Re: Call volume dropping
 

Today, I have mailed my N900 with the call volume drop issue to the Nokia service center in Huntsville, Alabama. I will update you on how this will turn out.

Also, I would like to know how many people from the United States have this issue? Please post a reply if you're experiencing call volume drop and are in the USA.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I was told by nokia there was corrupt software on my n900. I guess by that they meant up-to-date firmware. They reflashed my n900 back to PR 1.1 (2.2009-51-1) and everything is working fine. I will re-update to PR 1.1.1 and see how things fare....

update
After installing PR 1.1.1 (3.2010.02-8) the issue seems to have been corrected. There was a two second period where the caller and I couldn't hear each other after I changed the volume, but I'm not sure if it was just coencidence or not. For now, I am going to say that the issue has been resolved.

to clarify
the issue was resolved after receiving my unit back from nokia's repair center. The above update was included to highlight the fact that firmware didn't seem to have an effect on this issue (in my case).

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I haven't reflashed anything, but after PR 1.1.1 this problem got solved for me. Haven't noticed any more volume dropping.

So again seems to be divided that for some people it's loose cabling and for others software?

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I take that back. A few hours later and the problem has resurfaced. I love how Nokia customer care really doesn't.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I can confirm this problem too. Got a N900 in December, had no problems before and after the update to PR1.1. However, the problem started to occur after the update to PR1.1.1.

It does not occur when switching to the speaker or using my BT headset.

It's really annoying since the problem occurs almost every time someone calls.

jinx

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I took my phone to the Nokia Care Point here in Helsinki two weeks ago, because the phone had become quite unusable due to the frequent volume dropping during the calls. I got the phone back last week and after that it has been working ok - no volume dropping during calls anymore. According to the receipt they had changed the earpiece speaker part of the phone. No reflashing had been done.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

This is an UPDATE to my original post on Feb.24th,2010

I have sent my Nokia N900 for call volume dropping issue on February 24th (Nokia's Huntsville, Alabama repair center) and got the following e-mail from Nokia support today:

"Your device, serial number356938030297..., has been updated with the following status:

A replacement Nokia N900 device, serial number 35693803106...., has been shipped for your original Nokia N900 device, serial number 35693803029...., under Nokia's replacement program. Your device was shipped via shipping vendor on Tue Mar 02 00:00:00 GMT 2010.

Thank you very much for being a valued Nokia Customer!"

I didn't think they would replace my N900 and didn't save my images and music( If you send your phone for repair - always make sure you back up your data.

UPDATE:

Got my phone today. I have updated my new N900 to the latest firmware and so far the call volume during calls has been perfect. I'm keeping my fingers crossed:)

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I have called Nokia again, this time demanding a replacement phone after already having sent in my N900 oncde and receiving it in the same condition that I sent it in + reflashed.(Did this Friday). They escalated the issue and stated they would have someone contact me within 48 business hours.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

i have now also tested to press my phone near speaker when talking, and so far it seems to help. Have to test some more though.

its definitely related to harware issue at the "earspeaker" it really helps when you push device from both sides from the corner where led is. im taking my phone to nokia care after easter lets see what they can do it.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I've started having same issue recently and initially I've been inclined to believe it's a software-related issue (happening on both PR1.1 and PR1.1.1), however reading this thread and #6063 entry in bugzilla, I'm getting into hardware-related mood, unfortunately. I just did couple of quick tests, by making a call and pressing device hardly against my ear, which invoked crackling noise and volume fading up/down. Not good. :|

I will try to visit Nokia service centre at Oxford St. in CPW store in London sometime this week asking them to try make a fix on the spot, using instructions from the other thread, but frankly I doubt they'll do it (I've already had not very nice experience with them in regards to my E71 repair). On the other hand, I might try to do the fix myself, however I'm not sure whether I'm that adventurous. ;)

All in all, it seems to be hw-related bug, unfortunately... :(

UPDATE:
Got earpiece in my N900 replaced under warranty moments ago - so far so good, there's no crackling sound when pressing phone against my ear, which is promising. However, I'd need to wait a bit longer and use phone more to see whether fading out volume issue is totally gone.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Have you experienced volume call dropping problem since u have got your phone back?

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Nope, not even once over past 4 days since I've got phone repaired. Conclusion seems to be quite obvious by now.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I have received my phone back after sending it to Nokia for the second time. They again sent it back without repairing a thing and only flashing the firmware (and after being informed that they would be sending me a replacement phone).

I am now told that in order to receive a replacement, I should (for the third time) send my phone in for evaluation before they coudl determine whether or not it qualified to be replaced. I am also told that they could find no faults with the phone and that it had to be an issue with one of the settings -- if it were an issue with one of the settings, then a factory reset should have resolved this issue, and it hasn't.

