X31: 2672JXU & internal Bluetooth

[findrivr]

I just purchased a used, stock X31, 2672JXU.

After looking at the IBM 'System Service Parts' tables for the X31, it doesn't appear that there is a specified
"Integrated Bluetooth with 56K Modem (BMDC) for X31" listed for the JXU configuration.
Does this mean it won't support Bluetooth, or just not specified for it in production?
I'd hate to purchase the Bluetooth card, install it w/drivers, etc and ultimately discover that the BIOS, systemboard or someother hardware combination preempts or disables it entirely in the JXU config.
Anyone have a similar experience, good or bad?
Thanks

[mfbernstein]

I just purchased a used, stock X31, 2672JXU.

After looking at the IBM 'System Service Parts' tables for the X31, it doesn't appear that there is a specified
"Integrated Bluetooth with 56K Modem (BMDC) for X31" listed for the JXU configuration.
Does this mean it won't support Bluetooth, or just not specified for it in production?
I'd hate to purchase the Bluetooth card, install it w/drivers, etc and ultimately discover that the BIOS, systemboard or someother hardware combination preempts or disables it entirely in the JXU config.
Anyone have a similar experience, good or bad?
Thanks

I believe the X31 models that didn't ship with bluetooth are missing a necessary antenna (as was the case with my X40). If it has the antenna, I think the replacement part is FRU 91P7315.

[findrivr]

THANKS mfbernstein.
You are correct about the part#; $88 from IBM, not including the antenna cable and new system status panel.

I reviewed the FRU manual; it looks like the install of the card is easy enough, but the routing of the antenna into the LCD bezel could be more than I want to deal with. Though I remember someone posting a comment here wherein they got good reception by routing the antenna as far as they could as the manual specifies, then just tucked the remainder where there was room, without trying to route to the bezel.

Then there is the status panel cover, which would be the only confirmation that the card is sending/receiving. That might be easier, if the status LED is already in place.

Then there is the '1802' error: Unauthorized Network Card.

It would appear that since my config [JXU] didn't ship w/BT, I'm probably looking at an immense task in total- and I'm even relatively skilled w/manual dexterity, common sense and patience.

Not sure about this. Oh well.
Maybe easier to sell this unit and buy one shipped w/BT.

[aaa]

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=45932

My T40 didn't come with BT, and it worked without an 1802.

[mazzinia]

there are various BT bmdc cards that you can fit in an x31, including the one that should work only with an x32 (that one has bt v1.2).

I've resorted to the latter, adding a normal antenna (hidden near the exhaust in the back) and changing the faceplate.

The cost has been very reasonable (compared to taking new/etc)... I should check but the antenna + plate were around 6/8 usd shipped, and less than 30 the module.

The job is easy, the only annoying part is taking away the plate. You don't need any hack (1802 error), but only to use the right drivers.
(last bios version is required at least to install the one I used)

[findrivr]

Thanks mazzinia.
Can you quote me the IBM part # for the card you are referring to?
Not that I would hold you to it, just want to see how available it is on a Google search.
Also, if routing the antenna near the exhaust, is your signal strength sufficient?
Last question: Was the BT indicator LED already in place, and if so, does the Func + F5 power on/off your BT?

You've given me some new inspiration.

[mazzinia]

I've ended putting a FRU 39T0026 (39T0025 and 39T0024 should be equivalent with a different brand of modem)

The post I've made it's here and includes the packages that need to be downloaded from the lenovo website if using this FRU.
As for strenght, I can do easily 5 meters with a full wall in the middle. I've not tried from more farther.
The led was in place, and the Func + F5 works correctly

[findrivr]

Thanks mazzinia.

That's a very positive discovery about this new hardware; it might be the second upgrade I perform. The first will either be increasing the 512 ram to 1.5 gb or acquiring a portable CD RW/DVD or D/DVD writer.

The x31 wil arrive on Saturday from Texas to where I live in southern California. I'll let you know what the unit turns out like.

[findrivr]

OK, the X31 has arrived and its all as decribed by the seller on 'FleaBay'. Cosmetically, it's in as near new as can be for a 2003 build- no breaks or major scratches. It came preloaded with XP Pro, SP2 and ready for me to register w/MS. Booted XP after registration and then it was just a matter of entering my home WLAN security code to start browsing the web.
I noticed it didn't have the IBM keyboard customizer program and it didn't launch the Access IBM program when I hit the Access IBM button. My guess is that it probably doesn't have all the IBM updates it should have, but I'm not sure.
It looks very good so far, and even the battery is holding a 1.5 hour charge.
That's about it at this point.