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

emailed sent

 

So just s small update I got my replacement unit today since the HDMI in is busted on my current laptop.

Anyways the alien head on this one has independent lighting. When I dim the screen the alien head does not dim with it. It also does not shut off when the screen turns off.

So yeah clearly some have a board in them and others don't =/

 

And you've got today? Produced again now?
This news gives me hope that the unit I have in production now perhaps have independent lighting.

 

When I shut the lid (set to sleep) the Alien head on the lid turns off. If I turn the brightness down on my screen that doesn't change the Alien head brightness at all. What does that mean? Is screen brightness really tied to Alien head illumination?

 

set in the options of energy that your computer will not shut off when the cover is down
If this turns off the AlienHead, then why not have the PCB lighting.

It has been repeated over 10 times in this thread

 

That's the problem it doesnt show up, it only shows this: "Monitor\Default_Monitor" and in hwmonitor nothing.

Guess I will call dell then... Or if someone has the link to the instructions I would be very happy

 

My question was is Alien head brightness attached to screen brightness. I've had to repeat that twice now. Savvy?

 

Its easy to get the lid off. Just take the panel around keyboard off. Tilt the screen a little and you should see 2 small screws where the hinges are. Take those 2 out and you can slide the lid off.

 

I wasnt able to access our forum yesterday, so below was the response from him.

Continue to email him with your details such as photos etc. More evidence is better. Dell now has to answer consistently and logically over this ALIENGATE AFFAIR SO LETS NOT GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE DOUBTS ON WHAT WE ARE CLAIMING.

Meanwhile you too can ask him for response etc. He told me it doesnt matter to which location the service tag belongs too as their explanation must satisfy all owners.

You may give your contact number in case they want to talk through your respective units too.

Can someone ask the site Admin to make this a thread a sticky for every owners attention and benefit.



From: [email protected]
To: vads24
Date: 21:30
Subj: RE: Alienware M17x R3 - Absence of dedicated light board for Alienhead on the back of the lid.

Hi Vad,

I am unable to call you today. As of now, I am waiting for the reply from my L3 team who promised to clarify the doubts of alienware led. I will call you tomorrow post lunch with update once I meet them. Thank you.

Regards,
Edward L

 

Mr. Edward called me up and explained that the L3 guys are taking this case up further and they requested time till Monday to answer us. Along with that Mr. Edward did request me to draft an email for this purpose. So I had drafted the email below for this purpose. Its been sent.


This email is addressed to whomever concerned through Mr. Anand Edward.

This draft refers specifically to the ongoing discussion on the lighting/glowing issue of the Alienhead logo/status light which is present on the top lid chassis of a Alienware M17x R3.

We are only referring to that model and location. So I hope this aspect is clear and hope any explanation forthcoming is strictly confined to Alienware M17x R3. This avoids confusion and unnecessary discussion.

Our contention and questions are as follows and the evidence is present with us is exhibited. So we would like to give Dell who is liable the opportunity to explain our queries satisfactorily and honestly at the earliest in order to prevent avoidable escalation of this case to a higher level from the consumers perspective.

Question 1.

There is a Alienhead Logo which acts as a status light on top of the Alienware M17x R3 Lid cover.

How is this Alienhead logo lighted up ?

Question 2.

Is it lighted up merely by the reflection of of the LCD panel brightness?

or

Question 3

Is it lighted up by a dedicated lighting board?

or

Question 4

Does Dell ship its Alienware M17x R3 with one of the above mechanisms randomly ?


According to our observation and investigation we have evidently found that Dell is shipping Alienware M17x R3 Units with 2 variations in the method by which the Alienhead/status light is lit up.

1st type:

The Alienhead light is lighted up merely by the reflection of the backlight emanating from the LCD display panel.

Proof of concept : Alienhead light goes off when LCD backlight turns off.The easiest way to demonstrate this is when the lid is closed. Irrespective of settings made in power options the backlight by default will go off when lid is closed and immediately the Alienhead light also turns off. The system is not in sleep mode or turned off during this action.

The Alienhead light also changes in intensity or brightness in direction proportion to the LCD backlight brightness setting. The demonstration of this is obvious and should not require a rocket scientist to show.

Evidence: Notebooks using this method of lighting have been dismantled by Dell technicians and shown to have nothing between the back of the Alienhead and that of the LCD display panel except a square cut out of inner alloy frame thus allowing the backlight to be reflected on to the Alienhead on the lid cover. This is 100% established.

