Casio W-800H microSD mod
What is this watch modification all about?
tl;dr You can put microSD card into Casio W-800H. It’s nothing serious, you can do it for fun.
Why should I put microSD in watch?
I’m not urging you to do anything but I can give you reasons why I put a microSD card in the watch. First of all, I have a watch on my wrist 24/7, so the real question is why I would want to have a microSD card close to me. The answer is simple, it’s a kind of very private and emergency backup that can be used if I have to leave the house due to some emergency. Of course, let’s not be paranoid, but floods and fires do happen.
Ideas of what you can put in microSD backup card
- offline maps
- copy of Wikipedia
- pictures of family and friends
- scans of important documents
- your contact list
- copy of your most important e-mails
- copy of your password database (you are using password manager, right?!)
- just anything that will help you get back on track if something bad happens.
Of course you can put a microSD in your shoes, but in my opinion, it’s more convenient in a watch. ;-)
Why not storing backup in cloud?
Why not both? Local backups are independent of internet access, which can be crucial in emergencies when online services may be unavailable. Also cloud is just someone else’s computer so remember about encryption.
Why the Casio W-800H?
Because I had one and it’s cheap. Before the W-800H, I tested the Casio F-91W – it’s possible, but you need to cut some plastic elements to fit the card in. Also worth mentioning that I’ve never had any Casio G-Shock model, so I don’t know if it’s possible. To be honest I’m sceptical about G-Shock line, even the cheap Casio watch is highly resistant to shocks and harsh weather conditions.
Instruction
Before you proceed - prepare and encrypt the card. Encryption is important! Someone could steal your watch, or you could lose it.
The whole procedure is simple, unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the watch.
Next you need to remove the mechanism from the center of the watch case.
Detach the metal plates that connect the two plastic parts that enclose the PCB. Do it carefully, there is a small spring inside, don’t lose it.
Once you’ve taken the mechanism apart - all you have to do is insert the memory card behind the screen. It will fit like a glove.