How to remove broken SD card?

[future...@yahoo.com]

This may be a new one for the experts. I did a web software upgrade today from the front panel, but when it rebooted I got the dreaded red and green flashing lights -- lost total control of all functionality.

So I read the online troubleshooting guide and saw the likely issue was related to the SD card. I could not understand how mine could possibly be loose or require reseating since I have never opened the case. But regardless, I followed the instructions to open it and when I gently pressed the SD card to release it, out popped half the card -- it was cleanly broken in half. This is indeed strange since the half that popped out does not appear brittle in any way.

My problem now is how to remove the other half which remains stuck deep in the slot. As you may know, the slot is located under the main board, thus is not easily accessible without further disassembly. Additionally, there may be ESD considerations in doing so (I do have significant electronics experience so am prepared to undertake repair).

Could Paul or one of the Brennan repair techs please advise a safe or preferred course of action here?

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hmm!

I am assuming your SD Card is the micro version.

It is quite easy to remove the Pi,  just unplug the plug the header pin socket and remove 2 screws, but i am not convinced that even with the Pi removed and the board upside down you can get at 1/2 an SD Card!  As it will still be in a little metal caddy.

You may be best simply replacing the entire Pi board. I know the details for the correct version are in the forum somewhere, and you will be able to get one off ebay.

Dont be scared about replacing the Pi yourself, it is not difficult, the B2 is well designed for this sort of thing. I did this for a friend recently.

Fred

[Mark Fishman]

I have actually had to do this, as I also managed to break a microSD card in half while it was in the slot.

It is fortunate indeed that the metal slot cover has a couple of slits in it. After removing the RPi board from the B2 -- you have to unmount it from the back panel and daughtercard -- depnding on how much of the microSD card is actually in the metal slot cover, you might be able to work it towards the opening with a toothpick or other small pointy tool. Be very careful not to scratch the underlying board contacts! Using a non-metal pointy tool is best.

If you can get the remaining portion of the card to poke out, you can remove it gently with a needle-nose pliers.

You'll have to image a new microSD card, of course, and fit it back in the slot after reassembling everything...

Good luck -- m.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

This may help

[future...@yahoo.com]

Thank you Mark... exactly the positive affirmation I needed!

[future...@yahoo.com]

Thanks Fred... always nice to see and know exactly what to expect...

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

If I were you (at least this is what I did) - all Philips screws

1) remove the front 2 pairs of screws at the front either fide underneath - gently wiggle the front plate (and all) off and unplug the connector cord.

2) remove the back (two screws, one either side at the back top) and pull the attached tray out slowly - On the underside there is a connector to the CD drive (on a card) that needs to come unplugged, but other than this the whole printed circuit card and all attached to it will slide and come out as one.

3) the Pi is on the left side and is held to the board by 2 screws BUT before undoing these gently prize off the ribbon cable plug which is presses onto the GPIO pins 

then remove the 2 screws holding the Pi down. The Pi will then come off and you can sort the SD card out.

Reverse things when replacing the Pi - the CD connector is a bit fiddly but go slowly and you will feel it seat.

Fred

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

OH I forgot, you also need to unplug the USB connectors from the Pi, remember which goes where for re-assembly.

[PMB]

Hi future...,

Email us on -  thebrennanb2  @  gmail  .  com  - no spaces, with your address and requesting a replacement SD Card.

Paul

Brennan Support.