Disassembly

Disassembly began on the previous page when we took the two covers out and had a look at the connectivity options on the COUCHMASTER cycon, but that was also part of the due process each user would go through to make it functional. Here, I decided to go further and take out the larger central piece on the back for a better look at the USB hub used by nerdytec. There are twenty hex head screws that need to be removed before you can pull out the large T-shaped plastic central piece. Once done, we can see that most of the space is empty here, which also explains the lower mass of the product, which does make it easier to handle. The symmetrical nature here means mass is distributed evenly, and this also means the keyboard on one side will cause the balance to shift one way, while in use. So without the support cushions, the entire setup will be harder to balance, but this can't be helped given nerdytec implemented this to support both right- and left-handed users equally.


There is a single, green-colored PCB in use here, which is the USB 3.0 4-port hub, and we see the single input and three output ports directly soldered on to the board. The fourth port is the one on top, and we have a cable providing the power and connection to it. Here, we have a Via Labs VL813 4-port USB 3.0 (3.1 Gen 1) hub controller with a built-in 5 V DC-DC switching regulator. This is a popular hub controller used in many a standalone USB hub device, with reliability and performance having proven themselves over time. In addition, there is a dedicated Macronix MX25L512E 512 Kb CMOS serial flash module that will help direct data traffic as dictated by the hub controller.

Before we move on, be advised that disassembly will void the warranty and that TechPowerUp is not liable for any damages incurred if you decide to go ahead and do so anyway.