Check your DIA area!

[Tunzi]

The calabration is way, way off in my DIA area. I have noticed that the lower I go, the greater the distance of off-calabration becomes. This is so bad that I can no longer use the bottom line buttons when the screen is fully extended.

I have tried the "Digitizer" but that only works for the 380 x 380 screen area, which is 100% fine. I have tried several soft resets to no avail. I searched around in this site, the palm one site, palmblvd and can not find any reference to this problem. I finally gave in and did a hard reset and still have the same problem. I tried another hard reset and accomplished nothing.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Any recomendations?

[n2ifp]

Are you using a screen protector and is it installed correctly?

I don't have any digitizer issues on my T|T3.

[Tunzi]

Yes, I am using a screen protector. I have been using a Boxwave screen protecter, which I is applied correctly, since Nov.

[mikegehl]

I, too have this problem. It showed up about two weeks ago. I also use the ClearTouch, but removing it and re-calibrating didn't help. The problem is only on the bottom 160x320 of the screen (the DIA area).

I even reinstalled my ROM backup to see if that would help. It didn't.

[iboar]

Are either of you using a customized DIA|VG skin?

[dgoeg]

Same problem here!

I'm using a Brando screen protector, but removing it has not solved the problem.

The upper square part is fine, but the lower you go the larger the difference.

I think it must be a software problem, because the calibration software is only hires and not hires+.

@palm: so please give us an update or we are urged to exchange our units.

[iboar]

Since not everyone is experiencing this problem, the best thing would be to find out what those of you who are have in common as far as software that you have installed.

Are you running a third-party launcher like ZLauncher or Xlauncher?

Do you have a customized DIA|VG skin installed?

Do you have any third-party hacks installed?

Et cetera...

[jiserrab]

Originally posted by iboar
Since not everyone is experiencing this problem, the best thing would be to find out what those of you who are have in common as far as software that you have installed.

Are you running a third-party launcher like ZLauncher or Xlauncher?

Do you have a customized DIA|VG skin installed?

Do you have any third-party hacks installed?

Et cetera...

Yes.
Yes.
No.

Yet, I have the same problem. I even did a hard reset and the calibration is way off in DIA area. When in keyboard mode, I hit "123" below the space bar the space bar is pressed. I think there is a major flaw in the calibration software. Why does it only calibrate 320x320. When you open the slider and calibrate, the DIA area is left out. Any place above the DIA is calibrated fine but NOT the DIA. Doesn't it NEED to be calibrated? I tried different landsape and handedness and the same physical area of the screen has problems. So it seems it not the DIA but that portion of the screen which is left out during calibration. Even in landscape and lefthanded, when you open the digitizer it defaults to portrait 320x320.

[tanker_bob]

Try two apps called digitest and digi. The former tests your digitizer everywhere. The latter recalibrates it across a wider screen area. My digitizer is a bit low at the middle of the screen, but good on top and bottom, including the DIA. FitalyVirtualT3 has some calibration correction ability in the DIA.

[iboar]

It may well turn out to be a problem with the digitizer program, however this is the first I've heard of this particular problem. Logic would dictate that such a problem should have occurred long ago if it was the digitizer program, but it is just now being reported. I still suspect a third-party application is causing the problem. You might want to check the ClieSource forum (http://www.cliesource.com) to see if anyone experienced similar problems with NR/NX/NZ or UX series Clies. The NR series is OS 4.1, the NX/NZ are OS 5, and I think the UX are OS 5.3. The T3 is OS 5.2.1 so there may not be any correlation, but it wouldn't hurt to investigate.

[Tunzi]

To Mr Jack Sweden:
-I am not using a DIA/VG skin.
-I did have ZLaucher for a week or so and took it off.
-No third party hacks.

Tanker Bob:

I tried on Palmgear and Handango and could not find "Digi" nor "Digitest." On Palmgear, I did find a program called "DigiMe 1.1" Guess it's kind of the same thing. I downloaded and installed. Still the same thing, upper part of the screen is fine, DIA area still out of whack.

