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[Fix] Raphael speaker volume hard mod (+pics&vids)

Hi, i've seen a lot of request for a raphael speaker hardmod and also tried to find one myself, well.. As you thought, no luck.
So I decided to make one of my own, and yes, it works!
So here's what i've done (every piece makes it a bit better, so, choose the ones you wish to do, or do all of them like i did!):
1. Cut the back cover to look similiar to the original desing from htc (Picture 1)
Just throw the first metal grill (the one on the back cover) to garbage, that's what i did As the speaker has a cloth on it, you don't need those grills.
2. Make some room for sound to echo inside the back cover (Picture 2)
I did 1. and 2. with normal household scissors.
3. Prevent the sound from the front of the speaker going to the back of the speaker and thus undoing some sound. Try to insulate the back a bit (Picture 3) I did it with 2-sided 1mm thick tape and left the protecting layer on the tape (green) so it doesn't stick to the back cover.
4. Open up the phone (Help to disassembly here), lift the speaker and the.. uh.. thing on top of the speaker off from the back housing carefully (2-sided tape keeping it in place) so you wont break it. Time to throw away the second metallic speaker grill! Use scissors to carve the speaker hole bigger (see speaker in picture 3), use the tape that kept the speaker in it's place as a guide to how big to carve the hole, but don't cut any tape off, the hole becomes too big if you do that!
Video 1 : Results of the mod, you should hear the difference clearly! Too bad i didn't have a video of an original Raphael, but i think you do have one there as you're reading this.
Video 2 : Comparing the results with and without the back cover. This shows how big difference does the "sound echoing space" inside the back cover (Whatever) do!
And last side note before you begin, i will not take responsibility of ANY damage etc you manage to do to your precious phone. I've broken one already, did the mistake to grab the speaker wires and the speaker stopped working as the wires cut off.
Also, be VERY careful with this mod, you're working with the interior of the phone! Please don't do this if you don't have any experience disassembling/reassembling mobile phones.
Hope this helps you as much as it did me! It actually sound better live than on the vid, too bad my camcorder saves the vid to some ****ty format when recording to SD.
(Did i rickroll you btw? )

My apologies to the OP, I inadvertently merged this thread with my Q&A's thread. Enjoy this speaker fix.

is it just me or am i not hearing any sounds at all in those videos? (unless it uses a special type of codec..)
id love to hear the difference

Is the speaker volume really to quiet to justify a hardCORE mod that could ruin your phone?

Rottis said:
Hi, i've seen a lot of request for a raphael speaker hardmod and also tried to find one myself, well.. As you thought, no luck.
......format when recording to SD.
(Did i rickroll you btw? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GR8 work!
it's nice to see you can fix the very low system volume.
I was especially amazed from the echo box effect on the rear housing.
thanks!

ndda said:
Is the speaker volume really to quiet to justify a hardCORE mod that could ruin your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially, I was not going to reply to this, but it seems to me that you may be in the process of buying a Fuze and this may be very important for you to know.
No, the system volume is not that low, and frankly speaking, it is an issue which exists in some phones, not all. And, if it's possible for you to take a look at the phone at an AT&T store, do so, and decide for yourself (take a look at more than one Fuze).
@Rottis: Would you disagree that the low volume problem does not exist on all phones?

incisivekeith said:
Initially, I was not going to reply to this, but it seems to me that you may be in the process of buying a Fuze and this may be very important for you to know.
No, the system volume is not that low, and frankly speaking, it is an issue which exists in some phones, not all. And, if it's possible for you to take a look at the phone at an AT&T store, do so, and decide for yourself (take a look at more than one Fuze).
@Rottis: Would you disagree that the low volume problem does not exist on all phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that the volume problem exists on some phones. I own a HTC Touch Pro by Vodafone with no issues related to the volume (other annoying issues though).
I thought that the phones should be technically similar only with different brandings.
Do they use different hardware?

