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Broken MicroSD slot -- any suggestions?

Hi all, bad news!
My Titan no longer recognizes the microsd card in the slot. I have used 3 different cards that work fine in a microsd->sd->USB adapter that we all got with our cards. I tried blowing into the slot (ala the NES) and that was no good.
Any ideas on what might be done? Compressed air? Disassembly is OK if there's a clear idea of what I'm trying to accomplish in there, but I don't want to take it apart without a specific task.
This phone has to last me until the Touch Pro2 comes out for CDMA/EVDO!
~nonzenze
PS. Posted in general because it's not really specific to Titan hardware.

Are all of the contacts making contact? If so, and it still doesn't work. You are up a creek IMO.

How would I know if the contacts are making contact? They appear to work in my laptop adapter. I went down the lab and blew some (very expensive) compressed air into the slot for 30 seconds or so and tried again -- no luck.
I suppose some foreign object could be lodged in there preventing contact and resistant to being blown out but that seems unlikely...

I mean the contacts inside the phone. Those cards require metal to metal contact to make a circuit and work. I dunno how it is setup in your phone but in mine there are some flexible little metal contacts that are bent up and are pushed down by the card when it is inserted. If one of them were to lose its bend over time it would no longer push against the card. I could just use my nail or something and bend it back out so it would once again apply pressure. Like I said though, dunno how your phone makes contact.

I poked in there with a paper clip (battery disconnected!) and counted the metal tines by feel -- they seem to all be properly "deployed".
When I go into Settings-->Memory-->Storage card, it says "not installed". Does that mean card not installed or card reader not installed (e.g. a hardware fault elsewhere?)

oic0 said:
I mean the contacts inside the phone. Those cards require metal to metal contact to make a circuit and work. I dunno how it is setup in your phone but in mine there are some flexible little metal contacts that are bent up and are pushed down by the card when it is inserted. If one of them were to lose its bend over time it would no longer push against the card. I could just use my nail or something and bend it back out so it would once again apply pressure. Like I said though, dunno how your phone makes contact.
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This is exactly what happened with the NES. Every once in a blue moon you'd find one with a corroded terminal, or possibly 2 crossed. Try wiggling it (abeit more gently) just like in days of old when excitebike wouldn't play.

i9000 has provision for optional ext antenna??

was watching the below linked video "hardware tour" and about halfway thru, the narrator shows a socket next to the microSDHC card, indicating it's a socket for the optional external antenna?????
the antenna socket reference is at the 2.45 mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM0T3cBoIro&feature=related

Don't know about it being there. But there's definitely an SMA connector of some sort in the beginning of this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gydoCVSTNFc

the way those components pop together, that poster that wanted to swap components from overseas models to add FFC and a flash might be onto something

doesnt the korean version of the galaxy s have tv, im sure i saw somewhere that it has and the antenna for the tv is on the right side if you have the phone facing away from you.

yeah, but the tv antenna is up at the top corner, like you said, upper right corner when screen faces away from you
this connector is next to the microSDHC card slot about 1.5" down

larryccf said:
yeah, but the tv antenna is up at the top corner, like you said, upper right corner when screen faces away from you
this connector is next to the microSDHC card slot about 1.5" down
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nothing that a piece of ribbon connector cant solve, right?

started to think you were on the mark re the ribbon cable
then was watching this video again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt9XNnjAcBc - at about 1:59 it shows a larger socket on the upper edge of the black subframe -
it'd be nice if the one i suspect is an optional radio antenna socket is that after all, and meant for a cradle (like sony ericsson had) that incorporated an external antenna connection

larryccf said:
started to think you were on the mark re the ribbon cable
then was watching this video again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt9XNnjAcBc - at about 1:59 it shows a larger socket on the upper edge of the black subframe -
it'd be nice if the one i suspect is an optional radio antenna socket is that after all, and meant for a cradle (like sony ericsson had) that incorporated an external antenna connection
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just watched the video and its shown clearly for about 2:10 to 2:26

It is a radio antenna socket, I have on my phone to, unfortunately I don`t have a picture to show you right now.

I believe it is an external GPS antenna Socket...
Mine has it, and probably every phone has it...

this is an GPS antenna socket ... it is MMCX socket, you can find external antenna on dealextreme : http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14926

The internals seem to come apart very easily - they look like they are just modules with open contact bridges that just tape in place...?

