Coffee Vs Zaurus, How much can it handle... Options

[cortez]

Oh dear,

This afternoon I threw some coffee over my precious Zaurus. Clumsy me!!
After some time I tried to restart the machine, but after a while the screen started to get messy. I will wait until tomorrow and hope that it's dried enough so I can give it another try.

How much coffee can it handle?!?

Bear with me!

[speculatrix]

im my experience, the best thing you can do if you spill liquid on something electronic is to
a/ remove power (mains and battery) immediately
b/ remove covers of device
c/ wash with clean water, distilled if possible (except the LCD)
d/ allow to dry for a long time in a slightly warmed environment

the stickyness of a soft drink can lead to dirt being collected which will cause device to malfunction, tea and coffee are probably not quite as bad except for the staining which can occur.

[HoloVector]

im my experience, the best thing you can do if you spill liquid on something electronic is to
a/ remove power (mains and battery) immediately
b/ remove covers of device
c/ wash with clean water, distilled if possible (except the LCD)
d/ allow to dry for a long time in a slightly warmed environment

the stickyness of a soft drink can lead to dirt being collected which will cause device to malfunction, tea and coffee are probably not quite as bad except for the staining which can occur.

That really depends on how sugared the coffee was.....

[Fushnchupsh]

I actually spilled oj right into the keyboard of my z. I dried it right away, let it sit and it is fine with no ramifications.

You should be fine

--Fish

[cortez]

I just tried to power on my poor Shepherd... The screen is one big mess!

I dismantled the poor thing, and tried to clean it. I can't find any coffee stains whatsoever. I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer and keep my fingers crossed until the next try. In the meantime, I'll check all my pockets to collect every spare euro-cent in case I have to get me a replacement...

Why oh why do I drink so much coffee!

[Capn_Fish]

You may only need to replace the screen, if indeed it is broken. Conics sells screens for something like 170 USB IIRC, which is much cheaper than a new Z.

[cortez]

With two weeks of vacation ahead of me, my Zaurus just died within the palm of my hand... you may use this thread as an expression of condolence and support. Thanks in advance

[HoloVector]

With two weeks of vacation ahead of me, my Zaurus just died within the palm of my hand... you may use this thread as an expression of condolence and support. Thanks in advance 

RIP little Zaurus.

You could go Dr. Frakenstein and try replacing the LCD like capn_fish suggested.

[Chero]

Lived on a high level and died too soon ...
Amen.

Hope you'll find a replacement or get it repaired.

Dit is echt klote voor je ...
Chero.

[raduga]

for what its worth,
I spilled soda (sucrotic, caffeinated, dark, acid) on my Husky (C760)
and ended up with similar results to the original poster.

Immediately (at least, as soon as I discovered it; could have been an hour later)
removed power sources. I soaked it in distilled water for ~ 30m,
and then another soak in a fresh bucket of water for ~ 30m, then let dry
for ~ 72 hours with a fan blowing over it to keep airflow high.

Screen failure; the rest of the Zaurus appeared to be okay.

I tried disassembling and cleaning the contacts but it appeared that
the cable connecting the screen to the Z may have been damaged (corroded)
or otherwise non-functional.

I ended up selling the Husky to an OESF member for way too much money;
he reported that it continued to work more or less, screen-less,
for several months afterward, at which point I think he stopped trying.

My Akita (replacement) has been running fine... for 2.5 years since.
The keyboard and case are significantly worn,
and the CPU no longer likes overclocking but battery and the rest are in fine shape.

I have ceased and desisted from sucrotic, caffeinated, dark, acid sodas
and my life has been much improved.

However I fear to step between you and your coffee...

[kahm]

On the subject of condolences, a friend of mine is currently in Moscow. Apparently he had his Z (3200) and his passport pick-pocketed off of him on the subway. He's now Z-less for the first time since the SL-5000D

Unfortunately, he'll probably be replacing it with something other than a Zaurus.

[pelrun]

Water isn't the best thing to soak electronics in after a spill; distilled water may be non-conductive but it quickly gets contaminated and will corrode metal parts... not to mention not drying well. Electronics have lots of nice little nooks and crannies that can hide conductive droplets.

Denatured ethanol/methylated spirits is usually the tool of choice - it flushes out the gunk and water nicely and dries readily with little/no residue.

[InSearchOf]

Water isn't the best thing to soak electronics in after a spill; distilled water may be non-conductive but it quickly gets contaminated and will corrode metal parts... not to mention not drying well. Electronics have lots of nice little nooks and crannies that can hide conductive droplets.

Denatured ethanol/methylated spirits is usually the tool of choice - it flushes out the gunk and water nicely and dries readily with little/no residue.

I will 2nd this

Late

[craigtyson]

Guys dony use water. As stated, it is going to corrode the innards and while it will pick up crud thats in the Z, it tends to put some of it back when it dries.

A better option to use is Isopropanol or its brand name IsoClene. Its used for cleaning eletrical gear, switch contacts, tape heads and the rest, is a solvent so does better as getting rid of the conductive deposits in your coffee / soda and as it evaporates (DONOT sniff the fumes) will remove water also. I've used this stuff on laptops and it works a teat. It can discolour some plastic though so use with care. Also I would keep it away from the display, I've never used it to clean a display and cannot predict the results.

To use as a cleaner, saturate the board so that a pool of IsoClene forms, soak the excess up with a cloth (getting rid of the gunk as you doso) then allow to evaporate which will take any remaining water with it.

PS Your Z will get very cold as the IsoClene evaporates, take care and dont overdo it.

[Da_Blitz]

any one intrested in a replacment screen from a c3000 contact me

blew the charging circuit so its dead in the water, willing to donate parts to people in need