incisivekeith said:
Initially, I was not going to reply to this, but it seems to me that you may be in the process of buying a Fuze and this may be very important for you to know.
No, the system volume is not that low, and frankly speaking, it is an issue which exists in some phones, not all. And, if it's possible for you to take a look at the phone at an AT&T store, do so, and decide for yourself (take a look at more than one Fuze).
@Rottis: Would you disagree that the low volume problem does not exist on all phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not all phones have the problem. I had an Sony Ericsson P1i before this raphael, and its speaker was truely amazing! And you could make it even better with a softmod.
That's the main reason i did this mod, as I have gotten used to a good quality speaker.
@Giannis86: try to install FFDSHOW (google for it) and it should work. Do not use Windows Media Player though. Sorry, i don't know the codec it uses for sound, but it should be some popular one, i didn't have to install any codecs for it (Using ubuntu btw).
@ndda: Yes it is, have you ever heard it? Or if you have, have you ever compared it to, for example the P1i?
If you ask me, the mod was worth it!

@ndda: Sorry, i missed a part in your message, yeah, i think they DO use the same hardware, it wouldn't make any sense if they didn't.
Well, the sprint version is different, but that does make sense.

I've done something similar to this with my old Dell Axim x5 to fix a touch-screen issue, but I did this knowing my Axim was worth only $50. I think it would have been more helpful if you showed a picture of the speaker wire and the connector, because I had to deal with that with my Dell and it wasn't as delicate as you describe the one on the Raphael.

Here's some pics of the speaker, it's wire and connector as requested.
The pics I took from the Raphael service manual, sorry for low quality.
Pic 1 (MB Connector)
Pic 2 (Speaker connected)
Pic 3 (Speaker + wire)

Btw, as said here earlier, the service manual can be easily found from the internet

None of your links go through any more... could you post new links for the mod pics & vids please?

gdbnet said:
None of your links go through any more... could you post new links for the mod pics & vids please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That must have been a temporary problem, as they all work perfectly fine at the moment. Please try again

[Need Hardware Base Help]Try This, May Be Help You....

Hi,friends, I recently open my phone to remove dust from front camera, fot that I had searched a lot and with the help of below comments I have got many thing to know about the phone hardware. I have found many manual for our phone which can help u on hardware base and may be software,too. So I am attaching the manual below.
Let me tell u that I am providing this manuals so if u want to mess your phone, you can open it with help of it. However decision of opening the phone will be only yours, i will not be responsible for damaged caused to your phone. If u are having warranty than then the best way to visit service center only(Advisory). After all choice will be yours...
I am not expert of hardware. I am just sharing the manuals that can help you. How ever u can post your questions based on hardware and person who will have solution will reply. I request to reply who has solution.
It may help u to open the phone.
Will be back with some more manuals.
Here down my problem was...
Hi, friends. I have got dust in front camera of my phone. It had happened three three months before also, but at that time had got it done as only two day of warranty were there. But now it has happened again. So I thought to try to open my phone. I opened seven screws from back side. But i can not open inner back cover as volume button and lock button are attached with it through holes. So need help if anyone have tried before and have opened the phone before. I searched on google also to find proper answer but i didn't get. I found manual of our phone but there was nothing about hardware. If i can open inner back cover and can remove dust by my self. I think if i can solve it by my self and don't have to pay money to sammy as i find that they some times take much money. So if anyone can help here before I need to go to sammy.

