https://stevenchow.ca/ Recent blog posts on Steven's Lab Hugo (https://gohugo.io) en-us Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 Z https://stevenchow.ca/posts/airpods-max-headband-connector-replacement/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction This seems to be a common issue with the AirPods Max (lightning). This repair is done on the lightning version. I haven’t looked too closely into the revised product, but it’s likely to be the same design. This area can be damaged in two ways: constant swivelling can damage the thin ribbon connector that connects the board to the headband moisture can cause corrosion on the pins and headband pins To metigate the issues, it is possible to reinforce the ribbon with tape. For combatting the corrosion, a small amount of diaelectric grease can be used for protection. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/airpods-max-headband-connector-replacement/ https://stevenchow.ca/posts/ipod-mini-1-2-battery-storage-upgrade/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction Refurbishing an iPod Mini 2nd Gen 4GB with a new after-market battery and Red CF card microsd adapter. The Red microsd to CF card adapter is a bit finicky and requires a MBR rebuild during the iPod restore process. bootsect /nt60 D: /mbr Replace D: with the drive letter of your iPod. The microsd card used in this project is a PEF128GEP31MCX5 - Patriot 128GB A1 microsd. The stated performance from data sheets is Read speed up to 100MB/s | write speed up to 80MB/s. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/ipod-mini-1-2-battery-storage-upgrade/ https://stevenchow.ca/posts/wf-1000xm4-right-rebuild/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction This is my experience rebuilding a wf-1000xm4 right earbud from scratch. I received two right wf-1000xm4 earbuds. One earbud had a deformed plastic male eartip end and the other didn’t seem to output any sound. I used a multi-meter and check for resistance. It read 0 ohms on the driver that wasn’t able to output sound. This bud had a good housing and the bud with the deformed tip had functioning internals. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/wf-1000xm4-right-rebuild/ https://stevenchow.ca/posts/iphone-14-pro-battery-replacement/ Sun, 13 Jul 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction Apple battery pricing estimation tool here. This was the price given: I thought I could do a mediocre job and come out with some new tools. # Parts and tools purchased Parts Cost iPhone 14 Pro battery $35 RELIFE 601SL Plus Multifunctional LCD Screen Separator $50 Total cost: $85 Which is still much cheaper compared the Apple’s offering. The only thing I lose is a genuine battery. It’s hard finding a good quality battery given all the listings out there. I think I found one that is reliable. I’ll have to give it some time before I can conclude anything. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/iphone-14-pro-battery-replacement/ https://stevenchow.ca/posts/jonsbo-n1-nas/ Sun, 13 Jul 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction I saw this NAS case while browsing reddit and I loved the form factor and style of it. I found it locally and bought it before I read up on some of the downsides to this case. I had some parts laying around and had to purchase some components. This build ran me more than I intended it to. ## Downsides The airflow for components in this case is terrible. The fan that is suppose to draw air in is blocked by a metal plate - which I have removed. This has helped a lot, but the drives are so closely packed together which prevents cool air from easily passing through the case. I know from the pictures I only have positive air pressures. I’ve tried various configurations and this was the one that provided the best cooling in my environment. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/jonsbo-n1-nas/ https://stevenchow.ca/posts/wh-1000xm5-hinge-repair/ Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 Z # Introduction There are a lot of posts about the WH-1000XM5 hinge breaking on Reddit, and some reviews being left on online retailers such as Amazon. I have a bit of experience replacing the hinges and have written this guide to help people who want to D.I.Y. the repair. This post will contain a lot of information and several solutions to fix your headphone’s snapped hinge. I’ve read through countless posts on Reddit, and have contributed my own opinions and recommendation on this issue before creating this post. Sony does not offer in-warranty repairs in North America for physical damage on the XM5’s. Some countries and regions with better consumer protection such as Europe, Australia, and UK may get better support from Sony, or the retailer you’ve purchased your headphones from. I would suggest you exhaust all proper channels of support before attempting to repair these yourself because any damage done through the process will likely void any warranties. https://stevenchow.ca/posts/wh-1000xm5-hinge-repair/