Wanted: iPaq 2210 or 2215 - working, damaged or parts

[ImperfectSese]

I picked up a used iPaq 2210, I *love* it, but it's got 2 problems:
the d-pad isn't registering properly
it doesn't detect SD cards

So, I'm looking for a replacement, or one with a scratched/busted screen, or just some parts.

I'm located in Seattle, WA, and I can pick up locally. Thanks!

[Konrad Pierce]

Your model is also known as the HP/Compaq iPAQ h2200 Series (h2210/h2215/h2212e, "HTC Great Wall").

The original manufacturer of these iPAQs is Foxconn, and they have an online iPAQ Parts Store (now called "HP Services Handheld Shopper") where you can order replacement OEM parts.

First, the tools you'll need to disassemble/reassemble the iPAQ are a "precision" or "micro" Phillips #00 or #000 screwdriver, a Torx T5 or T6 screwdriver (not both, but you can't tell which version your iPAQ uses until you try), and a dull knife blade (to very carefully "shim" the case apart).

The d-pad problem is a very common failure in these units; each of the four thin plastic segments on the button stem tends to break quite easily. It's unlikely that it can be repaired after the fact, so you'll need a replacement. The OEM replacement is Joypad (P/N 3S846-055). If the original joypad part is undamaged, the problem is the mainboard button "box" contact - this is a tricky repair involving some delicate soldering instead of a simple cheap part replacement.

Incidentally, I wrap a few coils of very thin cord (I use 2-lb fishing line) and a dab of glue to reinforce this button stem so that it won't fail again as easily. If you do this, be sure that you don't use conductive wire for this purpose - it will contact the metal casing on the mainboard, possibly causing an electrical short.

The h2200 will not accept SDHC cards; these are different from SD cards. You may also wish to confirm the "write-protect" notch isn't causing problems. You might simply have a card-iPAQ incompatibility (it happens). I've benchmarked these iPAQs as consistently having a "48X Read / 32X Write" speed capacity, and have used several different cards up to 4GB/150X without problem. You can also try reformatting the SD card in a PC (choosing FAT32 file system and 4KB cluster size) to ensure maximum compatibility.

Foxconn no longer sells replacement "CF/SD sockets" - and again, this would be a very involved precision soldering repair. They sell complete mainboards on an HP-restricted basis, and they cost more than a complete iPAQ.

I would suggest you simply try using other SD cards (formatted as specified above); if the iPAQ won't work with three different cards (different storage and speed capacities, different brands) then it's probably safe to say it has a problem with the slot. You can also try using an electrical contact cleaner or lubricant on the pins in the slot - a product like Stabilant 22 (or 22A) might breathe new life into the slot, but it's an expensive solution. You can check for debris, bent or missing pins, and other such trivial damage and just fix what you can.

There are several excellent iPAQ repair companies.

PPCTechs can repair the unit, and also offer their famous (and famously expensive) 128MB Internal RAM Upgrade, as well as their (Aluminum) Replacement Side Cover Kits (in Black, Silver, Blue, and Red) for this model. You can save money by just buying "Parts", but if you purchase a "Kit" it includes the tools (T5/T6 Torx drivers) you'll need.

iPAQ Repair & Parts (UK) sells the Joypad/Action button and can also repair the unit. Their unique products are their (superior) iPAQ Chrome Side Grips and Battery Door Cover. They also sell a Torx T5/T6 Screwdriver toolkit.

[ImperfectSese]

Thanks for the excellent reply

The d-pad legs are all in great shape, it's definitly a defective switch, and I did note the 6 precision-soldered joints on the mainboard, so I know that the only "repair" for that would be a replacement mainboard.

The SD slot is non-functional with multiple SD and SDIO cards, it does not even register when they are inserted. It has been disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, all dust cleared out with compressed air and microbrushes (used for painting models, they make PERFECT dusters for small electronics) the pins rebent, the contacts brightened, all contacts to the mainboard checked, etc... I've also visually inspected all components on the mainboard for any sign of damage. It's apparently also a common problem with these units, one user said HP informed him that it was a problem where using certain cards prior to a patch would burn out something on the mobo. Again, the only "repair" would be a new mainboard.

And so, as stated above, I'm stuck looking for either a replacement or a unit with a defect OTHER than the mainboard/switch/sd slot

Thanks for your extensive reply tho, I appreciate the help

[headcronie]

Just so everyone knows - This thread does not fit within the B/S/T policy established in the sticky post in this forum. http://forum.brighthand.com/showthread.php?t=245049

Due to the fact that this post has been responded to, we won't take it down, or close it. Just know that this is an exception, and not the norm.

[BAB2000]

Since thread discussed details of repair and options moved it to the correct forum.

[Konrad Pierce]

Originally Posted by headcronie

Just so everyone knows - This thread does not fit within the B/S/T policy established in the sticky post in this forum. http://forum.brighthand.com/showthread.php?t=245049

Due to the fact that this post has been responded to, we won't take it down, or close it. Just know that this is an exception, and not the norm.

Sorry HC

I knew that my post was ... questionable ... in this forum. I even suspected that my flagrant violation of BH ethics was likely to be noticed by somebody soon enough. Ah! Now that the subterfuge has been dispelled, I won't be losing any more sleep.

[Konrad Pierce]

@ Imperfect,

Busted iPAQs frequently appear on eBay. Of course you'll very likely be bidding against me for any "salvageable" h2200's that are listed.

Nonetheless, good luck. I agree with you that multiple failures on the mainboard are easier to fix with a complete swap from another machine.

Since you're planning on buying a new board anyways, maybe you should dig through your junkbox or head over to your local electronic parts supplier (or even icky Radio Shack) to see if a suitable replacement button can be found. I would focus on this repair first, since the d-pad is generally a more "critical" component - if you screw this up, you haven't really lost anything and still need to replace the board.

[Edit]
I agree with using small "painter's" brushes for general cleanup and such. I would recommend using one made of Camel's hair or similar - the cheap nylon stuff generates surprising amounts of ESD voltage (almost 5KV!) when used on metal. The Samsung/HP ASICS-BIOS chip used in these iPAQs contains an EEPROM that can be adversely affected by exposure to as little as 12V ... unlike the main ROM, when the data on this chip gets damaged you can't "de-brick" the unit through software alone - you'll need some fancy JTAG equipment that can force-feed the opcodes right into the ASICS.

Anyhow, this brings me to a question: have you recently flashed the ROM in the unit? And if so, did you use an "unofficial" (non-HP third-party) proprietary ROM? It might be that your mainboard is indeed perfectly functional, but cannot properly use some hardware because of ROM firmware/software bugs - this is quite probably the case if you've used a ROM that was deconstructed from code initially made for a different iPAQ device with slightly different methods of utilizing the hardware.

[ImperfectSese]

Well, luckily I was able to locate another perfectly good unit on Craigslist, and picked that up. Between the two units, I made a "frankenmonster" perfect condition PDA, and the other PDA is up and working (although with the dpad problem and the dead sd slot). I'll let you have anything you want off EBay, I seem to be having better luck with locals who are upgrading

BTW, my rom flashes were all official releases right off HP's website