I suppose I have kept all of you waiting long enough. I have finally had some time to turn out this tutorial. Hopefully I will not disappoint.<br><br><br><br><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><b>The Project</b></span></span><br><br>

The goal of this project was to simply design and create a portable memory unit for Android devices. OTG adapter cables exist, and allow you to mount external memory on your Android device. This project was designed to accompany mounting the existing functionality; mainly targeting Android users with a device lacking expandable storage. OTG host cables and a flash drive fulfill this hole. However, the major downside being the bulk of such a setup.<br><br>

As a Nexus 7 user, I too feel the growing pains that come along with fixed storage. As far as I know no commercial solution currently exists. The closest relative would be the <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/drives/cruzer-fit/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">Sandisk Cruzer Fit</span></a> which is designed for standard USB-A ports. Thus, I needed to create something of my own, preferably something simple so that the DIY community could also reap the benefits of the design.<br><br>

To save you the trouble of scrolling all the way to the end of this post like so many other guides, I will share the finish product picture right here so you know exactly what you'll be making.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1557783/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1557783" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1557783/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 427px"></a><br><br>

As you can see, the size is roughly that of Logitech's Nano receiver, but only a fraction of the weight.<br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Getting Started</span></span></b><br><br>

In order to get started you should have some basic tools of the DIY trade. Additionally, you will need the parts for the actual drive.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1558312/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1558312" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1558312/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 463px"></a><br><br><b>Resources Checklist</b><br><ol class="bbcode_list"><li>Vise</li>

<li>Pliers, preferably Needle-Nose</li>

<li>Soldering iron</li>

<li>Rosin Core solder</li>

<li>(Optional) Solder stand "Helping Hands"</li>

<li>Hot glue gun</li>

<li>X-ACTO Knife</li>

<li>(Optional) Vertical X-ACTO Knife blade</li>

<li>Wire strippers</li>

<li>Scissors/wire cutters</li>

<li>30 AWG (insulated) wire</li>

<li>Tweezers</li>

<li>(Optional) Super glue</li>

<li><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-5S-UNIT/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWuEBzusIWUWw==" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">Hirose ZX20 Assembly</span></a></li>

<li><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-SLDC/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWHeNKyIDN68A==" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">Hirose ZX20 Cover</span></a></li>

<li><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=overclockdotnet-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB00812F7O8%2Fref%3Ds9_psimh_gw_p147_d0_i1%3Fpf_rd_m%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf_rd_s%3Dcenter-2%26pf_rd_r%3D137VP4QFN7J67DTZHXDD%26pf_rd_t%3D101%26pf_rd_p%3D1389517282%26pf_rd_i%3D507846" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">Sandisk Cruzer Fit</span></a></li>

<li><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://shpws.me/oqTj" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">Shapeways enclosure</span></a></li>

</ol><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Preliminary Step</span></span></b><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Sandisk Cruzer Fit</li>

<li>Computer</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559698/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559698" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559698/width/350/height/700/flags/LL" style="; width: 260px; height: 100px"></a><br><br>

Assuming you do not want the Sandisk SecureAccess™ software on the flash drive, I recommend removing it via format of your new flash drive.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559705/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559705" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559705/width/350/height/700/flags/LL" style="; width: 281px; height: 54px"></a><br><br><br>

Once complete, you should have all the space of the flash drive available.<br><br><br><br><br><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><b>Step 1</b></span></span><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Vise</li>

<li>Pliers</li>

<li>Cruzer Fit</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559529/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559529" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559529/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 499px"></a><br><br><br>

In order to get to the interesting stuff, we need to remove the NAND module from the housing.<br><br>

Insert the Cruzer Fit into the vise by the USB connector, making sure the plastic housing is not clamped.<br><br>

Use the pliers to grab the plastic housing and pull straight back. It may require a bit of fidgeting to break the plastic free from the metal USB plug. Just be cautious not to bend the unit left or right as the NAND module resides partially inside the metal plug, doing so may result in fracturing of the memory. Aside from opening the packaging, this step is by far the easiest. The housing should slide out without much effort.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559546/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559546" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559546/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 499px"></a><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Step 2</span></span></b><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>X-ACTO Knife</li>

<li>Cruzer Fit housing</li>

<li>(Optional) Vertical X-ACTO Knife blade</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559551/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559551" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559551/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 647px"></a><br><br><br>