I have kept a simple life on my T3, I have Bejeweled, Ultrasoft Money, Datashield, Avantgo, Datebk 5. Gave ZLaucher a try and took it off. I will try it again some other time. (Still getting to know Datebk 5)

I don't normally have the full screen opened and was attempting turn the screen to watch a movie trailor when I noticed that the digitizer was way off calabration.

Now what?!

[iboar]

Are any of you guys using Code Diver? This is a program that allows you to extend the screen to 320x480 on some applications that are not supporting the HiRes+ on a T3.

Tunzi, you did a hard reset and still had the problem. However, did you hotsync after the hard reset and before testing the digitizer? If so, the hotsync may have restored your files and any third-party applications that may be causing a problem. If not, then the hard reset should erase all third-party applications leaving the T3 as it was from the factory.

If I was you, I would post this problem on as many forums as possible in hopes of finding someone else who had the problem and found a solution. Try Brighthand (http://discussion.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/) and Palm Infocenter (http://www.palminfocenter.com/forum/).

[iboar]

FYI: I was checking out the Palm Infocenter forum and found this thread (http://www.palminfocenter.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20296) related to your problem.

[dgoeg]

Zlauncher, no DIA/VG Skin, no hacks.

I didn't do a hard reset, but others did and the problem obviously persisted.

You can easily check the accuracy with the standard notes application: turn on landscape mode and draw several vertical lines on the left side (suppose you're right handed).

Are they correctly aligned?

Btw, is the sony digitizer program hires or hires+?

[Tunzi]

I did the hard reset, had the "Factory" setup, did the digitizer and still had the same problem.

I noticed that one person on Palm Infocenter had bought his unit at the end of Sep. I purchased mine on the second week of Oct, so far that period of time is the only link that I can find. (That they were bought in the fall of last year.}

I have sent an email to Palm One describing this problem and would suggest that anyone else having this problem do the same. I thought it was just me but it appears that I am not alone.

[KenSong]

This is a hardware problem. I have seen 3 units developed this problem at different times and one unit was replaced by Palm, meaning it could not be cured :(

However, I have found a work around. When you calibrate the bottom target, tap at the ring right after the centre at 12 o'clock. When you calibrate the top target, tap the same ring at 6 o'clock and finally tap the centre calibration target right in the middle dot.

This should help a lot and you will have access back for your Status Bar at fullscreen. Otherwise, you may want to return your unit. I did not because I absolutely love my white screen and dread getting a blue or worst a yellow screen.

[Floater_]

I returned my unit. Its a hardware problem. They didn't even argue with me


btw there is a thread on brighthand going on about this as well in the TungstenT forum

[dduran@linux]

Just return it while you can, hope that you don't get a bluish screen in your repalcement palm

[wakatam]

I've had this problem for a month or so now, but just hand't had the time to have it replaced. But my email correspondence with Palm Support tells me that they will have my unit replaced. (dduran had his replaced though)

Clearly, a hardware issue.

KenSong's suggestion works, as I do the same with mine, although my lower right of my screen is still way off (a pain in notepad!), but at least I can access the lower toolbar.

dduran, BTW, I thought the bluish screen was better? My functioning one now is a yellow.

[gummycat]

I can add some value here. I reported this problem on my handheld to Palm back in December. I specifically asked if the problem was a known issue. Answer was Yes. I specifically asked if there was a fix for it. Answer was Yes. I mentioned to them I was very hesitant to send my otherwise perfect T3 in for fear of getting a refurbished device. They confirmed I would get back the same one.

Well, they lied. I did get a refurbished device. With a very loose slider and a screen that was dim along the edges.

I have since had them resend me a new one (the fourth of which I received today). All of the new replacements they have sent to me have been refurbished units with the dim screen edges problem. The last two have also had a very loud screen buzz. A 5th one is on the way. Unbelieveable to me that they will send replacements and pay for shipping of the unit and the return 5 times, but won't send me a new unit that has no issues.

Lesson learned - if you are happy with your unit, keep it. Regarding this issue, just do the calibration trick (someone else posted it) and try to live with it. Sure, it's a kludgy work-around, but sure beats getting a refurbished device. Not sure it matters, but all the refurbished units with the crappy screens have a serial number beginning with "00V5AA". Also, in case you've followed previous discussions on screen quality - none of these refurbished units had the four orange lights visible at the bottom of the sceren when held at an angle. Not sure if this matters or not - I just happened to notice this.

