Dell Axim - dryout proceedures? - InspectionNews

Jim Luttrall · #1 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 03:36 PM

I dunked my Dell Axim pocket PC in a bathtub a few days ago. Does anyone have any experience drying one of these out?
I am trying the low-tech approach of leaving the battery out and covers open in a warm window seat for some gentle heat right now, but so far it is not working right. I am in the market if someone has an Axim, Ipaq, or palm that hasn't taken a plunge!
Jim

Rick Hurst · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 04:01 PM

Jim,

Must be a local problem with technology.

My hard drive crashed on may lap-top last Friday.

BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP

Fritz Kelly · #3 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 04:10 PM

Tubs are hell on cameras, phones and PDA's, especially if you carry them in your shirt pocket. I finally got a waterproof camera about 2 years ago, haven't dropped it in any water since.
My experience with phones is save the hassle and just throw it away. I imagine it's about the same with a PDA. I think they have circuits intentionally designed to self destruct at the slightest hint of moisture.

Richard Rushing · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 04:50 PM

I once dropped my Moisture Encounter Plus in the pool I was leaning over... the worst thing wan't loosing the MM-- that sucker didn't register the amount of moisture!!

RR

Scott Patterson · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

I dunked my Dell Axim pocket PC in a bathtub a few days ago. Does anyone have any experience drying one of these out?
I am trying the low-tech approach of leaving the battery out and covers open in a warm window seat for some gentle heat right now, but so far it is not working right. I am in the market if someone has an Axim, Ipaq, or palm that hasn't taken a plunge!
Jim

You could try what I did this past December to my Axim. I tumbled it in the dryer for about twenty minutes on med heat! It was in the pocket of my polartec jacket and the cat was sleeping on it. So to remove the cat hair I tossed the jacked and unknowingly the Axim in the dryer!

Twenty minutes later and I pulled the jacket out and the PDA. I found it in the pocket, turned it on and it still worked!

As for water, my guess is that it is toast.

wayne soper · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 05:42 PM

HAir Dryer. has saved many an electronic gizmo

Thom Walker · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 07:15 PM

If this does,'t work, add some stir fry. Let me know.

How to clean up water-damaged electronics: the rice bowl - Engadget

Jim Luttrall · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 01:30 PM

I am about to give up on my Dell Axim, I have tried the blow dryer, disassembly, canned air, charging, and I may store it in some rice.
But for now, I need something to work with.
Has anyone had any experience with HP Ipaq and more specifically, the iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion. After shopping around I see I can buy this one with GPS for about $200 more than a standard dell or palm unit.
I don't have and don't think I need a GPS, but maybe it would be worth while.

Rick Bunzel · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 08:29 PM

Jim,

I would recommend shopping for a unit on eBay. Just now looked and saw 64mb units going for under $200. I have bought 3 iPaqs off of eBay and never paid more than $150. I always have one in reserve for just those unfortunate events,

//Rick

Jack Feldmann · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 04:00 AM

When my wife dropped her phone in water a while back, the guy at the Verizon store put it in a beaker of alcohol and said it MIGHT work. I guess the idea is the alcohol displaces the water, and then evaporates. He said it works about half the time. Her phone worked about a day, then she got a new one.

I use a protective box for my Axim. Got it at Otterbox at OtterBox.com: Otterbox, Waterproof Boxes, Waterproof Box, Waterproof Plastic Boxes, Waterproof iPod Cases. Hangs around my neck and OK to use in the rain, or dropping into water. Of course, since it is around my neck all the time, it doesn't fall much.

Sorry for your loss
JF

Matt Fellman · #11 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 01:54 PM

I once washed and dried a camera memory stick with photos on it.... I put in in the computer really just to amuse myself to see what was left.... I couldn't believe it was still intact with all of the photos. I have no idea how it handles the water and then the heat.... crazy.

Brandon Whitmore · #12 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 02:31 PM

I spend a lot of time on the river in the summer. One thing leads to another and people end up in the river with cell phones on. We have had quite a bit of luck putting the phones in the oven on low setting with the door open to dry them out---- may work on other electronics as well. Just remember to pull it out once in a while so it does not get too hot--- I have melted some plastic before while side tracked.