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Adding HSDPA/UMTS module possible?

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:31 am
by jamess
Is it possible to add miniPCI umts/hsdpa module to the free slot in the X300 and connect it somehow to work?

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:40 am
by Zender
Seems so. It's said that all X300 get full set of antennas and SIM card slot pre-installed , so you'd have to just put in the card, connect antennas (which will be there, just not connected to anything yet) and insert SIM under the battery (you may easily check if it's there).

Though the only UMTS/HSDPA card which will work without additional hassle is Lenovo-branded Sierra Wireless MC8775 miniPCIe card, Lenovo spare part number 42T0931 or 42T0933. It also might be locked to Vodafone or Cingular, unlocking seems to be possible from some online services for ~$20.

Any other card will generate 1804 Unauthorized network card error and disallow booting, unless you patch your BIOS. Be aware though that any other card will also not be integrated with AccessConnections.

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:07 pm
by andyP
In Germany I have configured T61 and X61s for use with T-Mobile and Access Connections and have not had to unlock the modules. I have checked which ThinkPads were configured and they have the module FRU 42T0931, option 43R1821, the same as that used in the X300

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:30 pm
by jamess
andyP wrote:In Germany I have configured T61 and X61s for use with T-Mobile and Access Connections and have not had to unlock the modules. I have checked which ThinkPads were configured and they have the module FRU 42T0931, option 43R1821, the same as that used in the X300
That is really great news! The part numbers stated above are the same worldwide or how exactly can i buy this miniPCI in Europe. Help much appreciated!

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:11 am
by jamess
They have nothing like the part numbers above, here in EU, but i was provided with these:
Vodafone HSDPA Embedded Mobile Broadband Option p/n: 43R1821 , apx. 290 EUR.

Now if I order this, can I add the module to X300 by myself or do i need to take it in to service? Do i have to take it all apart?

Regards

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:11 am
by andyP
You can replace it yourself, sits under the keyboard. How tos

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:15 am
by jamess
Wow, that is great! Seems really simple. I also checked and saw that I have SIM slot "ready" so it should also be wired to the miniPCI slot under the keyboard, am i right?

Thanks

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:18 am
by andyP
yep.

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:24 am
by jamess
you really made my day :) I now only have to find WWAN card that is not "locked" for Vodafone only!?

Regards

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:39 am
by Pharfignewton
I have the X300 with built in HSDPA module, and it's not locked on Vodafone, even though Lenovo say it's for use with Vodafone network.

I use the access connections utility to connect to other service provider, and it works fine.

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:54 am
by jamess
Did your computer come pre-configured with WWAN "locked" to Vodaphone and you can stil use it with other service providers? That's really great news!

If i take my keyboard away, will i see the wires /antennas that are to be used with the WWAN or do I have to take more parts of the PC apart? I've never done this before (aside adding RAM to different thinkpads), that's why I am such a pain in the behind asking all these "trivial" questions.

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:09 am
by abendx

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:53 am
by tatabr
Hy,

could you help me please. I have a X300, and would like to have a WAN card.

According Lenovo 's hompage and HMM pass onli the following two:

SIERRA Wireless EV-DO Wireless WAN Mini PCI Express Adapter (FRU Nr. 42T0929)
or
SIERRA Wireless MC 8775 PCI Express Mini Card EMEA/AMZ (Vodafone) (FRU Nr. 42T0931)

I do not know with is correct for me. I am from Hungary (Europe) I 've heard EVDO is a special UMTS network in the USA. Is it correct? It means this card will not work in Europe, on HSDPA?

Other question. Have you any correct information about lock of the above mentioned vodafone card? In some forums writes it is locked, in others, it is unlocked. I need an unlocked one, becaouse the vodafone's network in Hungary is very wrong.

Third question: I've heard the above mentioned EVDO card is included a GPS card. Is it real? It means If I buy it I will have an integrated GPS in my notebook?

Please help me

T

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:45 pm
by bill bolton
tatabr wrote:It means this card will not work in Europe, on HSDPA?
EV-DO is a totally different (and older) technology to UMTS/HSDPA, so that card will not work anywhere with "3G" networks.

Cheers,

Bill B.

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:34 pm
by Bashar
I'm trying to locate a store to buy from online in the UK for 43r1821

any idea where can i find one ?

google didn't help me much finding one

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:02 pm
by H1
Not UK but I can recommend this German store:

http://www.notebooksandmore.net/product ... ts_id=1207

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:45 am
by Bashar
H1 wrote:Not UK but I can recommend this German store:

http://www.notebooksandmore.net/product ... ts_id=1207
unfortunately cant read german...

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:44 am
by H1
http://translate.google.com/ ? :)

My German is limited too but the ordering process is simple.

If you are unable to order yourself try emailing them at info@notebooksandmore.net. They understand English.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:20 pm
by Peak2Peak
Bashar wrote:I'm trying to locate a store to buy from online in the UK for 43r1821
Call IBM Parts UK: +44 (0)1895 205500 or visit online.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:12 pm
by Bashar
Peak2Peak wrote:
Bashar wrote:I'm trying to locate a store to buy from online in the UK for 43r1821
Call IBM Parts UK: +44 (0)1895 205500 or visit online.
cant find it there...

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:00 am
by Peak2Peak
OK - After a little more research, P/N 43R1821 is actually available under Lenovo UK - Accessories & Upgrades - Click the "find a dealer" link on the page for a list of UK retailers etc. :thumbs-UP:

Re: Adding HSDPA/UMTS module possible?

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:25 pm
by navsau
Hello everyone, that's my first post n the forum.
I have a question to give fresh air to this threat. I will be direct:

I have a X300 6478-1HS. (I don't know the difference between 1HS and the 1TU from hailvodka) but I want add a Sierra Wireless MC8775 PCI Express MiniCard. My trouble starts here, I'm living now in México, and I'm planning using with carrier Telcel. Discussing with a specialist from the carrier, tell me, "this card operates in the allowed bands and technically its possible that will works in the carrier network, but don't find support about troubles with us."

I check my system, and verify that have PCI-E slot and the 2 screws for the card, 3 wires (white, red & blue) from the power and antennas (or I guess so, because are unconnected and my WLAN its working with another wires ), and the SIM slot.

Well, in yours experts opinion, to do my task successfully, I think:

- Buy a (for example) ThinkPad 42T0933 IBM ORIGINAL LENOVO GENUINE THINKPAD LAPTOP NOTEBOOK CINGULAR CARD on the web.
- Insert in the PCI-E slot, put the screws, the wires. (fingers crossed)
- Use dc-unlocker.com
- After unlock the card, turn off the sys and insert the SIM in the SLOT.
- Maybe its a good idea, update the access connections to the lastest version, to "manage" the WWAN connection...

Opinions or Suggestions?
Greetings and thanks for your help & support!

Re: Adding HSDPA/UMTS module possible?

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:44 pm
by EOMtp
It is much simpler than you describe. Buy FRU #42T0931 -- it is a Lenovo-branded unlocked MC8775. It will install and run in your X300 without making any software or hardware modifications to either the card or the X300, and the card will accept any SIM card. Use the Sierra Wireless's 3G Watcher (file: Watcher_Generic.msi) program to connect. Note: the MC8775 card has only one antenna connector, to which you should connect the antenna lead with the red band.

Here is the card:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Unl*+4 ... p=15&_sc=1

Here is the software:
http://www.sierrawireless.com/en/siteco ... _875U.aspx

Good luck!