Anker Soundcore A3201 Speaker Replacement Guide

Introduction

This guide is part of a Fast Fix Project aimed at documenting the process of replacing internal speakers in Bluetooth speakers, specifically the Anker Soundcore A3102. Bluetooth speaker internal speakers often degrade in sound and bass quality over time. Replacing them offers a cost-effective, time-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing a new speaker. The Anker Soundcore A3102 is chosen due to its popularity and high ratings. This guide covers the complete disassembly, replacement, and reassembly. Background knowledge in soldering is recommended, with a link provided on Step 15 to a soldering guide.

Tools Required:

• Phillips #1 Screwdriver
• iFixit Opening Tools
• Spudger
• Metal Spudger
• Black Silicone Sealant
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Soldering Iron

Step 1: Removing the Front Grille

The front grille is secured by a small amount of silicone sealant.

Action: Gently pry on each edge of the front grille using a plastic opening tool. Start at one side and lift to remove the grille.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a blue plastic tool to carefully pry up the front grille of the Anker Soundcore speaker. The grille features the "ANKER" logo.

⚠️ Note: The grille may bend slightly, which is acceptable. Apply gentle force during removal and be cautious to avoid damage for proper reassembly.

Step 2: Removing Silicone Residue from Housing

After removing the grille, silicone residue will remain on the speaker housing.

Action: Use the plastic opening tool to gently remove the remaining silicone.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a blue plastic tool to scrape away silicone sealant from the speaker housing.

⚠️ Caution: Do not scratch or damage the speaker housing while removing excess silicone sealant.

Step 3: Cleaning Grille Edges

Silicone residue may also be present on the inside edges of the grille.

Action: Use the plastic opening tool to gently scrape and remove excess silicone from the grille.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a blue plastic tool to clean silicone residue from the inner edges of the speaker grille.

⚠️ Caution: Do not damage the grille by scraping or bending it, as it is needed for reassembly.

Step 4: Removing Speaker Housing Screws

With the grille removed, the speaker housing and internal speakers are visible. This housing holds the speakers.

Action: Remove the eight 2mm screws securing the speaker housing using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

Visual Description: The images show the speaker housing with the eight screw locations circled in red. A hand is shown using a Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws.

Step 5: Lifting the Speaker Housing

After removing the screws, the speaker housing is free to be lifted.

Action: Using the plastic opening tool, gently lift all sides of the housing to detach it.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a plastic tool to pry up the speaker housing. The housing is then shown being lifted, revealing the internal components and speaker wire connections to the motherboard.

ℹ️ Note: The speakers are connected to the motherboard via two main connections located directly under the middle of the speaker housing.

⚠️ Caution: Be careful not to pull on or push the wires when removing the speaker housing.

Step 6: Accessing Internal Components

With the speaker housing removed, the bottom of the internal speakers and the motherboard are visible.

Visual Description: The images show the speaker housing detached, revealing the internal speakers and the motherboard, which are still connected by wires.

⚠️ Caution: Be careful not to pull or damage the speaker wires or motherboard.

ℹ️ Note: The speakers are still connected to the speaker housing and the motherboard. The housing cannot be fully removed yet.

Step 7: Removing Speaker Screws

Each internal speaker is secured by two 2mm screws.

Action: Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the two 2mm screws from each speaker (four screws in total).

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding each speaker in place.

⚠️ Caution: The speakers may fall out of the housing once the screws are removed. Be careful to avoid damaging the motherboard or speaker housing if this occurs.

Step 8: Removing Speakers

The speakers can now be removed from the housing.

Action: Gently lift the speakers out of the housing.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully lifting the internal speakers out of their mounting points in the housing.

Step 9: Understanding Speaker Connections

The speakers are connected to the motherboard via positive and negative wires (four wires total, two per speaker).

Visual Description: Close-up images show the speaker wires connected to the motherboard. The text explains these connections are made via soldering on the underside of the motherboard.

Step 10: Removing Motherboard Screws

The motherboard is secured by two small screws and held in place with hot glue.

