DIY Series 9 @ MCO: Smartphone Screen & Battery Replacement

Xiaomi RedMi 4X Screen & Battery Replacement

1. Always get ready the necessary tools before you can start any DIY repair.

2. This DIY step-by-step is for RedMi 4X screen replacement. The procedures might be slightly different for other models.

3. Use the pin to eject the SIM card slot.

4. Use the tool kit to dismantle the back cover of RedMi 4X. For the 1st time, it could be very tight and need more patience when dismantling. Do it patiently to prevent any unnecessarily damages.

5. Open up the back cover slowly. Disconnect the connector of finger print scanner attached at back cover.

6. The following picture shows the SIM card slot and back cover are dismantled successfully.

7. Unscrew all the 9 screws of the main board.

8. Condition after unscrewing all the screws.

9. Here are the 9 screws.

10. Remove the main board metal cover.

11. You may now disconnect the battery connector.

12. Remove the battery from the unit. If you plan only for a battery replacement, you may end it here. Once replacing with a new battery, go straight to Step 25.

13. Disconnect the LCD Screen connector from the main board.

14. Disconnect another 4 connectors.

15. Take out the main board by disconnecting another 2 connectors at the back when you flip it over.

16. Now you may proceed to the charger board. Unscrew the 6 screws and remove the charge board cover.

17. Disconnect the 2 connectors in order to take out the charger board.

18. Now, return to the frame (top area). Take out the cameras (2 units), vibrator, the side volume / power button and the speaker.
[ Note: I forgot the take out the speaker module from the old frame, so the next few photos didn't show the speaker on the new frame, but instead you need to remove it and put into the new frame together with the camera modules and side volume / power button ]

19. Get your new LCD screen with the frame ready. Placed the camera modules, vibrator, speaker, and the side volume / power button and install onto the new frame. You might need the black colour double sided tape (comes with a certain tool kit set) for the vibrator and side volume / power button.

20. Peel off the sticker at the frame for LCD screen cable and the charger board cable.

21. You are now ready to put the main board onto the new frame. First, connect the 2 connectors at the back side of the main board.

22. Place the main board nicely onto the frame and connect back the LCD screen connector.

23. Now place the charger board onto the new frame (bottom).

24. Peel off the 2 stickers for the battery.

25. Place the battery and connect it to main board. Put back the main board cover and screw all the 9 screws. You may try to power on your phone to test the new LCD screen. Power off the phone again it's done.

26. Put back the phone back cover. Insert the SIM card slot.

27. DIY for LCD screen with frame / battery replacement is done.

DIY Series 8 @ MCO: Repair Ceiling Fan Control Board

In Apr 2021, I received a Deka Ceiling Fan Control Board from a friend, asking for help to repair it (if possible). I did not know exactly which model he is using.
[Picture is for illustration only]

When I opened the cover, I found that several parts were burnt. I need to identify how many parts that required replacement.

I started desoldering the 4 capacitors (2 units of CBB61, 2 units of CBB31), and also found another 2 resistors damaged too.

Luckily from the PCB label, I could identify the value of capacitors and resistors

I started to source it at Lazada and Shopee, and managed to get the order few days later. Since I was unable to get CBB31 type, so I replaced with CBB20 type, with the same capacitance value.

This was the PCB where I removed the damaged parts, and not yet soldered the new parts.

First, I started to solder the 2 resistors onto the PCB.

This photo shows the PCB after the resistors were soldered.

Next, I started to solder all the 4 capacitors onto the PCB.

This photo shows the PCB after the capacitors were soldered.

Since I did not have the ceiling fan with me, I was unable to test it. So, I could only supply 240V to the PCB and tested it.

Hopefully my friend would get back his ceiling fan in working condition after this fix.

[ Update: My friend feedback that the ceiling fan is working fine after the fixing :) ]

To end this sharing, I would like to introduce you a soldering kits (Ref Price: RM40 to RM50) that you can buy at Lazada. It is very helpful to do simple soldering / desoldering for electrical repair. You also need a set of basic multimeter (Ref Price: Below RM20) as well, for connectivity test.

Soldering Tools

Multimeter

DIY Series 7 @ MCO: Water Heater Installation

Installation of Water Heater is pretty simple, with a set of power tools and a bit of hands-on experience. I had been installing many water heaters for many years and this is the 1st time I have time to share it.

You just need to drill few holes, connect the wires and also do some basic plumbing works.

First, you will need to have a set of power tools. I choose a basic unit, Black & Decker KR554REKP20-B1 Power Tool 550W 13mm VSR

Next, you will need to choose the correct drill bits. There are different types for different purposes.

Masonry Bits

Tiles Bits

Woods Bits

Multipurpose Bits

I choose multipurpose bits (6mm) to cover both tiles and masonry (cement) drilling, using hammer mode of power tools.

You will only need to use 6mm bits because standard screws are mostly this size.

You also need to prepare some wall plugs (any type), just in case it is not provided by your new water heater.

Then, prepare a wrench / plier / flexible spanner, either one.

You also need the piping tapes to apply to wherever it is needed

*** IMPORTANT: Before you start, make sure you cut off the electric supply to the water heater wiring, and also cut off the water supply. ***

Now, start to dismantle the existing water outlet up to the hole on the wall.

[ This step is optional -- Connect the type of joint / valve that you like. I choose a double outlet valve. ]

Use a pencil to mark on the wall the screw holes required for the water heater. Use the Black & Decker Power Tools and connect the 6mm multipurpose drill bit. Choose hammer mode to drill 4 holes on the wall. To make sure the wall holes are correctly located accordingly, after drilling each hole, reconfirm the other holes again by putting the water heater on the wall to check.

Next, you need to insert the wall plugs into the holes, use a hammer to help.

Place the water heater on the wall and screw up all the 4 screws. Pull the wire out.

Connect the 3 wires according to the L (Live), N (Neutral), and E (Earth). Make sure you know how to connect it correctly. You might need to use test pen to identify between L (Live) and N (Neutral). E (Earth) wire is always in GREEN.

Once it's done, close the cover and resume the electric supply to test if the water heater is working when the switch is ON. Power off again when the test is done.

Last step, connect the water outlet (where the new valve was installed) to the water heater inlet (I skipped installing the original valve+filter comes with water heater) using a flexible hose. Then, connect the water heater outlet to the shower head.

Since I choose to use the developer original shower head holder, I do not continue to install the rail and holder. You may need to drill another 2 to 3 holes on wall if you need the rail and holder.

Alternatively, you may choose to use this type of shower head holder, no drilling is needed. I use it to hold the 2nd shower head (direct water without go thru water heater).