Going to internal wireless.

Message

Temetka · #1 Post by **Temetka** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:04 pm

My T23 does not have internal wireless. I am tired of the wireless card sticking out of the machine. Also, I want to do it because it can be done.

So my T23 is of the 2647-4RU variety. What parts are required to do this, who sells them, etc.

Again, thanks in advance.

skygodtj · #2 Post by **skygodtj** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:57 pm

It isnt just a matter of adding the card and antenna, you will have to change your LCD cover and hinges to make room for those. Adding the wifi card will remove the possibility of hardwired networking. Look thru the Hardware Maint Manual for the parts.

TJ

LtTPfan · #3 Post by **LtTPfan** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:07 pm

The parts you require depend on if you want to keep your internal modem or "wired" ethernet as your machine came equipped with an ethernet card in the Communications Daughter Card (CDC) slot and a modem in the Mini-PCI (MPCI) slot. And, it is not "wireless upgradeable," meaning it didn't come with the antennas built in.

If you can do without the modem you can add the MPCI wifi card of your choice. I assume you at least want one that is wireless-G compatible. Which card to get is very subjective and depends on among other things what router you will be connecting to. Where you buy is also very subjective. There are some great deals to be found on eBay but if you are not comfortable dealing there, Newegg.com seems to be popular among many users here. (Maybe someone else here knows of a MPCI card that is a wifi/modem combination which is at least wireless-G.)

You will have to add the antennas. Wireless4laptop, a member here, seems to be the major supplier of aftermarket antennas and has reasonable prices. I'm not sure if he sells them directly on his site, wireless4laptop.com, or only on eBay. Your easiest bet is to buy a set that installs under your keyboard rather than inside the screen, which requires considerably more effort. The former sells for about $10 or $12 dollars, shipped.

If you can't live without your built-in modem, and no one knows of a suitable (MPCI) wifi/modem combo, you can do away with your CDC wired ethernet card and install a Modem Daughter Card (MDC) in its place. (Maybe someone knows of a combo modem/ehternet card?) MDCs can be found on eBay for as little as $5.99 shipped.

In any of the above instances, except for maybe installing antennas inside the screen, installation is very simple. Deciding what parts to buy seems the hardest part.

You might want to search here for "1802." It's the error code received when a non-compatible MPCI card is installed in your Thinkpad. There are numerous threads with that term and in those you should find information that will aid you in your decision.

jongordo8 · #4 Post by **jongordo8** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:18 pm

you can also get antennas that you just place under the keyboard and don't have to disassemble the lcd cover, although that is relatively easy. They did make a minipci modem/wireless card, but it is only wireless B.

Temetka · #5 Post by **Temetka** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:10 am

What speed does wireless B top out at? I am also interested in the under the keyboard antenna. I was not aware that existed. I would like to retain the use of my internal NIC and modem (for occasional faxing, BBS'ing and whatnot).

LtTPfan · #6 Post by **LtTPfan** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:13 am

Wireless B is 11mb, G is 54mb, and Super G is 108mb.

Actually, you can place even the factory antennas under your keyboard as you just lay them in place. The aftermarket ones are cheaper, however. Check out this LINK for instructions on how to install antennas under your keyboard.

I don't know how you can have built-in wireless-G or better and maintain your modem and internal NIC. Hopefully someone else can shed some light on that. I guess you could use a PCMCIA modem, at least you wouldn't have the wifi antenna sticking out.

PATRICKJEF · #7 Post by **PATRICKJEF** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:22 pm

I know you're looking for integrated, and I share your frustration with wireless PCMCIA's sticking out.. I am very happy with MY new solution, however with 3Com's X-Jack technology.. The beauty here is when you click it in, it considers the card 'unplugged'.. Hence no removal warning from your O.S. and no locking up danger.. Fully extended it's still one of the lowest profile cards I've found..

The following model in particular has a $25.00 rebate from 3Com's site leaving it only about a $25.00 card!!!!! My rebate has not come in yet, but even at $55.00 (which I paid), this 54G card is great!

http://www.pricescan.com/items/item165688.asp

silo · #8 Post by **silo** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:07 pm

PATRICKJEF wrote:The following model in particular has a $25.00 rebate from 3Com's site leaving it only about a $25.00 card!!!!! My rebate has not come in yet, but even at $55.00 (which I paid), this 54G card is great!

http://www.pricescan.com/items/item165688.asp

Can't find the rebate on 3Com's site. You got a link? Thanks.

