Removing Stuck Camera Chips: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you've inserted the wrong chip into your camera's chip slot, you may be wondering how to remove it without causing any damage. It's important to proceed with caution as attempting to force the chip out can result in damage to the chip, the camera, or both. In this case, a step-by-step guide for removing the flash chip from a Kyocera Event camera may be useful. This guide recommends using tools such as tweezers and a plastic prying tool to carefully detach the flash chip from its housing and remove it from the camera.

Locating the chip

First, it is important to identify the type of camera you have. Different camera models have different memory card slots, and the location of the slot can vary. For example, if you have a Nikon KeyMission 360, you need to locate the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover latch and move it to the correct position to unlock and open the cover. On the other hand, if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, the SIM card tray is located on the bottom-left edge of the device when the screen is facing upward. Knowing the specific model of your camera will help you find the correct instructions for locating the chip.

Once you have identified your camera model, refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions on locating the memory card slot. For example, the Nikon DSLR series only supports XQD and CFexpress type memory cards, while a Canon camera supports various types, including CF, SDHC, and SDXC. Knowing the type of memory card your camera uses will help you identify the correct slot.

If you are unable to find the memory card slot on your camera, try searching for it in a safe and gentle manner. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean around the area where you suspect the slot might be. Sometimes, dirt, debris, or dust can accumulate and make it difficult to locate or insert the memory card. Be careful not to use anything sharp or abrasive that could damage the camera.

If your camera has a removable battery, you may need to remove the battery cover to access the memory card slot. Be sure to turn off your camera and ensure it is not hot before handling. With the power off, carefully remove the back cover and locate the memory card slot. In some cases, you may need to gently push the memory card with your fingernail if the slot is spring-loaded.

In some camera models, the memory card slot is located behind a small door or cover. Look for a small latch or button that releases the cover. Gently open the cover to access the memory card slot. Be sure to follow the correct orientation when inserting or removing the memory card to avoid damaging the camera or the card itself.

By following these steps, you should be able to locate the chip on your camera. Remember to handle your camera and memory card with care and refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your camera model.

Removing the cover

To remove the cover of the Kyocera Event camera, you will need to locate the small notch on the bottom right side of the phone. Using your thumb or fingernail, hook it into the slot and gently lift the cover up and off. It is normal for the back cover to flex slightly as you remove it, but be careful not to apply excessive force.

Once the cover is removed, you will need to remove the battery. Locate the small notch below the battery. If you see a white plastic tab, grasp it to pull out the battery. If not, use your fingernail to gently lift the battery out of its compartment. You can also use a plastic prying tool to assist in this step.

With the battery removed, you can now access the screws holding the back assembly in place. Remove seven 4.9mm tri-head screws and keep them in a secure location. Now, you can start prying the back assembly away from the body of the phone, starting at the top and working your way around. You may need to use some force as the back assembly is firmly attached.

Additionally, removing the buttons for the volume and power can make the disassembly process easier.

Detaching the chip from its housing

Removing a chip from its housing on a camera can be a delicate process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

Before attempting to remove the chip, ensure you have the correct tools. For a glued chip, you will need a chip recycle drill, tweezers, and diagonal cutting pliers. The chip recycle drill will help you remove the glued chip easily, while the diagonal cutting pliers will be useful for trimming any residual plastic around the chip.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Place your camera on a flat, stable surface. This will ensure that the camera remains steady during the chip removal process, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Step 3: Locate the Chip

Identify the chip's location within the camera. This may vary depending on the camera model. Refer to your camera's manual or seek online resources specific to your camera model if you are unsure.

Step 4: Begin the Removal Process

If the chip is glued to its housing, follow these sub-steps:

• Rotate the black handle of the chip removal tool counterclockwise until the drill disappears from the red frame.
• Align the red frame of the tool with the chip's location and snap the chip recycle drill securely into the chip slot.
• Ensure that the chip removal tool is fastened securely to the camera to prevent displacement when force is applied.
• Rotate the black handle clockwise until the chip is extruded by the drill.

If the chip is not glued and can be easily removed, skip to step 5.

Step 5: Remove the Chip

Using tweezers, carefully remove the chip from the camera. Be extremely cautious not to scratch the metal surface of the chip, as it is a crucial component.

