MLX-10D keypad locks up 1

[padraigf]

I've been having some interesting problems where the keypad on a MLX-10P stops working. Not one of the buttons works if pushed...

It has happened now to several phones and there are no entries in the system error logs.

Legend Release 7.0 (10.?) I believe is the version.

 

[gregarican]

There is a known issue with Merlin MLX phones having an oxidized flex board underneath the keypads. They get "fried" and no longer respond. Certain groups of these MLX releases are definitely suspect.

Our sites go through a phone every month or two. You can replace the flex boards yourself or else order replacement phones. Any refurbs in the release range would be something I'd steer away from.

I used to think it was power surges or other electrical glitches, but here's a referring post below from this board. Hope this helps!

Look for this as search criteria...


MLX-10DP/20L Keypads stop working
thread689-84909

 

[padraigf]

Thanks, that explains it the problem. They are older phones.

 

[netcon1]

You have the imfamous flexboard problem that is associated with MLX phones.

The a/b/c/d versions of those phones use what is called a flex board. A mylar circuit board inside.

That flexboard is probably overheating or oxidizing causing bad connections on the touch pads and the edge connectors.

Some have suggested that they need to be replaced, however, if you are technically inclined, you can fix the flex board with.....an eraser!!!...Yes and eraser!!!!!

It is up to you, however, what I do is:
1. Disconnect the mlx phone from the system
2. Remove the back plates of the phone
3. Unscrew the back cover..(This voids any warranty!!)
4. Unclip the flexboard connecters from the main circuit
board.
5. Remove the main circuit board and gain access to the
flexboard below it.
6. Remove the flexboard and place it on a clean desk.
7. You will notice the exposed touch pad areas are darkened
8. you will also notice the ends of the flexboard where
they plug into the above circuit board darkened or
oxidized as well.
9. Also notice the tiny led's on the circuit board. If you
knock them off with the eraser or with you finger, the
board is toast!!! so be careful. (you will need a
special glue to reattach them)
10. using the eraser on the back of a pencil or one of the
white plastic erasers for drafting, erase or clean the
exposed contacts for the button pads and the edge
connecters that go into the circuit board above.
WATCH the LED's!!!!
11. Once all the circuit pads and the edge connectors on
the flexboard are cleaned, they will look grey or
shiney.
12. Carefully insert the flexboard and other components
back into the phone and re-assemble. Make sure all
flexboard connecters are insert back into the proper
connecters on the above circuit board and close it up.
connect to phone system and test all buttons.
13. This should fix the chronic problem with these sets.
for at least another year or so.

The alternative is to talk to Mike Sandman at

http://www.sandman.com

and order new flexboards from him to insert in the phone.

Hope this helps!!!

It is not hard to do and can be done by anyone really.
Just remember the void warranty if any, and the fact that if it is a refurbished telephone, the repair guys, may or may not have cleaned the edge connectors and just the pads.

Couldn't hurt!!!!

Netcon1

 

[padraigf]

Thanks, the erasor is a good idea to clean the connections. I haven't taken any of these phones apart to do more than just a cosmetic cleanup (they were purchased used -- no warrenty to worry about) but I'll give them a once over to clean them up inside/out and see how long they last till it corrodes again.