upgrade to Bluetooth

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mtroxel · #1 Post by **mtroxel** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:37 am

I appologize if this has been covered. I did a search and saw some discussion, but nothing that really answered the question, how can I upgrade my T42 to have Bluetooth? Is it hard? Would I need to add an antenna?

My T42 has an IBM 802.11 a,b,g card, infrared, modem and built-in 10/100. On another thread I got the idea you can replace the mini-PCI card with one that also includes bluetooth. I don't need 802.11a so would give that up. I also don't use the infra-red.

I checked "upgrades" on the Lenovo site. Nothing there.

Can anyone help?

wireless4laptop · #2 Post by **wireless4laptop** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:05 am

Please leave 802.11a/b/g there. And just replace CDC modem card with a BMDC200 BT/Modem card. As for the BT antennas, please open the keyboard to see if pre-BT wired.

kyrotech · #3 Post by **kyrotech** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:17 am

wireless4laptop wrote:Please leave 802.11a/b/g there. And just replace CDC modem card with a BMDC200 BT/Modem card. As for the BT antennas, please open the keyboard to see if pre-BT wired.

You need:

Integrated Bluetooth III with 56K Modem (BMDC-2) FRU 27R1880
Bluetooth Antenna FRU 13N5515

But first remove the keyboard and check if you already have that nice white BT antenna cable close to your CDC modem card (upper left side)

To install the BT Antenna you will have to open the LCD front cover and install it, is not that hard, you can have all installed in like 30 min.

mtroxel · #4 Post by **mtroxel** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:17 am

Thanks guys. I'll take a look under the hood when I get home tonight. I've got a minute between meetings and searched for that part number. Do I have to call Lenovo? I didn't see it on the site, and Froogle has never heard of it.

EDIT: Sorry, couldn't figure out the Lenovo site for parts, but see it there. $75.00. Is it the kind of thing I can get under another name for less elsewhere on the 'net?

mtroxel · #5 Post by **mtroxel** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:37 pm

Thanks for your help guys. I upgraded to BT on my T42. I did a lot of research/shopping and found that most CDC modem/BT cards on the 'net were about $150-200. So I did the one from Lenovo for $75 plus a BT antenna for $6. They didn't want to sell it all to me because my model didn't come with an antenna "so couldn't be upgraded to BT." Thanks to your help I knew better.

Took me a couple hours. No big dramas. The front bezel on the LCD needs a lot of care the first time you open one.

After I got done, I couldn't get my Motorola H700 BT headset to work with it till I found this thread. Great help. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... =bluetooth

Thanks again guys.

Kenn · #6 Post by **Kenn** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:51 am

I just got a BMDC-2K off ebay as well, been holding off on the install until after finals and after my BT mouse comes in. Hope it's as easy a time as you had!

mtroxel · #7 Post by **mtroxel** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:26 am

Kenn, all I can say is go slowly around the screen bezel so you don't break any of the little plastic tabs. I was glad I taped a piece of paper over the LCD when a screw driver slid across it.

Kenn · #8 Post by **Kenn** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:16 pm

Thanks mtroxel! I learned that when I disassembled the LCD to install the nushield (http://www.pbase.com/kenn/webpics). I also had a screwdriver fall on the LCD while I was working on it - my heart stopped for a few seconds, but amazingly there was NO damage at all, not even a mark or scuff. Dodged a bullet that time!

I've already confirmed that my system comes with the BT antenna installed, so thankfully I don't need to go through that whole rigamarole again.!

solan · #9 Post by **solan** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 8:01 pm

For me it was very simple. I’ve buy the Bluetooth module from ebay an use the AUX antenna from the WI-FI. Simple.

mtroxel · #10 Post by **mtroxel** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 8:08 pm

solan wrote:For me it was very simple. I’ve buy the Bluetooth module from ebay an use the AUX antenna from the WI-FI. Simple.

Don't know why that wouldn't work....did you loose any reception on the WiFi?

solan · #11 Post by **solan** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 8:47 pm

No, everything worked like before. There are some brand who use only the main antenna, so I think if is the same frequency it will work.The signal strength is the same and the Bluetooth works fine as well.

Kenn · #12 Post by **Kenn** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 1:10 am

Just upgraded to bluetooth on my T42p. Installation took all of 10 minutes (most of which was trying to get the BT antenna jacked into the BMCD200's socket. Even had the MS and Widcomm stacks going at the same time with no problem on my Logitech V270 mouse.

So far, this beats having some RF dongle sticking out of the side of my computer every time I need to use a wireless mouse.

Total cost:

Actiontec modem w/ Bluetooth from Ebay: $52 shipped
Clearplate w/ BT indicator: $1 shipped (thanks Rob!)
Logitech V270 BT travel mouse: $43 shipped.

Not the cheapest I've seen, but well worth it for me, after over a year and a half with my thinkpad.

mtroxel · #13 Post by **mtroxel** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 5:43 am

Kenn wrote: Actiontec modem w/ Bluetooth from Ebay: $52 shipped
Clearplate w/ BT indicator: $1 shipped (thanks Rob!)
Logitech V270 BT travel mouse: $43 shipped.

What is the clearplate w/ BT indicator? I missed that on my install. Does that add a little light to show when the BT is on...and if so, can I just get that at parts?

