Thinkpads Forum

I recently purchased a Sierra 598U data card, uses USB. id like to somehow make this an internal solution so that i dont have that USB card sticking out of the side of the machine; but still get to use the data card when needed.

looking at the service manual, i see where the OEM wwan card should be located(under left side of keyboard) and since my machine wasnt equipped that option i have an empty cavity. also the left of that cavity is one usb port. ive already taken apart the data card and it would easily fit into that space.

now i know this is a longshot, but has anyone attempted to hardwire a usb data card into that usb port from the inside. essentially, i don't see why it wouldnt work. Now, the card would always be connected and so i would 'lose' that port as its always in use, but the t60 still has 2 additional ports along with right hand side, closer to the lcd panel. i would gladly sacrifice that 3rd lonely usb port if i could get an internal data card solution.

ill be attempting this mod later tonight; hopefully other can chime in with some help/tips.

r3zon8 wrote:I recently purchased a Sierra 598U data card, uses USB. id like to somehow make this an internal solution so that i dont have that USB card sticking out of the side of the machine; but still get to use the data card when needed.

looking at the service manual, i see where the OEM wwan card should be located(under left side of keyboard) and since my machine wasnt equipped that option i have an empty cavity. also the left of that cavity is one usb port. ive already taken apart the data card and it would easily fit into that space.

now i know this is a longshot, but has anyone attempted to hardwire a usb data card into that usb port from the inside. essentially, i don't see why it wouldnt work. Now, the card would always be connected and so i would 'lose' that port as its always in use, but the t60 still has 2 additional ports along with right hand side, closer to the lcd panel. i would gladly sacrifice that 3rd lonely usb port if i could get an internal data card solution.

ill be attempting this mod later tonight; hopefully other can chime in with some help/tips.

The mini-pcie slot for the WWAN card should also have a usb port (electrical, not physical usb connector), you should be able to solder the wires directly to the mini-pcie slot's footprint on the board so you don't lose your external usb port. check the pinout here: http://www.interfacebus.com/Mini_PCI_Express_Bus.html

everything went fine and the card is now soldered onto the left side usb port. reception took a bit of a hit, from ~900kb/s to 450-650kb/s. these speeds were tested indoors, might get better reception outdoors.

the sierra 598u has a port for external antenna and im hoping to buy one and route the wire inside the lcd assembly; might help speeds, might not. either way its working great and does the job.