The vertical X-ACTO Knife blade is not required, but from my experience it makes the task much easier.<br><br>

To free the actual silicone from the plastic, the sides of the housing will need to be removed. At that point, the silicone will slide out nicely.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559555/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559555" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559555/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 652px"></a><br><br><br>

If you have nice sharp knife blades you may want to be careful of cutting into the silicone. It appears that Sandisk has made use of every square inch of the module.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559556/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559556" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559556/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 593px"></a><br><br><br>

This is what you should end up with.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559560/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559560" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559560/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 517px"></a><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Step 3</span></span></b><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Hirose ZX20 SLDC (cover)</li>

<li>Hirose ZX20 UNIT (assembly)</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559567/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559567" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559567/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 410px"></a><br><br><br>

You just have to put them together.<br><br>

Yup, that's it.<br><br>

This is what you should end up with, easy huh?<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559570/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559570" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559570/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 447px"></a><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Step 4</span></span></b><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Rosin-Core solder</li>

<li>Cruzer Fit memory module</li>

<li>Micro USB plug</li>

<li>Tweezers</li>

<li>30 AWG (insulated) wire</li>

<li>Soldering iron</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559586/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559586" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559586/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 595px"></a><br><br><br>

This is probably the hardest step due to the small contacts on the micro USB plug. The ZX20 was designed to be mounted on a PCB with straight through-hole contacts. I would definitely say that moderate soldering skills are required for this step. If you are still a newbie at soldering, you may want to have some soldering braid or extra plugs on hand.<br><br>

I recommend first tinning the contact pads on the memory module and then setting it aside.<br><br>

Next, five cut short (approximately 1" (2.5 cm)) lengths of wire and strip the ends. It is beneficial to strip less of the wire because of the short lengths. I recommend also cutting a 1/2" (1.25 cm) piece of wire for bridging the OTG function (don't worry about that yet, the color-coded diagram will be listed below.)<br><br>

Start soldering the innermost pin first (pin 3) and work your way out. Make sure your joints are strong because we will be manipulating the wire later on. Trust me, the last thing you want are wires detaching right as you are finishing up.<br><br>

This is what your micro USB plug should resemble:<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559606/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559606" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559606/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 441px"></a><br><br><br>

This is the wiring schematic for the electronics. No it is not complex, nor is it difficult. That was one of the goals for this project.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559656/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559656" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559656/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 449px"></a><br><br><br>

The hard part is almost over.<br><br>

The next part is soldering the memory module to your newly wired micro USB plug.<br><br>

Simply follow the wiring diagram and connect the four wires to their corresponding pads. It is important that the pads align to the left side of the micro USB plug if you are planning to complete your project with a housing. The finished step should look like the following.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559691/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1559691" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1559691/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 496px"></a><br><br><br>

At this point it would be a good idea to make sure everything is working using your preferred Android device. Of course, for the purposes of this tutorial I believe it is safe to assume your Android device is already rooted and capable of mounting USB devices.<br><br>

However, if you have not taken these steps, you can find an <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.howtogeek.com/129800/how-to-use-usb-drives-with-the-nexus-7-and-other-android-devices/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">excellent, newbie-friendly guide here</span></a> how to root, and mount USB devices on your Android device.<br><br>

It is very important that you plug in your partially-finished project with care. Small wires like these like to detach themselves if you are rough with them. Micro USB plugs do lock when plugged in, so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to remove the drive as-is by pulling on the wires.<br><br>

If all goes well, your drive should mount just like any other USB device. Should you run into any hurdles, feel free to ask for help.<br><br><br><br><br><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><b>Step 5</b></span></span><br><br><b>Required for this step:</b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Shapeways enclosure</li>

<li>Hot glue gun</li>

<li>Bare flash drive module</li>

<li>(Optional) Super glue</li>

</ul><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560742/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560742" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560742/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 591px"></a><br><br><br>

For this step it is very helpful if you let your hot glue gun heat up as long as possible. The less viscous the glue, the better.<br><br>

Unbox your fancy new 3D printed part and admire the technology we have today.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560741/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560741" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560741/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 612px"></a><br><br><br>

For the very first sub-step you will not need to glue anything. Simply insert the flash drive module as it is with the contact pads facing left. It should slide it smoothly.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560743/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560743" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560743/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 543px"></a><br><br><br>

Next, very carefully take your micro USB plug and bend it along the wires into the final position inside the enclosure. Do not fold any wires underneath the USB plug, make sure it sits directly on top of the NAND module.<br><br>

