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Developer

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

By nicolebremernash November 29, 2007, 2:10 AM PST

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Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 mounted in a vehicle, using the windshield suction mount.

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 mounted in a vehicle, using the windshield suction mount.

By Nicole Bremer Nash

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 is a great GPS navigation device, that’s been getting rave reviews. One thing the reviews don’t mention is the c330’s rugged toughness – something we had to tackle in order to crack it open.

Read my Geek Gift review of the Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Navigator.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Included components

Included components

The c330 comes with an AC cord for plugging into a car lighter, a suction mount that allows the unit to be mounted on the windshield or dashboard, and the unit itself — a small T.V.-like touch-screen unit.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Other side view

Other side view

This model features an SB memory card slot, and one speaker on each side.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Back view

Back view

A simple nut and bolt on the back is the first step to cracking the c330 open.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Sawing on the c330

Sawing on the c330

Removing the nut and bolt from the back did not allow the unit to be opened, so we had to get creative and saw all the way around to open the case.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Cracking the StreetPilot c330 open

Cracking the StreetPilot c330 open

Unscrewing, sawing, and prying didn’t work, so we decided to try driving over the unit. The c330 is built super-tough, with screws and glue points inside that cannot be accessed from the exterior.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Crack!

Crack!

Backing over the c330 with a mini-van finally cracked it open!

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Fizzle!

Fizzle!

When the c330 finally cracked, there was a flash of orange and blue, and a good puff of smoke.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Partially open side view

Partially open side view

At this point, the unit is still stuck together along one side.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Partially open other side view

Partially open other side view

The power and volume switches and USB port have been successfully released from the housing.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Prying open

Prying open

A considerable amount of force still had to be applied in order to force the unit apart.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Shattered screen

Shattered screen

The screen did not hold up well to being driven over.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Inside the unit-- battery and speakers.

Inside the unit-- battery and speakers.

Notice the blackened wires coming out of the battery. That’s probably what created the sparks and smoke when the unit was cracked open.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Covered circuit board

Covered circuit board

The metal plate in the middle is probably supposed to protect the circuit board from being touched by the battery wires. Note the blackened mark on the bottom left of the metal plate. That is probably where the batteries hit during the crack, causing the sparks and smoke.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Crushed USB port

Crushed USB port

Note the crushed USB port — it held up surprisingly well.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Exposed circuit board

Exposed circuit board

The protective metal plate is easily lifted off the circuit board.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Exposed circuit board, close-up

Exposed circuit board, close-up

A closer look at what the metal plate protects.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Lifting off the circuit board

Lifting off the circuit board

Three screws removed, the circuit board still must be pried off due to glued bolts on all four corners.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Circuit ribbons under circuit board

Circuit ribbons under circuit board

Prying up one side of the circuit board reveals circuit ribbons that will need to be detached.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Pre-pried circuit board

Pre-pried circuit board

A look at the interior side of the circuit board before the hard prying begins.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Control locations

Control locations

The power button is still mostly intact. The StreetPilot c330 is surprisingly tough.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Circuit board removed

Circuit board removed

The circuit board is pried off, and flipped over here. You can see how it would fit back into the monitor side of the unit.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Circuit board fully exposed

Circuit board fully exposed

The monitor side of the circuit board also had protective metal plates that were easily lifted off.

Cracking Open the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Screen and monitor

Screen and monitor

The screen did not hold up to the cracking, but the monitor looks as if it might still work if put into a new unit.

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By nicolebremernash
Nicole Bremer Nash is Director of Content and Social Media for HuTerra, where she uses SEO and social media to promote charitable organizations in their community-building and fundraising efforts. She enjoys volunteering, arts and crafts, and conduct
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