yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Transformer TF300T General] corwest:
If you can find a white or red one on eBay then yes it is. There are no components on the cover itself except for a heat dispersion pad. That's it.
[Transformer TF300T General] obsidianchao:
Got excited, was hoping to see more in there, but looks like they covered the good stuff with that thin copper :/

What's that even for? It's so thin, it looks fairly useless.
[Transformer TF300T General] HotlipsH:
Just a thought... Could the bootloader encryption be on a chip?
[Transformer TF300T General] chili_red:
The copper foil is probably used as dual purpose, heat spreader and EMI shielding. The piece over the CPU/GPU does have a black plastic backing insulating it from other components. But I couldn't tell if the copper foil was in direct contact with the CPU/GPU or not with the way it was stuck down, and I didn't want to pry up on it as it would bend out of shape very easily.
[Transformer TF300T General] DuneBug:
Didja manage to get any pictures of the internals? For those of us who are a little less adventurous..
[Transformer TF300T General] chili_red:
There are a couple pictures posted in OP, I updated it to include links to the full sized images.
[Transformer TF300T General] DuneBug:
Oh oops, Opera mobile wasn't showing the pics till u added the links..
[Transformer TF300T General] omega59:
Very interesting, everything is clean and tight hehe.

Thanks :D

Yes a back replacement for those who like to mod would be cool!
[Transformer TF300T General] NJ_RAMS_FAN:
Nice. If they were ever to sell the red one I would look for the red back. Lol. That's the one I really wanted but couldn't resist.
[Transformer TF300T General] psjw12:
There was finger marks on it already you say?

I know people are saying about the GPU and CPU but they're on the same chip aren't they?
[Transformer TF300T General] chili_red:
Yes, I was actually surprised at how many fingerprints were inside the unit and very visible on the copper foil and metallic coating on the inside of the cover.

I cleaned most of them off of the copper with some alcohol but couldn't get them all. Some of the ones on the inside of the cover were very clear and would be easy to get a clear print off of those. I figured they would probably wear gloves while assembling them as I've never seen this many prints on the inside of a new device, or at least give it a wipe down after assembly, no harm done though.

The CPU/GPU reside on the same chip, here's a good article from Anandtech showing the architecture of the chip.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5072/nvidias-tegra-3-launched-architecture-revealed/
[Transformer TF300T General] gierso:
look for a port to put a 3g receiver :P
[Transformer TF300T General] archondragon:
poor quality control on these items
[Transformer TF300T General] Buster99:
Issues like that?

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=28416198&postcount=9
[Transformer TF300T General] rich.x87:
LOL

You got some nerve!

I’m very afraid of taking apart my electronics. (Sloppy hands)

You know who assembles for ASUS? Because I’ve seen pictures of FOXXCON workers wearing gloves, or fingertip cover if not whole gloves.
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Ripped mine apart today.

Dropped mine three days after I got it - doesn't take a hit very well.. Still powers up and operates but glass/touchscreen is shattered and no touch response, so it's basically a doorstop..

Ripped into it after seeing this post - no video of the process though, sorry.. Getting the back off is indeed easy.. Video connector is right there and easy to get to in order to re-seat if you suspect a bad connection.. It is the metallic micro-connector that actually has wires and is taped down with a clear tape.

Also, touchscreen plastic ribbon connector is also easy to get to in order to re-seat.. It is the wide plastic strip type ribbon (with internal wiring strips) that ends up splitting into two connections with little foam rubber pieces on top of them to keep them from backing out.. When you pull the connections out, as I did today, it's good to know how they work. The two touchscreen headers (connectors) on the pcb are a hinged/clamping type. The back of the connector (away from the ribbon) hinges up and the ribbon is free.

Anyway, removing a shattered touchscreen is a bear - lots and lots of sticky adhesive. Double-sided sticky tape (half inch wide) holding the touchscreen to the flimsy plastic bezel all the way around, and double-sided sticky foam (2mm wide) holding the touchscreen to the TFT display assembly all the way around.