Practically every phone I've ever owned included one of these external antenna jacks (FME-Female I believe), usually hiding beneath a little rubber cover. This dates back to my first, a Nokia 6190 built in 1998 which (of course) had no GPS back then. Since the GPS (at the bottom) and cellular antennas (on the top) are separate, I can't imagine this would improve GPS signals.
It's always given me a little assurance that even in the worst dead spots, I could technically snap on an inexpensive external antenna or signal booster to get a GSM connection.
For those wondering, I've confirmed the jack is, in fact, hiding under the rubber cover on the Vibrant version of the Galaxy S. Note: the rubber cover is kinda tough to pry out, but it pops back on easy enough.
Example: Cellphone Signal Booster Pack, $30

I know people might wonder why bother, but for some of you who own Renault and Peugeot vehicles in Europe, they have heat reflecting windscreens which scuppers sat-nav use in many cases hence the reason why MMC and MMCX connectors came about.
Personally, I found it easier to have a magnetic aerial and booster in the car like this
http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Carcomm/Carcomm-GPS-Re-Radiator-Antenna.7477.html

Is there any external (portable) antenna for Galaxy S when hiking on the hillside or working at a mountain area (low signal, very2 low)....?

[Q] Small Indentation on Bottom of Unit

I just noticed the small indentation between the microphone and the HDMI/Dock connector on the bottom of the unit. Does it have a purpose?

I've read speculation that it is where a sim card slot would have been.

Correct, it was a SIM slot.

Other variants of the generic Harmony design have a 3G/GPS module. Based on the teardown pics I'd wager that the indentation is where the door for the SIM card would go.
answered twice while I was staring at the motherboard pics up-close...

Could our little friend here be modded for said 3g or GPS modules? Cuz if this puppy had GPS, it would be as close to perfect as it could get

[Q] A tiny bit of the antenna broke, will it make a difference?

A bit of the black part of the antenna that is circled in the picture kind of broke off when i was disassembling my phone. I think this is the thing that controls your phone signal. If it is, does anyone know if this will stop my signal completely and mean I have to buy a new antenna? I have no way of checking because I broke the cable connecting the antenna to the main board (don't ask) and the replacement doesn't arrive for a while. (The picture attached isn't the picture of my exact phone. It's from google images. But its the same model) The other 4 thingies are still in tact but the thing circled is broken off.

markboi13 said:
A bit of the black part of the antenna that is circled in the picture kind of broke off when i was disassembling my phone. I think this is the thing that controls your phone signal. If it is, does anyone know if this will stop my signal completely and mean I have to buy a new antenna? I have no way of checking because I broke the cable connecting the antenna to the main board (don't ask) and the replacement doesn't arrive for a while. (The picture attached isn't the picture of my exact phone. It's from google images. But its the same model) The other 4 thingies are still in tact but the thing circled is broken off.
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anyone?

markboi13 said:
anyone?
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This question cannot be answered without testing. Try it, if it works, the answer is no, if not, the answer is yes.

Unfortunately, waht exad said. Stuff like that is so unpredictable. Keep in mind that pretty much EVERYTHING on modern phones is tiny. There are entire chips and resistor packs that would be described as miniscule, but are critical.
If you have it apart already, and can find a replacement part and it's easy enough to replace, I'd hedge my bets and just replace it while I'm in there rather than putting it back together and learning the hard way that you have to go through it all again.

similar issue
Have the same issue.I accidently trapped gsm antenna wire between housing and dock connector. Its been bent in 4 or 5 points.searching for network gives error."error while searching for networks ”
Please suggest what can I do.

Replace the part.
Sent from my Evita using XDA Premium

HTC M8 GPS problem (hardware issue)

Hello, I have a problem. Hoping someone has an answer. I have a Verizon HTC M8, yesterday I decided to disassemble the phone to just see what the insides look like, I didn't touch any other part, I tried to remove the top motherboard but I stopped because any further would damange the top board. Anyways, the GPS was working fine until I took the unit apart.
The problem: GPS location on Google map is at least a block off (tried different map apps, all are offset) and is facing the wrong direction. And GPS following is very very slow. Now I don't know if it has to do with an GPS antenna or what, maybe one of the prongs is not touching antenna, I've taken a photo of the phone from inside and I would like to know which area of the phone is exactly the GPS or maybe causing the problem . I've also attached a photo of the GPS problem, you can see in Google Maps navigation the pointer is wayy off the direction area. Please advise.
Question: What part may be causing the problem? (my guess is its the copper prongs from A-G).
Please help.
Thank you!