#9 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:44 pm

I wonder if one of the posters can tell me how they determined that the 2647-4RU is not wireless upgradeable? I had a 2647-8NU and it came with wireless. I looked at the specs page for the 4RU and to me, it did not specifically say it was not upgradeable. I looked at the wireless network cards, and the card for the 2647 doesn't segregate sub-models, suggesting it could work. What am I missing?
Thanks, ... JD Hurst

LtTPfan · #10 Post by **LtTPfan** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:24 pm

jdhurst wrote:I wonder if one of the posters can tell me how they determined that the 2647-4RU is not wireless upgradeable? I had a 2647-8NU and it came with wireless. I looked at the specs page for the 4RU and to me, it did not specifically say it was not upgradeable. I looked at the wireless network cards, and the card for the 2647 doesn't segregate sub-models, suggesting it could work. What am I missing?
Thanks, ... JD Hurst

The TAWBOOK lists the MPCI slot for the 2647-4RU as having a modem and the CDC as ethernet. The 2647-8NU is listed as "11b Wi-Fi/mod" combo and CDC ethernet. Other type machines list the MPCI as "open," "open (wireless upg)," (for those that are upgradeable, i.e. equipped with antennas) or the type of card installed. None of the T23s are listed as "open" or "open (wireless upg)" so there was an assumption on my part.

#11 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:40 pm

So to the original poster, you might want to look in the bay (on the bottom) where the wireless NIC goes. If the wires are in there for wireless, you just need to install the card. At least look before assuming they are not there. .. JD Hurst

PATRICKJEF · #12 Post by **PATRICKJEF** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:37 pm

You MUST check the stock number carefully.
This is MY card.. '3CRXJK10075'. It's a 54G (108mbps advertised)
Here is the link
Good if purchased between December 3, 2005 and March 3, 2006..

http://www.3com.com/promotions/en_US/wi ... ebate.html

The newest version is a different stock number, so look carefully.. -Jeff

ambientscape · #13 Post by **ambientscape** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 1:03 am

jdhurst wrote:So to the original poster, you might want to look in the bay (on the bottom) where the wireless NIC goes. If the wires are in there for wireless, you just need to install the card. At least look before assuming they are not there. .. JD Hurst

WOuld it be better to check the side of the LCD panel...whether there's a piece of plastic attached on it. If the plastic thingy is there means....you will have the attena ready.

Temetka · #14 Post by **Temetka** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:52 pm

ambientscape wrote:
jdhurst wrote:So to the original poster, you might want to look in the bay (on the bottom) where the wireless NIC goes. If the wires are in there for wireless, you just need to install the card. At least look before assuming they are not there. .. JD Hurst
WOuld it be better to check the side of the LCD panel...whether there's a piece of plastic attached on it. If the plastic thingy is there means....you will have the attena ready.

Huh? Got a pic or diagram or something. The 'plastic thingy' isn't all that great of a description.

Thanks again.

Website · #15 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:43 pm

They are referring to slanted grooves that come down the sides of the screen about an inch or two, whereas a system without internal wireless would be smooth all the way down.

#16 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:44 pm

With the display open, run your fingers down the sides of the display. If there are ridges near the top ypu have wireless antennae installed, if smooth it is not wireless ready.

Temetka · #17 Post by **Temetka** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:29 pm

Nope. I have some of those dots that are the screw covers, nothing else. I think I'll go with either then antenna under the wristpad or this idea:

Forget the aesthetics and get a PCMCIA card with an external antenna that connects to the back of the LCD. By doing so:

1. I would not have to perform surgery on my thinkpad
2. I would get better range and be able to scan more networks
3. LCD's with antenna's just look cool

Still debating but I am leaning towards the external route (thus destroying the whole point of this thread).

LtTPfan · #18 Post by **LtTPfan** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:42 pm

Do you have a link to a PC card w/external antenna? I'd like to see what they look like, might consider one for my 770 so I can do away with my repeater if the range is increased.

#19 Post by **Kyocera** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:46 pm

I saw a wireless compact flash device on www.linksys.com looks very weird.

jongordo8 · #20 Post by **jongordo8** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 12:19 am

Installing antennas into your LCD is not difficult. If you are going to do it, do it right! Buy a wireless G minipci card, the antennas, and install them. The whole setup will cost you 50 dollars and an hour of your time. Well worth it! Who uses modems anymore anyhow? I wouldn't worry about that or worry about placing the antennas in the LCD.

I took the LCD cover off to replace a broken hinge, took maybe 10 minutes. It was simple. I have replaced a systemboard as well, no big deal. Do it right!

I have also had the Xjack cards, and they work well and are low profile, but if you are willing to spend the time and have the ambition to undo some screws and be patient, do the internal wireless!