Put a <i>small</i> dot of hot glue below the micro USB plug and press it firmly into place, holding it there for at least 30 seconds until the glue cures.<br><br>

At this point it is safe to finish securing the rest of the USB plug. It is much better to put your glue in key locations so that it seeps in between the plug and the enclosure as opposed to heaping on the hot glue only where you can <i>see</i> it.<br><br>

One last tip to keep in mind when gluing, try to keep the hot glue off the edges of the enclosure. If there is solidified glue here, it is probable that your enclosure will not close nice and flush.<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560756/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560756" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560756/width/750/height/1500/flags/LL" style="; width: 750px; height: 453px"></a><br><br><br>

If you're finished gluing the USB plug, congratulations now you can put your glue along the edges to seal up your project!<br><br>

I used hot glue for this step as well, but you need to be fast. Place a thin bead of hot glue around the edges starting with the left side (side without the hole). If you choose hot glue, when you put the two halves together you must press very hard while the glue is curing to get a flush seam.<br><br>

Don't worry if any glue comes out of the seam, just wait until the glue cures and shave off the excess with your X-ACTO knife. Trying to wipe the hot glue off or smooth it out while the glue is still warm makes a much, much bigger mess.<br><br>

For these reasons I suggest using super glue if it is available. However, if you don't have on hand hot glue will work fine.<br><br>

At this point you should have a completed micro flash drive for your phone and or tablet!<br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560762/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560762" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560762/width/500/height/1000/flags/LL" style="; width: 500px; height: 325px"></a><br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560763/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560763" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560763/width/500/height/1000/flags/LL" style="; width: 500px; height: 432px"></a><br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560764/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560764" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560764/width/500/height/1000/flags/LL" style="; width: 500px; height: 312px"></a><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Accessories</span></span></b><br><br>

If you want to plug your new flash drive into the computer, you can purchase an adapter made just for that. I purchased the same adapter on eBay so I would have it as soon as possible. However, I am not going to link to eBay, because eBay links go bad after an extended period of time. Alternatively, <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://dx.com/p/micro-usb-female-to-usb-male-adapter-black-172524" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1e71b8;">here is a link to DealExtreme.</span></a><br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560814/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560814" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560814/width/500/height/1000/flags/LL" style="; width: 500px; height: 382px"></a><br><br><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560815/"><img alt="" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="1560815" data-type="61" src="http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1560815/width/500/height/1000/flags/LL" style="; width: 500px; height: 369px"></a><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Final notes</span></span></b><br><br>

Thank you to all those who took interest in this project back when I debuted my initial project. I have put many hours into the creation of this project overall, and specifically this tutorial. All supplies came from my personal finances. Hopefully this guide has benefited you so that you too can enjoy a life without ugly, bulky OTG cables.<br><br><br><br><br><br><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Resources</span></span></b><br><ul class="bbcode_list"><li>Sandisk Cruzer Fit on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=overclockdotnet-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSanDisk-Cruzer-Flash-Drive-SDCZ33-032G-B35%2Fdp%2FB00812F7O8%2Fref%3Dpd_ybh_3" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Flash-Drive-SDCZ33-032G-B35/dp/B00812F7O8/ref=pd_ybh_3</a></li>

<li>Hirose ZX20-B-5S-UNIT on Mouser: <a href="http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-5S-UNIT/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWuEBzusIWUWw==" target="_blank">http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-5S-UNIT/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWuEBzusIWUWw==</a></li>

<li>Hirose ZX20-B-SLDC on Mouser: <a href="http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-SLDC/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWHeNKyIDN68A==" target="_blank">http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/ZX20-B-SLDC/?qs=XQjbzJWzFPWHeNKyIDN68A==</a></li>

<li>Shapeways Micro Flash Drive BASE V3.1 on Shapeways: <a href="https://www.shapeways.com/model/1150492/micro-flash-drive-base-v3-1.html?li=shop-inventory" target="_blank">https://www.shapeways.com/model/1150492/micro-flash-drive-base-v3-1.html?li=shop-inventory</a></li>

<li>Micro USB Female to USB Male adapter on DealExtreme: <a href="http://dx.com/p/micro-usb-female-to-usb-male-adapter-black-172524" target="_blank">http://dx.com/p/micro-usb-female-to-usb-male-adapter-black-172524</a></li>

</ul>