Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where can I find more information about Psion machines (links)?
Ordering
Which repairs are included in my flexi replacement fee?
What is the difference between machine and screen fitting?
Post, Packing and Customs
How should I pack my machine to send it to Psionflexi?
What items should I send with the machine?
How much is return postage?
Posting/Returning your Machine
What Customs information should I put on my international parcel?
Services and Spares
Is my on/off switch faulty?
Other spares
How do I backup my machine if I can't see the screen (Blind backup)?
DIY repair info
Can I do the flexi replacement myself?
How do I open a series 5 or 5mx?
How do I replace the battery on a Revo
General
Don't take my word for the credibility of my service/products, check out what people say about www.psionflexi.co.uk on the web and see what quality and service you are getting.
If you are considering some of the cheaper flexi's that you may have seen, ask yourself the following questions:-
- Is the flexi designed by a Masters Degree qualified Chartered Electronics Engineer?
- Is the flexi designed by someone who has 15 years of military circuit board design experience?
- Has the flexi been 'designed' for quality or is it just a cheap copied import from Japan/Taiwan?
- Does the flexi have hot air levelled tinned contacts for easy soldering?
- Does the flexi still have the long split between the main and touch screen connections (another major failure point)?
- Do the flexi's met the stringent requirements of BS 123400-003?
- Are the flexi's manufactured by a military circuit board supplier?
- Does the flexi have a 6 month warranty?
- Has the company sold/fitted over 2000 flexi's?
You will automatically get all of the above features with my flexi's.
If you intend to buy only a flexi then please check which screen type you have before ordering. Please read the important note about Sharp/Hitachi screen types. 5mx flexi's do not fit machines with Sharp screens (<0.1% of machines). If your machine has been sent for repair then please also read the note on Sharp/Hitachi screens for more info. Please note the following
- MC218's and 5mx Pro's always have Hitachi Screens and my 5mx flexi's fit these types
- Series 5 machines always have Sharp screens and my series 5 flexi's fit these types
Psionflexi is pleased to offer a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects or workmanship (fitting service only) from the date of posting. This does not cover damage due to misuse, excessive/inappropriate use, damage in the post or accidental damage.
Where can I find more information about Psion machines (links)?
For general use, here are some other useful links to Psion/PDA/EPOC information:-
http://www.pdastreet.com www.silvester.org.uk http://www.mikemcc.org.uk Pdastreet - General Psion Discussion Palmtop User <Back to Top>
Ordering
Which repairs are included in my flexi replacement fee?
text here
What is the difference between machine and screen fitting?
info here
What is the address to post the machine/payment to?
The address to post your machine to is only included on the order confirmation. This is for two reasons; Firstly, a security measure - identity theft is a real problem on the internet. Secondly, it is important that people raise an order on the web site to obtain an order number rather than just sending their machine - The order number ensures your machine can be identified as yours.
It takes approximately 1 week plus postage time to repair your machine and get it back to you. However, please bear in mind that at busy times this timescale can be around 2 weeks and that the postal service is not a guaranteed timescale service.
I would greatly prefer Cheque, Postal Order, Bankers Draft or BACS transfer as this reduces my costs (and keeps the flexi prices lower!) and it is easier to administer. If you pay by BACS please include your account number on the order form as the text reference you give the bank often does not appear at my end!
If you are not in the UK then I can ONLY accept purchases using PayPal, NoChex, Postal Order or Cash in Pounds Sterling. However, Paypal & NoChex accept many currencies/countries and you can pay by Credit Card/VISA/Mastercard or bank account. If Paypal/NoChex is not accepted in your country then you will have to send an international Postal Order or Cash in pounds sterling.
Post, Packing and Customs
How should I pack my machine to send it to Psionflexi?
bubble wrap/jiffy/box
no staples etc
use my address label
don't send unnecessary items
What items should I send with the machine?
remove batteries unless backup
no stylus, books etc
hard case good
Posting/Returning your Machine
The address to send your Psion to is included with your order confirmation (for security reasons). Please ensure that your Psion is well packaged and, if you prefer, insured. In an attempt to save at least part of the environment (!) I usually return your Psion in the packaging that you send it in (assuming it can manage 2 trips!). To reduce your costs and mine please remove all items from the machine. This includes main batteries, backup battery (DO NOT remove these if you have requested data backup and restore!!!), stylus, CF cards etc etc. Getting your Psion to Psionflexi.co.uk is at the senders expense.
Please do not use staples or chipped polystyrene packing as this is dangerous and messy! To aid identification please put your order number on the outside of the parcel
What Customs information should I put on my international parcel?
If you live outside the UK then please read the Important note below on customs declarations before posting
Since the machines are only entering the UK for repair they are NOT subject to VAT or Customs duties. However, sometimes Customs will open the parcel and this results in duty and handling charges being added. I have my own customs/importers number so the duty will be removed. The handling charges cannot be removed. Under these circumstances I WILL NOT PAY THESE CHARGES and you have the option of returning the item or paying the fee (up to 10UKP).