Search google disassembly of galaxy S GT 9000
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Theres dust in your front cam glass means your touch screen glass has slightly come off near the front cam. Try to just pull out a little bit.. N insert a ear bud... Yess a ear bud to wipe the dust off. And then a couple of adhesive drops will stick the screen back.
It had happened to me.. N this is what i did.
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app

@nitinvaid:- Thanx, typing "disassembling galaxy sl i9003" helped me a lot. Even i got all types of maual for hard-ware and soft ware base. Almost every stuff related with our phone both hardware and software....
@chinmay_7d:- I didn't get this "your touch screen glass has slightly come off near the front cam"... I cleared the dust with ear buds..
After all I did it my self. However it is quiet risky and one needs to be very care-full. One can brick his\her phone and divide it into little stone. I got one little crack on inner back cover but i will solve it and i got an ic loose which i had to attach with tap and cotton. However i got to know very much about the spar-parts. I am think of making this thread base on hardware help with all manuals available.....What do u say guys??? Should I or not.

androman1507 said:
@nitinvaid:- Thanx, typing "disassembling galaxy sl i9003" helped me a lot. Even i got all types of maual for hard-ware and soft ware base. Almost every stuff related with our phone both hardware and software....
@chinmay_7d:- I didn't get this "your touch screen glass has slightly come off near the front cam"... I cleared the dust with ear buds..
After all I did it my self. However it is quiet risky and one needs to be very care-full. One can brick his\her phone and divide it into little stone. I got one little crack on inner back cover but i will solve it and i got an ic loose which i had to attach with tap and cotton. However i got to know very much about the spar-parts. I am think of making this thread base on hardware help with all manuals available.....What do u say guys??? Should I or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya buddy...go ahead. It will help people

[Q] headset jack a little loose

Hello everyone!
I have a brandnew, white Xperia Z3. What I discovered is, that the headsetjack is somehow loose. You can easly shake the plug a little when plugged in - it's not stiff.
Now my question: is that due to the waterproofing (using rubber and stuff to keep it waterproof) or is that a manufacturing issue? Please feel free to check it on your Xperias.
Rgds
qdrop

http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-test-waterproofing-water-t2897886
Edit: btw, just tried mine and it is loose too. Maybe it is because of some kind of waterproofing rubber.

Mine feels no different than my previous phones.

thanks for your feedbacks!
I've found another post where a user says "As for play in the port; I've checked out every single xperia z3 and Z3 compact on dispay and they all have quite a bit of "give" in the port. It almost looks like a feature" (Google for "headphone jack loose" and hit the second result from sonymobile - sorry not yet able to post external links here...)
So I think it's normal then...
Rgds

Newt182 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-test-waterproofing-water-t2897886
Edit: btw, just tried mine and it is loose too. Maybe it is because of some kind of waterproofing rubber.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I already know that trick. What I found out is, that the jack itself is airproof; but the little hole on the right side of the jack seems to be leaking slowly (airpressure goes back to normal after a few seconds). While testing this I put a finger on the membrane-hole on the lower left of the handset. Does this mean that my device is not waterproof after all? Using it for 2 days now - it's brandnew.
Rgds

Backlight gone - resistor re soldering? will it harm the phone?

Hi. I have a Sony Z3. And the backlight had gone. I have had experience and removed the backlight resistor from the main board and just bridged the two connections. This solved the issue. I have also done it with the z,z1 and z2.
But I was wondaring as I dont know much about circuit boards. Will just bridging the connection cause any damage? Will it last long?
The phone is already out of warrenty.
I have soldered a Sony z and it has lasted a very long time. But can I expect the z3 to be the same?
Thanks for any help and wisdom!!

Hi
Can you take picture i have 6603 and same problem please help me

You have a two year manufacturer's warranty with Sony, and you don't need a proof of purchase.
Return it - unless you've voided it yourself.

dear
The warranty is void
I replaced lcd and frame when i did the brightness no work more
I need resistor location

Hi I've don't it a few times and it always worked. I don't have one to take a picture. But it's near the bottom left of the board . The component is black and has a little V in white on it. If the backlight is gone this component tends to have a burnt hole right in the middle.
I always need a microscope but if you have mega good eye sight you should find it. Hope this helps!

Solution in the attachment. Other fuse with letter "V" in lower left corner protects vibrator.

