yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Kobald:
A mass recall would not be in the best interest of Asus.

Asus will never do a mass recall.

Send your TFP to them, to be returned with "No Problem Found" should be expected. Unless you become extremely visable, in which case they may damage it themselves (see other posts).

Too many of the existing users are "satisfied" with the performance, and to address the un-satisfied users would cost too much.

In a couple months, we'll get to hear your complaints.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
How bad for Asus??? Lots of $$$$, the shipment to asus and back is going to be alot. Then, you have the people that would have to fix it, maybe a new process for assembly for future primes.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] blinky44:
Lots of good information here, I agree with the comment about the case not being the only issue because we have too many people with good to very good wifi and a number with in home GPS. Sure there are variations in each home but it never made sense that the cover was the main culprit. As an engineer for years working with various type of connection designs this one thing makes the most sense. Spring loaded connections are great for repairs and production but have various issues with connection quality. Maybe the cup is not full seated on the board or a batch of pins or cups has contamination on them. You would expect a clean room environment for the board build but the final assembly may not be. This has probably been one of the better threads I have seen yet, lots of humor and good questions being asked. Thanks to the senior members and everyone else. Hopefully Gary will respond soon. It would be so simple to just solder three wires and see if it improves. They have lots of units they can play with.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HiddenSanctum:
Yea I guess I am one of those lucky people with at least a decent wifi. Its not amazing, but I can play netflix without lag with the router on the other side or my apartment and anywhere on campus so far. Though my GPS is pretty much a complete dud. The most I've seen is 2 satellites in view.

My question has always been the backplate though. How exactly is it affecting or blocking the signals? They say its because of the fry pan like marking, is it like reflecting the satellite signals? The reason I am asking this is because if we know HOW its doing, maybe we can counter it from the outside (a long shot I know)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] siff:
Give this a shot.

I just turned off my WiFi and my GPS (which hasn't worked since the Jan 18th update) on. In about 15 seconds I locked on 8 satellites inside my house, I then turned my wifi back on and they stuck... Now I'm locking with the wifi on or off. f-ing bizarre!

P.S. No twisting of squeezing involved.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dmbatson:
okay i honestly didnt believe that this would work but i figured what the heck. since my only light leak is near the battery and cant even be seen unless i am on a dark black screen even then its minimal. So my regret with the prime was a non functional GPS, as in NO satellites acquired in Honeycomb or ICS

Well gave the Prime a Little squeeze near power button and bam instant gps. took near window and now i am extremely pleased with this tab and keyboard dock. one of my best purchases ever and you folks at XDA help again and again. You guys should be the workers of the Tech companies. Then things would be made right and work amazing.

thank you!!!!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] green750one:
Mmmmm

Guess I must be one of the unlucky ones.

I have only seen satellites once - in my car.

Before then. Since then nothing. Inside, outside in car, just outside.

Tried the gentle squeeze technique - nothing, apart from a message asking if I wanted to power down.

Tried gently tapping - nothing
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1SiK1500:
I might have to go to best buy and give their display model a little "squeeze" and see if it improves.

I find it highly odd that multiple users have reported a increase in GPS lock with just a squeeze or twist. To me that is clearly a connectivity hardware issue. I still wait with an open ear for a fix.

I commend those who are brave enough to try this process. i would not feeled compelled enough to try on my own device.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
This is so crazy n funny at the same time. More n more people doing this n seeming to work. ASUS should include on the box n manual "Make sure to give the Prime unconditional love and hugs and she will do whatever your hearts desire" lmao.

I think we are getting closer to finding the real culprit. Maybe Asus just admired to the backplate because its the most obvious and doesn't seem as bad. Asus admitting to pogo pins being root of cause of this wireless fiasco would infuriate everyone. Because this is a assembly or manufacturing flaw, it seems, and would probably generate alot worse press for them than just backplate. Makes me wonder about new model coming out now. If its using same connections, who is to say it won't suffer from same issue as Prime since manufacturers in same place, by the same people, using the same methods, using mostly the same parts.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
I was looking at the teardown pics and it looks to me like the case is just a tad deeper at the middle. If Asus is using the same size pins for the GPS as well as the outer WiFi pins it would make sense that the GPS is much more botched than the WiFi. Just a guess...

Also I think the back plate is fine. If anything, its probably helpful in projecting rf out of the front windows.....which is probably the design goal. But, if the connection to the window is ****ty...........

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Moothead2:
So, if I was to solder wire between the copper pad and the pogopin would this eliminate the problem? I wish Anandtech/somebody would try this if this is the case.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
YES. I really want someone to try this if they open theirs up. Hey man, if you've opened you might as well.

