Thinkpads Forum

So I found out too late that just because the card is the same model number it wont be compatible with my T420. I got the Erricson F5521gw card and getting the 1802 error.

Has anyone found a way to get around this yet?

Iam reading some have managed to change the firmware on the card itself, but none were for the t series.

If any did find a solution kindly share.


Update, I think I will just purchase a compatible one unless someone has a fix.
In the meantime Iam weighing my options and I came across the Gobi 3000 (0A36185) and the same erricson I purchased by a compatible one with fru 60Y3181, theres a huge price difference. Can someone confirm these will work and whats the main difference between the two. Thanks again.

Anyone interested in using a none lenovo card on their machine you can pm me for instructions. Currently using a none lenovo F5521gw Ericson card with full functionality Including GPS and Cell service.

The main difference would be the hardware ID for the one with the real Lenovo sticker with the FRU number on it will work and the other does not.

You have to hack your BIOS if you want the non-Lenovo model to work. Typically people just get the correct card and abandon the time commitment that is required in learning how to correctly edit the BIOS.

I currently have the moded bios and its not that much effort, so this is for those who are interested or who have purchased the card by accident without knowing of lenovos white list. Currently running a moded bios 1.45.

Theres not much to it and can save about $100.

bass1175 wrote:I currently have the moded bios and its not that much effort, so this is for those who are interested or who have purchased the card by accident without knowing of lenovos white list. Currently running a moded bios 1.45.

Theres not much to it and can save about $100.

Awesome! Glad you were able to get it figured out.

Yea its pretty rewarding getting it done, I initially purchased this Erricson card after only matching compatible model numbers not being aware of the white list. Naturally I went for the lowest OEM seller, plugged it in and got the 1802 error. Card cost was $24.

The GPS is pretty accurate using Thinkvantage GPS, allowing you to see signal strength for each satellite and laying it on top of Thinkvantage Maps which is powered by Bing.

What surprised me was, getting directions is not implemented and you just have a map, maybe another vendor would have full functionality but probably not needed. The cell service is pretty fast with great signal strength and you get a layout of all the nearby towers whether T-Mobile or AT&T.

T420 has been a great machine.