G1 won't boot

[encoder]

Hi there,

I have a lovel G1 modular in prestine condition, yet, it started to act weird this year.
It won't boot...
If I leave it on, it a weird "locked" screen boot state, eventially, it booted up, yet, today, not anymore.

Opened it up, everything is in order inside, all the cables are stiff and no signs of corrosion or anything.

It seems that the PSU had recapped by the previous owner.

Voltage readings are also top notch and stable.

What could be the issue then?
Is it gone for good?

[gitarrenzupfer]

Hello,

now that you have been able to rule out the power supply as the source of the fault—and assuming you have checked all the connectors to ensure they are seated correctly—I would focus my troubleshooting efforts on looking for a cold solder joint.

I experienced a similar problem with a Nord Piano 3. Take a look at this thread to see what you might be up against:

viewtopic.php?t=27363

My first step would be to open up the unit and try gently and evenly heating the mainboard using a hairdryer (to about 50–60 degrees). Then, while it is still warm, try booting up the device. If you are lucky, it will boot up, as the thermal expansion caused by the heat can temporarily close a cold solder joint. If that happens, you have confirmation that a cold solder joint is indeed the issue.

As for repairing the board itself, I would recommend finding someone who really knows what they are doing. People who specialize in repairing laptop mainboards would be a good place to start.

Good luck!

Olli

[encoder]

Hi there Olli,

So I left the machine on and again, magically it booted again.
Did literally nothing, just left it on.

Yeah, PSU and all that is OK, also, cables as well seems ok, no corrosion or nothing.
From basic physical inspection, also, the board looks clean and untouched, hence, a cold joint is possible.
My other tip was some sort of other fault, that comes from that the unit is not a daily driver, actually, I turned it on for the second time this year, so maybe, it needed a sort of refresh? (capacitors, etc.)

I'm good with a soldering iron, even that size, yet, I'm not that confident troubleshooting it, though, I have the equipment for doing it, just never done it.

[encoder]

Sooo...
I did something weird as a last idea.
I've opened up the unit, just to see the baord, then, used a hair dryer to blow some hot air onto the inner side.
Magically, it started working and booting up really really fast.

Now I'm no sure if it is still a PSU related issue or a motherboard failure...

[catosim]

Read the post from gitarrenzupfer once more:

"[My first step would be to open up the unit and try gently and evenly heating the mainboard using a hairdryer (to about 50–60 degrees). Then, while it is still warm, try booting up the device. If you are lucky, it will boot up, as the thermal expansion caused by the heat can temporarily close a cold solder joint. If that happens, you have confirmation that a cold solder joint is indeed the issue"

So, a cold solder joint is definitely something to suspect.

[encoder]

How do I track down the cold joint?
I'm ok with a soldering iron, alos, I have a magnifier (camera, etc.)

[catosim]

I wouldn't know, but take a look at the link in the post from gitarrenzupfer