Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovekobo
I moved to Kobo Libra 2 from Kobo Clara and thought of doing the same sdcard upgrade that I did with the Kobo Clara. Turns out it wasn't as easy in Kobo Libra 2 due to the waterproof coating around the sdcard in Libra 2. In my first attempt I follow some of the suggestions on the internet using hot air gun to melt the coating and jiggle out the sdcard but I ended up damaging the card and have to buy a replacement unit.
In my second attempt I tried different approach and succeeded. Therefore I want to share with people how I did it for those who want to give it a go. But please remember, you are doing this at your own risk.
In my second attempt instead of melting the coating I forced the card out with the coating intact hoping that the coating get torn off the PCB board in the process and make it easier to slot in the new card.
The first step was to turn off your kobo first. Then separate the sdcard from the top part of the slot by inserting a very thin metal (I used a very thin screwdriver) between the upper side of the card and the slot. This will make pushing out the card easier having removed the resistance from top part, leaving only the sides and bottom parts.
Attachment 195895
The next step was to push the card out from the tiny hole at the bottom side of the socket. I used a very sturdy and good quality SIM card pin (from the fruit brand phone). Be careful not to damage other components of the PCB while you are doing this. The key here is to be firm and steady when you apply the force to push the card out. Make sure the pin is pushing against the card and not the PCB board.
Attachment 195896
Once you have pushed out the card remember to clean it using 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove the residual coating before inserting it into your sdcard reader. I didn't do it during my first attempt and ruined my sdcard reader as result. Once you have cleaned it then mirror copy the card to your new card, apply the necessary steps to manage the partition etc. There's plenty of internet guide on how to do this part so I won't repeat them here.
Once you have the new card prepared just insert them into the slot and boot up your kobo.
The next step is optional, if you want to maintain the waterproof feature of your kobo you can use a chemical called Conformal Coating that is designed for electronic components to coat the sdcard and socket. This will protect it against moisture just like how it was before. I applied 3 coatings to it, leaving a transparent coat over the sdcard and socket.
Attachment 195897
Photo of the sdcard with the coating, can't really see it under normal lighting other than some parts being shiny.
Attachment 195898
Below is the photo of the coating under black light, since my coating has UV tracing.
Attachment 195900
The result after the sdcard was swapped.
Attachment 195899 |
well done for managing to do it on the 2nd attempt all be it having to buy a new Libra 2. also thank you for confirming why i don't like waterproof ereader's using SD cards.
best wishes koboy
