Further more, if you do go ahead and replace the part, a low heat soldering iron would be preferential to prevent chip and circuit damage. Try www.chipquik.com for a sample of their SMD desoldering product, it's quite good and requires only the slightest of heat (well below 150ºC)

[allquestions]

Im going to hang on to it. I just thought it would be good to have it fully functional in case I get into a no/low light situation. I could always use a flashlight I guess :) Thanks for your input.

[pdangolf]

In reading the thread, I noticed something my Palm doesn't do, but, has no problem I can see. Someone mentioned that you should hear a beep when you activate the backlight. If not, you have a problem. My Vx doesn't beep when I activate the light, however, I've noticed no problems, such as, battery drain. Is this a precursor of things to come?

On a related note, my unit is also one of the "French" distribution models that were loaded with the English version of OS 4.?. It was boxed new with all of the accessories. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but, it's been great so far. However, it is one of the units with the 50G serial number.

Thanks,

[DrMud]

If your Vx is set in Preferences to "System Sound OFF" then the switching on the Backlight will not result in a sound. If you are not in complete darkness you may not see the backlight.
Doc

[pdangolf]

Thanks for the reply Dr. I did have the sound set to the mid-level setting. That just happens to be a function that isn't accompanied by a sound. Oh well, if it foretells any problem, I'll find out when it happens.

Thanks again,

[khs82]

I've just acquired a few Palm PDAs... a couple of Vx's and one V.

The V is perfect except for a loose button, and one of the Vx's has the backlight problem. I considered swapping chips and selling the V, but am mildly concerned with my soldering technique and eyesight.

I was wondering if the motherboards were identical - if I could just swap them? I don't know where the "8megs" reside, so if it is on the motherboard, then I would rather find another solution... Thanx to anyone who can help!

[davewuk]

The memory is on the motherboard so you will need another solution. I guess both VX units are okay except the one with the defective backlight? If you plan to keep the VX machines, then personally the benefit of the backlight is questionable as it requires extremely low light conditions to be effective.

As these things are forever showing up on the auction sites, then purchasing one with a damaged screen is a good bet to get a spare mobo.

You could always part with a small amount of cash at gethightech.com (US) or mail pdatechcenter@sfinx.demon.nl[/email] for Europe.

[DrMud]

I would use gethightech. The V/Vxes that show on ebay etc bring too high a price. I don't know what the reason is for the continued market in the Vx. I personally loved mine when it was the latest technology but it is just too hard to see, too slow and the memory is too limited today.
Doc

[jimroad]

http://********hightech.com/
These guys can help.

[khs82]

Thanx guys...

Doc, there is a contined demand. For me, this is my first, and I figured I'd start with a lower priced unit to see whether or not I like it... besides, the accessories are so cheap. I picked up a manual, USB kit, Original Vx CD, a Cradle and a Travel kit, shipping included for only $2!

I think the seller meant to make the BuyItNow $20, but he put $2, and I pulled the trigger!

Anyway, right now I need a cheap solution. My motive was a means of integration amongst my Macs, my PC, my PIM and my Nokia. I liked the size, look and functionality of the Vx for about $50 (which is on average what I paid per unit).

I will try and mix and match what I have, and sell the left overs on eBay. I've read, and Chris Short confirmed that a stronger chip is better suited and recommended for repairs, so if I mix and match, I may just end up back here in the future. I may just try and disconnect the chip to avoid the battery drain. I think one of the units I purchased was an open-box return because the backlight did not work. If in fact the unit is new (battery, screens and all), but does not hold a charge long either, then I will likely disconnect the chip. (Dunno why the original purchaser did not have Palm fix it under warranty?).

Thanks for all the info...

Hey D O C,
one more question... I saw your explanation of the serial number breakdown... Great info!...
One of the units I purchase on eBay has a number starting with "10EV" It says Palm V on the case, does not say Vx on the rear, but shows 8 megs. The OS is 3.3, but some of the early Vx's labeled as V's did. However, if this unit is a V upgraded to 8 megs, then I imagine the processor is at 16 and not 20.
Can you tell me if the "10EV" line is a V or a Vx, and where I might find supporting documentation?

Thanks again for all your help...

And, Jim, ... even though they choked, at least the Raiders went to the big one... Go Raiders!

[DrMud]

I'm either getting too old or too busy or both to remember the source of the serial number ranges. I can poke around on my old computers hard drive.
What you are describing is an upgraded V. Have you bench marked the processor? It may have been tweaked to 20. I had a Vx, label on the front V 3Com and Vx on the back. Processor 20mhz.
I agree about the accessories being priced right.
Doc

Follow up: No luck on finding the serial numbers and there dates of manufacturer. Sorry!

[khs82]

Doc,

Thanx for the fast response. I just received another Palm, which is labeled as a "V" on the front, but has a "Vx" on the rear... it's serial numner also starts with "10EV". Ironically, this one was manufactured prior to the other, so the latest model has no "Palm Vx" printing on the front or back. One possibility is that perhaps this was previously opened / repaired and the face cover is a replacement from a V.

Anyway, done here, and thanx Doc.

