AlienHead LED works OK? Or only work with a screen light? (Only M17xR3)

I am totally and completely agree with and subscribe vads24 word for word what you said in your posts.

When I created this post was to open people's eyes to what I think is a certain neglect and discrimination by Dell users.

All persons who had no light to lower the top cover thought it was normal, and I just explain to know why.

Dell should know that we are aware that we are missing a part.

 

anyone having this problem, can you provide pics of the back of the screen. i can show you how to take off the lid without too much fuss.

if i can remember correctly even if you get the led part for your system, there may be no place for you to attach it. but i need some pics to confirm. if u wanna help just gave me a pm and i'll send u some instructions.

 

i answer his question about the windows aero issue.

this is my answer of cos "sos" from dell support site

hi bro... i knew it... but pls read and understand which post i "quote" and reply... am i give "Chaos92" a wrong answer?

 

this is the missing part for alien head led... some got this.. some not..

Spoiler

* this is a r2 panel, i use for example for the "led panel" please dun get confuse as i know this is a r3 thread discussion.
my bad, forgot to mention it clear at 1st time.

 

For m17xr3 without additional LED for alien head it would be use LCD backlight to provide "light" to the alien head like the picture below.

 

thanks for the pics world, looks like there is no mounting system for those who don't have the seperate board.

 

Sorry brother, it was my mistake, i have been struggling reading the forum posts using my nokia n82. You are absolutely right in his case. I was about to edit, but you responded fast enough..

 

My M17xR3 no PCB for the LED and is not like worldedit´s photo.
Mine has a small holes where you set the LED and a free connector at the bottom left.

Identical to the INAP, but without the piece.

 

thanks for the info mikey, wish more peeps can take pics.

 

Inap my computer layout is exactly as the second one but it had dedicated light board for Alienhead lighting. I do not have a shot of it but i can confirm that mine had via the video i had posted and linked by mikey in this thread. This reaffirms what mikey mentioned. He had also described a connector which was available but remained unused. My model was the one with 3D.

 

Does this image belong to an Alienware M17x R3 or is that of R2. This wasnt the internal chassis design I saw on mine. Reminds me of my R2

 

This, my friend, is a M17x or M17x R2 panel

 

I hope there is no confusion amongst those voting as to for which system this poll is for or issue is being addressed for. I am wondering if R2 owners are voting in by mistake leading to the almost 50:50 percent result thus far. It would be a better idea if Batboy can edit the title and ensure " only for m17 R3" appears as the first words preceding the problem description and perhaps the poll options too.
I really hope this is not giving a false picture on the prevalence of R3 with and without the dedicated lighting for the AlienHEAD.

 

yup u r rite... in dell official technical document, the "led board" will not exit. and i personally open my own panel and check the "led board", it look almost same with r2 "led board" but just with single led only and not able to change colour.

all the picture i get from dell technical document.

This is the R2

Spoiler

here is the R3

Spoiler

* pls forget about the r2, i just use as example/compare the "Field Service Information"

the option for the alienled led was not available on m17x R3 already, it will use our led panel to provide "light" to the alienhead. ur lcd off, means the alienhead will off too.

oh ya, all of my fren just get their m17x r3 on sept, the led option is not available already. 3 of them use 1080p 60hz panel and 2 of them use 3d panel.

 

this is R2 panel, wat i wanted to show is the "led panel" dun get it wrong my fren. i cant find out "special" led panel from web and i was lazy to open my r3 panel again.

just ignore the r2 panel. and get the "led panel" as example.
btw i found the real r3 panel already... next post.

 

orite... thanks inap to provide the nice r3 panel picture with "led panel" and sorry i didt read the 1st page.

m17x r3 with "led panel"

*credit to INAP

m17x r3 without "led panel"

 

Mine was a 3D too and it the Alienhead light was independent from LCD PANEL. It had a separate board like Inap's shot. It was manufactured on 21st of August delivered on 31st August. I took a video and posted it too. Mikey had provided the link on first page.

Please double confirm with your friends. The period of manufacture doesnt seem to be connected to this issue as some who have received initially also did not have this dedicated lighting. I dont know if it was all, thats why i said some. I dont know whats been goin on since February to September but mikey was the first to note the difference as his first system had dedicated lighting and then his replacement didnt have it. I dont know if his replacement is from older stock. And now according to you all your friend's unit from Sept do not have a dedicated lighting. And others have said they do. There is no definite pattern which means at least there are obvious inconsistencies during built process for machines made since August perhaps.
Well i am about to receive mine by then end of the week. Its a 2nd new replacment. Ordered on 3rd Oct. completed build 8th.
This is what I am goin to check first for. I really hope it doesnt have this issue or any other major issues, or else its goin straight back. I dont wish to take the crap that they make us deal with at times over avoidable problems. The more you guys are revealing, the more it sounds like what mikey said is true as in they maybe installing that component when they have stock or sending it without when they dont. This seems to be most plausible explanation which indicts Dell in lacking transparency and taking customers for a ride due to that.
Have none of called and raised this issue with Dell and even giving them a link to our forum to wake their brains up? How much more evidence is required?

