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Second generation of iPhone. Model A1241 / 8 or 16 GB capacity / black or white plastic back. Repair is more straightforward than the first iPhone. requires screwdrivers, prying, and suction tools.

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Good 3g reception, no edge

I received an iPhone from a friend's boyfriend a few days ago. The phone has problems, but I like a challenge. I was told he tried to replace the dock connector, and when he put it back together it had problems. I think I've already ordered everything I need to fix all of the problems except this one. I live in a town with no 3g coverage, were still on Edge. Most of the time the phone shows a very weak signal, or no service. Occasionally if I leave it in one place for a few hours, it will get a strong signal and I can text. I took the phone with me into the city yesterday, where there is 3g coverage, and it worked perfectly all day. I had a strong signal and was able to access 3g internet and text. I am already replacing the dock connector again (as he tore the microphone ribbon cable while installing it, and the assembly is incredibly cheap). I believe the antenna is located in the dock connector, so would this fix the problem?

Steps taken:

Reset phone

Reset network settings

Restored in iTunes twice (without restoring back up)

Reinserted Sim Card multiple times

The parts to fix the home button won't be in for another two weeks, so I am not able to enter DFU mode.

Thank you for your help.

Edit: I thought I should include a list of all the problems in case it is related to something else.

Shutter won't open in camera app - ordered replacement camera (and tried restoring, ect)

Home button ribbon connector was damaged - ordered replacement (works when you connect the contacts on the dock connector)

Mic ribbon cable ripped in corner, very muffled mic - dock connector assembly ordered

Wifi and GPS appear to work perfectly, and the battery holds a charge nicely. The back cover is cracked around the headphone jack, sleep button and mic mesh - A replacement back was ordered too.

Thanks again!

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hello sir,i'm sure your phone is hardware problem.

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Is it most likely to be the antenna or the logic board? Is the antenna part of the docking connector assembly?

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the antenna is the yellow/orange flex that covers the entire back of the dock assembly. it connects to the motherboard via a small pin. It seems that is the weak spot on these things, and it's easy to ruin the antenna trying to pry it out

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take a look at the way the dock connector makes contact with the motherboard. It has a small yellow metal pin in the bottom right corner.. so make sure the screw over this area on the motherboard is on snuggly, there is also a yellow metal prong on the motherboard which connects to the bezel of the rear case to help the antenna (which as you guessed is the plastic/flex on the back of the dock connector) so.. antenna on dock connects via metal pin and then prong.. sometimes if people are a little exuberant in removing the motherboard from the case they bend that bottom corner of the board so it doesnt sit on the dock pin well/and partially damage the metal threads in the board. If you have checked all else/replaced dock, you might like to flip the board over and scrape the plastic off the metal trace from back of antenna prong and examine it. I will try and upload a photo of a repair I did recently on that area..it really is simple-just tinning over the trace and we regained signal.(sorry my camera has been borrowed) there is also a photo online http://www.mauron.net/iphonerepair which I used as a guide. Hope this helps

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Thank you very much! I know I didn't check the metal prong after I removed the motherboard. I have to replace the dock connector anyway because of the mic (I decided it wasn't something I wanted to try soldering on after seeing the price difference between the mic and the whole piece). I will check everything you mentioned, and I'll take pics too in case anyone has the same problem.

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Ryan O will be eternally grateful.
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