Replacing the camera?
#1
I discovered a few days ago that the built-in camera in my pinebook pro is not working.  I'm not sure for how long this has been going on, since I never actually tried before.

Since lsusb does not see it, I guess this cannot be a software problem:
Code:
$ lsusb
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 008 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 006 Device 002: ID 05e3:0608 Genesys Logic, Inc. Hub
Bus 006 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 007 Device 002: ID 258a:001e HAILUCK CO.,LTD USB KEYBOARD
Bus 007 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub

I also noted that the platic hook immediately to the left of the camera seems unhooked, and pressing slightly seems ineffective, as if something inside were just a bit too large to fit (or the hook is a bit broken).  While this is very slight, it might be another clue pointing to a hardware problem.  (Broken camera board inside? or badly plugged in?)

I'm aware of the privacy switches and tried toggling them.  No /dev/videoN appear, whether the leds blink 2 or 3 times.  I did not change the keyboard firmware.

Looking for camera problem using Google (answers mostly in this forum), it looks like this is not an uncommon problem, but solutions mostly involved replacing the top panel of the pinebook pro.  With the current penury of LCD panels, this is not a workable solution.

Thus, my question: how hard would it be to replace the camera?

Breaking this down into subquestions:
 * How hard is it to open the top panel without breaking it, for someone careful but inexperienced in hardware teardowns?
 * Any good teardown guide for the top panel that you would recommend?
 * What should I be careful of if I attempt this?
 * how is the camera connected?
 * What are the requirements for a replacement camera? (size, connectors)
 * Where would you buy a replacement camera (same model or better, compatible, camera)?

Thanks for any hint!
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#2
I can't answer the tear down questions, but the wiki states the camera used is a GalaxyCore GC2145. You can also find a datasheet linked towards the bottom of the wiki page. Looking through that, and searching for the camera module should answer size and connection type, though.
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