PCI antenna busted, can I just bypass it?

[arnica]

My T40 gave me wireless connectivity troubles from the onset, so I purchased a "Novatech 54 Mbps Unwire Notebook Adaptor", put it in the CardBus slot, problem semi solved.

Then the other day I finally took apart my T40 and found that the "main" antenna wire coming off the mini PCI adaptor had been compressed, most likely the result of someone else's sloppy rebuild. (some screws were missing).

I'm having a heck of a time finding a new antenna wire online, as the model # is nowhere to be found on the device. My question is, can I remove the PCI card altogether and just use the CardBus adapter? Or does the adapter itself work off the PCI adapter's antennae?

I'm aware of the fact that I can put the computer back together then boot up and press Access IBM for the serial #, then contact IBM for the model number, then order the part, but is that all necessary? Can I access wireless networks via the Novatech adapter alone?

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

It sounds like the thin coaxial cable from the MiniPCI wireless card to the antenna in the lid has been squished. If that is the case, then you would normally have to replace the entire assembly (cable and antenna). The connector used by every MiniPCI wireless card that I've seen so far is called U.FL. You can get a pre-made U.FL cable, but without antenna, and simply cut off the existing cable and solder on the replacement (skill in working with very thin coaxial cable stripping required). Or you can try to find somebody who is selling the complete antenna assembly out of a parted-out T4x. Download a copy of the T4x Hardware Maintenance Manual and check the LCD parts list for your particular screen size. That will tell you the IBM FRU of the antenna you need.

Oh, and you don't need the MiniPCI wireless card installed for the PC Card (CardBus) adapter to work. That card has its own antenna built in.

And on further reflection... if the "main" cable has been compressed enough to short out the internal wire, then maybe all you need to do to continue using the MiniPCI wireless card is to simply disconnect the main lead. You still should have the "aux" lead connected and if that one is working properly, then your wireless card will function. You may still have a decreased operating range or sensitivity to the direction your laptop faces. The reason why there are two antennas is that the wireless card automatically selects the one with the strongest signal.

ref: T4x HMM
Mouser.com listing of U.FL cables (mfg. part number A-1PA-113-300B2 will probably work)

[richk]

Which wire is bad? (black or gray)

[aaa]

Link, that antenna works for the wifi too, less hassle than replacing the in-screen antenna, although it probably won't get as good reception (better than nothing though!).

But if only one cable is squished, the internal wireless should work, just with less reception. (or maybe they just need to be switched around?)

No, the external wireless has nothing to do with the internal wireless, and will continue to work.

[arnica]

It was the grey (main) wire. I noticed that the external adapter made the connectivity better, but still not ideal, though what can I expect out of a computer so relatively old. Thanks for the advice. I think for the time being I'm going to reassemble the computer minus the "main" antenna and deal with lesser connectivity until I get the new part.

Here are two follow up questions, if anyone's interested:

1. According to the manual I ought never reuse screws. Do I truly have to get all new ones to put my computer back together?

2. I took the computer apart because I was having troubles with the screen: It would blur, then dissolve into white with red and green horizontal lines, then often turn entirely black. It still responded to some keyboard and mouse commands. The error could reliably be repeated through multiple reboots.

I found that pressing on the "palm rest" could clear the screen up or change the screen pattern. Once I took the box apart I noticed that the area I was pressing was almost exactly above the squished grey/main antenna!

The only other irregularity with this computer is that I bought it missing three screws, one intended to hold the keyboard in place, another intended to hold the palm board in place, and another whose function I don't know.

Any two bit opinions appreciated...

[rkawakami]

re: Reusing screws... I've taken apart my fair share of systems and have always re-used the screws. If you are über-anal, then yes, you should buy an (expensive) set of screws so that your system is re-assembled to the same, tight standards as when it came from the factory. Me, I don't notice any difference with my systems, but neither to I subject them to much vibration which could loosen the screws.

re: Distorted video... could be due to pressure being put upon the video graphics chip which I think is very close to the MiniPCI socket area in the T4x. This appears to be a common issue with the T40s and I believe it to be caused by some of the solder bonds cracking underneath the video chip (see: T42 shuts down when I move it thread).

[arnica]

Thanks for the prompt advice. The googling I've done has revealed that the T4xxs have this problem and it can't be fixed cheaply. Too bad, I like my computer. Guess I'll ride it into the ground then part it out and start looking for the next best Thinkpad...