Microphone cable disconnects

Community Support
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Dear community,

I have run into a slight issue with my Framework 16’s microphone, which seems to be linked to the mainboard connector. Sometimes, it seems as though the internal microphone cable gets disconnected, leading to loud pops, crackles, static noise, or pure silence. To fix this issue, I have to press down on the area where the eDP and camera connectors are located (according to the schematic), which makes the microphone work again.

I have tried reseating both of those cables, which fixed the issue for approximately 3 months, but then it returned. Both the camera and the display work perfectly, so I was wondering if there are any other troubleshooting steps I could try, or if I should just contact support? I use arch btw.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

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Sort of just depends on what you’d prefer. If you’d rather fix it yourself or not. On one hand, a new part would be nice, on the other hand, going through troubleshooting with support could be more effort & time. I might contact support, due to the fact that the webcam cable is not available separately. frame.work/marketplace/?search=webcam. If you eventually need a new cable, you have to buy a new top cover…

Oh wait, in that case, :face_with_monocle: eh I’d maybe just open it up, push the connector down firmly and put some high temperature hot glue on either side so the thing stays. Isopropyl alcohol will cause hot glue to release if & when you ever need to remove it, & 95%+ isopropyl is normally just fine on circuit boards. People use it to clean flux and after liquid spills to remove residue and moisture. YMMV, no warranty express or implied, not responsible for triggering nuclear war, etc, etc.

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This sounds to me as though the connector has dry solder joints. I would suggest you get hold of support for a replacement board unless you feel confident enough with a soldering iron to try touching up the joints. I take it from the description that it is a flat cable connector which is not for the faint hearted to tackle, but do-able with a fine iron tip, some solder wick and fine fresh solder.

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