snanime said:
Hello, I have a problem. Hoping someone has an answer. I have a Verizon HTC M8, yesterday I decided to disassemble the phone to just see what the insides look like, I didn't touch any other part, I tried to remove the top motherboard but I stopped because any further would damange the top board. Anyways, the GPS was working fine until I took the unit apart.
The problem: GPS location on Google map is at least a block off (tried different map apps, all are offset) and is facing the wrong direction. And GPS following is very very slow. Now I don't know if it has to do with an GPS antenna or what, maybe one of the prongs is not touching antenna, I've taken a photo of the phone from inside and I would like to know which area of the phone is exactly the GPS or maybe causing the problem . I've also attached a photo of the GPS problem, you can see in Google Maps navigation the pointer is wayy off the direction area. Please advise.
Question: What part may be causing the problem? (my guess is its the copper prongs from A-G).
Please help.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion, this phone has kind of wonky GPS reception anyway. It's hard to tell exactly what's causing it, but my guess is that it has something to do with an unwanted contact, or the antenna itself, touching the metal casing directly. Also, You may have possibly loosened the connection of the GPS antenna when you played with the motherboard a little.
I'll try to find some better board schematics from the motherboard, maybe tomorrow when I have time. I haven't really been able to find some good diagrams on the actual phone internals itself. This phone is really difficult to take off and not too many people attempt it.
I would try to make sure that the internals are properly shielded when you put the case back on, and try to keep all of those contacts covered as much as possible when you throw the case back on. See if you get better GPS lock or if it fixes it all together.
Edit: Actually I changed my mind, I think all those contacts are supposed to contact the case to amplify the signal. Try to get all the contacts to touch the case as much as possible when you reassemble it. I think it's either the connection from a-g area, or on the bottom half k-n or even the q connector. Is your WiFi or NFC giving you any issues as well?

BadUsername said:
In my opinion, this phone has kind of wonky GPS reception anyway. It's hard to tell exactly what's causing it, but my guess is that it has something to do with an unwanted contact, or the antenna itself, touching the metal casing directly. Also, You may have possibly loosened the connection of the GPS antenna when you played with the motherboard a little.
I'll try to find some better board schematics from the motherboard, maybe tomorrow when I have time. I haven't really been able to find some good diagrams on the actual phone internals itself. This phone is really difficult to take off and not too many people attempt it.
I would try to make sure that the internals are properly shielded when you put the case back on, and try to keep all of those contacts covered as much as possible when you throw the case back on. See if you get better GPS lock or if it fixes it all together.
Edit: Actually I changed my mind, I think all those contacts are supposed to contact the case to amplify the signal. Try to get all the contacts to touch the case as much as possible when you reassemble it. I think it's either the connection from a-g area, or on the bottom half k-n or even the q connector. Is your WiFi or NFC giving you any issues as well?
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Click to collapse
@ Badusername, Thank you for your reply . Yes everything else (wifi/nfc/bluetooth) works perfectly fine. The accelorometer seems to be fine as well. Only part I try to remove/touch was from A-G area motherboard but that was held with adhesive so I didn't touch it any further, I didn't touch any other part. My guess is it's A-G area but not sure exactly which one is the GPS antenna so I can try to adjust it (if possible).

I jave the exact same problem. Did you figure anything out yet?

Any Updates?
snanime said:
Hello, I have a problem. Hoping someone has an answer. I have a Verizon HTC M8, yesterday I decided to disassemble the phone to just see what the insides look like, I didn't touch any other part, I tried to remove the top motherboard but I stopped because any further would damange the top board. Anyways, the GPS was working fine until I took the unit apart.
The problem: GPS location on Google map is at least a block off (tried different map apps, all are offset) and is facing the wrong direction. And GPS following is very very slow. Now I don't know if it has to do with an GPS antenna or what, maybe one of the prongs is not touching antenna, I've taken a photo of the phone from inside and I would like to know which area of the phone is exactly the GPS or maybe causing the problem . I've also attached a photo of the GPS problem, you can see in Google Maps navigation the pointer is wayy off the direction area. Please advise.
Question: What part may be causing the problem? (my guess is its the copper prongs from A-G).
Please help.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Same thing here had to pop the case to replace the volume button now gps will not get a fix, everything else working fine, any updates?

scotbott said:
Same thing here had to pop the case to replace the volume button now gps will not get a fix, everything else working fine, any updates?
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Did you bend any of the copper prongs so that they no longer touch their antenna? That's usually the problem.

