[Kpa2727]

Ok so heres what I got so far. This will be a work in progress since I need a collaberative effort so I don't destroy my new N7.

So what are we starting with? a 8 gig N7

The goal? internally install a micro Sd card 32 gb with upgrade to 64 gb in th future.

Why? Because I can.

Questions i need answered,

Will it charge? It's a tough call, i need more hardware info first

Will this void warrenty? you betcha

Will this risk destroying my tablet? OHHHH yea Experts only!

Do you need drivers? No , This should work just like OTG but internal, using the App Stick Mount.

My background is a huge collection of controller building modding, console building and so on.

So what's the game plan? Take a micro sd card reader, strip it then solder it into the Usb plugs data and power connections. By doing this I feel I would bypass any jumper needs for charging or switching since the card will not physically occupy the slot.

So drop your thoughts below, Scroll down fro pics on progress and thoughts.

From IFixit, the usb micro port i need to solder into.

Update 7/28::

Did you think this was dead? NAhhhhhhh

I been busy getting my health in order and waiting on my OTG for testing

Progress::

Heres some of the biggest issues i have been figureing out and i've solved just about all.

I've decided on Cat 5 ethernet type of wire for my solder joints, this should keep everything thin since there is no room inside for anything extra.

I've decided to place the sd card just behind the audio jack, this should provide enough room without damage to anything.

forum member Snow02 has been a big help so far in testing mounting and charging configurations, it looks like the Sd card will mount but not charge while mounting, but unmount qand it charges, this works fine for me since i don't plan to be ever plugged in with the sd mounted. I won't fully know till I solder in it. This could be a kernal issue that can be solved with software i'd have to assume, I'm not a Dev so I can't be sure.

Also i'm trying to find out if you can force apps to install to a stick mounted Sd card, it be a great help if someone can input on this since it's my final hurdle.

Once this is solved i can up the 8 gig nexus to a whoping 32-64 gig permantly.

Stay tuned !

 

[nhat]

1. Why not just use a USB-OTG cable?
2. Do you have a Squaretrade warranty?

 

[Kpa2727]

I have only mfg warranty and the point being, carrying no extra parts.

 

[dadsterflip]

I'd be interested in this lol.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Kpa2727]

I'm pretty sick , I came down with tonsilitus last night, so doctors tomorrow but i'll see what I can do when i'm better.

 

[robinthecity]

What about the pogo port dots on the external casing? They should offer a USb interface, no? Hope ur Tonsils are back down

Best

 

[Thorn11166]

Wonder if someone will make a case that uses the pogo pins to add a usb slot or sd slot... Can dream can't i

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[throwbot]

Wonder if someone will make a case that uses the pogo pins to add a usb slot or sd slot... Can dream can't i

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

That, my friend, is actually quite a sick idea

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[jabsys]

This could be a cool project if it works, I'd certainly like a 64gb N7 but I don't think my soldering skills are upto it, good luck.

 

[Kpa2727]

WEll I been away but I did recieve my new soldering Iron and Went at it, It's too delicate to solder to every usb pin. I tried and if i went any further i'd destroy the N7. The connector is a fine line, u have to balence, heat flux and solder. the connectors are bonded to wire which is sandwiched between plastic. get it too hot and it will melt. On to the pogo pins. I noticed the pogo pis are 4 pins so technically that would be the USB interface. without a pinout though I can't be sure, i have tried to hold the usb wires on them and mount but no luck yet. I plan to tinker with it. I am better now but need surgery. thanks for the wishes,i'll keep everyone updated when i get into it more.

 

[frenetic]

WEll I been away but I did recieve my new soldering Iron and Went at it, It's too delicate to solder to every usb pin. I tried and if i went any further i'd destroy the N7. The connector is a fine line, u have to balence, heat flux and solder. the connectors are bonded to wire which is sandwiched between plastic. get it too hot and it will melt. On to the pogo pins. I noticed the pogo pis are 4 pins so technically that would be the USB interface. without a pinout though I can't be sure, i have tried to hold the usb wires on them and mount but no luck yet. I plan to tinker with it. I am better now but need surgery. thanks for the wishes,i'll keep everyone updated when i get into it more.

