Axim X5 stuck on screen align

[bludragon2]

I just got this and I am new to pocket PC's . When I turn it on, it asks me to align the screen. When I follow instructions it just keeps looping back through no matter how many times I align the screen. Can anyone tell me how to proceed?

[Drifter]

bludragon2, welcome to aximusers.com

I suspect you have obtained thix x5 secondhand ??


Unfortunately what you describe is a standard fault on x5's that have been well used and can be caused by one of 3 problems. I will list them in order of ease of correction

1) Their could be a screen protector that is causing a problem, remove the protector and try again.

2) Their could be dirt between the case and the screen, remove this by using a business card to push between the screen and case, run this arround the screen to remove dirt.

3) The most likley. After some use, the mail button will have rubbed away the coating on the cable between the motherboard and screen, shorting out touchscreen and giving exactly the problem you describe.

Test this theory by squeezing together the sides of the axim VERY Hard and whilst doing so, try screen align, it will work unil you release the sides.

If you can, you may wish to return the x5 to where you purchased, if not, you solve the problem by opening the axim, taking out the motherboard/screen assembly and putting some insulation tape on the cable to stop the problem.

If you want to do this, let me know and I'll send you instructions.

[bludragon2]

Thanks Drifter. Squeezing helped. I would like the instructions on how to fix this myself.

Yes I did get this second hand, on eBay.

[Drifter]

Bluedragon2

You need the following items.

Small cross head screwdriver, small containor to save screws etc, small clean piece of plastic, a pin, insulation tape.

Remove the main battery and also the backup battery.

Carefully pull off the two top rubber feet and stick them loosely down on the piece of plactic ( be careful you want them to remain sticky so you can use them again.. If not have some thin double sided tape handy - glue will not do it).

Under the feet, you will see small screws, undo and remove these, place them safely in your containor.

At the bottom of the axim , you will see two screws that are normally hidden by the main battery, unscrew these and place them in the containor.

Each side of the main battery compartment, you will see a small black rubber pushed flush to the surface, use your pin to carefully remove these and expose two more screws. Save the rubber bungs in your containor.
Unscrew these two screws and again save them.

Make sure you have removed all CF and SD cards or filling blanks.

Carefully pull away the two side rubber grips, use the pin to start you at the bottom pointed end. (Take care as you need these to remain sticky). Place these face up on your clean plastic.

Starting at the bottom of the X5, by the connectors, use a credit card or finger nail (- I use the latter), to split the case by depressing the latches that are between the top and bottom case. TAKE care not to break them.

Use the credit card or finger nail to carefully open the case all the way arround on both sides and lift away the rear case.

Look at the bottom left of the exposed motherboard. You will see a very small clear plastic connector with two small wires. This is the speaker cable, carefully bull this from the motherboard.

Withe the axim face down, lift the motherboard up by the bottom connector to approx 20 degrees and pull backwards. It may help to hold the top of the case and pull this carefully away from the motherbord so that the speaker connection is free.

You should now have the motherboard, screen assembly clear of the case.

Turn the assembly over so that the screen is upwards. It is a good time now to fully clean the screen.

Bottom right/middle of the screen is a red/brown ribbon cable, this is giving the problems. Cut a piece of insulation tape approx 1/4 inch wide and place this to cover all or at least the left edge of the ribbon cable ( you can wrap it under the cable also).

The repair is now complete.

Reassemble in the reverse order., and remember the speaker cable.

Enjoy your Axim !!!

[GeekMom]

Thanks for these instructions Drifter. I will be performing "surgery" on my Axim x5 early next week - Della had an accident and the glass cracked, so I ordered a replacement part and we are "going in". While I have her open I think I'll throw a piece of tape on the red/brown ribbon cable to give it some extra protection.

I have read online that some have modded their d-pad to make it less flimsy. Do you have any experience doing this?

Thanks in advance!

[brobu]

this worked on my x3i. same problem with the non-responsive screen. seems to be the same 4 conductor red/brown flat ribbon cable! i thought i had a dead digitizer/screen.

[kansasduo]

I bought a axim5 at a garage sale today for $10.00 and sure enough the screen was stuck on the screen alignment tool! I looked allover the net for a fix and ran into this one. Lo and behold I tried the "squeeze" trick WORKED! So I tore it down and did the repair and it works good as new!! Thanks a million

[YeomanJohnson]

I had this exact issue with an X5 that was going to be thrown away.

Poped the case, attached the tape, and PRESTO...completely functional PDA.

Thanks again, for the tips?

BTW...

did you come up with this fix from tinkering, or did you find it on some other support site?

[gio2cool]

Unfortunately I have put tape on the cable and it seems to be the same message. what do your suggest? should I maybe put some on the back as well?
cheers

[Drifter]

NO, if you put too much tape on, then the screen will not work.

I think the best that you can do is to take the screen and motherboard assembly out of the case and plug in the mains adapter. Press the power on button and then see if you can get it to screen align.

Don't worry, it will work like this and you will not be electrocuted.

If the axim will not get past screen align in this state, check all the cables etc to make sure they are seated correctly ( 3 cables to check). If this is all OK and you still cannot get past screen align, then I am afraid the axim is probably past its useful life.

However if it will screen align out of its case, then look to the rear of the case arround where the screen sits. If this is rough or dirty, this can cause problems. Solution is to clean the area .

Let us know if you manage to get your x5 working again.