Infosec Scribbles

June 6, 2013

How to take apart ST780WL and extract the parts from it

Here comes a little addition to the TG789vn article: this time we will see how to open ST780WL. This is required if you want to JTAG your router or replace the antenna with something more powerful.

SpeedTouch 780 WL

Stuff You Will Need

  • Thomson ST780WL router
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flat-blade screwdriver
  • Two hands and a little bit of common sense

Needless to say, before doing any of this you need to turn off your router and unplug everything from it. This will also void your warranty and I will not be held responsible for any damage you may or may not inflict upon your router.

Step 1: Bottom Screws

There are four screws at the bottom, next to rubber pads. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver.

Screw locations

Step 2: Side Clips

There are 6 clips on the sides that you have to push in with a flat-blade screwdriver. These let go much easier than those of TG789vn so you do not need to apply a lot of force.

Side clip locations

There are no screws holding the board and you can just pop it out now. Be careful when doing so, because one of the capacitors is located right next to a “leg” that positions the board. Being reckless may result in having to re-solder it.

Careful with the capacitors!

Step 3: Disconnect the Antenna

Antenna in ST780WL is connected with a U.FL connector. You can disconnect it when taking out the board, it is extremely easy to put back in place.

![Antenna of the ST780WL](Antenna of the ST780WL)

That’s it! You’re done. Have fun with the board.

Thomson ST780WL Board Pictures

Front of the board

Back of the board

whoami

I'm Georgi (Russian: Георгий). Although I do various software security things for work, I particularly enjoy reverse engineering and breaking native code on Android and embedded systems. Check out more about me.