Action: Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the two 1mm screws holding down the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a Phillips screwdriver to remove two small screws from the motherboard. The motherboard is shown with hot glue applied.

ℹ️ Note: The motherboard cannot be fully removed yet as it is still connected.

Step 11: Disconnecting Ground Wire

The ground wire connects the motherboard to the case.

Action: Gently pull the ground wire on the left side of the motherboard to detach it from the case.

Visual Description: The images show a hand gently pulling the ground wire away from its connection point on the motherboard.

ℹ️ Note: The ground wire can remain attached, but removal is recommended.

⚠️ Caution: The ground wire might be difficult to pull off. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the wire or the motherboard.

Step 12: Desoldering Microphone Wire

The microphone wire is attached to the motherboard with solder and hot glue.

Action: Use a soldering iron to melt the solder connecting the microphone wire to the motherboard. Gently lift the edges of the hot glue to help detach it.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a soldering iron to heat the solder joint for the microphone wire and to melt the hot glue securing it.

ℹ️ Resource: For assistance with soldering techniques, refer to the How To Solder and Desolder Connections guide.

ℹ️ Tip: Lifting the hot glue edges will facilitate the removal and reassembly of the motherboard.

Step 13: Removing the Motherboard

The motherboard can now be carefully removed.

Action: Gently lift and pull the motherboard out slightly, ensuring the wires on the back are not yanked.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully lifting the motherboard out of the speaker housing, keeping track of connected wires.

ℹ️ Tip: Holding the hot glue away while removing the motherboard can be helpful.

Step 14: Accessing Speaker Solder Points

To access the solder points connecting the speakers to the motherboard, the motherboard needs to be rotated.

Action: Rotate the motherboard to expose its backside where the speaker wires are soldered.

Visual Description: The images show the motherboard rotated to reveal the underside where the speaker wires are soldered to the PCB.

ℹ️ Note: The motherboard will remain connected to the speaker battery and cannot be completely removed at this stage.

Step 15: Desoldering Speaker Wires

The speaker wires are soldered to the motherboard.

Action: Using the soldering iron, melt the four solder connections to free the speaker wires from the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a soldering iron to desolder the four connections for the speaker wires on the motherboard.

Step 16: Continuing Speaker Wire Desoldering

Continue the process of desoldering the speaker wires.

Action: Melt the solder connections to free the speaker wires.

Visual Description: The images show the desoldering process continuing, with the soldering iron melting the solder points for the speaker wires.

⚠️ Caution: Do not damage the motherboard with the soldering iron.

Step 17: Disconnecting Speakers

With the wires desoldered, the speakers can be disconnected.

Action: Gently pull the wires away from the motherboard to remove and disconnect the speakers.

Visual Description: The images show hands gently pulling the desoldered speaker wires away from the motherboard.

⚠️ Caution: The wires are thin and the motherboard is fragile. Apply gentle pressure; the wires should pull out if properly desoldered.

Step 18: Inserting Replacement Speaker Wires

Prepare to connect the new speakers.

Action: Insert the wires of the replacement speakers into the same holes the old speakers occupied on the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully inserting the wires of new replacement speakers into the corresponding holes on the motherboard.

⚠️ Caution: Do not damage or bend the wires during insertion. Proceed slowly and ensure proper placement of the replacement speaker wires into the motherboard.

Step 19: Soldering Replacement Speaker Wires

Once the replacement speakers are positioned, solder their wires to the motherboard.

Action: Solder the four connections to the replacement speaker's wires poking out on the other side of the board.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a soldering iron and solder to connect the new speaker wires to the motherboard.

⚠️ Caution: Soldering requires time and precision. Be careful not to damage the motherboard by applying excess solder to other connections.

Step 20: Reinstalling the Motherboard

The motherboard can now be placed back into the speaker case.

Action: Gently set the motherboard into the speaker case.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully positioning the motherboard back into the speaker housing.

ℹ️ Note: Ensure the microphone wires, ground wire, and screw holes are correctly aligned.