I need confirmation, please, from anyone; is this touchscreen for the TF300 the same one used for the TF201. I would assume it is, but do not want to order one based on an assumption.. I have the whole unit reassembled and working w/o touchscreen. Installing it will be miles easier than taking it out for sure..
[Transformer TF300T General] pjc21:
Well I think it's a way out idea - but just trying to explore any and all possibilities for people that have bricked.

I remember back when playing around with media players this was how we erased & flashed bootcode firmware from the mainboard chip, usb connected to pc on one end and 3 pins connected the the mainboard serial point on the other then started up a connection through putty or hyperterminal to access the Realtek Rom Monitor.

This was before android took off so not sure if this even possible with android devices or if they have a Realtek chip and above my knowledge level, so I may be barking up a tree that just doesn't exist here, not sure.

Anyway my theoretical theory here is that if this chipset & connection does exist and we could somehow get the firmware/image or whatever it is that's embedded on the chip, would it be possible to erase and re-flash this chip in order to revive a hard bricked device.?

As I said it's an out there idea but trying to think outside the box,

If you have a corrupt fastboot, or bootloader and have no way to flash anything via fastboot or adb - thought maybe if something like this was possible, could mabye be a way to revive fastboot.
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Used to get that deep into my Viewsonic gTab, but thats almost a year ago.. Haven't had that type of deep interest in the TF300. Haven't even installed CWM or any custom ROMs. Good luck though.. I'm pretty certain that there are threads here along those same lines.
[Transformer TF300T General] archondragon:
something similar like that, it's really pissing me off I got it less than 2 weeks and I just noticed that there was a malfunction on the screen. when i press on the outside of the touchscreen, with enough pressure it will register a click on the touchscreen and its freaking annoying
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Okay, archondragon -

The way I see it, you have two options:

1) Exchange it.. The way the back comes off and goes on, you have not voided anything that anyone is going to notice.. And after-all, you didn't do it, right??? It's just dorked up!!

2) If for some reason you cannot exchange it,,, the area you are concerned about is exactly where the touchscreen ribbon connects.. Is this your problem?? Dunno.. But if you are so bold,,, refer to chile_red's initial post and image #1.. Lightning bolt shaped ribbon in the center is the charge/interface connection.. Wired harness to the right is the video connection I was referring to in an earlier post. Broad short plastic ribbon to the right of that is the capacitive touchscreen interface. Notice it splits into two connections and terminates into the pcb underneath the foam pad (different than mine with two separate foam pads).. Try gently peeling back the foam pad and saving it for re-application (sticky as hell underneath).. The two headers underneath will have hinged clamps, likely white, that flip up.. They are sensitive, so be careful.. Once you flip them, you'll get how they work.. Take the ribbons out and make sure to reseat them fully and clamp them down again..

Hope this helps..

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 PM ----------

chili_red,

FYI, my copper heatsink was teaming with fingerprints as well.. Looks like they just smoosh it on w/thermal compound and then slap a warranty sticker on it to help hold it into place..

BTW - after my touchscreen got smashed, it just sat dead in the closet.. My wife prompted me to look into repairing it and that's when I stumbled onto your post and got inspired!!

Now, if I could just get some direction on a replacement glass..

My understanding is that this is just a TF201 w/a plastic back.. I know there is 201 glass available and haven't seen anything for 300, but I need to make sure that the 201 glass and the 300 glass are the same.. Anyone??????
[Transformer TF300T General] chili_red:
Good to hear mine isn't the only one with fingerprints all over the internals :)

Also pretty sure the warranty wont be voided by taking the back off, it's just too easy to remove and no sign of tamper tape on that anywhere, just the one on the heatsink.

No idea on the replacement glass though, I guess I'd find a reseller for the 201 glass and ask them.
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Yup,

Pretty sure what I'm going to hear though.. "201 glass is for the 201"..

But that is the next step... If 300 glass is different, they are likely all being gobbled up by production still.

I'll let you all know what I find and take some pics once I get my hands on one..

Hasta..
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
So, stumbled across vivian86lcd@gmail.com with SHENZHEN HUA TAI COMMUNICATION Co., Ltd out of China..

