Prepare the Logitech C270 HD webcam for mounting

In this section we are disassembling a Logitech C270 HD webcam to use with C270 versions of Openflexure optics modules. It is not supported in the Openflexure software, but it can be used with many simple webcam programs.

Step 1: Open the C270 case

• Take the Logitech C270 web cam and place it on a clean surface
• Release the outer bezel with a flat blade screwdriver
• Remove the bezel and discard it
• Unscrew three screws holding the inner front cover, using a #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Save the screws for mounting the camera if you are using a lens spacer
• Remove the inner cover and discard it

Step 2: Remove the camera board from the case

• Before touching the camera board touch a metal earthed object. If you own one, consider wearing and anti-static strap
• Remove the small rubber tube from the microphone and discard it. The microphone is the cylindrical component in the middle of the board, it is the largest component other than the camera.
• Unscrew two screws holding the camera board, using a #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Save the screws as spares
• Release the board from the case. It is still attached to the case by the cable
• Remove the E-clip from the cable retainer with a flat blade screwdriver
• Release the cable holder from the case
• Cut the case to make a slot from the cable hole to the edge, using side cutters. Take care not to cut the cable
• Remove the board cable from the case and discard the case.

Step 3: Remove the microphone

• Grasp the microphone with small pliers
• Carefully twist forwards and backwards to break the small wires connecting the microphone to the board (you could alternatively unsolder the wires from the back of the board). Discard the microphone
• Remove the white plastic spacer and discard it
• Grasp the remaining microphone wires where they were in the spacer with small pliers. Twist them to break and discard them

Step 4: Remove the lens

• Place the camera board with the lens facing down
• Unscrew two screws holding the lens mount to the camera board, using a #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Save both screws for mounting the camera if you are using an Openflexure RMS optics module. These screws are different from the others
• Turn the camera board over
• Hold the lens assembly and carefully pull it from the board. The lens assembly is held with double-sided tape and requires a little force to remove.
• Retain the lens assembly if you are going to use the basic optics module with a lens spacer
• Remove the small foam pad from the board, next to the lens mount

Step 5: Prepare the lens to use in the basic optics module

• Grasp the square lens mount and the knurled round lens holder
• Unscrew the lens from the mount. There is some force required to start to unscrew the lens as it is held in place with a little glue.

The prepared Logitech C270 camera and lens are now ready to attach to your optics module or lens spacer