Introduction

The microSD card that comes installed inside of the Super Elite’s Octal card can sometimes fail and might need to be replaced. Symptoms of this typically include visual artifacts on the Octal’s display screen while viewing the status of the reader or while navigating through menus.

Before assuming that it has completely failed, please try re-copying all files to the microSD card by pressing and holding both the ‘Down’ button and the ‘Enter’ button on the front of the reader for at least 10 seconds. You can let go of the buttons when the display shows the ‘Recovering SD’ screen. This starts the file copy process and you should leave the reader powered on until it is complete and you are taken back to the regular status screen on the Octal display.

Still having trouble? This guide instructs you to replace the microSD card that is installed inside of the Octal card.

Parts and Tools

• Replacement microSD card that has a capacity of at least 4GB
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• (Optional) Anti-static wrist strap

Step 1 - Workspace Prep and Grounding

Electro-static discharge can damage the internal components of the Super Elite. Avoid working on your Super Elite while standing on carpet or while wearing wool clothing/socks. Touching a grounded object before beginning will help and then you can proceed with your repair.

Step 2 - Octal Identification

The Super Elite’s Octal card is located in the 3rd slot of the reader. Look for the ‘IP2916 OCTAL’ label across the top.

Step 3 - Octal Card Removal

The Octal card is secured with 2 small screws that need to be loosened with a flathead screwdriver. These are captive screws that do not completely come out and simply need to be loosened to the point where you can pull up on the screw head as shown in the photo.


 

After the screws have been loosened, use the metal tab located at the bottom of the card to pull the card out of the reader. This will require some significant force as the back of the card has pins that are securely locked into the backplane of the reader.

Step 4 - microSD Card Slot Identification

The microSD card slot is located on the back of the OLED display. The display is mounted to the faceplate of the card.

Step 5 - Faceplate disassembly

To access the microSD card slot, the Octal card’s faceplate must be detached. Locate the screws on the back of the Octal card that secure the faceplate. 

Using your needle nose pliers to hold each nut in place, unscrew and remove the 2 screws, washers, and nuts. 

Carefully separate the faceplate from the board and rest the Octal card on a flat surface. When the back of the board is facing up, the microSD card will be exposed as shown in the photo.

Step 6 - microSD Card Swap

Push in on the microSD card and the spring-loaded mechanism will eject the microSD card that is installed. Locate your new microSD card and insert it with the printed side facing away from you. Most microSD cards also have an arrow printed on the front to indicate the proper orientation. If inserted correctly, you will feel the spring mechanism click in place and the card will be securely seated.

Step 7 - Faceplate Reassembly

Carefully lift the card and the faceplate together and join the faceplate back to the card so that the front ports are flush and the 2 screw holes line-up on the back of the Octal card. Flip the card back over so that the heatsink/chips/cables are facing up. From underneath, insert the first screw and hold it in place with your finger. While holding the screw, use your other hand to place the washer over the top of it and finally secure the nut in place as shown in the photo. 

Tighten the nut using your needle nose pliers to ensure that the faceplate doesn’t come loose. Repeat this process again for the 2nd screw hole.

Step 8 - Octal Card Reinstallation

Looking at the Super Elite reader, locate the slot where the Octal card was previously installed. The Super Elite’s railing system is located on the left side of the slot and guides all cards in towards the backplane where the pins of the card connect. 

Carefully align the back of the card into the notched rails so that the top and bottom are perfectly straight before guiding the card down into the reader. Once you have verified that the card is within the notches, push the card down until it is secure and the metal tab at the front is aligned with the other neighboring cards.

Step 9 - microSD Card Formatting

Power on the reader and wait for the boot-up process to complete. This will take a little longer than normal so please be patient. Once the reader has booted up successfully, press and hold both the ‘Down’ button and the ‘Enter’ button on the front of the reader for at least 10 seconds. You can let go of the buttons when the display shows the ‘Recovering SD’ screen. This starts the file copy process and you should leave the reader powered on until it is complete and you are taken back to the regular status screen on the Octal display.