Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

Ok, so here it goes....

First and foremost, i am a huge fan of this phone, and the idea as a whole of the N900, and Maemo5. By giving us a phone that is largely developed by the community and unlocked we have many doors already open that the other platforms struggle to either open, or continue to try to keep open. Nuff said about that.

Now onto my problem, which i have several ideas as to how to fix (but am too nervous to try). over the past few weeks i have noticed that call audio while using the handset will cut out, or volume will decrease severely to where the call is either inaudible, or barely audible. I have found that by pressing the device firmly to my ear in a certain manner, that the audio returns, sometimes to the quality and volume i expect, sometimes to lesser degrees.

Obviously i am having a hardware issue. Some ribbon cable in the slider, or possible the speaker built into the slider itself. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to fix, or has anyone had a similar problem? Im all for getting my hands dirty and tearing this thing down to its naked bits to diagnose, but i figured i would ask the community for advice, tips, and tricks before doing so.... After all thats what the community is here for right =P

Thanks in advance for any help or speculation, and have a great day!

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

Hmm. Are you trying to say that if speakers little hole doesnt point directly to your ear then it goes almost silent. If so then it completely normal :). I have to at least be careful how i keep my phone while speaking.

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

nope, its nothing, then if i squeeze the slider against the main body volume improves. i realize the ear to phone calition must be spot on for good use =P. there is something wrong, applying different amounts of pressure yields different results.

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

has anyone disassembled their N900 before?

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVEHm...eature=related

good luck mate :-)

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

There's a clip on youtube... Hang on.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVEHm325-z8

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

If you're going to disassemble your N900, please take lots of high-res pictures :D Especially of the USB port since that part seems to be the most filmsy (whole thing ripping off when unplugging the phone).

Thanks

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

Oh bum! Beaten!

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

i have noticed there might be some sort of built in echo cancellation that could have this effect. when talking in loud places the volume of the earpiece varies quickly. in quiet places the sound is perfect. so, your problem might not be a hardware problem, but your side OR the other side's echo cancellation.

Re: Wear And Tear Hardware Failure/Build Quality Issue
 

well i have scrateched my screen because of the damn stylus...ordered the clarivue screen protector..