M2Slim Install Guide

Step 3: Shield modification

Overview

In this step the shield will be modified to allow the installation of the M2Slim adapter board using the drill jig and mounting bracket.If you are using power tools it is a good idea to use PPE and to protect your work surface.

Tools

  • 2mm drill

  • Cordless drill, pin vice etc

  • Kapton tape

  • Screwdriver with Philips head #0 and #00 bits.

  • Deburr tool (a bigger drill bit or hand file)

  • 6mm+ drill (if your shield has raised DSL mounts)

Kit Parts

  • Drill Jig

  • Mounting bracket

  • Mounting bracket screws

  • M.2 standoff and screws

Step 3.1       Attach drill jig

  • Attach the 3D printed drill hole template using the 2 DSL modem screw holes and some screws from the shielding.

Step 3.2       Drill through the shield.

  • Drill through the 4 guide holes in the jig using a 2mm bit.

  • It is a good idea to use a piece of cardboard or other material to protect your work surface.

  • If using a power drill take care to avoid using excessive downward force. Which can easily deform the shield.

Step 3.3       Deburr holes

  • Deburr both sides of each hole using a larger drill bit.

Step 3.4.1       Remove raised mounting thread if present

  • Identify if your shield has raised mounting threads for the DSL board. Skip this step if your shield does not have raised threads.

  • Use a 4mm drill to remove the bulk of the metal.

  • Don't forget to place a something underneath the shield to protect your works surface while drilling.

Step 3.4.2       Widen the hole

  • Use a 6mm or larger drill to remove the remaining metal.

  • You may not need to drill all the way through to remove the bump.

Step 3.4.3       Deburr hole

  • Deburr the underside with using a drill bit

  • The same drill bit size can be used if you do not drill all the way through.

Step 3.5       Attach mounting bracket

  • Clean the area between the drilled holes.

  • Remove the backing tape on the double sided adhesive.

  • Align the mounting bracket with the holes as shown.

  • Apply some pressure to hold the bracket in place.

Step 3.6       Apply blue loctite to screw.

  • Apply a small amount of blue loctite to one of the M.2 standoff screws.

  • You can also use superglue but it will be much harder to remove. Acetone may help.

Step 3.7       Install SSD standoff

  • Insert the screw into the hole as shown.

  • Screw on the longer double sided standoff post.

  • Let the glue dry before installing the other screw. Especially if you used super glue.

Step 3.8       Clean area under M2Slim

  • Use IPA or ethanol to clean the shield in the area shown.

Step 3.9       Insulate area under M2Slim

  • Cover the area from the mounting hole down to the bottom as shown.

  • Wrap tape around the entire bottom edge where the flex cable passes through.

Step 3.10       Bend the fingers on the upper shield

  • Bend the shielding finger as shown.

  • Only one is necessary for the top but you may bend the ones on either side if you desire.

Step 3.11       Bend the fingers on the lower shield

  • Bend the three fingers as shown.