D3 touch screen failure

vvdb · 09-09-2011, 02:17

Ever since the last firmware upgrade, my D3 became unusable.
The thing boots correctly, but that's it. The physical buttons work, including the reset button, but not the touch screen or the "touch buttons" below it.
I'd like to flash the player again, but unfortunately, when I plug in the USB cable, I can't click on the "turn on USB connection" button, because it's a touch button.

The funny thing is: the player worked correctly after the firmware upgrade. I noticed the symptoms when I tried to turn it off: I could not click on the "OK" button to confirm turning it off. The only way to turn it off is using the reset button.

This effectively renders the D3 unusable.

Is there a way to "boot" the D3 into USB transfer mode, using only the physical buttons?

capnmcorn · 09-09-2011, 07:57

You might have to reapply the gingerbread update. It involves booting into a special mode and doesn't require the touchscreen.

vvdb · 09-09-2011, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnmcorn

You might have to reapply the gingerbread update. It involves booting into a special mode and doesn't require the touchscreen.

Thank you for your advice. I just tried it, but when it rebooted the touchscreen didn't work.

capnmcorn · 09-09-2011, 20:39

Even though the problem started after a firmware update, I think it's a hardware problem. The gingerbread update should have started up as a fresh, clean install, clearing up any software glitches. Since it still doesn't work I think it is broken.

lofgents · 09-10-2011, 11:27

Are all the external buttons working OK (none jammed on) also is the screen perfectly clean especially round the edges hope you get it sorted.

vvdb · 09-14-2011, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnmcorn

Even though the problem started after a firmware update, I think it's a hardware problem.

I'm afraid you are correct. I got back control by letting the battery go empty, and then plugging in the charger:After that, the touchscreen got responsive again.
I redid the 2.53 and 2.55 firmware upgrades, unmounted and reformatted internal memory every time, and all seemed well.

I created a Music directory and put a number of MP3 files there. After playing a number of them, the touchscreen became unresponsive again. There's nothing special about these MP3 files: they play flawlessly in the D2, and they are low quality sound recordings for language study. It's like the screen "blocks" after being on for a while while playing. And once blocked, it will not turn off unless reset.

I can't send the D3 back to the shop, it closed down. I guess it's back to my old trusty D2.

All in all, the D3 has been a big disappointment for me. And it's not even heavy enough to use as a paperweight!

Thanks for all those who helped. Any suggestions for a replacement?

99Burger · 09-14-2011, 05:04

Hi vvdb, whats with your warranty?
If the shop is closed down, than is Cowon your Contactperson!They must help you!

vvdb · 09-14-2011, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Burger

If the shop is closed down, than is Cowon your Contactperson!They must help you!

This might be true in theory, but not in practice.

Besides, this would involve getting in contact with a real Cowon technical person (not a strawman), who speaks english (since I don't speak Korean).
This isn't easy. Contacts at cowonglobal are only for business proposals. I tried to register with their Q&A board to submit a support question, but they don't send me the initial login password. As long as I don't have that, I can't ask a support question.

Anyway, if past experience with other manufacturers at the other side of the world is any indication, I will probably need to send the player back via insured mail, without guarantee if or when I will get it back. I have yet to hear someone who did this with Cowon hardware successfully. I am not aware of any real Cowon support center in Europe, but I might be mistaken.

It is fortunate and quite remarkable that complex consumer electronics hardware (I'm not talking about soft/firmware) is so reliable. But if you are unlucky to buy a lemon, abandon all hope.

Enzyme · 10-05-2011, 11:28

try cowon america, ive had replies from them over trivial technical stuff and im sure they'll forward you to the correct person in the European department in order to support the return.

if its not working at all sending it back and waiting shouldn't really be an issue.

vvdb · 10-12-2011, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzyme

try cowon america, ive had replies from them over trivial technical stuff and im sure they'll forward you to the correct person in the European department in order to support the return.

if its not working at all sending it back and waiting shouldn't really be an issue.

Well, I took the suggestion to heart and got pointed towards the Cowon representative in Europe.

It seems that Cowon's representative in Europe is a company in Germany, Cowon Europe GmbH. They even have a website: http://www.cowon-germany.com/
I sent them an e-mail yesterday. Interestingly, in their contact form, the Cowon D3 isn't mentioned. I had to specify another model, and mention that it's about the D3 in the problem description.

I shall keep the forum informed of any replies.

dfkt · 10-12-2011, 05:32

You can also try the UK repair center: http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/...Centre.57.html

sonic · 10-12-2011, 12:53

^ I've been shopping with advancedmp3players for years. They are a reliable company with a great history as well as been one of Cowon's main dealers in the UK. They were the one's who've been kind enough to give me advice over the phone about previous Cowon models even when I wasn't sure if I'd bought my device from them or not.

Just to reassure you that I'd feel safe sending my Cowon player to be repaired by them.

09-09-2011, 02:17	#1
vvdb Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 11	D3 touch screen failure Ever since the last firmware upgrade, my D3 became unusable. The thing boots correctly, but that's it. The physical buttons work, including the reset button, but not the touch screen or the "touch buttons" below it. I'd like to flash the player again, but unfortunately, when I plug in the USB cable, I can't click on the "turn on USB connection" button, because it's a touch button. The funny thing is: the player worked correctly after the firmware upgrade. I noticed the symptoms when I tried to turn it off: I could not click on the "OK" button to confirm turning it off. The only way to turn it off is using the reset button. This effectively renders the D3 unusable. Is there a way to "boot" the D3 into USB transfer mode, using only the physical buttons?

09-14-2011, 05:04	#7
99Burger Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 66	Hi vvdb, whats with your warranty? If the shop is closed down, than is Cowon your Contactperson!They must help you! __________________ ▁ ▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ ▇ ▉ ☠

10-12-2011, 05:32	#11
dfkt Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 2,975	You can also try the UK repair center: http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/...Centre.57.html __________________ My Gear and Reviews \| My RMAA Tests \| Last.fm \| Album Art Exchange \| Rockbox \| Replaygain \| Don't be an idiot.

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09-09-2011, 07:57	#2
capnmcorn Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 77	You might have to reapply the gingerbread update. It involves booting into a special mode and doesn't require the touchscreen.

09-09-2011, 20:39	#4
capnmcorn Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 77	Even though the problem started after a firmware update, I think it's a hardware problem. The gingerbread update should have started up as a fresh, clean install, clearing up any software glitches. Since it still doesn't work I think it is broken.

09-10-2011, 11:27	#5
lofgents Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 26	Are all the external buttons working OK (none jammed on) also is the screen perfectly clean especially round the edges hope you get it sorted.

10-05-2011, 11:28	#9
Enzyme (A)rrogance (B)reeds (I)gnorance Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 975	try cowon america, ive had replies from them over trivial technical stuff and im sure they'll forward you to the correct person in the European department in order to support the return. if its not working at all sending it back and waiting shouldn't really be an issue.

10-12-2011, 12:53	#12
sonic Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 116	^ I've been shopping with advancedmp3players for years. They are a reliable company with a great history as well as been one of Cowon's main dealers in the UK. They were the one's who've been kind enough to give me advice over the phone about previous Cowon models even when I wasn't sure if I'd bought my device from them or not. Just to reassure you that I'd feel safe sending my Cowon player to be repaired by them.