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After Hours

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

By nicolebremernash November 15, 2007, 4:31 AM PST

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Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Packaging front

Packaging front

ntBy Nicole Bremer Nash
nt 

n

ntThe Nostromo SpeedPad n52 is a gamepad-keyboard hybrid designed to minimize wrist strain while maximizing PC game play. The Nostromo SpeedPad n52 comfortably cradles the left hand and features one-hand keyboard and directional pad control, leaving your right hand free to control the mouse.
nt
ntA step-up from from the n50, the SpeedPad n52 boasts a 360 degree rotating wheel and over 100-function programmability. The USB plug-and-play feature allows a computer to immediately detect the n52, permitting immediate use. The included software is necessary in order to program the SpeedPad.

n

ntWith Editors’ Choice awards from both MacAddict and PC Upgrade, the Nostromo SpeedPad n52 is a gamepad-keyboard hybrid designed to minimize wrist strain while optimizing PC game play. Learn how it’s put together by watching us take it apart.
nt
ntThe SpeedPad n52 boasts a 360 degree rotating wheel, a thumb-driven directional pad, keyboard, and over 100 function-programmability.
nt
ntView a Geek Gift review of the Nostromo SpeedPad n52.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Packaging back

Packaging back

The SpeedPad n52 requires Windows 98 or later; or Mac OS 9.04 or Mac OS X v10.1.2 or later. The n52 connects via USB.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

All included components

All included components

The packaging is easy to open and includes the n52, an instruction manual, and an installation CD. The software is necessary for function programming.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Underside of the SpeedPad

Underside of the SpeedPad

A nice feature of the n52 is the rubber backing that helps keep the SpeedPad in place.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Rubber grip backing

Rubber grip backing

The rubber grip is adhered to the SpeedPad case with double-sided tape. This may wear out fairly quickly, but is easily replaced. The white arrow highlights the tape.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Screw locations

Screw locations

Removing the rubber grip exposes the nine screws that must be removed in order to open the n52.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Exposed interior

Exposed interior

In order to expose the interior, nine screws must be removed and a bit of gentle prying is necessary in order to release the two connector points. Removing the underside of the case exposes most of the circuitry.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Close-up of exposed interior

Close-up of exposed interior

The main circuit board is located in the center. An interior metal plate protects the keyboard circuitry.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Keyboard components exposed

Keyboard components exposed

Removal of the internal keyboard protector requires a simple removal of screws. Removing the plate exposes the keyboard’s circuitry panel.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Keyboard components removed

Keyboard components removed

The keyboard’s circuitry film connects to the main circuit board via a ribbon. Between the circuitry film and keys is a rubber pad. Pushing a key causes a specific button on the rubber pad to connect with the circuitry film, thus closing a circuit.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Circuitry removed from case

Circuitry removed from case

Once the keyboard circuit ribbon is detached from the main circuit board, the entire circuitry system can be removed via screws.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Backside of circuitry

Backside of circuitry

This is the side of the circuit boards that faces upward when the SpeedPad is fully intact. From a disassembling perspective, it is the backside of the circuit boards.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Main board, rear, close-up

Main board, rear, close-up

A close-up image of the main circuit board, backside.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Thumb key and LED circuitry board, rear, close-up

Thumb key and LED circuitry board, rear, close-up

The yellow rubber is the interior of the thumb key. The rubber gives the key its springy-ness.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Directional pad circuitry board, rear, close-up

Directional pad circuitry board, rear, close-up

The interior of the directional pad. The rubber here works in much the same way as the keyboard– a key push causes the rubber underneath to complete a circuit on the board.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Wheel control circuitry board, rear view, close-up

Wheel control circuitry board, rear view, close-up

The wheel is actually mounted on its corresponding circuitry board.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Main circuitry board, front, close-up

Main circuitry board, front, close-up

The major parts of the main circuitry board face the bottom of the SpeedPad when fully assembled in working order. This is opposite of the other circuit boards.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Thumb key and LED circuitry board, front, close-up

Thumb key and LED circuitry board, front, close-up

The thumb key/LED circuit board’s ribbon attachment is on the front from a disassembling perspective.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Directional pad circuitry board, front, close-up

Directional pad circuitry board, front, close-up

The directional pad’s circuit board is quite similar to that of the thumb key’s circuit board.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Wheel circuitry board, front, close-up

Wheel circuitry board, front, close-up

The circuit board for the wheel has a hole for the wheel to spin in. It also uses this side for ribbon attachment.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Directional pad; interior components

Directional pad; interior components

To disassemble the directional pad, a screw was removed from the interior center of the pad. Pressure also had to be used to pry the pad apart. The quarter offers size perspective.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Directional pad; exterior view

Directional pad; exterior view

The spring fits under the red button, between the button and interior plate.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Wheel removed from wheel circuitry board

Wheel removed from wheel circuitry board

On the left, you can see the single axle that the wheel snaps into. On the right of the circuit board is a white button. When depressed, the wheel makes contact with this button, acting a third mouse button.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Interior wheel components

Interior wheel components

The white arrow is highlighting a tiny, springy bump that resides under the mounted wheel. This creates the wheel “ticks” when the wheel is turned.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Keyboard with key removed

Keyboard with key removed

The keyboard assembly is fairly standard. The keys are easily removed from the inside by gently squeezing the sides and tugging. The keys are amply sized for easy keyboarding.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Circuit boards with membranes removed

Circuit boards with membranes removed

The yellow thumb key and opaque direction pad membranes are held in place by threading rubber nubs through holes in the circuit boards.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Compilation of removed components

Compilation of removed components

The SpeedPad n52 in all its disassembled glory. The electronics are fairly basic and the structure is intuitive.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Membrane re-attachment

Membrane re-attachment

One of the more difficult tasks of reconstructing the SpeedPad is reattaching the button membranes to the circuit boards. After a bit of negotiating the rubber nubs back into the holes, it’s surprising that the circuit boards still work. The white arrow highlights the rubber going through a hole.

Cracking Open the Nostromo SpeedPad n52

Reconstituted, fully functional SpeedPad n52

Reconstituted, fully functional SpeedPad n52

The SpeedPad n52 is surely rugged enough for the serious gamer. This cracked and rebuilt n52 is once again fully functional.

View a Geek Gift review of the Nostromo SpeedPad n52.

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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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