(I originally posted this in the 2G hardware forum but I think it is better suited here, sorry for the double post)

I'll try to keep this short and easy to read. A friend gave me his old bricked phone...

Phone info
Bootloader: v3.6
Latest Working Firmware: 1.1.2

Problem
The phone shows no signs of life, is not detected by either PC or Mac computer with either iTunes or iBrickr. All attempts to enter recovery or DFU mode have had no effect.

Cause
My friend said the phone became unresponsive while he was trying to reinstall firmware 1.1.2 with the ZiPhone 1.1.2 command line tool. This was back in January, 08. He said that the first time he used ZiPhone it worked well, he used the phone for a week with no problems, then he tried to do the process again to refresh the install and the phone hasn't worked since.

Does anyone have any suggestions to try reviving the phone (either hardware or software related)?

Thanks!

If the phone fails to enter DFU mode, then it is definitely a hardware issue. It may be just the comm board, but your logic board could be no good as well. It's hard to tell until you get the comm board replaced. It's hard to believe that unlocking tools would cause the phone to go completely dead. It may mess up the baseband processor, but shouldn't prevent the phone from at least powering up. But then again, who knows?
The good news is, it's cheaper to replace the comm board & logic board than it is to replace a broken screen. If anything, you could sell your phone for a decent price if you don't want to get it repaired.

Originally Posted by tony604

If the phone fails to enter DFU mode, then it is definitely a hardware issue. It may be just the comm board, but your logic board could be no good as well. It's hard to tell until you get the comm board replaced. It's hard to believe that unlocking tools would cause the phone to go completely dead. It may mess up the baseband processor, but shouldn't prevent the phone from at least powering up. But then again, who knows?
The good news is, it's cheaper to replace the comm board & logic board than it is to replace a broken screen. If anything, you could sell your phone for a decent price if you don't want to get it repaired.

I'm planning to order a spudger and the ipod opener tools.. is there any way to know which of the boards is broken after the phone is open? or just trial and error replacement?

where is the best place to buy those boards? So far I've only found the logic board on ifixit and ebay for $115 - $140ish.

EDIT: I'll probably just buy a cracked screen iPhone instead of the replacement boards.. SOOO much cheaper! wish me luck!

Those tools are actually pretty useless to open the iPhone. It's the hardest piece of electronics (2G iPhone) I've ever opened. Don't underestimate how hard it can be. Look on the net for as much info about opening it as you can, and leave yourself a few hours to do so. It is very easy to damage the casing when opening it, so take your time.

BTW, there's usually no obvious signs telling you whether the circuit board is working or not.

Originally Posted by tony604

Those tools are actually pretty useless to open the iPhone. It's the hardest piece of electronics (2G iPhone) I've ever opened. Don't underestimate how hard it can be. Look on the net for as much info about opening it as you can, and leave yourself a few hours to do so. It is very easy to damage the casing when opening it, so take your time.

BTW, there's usually no obvious signs telling you whether the circuit board is working or not.

What tools would you recommend for opening the phone? I was planning to buy these two:

Metal Spudger - iFixit

iPod Opening Tools - iFixit

What do you think of those? Anything else you would recommend?

.. Also, this is the guide I was planning to follow, your thoughts?

Installing iPhone 1st Gen. Communications Board

Thanks for your input!