Step 6: Trim Residual Plastic (if necessary)

Use diagonal cutting pliers to trim away any residual plastic remaining around the chip after its removal. This step may not be necessary if there is no plastic left around the chip.

Step 7: Reset the Chip Removal Tool (if applicable)

If you used a chip removal tool, rotate the black handle counterclockwise to reset it to its starting state. Then, remove the tool from the camera.

Step 8: Clean the Housing (optional)

Once the chip has been removed, you may want to clean the housing to remove any dust or debris. Use a soft, dry cloth or a gentle cleaning solution specifically designed for electronic devices. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the camera.

Step 9: Test the Camera

After chip removal, test the camera to ensure it is functioning correctly. Take a few test pictures or videos to confirm that all features are working as expected.

Remember to handle the camera with care during the chip removal process. If you are uncomfortable performing this procedure yourself, consider seeking assistance from a professional or a specialised repair service.

Removing the chip housing

Step 1: Locating the Chip

Begin by locating the chip you wish to remove. In the case of the Kyocera Event Camera, the flash chip is situated on the bottom right side of the phone, underneath the back cover.

Step 2: Removing the Back Cover

Gently pry off the back cover of the camera using your thumb or fingernail. If there is a notch or a slot, you can use it to lift the cover. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as the back cover may flex slightly.

Step 3: Accessing the Battery Compartment

Once the back cover is removed, locate the battery compartment. You may find a small notch below the battery with a white plastic tab. If so, grasp the tab to gently pull out the battery. If there is no tab, use your fingernail to gently lift the battery out of its compartment.

Step 4: Removing Screws

With the battery removed, you'll expose the camera's internal components. Locate the screws holding the chip housing in place and remove them carefully. In the case of the Kyocera Event Camera, there are seven 4.9mm tri-head screws that need to be removed and kept in a secure location.

Step 5: Detaching the Chip from its Housing

Now, use a pair of tweezers to carefully detach the chip from its housing. It may be easier to start by loosening the top portion of the chip first, and then sliding it upward and out of the housing. Be very gentle during this step to avoid damaging the chip or its surrounding components.

Step 6: Removing the Chip Housing

With the chip removed, you can now focus on the chip housing. Grasp the housing with your fingers and gently pull it outwards and towards the bottom of the camera. Again, be cautious and apply only gentle force to avoid damaging any internal connections or components.

Step 7: Reassembly

If you need to reassemble the camera, simply follow these steps in reverse order. Ensure that you carefully align all the components and gently secure them in place.

Using tweezers to remove the chip

Using tweezers to remove a chip from a camera can be a delicate process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Before you begin, ensure that you have the right type of tweezers. They should be small enough to fit into the chip slot without touching any other internal components of the camera.

Step 2: If the chip is not glued in place, carefully insert the tweezers into the chip slot and gently grip the chip. Be cautious not to touch the metal part of the chip, as it is sensitive and can be easily damaged.

Step 3: Once you have a secure grip on the chip with the tweezers, slowly and carefully pull it out of the slot. Ensure that you are pulling it out in a straight line to avoid bending or damaging the chip.

Step 4: If the chip is glued in place, you will need to take extra steps before using the tweezers. First, use diagonal cutting pliers to carefully cut off the black plastic around the chip, exposing it completely.

Step 5: After cutting the plastic, use chip recycle drill to remove the glued chip. Rotate the black handle of the chip removal tool counterclockwise until the drill disappears from the red frame.

Step 6: Align the red frame of the tool with the chip's location, and snap the chip recycle drill correctly into the chip slot. Ensure that the tool is securely fastened to the camera to prevent displacement when force is applied.

Step 7: Now, rotate the black handle of the chip removal tool clockwise until the chip is extruded by the drill.

Step 8: Carefully use tweezers to remove the chip from the camera. Ensure that the tweezers do not scratch the metal surface of the chip.

Step 9: Finally, use diagonal cutting pliers to trim off any residual black plastic around the chip.

It is important to work carefully and gently throughout the process to avoid damaging the chip or the camera. Additionally, always handle the camera with care and ensure that its battery is removed before attempting to remove the chip.

Frequently asked questions