this post was submitted on 01 Feb 2025
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So, i'm thinking of a story and i need some tech info.

How risky is to de-solder an usb plug if the flash-drive contains important files? It would be relatively safe for someone capable, or the heat is way too risky for the chip/content?

Also there's any (MacGyver like) way to quickly access the file or reconnect the plug without a solder while only having access to office supplies?

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[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

there's dosdude1 soldering away on NAND chips; this should be a walk in the park even for a hobbyist.

as to macgyvering, the S in USB is for "serial" and such a connection needs very few wires, three if I'm not mistaken. so an absent USB connector could be fixed temporarily with clips and wires and such.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 9 hours ago

Assuming it's USB 2, It's 4 wires, the serial is differential, and balanced. The faster the lime, the more tricky it is to rig it, because your lengths want to be matched on D+ and D-. (You might be able to get away with a 1mm difference with USB 2)

USB 3 and USB c are a different beast entirely.