Temetka · #21 Post by **Temetka** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 1:10 am

Whoah there buddy. I have spent many hours in the night rebuilding / repairing laptops. I do it all the time. What I am debating now is whether to go internal or go with the other method I listed above.

Secondly, I need the modem. I dial into BBS's and send faxes on a daily basis. Also what happens when there is no DSL / Cable / Wireless available and you HAVE to get online RIGHT NOW. Dial up buddy.

Thirdly,

I am not sure if your post was stating that I am either lazy or incompetent. I do this stuff on a daily basis so much so that the joy of tinkering with my own hardware has long since passed. Please correct your position. Or it will be corrected for you.

Note from Moderator: Back it down a notch.

#22 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:12 am

Temetka, you are absolutely right, if I go to a customers network and they are down and I need to get on the internet and can't use their cables, or wireless, there is always the backup MODEM, unplug Someones phone and in a few (long) minutes you are connected. I'd never get a machine that did not have all three options, even if it could give me speed of light upload speeds, that means nothing if you can't connect.

LtTPfan · #23 Post by **LtTPfan** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 12:03 pm

What's "right" for one isn't necessarrily "right" for another. While jongordo8's post insinuates laziness or ineptness, etc, I don't believe retaliatory threats are appropriate either.

Because dual CDC slots are unavailable on the T23, those machines are somewhat limited as many want to retain their internal NIC and modem while adding Wi-Fi capability. Perhaps jongordo8 or someone can point us to a wireless-G or better/modem combo MPCI card. If not, it seems one must use a PC card for at least one function, Wi-Fi, NIC, or modem. Adding internal Wi-Fi in the case of a T23 not already equipped would require the card, antennas, and a PC card modem if all three options are desired. Or. I guess you could just trash the modem and NIC, and buy an MPCI Wi-Fi card, antennas, modem daughter card, and PC NIC card. Maybe jongordo8 will pitch in some bucks so Temetka can "do it right."

dsvochak · #24 Post by **dsvochak** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 12:43 pm

The eternal question: cost versus convenience.

I am tired of the wireless card sticking out of the machine. Also, I want to do it because it can be done.
----------------------
I do this stuff on a daily basis so much so that the joy of tinkering with my own hardware has long since passed

If both of these are still true, pick the one that's most important and do what you want. I'm in the "... joy of tinkering with my own hardware has long since passed" group, but that's just me.

#25 Post by **JaneL** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 1:36 pm

jongordo8 wrote:Who uses modems anymore anyhow?

Quite a number of us do.

Temetka · #26 Post by **Temetka** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:10 pm

Well I think I am going to go with the external antenna route. I think it might look kind of neat and it should allow me to be further away from my (or others) routers. Besides, they look cool.

Temetka · #27 Post by **Temetka** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:13 pm

Now I realize I stated that I don't like tinkering with my own hardware. I do. Jus tnot all the time. Going from that I do have one more "upgrade my T" question.

I have the 14.1 1024.768 screen. Is it possible to do a simple LCD swap for the higher resolution LCD? I am pretty sure that I can because other T23's have that LCD and we all have pretty much the same video card to drive them. I would love a little more screen real estate on my laptop.

Thanks in advance.

PATRICKJEF · #28 Post by **PATRICKJEF** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:00 pm

Now HERE is a helpful solution.. Note the free installation videos at the bottom of page here on Ebay.. What a deal..

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-HIGH-GAIN-802-11- ... dZViewItem

Nolonemo · #29 Post by **Nolonemo** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:39 pm

I say, go for the 3com X-Jack card. I tried antennas in the lid and under the keyboard, and the 3com card is about on par with the sensitivity with either of the internal antennas. When its retracted, it's virtually flush with the laptop case, and I still have my ethernet and modem when I want them.

BTW, if you want to run something into the lid, you will need pretty long leads, note that the ones in the ebay auction are only 7", not nearly long enough.

However, if you are determined to go the internal route and want to keep modem/ethernet capability, get a 3Com xjack modem/ethernet card and keep in it one of the PC card slots.

BruisedQuasar · #30 Post by **BruisedQuasar** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:30 pm

Unless, this desire is to do it because it exists thing, which I completely understand, it seems to me a whole lot easier and cheaper just to use a wifi card.

I ignore the windows warning thing and just remove my cards. Of six PCs, I have not developed a single problem from just removing my cards. I have noticed that Thinkpads running win 2000 pro semi-crash and loose data if you try to go into standby with a card still inserted and running.

Going to internal wireless.

Going to internal wireless.

Low Profile Wifi

Re: Low Profile Wifi

3com Xjack wifi rebate..

Internal WIFI

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