Take It Apart dot net » Interface Devices

Optical Mouse

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch — Sat, 05 May 2007 08:21:45 +0000

TakeItApart.net is pleased to announce a new image viewing system: Flash slideshows.

The first disassembly guide presented in this way is one of an optical mouse.

You can see it by clicking the photograph below.

Generic Wireless Gamecube Controller

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 23:00:07 +0000

This is the P.e.l.i.c.a.n. wireless controller for use with the Nintendo Gamecube.

Brand name version to follow, sometime in the future.

The first step in the disassembly process of the controller, is to flip it over, and remove
the four screws located along the bottom of the controller.

There is on screw that is somewhat hidden, and to find it you must remove the battery plate along the bottom of the controller. It is located in the lower half of the battery area.

Now you can safely separate the two halves of the controller, but be careful, as there is a wire that connects the two sections, and tearing it will render the controller useless.

To remove the PCB, you must find and remove the screws located on its face.
They are all clearly visible, and removing them is not difficult.

Now, upon removing of the main PCB, you’ll notice that the rumble unit is still in the face of the controller. There is little more you can do to take this apart, but these steps should be sufficient to clean it out, or remove a broken piece, that is shaking around inside it.

You can also remove the pads on the two joysticks, and the switch covers
come off with a little force as well.

There you have it, another device dismantled, and in no time flat. Congratulations!
As mentioned above, the Wavebird, will be disassembled in the future.

Apple Keyboard

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 07:22:28 +0000

Xbox Controller S

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 07:30:51 +0000

This is a standard “small” xBox controller.

Most console controllers (of other makes) are similar in the way they are assembled. The Xbox Controller S uses all Phillips head screws, and is easy to take apart.

The first step is simple, turn the controller over, and there are six spots where screws are located. There is also another hidden behind the silver sticker on back center of the controller. Remove these screws to separate the two halves.

After removing the back, the PCB, rumble motors, and other components are accessible.

When the controller is closed, the PCB is normally sandwiched between the two halves. After the back of the controller is removed the PCB can be lifted out easily.

The control sticks and data ports can be removed for easy cleaning.

The buttons can also be removed.

N64 Controller

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 07:28:39 +0000