Replacing the internal WLAN module

In some circumstances, in particular when trying to fix the IEEE 802.11n Problem, it might be necessary to replace the network device build into most Reciva powered Internet radios. The necessary procedure is decribed here based on a Magicbox IMP, which is almost identical to the AE, two radios prone to the IEEE 802.11n Problem.

Opening the radio

The procedure for opening the AE is described here. It is virtually identicl to the Magicbox IMP, described below and shown in the pictures.

1. Disconnect the radio from the mains/power adapter!
2. Remove the rubber mat from the base of the radio. It's best to remove it completely for easier removal of the front cover. However, it might sufice to loosen it over the three screw holes and flaps of the front cover (see below).
3. Remove the four hexagon socket (Allan) screws at the top of the Radio, then remove the transparant front cover.
4. Remove the six small crosshead (Phillips) screws (three at the top, three at the base) holding the front cover of the radio, the remove the metal front cover.
5. Remove the plug connecting the jog dial with the top PCB, then the four small crosshead screws holding the PCB.
6. Now comes a bit tricky bit: Carefully turn the top PCB over to the right, thus not stressing the flat cable connector underneath. There is a wedgeshaped spline underneath the cable. You can remove it by pushing the two tiny noses left and right of the cable away from the connector. Use a small, but not too sharp screwdriver or similar tool to do this. Now the top PCB can be removed completely
7. Remove the two larger crosshead screws on the top and four further crosshead screws hidden in the recesses on the back of the radio.
8. Now you can carefully pull the front part of the radio from the back. Be carefull, they are still connected by the speaker cable. It's best to open the radio like a book, i.e. turn the front part by about 90 to 120 degrees to the right.
9. If you just want to swap the WLAN module, you can probably leave the front and back parts connected. However, working is more comfortable if you disconnect the speaker by removing the glue on the socket of the base PCB connecting the speaker and unplugging it.
10. Now remove the four crosshead screws holding the main PCB (the Barracuda module).
11. Pulling out the PCB stack is a bit tricky again, becase the flat cable fed through the top of the back part is very rigid. If you gently push it inwards as far as possible without feeding it through the mantle holding it, you'll have enough cable to gently pull out all the PCB from the back part of the radio.