Hey You
Thankssssss Thanks and Thanks
i make a jumper and all working thankkssssssss
you have paypal?

jowiistyle said:
Thankssssss Thanks and Thanks
i make a jumper and all working thankkssssssss
you have paypal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
You're welcome. I'm glad it worked.
Yes I do have paypal but thanks is enough for me.

mietek190 said:
Solution in the attachment. Other fuse with letter "V" in lower left corner protects vibrator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jowiistyle said:
Thankssssss Thanks and Thanks
i make a jumper and all working thankkssssssss
you have paypal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you happen to know how to fix a Xperia Z3 Compact with a similar issue?
I replaced the screen on my Xperia Z3 Compact and now when I turn it on nothing shows up no image and no backlight. But I can hear that the phone is working. Touchscreen makes clicking noise, and vibrator motor makes noise when clicking home button.
How can I make a jumper?

I have this prob too after replacing screen. First, the phone would work only if the the two final screws holding the assembly weren't screwed in. Now it doesn't work at all.

sent here from a member from another thread~
Sorry - but I was sent to this thread from a member in a reply to a thread I posted last week - they said I might have a better chance at finding answers here.
Here's my question (copy/pasted):
Hello, please forgive me if this is not the appropriate place or generally not the correct type of question to ask, I am new here & was directed to this site from my former trainer as a means of educating myself on the problems I am facing..
Let me first say that I am new to micro soldering, and have only been a certified micro solderer for a few weeks now.
I work for a privately owned company of mobile technicians and I am the sole solderer on staff. My company paid for my training and I would say I have a fairly decent grasp on general soldering repairs.
That being said, I am facing some big issues with backlight repairs. I have been successful in replacing components that have been obviously damaged or missing, but when all responsible components are seemingly in place & in working order - as far as I can see under the microscope - I cannot figure out how to diagnose which of these components has failed to communicate with it's sisters.
I have read a great deal online about jumping components, but I am really very much as a loss as to how I am supposed to be able to figure out which one(s) of these to jump or how to tell if they are in need of replacement - when no physical damage is present.
Any and all help in this area is welcome - I would really love it if I could get a better handle on these types of repairs.
If this topic already exists somewhere, or there is another place I should be looking - point me in that direction & I will follow.
Thanks~

Xperia z1s
mietek190 said:
Solution in the attachment. Other fuse with letter "V" in lower left corner protects vibrator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you happen to know the location of the xperia Z1S backlight fuse also?

Hi there,
I have done lots of cellphone repairs and I know my things about smd soldering.
To answer your question : Will just bridging the connection cause any damage?
The answer is yes and no. By bridging the resistor you won't damage the Phone but the only thing you are doing is taking a safety measure out of the circuit. Next time there is a problem in that bridged circuit there will be no fuse more to blow out and the damage will be done to an other component in that circuit, most likely the power management IC, and those are way harder and have a much more higher fail rate in replacement.
So if you can find a replacement resistor on Ebay i suggest you buy it and replace the broken one. When replacements are not sold, we allways try to take them of another damaged motherboard we have laying around.
If those 2 options are not possible, bridging will be the only solution.
Grtz...
Acryllium

I need help. I have xperia Z2 and backlight in not working. I see two techniques how to repair but i don't know wich can I use. Please help. Thanks

Pre-flight check xperia (things you should do after unboxing the phone)

In a couple of days ill receive my new xperia z3 , i want to ask you lot about pre-flight check for the device.
how can i check the hardware of the phone ? is there a service menu i can access to check the speaker, screen etc etc ?
and im planning to hold on lollipop for now, just because of the recovery still not working. what do you guys think?

parental92 said:
In a couple of days ill receive my new xperia z3 , i want to ask you lot about pre-flight check for the device.
how can i check the hardware of the phone ? is there a service menu i can access to check the speaker, screen etc etc ?
and im planning to hold on lollipop for now, just because of the recovery still not working. what do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*#*#7378423*#*#* to access the service menu
Recovery does work on lollipop

gregbradley said:
*#*#7378423*#*#* to access the service menu
Recovery does work on lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
already working in lollipop? well then lets flash away ill be digging the forum for that one . also ion LOCKED bootloader? i dont want to unlock the thing . . .
thanks for the info mate, is there anything else i need to know or maybe do after getting the phone ?

