The $12 Touchpad Experiment

cptskippy · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:15 pm **Posts:** 44

So just like most of you I've been gnashing my teeth with Sentellic touchpad that MSI used in place of the Synaptics goodness. lozza69er was kind enough to provide a link(pdf) to a product order sheet for Wind components. After a little googling the Synaptics part # referenced in that parts form (TM61PUZG336) I found a page from Asus Europe that bore the part number TM61P-336A. Researching that part put me on Asus America's components ordering page which has a module that looks surprisingly like the Touchpad Module from the MSI Wind parts form. It was nice of Asus to offer an enlarged image of that part because when you take a look at it you can clearly see the original Synaptics Part number TM61PUZG336.

The touchpad module is $8 plus $5 for FexEx Ground shipping. I'll post a followup when I receive the module and let you all know if it works or not. If it does then we'll have a relatively cheap if not invasive and warranty voiding solution to the Sentellics touchpad issue!

drunkenmaster · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:13 pm

Hi!

Awesome! Can't wait for more info on the project. If it works, it's way more worth than $12

Keep us updated

murphquake · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:47 pm

I thought they switched to the Sentilics because of problems with the Synaptics models? Does this have the mouse button(s) too? I'd Imagine not, but if it facilitated going to two buttons over the one of most current winds I'd consider switching just for that.

dxmiller · **Joined:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:16 am **Posts:** 7

Funny, I thought of the same thing just recently -- got the Asus 04G110002400 / TM61P-336a touchpad and installed it today. It works! The tricky part is removing the sentelic pad as they are glued to the case. Gently work it loose with a plastic knife ( and maybe a tiny bit of hot air / drop of isopropyl alcohol ) instead of trying to pry it off by hand. You may also need a piece of vinyl tape to replicate the one on the sentelic when you put on the foil grounding tape. The foil tape should only make contact with one square spot on the PCB. Also remember to remove the keyboard from the top before opening up the bottom.

The cable fits exactly and since the touchpad surface is part of the case no one can tell you've changed it.

The buttons are not part of the touchpad and are located on the mainboard.

GsRb0i · **Posted:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:48 am

was it hard to do I think the community would appreciate a how-to on the procedure.

shenaniganz08 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:43 pm

did it work though ? how solid is the install ?

cptskippy · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:15 pm **Posts:** 44

dxmiller wrote:

Funny, I thought of the same thing just recently...

Awesome! Thanks for the tips. I'm excited and relieved and also disappointed that I wasn't the first to figure it out!

I'll be sure to take a lot of photos when I perform the upgrade and I'll post everything so it's clear to everyone else. I'm glad to hear the interface ribbon matches, that was my primary concern.

cptskippy · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:15 pm **Posts:** 44

murphquake wrote:

I thought they switched to the Sentilics because of problems with the Synaptics models? Does this have the mouse button(s) too? I'd Imagine not, but if it facilitated going to two buttons over the one of most current winds I'd consider switching just for that.

No, they switched to save money. Synaptics is the Mercedes of touchpad technology and Sentillics is the Hyundai. It was purely a cost cutting measure.

I'm psyched, I always find myself trying to scroll the Synaptics way and then cursing Sentillics and MSI.

dxmiller · **Joined:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:16 am **Posts:** 7

it works with full synaptics driver functionality with side scroll, etc. We're just swapping in a part they originally supported so there shouldn't be any functional issues.

it's harder than just popping in a new wifi/hd/ram, there is some potential for damaging the case/touchpad when removing the sentelic. I didn't do this but I'm guessing using alcohol on the edges of the touchpad before trying to pry might reduce this risk. Only thought of this afterwards when cleaning up the adhesive.

sorry about that cptskippy, was just too

after it worked.

more pictures

URPREY · **Joined:** Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:45 am **Posts:** 11

I have been waiting to see this mod!!! I just ordered mine with 2nd day shipping. I can't wait to do this - it's the only issue I've had with my Wind that's made me want to sell it.

I have to wonder - how much money could MSI be saving if the Synaptics touchpad is only $8 retail anyway???

cptskippy · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:15 pm **Posts:** 44

Random thought concerning the Sentelic touchpad I'll have extra after my upgrade.

Does anyone know what interface/protocol the touchpad uses to talk to the system? That ribbon cable looks like it has at least 2x more pins than PS/2 or USB.

I'm wondering if it could be rigged to be an external mouse for something.

dxmiller · **Joined:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:16 am **Posts:** 7

There are 12 lines there and since they are the same between the two, http://www.synaptics.com/developers/manuals might be helpful.

nm3th · **Joined:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:49 am **Posts:** 3

Thanks for posting the links OP. dxmiller, thanks for posting the pics. :toast:

I just placed an order and will be performing the swap when it gets in. I have a feeling that ASUS is going to make money on us wind owners. It's a shame MSi cheapened out on this. :grr:

txcas · **Joined:** Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:14 pm **Posts:** 25

What kind of glue are you using to set the Synaptics touchpad after removing the Sentellic touchpad?

dxmiller · **Joined:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:16 am **Posts:** 7

It comes pre-applied with 3M adhesive, just remove the backing paper when ready to install:

txcas · **Joined:** Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:14 pm **Posts:** 25

Thank you.

cellarboy · **Joined:** Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:06 pm **Posts:** 2

How do you get to the touchpad? Do you have to remove the PCB, or is there a way to remove just the top portion of the case?

shenaniganz08 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:48 am

cellarboy wrote:

How do you get to the touchpad? Do you have to remove the PCB, or is there a way to remove just the top portion of the case?

You probably shouldn't attempt this mod if you have to ask a question like that :brickwall:

OP you are awesome.

I just finished my DIY for two buttons

hacks-and-mods/two-button-mousepad-success-t5992.html

I think we have the perfect combination mod

a) replace sentilect mouspad with synaptic
b) cut buttons in half, install springs underneath

:toast:

URPREY · **Joined:** Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:45 am **Posts:** 11

I posted this mod on Mobility Today. Nice job guys!

http://mobilitytoday.com/news/msi_wind_hardware_hack.html

denis.french · **Posted:** Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:21 am

Hey, what's with Asus USA only shipping to the US and Canada?

Here's an opportunity for someone over there: there is a significant difference between the price for this at asusparts.eu and at Asus USA's online store.

Perhaps some enterprising individual could set up an eBay store for us deprived non-North American types that are obviously not to be trusted (at least not by Asus USA)?

In the meantime, if anyone is willing to make a few bucks sending me two of these to Australia, please PM me

Denis.

The $12 Touchpad Experiment

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