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    ribbon cable woes

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by xeroxide, Jul 31, 2011.

  1. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    i knew it would eventually happen, my ribbon cable connecting the power and media bar broke.

    anyone know where i can get a replacement?
    out of warranty and so it may seem, out of luck :(

    *edit*
    i purchased this cable, it looks like the right specs only a half centimetre longer in length.
    hopefully will work *fingers crossed*

    oh that may also explain the intermittent power outs i was experiencing earlier... i think the cable was on its way out a while back.
     
    xeroxide, Jul 31, 2011
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  2. razor16190

    razor16190 Notebook Geek

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    guessed it worked since you're still posting :D
     
    razor16190, Aug 15, 2011
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  3. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    havn't received it yet :(
    posting on an old laptop i had lying around

    just today i decided to cut the damaged section and try various methods to get it to work.
    i can't get all the pins to make contact. the best success i had was with the four outer pins on each side were working but the middle 8 pins were a hit and miss.

    i figured that pin 1 and 9 (counting from the right hand side) were the switch and tried making a manual spst momentary switch connecting just these two pins in an attempt to boot my laptop. it seems that unless the rest is connected, it will not even boot (just as if the keyboard is not connected)

    international mail takes forever :cry:

    *edit*
    i've found a temporary fix which WORKS!
    laptop is working but with one catch.... no trackpad.
    believe it or not, the trackpad has the same spec cable (16 pin, 0.5mm pitch) but it's longer... using that now in the meantime while my package comes in.
     
    xeroxide, Aug 16, 2011
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  4. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Very creative. +Rep.
     
    The Revelator, Aug 17, 2011
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  5. IrateMike

    IrateMike Notebook Geek

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    Yeah! That's New Zealander/Australian ingenuity for you! +rep
     
    IrateMike, Aug 17, 2011
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  6. maxilick

    maxilick Notebook Consultant

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    Good news!!! Even better news if the spare you ordered is compatible.


    *edit* spare part
     
    maxilick, Aug 17, 2011
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  7. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    as soon as it comes in, i'll let you know.
    nah it won't be a spare, i like to be able to use the touchpad now and then...
    but...

    the same seller has cables of all different lengths. i can get that cable in 15cm (6") as well. He also seems to offer custom spec cables however i didn't bother going that route since the cable i bought is exactly what i need only 1/2 a cm longer... and lets face it, the original cable is annoyingly short.
     
    xeroxide, Aug 17, 2011
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  8. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    just a quick update, my cable came in.
    it works, a little thinner in the thickness making it slightly more springy perhaps a little flimsy. however it does work.

    so if anyone needs a new ribbon cable connecting the power and mother board, this one will work.
     
    xeroxide, Aug 22, 2011
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  9. maxilick

    maxilick Notebook Consultant

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    Glad it worked. + rep
     
    maxilick, Aug 22, 2011
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  10. inap

    inap .........................

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    inap, Sep 9, 2011
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  11. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    isn't that the alienhead logo light. the one visible when the laptop is closed?

    whoa nice site inap! +rep
    i think you meant to link this instead?

    they have some nice spare parts
     
    xeroxide, Sep 10, 2011
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  12. inap

    inap .........................

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    oops yeah sorry both the pic look alike.
     
    inap, Sep 10, 2011
    #12