Cradlepoint CBA850LP6 - Removing the PCB for Enclosure Installations

[JimHelms]

This tutorial will demonstrate how to remove the PCB from the Cradlepoint CBA850.

This will allow an easier installation into a smaller sized enclosures as well as to provide optimal cooling to the components.

The second part of the tutorial will also show how to remove the metal cover off the MC400 to gain the cooling component as well.

There are many ways to mount and configure the CBA850 in an external Antenna and/or Enclosure. This is one example of using only the PCB.


WARNING: When connecting external antennas to the CBA850's modem, DO NOT over-tighten the coax cable's SMA connectors. Over-tightening can and will detach the connector from where it is soldered to the modem's PCB--which is not covered under warranty.

CBA850LP6 in External Enclosure.jpg

To remove the router PCB, turn the router upside down and remove the four adhesive rubber plugs using a small screwdriver.

Remove Plugs.jpg

Using a T6 Torx Driver, remove the four screws.

Remove Screws.jpg

Open and separate the two halves of the router case.

Open Case.jpg

Using a flat head screwdriver, gently lift and remove the PCB from the case.

Lift PCB.jpg

While not required, I personally prefer to shorten the height of the reset button.

Shorten Reset Button.jpg

I also prefer to remove the white switch extensions but squeezing the lower parts together and removing from the slots in the PCB. I also slide the power switch to the 25W positioning.

Remove Switch Extensions.jpg

One other suggestion is to record the CBA850's default password onto the PCB. This will be handy in the event the router is reset to factory default settings, and the router case (which contains the default password) has been misplaced.

Default Password.jpg

[JimHelms]

When installing the MC400 modem in an external enclosure or antenna, it is recommended to remove the outer metal cover for optimal cooling. This is easily accomplished by removing the two screws on the bottom side of the MC400 and sliding the outer case off over the antenna connectors.

The screw hole also provides a good location for connecting a ground wire to the system.

WARNING: When connecting external antennas to the CBA850's modem, DO NOT over-tighten the coax cable's SMA connectors. Over-tightening can and will detach the connector from where it is soldered to the modem's PCB--which is not covered under warranty.

Ground Wire.jpg