How to disassemble a Palm Vx?

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How to disassemble a Palm Vx?

I need to remove the backlight chip, as per this post: http://www.applefritter.com/node/view/4335. I can't figure out how to open the Palm Vx aluminum case to get to the circuit board....anybody know? Thanks!

eeun's picture
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Joined: Dec 19 2003 - 17:34
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Heat it up

The Vx's metal shell is glued on.

It can be removed by heating the metal shell with a hair dryer or hot air gun. You need to be EXTEMELY careful applying heat around the LCD, and the plastics can warp and distort if too much heat is applied. The LCD can be covered with a post-it note or tape, but this provides only minimal protection.

I've done this operation myself, successfully, so I know it's possible. I didn't have any luck with a hair dryer and used my heat gun. Go very slowly, delicately, heat only a little at a time, and try to avoid bending the metal as you remove it.

Don't remove any of the glue once it's open. You'll need it to seal the unit back up when you're done. If it won't stick back down, you can dab a bit of hot glue in the problem areas and try again.

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I've done this at least 20 ti

I've done this at least 20 times...

You have very very little chance of overheating the thing. I recommend a 2kw fan heater...not a hot air gun.

Place the palm face down on a block of wood and heat the back for 30 seconds or so. Then simply lift the back off with a knife...simple.

To remove / replace the backlight IC you do not need to remove the front , so leave it alone!!!

Once you have removed the offending IC by desoldering / cutting the leads then place the rear cover on...and while applying pressure, using cloth pegs etc, heat the rear.

I hope you found a new IC from that guy I instant messaged you...

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