Posto 6 Posted May 14, 2011 Share #1 Posted May 14, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have decided to dismantle one of the two DMRs that I recently bought which had suffered an accident in order to rescue (and try to restore) usable parts including the PCBs. As a start, I am attaching a couple of snapshots taken with my wife's Lumix- I will post higher-quality photos from my DMR later on. In order to get going, I need to find out the best way to separate the PCB cables from their connectors- does anyone have any ideas? There appear to be four layers of PCBs, all connected via flat lexible cables as per the pictures. The one on the back of the sensor rests on the sensor chassis, that comes out as a unit quite easily upon removing the screws at the back of the DMR. Underneath it is a bigger PCB, which I presume is the main motherboard, with a smaller one underneath and a small one that seems to be connected to either the LCD or the SD card unit (unclear until I proceed further with dismantling). I intend to also try to get the damaged PCB(s) commercially repaired- they seem quite low-tech in appearance, so hopefully this is possible. If there is anyone who is familiar with the functions of each PCB, or with any other useful information, any input would be very gratefully received, especially from anyone who is familiar with the construction of the DMR. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151708-dismantling-dmr-help-comments-photos/?do=findComment&comment=1672143'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 14, 2011 Posted May 14, 2011 Hi Posto 6, Take a look here DISMANTLING DMR! HELP, COMMENTS & PHOTOS. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
underground Posted May 14, 2011 Share #2 Posted May 14, 2011 I dont know anything about the DMR, but I have seen a very similar looking ribbon conector. The connector I am refering to doesn't just "unplug" But the top of the connector snaps down in place and peirces the ribbon cable with sharp pins at the same time. Good luck! be careful. Cheers! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted May 14, 2011 Share #3 Posted May 14, 2011 It's a bit hard to say from the blurry shot. I would think that the white part which holds the ribbon cable is plugged onto the black part which is mounted on the PCB, with the black part being male and the white female. The pins of the male part run in parallel to the ribbon cable. The prongs at both ends of the white part appear to hook into recesses in the black part. I would try the following sequence: Gently pull one of the white "tongues" one or two millimeters away from the black part, in the direction of my first arrow. If possible insert a piece of paper or the back end of a paper match between the tongue and the black part in order to prevent it from re-engaging. repeat with the other tongue. Try pulling the white part in the direction of the pins (or the ribbon), in the direction of my second arrow. Do not pull on the ribbon, though, but only on the white plug. You might gently rock the white plug as long as it stays exactly parallel with the PCB. Beware: the plug might come loose quite suddenly. That's when there's the danger of tearing or dropping parts of the assembly. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151708-dismantling-dmr-help-comments-photos/?do=findComment&comment=1672209'>More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted May 14, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted May 14, 2011 (edited) Thanks, Philipp- I have tried, but cannot manage to separate them as described. There also appears to be a welding joint visible under the white section which one should be careful about. I am attaching some (only slightly) better pictures which may hopefully make things clearer below: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited May 14, 2011 by Posto 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151708-dismantling-dmr-help-comments-photos/?do=findComment&comment=1672224'>More sharing options...