To minimise the risk of opening please complete a customs declaration form (usually called a CN22 and available from your Post Office) stating that the items are for 'Repair only - Will be returned to originating country'. Customs will not open packages where the 'Value' is stated as being under 18UKP.
Services and Spares
How do I backup my machine if I can't see the screen (Blind backup)?
To back up your machine before sending it for repair, you will have to 'fly blind' a little. I'm assuming here that you have PsiWin installed on a PC. Plug your 5mx into the serial cable, then turn it on. Type your password if you know your machine asks for one at switch-on. If PsiWin does not connect immediately, follow this procedure to get the connection up and running (thanks to Mike McConnell):
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Tap the "System" icon to make sure you are in the System screen.
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[Ctrl-L] to open the Link Dialog box
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[C] to select "Cable"
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[Down arrow] to move to the baud rate
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[5] to set 57600 (don't use "1" as it could be 19200 or 115200)
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[Enter] to start the Link and close the dialog box.
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Finally, right-click My Psion on the PC, ensure that the connection settings match those you've just set on the Psion, then select Backup.
There is a small microswitch in the Psion that detects when the keyboard/screen is open. This is used primarily to operate the auto turn on/off feature of the Psion. After prolonged use the switch becomes detached from the motherboard and no longer operates - you may even hear it rattling if you listen carefully. .If you find that your machine does not auto turn on/off any more then order this repair also.
The microphone in the Psion is soldered across the PCB/motherboard and is held in place in a recess in the housing. Unfortunately, if the microphone is not soldered exactly in the right place the recess in the housing puts undue stress on the solder joint and it cracks resulting in intermittent connection. From the hundreds of machines I have seen almost all have this crack - but may still connect by fluke! If you are experiencing loss of or intermittent microphone operation then order this repair also.
These batteries last very well but can be expensive if you get them from the high street. I use my industry contacts to get a good price on these. Please order these with a flexi or fitting if you want one at a sensible price! Bulk pricing also available.
This kit is ideal for someone who has a soldering iron but none of the other items that an electronic engineer can get hold of easily.
The installation kit includes:-
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100mm strip of solder wick (A flux impregnated copper braid which speedily removes unwanted solder from a joint)
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100mm strip of very thin solder (22swg or 0.7mm)
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100mm strip of Scotchtm pressure sensitive tape
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100mm strip of double sided tape
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An IPA soaked cleaning tissue (for defluxing/cleaning the screen PCB)
The kit contains sufficient supplies to attach 2 flexi's (or make 2 attempts on the same one!)
As standard I return parcels 'Recorded Signed for' which has a maximum Post Office compensation of £28. The 'Higher Insurance' option uses 'Special Devliery' which gives Post Office insurance up to £250. Please ensure you select this when ordering if you want this higher limit.
The springs and clips on the Revo's are very small and quite inaccessible. Removal and replacement of these items is made considerably easier using a 'spring hook'. This is a hardened steel tool with 2 hooks at either end - one for removal and one for replacement as shown below:-
These tools are also useful round the house after use on the Revo for retrieving small items or threading curtain wire.
Replacing your flexi or battery pack will erase ALL data on the machine. If you cannot back up your data then choose this option and I will do it for you and restore the backup afterwards.
You will need to backup your Psion using Psiwin before sending your machine as all data will be lost. If you cannot see the screen to back up the machine (quite likely!!!) then try my Blind Backup procedure. If you cannot do this or just don't want to then choose my Data Backup and Restore service when ordering
I have a number of other spare items for Psions (mainly series 5 and 5mx). Please add these items to the order form. Fitting can be arranged if required.
Spares available:-
|
Suitable for |
|||||
| Description | Series 5 | 5mx | MC218 | Revo | Price |
| Rubber Feet (each) | Y | Y | Y | £3.50 | |
| Speaker and +ve battery terminal with flexi | Y | Y | Y | £14.00 | |
| Serial link connector for motherboard (Honda) | Y | Y | Y | £11.00 | |
| DC power connector for motherboard (PCB mount) | Y | Y | Y | £6.00 | |
| Microphone repair | Y | Y | Y | £4.50 | |
| Mains power adaptor | Y | Y | Y | Y | £15.00 |
| Keyboard | Y | Y | Y | £10.00 | |
| Touch screen (not LCD) | Y | Y | £45.00 | ||
| Motherboard (Series 5) | Y | £19.00 | |||
| Motherboard (Series 5mx) | Y | £24.00 | |||
| Series 5 Top cover sticker | Y | £8.00 | |||
Please email for availability of these parts as some are salvaged items and all sell out quickly!
DIY repair info
Can I do the flexi replacement myself?
The joints between the screen and the flexi are spaced at 1mm (40 thou) which is not fine by today's standards (typically 15 thou). If you are used to soldering TQFP's or SOIC IC's then you should be fine. If you do not know what these are then you will struggle! However, they are not THAT fine so If you are used to soldering electronic components then with a bit of practice you should be OK.
All your batteries have to be removed during the repair so your machine will be returned as if it had had a hard reset. Therefore none of your data will be retained.
