Thinkpads.com A31P Project - (Pic Warning)

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#61 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 6:20 am

Is this usable?
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-A30-A3 ... 0279837205

Do an eBay search with ibm motherboard a31*

#62 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 7:05 am

RBS, thanks for the link. You are thinking along the same lines I was...frankenpad. That is a Pentium III Mobile board though. We'd be building a frankenpad that is a step down from the current P4M A31.

I don't have anything fundamentally against that except resale value would be less for P3M vs.a P4M machine.

doog · #63 Post by **doog** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:01 am

Harry
Nice pictures and documentation . I am following this project also with great interest.
I would say the person got a little carried away with the thermal paste.
I wonder if the CPU is good?

Also here is a board on eBay. But I'm not sure if it is the right one.

Item# 280270578528

#64 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:08 am

doog, thanks for dropping by, for the positive comments, and for the link. I sent the seller an email asking about the machine type/model. If it is a 15" A31, it would be a frankenpad build ... folks around here don't seem to keen on that proposal

.

#65 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:29 am

Here's another idea, but I would need member buy in before I commit to it. This A31P on EBay. It is the right board, it comes with 512MB RAM, an AC adapter, and a CDRW combo drive. If we bid $200 the budget would cover it, but we'd have to get lucky to win it. There are a few advantages to this. First, we'd have a working system to test CPU's and LCD's. Secondly we could sell parts left over of value (UXGA LCD, 2.0 Ghz P4M CPU, fans, keyboard, etc). Third thing is it would cost less (if we win) than any system board I've seen yet. Finally we could select the best parts cosmetically and functionally for our project machine. Thoughts?

ajkula66 · #66 Post by **ajkula66** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:56 am

I've seen this one as well...my thoughts:

By buying a supposedly working A31p, we'd pretty much be defeating (IMO) the purpose of the project itself...which was fixing the donated machine. We know that the machine posts (from the pictures) but not if it has a hidden GPU problem...or anything else along these lines. As always, eBay is a gamble....

If the original A31p is to be abandoned, I'd suggest moving on to the "other" A31p with the known GPU problem, which is a beautiful machine. We could use the first project machine for any parts that this one needs, or have to be upgraded (if I remember correctly CPU is 1.7 vs 2.0 in the donated machine)...etc. Regarding parts, we're not that far from a complete machine, but we're still nowhere near a working unit...

#67 Post by **underclocker** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:13 am

Unless someone suddenly becomes a component level motherboard repair expert, it seems that using parts from multiple machines is in the cards for the project.

I think that is just fine, because it will provide a better example of a realistic project for most thinkpads.com viewers. And, it may in fact reduce the overall cost of the final, working machine.

Of course, we aren't talking about the cost of time. However, our underlying assumption is that the time is available since this is a hobby and we are enjoying what we do.

When you're not working with a deadline or "paying" for time, using multiple machines and selling the excess parts will generally yield a lower cost machine.

Again, this is a great example of how to build a low cost machine - even without the donations.

#68 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:47 am

Lets say we get the member who agreed to it originally to donate the A31P machine with the GPU issue, what would you all propose as a repair strategy? A reballing company? James Arndt? Other? If we're planning to go to a reballer, which one specifically is good? Also, what would you propose to do with the unused parts?

ajkula66 · #69 Post by **ajkula66** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:06 am

Since James is not accepting any re-balling work at the moment, I'd go with Superior Reball...

Extra parts could be sold off and put in the piggy bank for the next project...

My thoughts only...

#70 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:34 am

Ok, Superior Reball has an EBay ad and the charge is $50. That would work. Would it make more sense to just sent them just the board or the whole machine? The ad claims they take apart/put together the entire laptop.

sparta.rising · #71 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:11 pm

I've been hearing limited mixed reviews from them. There is some positive feedback on their ebay profile but if you look at a couple of the feedbacks (even positive) they claim very slow turn around. There was also a forum member claiming they are slow and unresponsive.

Paul Pennington · #72 Post by **Paul Pennington** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:14 pm

You'd need to send them the whole computer so they could test it. They say no fix, no charge, so it looks like a great deal.

#73 Post by **schen** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:38 pm

Harryc wrote:Lets say we get the member who agreed to it originally to donate the A31P machine with the GPU issue, what would you all propose as a repair strategy? A reballing company? James Arndt? Other? If we're planning to go to a reballer, which one specifically is good? Also, what would you propose to do with the unused parts?

OK Harry; I'm in on this. If you'll just let me know regarding my questions in the PM I sent, I'll go and gather up the necessary parts and try to figure a way to get it out before next weekend.

#74 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:41 pm

Great news schen, you just saved this project

. Thanks from all of us! Replied to PM.

#75 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:43 pm

I'm not sure I fully understand where this project is going, but I shipped the port replicator and caddy today.

#76 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:23 pm

Sorry if we weren't clear on where the project is heading. To summarize, the repair on the first A31P was not successful and we were unable to obtain a system board at a reasonable price, and within our budget. A second donated (by schen) A31P is enroute to me within a week or so. That machine has a defective systemboard as well, but it is definitely a loose GPU issue. We will be sending that machine in to superior reballers at a cost of $50 for repair. As far as parts needed and on hand we have -

Hard Drive - 40GB Drive donated by Sarbin (on hand)
HD Caddy and port replicator (enroute, donated by underclocker)
UB2000 CD-RW - (enroute, donated by scheisz)
AC Adapter - (enroute, donated by scheisz)
UB2000 floppy drive - (enroute, donated by schen)
512MB RAM - (enroute, donated by schen)
Hard drive caddy screws - (enroute, donated by Brad)

I 'think' all that is left to find is a hard drive cover caddy screw. Schen may be sending that as well.

