For this exciting assignment, I’m tearing down the Wemo Maker. It looks like a WIFI Extender but it’s actually a device for smart home integration. It allows DIY enthusiasts to remotely control low-voltage devices through an app, such as blinds, sprinklers, powered gates, etc.
Here is a list of tools I used and the process:
1, Wire cutter (failed):
The casing of this device consists of a box and a cover plate with no screws on it. So, I first tried using a wire cutter to cut open the casing, but the plastic had become brittle, and I could only cut off the edges.
2, Drill:
Then I tried using a power drill to make holes onto the casing so that I would have a place to pry it open. After succeeding, I found that the cover plate was glued into a precise slot in the casing, making the device appear seamless and preventing people from opening it.
3, Utility knife:
The PCB board and some wires were fixed inside the box with hot glue, and I used a utility knife to separate them. (I was surprised that they use hot glue. Such a convenient way, isn’t it?)
4, Hex screwdriver:
Next, I removed the screws that were securing the PCB board to the casing.
5, Hands:
I pulled some wires connected to the board by hand. This step was easy.
6, Wire cutter again:
Since some electronic components were soldered onto the board, wire cutters were perfect for cutting off their pins.
And here is the knolling outcome!!
The material is listed below:
| PART | MATERIAL |
| casing | plastic (PC or ABS, not sure) |
| cover plate | plastic (PC or ABS, not sure) |
| PCB board | fiberglass |
| LED lights | gallium arsenide |
| relay contacts | copper |
| switches | ABS |
| screws | steel |
| light conductor | ABS |
| UFL connector | brass, stainless steel, PTFE |
| cable | silver-plated copper, PVC |
| Manufacturer and part number | DATASHEET |
| A: ACON micro USB C connector | (unknown) |
| B: PIC16F1824 low voltage ICSP™ method Microchip | https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/348744/MICROCHIP/PIC16F1824.html |
| C: Relay contacts & Sensor contacts | (unknown) |
| D: HongFa HF3FA: subminiature high-power relay | https://source.hongfa.com//pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/Uploads/Product/PDF/HF3FA_HF3FA-T_en.pdf?timestamp=1725733481 |
| E: 49A9 Resistor | (unknown) |
| Manufacturer and part number | DATASHEET |
| F: Winbond 25Q128FVSG | https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/506517/WINBOND/25Q128FVSG.html |
| G: Ralink RT5350F SoC | https://www.datasheets.com/part-details/rt5350f-mediatek-73807877 |
| H: 2R2 Resistor | (unknown) |
To be continued:) Or maybe not;)