Mi Problema

After very successfully replacing my 2005 HP iPod Photo battery with an iFixit kit, I just picked up a few items that will help on some of the miniature work that I'm into right now.

My eyes aren't getting any younger so the Head Magnifier, Helping Hands and Inspection scope will keep the details in sight.

The two Gerstner Toolboxes are going to free up some bench space and keep the small stuff organized.

The Flush Wire Cutter is the best there is and will make quick work out of small places.

The images show my 38" diameter digital clock that uses Atomic Clock reference reception of WWVB.

Mi Solucion

My lighted hands digital clock will need everything from my tool order and more.

The clock uses two Microchip 8-bit controllers - One to advance the current Atomic Time, set time zone and adjust lamp brightness while positioning the two proportional servos to the correct hand positions. This chip also outputs a pulse-train of current time into a second controller chip that acts as a smart port expander that drives the twelve purple hour LEDs which pattern against the current time from a table of time & actions in its memory.

Some of my tools date back to the late 70's so a tool upgrade was sorely needed.

Mi Consejo

As modern devices get smaller and smaller, the right tools are just what the doctor ordered.

Mi Problema

Battery was dying. It would not hold a charge for a day.

Mi Solucion

Fine. After watching the video, the replacement went exactly as shown.

it does take a steady hand.

Mi Consejo

Adhesive strips were impossible to put on. We used our own double back tape.

The screws are very tiny. It would help to do the work on a white piece of paper so you could see the screws if they drop by mistake, which they do.

Mi Problema

It's the line of work I do, i fix mobile, computers, laptops, tablets etc etc. To me it isn't one job, but a series of jobs.

Mi Solucion

They always go great, I have tons of experience in doing these types of repairs, so to me the right tool is more important than any guide. The tools ifixit sells are amazing quality.

Mi Consejo

Just keep at it, i've been doing it for a little over two years now, at first it's intimidating because how so small the components in most mobile/computer/tablets can be, but after about 20 of them. It starts to feel natural.

Never rush anything, if it fights you look for a screw, if you can't find any; use a soft prying tool or a heat gun to loosen the glue.

In my experience so far, most things are held together with screws (various types), from hex, to torq, pentalobe, triwing glue and of course clips. Patience is the key to taking apart anything.

If it doesn't feel 'right' coming apart, never force it. That's how you break things, especially in cases like the HTC One (held together by force and clips).

Worse case scenario there's hundreds of guides on sites like this to help you dismantle or repair devices. Of course if you just follow things through and are thorough and careful, you can take apart anything without a guide necessary : )

Mi Problema

My iMacs hard drive failed

Mi Solucion

The swap went quite well except for a couple of hickups. If I had everything set up, it would have only taken about an hour.

Mi Consejo

I recommend that those who write instructions make note of connector orientations when required. when I disconnected the hd temperature sensor it popped out so I had no chance to see how it was oriented. It's a 3 prong plug but only has 2 wires connected. Luckily it felt like it would only go in one way so keeping track may not be necessary.

I would add a magnet to the list of tools. Rub it with your screwdrivers and you'll magnetize them. This will lessen the chance of dropping those little screws.

A few small containers/glasses/cups make for good places to put little parts and screws. You could have one for each step. You won't mix them up that way.

I would add the double sided tape to the list of parts required just in case the HD temperature sensor bracket does not want to stick to the new drive. Mini did not. Luckily I had some clear silicone available so used that. Took it a while to set up before I could reinsert the sensor. I also added a dab on top of the bracket so the foam had something to stick to.

I slightly deformed the temperature sensor connector. I would recommend people remove the temperature sensor from the hard drive, then set it aside without unplugging it. It'll be out of the way so you'll be able to change the drive without disconnecting. That connector is made of pretty soft plastic. My finger nails are not long enough or get it it so had to use my mini needle nose pliers. They deformed the connector a little.

I would also encourage folks to cover the LCD screen as soon as it's exposed. I was very careful but yet somehow scratched it. It's just a little scratch in the corner so it's not a big deal, but just goes to show how things can happen even thought you think you take all the precautions. I'd cover it with some Saran Wrap or similar.

I also has some trouble getting the aluminum frame to sit back down on the frame. I finally got it by dropping it straight down on the frame rather than one side at a time. Originaly I put it all back together then found I could not reinstall the memory module door. The cover was not seated far enough back onto the frame. I had to remove the glass and aluminum cover completely to reinstall it. Once I got it oriented right, it just fell into place. Drop it straight down. If the mic wires get in the way, just let it sit for a bit and nudge the wires out of the way with the spudger, then go back to dropping the cover straight down gain.

Mi Problema

Initially I was buying these tools to perform battery swap with my bloated iPhone battery.

Mi Solucion

Due to the iPhone power button replacement policy. I had skipped the need to do so.

My next repair will be my scrambled Nintendo 3DSXL screen.

Mi Consejo

However, these tools are more than just for iPhone. I had found many uses outside its purpose advertised on the web. It will be useful to help me organise the operation procedure and kept the screws and parts organised. Pro Tech toolkit is very useful, given the driver was large enough and has rubber ring to turn it. Its a perfect bag of tools for these high precision operation.

This will be one of my permanent tools in my toolbox.

Mi Problema

A buzzing sound from the top-left was driving me crazy. It appears to be the power supply.

Mi Solucion

I printen out the repair manual and carefully read it before starting. Although the suction cups are not required, they make it very easy to remove the front panel. Removing the small connectors with the spudger was not so easy. In the end I simply used my fingers.

Once the LCD is out, it is easy to replace the power supply. Putting all the connectors back in the LCD is much easier than removing them.

I did wear some glove at my left hand. This allowed my to firmly hold the LCD, without getting finger prints on the screen.

Total repair time was 1 hour.

Mi Consejo

The best advise I can give is: Prepare well. I made sure all my tools were in arms reach and had some small bowls to put the screws in. A little flashlight is also practical.

Mi Problema

I had severe problem with the ear speaker and it started to develope battery discharge issues. I live in a remote area where servicing will take 2-3 weeks. And I have a terrible fixation with understanding everything I use.

Mi Solucion

The repair when swimmingly, until I got a little over zealous with cleaning the guts out with a cotten swab and isopropyl alcohol. I broke off a (what I assume to be a shield contact arm for the ear speaker) thing, and soldered it back together. I cleaned both parts with aforementioned alcohol and put just a titch liquid RMA flux on both. Then while the flux dried I set my iron to 200c. I then applied just a scosch of solder to both sides of the joint and joined them. Clean again (more carefully) test the joint are voila!

Mi Consejo

Read the above. Be patient, thorough, and patient. And don't forget Occam's Razor.