iPad Fell in the Bath?! Joey Learns - S1:E02
Entertainment
Introduction
A viewer named Connor reached out to me, offering an iPad that had taken an unfortunate plunge into the bath. With the device sent to me free of charge, along with an extra little treat of Haribo gummies, I decided to take on the challenge as part of my ongoing series "Joey Learns." This marks my first-ever attempt at repairing an iPad, and I welcome you to join me for Episode 2. Sit back, relax, and brace yourselves for what could be a messy learning experience.
Initial Impressions and Setup
Upon receiving the iPad 10th Generation, I was surprised to find it in great condition despite its watery mishap. The sleek magnetic case caught my attention, but to my initial confusion, I couldn’t determine whether it had a USB-C or lightning port. After a bit of fumbling, I confirmed it was, in fact, a USB-C connection.
To avoid potential additional damage, I made the decision to avoid plugging it in right away, instead focusing on disassembling the device due to the liquid damage concerns. With a hot air station and a few tools, including guitar picks, I prepared myself to pry open the chassis.
Disassembly Process
As I started working on the iPad, I realized that there weren’t any visible screws to remove the screen, leading to some trial and error. This part had me slightly flustered; however, after applying heat to loosen the adhesive and employing a combination of suction cups and picks, I cautiously began prying it open.
Although I was aiming for perfection, I wasn’t able to completely avoid cracking the screen, which I knew might happen—it was all part of the learning curve. But after a while, I successfully opened it, and it was time to investigate the internals.
Assessing the Damage
Upon removing the screen, I saw some signs of liquid damage, particularly corrosion around certain components. The process included cleaning the affected areas with isopropyl alcohol, but the challenge remained in identifying any potential shorts in the circuitry due to the water damage.
Cleaning didn’t seem too catastrophic, though I encountered a crucial capacitor that was shorted. Removing this capacitor was a tedious task, but after successfully desoldering it, I focused on the potential causes of further issues in the logic board. The team's combined knowledge in the chat helped steer me towards the path of success.
Testing and Troubleshooting
As I connected the power supply, I witnessed some promising signs: the device displayed a brief 400mA draw when it was powered. This suggests that there was a chance it still had life in it! After cleaning up some additional corrosion found on the charging port, I tested the device once more. Each test built up my excitement!
Eventually, the device showed signs of charging and even indicated a current draw of 650mA. This moment was incredibly exhilarating, as I initially thought I was at a loss!
Final Thoughts
While the digitizer still remained smashed and would need a replacement, I felt that we made significant progress in salvaging the device. The device's potential rejuvenation raised questions about further repairs, including the cost implications of replacement parts.
I also made plans to keep the iPad as a project, aiming to replace the digitizer and volume flex to give it a new lease on life. Ultimately, my goal will be to give it away as part of a future Discord giveaway.
In conclusion, this episode of "Joey Learns" provided not only hands-on experience with repair work but also an amazing learning opportunity—not just for me, but for everyone following along. I appreciate everyone’s support, and I hope you enjoyed the journey with me!
Keywords
- iPad
- Repair
- Liquid damage
- Digitizer
- Disassembly
- Electronics
- IPC
- Corrosion
FAQ
Q1: What happened to the iPad?
A1: The iPad was dropped in the bath, resulting in liquid damage.
Q2: Was the iPad still functional after the incident?
A2: After thorough cleaning and troubleshooting, the iPad showed signs of life and was able to charge.
Q3: What steps were taken during the repair process?
A3: The iPad was disassembled, components were cleaned, and a short in a capacitor was identified and desoldered.
Q4: What are plans for the repaired iPad?
A4: The iPad will undergo further repairs, including replacing the digitizer and volume flex, and will eventually be given away.
Q5: Are there any tips for handling water-damaged electronics?
A5: It's crucial to disconnect power immediately, clean affected areas, and thoroughly check for shorts before attempting to power the device back on.