The rep each time has told me their hands are tied on this and all they can do is send replacements - which are refurbished 99% of the time.

Oh well. I wish I liked PPC, because I'd like to tell them they've lost a customer. When I had an ipaq, I was able to return it for a new unit. HP seemed to handle their customers much better.

Hope this helps!

[mikegehl]

I've pretty much decided to hold out for a while and make do with the digitizer workaround. I have a CompUSA protection plan, but it only allows one replacement and I'd hate to use it up after only four months if I can help it. I'd much rather use it after the T3 is discontinued and the T4 (or whatever it's going to be called) is available.

[pbr]

just thought i'd chime in here that my t3 has the same issue. palm said they would repair/replace it, but i'm thinking i may just live with it for a while too...

[tpipher]

ya I have the same problem, did a hard reset on my own under a new name and still have the same problem. Bob I did try digiman and it still does it!

[L8Bloomer]

For those still having digitizer problems, a thread over at Brighthand points to:
http://www.freewarepalm.com/utilities/digi.shtml

This is a free digitizer calibrator, which will calibrate the full 320x480 screen, if you close the DIA before launching Digi. Several people have posted that this fixed their problem. The same author also has a Digitest utility, which will give you a test display to see how far off the mark your digitizer is...

[tpipher]

Ok, I tried everything everyone has said. This is the only thing I found that works (calabrate with the slider pulled down)

http://www.freewarepalm.com/utilities/digie.shtml

[mikegehl]

Digi (two posts up) didn't work, but DigiE (previous post) did the trick.

Thanks!

Edit: Had to delete DigiE because it disabled the auto-off feature. Now as long as you don't run the built-in digitizer, things seem OK.

[jiserrab]

Originally posted by mikegehl
Digi (two posts up) didn't work, but DigiE (previous post) did the trick.

Thanks!

Edit: Had to delete DigiE because it disabled the auto-off feature. Now as long as you don't run the built-in digitizer, things seem OK.

How about putting it on memory card and moving back and forth as needed? A bit cumbersome but better than hotsyncing every time you want to calibrate. I'll give it a try and post results.

*EDIT*

I hotsynced DigiE onto palm, calibrated in fullscreen(an actual full screen calibration in 320x480 and it works perfectly, but auto off doesn't work. Moved it to card(SD>Palm>launcherfolder), works perfectly calibating in full screen AND autoshut off works. :cool:

Considering this wouldn't it be cheaper for palm to develop a full screen calibrator update than to replace a T3 everytime somebody had a problem?

[tpipher]

Confirmed that it does disable the auto off, I then tested it by moving it to ROM and it still did the same thing. I Then moved it to card and alas it does work and my Digitizer works great too!

[pbr]

sweet. good work figuring that one out guys. digie worked perfectly for me as well.

[jledesma]

Please count me among the happy T3 owners with a working digitizer thanks to digie. And this forum of course :D

[yorrick]

Have a look at this site for digitest.
Found it by doing a yahoo search :)

http://www.freewarepalm.com/utilities/digitest.shtml

Originally posted by Tunzi

Tanker Bob:

I tried on Palmgear and Handango and could not find "Digi" nor "Digitest." On Palmgear, I did find a program called "DigiMe 1.1" Guess it's kind of the same thing. I downloaded and installed. Still the same thing, upper part of the screen is fine, DIA area still out of whack.

Now what?!

[Tunzi]

I have been using the DigiE to set calibrate my T3. But it only seem to last for a couple of weeks and I have to do it again. Are any of you experiencing this same time frame?
It really bothers me that Palm has not addressed this issue. I thought my unit was a fluke but this site proved other me wrong.

[eurisko]

I was curious which screen your Palms have that are having issues.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) There is the Sony, and the Sharp.

The Sony has 4 little "stagelights" at the bottom if you tip it and look down at it. The Sharp doesn't. Wondering if there is a pattern in the screen type. I know they switched from the Sharp to the Sony due to some issues, but didn't know what they were. I'm wondering if this was one of the issues.