Xmas Posted May 14, 2011 Share #5 Posted May 14, 2011 Hi I recommend you stop and put all the bits in an anti static bag. Noel Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted May 14, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted May 14, 2011 (edited) I will pack each component separately in an anti-static bag as the DMR is successfully dismantled. For the moment, the unit is still complete and in it's original case. The components seem no different to the (old-generation) standards, and the sensor with it's board will remain mated to it's own subframe (also in an anti-static bag). At the moment, I am trying to see how to unlock the FFC cable connectors so the various boards can be safely and carefully removed and stored for future use or (hopefully) repair. Any help on this, as well as regarding what each board controls, would be quite gratefully received. What I would really like, but cannot really get hold of, would be a Parts and Service Manual. FWIW, last week I visited Leica in London who reiterated what Service in Solms had already told me, namely that the main electronic components are no longer available. I was also informed that they were unable to take parts from donor units, as they would be unable to offer any sort of warranty (undestandably, I suppose). If they are dropping support for the unit, it would be really great if they could make the servicing and parts material available to others to try and keep these old units working (hint-please dear Dr. Kaufmann!). Edited May 14, 2011 by Posto 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted May 14, 2011 Share #7 Posted May 14, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi Was it the s or the t or the o or the p you did not understand? I trust you are working in a static handling area and you are familiar with all the procedures? Noel Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted May 14, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted May 14, 2011 Yes, thanks, Noel- I am actually wearing an anti-static bracelet that my tech gave me, which plugs into a neutral electrical socket. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guido Posted May 14, 2011 Share #9 Posted May 14, 2011 If they are dropping support for the unit, it would be really great if they could make the servicing and parts material available to others That assumes they ever had any documentation to begin with. Isn't it possible that they shipped all defective DMRs directly to Imacon for repair and never got involved with the electronics themselves? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted May 14, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted May 14, 2011 I believe that servicing was until now actually done by Leica following Imacon's lack of cooperation subsequent to their merger with Hasselblad. One other point- I do not wish for people to worry about my DMR parts project- this particular DMR was purchased in order to be dismantled and obtain spare parts. The sensor and it's board seem fine, and any further parts or knowledge that either I or other members of the forum can gain and share will be a bonus. It is important to develop a data base of DMR knowledge, as well as to be able to ascertain whether it is practicable to have the board(s) professionally restored. This project is being done at my expense and risk, and I intend to post the whole exercise for all to see (and hopefully learn) as it develops. Once again, any comments or suggestions forthcoming from forum members (or Leica technicians) will be without any liability. Any information will, however, be very gratefully received! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
underground Posted May 14, 2011 Share #11 Posted May 14, 2011 Yes, thanks, Noel- I am actually wearing an anti-static bracelet that my tech gave me, which plugs into a neutral electrical socket. you should be using the grounding conductor, not the grounded conductor (white) (neut). You should not use a current carring conductor for static disipation. be carefull!! cheers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
underground Posted May 14, 2011 Share #12 Posted May 14, 2011 In reo I guess you may not have a choice considering you recept. does'nt provide a separate ground. not sure. "The young man from the age of grounded recepticles":D Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share #13 Posted May 15, 2011 The earthing issue is under control, and I am in a low-static environment as well. At the moment, my immediate priority is to be able to to separate the connectors to the PCB- there are various of these, all of them similar. Has anybody come across these before (please see pics above)? I do not wish to force them and risk damage to the PCB. Once this is done, the main PCB just slides out so that it can be stored in an anti-static bag (it appears that 1-2 attachments underneath may have been damaged/loosened when it suffered it's accident. Such damage should definitely be repairable, as the parts are still present, and after that it should work fine (it has very low usage, and was working perfectly before the case was smashed in). As an aside, I have been recommended a company called PSI Repair Services ( Electronic Repair - Electronic Circuit Board Repair - PLC Repairs - Controller Repairs ), which I will also call this coming week, as a possible candidate for repairing the PCBs. Has anyone had any experiences with them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posto 6 Posted July 1, 2011 Author Share #14 Posted July 1, 2011 Rather slowly (I have been travelling), I have finally managed to identify the correct PCB (it is the main one- but I wanted to be certain) as well as to how to remove the connectors from the cables (unfortunately after damaging the sensor cable- but that is the price of learning!). I am attaching photos of one of the PCB's on their way for repair, as I have now disassembled the two DMRs. The quality of assembly and construction seems very good, much better than that of a normal electronics unit. I will keep everyone posted on developments, and will continue to use this thread, although at the end I may start a more elegantly-written and comprehensively-documented thread for future reference. I hope to also be able to post photos taken with at least one of these DMRs that are "unrepairable" by early September at the latest. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151708-dismantling-dmr-help-comments-photos/?do=findComment&comment=1720758'>More sharing options...
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