PocketBook Touch Lux 3 (626) - persistent horizontal lines/bars on screen problem

[gadhen]

Hi,

So, since this year my Touch Lux 3 started displaying horizontal lines in the middle of the screen.
They do not disappear after full page fresh.
They are displayed on every screen.
They are displayed when device sleeps.
They are displayed when device is off.

Firmware version: E626.5.14.1227 release date 20170718_041540.
Customizations: CoolReader added and set as default reading app for txt, epub and html.

It's long past warranty so I've opened it up (back cover only so far) and checked those flat rainbow connectors. All tried connecting and reconnecting them (all 3 of them - backlight, display, touchscreen) but it didn't help.

Plus, after leaving it for night for charging the lines appears to be wider (or there are more of them).

It now looks like this

https://imgur.com/a/MTlYt

Right now I'm trying to discharge it to see if the lines gradually disappear.

Has anyone seen something like this?

[Gudy]

This looks very much like a hardware problem in the connection between the screen controller chip and the screen or within the screen itself. If you're lucky, it's the latter, and swapping in a new screen assembly might do the trick. But given that the screen is the biggest cost factor in eReader devices and you're out of warranty, this may not be cost-effective.

So unless you're really good with electronic hardware (or know someone who is), your best bet is probably to start looking for a new device, since finding someone who can repair this, and for less than a new device would cost you, seems rather improbable to me.

[Waiting4somethin]

I’ve seen it (exactly the same fault) on the yotaphone 2, a commonly reported fault on that device, which tends to overheat during various operations.

[gadhen]

Originally Posted by Gudy

This looks very much like a hardware problem in the connection between the screen controller chip and the screen or within the screen itself.
...

Thanks.
I was afraid that's the case. I will try getting it discharged to safe level and check if the lines change.
If not I'll look for a screen replacement as there are some on aliexpress for around 60 USD (with free shipping conversion rates that's about 1/2 price of new Touch Lux 3). Looks like they all comes with those 3 connectors attached.
However, if it's a controller then I'll probably buy a new device.

Right now I'll observe how it's behaving...and keep reading in vertical mode