[kevx]

Originally posted by Eurisko
I was curious which screen your Palms have that are having issues.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) There is the Sony, and the Sharp.

The Sony has 4 little "stagelights" at the bottom if you tip it and look down at it. The Sharp doesn't. Wondering if there is a pattern in the screen type. I know they switched from the Sharp to the Sony due to some issues, but didn't know what they were. I'm wondering if this was one of the issues.

Mine has the "stagelights" and I just developed the problem. I fixed it with a hardset and hotsync, but then it just returned after a few hours of use. I just did the Digie thing on the card, and so far it seems great. Only time will tell. PALM! WHERE ARE YOU ON THIS? This is obviously something that they should have a fix for in an update..

[tanker_bob]

I haven't had the problem and I do not have the orange lights at the bottom. I do have an area on the middle left of the screen that is off by about 1/8", checked with digitest. I've just learned to tap low in that area. I like my T3 and am loathe to send it to Palm.

[Vidge]

I actually started a poll over at BrightHand (http://discussion.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58367&highlight=Poll) to try to see if one screen had more digitizer issues than the other.

[blastradius]

I have a TT and it definitely seems like a hardware issue. Seem like the screen shifts around slight within the case. If the digitizer goes out of sync, sometimes if I take my fingers and "push" the screen (with the Palm off) in the direction of the "out-of-syncness", the digitizer will re-center itself. Also, open and closing the digitizer seem to throw it out of whack quicker.

[Tunzi]

Where the heck is Palm???
This digitizer problem seems to be a real problem, not just something wrong with one or two machines. Yet Palm has not addressed this issue.
I am so ticked off at Palm that I was thinking of just getting a Sony but I am so mad, I am even considering going to a pocket PC. I hate having to run some digitizer program every single day or every other day. A T-3 is the top of the line palm, made for power users and people that want the top of the line. I paid for a product and should have a product that funtctions as it should and if not should be fixed or repaired as so. After hearing the nightmare stories form people on this forum and others, and seeing no response from Palm, I am really close to treating them the same way that I feel they have treated me and other consumers and just dumping them altogether.

I wonder if I am over-reacting or is this justified?

[kevx]

Originally posted by Tunzi
I wonder if I am over-reacting or is this justified? [/B]

Hmmmm. I haven't had the problem again since recalibrating, so I'm happy for now, but I can just imagine how I would feel if I hadn't been able to find a solution. Palm builds a good product but I guess the customer support sucks. Is Sony any better. Even worse, is HP or any of other PPC makers better? I kinda think not.....

[tanker_bob]

Originally posted by kevx
Hmmmm. I haven't had the problem again since recalibrating, so I'm happy for now, but I can just imagine how I would feel if I hadn't been able to find a solution. Palm builds a good product but I guess the customer support sucks. Is Sony any better. Even worse, is HP or any of other PPC makers better? I kinda think not.....
I can tell you from experience that Sony is no better, maybe even worse. I sold rather than fixed my T665C because they angered me so much. Customer support seems to be a lost art in the PDA hardware business.

[tinyshiver]

Well, from one day to the next, I too now have a digitizer problem on my T3. I think mine is a little different from the others. It appears in horizontal bands across the screen (in portrait mode, with the left side of the screen less accurate than the right). It is worse with the sceen fully extended. The DIA area is fine, but the status bar is not. I first noticed this when I was in the Calendar and was trying to input an appointment for May 17. It would instead select May 10, which is above the 17. I can select the 10th just fine. Using the DigitTest program mentioned earlier, I dragged the stylus all around the screen and noticed that the problem appeared in bands (dragging from top to bottom it starts off accurate, then becomes very inaccurate, and then right on target again.) Anyone else have this? Has a hard reset worked for anyone?
Nic

[apollo]

Hi all,

Just curious, could it be that the digitizer drift is caused by magnets on a certain kind of pda case?

Do people experiencing the problem use magnet flap case?

[acolythe]

You are correct there is a long thread on palmblvd.com regarding this. My T3 purchased in November is now exhibiting the same problem. I have contacted palm and they will repair it. I hate to be without my unit but there seems to be no alternative. It seems the problem amy only afffect either the sharp or sony screen. I cannot tell fromt he posts which is the issue. It also seems to be something that appeasrs after a time. My icons on the extended scree are virtually useless now since it so hard to accurately activate them. I find this most annoying event hough I mostly use the screen closed.

