Marcin CieślakSep 22, 2018
My VAIO tale - the thing on the left, a complete Vaio Z with bells and whistles seems to be dead.
On the right - a piece of junk I pulled of eBay for 40 euro as MBX-147 motherboard is perfectly working piece from Sony VAIO SZ series. I also have a full SZ laptop in a pretty bad optical condition, that is also perfectly OK.
Show threadMarcin CieślakSep 22, 2018
On the bottom side of the SZ series (SZ was cheaper but powerful at the time, Z was a high-end expensive one) one can see that after removing few screws one had full access to the heat stink and the replacement of a thermal grease is a breeze! I wrongly assumed that doing the same on the Z series will be easy, too. (There are many similarities in how those models are built). Unfortunately, I would have to completely remove the motherboard to apply new grease.
Show threadMarcin CieślakSep 22, 2018
I gave up when I started to try to disconnect and reconnect ugly tiny FEC connector which is glued. (Pointed to on the first pic by a screwdriver). On the other picture it is clear that SZ (the cheaper series) has a relatively large and easy to lift latches. This particular connector probably belongs to the 3G modem, which is why I like this particular model - it can be used like a tablet or smartphone virtually anywhere online. #vaiotale @HowIBrokeMyLaptop
Show threadMarcin CieślakSep 22, 2018
Even if this, possibly non-essential, connector is broken, it will reduce the utility of this box (yes I know I can tether to an iPad or my feature phone). But there is another piece in those two models that caught my attention. #VAIOtale #HowIBrokeMyLaptop
Show threadMarcin CieślakSep 22, 2018

Both models feature a tiny 30 pin debug connector that seems to provide a direct access to embedded controller and it's firmware. Maybe it is even possible to feed firmware on its own? The embedded controller is a small chip that controls the inner life of the computer. VAIOs use Renesas H8/2117 processors that are pretty powerful and independent, making the machine to boot and work fast. This functionality is provided on newer laptops by the controversial Intel #ManagementEngine.

#VAIOtale

Show threadMarcin CieślakSep 22, 2018
If anyone knows how to make a cable that matches that connector I would be grateful. Learning the embedded controller internals may lead to many interesting discoveries and improvements. I think the counterpart plus is easy available, I have no idea how to make a working cable out of this. Previous post includes photo and schematics of the connector. #VAIOtale

And, how my #HowIBrokeMyLaptop experience shows, I should stay away from hardware work :)
Show threadThomas B. RückerSep 22, 2018
@saper Rx/TX is likely a debug UART. Could be interesting to look for output on the TX pin. Either tack on enamel wire directly using a SMD soldering iron or fashion something out of a corresponding plug.
Given that this is Sony, this is going to be pretty locked down though.
Show threadMarcin Cieślak
@tbr yes, I was thinking about ordering some plugs but I have no idea how to connect anything to them given its tiny size. I don't solder at all so SMD soldering is another league. There seems to be an UART and I guess possibility to feed the board firmware remotely instead of a built in flash.
Sep 22, 2018 at 6:37pmWeb