Photos of this evidence have been attached along with the service tags. I am also aware you have already seen this version based on Mr. Edward's account in your lab.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd type :

The Alienhead is lighted up by a dedicated lighting board which is affixed on the inner alloy chassis housing the LCD panel. In essence this board sits between the Alienhead on the lid and the LCD display panel inside. This light board is rectangle in shape. It has a long wire that travels vertically down from this board and gets connected to a connector located on the horizontal circuit board residing at the bottom behind the LCD display panel.

Proof of concept: All Alienware M17x R3 which houses this dedicated lighting board behaves as follows. The Alienhead light is lit up independent of LCD display panel brightness. It never turns off unless the system is turned off. Irrespective of setting in power options the Alienhead light remains turned on with constant intensity even when the lid is closed. The intensity is not in any way connected to the LCD display brightness levels.

Video proving this concept is attached in this email.

Evidence : Notebooks using this method of lighting have been dismantled and the dedicated lighting board is present. This is 100% established.

Photos of this evidence have been attached along with the service tags.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We also have plenty of cases where some have initially received systems of Type 1 and then received replacements of Type 2. The reverse has also happened as recent as yesterday. It is the same scenario with fresh orders.

Type 1 and Type 2 of Alienhead lighting does not seem to have a pattern based on time of manufacture or type of LCD panel or any other conceivable specification.Location of manufacture as we are aware is China. This is also not based on country of geographical location.

If there was a design improvement from Type 1 to Type 2 there would and must be a clear pattern discernible based on time of manufacture. But it does not. People have received newly manufactured recently with Type 1 Alienhead lighting.

That leaves only 2 options that is revolving in our minds which makes Dell very liable for not being transparent and informing end user/customer.

1. Do you fix the Type 2 Alienhead lighting system randomly?

2. Is it based on stock availability of the lighting board?

We would love you to come forth and explain to us if there are any other sane, technical, logical , rational and satisfactory answer as to why some Alienware M17x R3 systems come with Type 1 Alienhead lighting while others come with Type 2 Alienhead lighting.

I and other users who own and are waiting to receive their Alienware M17x R3 demand a definitive answer.

Aside that I also would like to know what kind of manufacturer designs a system who has a external status light directly linked to the LCD display brightness ( Type 1 ). How are we supposed to know if the system is turned on when the lid is closed that system is still turned on? You are increasing the chance of a customer accidentally packing his notebook into his bag not realising the notebook is still powered on. Do you realise the notebook becomes superheated in such a scenario? Will Dell be responsible for such calamities? A reputed manufacture like Dell producing high premium systems like Alienware M17x R3 should not be cutting corners on such critical areas such as external system status indicator.

I think my points are very clear and doesnt require further clarification. You have all the information necessary that warrants an explanation and resolution. Transparency will help your future products gain our trust to be purchased and recommended to others.

I too am currently awaiting to receive my brand new replacement Alienware M17x R3. I can assure you that if this system comes without a dedicated lighting board as the original sent to me, I would definitely return system immediately. Let me assure all of you concerned that there are no 2 ways about it.

I am forwarding this case through Dell India for my personal assurance as well as for the benefit of my technical colleagues located worldwide.

Kindly take our concern with seriousness.

Several owners have already emailed Mr. Edward. Naturally those concerned will be those with Alienhead Type 1 lighting as they are lacking the function of a constantly lighted external status light.

As I have mentioned personally to Mr. Edward, we have a watertight case that requires immediate attention and priority.

That is all for now.

Hoping to hear from whoever is concerned at the earliest.


Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely

 

I've opened Pandora's box.
Dell support have to be agreed of all my family xD

Great job vads24

 

Thanks Vads.


Btw, my Alienhead doesn't turn off when I close my lid, nor does it decrease in brightness when I decrease brightness of my screen. Mine's part of the first/2nd batch during launch right after/during the Intel fiasco.

 

Thank you!

 

Hi Vads any updates?
i email that guy 3 days ago and got no reply

 

I haven't had a reply either, but I am assuming we'll heard about this on Monday? That's what I understood anyway.

 

Hi guys, as I mentioned earlier the Level 3 team has requested time till Monday. From our perspective its of course seems like a foregone conclusion as to what this is all about. However Edward told me that he had explain to them as I did to him. He wanted all the areas covered before he posed all the questions and answers for possible questions from them. I did press him on why such a straight forward matter required so much deliberation. Basically they dont want to comment definitively and end on the wrong side of the fence because I said i want their explanation black and white rather then a mere verbal communication so that its legally binding. I had emphasised that any explanation must not be supposition but definitive. Edward has been quite forthcoming but cautious not to give wrong info, hence the deliberations step by step. I did ask about replies to all of you who sent the emails. He explained he hasnt and also gave consent to update all of you by pasting his responses. I sense that the Level 3 personnel are tight lipped on this because they must have an explanation for every angle. They have to explain on both versions or mechanism chosen to light the Alienhead. In terms of posing the query, i think my draft covers everything they must explain for. There is no room to wriggle. Unless an extra ordinary explanation is made they may possibly have to admit to discrepancy during assembly work. However all this remains speculation until it comes from the horse's mouth. Edward told, whatever the explanation will hold valid for any of us irrespective of country. So lets be patient and give them a chance to explain.


