Zaurus SL-6000 Flash Memory Expansion

The key component for expanding the 6000's memory is the memory device itself. There appear to be two choices, a Toshiba device and a Samsung one. Whilst others might be pin-for-pin compatible, it's vital that the device's ID exists in the Zaurus' bootloader. It is believed, but not confirmed that the choices are a Samsung K9K1G08U0M or a Toshiba TC58DVG02AFT.

Here's the before photo!

• a sharp thin-bladed knife
• an SMT rework station, flux and solder
• appropriate tiny screwdrivers
• a metal sheet and a protective mat
• a metal rod of 3 to 8mm diameter approximately
• a protective glove (leather motorcycle one is good)!
• courage!

Before starting, I copied a NAND backup file into the flash memory, in the hope that this would be seen by the Z as a valid ROM image and boot. If it doesn't, the Z will be a brick until a restore is done - which is necessary anyway to make use of the extra flash.

Stage 1 - Removal Of Flash Chip From Memory Stick

This is a low-risk stage in that the worst that can happen is destruction of a low-value item!

Crack open the case of the memory stick using the knife, working your way round the edge, twisting gently. It should be quite easy, and it doesn't matter if the case is ruined anyway! The PCB can then be removed.
Fire up the SMT station to about 350 Celsius.
Use a metal sheet to work on, and if you're doing this on a kitchen table, put a non-valuable mat underneat to protect the table from heat.
Rest the memory card over the rod, such that it crosses the card at right-angles under the flash memory chip like a see-saw.
Heat up the row of pins nearest the middle of the board and every few seconds gently try and flex the board using the protected hand, and the row of pins should pop up.
Allow the board to cool whilst still pressing, to ensure the chip doesn't resolder down.
Heat up the other end, and every five seconds try pulling gently off the board - there may be some glue residues holding it down. The chip should come away fairly easily.
When chip has cooled, examine carefully, and if necessary straighten the pins perhaps using the sharp knife.

Still with me? Nothing caught fire and no finger's cut or burned? Congratulations!

Stage 2 - Dismantling The Zaurus

See the dismantling page. Note that to get to the part of the PCB where memory and bluetooth are fitted requires pretty much a total strip-down - it's not just a case of taking the back off and a quick dab of solder!

Come back for the next exciting installment!