At this point, I'm beginning to regret purchasing this device. While I absolutely adore it for what it can do, I've never in my life had so much trouble with techncial nor customer suport.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

that sucks! have you mailed this thread to them? :)

I took my phone to repair today, they have queue from week to one and half week. Then we see if they got my phone fixed.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I have taken the liberty of installing recaller onto my phone. I have spoken with Nokia (Palco) once again, answering very specific questions, some of which (and their answers) being:

Q: Would you agree that in a previous conversation between you and I that you promised I would get a brand new N900, not the same defective phone back?
A: Yes.

Q: Can you explain to me then, why I am speaking on the same defective unit instead of a replacement?
A: ** rambles on about how they can send me a replacement now if I send my phone in, etc, avoiding the question all together **

Q: If I send in my phone, for what is now the third time, are you saying that without a question, I am guaranteed to get a brand new device?
A: Yes

The above are slightly paraphrased from memory because I'm too lazy to suffer through that nearly hour long call unless absolutely neccessary. If I end up receiving the same phone back in the same condition I will release the recording and update the questions verbatim.

Yaay going another week without my phone!

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Let`s hope for the best :)

Re: Call volume dropping
 

After almost a week of having my replacement (which actually is a replacement this time) I have experienced no more call volume issues. In fact, I was worried some other issue would spawn, but none have. While I still think Nokia customer/technical care is attrocious, I am finally satisfied with my N900.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I just fetch my N900 from service and make one call and everything is fine. Have to make some more calls though.

They change earphone in my phone.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Well I've been following this bugreport closely and it seems that there are two variations of this problem.

The first is that it is a hardware problem (for which I took mine in and got it repaired) and a second software problem.

I think most people suffer from the former problem, and I think it has got something to do simply with the way the N900 was designed. The earpiece is very suceptible to malfunction and overall the volume in the earpiece seems to be really low.

So I think that this is a problem we're stuck with, with everyone suffering from it more or less. That is unless Nokia raises the volume through software somehow (should be possible, right?).

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I have been having this problem as well.

I reflashed my device to attempt to fix it and that didnt work.

I have noticed that my earpiece on my N900 seems like it has dust and other various things in it. Perhaps it has some residue from my Invisible Armor in it as well.

Can anyone recommend a way to clean out the earpiece on the phone without damaging it?

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Air duster.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Okay ill give that a shot.

Thanks!

Re: Call volume dropping
 

exact the same happens to me, sounds more s/w related or to the proximity sensor s/w to me as pulling away from ear and utting it back sometimes fixes it for me

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Alright i cleaned out my Speaker and that didn't seem to fix the issue.

I did attempt (lightly)"squeezing" the n900 and shaking it around a bit in my hand when i noticed the volume drop.

Much to my surprise this actually worked! I have not had any volume issues since.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Mine seems to be on incoming rather than outgoing calls. Seems random...

Re: Call volume dropping
 

My phone has the similar problem, volume dropping in and out. :( I just sent my phone to Nokio for repair. Lets see what the results are. Hopefully they will fix the problem or send me a new one.

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I'm suffering from this problem - what was the outcome of sending to Nokia? New phone/repair?

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I can confirm it's faulty hardware.

I had my screen and mic replaced and the issue has gone.

The techies seemed to think the screen was faulty and that compressed the spring on the mic. Once uncompressed the spring wasn't allowing the connection to stay hence the volume dropping...

Not had the problem since...

I can recommend Essex Cellular after a number of good experiences with them for people that live in Essex or East London...

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I just got my phone back and the f'ing bastards didn't do anything to my phone. I have complained about the volume fading and a small bright white splotch on the screen, clearly visible when the LCD is white. An attached letter part of the return saying they only fixed the "Display LCD Failure" and how they fixed it was by "Software and Phone Reset." I did that already!! The volume levels still fade and the screen still has a small blotch. This will be fix! I'm going to complain AGAIN. :mad:

Re: Call volume dropping
 

I had called Nokia and complained how the problems was not fix. With my complaint, it was forwarded to the Quality Service Manager. A few days later I received a call back from the Quality Service Manager discussing my problems with the speaker and display and how it was not addressed properly. I sent my phone back in directly to the QS Manager on the 6/18 and got it back one week later. They fix speaker and replace the display screen. I have used it for a week and everything appears to be working good. I am pretty satisfied now. :)

Re: Call volume dropping
 

Mine does this too. I thought it was a hardware issue as I can bang it against my head during the call and sometimes it will fix it for a little bit. Very intermittent.

Danielz - did you pay for the repair or send it off under a warranty type of thing?