HP 200LX common problems

[Han]

I recently obtained an HP200LX and read that the hinge often cracks. As mine is still perfectly mint, I was wondering what causes the cracking so that I can avoid having this problem.

Han

[Gerson W. Barbosa]

Hello Han,

Mine was perfect too when I got it last year. It seemed to have been only lightly used, and perhaps because of that the hinge was somewhat tight. I didn't pay so much attention to this until eventually a hairline crack started to show next to the right hinge. I fixed mine with a drop a superglue after protecting the surrounding area with adhesive tape. But you may avoid the crack to happen. Just take a look to the following link:

http://www.daniel-hertrich.de/repair/

Regards,

Gerson.

[Han]

Thanks for the link, Gerson. Ironically, that link was where I learned about the hinge crack. My question for those whose 200LX eventually cracked at the hinge:

Do you normally open the calculator on the right side? Could this possible the be cause? I find it weird that the crack happens most often with the right-side hinge.

[Gerson W. Barbosa]

I read somewhere else the hinge occurs mostly on units made in 1996 and later but I cannot find the link. Mine has serial number beginning with SG630. I normally open the 200LX by pushing the latch using the right thumb. But I don't think that's the reason. Apparently, there's a structural flaw next to the right hinge, so it doesn't matter the way it's opened.

[Han]

So does that mean I'm clear since mine starts with SG50? Do you know how the serial numbers work for the palmtops?

Nevermind, I just reread the Collector's Corner section. Incidentally, I just found out that my 17B appears to have an earlier birthdate than the one posted. My 17B has serial number 2802A02783

Edited: 25 May 2006, 10:56 p.m.

[Katie Wasserman]

I think that the hinge crack problem happens on the right side of the calculator because the hinge mechanism is not symmetric. It's spring loaded and the spring is on the right side thus creating more pressure against the plastic.

[Bill (Smithville, NJ)]

Hi Han,

I had one unit that ended up with the crack. Hinge just got tighter and tigher and finally cracked. The following description is a quote from the HP-200LX faq at http://www.hplx.net/faq.faq.html:

(Start Quote)

Q. What is this "hinge-crack" I keep hearing about?
It seems that HP has been besieged by complaints of a loose hinge in recent years, and thus tightened the hinge significantly. The right side of the screen is what has the actual friction clasp in it. Thus, on the top of the unit, a millimeter or two above the round right hinge, a crack will often develop. It is often very difficult to see in the early stages. For a while, HP denied the existence of this problem, but now seems to be repairing machines with this crack under warranty. There are a few options: ignore it and hope it doesn't get any worse (it may or may not), loosen up the hinge with some sort of oil (not recommended, and it would be highly annoying anyway to have a floppy screen), superglue the crack (deforming the outside of the case), stick the nameplate that goes in the bottom across it (might work), or try to superglue it from the inside (probably the best option, if it works). For more information, and a picture showing you where to look for the crack, please visit The Hinge Crack Problem Page on hplx.net

(Stop Quote)

I remember some discussions some time ago on lubricating the right hinge so that it won't get too tight. But also remember that many of the lubricates damaged the 200LX. I ended up just getting another 200lx and so far the hinges have been fine.

Bill

[Han]

Thank you, Bill and Katie, for that informative post. I think I may just leave it in an always-open state, and cover it with cloth to prevent dust from getting inside when I am not using it. This way, the hinge will be used very minimally (i.e. only when I have to transport the machine over a long distance).

I do not know much about chemical products that would loosen the hinge (and fear destroying the plastic casing), and prefer to avoid using superglue (my clumsiness would surely spread the glue into unwanted places) as I often make a mess of it.

Hopefully the unit I have will stay in its good state. I may just buy another one (very used, perhaps) to tinker with and put this one away for my collection.

Han