Aura HD And just like that ... it's gone!

MacEachaidh · 08-09-2017, 09:12 AM

I think my poor Aura HD has died. I've included a couple of images -- if I'm wrong, if there's something I can do beyond ditching the device, I'd love to hear! (The pics are pretty low-res, I'm afraid, but hopefully will serve.)

I was reading today, closed the sleep cover for a moment, and when I opened it up again, there it was. The Line. Across the screen. Hiding any text it lies across.

No idea how this happened. I didn't even press on the cover in the screen area with my thumb. I keep the reader in its cover at all times. I've never dropped it, banged it, put anything on it, put it in a satchel, sat on it ... but it's broken, isn't it?

(p.s. I don't know what info might be useful. The mark is straight across the screen, a bit under a centimetre in thickness. It's light grey, and nothing shows through it. If it makes any difference, the unit is running F/W 4.4.9344.)

Thanks for any advice.

(p.p.s. What should I be looking at for a replacement? The Aura ONE? I liked the size of the HD, and don't want to go smaller.)

booklover6 · 08-09-2017, 09:21 AM

I would choose the Aura H2O, as it's about the same size. It's a lot nicer, too. As soon as I got my hands on the H2O, I sold my HD. It was just that much better.

Not sure about your screen, someone else will chime in.

Ken Maltby · 08-09-2017, 10:00 AM

It doesn't appear to be a broken glass substrata, a straight bar across the screen isn't how that usually presents. It also looks like it is still functioning, except for the gray bar? I take it this bar appears in the same place on the screen, when you change pages?

The first thing might be to try and establish if it is hardware or firmware related. If it is otherwise functioning, it is probably easier to replace/fix the firmware. If it turns out to be the hardware then about all a user can try would be to check the screen ribbon connections.

Luck;
Ken

Markismus · 08-09-2017, 11:00 AM

I would probably first install Kobo Start Menu and/or koreader/KoboLaucher to see whether a different software has the same issues. Or maybe faster: Full factory reset will reinstall an earlier Kobo Nickel firmware.

I don't see any way an unopened AuraHD could somehow get its ribbon dislodged. I can easily see how some particular way of holding the reader--clasping it in your hand on one side-- could for some unlucky owners result in a broken screen.

A new screen would be cheaper than an new reader and it is available on AliExpress: Somewhere around 52€. (Here!)

JSWolf · 08-09-2017, 11:04 AM

It looks like a screen controller issue. A new screen will not fix the problem if it is a screen controller problem.

My suggestion is to do a factory reset. Plug the HD into the computer and copy everything from it. Then factory reset. If it's working again, update to the same version firmware as previously installed and then restore the backup. And you should be good to go. Good luck.

davidfor · 08-09-2017, 11:04 AM

@MacEachaidh: The pictures aren't clear enough for me to make a judgement on if the substrate is broken. I tend to think it is if there is an area not responding at all. The problem bit could be off the edge of the screen. It's worthwhile opening the device and checking the cables.

As to a new device, I have just gotten an Aura ONE. It's very nice, but, I'm feeling like it is to big. I thought the same for the Aura H2O, and didn't find the extra screen size made up for the larger device. The Aura ONE doesn't feel as bulky and the screen size be enough. But, I have a suspicion I will keep the Glo HD for my commute and use the Aura ONE at home. If you like the size of the Aura HD, then look at either of the Aura H2O's. The new one is listed on JB HiFi's site, but both shops I was in on the weekend had the old version on display. I do like the style of the Aura ONE and the new Aura H2O uses this, so it should be a nice device to hold.

JSWolf · 08-09-2017, 11:16 AM

A clear (in focus) photo of the entire screen would be better.

robko · 08-09-2017, 09:25 PM

Actually a pic of the right side of the screen over to the bezel is what's really needed. Could be a break there that's not showing in current pic's.

MacEachaidh · 08-09-2017, 10:11 PM

Okay. Thanks for the replies.

Apologies if the pics aren't enough, but they're the best I can do -- I don't have any device that can do a higher-res image than this very old Motorola phone. Because the stripe is really quite pale, when I pulled back enough to show the full width of the screen, it was close to invisible (certainly on the text pages). And the focus is crap, I know.

But to clarify: yes, the stripe remains constant, in exactly the same spot on every page turn; it's completely horizontal, and doesn't vary across the screen in thickness or angle; it goes from bezel to bezel; it doesn't vary with changes in light intensity, and is still visible if the light is turned off completely; and there's no break or lines within the stripe itself.

Yes, other than this mark on the display, the device still seems fully functional. All the menus/options still work. I tried upgrading the F/W to the very latest release, and that didn't fix the issue; I'll try a factory reset (can anyone point me please to tips on how to save annotations within files if I copy them across onto my PC?).