Set your iron to a low heat setting and tin both terminations first. This helps in sensitive situations.

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Moothead2:
Ahh, I'm not doing this myself :P! Maybe if I could retain warranty and it was held together by screws (I HATE getting thingsopen when they're held together by glue and/or plastic clips) then I maybe would give it a shot. I'm thinking more ASUS repair/Anandtech giving it a try.

The ironic thing is they probably used pogopins so it was easier to take the unit apart but in reality all it has really done is make them open up more than they would have had to if this really is the major reason for Wi-Fi and GPS issues.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BTrack:
FYI. I have a 64gb Grey Prime which I received on 1/24 with a BCOKA serial #. However, to date I have had no issues with wifi, gps, or bluetooth.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nixtip:
My Prime works with gps fine, had problems before, they made some update and after that it works fine now, finds me in still position or driving in a car.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
Guitar picks getting shoved into crevices and heat gunning doesn't sound good to me either lol.

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] blinky44:
Wonder if the 700 has pogo pins that would be an interesting tear down. Note too that you could have a great clean set of pins and everything is nice and tight and no issues. Of course, we could all be out to lunch and squeezing the case makes the prime feel good after so many negative comments and bad press (pun intended) that it now wants to shine.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
I don't wanna sound like I'm belittling u or anything but are u actually getting a lock with any GPS app?

BB geek squad in san Diego thinks they are just because maps shows thier location. Lol they also believe GPS is something u have to have a paid service to use.

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gogol:
After all this, for the next ASUS products, I will not only wait for the reviews.

But I will wait until someone did tear down, and see all this kind of thing. To make sure they are not using any unreliable parts.

It is really unbelievable and infuriating. The TF201 supposed to be "the" tablet, but now becoming such a joke with giving gentle massage and or squish.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jonboyuk:
Why don't we all donate $1 and buy one between us and get some boffin to fix it, then as his reward he can keep it ;)

Or...ASUS could just do it for us!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
That's good to hear. Mine is the same for the most part. I will finally test my GPS outside this weekend to see if it really works or not. AS far as the serial number goes, Gary only mentioned it was from an early batch n someone would call me. That's it basically. Nothing about sending it in or whatever. As far as I know they just want to ask me questions to assess my tablet. If I would've had major issues or such, I been would've exchanged my tablet to Gamestop. Not hard to do at all. Since I've been having good experience/results with my device, there was no reason to. This still holds true. But if I'm offered an upgrade to some kind of new internal component like on newer batches, ill take it. Plus I think the revising was made somewhere in-between our serial numbers and the new C ones.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] -lukin-:
Mine also had a serial number that began with BCOKA. I RMA's it and here is my outcome: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21886533&postcount=33

Cheers.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
You came off then. You getting a brand new unit. Plus with your specific requests you added to notes, you are likely to get the new revised versions. Make sure to post how it performs compared to old one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BTrack:
I found that my wifi improved by using WiFi Analyzer and changing the channel on my dual mode Linksys E3200 to 20mhz from 40 and from channel 11 to 6. My router is in the basement of our 2 story house. I get 36mps in the first floor den, and 10 upstairs in the bedroom on the far side of the house. I've had no trouble streaming Netflix in bed with BlueAnt headset (while the wife snoozes).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] -lukin-:
Yes I will update at the above thread next week. I hope this post was appropriate. It was a chance to connect two issues: GPS and RMA.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
A tablet in bed is worth more than two pills, with quadcore cpu and 1080p screen on the TF700T HD movies will have no lag. And no commercials!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jhovak:
I'm glad to see this is gaining some traction, looks like there is video floating around now as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djkinetic:
well lets see what they do about this...my gps even though i dont use it is pretty much non-existant indoors...so it be nice to get some sort of fix...that said everything else works pretty well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] theoilman:
hopefully they won't put these pogopins in the TF700T... is that too much to hope for?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
That's why it's very important to raise the flag on issues that affect the performance, so Asus can improve the design of the TF700T. This pogo idea was not on the OG Prime, when Asus engineers created this they should have tested thoroughly. Get rid of it please!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
You can almost guarantee this is going into newer model unless Asus realizes this could be a possible major issue..like I said before, no guarantee new model will have better reception even with plastic strip on back. Especially if its using same pogo pins. Plus its especially rare for pogo pins to be used on a GPS connection.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
Hmmm. If Asus doesnt fix this, this may be a problem in the long run for the TF201. Say if the tablet works fine now, from longterm use, temperature fluctuation, bumps, drops, etc.. whose to say the those pogopins will keep their contacts. After, the warranty runs out from Asus, it will be out of the consumer's pockets for repair.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gogol:
Submit this pogopins story to all major news and blogs sites and see if majority of people would agree or disagree.