Meanwhile i dont know why this thread doesnt qualify to be a sticky. I also hope all you spread the awareness around , even question your respective Dell units the same as I am. You may even use the crux content of my draft.


I jus dont understand how this difference remained unnoticed until now. Its been 6 months since the units started shipping. Perhaps everyone was distracted with other critical component issues so much so it escaped observation.


Thats all for now. Remember,spread the awareness especially new buyers. Let the word reach Dell ! I personally dont care if some of you think this is trivial, but to me this feels like another Dellgate making us customers look gullible.

 

i did message batboy (moderator) to ask about a stiky but no reply from him so far.........

 

My brand new r3 only lights with the screen.

 

If you turn the brightness up or down the alienhead become's lighter/darker? If so, email your servicetag to Vads contact with the note that you dont have a light module.

 

Thanks, will do!

 

Looking at the numbers on the polls so far, strangely it looks almost even, does it not? Wonder if this jus by a coincident or is as a result of 2 assembly lines, 1 without a light board and the other with it.


Has any one of you seeked an explanation from your local Dell technical support?


Do train your queries towards them so that we can analyse what each one comes up with and catch if it varies from one another. Make sure they commit their responses in the form of an email.


Just like dear Inap, we need those who have independent Alienhead lighting to step up in helping those who dont have. We need your photos, videos( especially the PCB lighting board ) to present more effective counter point in case they dither or brush off our the claim.


I know some are not bothered to rectify this and prefer to leave it as it is but I am assured by common sense that the large majority of owners would feel denied or disenfranchised over this matter and need commensurate remedy for the same. After all isnt that the spirit of " Occupy Wall Street ".

 

Alienware M17xR3 alien logo works when lid is closed, circuit board under light. Hope this is what you needed.

https://picasaweb.google.com/111396...authkey=Gv1sRgCNff9679vpWdiAE&feat=directlink

 

blood i wasnt able to confirm whether the board is visible..

The area of focus is the reactangle right behind the Alienhead. Is there a lighting board in between the Alienhead and the LCD PANEL? Are you able to remove it. I wanted the photo shot of that component from your system. It has a wise running vertically down ending in a connector inserted into a small rocket.


Please confirm this. Refer to Inap's photo on page 2 or 3

 

In picture 10 and 11 you can see the PCB board on the back, that corresponds to where the transparent alienhead is and it has wires coming out of it.

 

Great Blood, i m sorry i wasnt able to see because i m using an old nokia n82 to view the forum.

Please do me a favour. Along with your service tag and brief description stating that you have the PCB board, kindly email this to edward. Attach the photos too. I know you have posted online but sometimes they have issues viewing the online pictures so best attached to email. Supposedly they can only receive a total of maximum 5 mb attachment per email. It would be great if you can send the photos to me too I can update it with other attached details that i have already sent to edward. Will send my email add in message.


Edit: In my discussion with Blood, it made me think of a possibility wherein the pre-assembled LCD display panel and chassis enclosing it maybe from 2 different revisions or manufacturers. One of the revisions has the PCB board lighting and the other doesnt.The PCB lighting board is not attached during the assembly of the notebooks upon order but pre-assembled along with LCD display and enclosure. This maybe the reason for the randomness at which people are receiving M17x with one having it and another not having it.


Whichever way put, Dell would still be on the wrong footing to push it to the customers in such a inconsistent manner with no standardization. We are not talking about a missing Dvd or a cap. This is a missing electrical component.

 

stays on when LCD is off

1080 @ 60Hz on either the ATI or intel

 

Folks, as a reminder, this forum is no different than most high traffic forums...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

As for the current status of the AlienHead issue as described in this thread, apparently there is interaction occuring with a Dell Support Rep (please see the last several pages). If you believe there is an issue with your system, follow along with the last few pages and see if he can assist. If anyone has received a direct response from the rep, please take a moment and update the thread with current status.

Thanks everyone.

 

Monday already passed, any news on this topic?

I am very interested in knowing Dell's official answer!

 

*****************UPDATE********************

Here is the update from Edward ( the tech dealing with the case)

hi,
update from edward.


