Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL

Step 1 Remove Rocker Plate

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Remove Rocker Plate: step 1, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Remove Rocker Plate: step 1, image 2 of 2

Push the pins inward, ONE side at a time, then lift the side from the bottom of the main body, to free it from socket. Then take care of the other side.
The pins
The socket
Be aware, there are 2 strong magnets.
This is the most difficult part. Take your time.

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Step 2 Open Main Body

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Open Main Body: step 2, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Open Main Body: step 2, image 2 of 2

Remove the track ball (THE ball itself)
Remove 6 self-tap screws. The one pointed by an arrow needs a long thin philip head screw driver
Apply a little bit prying force bear the ball socket, to open the bottom.
Not so fast! Watch out for the FPC! Read next step first!

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Step 3 Unplug the FPC

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Unplug the FPC: step 3, image 1 of 1

Unlatch the FPC connector by:
Push the black plastic latch up. Using tweezers.
Pull out the top cover FPC.
If possible, unplug the battery first.

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Step 4 Open the Top Case

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Open the Top Case: step 4, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Open the Top Case: step 4, image 2 of 2

Now separate top and bottom case.

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Step 5 Remove the Ring

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Remove the Ring: step 5, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Remove the Ring: step 5, image 2 of 2

Remove the ring from ball socket
There's a notch and a pair of keys. Should align them when assembling back.

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Step 6 Button Daughterboard

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Button Daughterboard: step 6, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Button Daughterboard: step 6, image 2 of 2

Unplug the battery, as early as possible!!
Remove 1 self-tap screw
Lift the tiny PCB witth 2 buttons

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Step 7 Tracking sensor (Optional)

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Tracking sensor (Optional): step 7, image 1 of 1

Same type FPC connector. Handle it as before. But, there's a drop of glue, removing it might damage the connector and/or the cable. Skip this if not intent to replace the tracking sensor.

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Step 8 Main PCB with Sensor

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Main PCB with Sensor: step 8, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Main PCB with Sensor: step 8, image 2 of 2

To remove battery, remove 2 screws. (optional)
Remove 4 screws for the PCB
Remove 2 screws for the sensor
Lift main PCB and the sensor module (ball socket) off the bottom case.

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Step 9 Type-C Module

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Type-C Module: step 9, image 1 of 2

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Type-C Module: step 9, image 2 of 2

Noticed the 4-pin socket? There is a 4-pin pinheader under main PCB mating with it. should plug them back together while reassembling. Sorry for the shallow DOF, shot really close up and under poor lighting.
Remove 2 screws. Then remove the type-C module.

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Step 10 The Wheel

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, The Wheel: step 10, image 1 of 1

Remove the wheel from rotation encoder

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Step 11 Replace the Button Switch

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Replace the Button Switch: step 11, image 1 of 3

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Replace the Button Switch: step 11, image 2 of 3

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, Replace the Button Switch: step 11, image 3 of 3

Possibly exactly why you need this guide for.
Original switch is silent 2-pin square type. It's totally interchangable with common 3-pin mouse switches (Omron D2F type).

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Step 12 More Detail of the Switch Comparison

Disassembling ProtoArc EM01 NL, More Detail of the Switch Comparison: step 12, image 1 of 1

See? same hight. Also same pin pitch.