So that's where we are at. The left over parts will be sold on the marketplace forum to supplement the project fund.

#77 Post by **schen** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:56 pm

OK guys. A31p number 2 on the way.... tomorrow morning anyway.

, so here's an update for everyone.

It came in first-class condition (from George of course), with a known GPU issue which gave a garbled output at first, but then last month when I booted, it gave no screen output at all. No work has been done on it, so nobody will have to repair any of my poorly done fixes! In fact, I didn't even open it up!

I is complete with the exception of optical drive, HDD/caddy, MPCI or CDC cards. There is 512Mb of PC2100 RAM (in 2 sticks), HDD cover w/ screw.

If I can get the sometimes recalcitrant postal worker to pick the box up, it'll go out priority so Harry should see it before the weekend and we can get back on track!

ajkula66 · #78 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:11 pm

I'm soooo happy to see this machine getting to be worked on...the only reason that I had sold it to schen in the first place was the fact that I knew I'd never get to it...

All the cards are available from the original project machine, as is 2.0 CPU and fan...if I remember correctly, schen's machine is 1.7...

Make no mistake, GPU issues aside, that is one of the prettiest A31p units I've ever owned, amongst the top ten for sure. And I remember the LCD as being downright flawless...

Very, very, sweet and tempting. I may end up buying it myself once it's done...

All of you know that I'll be watching this thread even more closely now...

Radioguy · #79 Post by **Radioguy** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:31 pm

Harry, I was just curious: Is there a minimum spec that you would not dip below to do a project on? (P4, PIII CPU etc)

#80 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:46 am

No I don't think so. The whole idea of these projects is to learn how to repair machines that interest the membership. If that happens to be an older model, then so be it. Very few people own some of the more obscure models, so we may not want to waste time on them. The S30 comes to mind as an example. An advantage to some of the more popular older models like T23 and T30 is that parts are available and relatively cheap. I think going forward parts availability and cost should be checked up front so we don't hit any gotchas like the A31P system board cost. This would be a good exercise for the members because we all can see which older models might be appealing to work on from a cost perspective. So, for example if a member says I want to do a T60 next, I would say to them, "ok please do research on parts availability and cost and let us know what you find out". Also we have areas of expertise on certain models among the membership. I would not be opposed to farming out a project to a member who is an expert on a particular machine, as long as they commit to documenting the process and keeping everyone informed. Having Ray do a T23 project or Ed do an R5X project comes to mind as examples

.

#81 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:36 am

As an update on funding, out of the $225 budget we spent $23 for shipping to get the latest A31P here, and we will be spending $50 plus shipping to send it to superior reballers. They pay for return shipping. So when the dust settles and before a machine is sold, we'll be around the $130 mark. I will provide accurate accounting once shipment cost to superior is known.

#82 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:38 am

The second A31P arrived today (Thanks Schen!!).
It powers up, no beeps, no display. I hooked it to an external monitor and there is no display their either. Ok, what's the first order of business?

ajkula66 · #83 Post by **ajkula66** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:41 am

Try applying pressure on the GPU...or just pull the mobo out and send it to Superior...

#84 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:47 am

George, I reseated the RAM and the LCD lit up. It has vertical dotted lines on it. About pulling the mobo. Superior's service includes removing and replacing the board. Wouldn't we want to send the whole laptop?
"We disassemble, repair and reassemble your IBM for this $50.00 flat rate"

#85 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:00 am

After a couple of minutes the vertical dottes lines went away. This is a VERY nice clean Flexview LCD. Someone is going to get a really great laptop.

ajkula66 · #86 Post by **ajkula66** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:03 am

Apologies, I thought one just sends the mobo to SR...well, I guess that it's the whole machine then...getting ready for another trip...

And yes, I absolutely agree...that's an EXTRA clean A31p, even by my standards.

#87 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:33 am

Ok, the Superior Reball service has been purchased. The good thing about is it I was able to purchase the service using Microsoft Live Cashback, 30% discount. So in 60 days we'll get $15 back. In effect the repair will cost $35 plus shipping one way. This will ship out Monday.

Expenditures to date;

Initial balance - $225
Shipping to get the 2nd A31P here - $23
Superior Reball Service - $50
Shipping to Superior Reball TBD

#88 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:11 pm

Just looking at the title of this Forum, ThinkPad R, A, G and Z Series,
and the purpose of this thread (reviving an ailing TP to sell hopefully for a profit)
we are going from RAGZ to RICHES

#89 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:01 am

RealBlackStuff wrote: ... we are going from RAGZ to RICHES

Good one ....

On another note, in the interest of being thorough (in case some of you thought I wasn't being that), I spent another 2 hours or so this morning trying to isolate the cause of the short on the systemboard of the first A31P machine. I reassembled it enough to power on. First I tried a new fan. Then I disconnected the LCD assembly. Then I removed the security card. None of those things worked. There is definitely some bad component on that systemboard that is disrupting the power on sequence. .

ajkula66 · #90 Post by **ajkula66** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:54 pm

Have you tested the LCD on the "original" machine? There's a reason behind this question, as I'm sure you can fathom...

Thinkpads.com A31P Project - (Pic Warning)

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