Edit: This thread is being read by Dell Alienware Support so please lets keep it objective with minimal argument amongst ourselves in order to prevent any confusion on their part. I suggest those of you interested in getting to the bottom of this issue contact their respective support group. Whatever their explanation is, it must specificaly satisfy the current scenario which we the users are experiencing without raising doubts and assumptions.
Officially R3 doesnt have a separate board according to their engineering info. But perhaps it doesnt show one because it doesnt have the RGB SMB BOARD as in R2. The RGB board in R2 has a part number and is sent out if there is an issue with it. But in R3 tis component doesnt have a part number if my indications are right. Hence it doesnt show as a part thats serviceable. There is no documentation stating Alienhead is lighted by LCD backlight. Is there? There is no documentation stating no separate lighting board is present either. Is there? But reality shows some have and some dont. By common logic and standard practise the status light should never be tied to LCD panel brightness.

So ask them this 2 questions.

What lights up the Alienhead on the back of the Lid?

If they say backlight, ask them to explain why others have a dedicated board for lighting.

If they say it has a dedicated board, question them on why its behaving in such a way as if it doesnt have one.

We also need to know for sure the PCB lighting board is absolutely absent in those who say the Alienhead lighting is dependent on LCD backlight.

The reason I am asking is because I want to know if this is software or connector related because perhaps the board is there but its behaviour is synchronised with LCD backlight behaviour, hence giving a wrong perception.

 

I have a R3 and I have the default 1080p screen. ordered mid september.

My led also shuts of when I close the lid... stupid...
also my paint job at the top has 3 points at which it looks like they dropped to much paint resulting in a small black dot. Dont want to return it though I need the laptop.

 

As promised I attached pictures of my board.

As you can see has a slot for the LED PCB and connector empty.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

The mystery is solved but Dell has to answer to all of us who dont have the dedicated light board and why some have while others dont.

I hope someone else other than Inap too will post their pictures with dedicated light board present.

Mikey from your last post I understand that you have been asked to return your current system for replacement due to this issue. Right?

If someone is able to, please post a close up and clear picture of the dedicated PCB Board and connecter. Thanks

 

I have 7 working days to make cancel the purchase without giving reasons

I have another identical notebook in production. If no have PCB I cancel too.

I made more pictures with close-up of free slot and connector empty. If you want I can upload them.

 

I have another identical notebook in production. If no have PCB I cancel too.

I think I may have figured out why some don't have and why some do. But it doesnt explain why the one with the connector are sent empty.

Look carefully at the photo sent by Inap. worldedit and that by MikeyPinero.

In both Inap's and Mikeypinero's the connector socket for the dedicated light/PCB board is there. But the light/PCB board has been fixed for Inap but not for MikeyPinero..

Mikeypinero's.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4782/img4600copia.jpg

Inap's
http://forum.notebookreview.com/att...s-ok-only-work-screen-light-only-m17xr3-3.jpg

Now look at the photo sent in by worldedit for R3 ( I hope this belongs 100% certain for a R3 and not a blown up picture of M11 or M14x ). If it really belongs to R3 please Notice that the inner chassis is different and shows no points for mounting a dedicated light/PCB board. It ALSO shows absence of connector for dedicated light board.

Worldedit's
http://i.imgur.com/YkG3E.jpg


Now if there are two types of inner chassis and electronic board is also of 2 types then why have they not fixed one for Mikeypinero.

Also why are these two variations being produced at random ( if this is the case ) denying a large portion of users the ability to know that the system is turned on in terms of status light. This is plain wrong.

 

I had my 1080 60Hz screen replaced today. This is on e new machine delivered 26/09/11.
The engineer noticed the missing PCB where the the alien head is on the old screen.
BUT on the new screen has the PCB and LEDs.
Not much different in use though as it still switches off when lid closed although doesn't correlate exactly with when screen switches off but more or less.

 

If it has the PCB board then it will not switch of when you close the lid. That is 100%. Watch my video links on the first page of my thread. But remember i had set the option to "do nothing" when lid is closed in the power options. If you have set it to sleep, shutdown etc, then of course it will turn off. If you alienhead glow disappears when you close the lid despite having a similiar power setting like mine then there is something wrong with it or maybe not connected at the connector. So observe carefully and pls let us know. Thanks for your feedback. Wish u had taken some shots.

 

check your power options in control panel type: "lid" or something similar like "what closing lid" In the search bar

 

I changed the power settings for closing the lid as suggested and now the Alien head light stays 'ON' when lid closed and screen off.

So this is the difference for having a separate LED/PCB for the alien head.

 

attached photos from a closeup of the socket and plug



Uploaded with ImageShack.us



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

I also got to discover which is the product code assigned to the PCB Dell missing: 0D7G0

 

Totally offtopic: But how did you manage to get the cover of? I want to take a look at my screen model... It doesnt show up in windows or in any other program

 

have a look in the service manual

Also if you answer to a post right above you, there's no need to quote a mile long post, please.