And let ASUS know what people want.

Although DiamondBack would not be happy with the submission.

I for one would not like unreliable components.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] chamberc:
The cost of replacing them would outweigh the bad publicity. It's math.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Moothead2:
To be honest if that happened I'd just crack it open myself and solder a wire between the two contacts.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
IMO, I don't think its a worry of will they completely loose contact. Its more of the contacts not having an optimal connection. Maybe not seated properly or contact may be off just enough to cause variances in wireless performance. THE prime "seems" sealed tightly enough that it'll always make contact. Just not an optimal one. Or maybe could even be contamination on patch or something. No one knows for sure. Still all speculation. But as more n more users try the workaround n posting results, the scale is leaning towards the pins. We need a good tech site to do another teardown n test theories of backplate n pins.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bgm307:
I posted this earlier over in the wifi/bt thread maybe it belongs here. For two days now I've been able to change my wifi and GPS performance by just flexing the tablet. The difference is extreme. In the worst location in my house, I can get it go from about 1 to 5 MBs to the high teens and even 20 MBs. With GPS I can see 12 satellites and fix 10 or so at a window where I never could get a fix before. Let the Prime sit for a while and it goes back to poor performance. Flex it and it's good again.

I'm still having a hard time believing this. I've had my Prime for 3 weeks with really poor wifi performance at any distance from my AP and similar GPS performance. I keep looking for other factors in my network that I'm not considering but for two days I've been able to duplicate this. Of course that means no firmware fixes.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
Two sources of poor contact

1. Antenna surface and pogo plunger.

2. Pogo plunger, spring and shell.

Everytime the tab is flexed the contact points change in position, so connection quality is more or less based on chance. If the materials used are prone to tarnishing then a non conducting film will build up killing the signal altogether. Time for another flex or massage.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Govermans:
I have squeezed and knocked on the complete top of the prime... It does not make any difference. GPS is still completely dead... I don't have WIFI-problems, but things have not changed as far as I can see...

Well, I think it's going to be an RMA afterall :-|
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
It's possible to clean the antennas and pogo pins with alcohol or window washer but that will require opening the case and voiding the warranty. Unfortunately a replacement may not correct the problem. Good luck! :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] murgo:
indeed it does not.. all 3 primes that i had, had horrible wifi performance..
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] junrider:
I think your right, if Asus cant disclose or find the pogopin possible problem other than the metal back casing. Its up to the consumers to have the reviewer sites that helped the prime's popularity, to spread to the community 2 of the major problems the prime might have to insist on further testing. I think going through the site's and I have yet to see a test documented on the GPS and wifi reception with and without the metal back. And I hope someone could do a documented test of having a weak wifi and no GPS, squeeze the tablet and actually document the gains, and if willing document a soldered connection instead of the pogopins of performance on wifi and GPS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
Sorry for you, for what it's worth check out the thread "GPS hardware variances". The OP says,

"Bad serial number is 0056xx, good is 0171xx. Perhaps they found a manufacturing problem and fixed it in later batches."

So maybe your fourth replacement will work this time, make sure you ask for the SN first before it's shipped, just to make sure. ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bgm307:
"Bad serial number is 0056xx, good is 0171xx. Perhaps they found a manufacturing problem and fixed it in later batches."

So maybe your fourth replacement will work this time, make sure you ask for the SN first before it's shipped, just to make sure. ;)[/QUOTE]

I have a later one. B series 105xxx. Terrific Prime except for the wifi and GPS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ikdedinges:
I have a C series Prime, wifi works good but GPS is all dead.

sqeezing does nothing for gps of wifi.

i will keep it because i dont miss gps all that much.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] beavertank:
Just further confirmation of this:

I took my tablet outside and stood around (in the absurd cold) for about ten minutes, and saw no sattelites whatsoever.

I then pushed on the bezel over the screen, just slightly off center in the direction of the power button, and instantly I saw 11 satellites. I let go, and they disappeared.

I pushed in the same spot again, a bit harder, saw the 11 satellites (got a lock on 5) and then they remained when I let go. After a little while of wandering around on foot, and going up and down in visible/locked satellites, I ended up seeing zero again.

I pushed on the same spot, fairly hard, and again instantly I saw a bunch.

So something is definitely wrong with the connection in there.

