R51 and Bluetooth

Message

viclick · #1 Post by **viclick** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 3:15 pm

Hi folks,

I have read everything I could find (mostly here) about Bluetooth and the R51, and have run across some conficting information I hope you all can clear up.

My system is model 2883-2ZU running XP SP2. The IBM website makes me believe I can't put Bluetooth in it. eBay has sellers selling modems that say they will go into my model number but they won't guarantee that it will work. None of what I've read here refers to my model directly but there is plenty of info that leads me to believe a modem such as the 91P7135 will work (with the proper antenna and drivers of course).

So, my questions are:

1. Can anyone say for sure, one way or the other, if the 91P7135 will work on a 2883-2ZU R51, and what drivers I would need (if any)?
2. If the 91P7135 won't work, is there another internal modem that will?

Thanks in advance

#2 Post by **underclocker** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:26 pm

I think you transposed a number. 91P7315, which is a Bluetooth III with 56K modem card will work fine in some R51's.

Your model is not listed and does have different BIOS than the R51's that definitely support the card.

You'll have to wait to hear back from someone that has tried this upgrade OR you could try it.

If the machine boots with the module installed, I'd try to install the Bluetooth software for the other R51's -> http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-50245

No guts, no glory.

viclick · #3 Post by **viclick** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:02 am

I did transpose the number. And I think you're right. After 85 people have looked at my post and no one has responded that it could be done, I suppose I can infer that no one has done it yet. Maybe I'll just do it - the parts aren't expensive and I suppose I could sell them if it doesn't work.

I guess I'll add it to my list of things to tackle this winter.

Vic

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:35 am

Good luck. If it does work, you might also consider buying the new clear plate - the plastic strip in front of the LED's on the front and back of your LCD. The Bluetooth LED's are present on all modern ThinkPad models, you just need the right clear plate to reveal them.

Definitely post results.

drw1710 · #5 Post by **drw1710** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:17 am

can anyone tell me where i can get the plate with the bluetooth logo for my r51 model #1836-3uu........i can't seem to locate the part # for the plate.... so i am unable to order it from ibm/lenovo even if i wanted to...thanks for the help

ms5133 · #6 Post by **ms5133** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:28 am

I think you can save yourself the money..see this thread.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

The Bios/EC in your R51 is (as far as I can tell) identical to my R50E.

If you get this to work..pls post how you accomplished it.

drw1710 · #7 Post by **drw1710** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:37 am

i installed the blutooth modem card in my unit today, i had no trouble with it at all, in fact i had ordered the small antenna to go with it, when much to my surprise, as i lifted the orignal modem out there was a bluetooth antenna already installed, it was taped under the modem card. windows recognized the bluetooth card and all works as it is supposed to, however my new wifi card on the other hand can't see ay networks at all... i have configured it a hundred different ways........i do not think the card is bad as i installed a known working card from another machine and got the same result, it could not see any networks...anyone have any ideas? i have a r51 model #1836-3uu

ms5133 · #8 Post by **ms5133** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:19 am

The models that seem to have bluetooth issues are:

1834,1842,2883,2887,2888,2889,2894 and 2895.

Apparently other R5x machines can use internal Bluetooth.

R51 and Bluetooth

R51 and Bluetooth

bluetooth plate

bluetooth r51

Who is online