How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

[grampy]

OK, so I'm convinced I have bad caps on the PS of my Viewsonic VA912b. Easy enough to fix if I can ever figure how to open the case. No screws visible on back. Back wraps around and comes almost flush to the fromt bezel. Before I try to pry it open I was wondering if someone has figured it out.
Thanks.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

They are not all exactly the same.
Basically there are 'catches' molded into the plastic distributed around the outside 'seam' between front and back.
I usually start by using a small electronics flat-tip screwdriver to open the seam enough to get a butter knife in the crack, then move along the seam maybe an inch and repeat with another butter knife. Then you basically work along the seam until you find a catch then figure out which way you have to twist or pry with the knife to pop the catch.
You might break the first one. If you do then inspect it with a flashlight to see how it works so you don't break the rest.
.

[stj]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

done that - broke them too

i use a smartcard - people in america probably have a spare creditcard instead.

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Thanks for the input.
I figured that was what I needed to do but just wanted to see if there was a "trick" to keep the collateral damage to a minimum.

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

If anyone else has any words of wisdom (or warnings) I would be most appreciative.

Thanks again for the feedback. Very helpful.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Sometimes they have screws underneath the sticker[s].

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

No stickers that I can see.
I really find it hard to believe that Viewsonic would build a case like this with no easy access. They must have an easy-open tool in their factory and service center.

[MDOC]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

OK, so I'm convinced I have bad caps on the PS of my Viewsonic VA912b. Easy enough to fix if I can ever figure how to open the case. No screws visible on back. Back wraps around and comes almost flush to the fromt bezel. Before I try to pry it open I was wondering if someone has figured it out.
Thanks.

I used a putty knife to carefully pry open the bezel at a corner. Once removed, there were six more screws affixing the display to the back case.

I've been told some designs have locking tabs, that if you use the putty knife to push on them, that'll open the enclosure.

Use caution.

edit: The monitor I opened is a different manufacturer monitor from yours.

[stj]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

remove the stand - there can be screws hidden by it.

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

No. Nothing behind the stand.

[PlainBill]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

No. Nothing behind the stand.

Viewsonics tend to be the most difficult monitors to open I've encountered. My process goes something like this:
Remove the stand and any attaching hardware.
Remove any screws holding the two sections of the case together (there may not be any).

There is usually a pronounced groove between the two halves. Examine it carefully to see which part slips over the other. Usually the back slips over a lip on the front.

Starting at the bottom center, slide a thin tool (very small screwdriver, credit card sanded to a sharp edge, or guitar pick sharpened to a point) between the two sections. Work your way towards the corners. You should hear the catches release. Turning the corners often means starting at the center of each side. Once you get the bottom and sides released push to slide the back upward.

PlainBill

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Once again, thanks to all for the great advice. I'll get it open one way or another. Besides there is aways the Sawz-all.

[PlainBill]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Once again, thanks to all for the great advice. I'll get it open one way or another. Besides there is aways the Sawz-all.

A Sawz-all was a 20th century tool. We're in the 21st century. It's time to get a modern tool.

PlainBill

[MDOC]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

A Sawz-all was a 20th century tool. We're in the 21st century. It's time to get a modern tool.

PlainBill

That's overkill. Get a Dremel tool (21 century!)

[Wizard]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Heh.

Cheers, Wizard

[sghill99]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

It looks a lot like a VA1912, I opened two of them today. Take the stand off. Turn the monitor upside down, resting on the top edge. Look at the bottom, there should be several holes/notches that run along the edge (they can be hard to see). These notches run around the the entire monitor. Use a small screwdriver and push through the notches, while turning the screwdriver GENTLY... (don't push the screwdriver down more than about 1/16 of an inch or you will break the plastic Use a 1/2# putty knife after you have done as much work with the screwdriver as you can. It can take a little effort, the plastic is pretty strong, but don't overdue it. Always start at the bottom, the transition to the sides, then the top.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Wouldn't wanna use a hammer for anything either, the design is just too old.

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

I also sent an e-mail to Viewsonic tech support telling them I had an out of warranty VA912b with what is likely bad electrolytics, described the problem and received the reply below. Sounds like they might give me access to that pece of the service manual. I'll let you know what follow with this.i

In the meantime, thanks for your time and great advice. Whether or not Viewsonic comes through I am confident now that I can get this open with minimal damage.
______________________________________________________

Thank you for contacting ViewSonic Technical Support.
The information on how to open the case of your monitor is located in the Service Manual of the monitor and this information is very confidential. An because of that, we will need to create a request for you to have an access on it. I will need to gather some of your required information to complete the request.
Please provide the needed information listed below:
1. Complete name (First and last)
2. Physical Address (Street, state, Zip Code)
3. Serial number (The serial number can usually be found on the back or bottom of your unit and is either 10 or 12 alphanumeric digits. It is on a sticker and labeled S/N:.)
I hope that the above information will be helpful in addressing your concern.
If you have other technical concerns, feel free to contact us again. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist you and for supporting ViewSonic.

[paul_h]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

Don't do it. There's going to be a mysterious car parked outside your home for a few days watching your movements. Then one day you'll come home and the monitor will have vanished!

Seriously though, home appliances are a PITA to open these days, like phones and refrigerators. They are all made to be assembled is 1 sec with hidden plastic clips, but almost impossible to open up without damage.
I fix fridges and the doors/handles/back panels etc is nearly always hard to crack open without damage
Using tough plastic is the best way to pry them open, like an old credit card, or look up a "mobile phone opening tool" which is just a tough plastic wheel with thin edges.

[grampy]

Re: How do I open case of ViewsonicVA912b?

I wasn't waiting for Viewsonic's instructions or permission. Just curious if they will be as helpful as you guys have been.