What soldering iron should I use?
The flexi's are made from military grade material but they are not indestructible!! The quickest way to kill a flexi is to overheat it or heat it for too long. The basic plug in type soldering irons with file down tips (usually with no base unit) are NOT temperature controlled and can easily overheat the flexi. I do not recommend using one of these irons but if you have to then I would recommend that you unplug it 10 seconds before the joint to let it cool - better to be too cool than too hot!
I recommend a temperature controlled iron with a small tin coated tip that is in good condition. If you do not have one then try borrowing one or find a company/friend that can do it for you. (see the links section for fitting companies)
For information I use a Professional Weller TCP soldering iron (quite old!) with a 1.2mm number 7 (370degC) bit.
What soldering technique should I use?
Align and stick down the flexi properly before soldering it makes life much easier! I start with the joint furthest away from the edge of the screen and use a pair of locking tweezers to hold the flexi down and folded. Keeping the iron very close to the junction of the flexi and screen I then apply about 1mm of 22swg solder and immediately contact the joint. I then move the iron along the whole length of the gold contact to ensure it is completely covered in solder. The joint should look even and shiny with a small fillet between the flexi and screen. If it looks dull then either you were not quick enough or the solder got too hot.
Top Tips!
- The secret to successful soldering is Cleanliness and Flux
- Make sure you use the IPA wipe in the Installation Kit to clean off all the old flux and clean the flexi before fitting. Grease on the flexi from your fingers can affect how the solder flows.
- Use new Rosin cored 22swg solder
- When soldering, if you apply solder to the tip first the flux will burn off in under 1 second making the solder now useless so apply before this happens.
- Always keep your iron cleaned with a proper tip cleaner before every joint
- DO NOT tin the gold contacts prior to fitting as this will stop the flexi
being close to the PCB
to sort
Sharp or Hitachi screen?
Before deciding to purchase or send your machine to psionflexi you need to be aware of a minor issue you may encounter.
Please note the following:
- MC218 's are ALWAYS fitted with Hitachi screens and my flexi's fit these
- 5mx Pro's are ALWAYS fitted with Hitachi screens and my flexi's fit these
- Series 5 machines are ALWAYS fitted with Sharp screens and my flexi's fit these
- This issue only affects Series 5mx machines
The issue
Firstly, I must stress that this issue affects a VERY small number of Psion 5mx's - less that 0.5% as far as I can tell. Basically there are 2 different manufacturers of the actual LCD screen and, unfortunately, the flexi's are NOT the same! The flexi's that I manufacture only fit Hitachi screens (the majority of machines) and do not fit the Sharp screens. Due to the incredibly low demand for Sharp flexi's I have no plans to manufacture these.
How to tell
If you are not confident with the procedure below I suggest you send it anyway and let me do a proper assessment.
It is very easy to tell which screen you have once the machine has been disassembled as it is written on the back of the screen! If you are confident enough then this is the best method for establishing which screen you have. If you want to send the machine to me in bits after doing this then that is fine - I do not charge extra for this (see the 'Posting to psionflexi' section below).
I have managed to find a way to determine which type of screen you have without disassembling but it is quite fiddly. You need to lift the black screen protector (this can also be brown in colour and look like another flexi) out of the way. NOTE: YOU CANNOT GET THIS BACK IN PLACE UNLESS YOU DISMANTLE THE MACHINE! To do this use a small blunt object e.g. cocktail stick to lift the black protector up whilst holding the screen vertically open. You will need to get the stick between the protector and real flexi. Once you have pulled the protector right out stick the end to the back of the screen with some tape as in the photo's below.
Now comes the tricky part! Hold the screen open in a vertical position and use a torch to look between it and the back of the case. Look carefully at your machine and the pictures below (click the picture to enlarge) to decide which you have. The key things to look for are that the top 12 tracks run completely parallel on the Hitachi and that this gives a triangular gap below.
Please remember Sharp screens are very rare!
Click on the picture to enlarge
Please note that this method is not conclusive as there are some other non-original flexi's in use. These do not have the same pattern of tracks as the above. If you cannot tell which type you have then I would advise you to send the machine to me for a full investigation.
Posting to psionflexi
If you have used the above procedure to determine your screen type then there is no need to try to refit the protector. I will refit this as part of the replacement. If you have gone the whole hog and dismantled the machine then there is no need to reassemble it either. Make sure the metal screen/flexi is inside the housing and that it is well wrapped up and send the bits over, making sure you include all the screws etc. I will reassemble the bits at no extra charge.
What are my options if I have a Sharp screen?
If you have discovered that you do have a Sharp screen then you basically have 2 options.
1. Find another Psion to transplant the screen from
If you look on Ebay then there are many that have similar flexi failure symptoms and sell cheaply. It is also possible to transplant the touch screen of a Sharp screen onto the LCD of another so if you see a machine with a cracked screen this may also be useful. I suggest you contact me with the condition of your suggested donor machine for my comments before buying.
2.Get rid of the machine. I may be interested in buying it for spares - please email me for info
Other Common Faults