They say they can provide me with one for $95.00 +$38.00 shipping + $6.60 for PalPay processing..

The attached download is all I've got to go on.. As you can see - no item number.. Very crude.. Doesn't feel right - and too much.. Will keep searching..
[Transformer TF300T General] enomele:
What is this spunger and where can I get one? Would I be able to find a similar tool at a walmart or best buy or hardware store?

Another question, is there any jtag capable ports or anything? I gotta fix one and was considering jtag.

Doing a little search it must be a typo, spudger seems to be the tool?
[Transformer TF300T General] chili_red:
My bad, it was a typo, should be "Spudger", but there are many types out there, I have quite a few different ones, and you can get them off eBay very cheap, nylon guitar picks also come in really handy.

Here's a couple similar to what I have,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Plastic-Spudger-Stick-Opening-Repair-Tool-For-iPhone-iPod-iPad-E3026-/160845967533?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item25732ab0ad

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laptop-Tablet-LCD-Monitor-Repair-Tool-Set-Metal-Pry-Spudger-Tweezer-USA-/180891501202?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1df94292
[Transformer TF300T General] fromanbr:
the transformer prime metal back fits on TF300? :D hahahhaa
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Touchscreen Digitizer Replacement

FYI all... TF201 digitizer is NOT the same as the TF300.. Might work, maybe,, but NOT the same item.. Best price I've found so far for TF300 digi is $91.00 at http://www.bestmobileparts.com/chin...-pad-transformer-tf300-replacement_p3931.html

---------- Post added at 10:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------

My bad.. that is for quantity of 10...
[Transformer TF300T General] chharith:
hell ya

Carbon fiber back plate please.
[Transformer TF300T General] d0ubl3_d1zzl3:
Hmm... I wonder if I can find out what is wrong with my power button by just removing the back of my TF300... It's not responding anymore, no matter how much pressure I put on it, or how long I hold it...

And it's definitely a hardware problem, since I can make my tablet turn on by removing it from the dock for a few secs and then reconnecting. I bought my tablet from Amazon. Has anyone here tried to send their tablets to repair to ASUS after unlocking their bootloader, rooting and loading a custom ROM?
[Transformer TF300T General] Buster99:
well i answered in your Q post but my tab is atm with asus - its unlocked and rooted and a custom rom on it - since it was a hardware prob they repaired it for free for me - though its almost a month with asus now... if its not back by saturday i get a new one since the digitizer (with the tf300 its the whole screen) was on backorder... though i had no issue with them cause of my unlocked device

cheers
[Transformer TF300T General] d0ubl3_d1zzl3:
Thanks for your responses. That's what I was hoping to hear, that since it's a hardware problem they won't say anything about the unlocked bootloader, but I'm not liking the almost month long wait you're experiencing with your repair... Even though the issues are totally different. Anyway, you and the OP inspired me to pop open the back of my tablet and take a look, and if I can't fix it send it in for repair. Thanx!
[Transformer TF300T General] RTwoD2:
Can anyone confirm if this works? It would probably eliminate flex issues...and bring the thickness to that of the Prime.
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Well, wait a minute.. The metal back is supposed to be the source of the problem with the wifi and gps issues, right?? So, why would you do this?

Am I missing something?
[Transformer TF300T General] y17dt:
I just played a bit around and found out that you don´t even need a spludger to open your TF300. You can do it with your Fingernails. :good: It´s no big deal, just be careful you don´t break them :p
[Transformer TF300T General] chriwu:
That's how I've been doing it ;)
[Transformer TF300T General] jennies:
one chanel sound. headphone Jack.

right, so after fixing my power button nightmare my next issue is only one audio chanel from the headphone Jack. one ear of headphones works. i could have easily Jared this when taking the back off a few times fixing the power button issue. no chance of an asus repair as a US tab bought from eBay in the UK.

likely its just a lose solder. anyone had the issue and managed a self repair? not sure i can fix this!
[Transformer TF300T General] osaeed:
Tegra 3 is a SOC (system on a chip)

"The Tegra integrates the ARM architecture processor central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), northbridge, southbridge, and memory controller onto one package"
[Transformer TF300T General] goblygoop:
Thanks man. I had a power switch that would randomly activate. Hearing how you took it apart gave me confidence to tear it down. I trimmed the button making it harder to hit. Worked!
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
TF300 Digitizer / Touchscreen replacement

All - finally, a reasonably priced replacement digitizer/touchscreen.. Amazon.com.. $79.99.. $5.37 shipping.. Ordered it today.. Will take pics during replacement.