[DrMud]

You may want to file this name and emnail address away for the future. Chris Short is an expert on all asspects of the V/Vx.
Doc

Chris Short email: ips@chartermi.net

[tmpnts]

Hey guys,
I just bought a palm vx on ebay. It's backlight didn't work and for the first 3 or 4 days, the battery (when fully charged) drained in less than a day. I thought it had the backlight/battery problem and so I tried to take the faulty chip out. However, I couldn't get the case open (how long do you have to have the hair dryer heating it up?).
The unit has a 30 day warranty and I was about to exchange the unit (for the shipping cost). However, just about 2 days ago, the battery started holding its charge. It only went down to 85% after a day of normal use. The backlight sitll doesn't work. I have no idea what happened. I'm gonna try it out until the end of the week. If it goes back to its bad ways, I'll obviously exchange it. However, if it seems fine at the end of the week, do you think I should just keep it, given its history? Or should I just go ahead and exchange it (getting another demo unit with possibly a different problem)? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Chuck

[DrMud]

All Palm Vx units are growing old. Most are nearing their 2nd birthday which means the battery will be just bearly holding its own. Any problem with the unit that affects the battery is to be avioded. I suggest you return it.
Doc

[tmpnts]

Thanks Doc,
I don't know if this makes a difference, but this was a demo palm unit, so in theory, the battery shouldn't be too bad. But regardless, I think I am gonna go ahead and exchange it for peace of mind. Thanks.

Chuck

[DrMud]

Demo units frequently experience deep discharging of the battery. For the older Lithium Ion batteries this deep discharging is a potential battery killer.
Doc

[HARTURO]

I was reading if you have problems with the backlight of your palm, you have tu cut it a chip label as "286". My questions are:

Do you need a special tool to do it?. How complicate is to do it?. I'm really new in electronics.

How can I detect if the battery need to be replace?

I really appreciate it if you could help me to keep my Palm alive!

[rrojas]

:) I can fix the backlight in your Palm Vx for a low price and guarantied. I have a few chips left to replace the HV826. I have repaired now like twenty Palms Vx having this problem and I am confident in the details of the repair. It is not difficult but you have to have the proper tools in order to avoid damaging the circuit board. Let me know.

[boylucht]

I cut the 826 chip and got instant power batt life, befor i would get 1 hr batt life now off charger for 14 hrs and still going strong... tahnkyou all verry much...

[Lucky]

I want to thank you all for your great Forum. My Vx has been dying faster & faster over the last month, and I was resigned to loosing it.

After reading the posts on here about the backlight chip, I did a few pushups to tone my reflexes, a little yoga & zen to clear my mind, a shot of whiskey to calm my nerves, (ok, I really only watched tv and ate some ice cream) and went for the wifes hair drier...

5 min later, had the back off, then located that nasty little backlight chip, found the smallest sewing needle I could, and pried that little (explenitive) out of there.

She booted right up (wouldn't even do that before) and is now home in her cradle restoring everything she learned before.

Many thanks, and just to let you know, I understand the kind of neighborhood you have built here, I co-run a forum for the Yamaha Vision motorcycle (XZ550) at http://www.ghetti.net/cgi-bin/ROVBB/YaBB.pl#general
we have built a similar 'brotherhood' as you have here, and if any of you happen to own this bike, stop by & say Hi!

Many Thanks Again, --Lucky

[davewuk]

Well done Lucky

I'm glad this thread is still helping out so many Vx owners :)

[DWilson]

I was wondering if someone could remind me of how to change the contrast on my Palm VX. Some how when in my breifcase the contrast was darkened because it was turned accidently.
Thank you

[HARTURO]

DWILSON...

HI...IN THE TOP OF YOUR PALM, CLOSE TO THE INFRARED WINDOW VERY CLOSE TO THE "PALM VX" LEGEND, YOU CAN FIND A BUTTON, PUSH IT AND A BAR OF CONTRAST WILL BE DISPLAYED... IF YOU CAN NOT SEE DUE TO THE CONTRAST IS VERY HIGH, TRY TYPING MANY TIMES 1.5 CENTIMETERS ABOVE THE ZONE WHERE YOU WRITE ALPHABETIC CHARACTERS.... AND THE DISPLAY WILL BE MORE LIGHT...

I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU

[DWilson]

:) Thank you very much. I have done this in the past but forgot how. Your answer is greatly appreciated. DWilson

[DWilson]

HARTURO

I have had this Palm Vx for so long I would be lost without it at this point and not sure which model to purchase to replace it if I had to. I am sure there are plenty of newer models that do so much more but this is just fine for my needs. Thank you again.

[HARTURO]

Dwilson... you're welcome.. it was a pleasure....

sure there are many, many options in the market... not only palm... but in my opinion.. keep simple... it really works....

[Lucky]

just to let you know, I pulled the backlight chip and it was like I had a new PDA, then a couple of weeks later it started doing the same thing. i found some IBM workpad C3's on Ebay for $50 (seller D Rosley, item # 3077436281 with hot sync cradle & power supply) and bought one to replace it.

the IBM is exactly the same unit, except black (I suppose built by Palm specificly for IBM) I got it today and synqed it up and all is good in the world again.

I offer the item # if anyone is interested in snatching up a few of these deals. you can view the auction i won (with "buy it now") and just click on "view sellers other auctions" I think he has a sh*tload

--Lucky

[targis55]

I read with great interest about removing the 826 chip. I have done so but now the unit won't power up. I was extremely careful and do not believe I damaged any other parts. My auto charger usually turns orange during a charge and then drops to green when complete. It is green all the time now.

Help!!!!!!

Mike

[HARTURO]

I am not sure if somethink like was going on with you occured to me, but i sugest to try:

a) Reset the palm using the little botton on the back of your palm.

b) Check with a magnifying glass where the chip "286" was located and check every leg. Check that no one of the leg are touching between

I hope you can solve the problem

[Raven2]

In my Vx battery drains after 2 days after charge. Even if it is turned off. But backlight still work. If chip damaged then backlight in my Vx shouldn't work? (I replaced the battery, it's new). Should I try to cut off the chip to solve the problem with battery? Or trouble not in HV826 chip? And I have one more trouble - sound level in my Vx is very low (even when I select "High" level in "Prefs"). Can anybody help me with this troubles? (Sorry for my English, I am from Ukraine).