[acolythe]

as a matter fo fact i do use a magnet flip case.

[Ninja]

They won't repair it, they will replace it. Check the new unit carefully, as it will be a factory refurb. You may need to go back and forth a few times until you get a unit that you like (personal experience talking here).

[apollo]

Originally posted by acolythe
as a matter fo fact i do use a magnet flip case.

hmm.. is there anyone out there who experiences the problem but do not use magnetic flip case?? So we know that the problem isn't caused by the case.

[dgoeg]

I have the digitizer problem without ever having used any case, except of the original flip cover.

[apollo]

thx dgoeg, but is the problem on yours a drift that cannot be fixed by aligning using the alignment program? (like different drift distances between different areas of the screen) or is it just a problem where u can still align it correctly but slips off again and again when u turn it off and back on?

The problem source mite not be the magnet case then.. :confused:

[dgoeg]

Hi apollo,

the problem is a constant misalignment of the digitizer.
It's not a problem with the magnet case.

Even the digie programm mentioned here doesn't work for me.
I "corrected" this problem by touching the lower right corner a little bit above the cross on the digitizer setup screen.
There's still a misalignment, but it's only near the right side of the screen about two thirds from the top.

Palmone has not given an official statement on this topic, but at least for some people they exchanged the unit saying that this is a hardware problem.

I didn't exchange my device, because I want to keep the good screen and perfect slider.

[yOyOYoo]

Ok It looks like my GF's Tungsten T3 has this problem finally and really badly too!

I called Palmone today and looks like Im going to send it in for the warranty. I am suprised by how rude customer service was to me. They claimed that I must have dropped it or installed a corrupt application, and the guy swore that they NEVER had this problem with any Tungsten T3s, and that most people love their machine and how my case was an isolated case.

Also the guy had a heavy accident, since I assume he is from India. I have no problems with people with accents, but I mean I was trying to be nice, asking him to repeat what he was saying, and he got all frustrated and was practically yelling at me. I asked if I could speak with someone else, and he just snubbed the idea saying only he was there to help me.

Well I really hope they fix this problem and I will update on my status when they do.

[mic2x]

Welcome to the club! :) The digitizer drift is not an isolated case. It's not a third party apps (which palm support insists), nor a screen protector application's the culprit.

Palm support suggest that I do a Hard reset on the system (they said its a third party app thats causing it), in fact I've been running my T3 for 2 days fresh from a hard reset and no datas, even no contacts encoded. And still digitizer drift.

I bought my T3 last november and I'm having the same problem. for the last few days

Most people I know who bought their units late last year will and eventually have this prob. Scarrrry :eek:

Anyway, I hope palm fixes this :D

[PBM808]

i don't know much about the PDA internally, but would it be possible to get the sony digitizer program to run on the palm PDAs? i believe the sony digitiser is hires+ whereas the palm is just hires.

[Jreyes]

Guys, don't fool yourself. This is a warranteed, manufacturing defect. I wrote a letter to palm support, got an email back to to hard reset, no third party apps, when the issue was still there, palm had me send it back no questions asked.

I went thru the same set of questions myself, third party apps, new rom update last december, but in the end, it has to something to do with the slider not being totally calibrated as it tends to happen when the slider is extended and not when its closed. No amount of digitizing or offset digitizing or third party digitizer sofware fixed ti.

when i wrote that the bottom 1/8 inch of the DIA was unusable due to digitizer misalignment, got message for palm support that "yes indeed, it looks like you need to return your device as it looks to be a warranteed defect"

have found that corresponding by email with palm support for these issues have worked better than trying to go thru it with a live person. when i finally called palm for exchange, i had the email thread for support.

[mic2x]

But I heard from previous post that PALM only exchange your unit with a REFURBISHED one. It's even worse than the one you owned :eek: Like the screen is much dimmer, etc. :mad:

[applejosh]

I sure hope I don't see this problem. I just got a T3 the other day. It might be from a newer batch as it already had the ROM update (for SD cards and such) pre-installed. So far pretty happy with the device, but still hoping I don't have to deal with this. (And still hoping Sandisk gets a PalmOS driver for their SD wi-fi card soon.)

