The webcam ribbon cable stopped working and it seems like the only way I can get a replacement from Framework directly is to purchase an entire FW13 top cover for the one replacement part. I contacted support and they confirmed this:
Sadly, you are right. The webcam cable is not available to purchase alone in our marketplace. It is part of the top cover that should be purchased entirely.
Naturally this is really disappointing for a number of reasons, but wingeing about it isn’t going to fix the problem either. Does anybody have a replacement cable I could buy?
You could possibly replace it with a generic fpc cable with the right pins and pitch. Youd have to verify that it its pins are mapped 1 to 1 with a multimeter. You also would have to measure the length. Youll have to fold it gently as well at least twice.
How many pins?
Same amount of pins on both ends?
Whats the spacing between center of two pins or pitch?
One sided where it connects?
How long is it?
This was my first thought as well. You get cables pretty inexpensively on aliexpress. Though the Kyocera 046809612110846+ connector is for notched cables, these are less common if you’re looking to buy a replacement. A non-notched cable might also work or be made to work. Framework I’m sure goes with notched for a more secure connection.
And do note, it’s merely a custom-made cable, not a proprietary cable.
@mxxivcz Great find on the github, I didn’t think to check there but this is useful info. Thanks for linking it.
I’m not sure it’s worth it to me to search AliExpress for the right cable to fix this, though I concur it would be a good next step if I’m hard-pressed for a solution. At the moment it’s inconvenient but I also don’t regularly use the microphone/webcam on the Framework since it’s quality is lacking in both departments and my phone can sub in for those tasks - but I also don’t like not having access to them in the off-chance I need them. I also concur its shape/length is likely custom and it seems strange they don’t sell it on the marketplace since repairability is a huge part of Framework’s brand identity.
This has also revealed an interesting thing I’ll want to dig into at some point by continuity checking the pins to see which cable runs are broken, but oddly the microphone does not work but the webcam does, and the privacy sliders don’t seem to turn off the webcam at all. I don’t think that’s a problem with the sliders or bezel but I’m not completely sure either, I’d want to mess around with the optical sensors in the webcam module more.
In any case, if somebody finds a compatible cable online or is willing to sell me one please let me know! Thanks
It’s not that hard to find. 12 pins 0.5mm pitch and I am guessing like 250mm+ If you are planning on doing two 90 degree bends then you want one with the connectors on the same side. If you are planning on doing on one bend then you want it with opposite sides.
I would maybe do some measuring of the original cable length and see what it is.
My microphone stopped working, it started failing at some hinge-angles when opening the screen, until it completely stopped , I’m also in the look of an spare cable or old top cover, in the meanwhile, I’m using a external USB camera (with mic) or Bluetooth earbuds.
I can’t tell after taking my bezel off with the screen installed. It could be soldered to the harness but I am not sure. Someone that has the screen off is going to have to take a look. Or someone would have to ask framework.