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Transfor...id=1355790516&sr=8-1&keywords=tf300+digitizer

*** BONUS: Take your spare change to the coinstar machine at the grocery store and they'll waive the fee/commission if you put the money into an Amazon gift card/receipt.. Just got rid of all my spare change and got $33.47 off the cost of the digitizer.. WOOHOO!!
[Transformer TF300T General] graphdarnell:
Touchscreen question

I replaced the digitizer and LCD I ordered from China for around $150.00. The LCD works fine, but the touchscreen does not respond. Of course it died when I shattered it so I have no way of knowing for sure what's causing the problem now. I seated the amber split ribbons correctly judging from the white marks on them. At this point I suspect either the silver flat cable connecting the touchscreen board to the mainboard, or the TS board itself.

A lot of people have run into this touchscreen problem with this model. However, most ended up sending the device back to Asus for repair and received word that a board had been replaced without specifics. I have no reason to doubt the mainboard as everything else seems to function normally. mabretske, could you inform of your result? Any insight into the root cause of this? Question for anyone with solid hardware knowledge: could a bad flat silver cable freeze the digitizer? To dump it as it is is such a waste. Thank you in advance.

Edit

: Some "expert" repair guy on another forum claims the cracked digitizer can send signals that would short the inputs on the TS board, thereby destroying it. Sounds almost outlandish but possible. The same guy, who runs a repair shop by the way, also claims that 33% of new digitizers are defective (which would make the digitizers' manufacturer's QC quite unacceptable to a buyer like Asus - in this industry 10% failure rate is a certain kiss of death, let alone anything as high as 1/3).

So if you smashed a digitizer, replace it and it does not work, likely the TS board is fried following this version. I've asked the repair guy to locate a TS board for DIY, just to see how he'd respond. I'd be sure to post the results if he does.
[Transformer TF300T General] tandynor:
Where can you order the TS board? I have an asus tf300t also, and all of a sudden the screen stopped responding to touch. Effing pisses me off. I have not tried with a dock yet to see if the tablet still can be used with mouse and keyboard?
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Well,,,, Replaced it last night and it didn't work.. Word to the wise - you probably shouldn't attempt to glue it on until you know it works.. Screwed around with it for hours or so afterwards, plugging it in a little bit more, a little bit less, cleaning the screen and digitizer over and freakin over and feaking over again with HDTV wipes every time I took it off, etc.. Reset the software - nothing..

Pulled the digitizer off of the front of the unit again this morning (with unit still otherwise fully assembled). Hanging in mid-air about a cm off of the tablet, I was flexing the ribbon around and got it to work just for a moment.. I think the ribbon cable is just ultra sensitive and needs to be handled with kid gloves. Don't know if I received it defective or perhaps torqued it too much on installation, but it really behaved like a digitizer ribbon issue and not a circuit board issue. No strain relief really where the ribbon emerges from the glass. Going to try to return it for a replacement through Amazon.. If not, gonna toss it. Been a real PITA.

HEED THIS WARNING - if you are going to replace the digitizer glass, one thing to know; when they ship it, there are "three" protective covers. 3..... 3.... The front and back EACH have a reasonably thick and rigid plastic protective cover with a tab hanging off that you peel off prior to installation - you peel off the inside screen protector and proceed to glue the digitizer in. With the digitizer now glued in place, you peel off the front/outside screen protector, but then WAIT!! wtf??? There are bubbles/blisters on the screen, like a bad window tint job.. And an "R" on the screen that didn't peel off with either of the two screen protectors. "Don't tell me,,, Mother F*&#!!!" Gently remove the digitizer once again and peel off the "2nd" - that's right, "2nd" internal protective plastic coating, with the Gad-damned "R" printed on it.. Clean up the glue mess, and do it again..

