TP-Link WR703N USB Mod

Read this post on installing an internal USB hub into a WR703N. The main difference I have is the WR703N I’m currently working on is just for prototyping (I have 3 more in the mail), I want all USB ports external to allow for different device testing. I was able to find the same USB hubs on eBay.

• Found a post that explains how to safely open the case.
• Once open you can see this is version 1.6 of the router, although the main PCB has version 1.1 on it…??

• Dismantled the USB hub and desoldered the USB leads. Used a pen knife to slice thin strips of plastic of the leads to make them fit in the USB hole that already exists.

• De-soldered the on board USB connecter and connected the USB hub PCB into it’s place.

• Insert the main router and USB hub PCB’s back into the case under the USB leads, and resoldered them back to the USB PCB. You’ll notice in the first image the USB PCB is angled, this is to make it sit flat enough to allow the top of the case to fit properly.

• This is the finished case with the lid on.

 

During other tests while using other hubs wholly externally, there was a few issues with power supply to the USB devices. For example using a thumb drive, GPS and sound card, the GPS doesn’t work properly, similar to when I was using a powered hub with out a power source, Bluetooth and the GPS would stop working randomly after 10-20 minutes.

Next on the list is an external wifi antenna and waiting for my battery backup for it, then a case to fit it all in 🙂

For more info feel free to put any questions in the comments section below.

Cheers.