dottat said:
Did you bend any of the copper prongs so that they no longer touch their antenna? That's usually the problem.
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Click to collapse
Not sure which prongs you speak of. I reopened it and all antennae look connected and right but still no go...
---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 AM ----------
dottat said:
Did you bend any of the copper prongs so that they no longer touch their antenna? That's usually the problem.
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Click to collapse
Can't find a schematic anywhere that shows which antenna or prongs are gps related so I don't know which prong or antenna to mess with. I'm surprised there are no basic schematics anywhere...

scotbott said:
Not sure which prongs you speak of. I reopened it and all antennae look connected and right but still no go...
---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 AM ----------
Can't find a schematic anywhere that shows which antenna or prongs are gps related so I don't know which prong or antenna to mess with. I'm surprised there are no basic schematics anywhere...
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Click to collapse
I believe it's in the top board so make sure the ribbon cable is secured and not damaged. The metal prongs usually need to make contact with the case itself which often has the actual antenna stuck to it.

dottat said:
I believe it's in the top board so make sure the ribbon cable is secured and not damaged. The metal prongs usually need to make contact with the case itself which often has the actual antenna stuck to it.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your help so far. Checked all prongs and ribbons on top left and they all look normal. They all still have a spring to them so that theyll touch the contacts on the back of the outside case. I'm out of options without finding exactly which part are gps related....

snanime said:
Hello, I have a problem. Hoping someone has an answer. I have a Verizon HTC M8, yesterday I decided to disassemble the phone to just see what the insides look like, I didn't touch any other part, I tried to remove the top motherboard but I stopped because any further would damange the top board. Anyways, the GPS was working fine until I took the unit apart.
The problem: GPS location on Google map is at least a block off (tried different map apps, all are offset) and is facing the wrong direction. And GPS following is very very slow. Now I don't know if it has to do with an GPS antenna or what, maybe one of the prongs is not touching antenna, I've taken a photo of the phone from inside and I would like to know which area of the phone is exactly the GPS or maybe causing the problem . I've also attached a photo of the GPS problem, you can see in Google Maps navigation the pointer is wayy off the direction area. Please advise.
Question: What part may be causing the problem? (my guess is its the copper prongs from A-G).
Please help.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud. Have you figured out the problem? I have a solution for you. Check this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/gps-harware-fix-teardown-t3023999 .

Macropoutsis said:
Hey bud. Have you figured out the problem? I have a solution for you.
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Click to collapse
Hi sorry for the late reply, fortunately I was able to replace it with HTC. I would still love to know the solution. Good to know for future reference

snanime said:
Hi sorry for the late reply, fortunately I was able to replace it with HTC. I would still love to know the solution. Good to know for future reference
Click to expand...
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I edited my previous post. Check the link.

Macropoutsis said:
I edited my previous post. Check the link.
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Thank you Macropoutsis! Highly Appreciate it! :fingers-crossed::good:

snanime said:
Thank you Macropoutsis! Highly Appreciate it! :fingers-crossed::good:
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Click to collapse
Your welcome. Glad to help.

Is there any way to purchase the gold colored motherboard clips/pins that make contact with the case for the GPS module. While attempting to fix mine, the clip broke. I was looking to purchase this clip to attempt to solder it back to the board.

niv24 said:
Is there any way to purchase the gold colored motherboard clips/pins that make contact with the case for the GPS module. While attempting to fix mine, the clip broke. I was looking to purchase this clip to attempt to solder it back to the board.
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Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. I don't think there's a way to replace the clip itself, only the board that has the clip on it. It shows up as a result for "HTC One M8 Motherboard Flex Cable". Here's the one I'm buying, it's around $60. You can see the little gold tab in the picture for it. Looking at that board's location on the phone, it looks like you'd probably have to remove the motherboard to get to it and replace it. Sounds fun. I had my phone apart for a relatively simple USB port replacement.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271686259825

I know this is raising the thread from death but I too broke my tab off for the gps. I was able to fix it using a trimmed piece of thin sheet aluminum that I salvaged from an old Airport extreme. I trimmed it down to the size of the tab on the motherboard and used some conductive adhesive to stick it to the solder pad that the old copper tab was attached to. I then trimmed to down to length to touch the casing when the phone was reassembled. Its been working great now for a few months and its actually a much sturdier piece of metal. I can't say objectively since I don't have data to back it up but it feels like I get a faster GPS lock now.