I wouldn't even try to return it now under normal circumstances - but it's become personal.. Beginning to place my bets on the 30% failure rate that the repair guy cited.. Capacitive touch sensors are pretty finicky.. After all, almost every thing they are coming into contact with has some amount of capacitance associated with it..

Uggggghh.. Will follow up soon.. Stay tuned..

EDIT/UPDATE -- 1st replacement digi P/N:69.10I21.G01 had 3 protective films. One on the outside and two on the inside.. 2nd replacement digi P/N:69.10I21.G03 had only the expected 2 protective films, one on each side..
[Transformer TF300T General] tandynor:
that sucks! I found some TS boards on Ebay. 59.99 I want to order one, but I dont wanna be -60 bux + the -399 for the tablet. LOL.
[Transformer TF300T General] graphdarnell:
Can you post the links? Thank you.

---------- Post added at 06:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:02 AM ----------

BTW, does anybody know of a good adhesive to be used on the touchscreen? I'm talking about the one holding the touchscreen to the plastic front bezel. I used a glue similar to liquid nails, but some areas of the touchscreen have started to come off.

The original tape is a custom strip which is really tough with super sticky adhesive on both sides. I assume the purpose is to withstand the pulling force exerted by the hard-plastic frame covering the back of the LCD/Touchscreen. The front bezel is so pliable that when the back cover is screwed onto it, the latter would bend it away from the outer edge of the touchscreen. Seems the pull is strong enough to gradually tear apart any double-sided tape made of foam. Of course I can use something that would bond the touchscreen permanently to the bezel, but if an alternative can spare such drastic measure, I'd like to consider it first. Thank you all.
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
Try this... 3M 665 Double-Sided Tape

http://www.amazon.com/3M-665-Double...357024803&sr=8-19&keywords=double+sticky+tape

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/917243/Scotch-665-Permanent-Double-Sided-Tape/
[Transformer TF300T General] graphdarnell:
You think this would be strong enough? Is it what you used on yours? I'm not questioning of course, just double-checking. I saw one that could handle 20 lbs which was designed for mounting. However, it's 1/4 inch thick and looks as if made entirely of foam, and that's why I hesitate.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...word=mounting+tape&storeId=10051#.UOKasWIWVok
[Transformer TF300T General] Stempanssi:
Hi!

I have just opened my tf300 and I have it in three pieces. I have yet to separate LCD from digitizer. If you could make this clear for me, please?

1. If I buy a new digitizer, won`t it be the whole front panel? What did you just talk about?

2. How do I glue the new digitizer into my old lcd?

3. Do I have to take the backlight panel off also?

I really much appreciate if you could answer these...

Thanks.
[Transformer TF300T General] tandynor:
" graphdarnell-- Can you post the links? Thank you."

ebay item# 190776047669:laugh:
[Transformer TF300T General] mabretske:
I used rubber silicone; like clear bath caulking.. Since I removed it several times, this was a mistake. Leaves an ultra thin film of oil on everything you touch afterwards - even after being dry it seems.. For most everyday things, likely not a problem in the least, but for an LCD screen and Digitizer that have to be literally spotless - it is a huge hassle..

I don't have the spec on this stuff.. But if your going to try to reproduce what Asus did, yer gonna need 2mm doublesided foam tape from LCD to Digitizer and this tape (1/2" or so wide/no foam) from Bezel to Digitizer.. I can only help based on the knowledge I have gained, but the stuff you listed here looks too thick for Bezel to Digitizer adhesion to me.. The 3M stuff is 3mils thick - but I can't tell you if the adhesion is going to be aggressive enough or not; sorry.. 3M lists application as "Light Duty Attaching and Mounting"..

Placement of the Digitizer using both tapes is going to be really difficult.. I don't think I could do it.. Slightest screw up and yer done, right? I don't know that the Digitizer NEEDS to be adhered to the LCD..