POGO pins are: +5v, audio right, audio left, ground (not in that order) so there's no data transfer there

 

[Cannonball_CO]

Good luck, it would be a nice modification. Have you considered the alternate approach, that is, replacing the Kingston chip on the motherboard?

 

[Kpa2727]

POGO pins are: +5v, audio right, audio left, ground (not in that order) so there's no data transfer there

see i'd normally agree with this but there are 4 pins not 3 looking at the accesories. I'd guess there is data included in the N7 On the Galaxy nexus i'd say yes to what you say being there is 3 pins.

As to replacing the chip, it was my first thought, but it's playing with fire, there is no native hardware replacement support, it's surface mounted. I don't have the technology or machinery to re suface mount a chip if i wanted to. Have you seen the internals? there is just not a hell of alot you can do.

 

[kdkinc]

Dear Kpa2727:
I think you are a Mad Man

Hopefully the poor defenseless Nex7 will recover from your torture.
Me.I'm still working on spinning my step ladder to change a light bulb.

 

[Cannonball_CO]

As to replacing the chip, it was my first thought, but it's playing with fire, there is no native hardware replacement support, it's surface mounted. I don't have the technology or machinery to re suface mount a chip if i wanted to. Have you seen the internals? there is just not a hell of alot you can do.

Yeah you're absolutely right, it's a surface mount, no "legs" coming out from it on all sides. I didn't notice that detail. I recall people bumping their iPods from 8 to 16 (or higher) a few years back and thought that might apply here as well. Well in that case I am rooting for you even more!

 

[Kpa2727]

Yeah you're absolutely right, it's a surface mount, no "legs" coming out from it on all sides. I didn't notice that detail. I recall people bumping their iPods from 8 to 16 (or higher) a few years back and thought that might apply here as well. Well in that case I am rooting for you even more!

i'm pretty young {25} i've had my hands in 360 modding, gamecube, wii, wii controller rebuild , i've yet to share anywhere, and even the ipod era, most people bumped Mini's or classic gen. you could take a mini and upgrade it by like 20 gigs cause it used compact flash carts , like the ones found in DSLR's. all they did was open the mini, unplug the old drive, plug in the new and restore with itunes. Same went for classic ipods since they had Hdd's shared with Zunes you could unplug, plug in another and be upgraded.just restore in itunes. I had a brainstorm last night, i'm thinking maybe tap power for pogo pins then data through usb. i may be able to dual charge and mount this way. i would also freee up some space to wire to the connectors. I may give it a try tonight.

Btw my N7 has no damage or solder globs inside, rest assure it'snot being tortured.

 

[doubl3h3lix]

i'm pretty young {25} i've had my hands in 360 modding, gamecube, wii, wii controller rebuild , i've yet to share anywhere, and even the ipod era, most people bumped Mini's or classic gen.

I'm from a similar background as yourself. I'm looking at getting the N7 in the next couple of days, and would love the ability to add a uSD card slot internally. I've been looking around, and it appears there may be a header on the board that could be populated? Have you looked into this at all?

 

[Kpa2727]

I been beat from my job but after i nap tonight , i'm off tomorrow so i plan to go under the hood. got any links on where the header location might be? i'm thinking maybe tap pogo pin's power then data from another location. a one last shot at it, i may try wrapping wire, it's as thin as a human hair but a nightmare to solder.

 

[gifton1]

I been beat from my job but after i nap tonight , i'm off tomorrow so i plan to go under the hood. got any links on where the header location might be? i'm thinking maybe tap pogo pin's power then data from another location. a one last shot at it, i may try wrapping wire, it's as thin as a human hair but a nightmare to solder.

This is awesome Kpa27227 - good luck to ya. Power from pogo and data from usb - bloody genius!

 

[Kpa2727]

A minor update, :: I sold my N7 today for what i paid plus my shipping cost. I have a chance to buy the 16 gig locally so i'm going to upgrade. Don't worry too much, i'm not abandoning the idea, just taking a break to beef up my soldering skills with wrapping wire then i'll attack it head on. expect like a 2 week break. On another note, anyone else who may want to attempt this or needs input I'll gladly help. A little advice for anyone wanting to attempt this. you'll need Flux for small electronics, a Rosin core solder really fine. You'll need a super fine solderiron. your best bet would be a Weller pencil solder iron, it's like 16 watts. anything bigger or more watts you will destroy the nexus 7 connections.