[Vidge]

But I heard from previous post that PALM only exchange your unit with a REFURBISHED one. It's even worse than the one you owned :eek: Like the screen is much dimmer, etc. :mad:

When I exchanged mine, I did the advanced exchange. Sure enough, it came with the dim screen. Before sending mine back, I swapped the screens :p

But I'm starting to experience the digitizer issue on this one, which I received in early Feb. When my Axim X30 gets here, I think I'll arrange another exchange to get my T3 fixed.

[jledesma]

I sure hope I don't see this problem. I just got a T3 the other day. It might be from a newer batch as it already had the ROM update (for SD cards and such) pre-installed. So far pretty happy with the device, but still hoping I don't have to deal with this. (And still hoping Sandisk gets a PalmOS driver for their SD wi-fi card soon.)

I also exchanged my older T3 for a new one. It also had the update already installed. I have experienced some digitizer problems, but I sure can relate them to software apps.

For example, if I start a game with the slider closed I'm almost certain that the digitizer will start failing. Also if I do the calibration with the slider closed in 3 or 4 days it will be off by a big margin, specially on the top part of the screen. If I calibrate with the slider open I can go for weeks without any problem.

[yOyOYoo]

Ok now I am really peeved. I sent in my palm T3 to get repaired last week and even paid extra to get it to palm one faster. I wrote and included a detailed message about my problem and said "PLEASE don't send me a broken refurbished unit, I just want a new one or my old one fixed"

and guess what?

They sent me a refurbrished unit with scratches all over the body. My previous T3 was in FLAWLESS condition. Also regarding the digitizer issue, my new replacement has the EXACT same problem. This is ridiculous. I wrote an angry email to Palm one and I intend to rip a new one on the customer service representative tomorrow when i call them. I better not get charged and have to pay for airborne shipping to them AGAIN. THIS IS BULL$H!T!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this.

[jledesma]

Ok now I am really peeved. I sent in my palm T3 to get repaired last week and even paid extra to get it to palm one faster. I wrote and included a detailed message about my problem and said "PLEASE don't send me a broken refurbished unit, I just want a new one or my old one fixed"

and guess what?

They sent me a refurbrished unit with scratches all over the body. My previous T3 was in FLAWLESS condition. Also regarding the digitizer issue, my new replacement has the EXACT same problem. This is ridiculous. I wrote an angry email to Palm one and I intend to rip a new one on the customer service representative tomorrow when i call them. I better not get charged and have to pay for airborne shipping to them AGAIN. THIS IS BULL$H!T!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this.

I don't know why neither Sony nor PalmOne are willing to invest in a decent Support service. No matter what amazing unit the T4 is going to be I'm seriously thinking about getting a Zodiac or a Garmin unit. Too bad. This is why giants fall.

My T3 is in the same condition as I believe everybody's T3 is, but I'm keeping it at least until december when I buy a different PDA. Perhaps then I will find the moment to smash this one into the wall. :mad:

[yOyOYoo]

update: customer service is sending me another Tungsten T3 in the mail and I should recieve it in 3 business days. The guy says it'll be another refurbished model and won't have the DIA problem. They will include a prepaid package for me to ship back my broken dia pda

[yOyOYoo]

update: just recieved my second Tungsten T3.

I am super upset now. The unit is in terrible condition, there are DENTS on the back, SCRATCHES on the front, the slider is loose, and to top it off, the screen WHINES as badly as my old UX50 did. JEEZUS.

It's like palmone is out to screw me over. The one good thing to come out of all of this is that the DIA area works perfectly. I can't believe they would give me a unit in such poor condition. The unit I have right now is in flawless physical condition. DAMN YOU PALMONE!!!!!!!!!! I AM VERY UPSET

I guess I have to call back tomorrow. This really is getting ridiculous, it's almost been a month without a usable Tungsten T3.

[boogers]

from stories that i have heard, sony support is awful. the sony digitizer is 320x320, but i have not heard of any problems like this occuring (i could be wrong though).

[cyclinghermes]

digifix fixes it.

see attached :)