I haven't been holding it by just one side, or in a way that might twist the frame; I have very large hands, which is why I like the larger models, and typically hold it cradled in my palm with a thumb against one side of the case and my fingers against the other. So I'll check out the H2O (provided I can find a reseller with sample stock), but that's also why I'm drawn to the ONE -- a larger case is actually more comfortable for me. Since I'm in Australia, I would think my screen-replacement options are somewhat more limited than in Europe or North Am.

I've never opened the device. I can check the connectors, but I wouldn't really know how to look for them nor how to get in there. Anyone got a cheat-sheet, please?

I do appreciate your ideas. Thanks.

Ken Maltby · 08-09-2017, 11:08 PM

This thread describes the process to open a device and upgrade the internal uSD card. The Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors with the flat ribbon cables are pretty obvious once you can see the back of the device package.

Luck;
Ken

davidfor · 08-10-2017, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

Okay. Thanks for the replies.

Apologies if the pics aren't enough, but they're the best I can do -- I don't have any device that can do a higher-res image than this very old Motorola phone. Because the stripe is really quite pale, when I pulled back enough to show the full width of the screen, it was close to invisible (certainly on the text pages). And the focus is crap, I know.

I would be in the same place. Unless I could convince one of my sons to let me use their much better phones. And as I pay for them, you'd think that would be easy.

Quote:

But to clarify: yes, the stripe remains constant, in exactly the same spot on every page turn; it's completely horizontal, and doesn't vary across the screen in thickness or angle; it goes from bezel to bezel; it doesn't vary with changes in light intensity, and is still visible if the light is turned off completely; and there's no break or lines within the stripe itself.

What happens to it if you power the device off? If you don't have the cover displayed, then all the screen should go black. Does this stripe do anything?

Quote:

Yes, other than this mark on the display, the device still seems fully functional. All the menus/options still work. I tried upgrading the F/W to the very latest release, and that didn't fix the issue; I'll try a factory reset (can anyone point me please to tips on how to save annotations within files if I copy them across onto my PC?).

To recover from a factory reset in these circumstances, I take a full copy of the user partition of the device. You can then restore this after testing to see if it was affect by the factory reset. You can also use this to help get the annotations to a new device.

MacEachaidh · 08-11-2017, 06:19 AM

Ah well, bugger. It's hardware. Did a full manual factory reset, and The Stripe is still there. (And yes, it's visible even when the device is powered off completely, with cover display disabled.)

I'm thinking it's either a connector, or the screen controller. Now I'm completely out of my depth.

08-09-2017, 09:12 AM	#1
MacEachaidh Browser Posts: 745 Karma: 578294 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Touch, Kobo Aura HD	And just like that ... it's gone! I think my poor Aura HD has died. I've included a couple of images -- if I'm wrong, if there's something I can do beyond ditching the device, I'd love to hear! (The pics are pretty low-res, I'm afraid, but hopefully will serve.) I was reading today, closed the sleep cover for a moment, and when I opened it up again, there it was. The Line. Across the screen. Hiding any text it lies across. No idea how this happened. I didn't even press on the cover in the screen area with my thumb. I keep the reader in its cover at all times. I've never dropped it, banged it, put anything on it, put it in a satchel, sat on it ... but it's broken, isn't it? (p.s. I don't know what info might be useful. The mark is straight across the screen, a bit under a centimetre in thickness. It's light grey, and nothing shows through it. If it makes any difference, the unit is running F/W 4.4.9344.) Thanks for any advice. (p.p.s. What should I be looking at for a replacement? The Aura ONE? I liked the size of the HD, and don't want to go smaller.) Attached Thumbnails

08-09-2017, 10:11 PM	#9
MacEachaidh Browser Posts: 745 Karma: 578294 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Touch, Kobo Aura HD	Okay. Thanks for the replies. Apologies if the pics aren't enough, but they're the best I can do -- I don't have any device that can do a higher-res image than this very old Motorola phone. Because the stripe is really quite pale, when I pulled back enough to show the full width of the screen, it was close to invisible (certainly on the text pages). And the focus is crap, I know. But to clarify: yes, the stripe remains constant, in exactly the same spot on every page turn; it's completely horizontal, and doesn't vary across the screen in thickness or angle; it goes from bezel to bezel; it doesn't vary with changes in light intensity, and is still visible if the light is turned off completely; and there's no break or lines within the stripe itself. Yes, other than this mark on the display, the device still seems fully functional. All the menus/options still work. I tried upgrading the F/W to the very latest release, and that didn't fix the issue; I'll try a factory reset (can anyone point me please to tips on how to save annotations within files if I copy them across onto my PC?). I haven't been holding it by just one side, or in a way that might twist the frame; I have very large hands, which is why I like the larger models, and typically hold it cradled in my palm with a thumb against one side of the case and my fingers against the other. So I'll check out the H2O (provided I can find a reseller with sample stock), but that's also why I'm drawn to the ONE -- a larger case is actually more comfortable for me. Since I'm in Australia, I would think my screen-replacement options are somewhat more limited than in Europe or North Am. I've never opened the device. I can check the connectors, but I wouldn't really know how to look for them nor how to get in there. Anyone got a cheat-sheet, please? I do appreciate your ideas. Thanks. Last edited by MacEachaidh; 08-09-2017 at 10:14 PM.

