The WiFi module is part of the RK3566 SoC, so not removable. A WiFi module is usually connected to an antenna, which you'll probably find somewhere in your tablet. Disconnecting or removing the antenna can reduce power consumption.
The WiFi module is part of the RK3566 SoC, so not removable
That is incorrect. The WiFi module is a separate chip (Cypress CYW43455 according to schematics on the Pine64 website) connected to SDIO (WiFi) and serial UART (BT) lines of the SoC but not functionally part of the SoC itself. The module it always is a separate chip package soldered to the main PCB.
It would be easier to disable the SDIO/BT module through device-tree changes (disable the sdio node, disable the BT node) than to physically modify the board by unsoldering chips, although that could also be done if you have the tools/skills.
chewitt Thanks, then my internet source was wrong.
It would be easier to disable the SDIO/BT module through device-tree changes (disable the sdio node, disable the BT node)...
Probably impossible for the thread starter, and needs further explanations.
...than to physically modify the board by unsoldering chips, although that could also be done if you have the tools/skills.
Doable for beginners, but it needs a heat gun, and watching a YT tutorial. However, I would start with the WiFi antenna, and see what the results are.
Probably impossible for the thread starter, and needs further explanations.
Most device-tree files are visibly littered with 'status' describing whether something should be 'enabled' or 'disabled' so as long as you have half a clue about includes/dtsi it's 'not rocket science' to disable something in a specific board dts that was enabled in the inherited board family or SoC dtsi.
Probably impossible for the thread starter, and needs further explanations.
Doable for beginners, but it needs a heat gun, and watching a YT tutorial. However, I would start with the WiFi antenna, and see what the results are.
I have been rarely using a soldering heat gut so far. I think it is not the best idea to start with this relatively expensive device. Isnt a normal tech-repair shop able to help me in this regards when it comes do removing the wifi module?
Google how to use fdtput and disable the SDIO node for the WiFi device in device-tree. Or blacklist the kernel driver. Or use rfkill.
Isnt a normal tech-repair shop able to help me in this regards when it comes do removing the wifi module?
Depends on the shop, I never did that. They are probably able to try the software solution first, as mentioned by chewitt .
Probably impossible for the thread starter, and needs further explanations.
Doable for beginners, but it needs a heat gun, and watching a YT tutorial. However, I would start with the WiFi antenna, and see what the results are.
is there any particular video you would recommend me?
When you search for "desolder chip", then you'll find something like that:
So it's also possible with a cheap soldering iron.
When you search for "desolder chip", then you'll find something like that:
External Content www.youtube.comContent embedded from external sources will not be displayed without your consent.Through the activation of external content, you agree that personal data may be transferred to third party platforms. We have provided more information on this in our privacy policy.So it's also possible with a cheap soldering iron.
thank you! do you know by any chance if the wifi module from onyx boox is as accessible as the one from the pine? If its not the case for non linux based devices I will have to stick with the pine.
do you know by any chance if the wifi module from onyx boox is as accessible as the one from the pine?
No. What does "accessible" mean?
No. What does "accessible" mean?
removable
removable
I see. Those e-book readers are usually super flat, so I assume they all use soldered SMD chips.
PS: I don't know whether or not the Onyx Boox has a separate WiFi chip. You probably also need instructions how to open those devices. This can be more stressful than removing an SMD chip.
was thinking desoldering the WiFi chip on the Rpi4 , but will the unit still function afterwrads?
The WiFi (and BT) devices can be disabled in software through a device-tree overlay. This results in the relevant module not being powered-up, so you cannot gain any power saving in hardware by desoldering the chip. And in software the device simply doesn't exist so you avoid the minimal complexity that might exist.
The board should run fine without the chip if you really really really want to desolder it, but when you break the board due to lack of soldering skills; expect zero sympathy in this forum.