He was on leave yesterday. They are actively pursuing the case and
various aspects being looked at
currently. Time has been requested till Thursday. They are
researching on the matter. I
have come to the conclusion this error is happening at a place where
they are pre assembling the LCD PANEL in the chassis prior to being
sent out to the factory or notebook assembly lines.There is simply no
way they are fixing the lighting board at notebook assembly level. The
lighting board is neatly integrated for that

Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Vads24

 

Never checked don't care I never even look at it. Very few laptops have lights on the lid so how is this a requirement? There are plenty of other lights if you just want to know its on. If your gaming you KNOW its on from the fan lol.

 

I never checked either....until this thread popped up lol.

 

For those dun have LED on the panel... pls call dell to replace the lcd.
mb you may give some other reason like "lcd vertical line" bla bla bla...

confirm lcd part come with ext "LED" will be

FHD 17'3 3D panel - 0C30PY
FHD 17'3 60hz panel - still checking
HD 17'3 60 panel - still checking

i was done claim 3 unit 3D panel for my customer. who on 3D lcd screen and without ext LED... u may lodge a case to dell ya.

Oh ya, the part no for the LED is " 08D7G0 "

 

everyone is entitle to their opinion , but just to let you know that light is a safety feature to warn you the laptop is still on/sleep mode , so bf4 you pack it way in your bag you switch it off otherwise it cause damage the harware IE: hdd, gpu etc.
plus its safety requirement by law that latpots have this warning light

 

thats not a good a option if the new lcd is still being assemble in the faulty prodution line lol

 

Like I have told someone else, if a "safety light" is required by law, how come the M11x and M14x do not have a separate light?

 

that question u should ask dell

 

Maybe because it's not required by law.

 

then you better read the safety law again lol

 

Can you please show me the law then? I don't like when misinformation spreads around.

 

i has m11x, this is getting off on a tangent here. The crux of the issue is that some m17x r3 owners have a seperate light and others do not. There is a quality control element and assembly line element.

Dell should answer why some owners have this independent light and others do not. Dell should also rectify the situation for owners who do not have this part.

As for other alienware models, I cannot answer whether they are supposed to be designed that way or not. If you are intersted you can solicit an answer from dell.

 

Hope we can an answer to this issue today

 

Folks, please drop the back and forth 'safety law' chatter. Unless a source (link to a law - US or another country) is provided, there's no room for speculation (either in support or against).

If in fact there is an issue here, it will be confirmed by an official communication between the rep who has sought out customer feedback (see a few pages back).

If Dell determines this is an issue, I'm sure the folks who desire some kind of notification 'light' will work with Dell to resolve it. For those uninterested and content with the design, they will not bother. In the end, its up to the individual to decide if they want to pursue this.

Again, if anyone has received current (by current I mean in the last few days) information from this 'Edward' rep, please update the thread.

Thanks.

 

--------
update
--------

The Official Dell India intimation explains that the Alienhead light is lit by a dedicated lighting board. It is not suppose to vary or depend on the Display Backlight.

It is suggested that all those who find their Alienhead lighting to be dependent on Display Backlight, ought to contact their Dell/Alienware Technical Support to rectify the issue.

If further clarification is required the The Dell India Supervisor's email address being [email protected] can be given to the respective technical support units so that they may email him if they wish for a clarification.



Edward told me this is the Dell Oficial Explanation.

They did not however go into the details as to why some system are having it.Also they have not received any complaints from Dell India Alienware M17x owners who complain of the same as of yet. But they are very clear on how the Alienhead lighting system works or how it was designed to work.

Anything that doesnt work as mentioned requires attention and rectification from respective Technical Units in host country

 

I had an issue with my LCD lid not being on all the way and loose on the bottom, so in a separate post I took a few pictures. I fixed the issue (missing two screws to hold on the lid) which was honestly easy to do.

One of the pictures I took it looked like it was missing a piece in the middle.

I really didn't think of it till I saw this thread...

 

Definitely contact them, you are missing the lighting pcb and cable.

 

I contacted the dell rep listed in this thread and I get the following:

---
Hi Smooth_J,

I believe, the system is purchased in US and thus, would request you to contact US tech support for service. However, if system is in India, I would be glad to assist you. Thank you.

Regards,

Edward
---

 

That's a very disconcerting photo for future purchasers/owners of non-legit alienheads.

 

right just been on the phone witht the uk tech and he keeps on saying its not meant to have a board, its meant to be light from the lcd
now anyone else form uk tried to talk to them?

 

I got this BS too. Can somebody please apply some pressure on Dell to get this fixed?

 

how are you guys checking this..i mean the alienware logo cuts out if the system goes to sleep....should it not do that......