ℹ️ Tip: Holding the hot glue in the speaker case up can assist with inserting the motherboard.

Step 21: Reconnecting Ground Wire

The ground wire needs to be reconnected via soldering.

Action: Solder the ground wire into place. After soldering, run the wire through the cutout in the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a soldering iron and solder to reattach the ground wire to the motherboard. The wire is then routed through a cutout.

Step 22: Reconnecting Microphone Wires

Reattach the microphone wires to the motherboard.

Action: Solder the two microphone wires back onto the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show hands soldering the microphone wires back onto their designated spots on the motherboard, marked with positive (+) and negative (-) symbols.

ℹ️ Note: Ensure the positive and negative wires are connected to the correct spots, indicated by the markings on the motherboard.

⚠️ Caution: Do not damage the motherboard or other connections with the soldering iron or excess solder.

Step 23: Securing the Motherboard

Reinstall the screws that hold the motherboard in place.

Action: Replace the two 1mm Phillips #1 screws that hold down the motherboard.

Visual Description: The images show a hand using a Phillips screwdriver to reinsert the two small screws that secure the motherboard.

Step 24: Positioning Replacement Speakers

Place the new speakers into the speaker housing.

Action: Gently set the two replacement speakers into the black speaker housing, ensuring all screw holes are aligned.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully placing the new speakers into the speaker housing, aligning them with the screw holes.

ℹ️ Tip: Align the speakers to match the orientation shown in the final picture.

⚠️ Caution: Incorrect placement will lead to errors in further assembly.

Step 25: Securing Replacement Speakers

Affix the new speakers to the housing.

Action: Replace the four 2mm screws to secure the new speakers to the speaker housing using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

Visual Description: The images show hands using a Phillips screwdriver to install the four screws that hold the new speakers in place.

⚠️ Caution: Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip the screw head or damage the housing.

Step 26: Reinstalling Speaker Housing

Place the speaker housing back into the main speaker case.

Action: Gently set the speaker housing into the case. Apply small amounts of focused pressure to ensure proper seating.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully aligning and pressing the speaker housing back into the main body of the speaker.

⚠️ Caution: Watch out for pinching the speaker wires during reassembly. Position them carefully to avoid damage.

Step 27: Securing Speaker Housing

Secure the speaker housing with screws.

Action: Replace the eight 2mm screws to secure the speaker housing using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

Visual Description: The images show hands using a Phillips screwdriver to install the eight screws that hold the speaker housing in place.

⚠️ Caution: Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip the screw head or damage the housing.

Step 28: Straightening the Grille

The metal grille may have bent during removal.

Action: Straighten the grille for reassembly by gently applying pressure to the bent areas.

Visual Description: The images show hands gently bending and straightening the metal speaker grille.

ℹ️ Note: The grille does not need to be perfectly straight, as it will straighten further during reassembly. However, a straighter grille makes reassembly easier.

Step 29: Applying Silicone Sealant

Apply sealant to create a waterproof seal.

Action: Apply silicone glue to all four sides of the speaker housing along the speaker case.

Visual Description: The images show hands applying a bead of silicone sealant along the edges of the speaker housing.

ℹ️ Purpose: This creates a waterproof seal and aids in proper reassembly.

ℹ️ Tip: Smoothing the silicone with a finger before inserting the grille can help.

Step 30: Reattaching the Grille

Reattach the front grille.

Action: Gently set the grille into the speaker housing and speaker case. Once positioned, apply firm pressure to seat it properly.

Visual Description: The images show hands carefully placing the metal grille back onto the speaker housing and pressing down to secure it.

ℹ️ Note: The silicone will spread around the grille edges.

Drying Time: Allow the glue to dry for the time recommended on the bottle, typically 30-120 minutes.

Step 31: Completion

The speaker repair process is now complete.

Visual Description: The image shows the reassembled Anker Soundcore speaker alongside the tools used for the repair.

Conclusion

To properly disassemble, replace the internal speakers, and reassemble the Anker Soundcore A3201 Bluetooth speaker, follow the steps outlined above, which depict all necessary procedures.