parental92 said:
already working in lollipop? well then lets flash away ill be digging the forum for that one . also ion LOCKED bootloader? i dont want to unlock the thing . . .
thanks for the info mate, is there anything else i need to know or maybe do after getting the phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends on what you want to do... I am not asking here, but if you do not know what you want to do who am I to tell you what to do?
Read the forums, anything I can tell you is here already....

parental92 said:
In a couple of days ill receive my new xperia z3 , i want to ask you lot about pre-flight check for the device.
how can i check the hardware of the phone ? is there a service menu i can access to check the speaker, screen etc etc ?
and im planning to hold on lollipop for now, just because of the recovery still not working. what do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make sure to check for built failures
there is a thing called light leak (where the display light is slightly brighter on certain areas, you see that mostly if you put completely withe image on your whole screen and set the brightness to ca. 60%)
other problems could be broken water resistance, you can test this with a waterproof test, it's in the general forum (not sure if that test is really accurate though)
there are more things like build errors in the case on the side of example
or yellow tint on photos of you shoot a white wall..
probably there is more, but thats all i discovered so far

Aronuser said:
make sure to check for built failures
there is a thing called light leak (where the display light is slightly brighter on certain areas, you see that mostly if you put completely withe image on your whole screen and set the brightness to ca. 60%)
other problems could be broken water resistance, you can test this with a waterproof test, it's in the general forum (not sure if that test is really accurate though)
there are more things like build errors in the case on the side of example
or yellow tint on photos of you shoot a white wall..
probably there is more, but thats all i discovered so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good stuff there, what im curious now is about the waterproof audio jack.
it does uses hydrophobic coating doesnt it ? to keep the water away. but ill be using the audio jack a lot, by that i mean ill be listening the heck out of this phone. im afraid it will compromise the waterproofing , what do you think?:silly:

parental92 said:
good stuff there, what im curious now is about the waterproof audio jack.
it does uses hydrophobic coating doesnt it ? to keep the water away. but ill be using the audio jack a lot, by that i mean ill be listening the heck out of this phone. im afraid it will compromise the waterproofing , what do you think?:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to tell if it is resistant, but Sony is known for good quality (even though I wondered about certain built errors on this device)
If Sony did it's job right, it would be water resistant for a few years.
But if you are using if for more than 5 years, I think it's normal it can happen that it breaks.
I didn't create that device so I can hardly tell how resistant the jack is. The device is not so old for now, so people probably didn't experience such thing yet.
One thing you should always make sure is not to dent the jack (possible with pushing the plug to the side whilst it's plugged in), it happened to me on another device, this can demage it fast.
I'd not worry too much for it getting overused, just use your device. Once it's really wearing off already you probably already had 2 other new devices.

Aronuser said:
Hard to tell if it is resistant, but Sony is known for good quality (even though I wondered about certain built errors on this device)
If Sony did it's job right, it would be water resistant for a few years.
But if you are using if for more than 5 years, I think it's normal it can happen that it breaks.
I didn't create that device so I can hardly tell how resistant the jack is. The device is not so old for now, so people probably didn't experience such thing yet.
One thing you should always make sure is not to dent the jack (possible with pushing the plug to the side whilst it's plugged in), it happened to me on another device, this can demage it fast.
I'd not worry too much for it getting overused, just use your device. Once it's really wearing off already you probably already had 2 other new devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea the device is still new, but ive gone forth and ventured to the z1 forum, and ask them about the water resistance after a period of use, since the z1 have the first open audio jack .
and it turns out fine really, after a year or so , the phone still completely waterproof.
and i was partially wrong about the coating thing, yes they have a coating on the inside of the audio jack, and they also have some kind of membrane to stop water from going in