High Pitched Screen Whine

jameske · 04-04-05, 08:39 PM

I noticed that my X5 started eminating a high pitched whine. Most threads on this topic suggested the backlight. Toggling the backlight on and off seems to do nothing for the sound. Placing the screen close allows me to hear the normal hum of the backlight, but this whine is a completely different sound.

I took the Axim apart and narrowed the whine down to the screen. When the screen is turned off or unplugged the whine is not there, so I do not believe its the motherboard. Also the sound only eminates from the front of the LCD screen (ie the sound cannot be heard when the LCD is facing away from you).

Any ideas?

04-06-05, 10:43 AM

It is the screen. If you still have warranty left Dell will replace it.

Theophilus · 04-06-05, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by jameske

Also the sound only eminates from the front of the LCD screen (ie the sound cannot be heard when the LCD is facing away from you).

Any ideas?

Yeah. Take the Axim apart, and turn the screen upside-down.
That should do the trick if you can't hear it with LCD facing away.

Of course, you won't see what's on the screen anymore. But there's always a bad side.

jameske · 04-06-05, 05:04 PM

Unfortunately it's way out of warranty. Looks like I'll just have to get used to it as I'm planning on keeping it for several more years.

I don't want to upgrade until the PocketPC is integrated with OneNote and it appears that WindowsMobile 2005 offers no such feature.

star882 · 04-06-05, 06:30 PM

I'm not sure, but I think the X5 uses a magnetic flyback transformer, in which case it may be normal depending on design.

Note that the X30s and X50vs use piezoelectric flyback transformers and are totally silent.
http://www.linear.com/pc/downloadDoc...42,C1035,D4170

runnr548 · 04-07-05, 12:28 AM

Purchase repair parts??

jameske · 04-07-05, 04:18 PM

Well I havn't exactly solved the problem, but I made it a whole lot better.

I noticed that I couldnt' hear the noise from the backside of the screen. Well, the back is covered in metal which stopped the sound dead before it could reach me. What if I could do the same to the front?

I found a really thick transparancy piece and took the axim apart. I covered the entire front side of the screen with this film and reassembled. The film seems to make the sound much much quieter. I can no longer hear it when I am using normally. The sound can only be heard when I put my ear up to the device.

Thanks all for your time!