(just for reference I have a BCOK serial - received on Jan 24 - as well)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
This is all too much of a hit or miss. Serial numbers are now seeming to make no difference. You have a few with new C serial numbers n still slight issues. I think Asus may have made the revision thinkn backplate was the sole cause or whatever n added the new hardware revisions. Whatever exactly that may be. But if backplate is seeming not to be only or sole cause of some wireless issues, then the revision won't do anything really. Why? They made revision based on getting best possible results with metal backplate. Now we have the pogo pins issue being a strong possibility. IF true, the pins would really be the root of the problem and their revision wouldn't have helped at all.

COULD also be a reason Gary said his mini comparison of signals between Prime n new T-700 were about the same or T-700 was no better although T-700 has plastic strip on back. New model is almost a sure shot to use the same pogo pins. Coming from the same place. Manufactured and being put together the same.

SO Asus really needs to look at this possibility for the sake of sales for the Prime and even more so their newer model coming this summer. How would it look they advertising this new model as having better reception n such and they really perform the same based on them putting a solution towards the wrong thing. BEST scenario would be fixing both possible causes for newer model. FOR current prime, best outcome would be them at least changing the connections or soldering them. As its not enough of a change to warrant new FCC filing. Another good solution would be changing backs out also on Prime but I think it was said rearranged some buttons on the newer model. IF SO, then that means Prime can't use the back off new model. Or they would have to rearrange Prime button setup also.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] s4titan:
Squeeze for lock sticker

1 week old prime owner. Wifi working okay, not great. never could get any gps sats to appear on several different gps apps. After reading this thread went outside and tried my gps again, nothing until I squeezed the case and glass area between the power button and camera and bam, 6 sats instantly appear and then lock. Definitely a bad connection and probably a design flaw, I really like this Prime but for 5 bills it needs to work as it should. Asus you have two weeks to step up and provide a satisfactory fix or I will be sending it back and advising people to stay clear of the Prime. I know some people love the Prime and would be okay with Asus sending them a "Squeeze here for GPS lock" sticker to apply to their Prime , but not me. Ser # BCOKAS 155xxx
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
Thanks Beavertank. Exactly the same result for me...approximately 2.5 - 3 inches in from the left hand side (power button side) and wholla...instant fix and outside an increase from struggling to 15 in view and a solid lock on 9 satellites. I had a look at the teardown and to me it looks like the opposite side to where the GPS antenna is (could be wrong) mmmnnn...anyhow looks like we may have zoned in a little. I also noticed a little click when I applied some pressure. BCOKAS******
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
Pressure point

Attached is the photo of the region that when squeezed appears to make the GPS a LOT better. Thanks to Anandtech for the photo. Anyhow there is a black RF cable and thats about it...the pogopin is for the auxillary wifi antenna contact. Thoughts?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Moothead2:
I'm confused, people are saying they're pressing the screen towards the power button but the GPS module is on the other side, on the opposite side of the camera isn't it?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr44:
That cable is probably preventing the pogo pin from seating properly so a squeeze flattens the cable temporarily thus pogo and antenna make contact. But when pressure is released pogo slowly backs off eventually losing connection. :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
Pressure point

Okay here is my guess...the black RF cable is the GPS cable that goes from the GPS IC to the GPS pogopin on the other side of the main cct board....I can't see clearly, but it appears that the cable is used in conjunction with PCB tracks to connect the GPS IC to the GPS pogopin. I have attached another photo and was hoping somecould identify the IC - TP5659? The pogo pin that the black RF cable goes next to is the WIFI AUX pogopin. Complete guesswork here. BUT again I tried the pressure point and I'm having definite changes in reception and lock capability. I could be inadvertantly doing something that changes the RF characteristics (ground plane connectivity?) that was not originally designed for, but it has a positive effect so I am going with it....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
The cable could be getting in the way of the pogopin, but that pogopin is for the WIFI AUX antenna...I didn't notice any change in WIFI reception when pressure was applied....did you Beavertank?

---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------

Hey Moothead2. The antenna (to the right hand side of the camera - opposide side of the power button) and GPS IC may not be on the same side. I am trying to determine that and think that the connectivity between the antenna and GPS IC through pogopin, cable and PCB tracks could be an issue...maybe not?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jonboyuk:
I do find this a little bit silly. Clearly there's a dodgy connection going on....ASUS should repair this...

Mr.Key? :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Thenits:
Wouldn't that be nice if ASUS actually stepped up and not only identified the problem but also repaired it. I guess I'm keen to identify the exact issue so ASUS does not have any wriggle room by 'addressing' the issue with yet another firmware upgrade or by remaining complacent with their 'lack of GPS capability' stance.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] slybarman:
I swapped my prime today @ Bestbuy. I do not believe I got one from the new batch, but GPS is significantly better and wifi is the same or marginally better. No amount of squeezing was helping the old one to get a GPS lock.