Spot screen Maestro

Jean Drolet

It's one too many.  The screen burned in 2 places very visible. If the Maestro's battery is not discharged regularly, it becomes overloaded if not disconnected from the charging.

A check of the battery condition is to be done.

My Maestro is from the first generation.

Bill -VA3WTB

Jean, my comment was in regard to someone being concered that they should start doing something differently. My point was,, that it is very uncommon and yours is the only one I know of with that problem.
Yes, any problem is one too many,,but in perspective...

Jean Drolet

On Aliexpress B080EAN01.1 LCD display + TOM80H12 V1.0

Jean Drolet

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/32824941188.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.234b6c37UJdcRL

Jean Drolet

make sure your touch cable version. One touch cable version is T01D002TOM80H12 V1.0 The other version is T01d001 5468W

Ron W4RDM

Looks like my Maestro has similar spots. It’s a first gen, been plugged in and on 24/7 - 365 for the last ~3 years.

Mike W8MM

One of mine is on its way to Flex to sort out the same issue.

I have 3 Maestros of the same age (very early) and 2 of them have the spots now.

Pat N6PAT

Given the pictures that Jean posted of the swollen battery I would be very reluctant to use it

Pat N6PAT

Interesting. You need to keep the internal battery charged but how do you know when it's overcharged? According to what NN4ZZ posted overcharging is the cause of swollen batteries.

Tim VE6SH

Is Al saying the internal battery is the issue or the larger Li-ion batteries used in the battery compartment? 

Tim VE6SH

Pat N6PAT

If it's generating enough heat to leave burn marks on the screen then common sense would say not to put your face near it.

I would think it's not a good idea to even turn it on or leave it charging until it's fixed.

Al_NN4ZZ

Hi Tim, When I had a problem with my Samsung phone battery, the tech at “Batteries Plus” said they see the swollen Li-on batteries frequently on phones, laptops and other small devices. He said leaving it plugged in continuously was the most common cause. And he noted that they can overheat and cause damage to the device, screen, etc. Even catch fire in rare cases. On a related note, he said devices that use larger Li-on batteries (drills, saws, etc) and use detachable batteries often have a smart charger system . These have a more sophisticated battery management system that monitors the charge state and shuts down when they are fully charged. The article I posted above basically confirms what I was told by the tech. I don’t have any particular knowledge about the Maestro batteries and charging system. The Batteries Plus tech suggested to disconnect my phone charger when I see the phone shows 100%. So while I do unplug it occasionally, it is not convenient or something I do all the time. FRS may have some additional input or recommendations. Regards, Al / NN4ZZ

Ron W4RDM

I know of four so far.

Ron W4RDM

It's been this way for about a year. It's on 24/7

Ron W4RDM

I have two Maestro's about the same age. Only one has the spots and it's been plugged in and on for about three years. The other one(without spots) has been plugged in but only used sparingly. 

Bill -VA3WTB

I don't know about leaving the Maestro plugged in 24/7

Jean Drolet

Important Note: Maestro “A” models (those with serial numbers in the form xxxx-xxxx-0100-xxxx) must be connected to DC power for 15 to 30 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks of non-use to ensure that the internal display battery does not completely discharge. If the display battery discharges, the Maestro will not boot, and a HelpDesk ticket will have to be opened to resolve the issue

Jean Drolet

But no information for 24/24 plugged

Jean Drolet

With my experience, the internal charging system of the Maestro is not able to recharge the battery if it is completely discharged.

k3Tim

First, thanks Jean for pointing this out and being the Vanguard as to the fix.

I observed these marks on the Maestro A here but did not recognize the problem. 
Popped the case on the Maestro, pulled the tablet and removed the battery. It had a bad gas of excess gas. This was relieved and the battery replaced. A new one is on order.

The 'burrn marks' were simply pressure on the liquid in the LCD.  Once the pressure was relieved, the LCD panel looks fine. 

The charging circuit is inside the Dell tablet so the origin of the problem is within, either the charger or the battery chemistry.  A Pixel 3 had the same problem and I repaired it this week (more challenging).

Thank you for the information....

Regards,

k3Tim

Steve K9ZW

@k3tim - would you have links for the correct internal battery to share? A bit of how-to guidance would also help. Thanks and 73 Steve K9ZW Blog: http://K9ZW.wordpress.com

Jean Drolet

I buy this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Original-74XCR-Battery-18Wh-for-Dell-Venue-8-Pro-5830-Tablet-074XCR/272150355492?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Jean Drolet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AMRy4di0s

k3Tim

Sorry for the delayed response...  The link Jean provided is similar to one ordered and it also ships from HK (awaiting for two to arrive).  Video to replace the battery:
https://youtu.be/N6AMRy4di0s?t=20

The tablet is help in place with rubber-like bumpers and can be removed using care. Once the bat is replaced the case snaps together and appeared as good as new. The marks on bottom of screen are gone. 
Placing the tablet back in place, one has to be sure the USB cable is connected ahead of time.  A thin screwdriver on the bumpers positions them to pull the tablet in place rather then pushing it away from the front of the case. As one pushes the tablet in place these bumpers grab hold of the tablet.  

_..--
Tim

kz1w

I've taken my Maestro apart after second Dell tablet failure, batteries both times.  The battery is right behind the lower part of the screen.  It failed (expanded, vomited, blew up, whatever,..) and distorts the screen.  In my case it destroyed other parts (SSD?) as it won't boot.

Jean Drolet

If you change the battery it is important to charge the tablet with an external charger before installing it.

If the tablet does not seem to start, it may be in DFU mode. There are some combinations to do with the buttons to do at startup to get out.

sorry i'm frech .. google translate ....

Mike W8MM

Thanks to VA2JN & K3TIM, I fixed my other Maestro with the "burn spots" problem by replacing the tablet battery with a new one I obtained from a Newegg search for "3.7V 18WH Genuine Original 74XCR Battery Dell Venue 8 Pro (5830) Tablet 074XCR"

Now, good as new.

G4NRT

I too am suffering from discolouration / burn marks on the screen of my Maestro - which I had been leaving connected to power 24/7 and with a battery in the battery compartment.  The marks appear to be mainly along the bottom edge of the screen.

I have removed the battery but I think I now need to replace either the whole Dell tablet or the battery and/or the display.

My eyes are not as good as they used to be so I am looking for advice on the simplest, easiest and, to an extent, cheapest solution.  

I am in the UK so returning the unit to Flex for repair is not really an option.
I would be very grateful for assistance and advice on how best to solve my problem.

Thanks and very 73, 

David G4NRT / Z21NRT

Jean Drolet

Normally only battery replacement is required. it seems that it is not a burn but a point of support for the swelling of the battery.

If you need to replace the screen, a cell phone repair center could do the job for you.

G4NRT

Thanks Jean. I’ve ordered a battery from eBay. Hopefully it’s all I need and I’ve watched a YouTube video on replacement so I can give it a go!!