Editing Psion Series 5mx Hinge Repair (section)

== Disassembly ==

This sequence combines Psion's own procedure with the practical notes of people who have done it recently.<ref name="s5sm" /><ref name="pitc" /><ref name="r3uk">David Savery, [https://www.r3uk.com/index.php/tech-tips/34-disassembly-guides/9-psion-series-5mx-disassembly-and-screen-cable-repair "Psion Series 5MX disassembly and screen cable repair"], R3UK, 2004. Source for the 5mx-specific disassembly steps, the ribbon cable colour identification, the spring hinge release sequence and the keyboard retaining pegs.</ref><ref name="petervis-pins">Peter Vis, [https://www.petervis.com/modern-gadgets/psion-series-5/psion-series-5-removing-hinge-pins.html "Psion Series 5 Removing Hinge Pins — Disassembly"]. Source for the technique for removing both types of hinge pin without the factory tool.</ref>

=== Tools ===

* Jeweller's screwdrivers, including a very thin one
* A scalpel or a sharp craft blade
* Plastic spudgers
* A pair of fine pliers
* Anti-static strap
* Optionally a drop of WD-40 or similar

=== Steps ===

# '''Remove the stylus, the main AA cells, the backup lithium cell and any CompactFlash card.''' Use the stylus, not a metal tool, to lever the lithium cell out — a metal tool can short it.<ref name="s5sm" />
# '''Open the battery door and the CompactFlash door''', and remove the '''three case screws''': one in each door and one by the battery compartment door. '''One is under the warranty label''', which will be destroyed.<ref name="pitc" /><ref name="r3uk" />
# '''Free the base moulding with a spudger''', starting at the rear, and lift it away. Leaving both doors open frees locating clips between the PCB and the base moulding.<ref name="s5sm" /><ref name="pitc" />
# '''Remove the hinge cover / battery compartment moulding.''' It is held by '''two clips towards the top-centre'''; slide a spudger in there to free it. Psion's method is to insert a blunt point into the centre of the hinge moulding and lever it out of its clips '''with the battery door closed'''.<ref name="pitc" /><ref name="s5sm" />
# '''Remove the three screws holding the main PCB''', then '''disconnect the speaker flexi''' by lifting the tags on the sides of its connector and easing the ribbon out.<ref name="s5sm" /><ref name="r3uk" />
# '''Ease the PCB partly out, then open the machine''' for better access to the remaining ribbons. Placing the assembly on the edge of a slightly raised surface — a book will do — lets the PCB drop and gives the flexis more slack.<ref name="s5sm" />
# '''Disconnect the screen and keyboard flexis.''' On a 5mx the '''blue cable is the keyboard and the brown cable is the screen'''; Psion's Series 5 manual describes them as blue for keyboard and orange for LCD. Open the retaining sliders on each connector before pulling.<ref name="r3uk" /><ref name="s5sm" />
# '''Separate the screen from the keyboard before trying to free the hinge wires.''' Trying to unhook the wire first is the point at which most people get stuck. Start the friction-held pin that joins keyboard to screen with a scalpel blade, then, once there is room, pry it out with a jeweller's screwdriver. Repeat on the other side.<ref name="pitc" /><ref name="petervis-pins" />
# '''Feed the hinge wire through and around its clip''' until the screen is free.<ref name="pitc" />
# '''Remove the spring wire hinge pins.''' These are '''cylindrical tubes'''. Psion specified a special tool that no longer exists; instead, insert a thin precision screwdriver shaft into the tube and '''wiggle while pulling'''. A couple of drops of penetrating oil helps.<ref name="petervis-pins" />
# The chassis is now bare. '''Photograph it from every angle before you go further.'''

Psion's own manual suggests cutting away the plastic moulding that covers the LCD/keyboard hinge pin to expose it. '''You do not need to do this''' if you use the blade technique above — the pin has a head that a sharp edge can get purchase on.<ref name="s5sm" /><ref name="petervis-pins" />