08-09-2017, 09:21 AM	#2
booklover6 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,545 Karma: 14008730 Join Date: May 2008 Location: PA (USA) Device: Kobo Clara, 2E, Libre 1, PW4, PW5, 2022 Kindle, Kobo Libre Colour	I would choose the Aura H2O, as it's about the same size. It's a lot nicer, too. As soon as I got my hands on the H2O, I sold my HD. It was just that much better. Not sure about your screen, someone else will chime in.

08-09-2017, 10:00 AM	#3
Ken Maltby Wizard Posts: 4,466 Karma: 6900052 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Heart of Texas Device: Boox Note2, AuraHD, PDA,	It doesn't appear to be a broken glass substrata, a straight bar across the screen isn't how that usually presents. It also looks like it is still functioning, except for the gray bar? I take it this bar appears in the same place on the screen, when you change pages? The first thing might be to try and establish if it is hardware or firmware related. If it is otherwise functioning, it is probably easier to replace/fix the firmware. If it turns out to be the hardware then about all a user can try would be to check the screen ribbon connections. Luck; Ken

08-09-2017, 11:00 AM	#4
Markismus Guru Posts: 955 Karma: 149907 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Rotterdam Device: HiSenseA5ProCC, Cracked OnyxNotePro, Note5, Kobo Glo, Aura	I would probably first install Kobo Start Menu and/or koreader/KoboLaucher to see whether a different software has the same issues. Or maybe faster: Full factory reset will reinstall an earlier Kobo Nickel firmware. I don't see any way an unopened AuraHD could somehow get its ribbon dislodged. I can easily see how some particular way of holding the reader--clasping it in your hand on one side-- could for some unlucky owners result in a broken screen. A new screen would be cheaper than an new reader and it is available on AliExpress: Somewhere around 52€. (Here!)

08-09-2017, 11:04 AM	#5
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,778 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	It looks like a screen controller issue. A new screen will not fix the problem if it is a screen controller problem. My suggestion is to do a factory reset. Plug the HD into the computer and copy everything from it. Then factory reset. If it's working again, update to the same version firmware as previously installed and then restore the backup. And you should be good to go. Good luck.

08-09-2017, 11:04 AM	#6
davidfor Grand Sorcerer Posts: 24,905 Karma: 47303824 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Device: Kobo:Touch,Glo, AuraH2O, GloHD,AuraONE, ClaraHD, Libra H2O; tolinoepos	@MacEachaidh: The pictures aren't clear enough for me to make a judgement on if the substrate is broken. I tend to think it is if there is an area not responding at all. The problem bit could be off the edge of the screen. It's worthwhile opening the device and checking the cables. As to a new device, I have just gotten an Aura ONE. It's very nice, but, I'm feeling like it is to big. I thought the same for the Aura H2O, and didn't find the extra screen size made up for the larger device. The Aura ONE doesn't feel as bulky and the screen size be enough. But, I have a suspicion I will keep the Glo HD for my commute and use the Aura ONE at home. If you like the size of the Aura HD, then look at either of the Aura H2O's. The new one is listed on JB HiFi's site, but both shops I was in on the weekend had the old version on display. I do like the style of the Aura ONE and the new Aura H2O uses this, so it should be a nice device to hold.

08-09-2017, 11:16 AM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,778 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	A clear (in focus) photo of the entire screen would be better.

08-09-2017, 09:25 PM	#8
robko Wizard Posts: 2,454 Karma: 5469320 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kobo	Actually a pic of the right side of the screen over to the bezel is what's really needed. Could be a break there that's not showing in current pic's.

08-09-2017, 11:08 PM	#10
Ken Maltby Wizard Posts: 4,466 Karma: 6900052 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Heart of Texas Device: Boox Note2, AuraHD, PDA,	This thread describes the process to open a device and upgrade the internal uSD card. The Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors with the flat ribbon cables are pretty obvious once you can see the back of the device package. Luck; Ken

08-11-2017, 06:19 AM	#12
MacEachaidh Browser Posts: 745 Karma: 578294 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Touch, Kobo Aura HD	Ah well, bugger. It's hardware. Did a full manual factory reset, and The Stripe is still there. (And yes, it's visible even when the device is powered off completely, with cover display disabled.) I'm thinking it's either a connector, or the screen controller. Now I'm completely out of my depth.