 

I discussed this with a senior floor manager a few minutes ago. And he is investigating this case wit the Level 3 tech support as well as the design team.


He says he requires the service tag of those who have placed different pictures so that they can pursue all possible angle and queries with regards to this case.


He has given his email id for all of you to state the nature of your lighting and email it to him along with your service tag.


His email id is [email protected]


I had emailed the picture posted by Inap , mikeypinero and worldedit.

It will be great if you can furnish your service tags for them to pursue. They are coming forward so let please provide them with the correct info.

The forum posts were read and he would be joining the forum tomorrow. I mentioned the part number for the PCB board. I have been told to draft and email and with mikeypinero's service tag.

So mikey please do so. It would help others too. Great job in finding the part number.

 

I don't want to be off topic, and will just begin to confirm that my R3 that ordered at the end of May and got mid June has this issue as well; the "Alienhead" is only turned on when the screen is; already sent an email to the address provided here.

What I came originally to this forum for was about an issue I just noticed (my bad, I should had payed attention before) but after my motherboard was replaced about a month ago because of a malfunction (it was a brand new computer too!) the "Alienware" logo just above the power button and at the bottom of the display does not light up.

It is not a configuration issue, have latest version of AlienFX and even if I change the color in there, the letters are still off and no way to turn them on. I am positive it worked before the mother board replacement.

Is there a loose connector the technician could forgot to attach? should I try to check it myself or just call Dell about it?

As I said, I don't want to derail it, just haven't found information about this issue.

Thanks in advance!

 

Result im emailing him now

 

Email sent

 

I hesitate to send this info, as I dont have the LED board (I'm affected by this issue) but I also prefer it the way is. I dont want some tech to come out, mess with things, and then have a light I cant turn off.

 

You dont need to worry about the Alienware word lighting below the screen. Its probably a loose connector or its not connected. I would recommend you to call Dell and get them to check while you supervise. Who know...maybe the connecter is damaged etc. But this is an easily rectifiable issue.

 

Darth, they wont force you to fix one, that i m sure off. The information is being gathered to find out the pattern in which this is happening and why.

I think everyone wants an explanation. Whether those who dont have it desire one is a secondary question and an option Dell would give you. But out of this query a consistent product line emerge.

 

Mine didnt come with a lot of documentation... So I got it from the dell website but it doesnt explain how 2 get the top cover of, so I can see the screen model

 

Why do you want to open it up for this purpose? Is it to check the Alienhead or other reason? You can check your model by using HWInfo software. Also you can go to the device manager, and check under display panel, driver. In properties you can look under Hardware Id and manufacturer also. You just have to cross check. Or call dell,give your service tag and they will tell you.

 

Just for some insight, I had my screen replaced due to quality control issues. They replaced my 1080p with a 900p by mistake. The 1080p had the dedicated light board while the 900p replacement didn't. This was how I knew the two panels were different before I actually booted up and could tell by the screen resolution. When I got another 1080p to replace the 900p, it had the dedicated light board.

 

That's just a coincidence, Jas. I have a 1080 screen with no light board.

 

1080p 60hz independent of the lcd

 

My first M17x that arrived mid july was independent. my current m17x is backlight dependent........i dont like that. both are 1080p

 

Please send the information you are giving us to [email protected] with your service tag info.


The more we collect and file our data the more pressure and quicker they have to answer to all of us.

 

My first one ordered in March build in June with 3D screen had the light module.

My second one ordered in August with 60Hz FHD screen had the light module.

Screen brightness did not had any effect on the Alienhead brightness.

Very strange Dell would install it in one system but not the other. Any respone from Dell?

 

Will be very grateful if you could pass on the same info with your service tag to [email protected]

It strengthens our case. They are investigating.

 

Will do. I only remember 1 service tag. Will email that to him now.

 

With service tag or order number,it's the same

 

I have received a phone call and an email explained below. So far all those who have sent him the service tag are those who complained of not having a independent light for the Alienhead.


He wants more service tags from those whose system's Alienhead light on the lid is independent of the LCD backlight.


So all of you who have it please send your service tags to help us in order for them to detail the hardware built.Mention that you have to avoid confusion from those who dont.

It would be great if Inap can send his service tag since he took the photo with the PCB Board present.


More proof of PCB Board present is better.


Mikeypinero , we need the service tag of your previous system which you said the lighting was independent compared to your current one which doesnt have.

He tried punching in the part number but it came as invalid. How did you get the part number. Any case number has been logged or by email?
From: [email protected]
To: vads24
Date: 12:38
Subj: RE: Alienware M17x R3 - Absence of dedicated light board for Alienhead on the back of the lid.

Hi Vads,



Thank you for choosing Dell Inc


I got below 5 service tags from people in the forum and all of which do not have PCB board attached. I request you to get me one service tag where the PCB board is attached so as to put it to the next level team to avail more info on this.

Kindly note that I received a call from [email protected] explaining they had opened a R3 unit they had but found no pcb board. They have not concluded but the info was passed on to me. It would be helpful if people who have could please send their evidence to help others who dont.

 

hey Vads24 anymore news from the tech?