Fixed '29 touchscreen

I'd been using my CF-29/5 less & less because it was overheating, the touchscreen didn't work and the touchpad is without doubt the worst I've ever used. Mogo Mouse was the only thing saving it from "The Wall"...
I also have a CF-52 with W7 x64 and although it's a joy to use and blazing fast it's not exactly what I'd call "tough."
So I finally got around to sorting the '29 a couple of hours ago (and no, I don't have anything better to do on a Saturday night) The processor temperature had been close to 100C and the cursor would disappear off the right edge of the screen level with wherever I touched. Scrolling with a finger down the right edge worked OK so a repair seemed feasible.
Took the bottom cover off and used Arctic Silver 2-part thermal adhesive to increase contact area between heat pipes and bottom cover, then Arctic Silver 5 on the re-formed pads. Highest temperature so far is 48C which seems good for one of these?
For the touchscreen after visual examination I checked the flexiconnector and worked the sockets a few times to ensure good contact then carefully powered it and hey presto!
I'm pleased that it now works of course but I'd be much happier with a confirmed diagnosis. If the flex has a cracked track the simple act of moving it may have restored contact but it could fail again at any time.
Can't be bothered just now to build a circuit to test it thoroughly so I'll wait & see.
If I have to I'll remove the screen from the bezel and replace the flexiconnector with wires attached to the screen tracks with conductive silver epoxy.
Admittedly this is the first time I've seen this particular flexiconnector but it's of a type also used in other portable equipment I used to repair. Very common cause of failures, surprised I haven't seen it mentioned here.

 

Oh this has but you just need to find the right thread. Jeff has talked about this before but anyways glad you got it fixed.

 

Congrats on lowering the temps and fixing the screen.

Yes... Several screen fixes have been discussed but there are a few reasons why they do crap out. I have fixed them before as you discovered but usually it is the adhesive that holds the touchscreen in or that keeps everything laminated together that makes it go south. In that case... I haven't heard of a backyard fix yet.

 

Rick! nice to hear you back. Hows your job down there, man! Hope its for the better.

Anyway, a couple of guy here know how to fix it.

ohlip

 

yes they do...

 

..... .....

 

Teo... Good to hear from you too! Yes... I quit the 70+ hours per week job I was at and found a job as a sales rep for a national lender. Great benefits and the time is my own. I'll have to hump for the start but then everything is what I make it. So I should start to have some more time for Toughbooks again soon.

So... I guess I need to poke around for the screen fix. I've been away too long!

 

Same here
Being away all summer , I am just starting to get back into my winter activities