Third Party > Repairing and Upgrading Rockbox Capable Players

iPod 5.5: screen problem

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HankJW:
Greetings, folks!

I am here because of problems with my iPod 5.5, to be more specific the screen. For the last week or so, it appears to have some sort of problem. And I couldnt figure out what cause it.
The problem is as follows: The screen becomes completely white, but not all the time. Sometime the screen becomes white when turning on the iPod, sometimes it doesnt. Sometimes it becomes white after I turned it on (everything is working fine) and listened a while to music. For example, today at the gym, I turn it on, pick the music and start working out. After 1 or 2 tracks in the album, I want to change it. I unlock the screen lock and the screen is suddenly white. Navigating blindly was not really an option so I let it play. After finishing all my reps on a machine I check the ipod again and without a reason the screen is working normal again...

I am really clueless. Could it be the screen is dying (I have this iPod for 8 or 9 years now, the screen is original) or something else hardware related?

Thank you advance!
With kind regards,
HankJW

[Saint]:
If the change didn't coincide with anything that you did personally, such as configuration changes, updating the Rockbox binary, using it as a loofah, trying to teach it how to do the 60m breast stroke, etc. then it may indeed be possible that the hardware is failing.

You could attempt to see if the issue presents itself in the original firmware as well.

To me, it rather sounds as though the LCD flex cable has become partially unseated, or loosened, from the ZIF connector on the main board.

If, and only if, you feel up to the task, after first having checked out an overview of the process, you could attempt to disassemble the device and disconnect/reseat the LCD flex cable while also clearing any dust and shit that may or may not have built up in the device over the past decade (I have refurbished some absolute horror story iPods in my time, full of gunk and pocket fluff that makes its way in via the dock connector and the fine gaps between the faceplate and rear casing).

On the bright side, is that even if this *is* a hardware issue and not simply a slightly wonky flex cable seat, the LCD for this device is fairly cheap to replace, and I honestly believe that if put to the task, with the right tools, that almost anyone is personally capable of doing so themselves.

It also presents a nice opportunity to give the device a bit of an overhaul as a repayment for its years of loyal service, so that it may continue to provide you with many more. For instance, if you were going to be replacing the LCD then I would also purchase a new battery (potentially of larger capacity) as well. Or perhaps the hold switch is a bit dodgy after all these years, if you are opening the device anyway, you could take the opportunity to replace it.

The iPod Video 5/5.5G (especially the latter which has twice the available RAM, meaning less frequent disk access overall, which equates to longer battery life, but both are great), for a number of reasons, is one of the finest available Rockbox targets in this author's opinion, and I'm sure that I don't need to remind you that they aren't making them any more.


[Saint]

HankJW:
Thanks for your reply!
To answer your questions/ ideas: No, I did not change the configurations or update the binary. Last time I did was when 3.13 was released. And I always handle the device with care, so physical damage is unlikely.
Yes, the original firmware appears to have the same issue.
Also, I already did disassemble it to check if the cable is broken, it appears to be fine. The, what you can call a mainboard, appears also to be fine, just a little dusty from the dust that got into it through the gap between the cover and the click wheel.

I noticed, when the screen works I often can see minor "artifacts" such as slightly distorted colors of an album picture, or pixels that show wrong colors. I think it is safe to assume that this is indeed a symptom for a dying LCD.


I also thought already of changing the LCD itself, I just wanted to make sure it really is related to the LCD, not any other component. I am experienced with changing the parts on it, so thats not a problem. I already changed the battery, built a more powerful in, replaced the hard drive already 2 times (the previous both broke, I hope to resore the data at some point in the future (when I will have the money to do so)) and changed the headphone jack with the lock switch 2 times.

In general, I agree, the iPod is a great device with Rockbox on it and I would like to use it as long as it is possible.


Well, seems like the issue is obvious. But if you have any other ideas, feel free to post :)

With kind regards,
HankJW

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