50g - cracking the case open?
#1

Does anyone have experience opening the 50g case?


To answer the question of, "Why would you ever want to do that? Are you really trying to pull the plant up by the roots to see what makes it grow?":

I am very annoyed at my current 50g; every key press results in an audible rattle. I know this may seem petty, but the vibration with every keystroke is minor frustration that builds with time to a strong desire to hurl this fine calculator against the nearest wall. I have ensured all rubber feet contact evenly, tried the paper trick to keep the battery cover tight and ruled out the front panel and screen as the source; this is something internal.

HP hasn't responded to any of my emails. *Gasp* REALLY?

I am going to buy another regardless; I don't mind the additional cost to get one that doesn't rattle like it has loose paperclips in it.

But, before I do that, I thought I ought open this unit up and see if I can readily epoxy the culprit still. Thus: have any of you pried this calculator apart yet? An initial plan of attack would be welcomed advice.

My thanks regardless,
Dallas

#2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6GB2gmq1yE

#3

Egan,
Thank you very much for the link. After moving to the source website, I found another portion of it that depicts clearing of the heat stakes for complete removal of the main board. Imagine my surprise when I didn't have to drill the heat stakes at all; it appears as though they were never melted out. The board in my unit simply lifted off the posts as soon as I pulled the case in two. I clamped a small piece of rolled steel in an old set of vice grips and, with the help of a small torch, carefully and quickly mushroomed these posts into their proper form. My 50g is now, short of the somewhat muffled key clicks, silent.

Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
Dallas

#4

Congrats. Did you photo-chronicle your repair?

#5

In hindsight, I wonder why the heck I didn't; it would have been rather helpful for anyone else interested in a similar task.

I have to admit it was far simpler than I imagined. Once you get the screen off and the two screws under it, the entire top half pops off without more than a stubborn thumbnail. The nice part to document would have been using that hot steel poker to melt the stakes down. My apologies; I will definitely run some good pictures next time around.



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