Problems with hueyPro & Pantone (Bad Monitor Calibrations)

[A142536]

Hey Folks,

I have had a W700ds for several months now w/ a built-in Pantone sensor and the hueyPro software suite installed. hueyPro has prompted me every 14 days for monitor calibration, and it seems to have worked every time, until now.

The last time I did a monitor calibration, the monitor has this very purple-ish look (VERY purple!) when the calibration is applied.

I have a suspicion the "Green" sensor is not working (or reporting an high green light level) and hueyPro is making things purple thinking that the green is over compensated.

Any thoughts on what I might be wrong?

Any body have this (or a similar) problem?

[QFoam]

Did you later try to re-run the hueyPRO software from the start menu, AFTER the machine had completed startup? Did the calibration software then run successfully? Did the screen still look purple afterward?

My screen calibration failed for the first time today (but the color seemed fine), although it said everything was okay after I then clicked the Next button (or perhaps it was the Finish button) in hueyPRO. I suspect the problem was the fact that it asks you to calibrate while the machine is starting up. All kinds of not-totally-predictable windows are popping up during the startup process, so I assumed that one had popped up during the calibration process, covering the screen area that the color sensor looks at.

In any case, I waited for the machine to complete the startup process, and then I re-ran the hueyPRO software from the XRite folder in the Start menu. Everything went fine, and everything looks fine.

If re-running hueyPRO after startup completes doesn't fix things, then you might run a facial tissue (one NOT impregnated with any sort of lotion), or photographic lens paper, over the color sensor (which is a little horizontal slit just above the graphics tablet). I don't recommend using paper towels, because they scratch plastic. Also make sure the screen is clean at the sensor position (I use a very slightly damp tissue for cleaning the screen).

Good luck!

[A142536]

Yes. (Yes, I tried a restart and a manual re-run of hueyPro)
Yes. (Yes, It ran "correctly")
Yes. (Yes, it still looked purple.)

Yes - I thought the same thing and cleaned the sensor with a lint free cloth - it didn't fix the problem.

Also, I contacted hueyPro, and they call this "PANTONE hueyPRO color cast" problem - they think the sensor may be bad. (Crazy!)

They had me download software to get the serial number from the sensor, but it didn't work. (I assume because it is a built in sensor, not a USB sensor...)

[QFoam]

The only other non-invasive test I can think of is a longshot: see if you're suffering from a software/conflict/corruption problem. To do that, restore from a full backup of your system drive, made before the problem arose (assuming you have such a backup). Of course, make a backup of the current state of your system drive before doing this. Restore from the old backup, re-calibrate the display, and see if the purple cast returns.

Otherwise, it sounds like a call to Lenovo tech support may be in order. The hueyPRO folks presumably won't be able to help you at this point, since it sounds like a bad sensor that Lenovo will have to fix under your warranty. I see reports on the web of the sensor problem with the hueyPRO standalone units. Interestingly, unless I'm missing something, I don't see any other reports yet of it happening with the W700. Perhaps you're one of an unlucky few.

Make sure you have a full backup of your hard drive before letting Lenovo get their mitts on your computer. Especially if they won't be repairing it at your site. And verify that the backup on the backup media is valid.

My condolences, and best of luck. Tell us how it turns out.



BTW, here's some additional reference material if you're interested. I wouldn't crack open the machine unless you're accustomed to doing such things and are familiar with anti-static procedures. And you wouldn't want to do anything that voids your warranty:

It's possible that you have a loose or poorly-seated connector on the cable that goes to the color sensor. Here's a close-up of the sensor in a photo from tinkererguy (note the X-RITE label near the bottom of the photo):

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x3 ... 8GBKQfxauA

And here's a zoomed-out photo, for reference:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aD ... hFva6-_66w

Here's the service manual:

ThinkPad W700 and W700ds Hardware Maintenance Manual
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... 442_04.pdf

[A142536]

So, I called Pantone, they confirmed the sensor was bad. BUT because the sensor is built into the palm rest, Pantone said "Not our problem" so I called Lenovo, and the tech support rep said to do a search on Lenovo "MIGR-70561". He couldn't find the part initially because the sensor is built into the keypad.

For me, it was part number 44C9506.

It was at my doorstep the next morning. I replaced the palm rest w/ all the parts (4 screws, some click joints, and two wire connectors) and tested it. The new sensor solved the problem. I had to send back the old palm rest.

On a side note, I think the metrics for your fingerprints are stored on-chip on the fingerprint sensor (can anyone else confirm this?) - erase them before you replace the old unit just in case - not that it would really be worth anything, I just assume it is bad to have those things floating around. Also be warned, after I replaced the unit, my fingerprints were no longer on the laptop and I had to log in w/ username and PWD, so make sure you know it.

[A142536]

Well, it has been a few months, and the replacement sensor has been working like a charm (Also moved to Windows 7 since then).

Then, just a few days ago, the HueyPro software game the following error:

"A measurement error has occurred. Press NEXT to retry." accompanied by a few nasty buzzers.

I called Lenovo, and they were good about sending a replacement, again...so props to their support.

I am worried what will happen when the warranty runs dry...

[A142536]

So, I replaced the palm rest, again (3rd one...) and I am still getting the measurement error. So, either I had 3 bad sensors, or something else is wrong. Anyone else have this problem?

[A142536]

So, since I have been getting the measurement error (after the upgrade to windows 7) tech support has been sending wrist pad after wrist pad. (Originally the fix for the color cast issue which I also had...)

Turns out, the measurement error, "A measurement error has occurred. Press NEXT to retry." was a result of bad software.

Use Google to search Lenovo's website for "MIGR-70503" and you should find the new HueyPro software, version 1.2.4, now with Windows 7 support. Good times.

on a side note, the tech said this software update wasn't publicly linked, but he was going to work to fix that problem too. It seemed the Google search was the only way to find it...

Finally, the sensor is working again. Good times. Thanks Tech Support Guy, where ever you are.