#14 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 7:19 pm

See the bottom of this list. 14.1inch LCD service parts - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

Kenn · #15 Post by **Kenn** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:00 pm

Yeah, it's a new indicator panel that includes bluetooth (the light is already there, it's just not visible on the non-bt version). I got mine from Rob, a fellow thinkpads.com member. He may have a few more.

ulrich.von.lich · #16 Post by **ulrich.von.lich** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:13 am

mtroxel wrote:Kenn, all I can say is go slowly around the screen bezel so you don't break any of the little plastic tabs. I was glad I taped a piece of paper over the LCD when a screw driver slid across it.

I was just wondering... how you guys did that?

Can I open the LCD front bezel by myself? Is there an instruction or something?

And about those little plastic tabs, do they have a FRU number? An IBM technician has broken all of them..

Thanks a lot,
Anthony

mtroxel · #17 Post by **mtroxel** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:01 am

ulrich.von.lich wrote:I was just wondering... how you guys did that?

Can I open the LCD front bezel by myself? Is there an instruction or something?

Yes. Click this link and go to page 159 of the .pdf showing the screen bezel assembly for the 14.1 inch T42. Go slowly....

ulrich.von.lich wrote:And about those little plastic tabs, do they have a FRU number? An IBM technician has broken all of them...

If you're talking about the tabs on the bezel itself, you probably need a new bezel. If you just mean the little sticky plugs that cover the screws, those are an FRU item.....click around the lenovo site...or call. You'll find them.

ph4acid · #18 Post by **ph4acid** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:50 am

[quote="Kenn"]Yeah, it's a new indicator panel that includes bluetooth (the light is already there, it's just not visible on the non-bt version). I got mine from Rob, a fellow thinkpads.com member. He may have a few more.[/quote]

Rob or anyone have an extra clear plate w/ BT indicator? My T42 doesn't have the BT attenna and was I looking around under the bezel to see where it might fit. I'll try the Wi-Fi Aux Antenna.

Before you put your bezel back on, check to make sure the left screen latch is firmly seated. When removing the bezel, the latch may lift a little and appear like it's properly seated. Push it down so it clicks into place. Else the bezel will push against the metal strip that connects the two latches and the they will not latch back -- took me 30 minutes to finally find it.

naro · #19 Post by **naro** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:11 am

i would like to upgrade to bluetooth too..

keeping my fingers crossed that there's already an antenna inside......

ph4acid · #20 Post by **ph4acid** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:23 pm

Thanks Solan. Wi-Fi antenna as Bluetooth Antenna worked like a charm. I haven't noticed any loss of reception on the Wi-Fi.

Can't wait to get a decent full size bluetooth mouse and not have to use a dongle or clunky receiver!

mtroxel · #21 Post by **mtroxel** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:33 pm

ph4acid wrote: Can't wait to get a decent full size bluetooth mouse and not have to use a dongle or clunky receiver!

For what it's worth, I highly recomend the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer for Bluetooth. Just don't install any of the software. It will interfere with and/or take over for your touchpad software. I just paired up the mouse and use the existing touchpad driver to tweak any settings.

I tried a Logitec mouse and the cursor moved way faster than the touchpad. So I had to set the mouse software for the touchpad or for the mouse...one or the other. The MS bluetooth mouse moves about the same speed, feels good in your hand and has exellent battery life.

naro · #22 Post by **naro** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:08 pm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/ ... 06_001.jpg

hey guys,

just took a photos of the daughter board of my T42.

is there a white antenna cable for the Bluetooth daughter card? i'm thinking of upgrading to bluetooth...

thanks..

mtroxel · #23 Post by **mtroxel** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:25 pm

I don't think so Naro. I see a white wire but it looks like it's ging to the front of the computer to where the wireless card is...right under the touchpad. The white wire you need comes out from the LCD bezel and ends right there near the daughter card.

naro · #24 Post by **naro** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:20 pm

mtroxel wrote:I don't think so Naro. I see a white wire but it looks like it's ging to the front of the computer to where the wireless card is...right under the touchpad. The white wire you need comes out from the LCD bezel and ends right there near the daughter card.

okie... guess i'll haf to buy the antenna as well..

if i'm to install the wire myself, how do i go abt it?

mtroxel · #25 Post by **mtroxel** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:54 pm

Naro,

Download the hardware maintenance manual here. ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 192_01.pdf
That will show you how to take apart the LCD bezel and the other parts you need to get at the bluetooth antenna. The antenna also comes with some directions.

ejwt · #26 Post by **ejwt** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:34 am

Hello,
I recently tried to order the BMDC (P/N 91P7315) from IBM for my T41p (2379DJU), and it was discontinued. The parts guy I finally got a hold of on the phone said that the replacement P/N was 39T0065, and so I ordered that and installed it. On finishing the install of the IBM software stack (bthwxp1o.exe) the desktop disappears, but I can log off via Task Manager and log back on to get it back. However, attempting to open the Bluetooth Configuration from the Control Panel results (after a 15 sec delay) in a dialog saying that the Bluetooth device was not found. There is also no device showing up in the device manager. I know the BMDC is plugged in and working since the Modem device seems OK.
Anybody know if the P/N 39T0065, which says BMDC200 on it was the right one for my T41p, And if so, what the problem might be? I've got WinXP SP2 installed.

Thanks,
jt

ejwt · #27 Post by **ejwt** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:35 am

Hello,
I recently tried to order the BMDC (P/N 91P7315) from IBM for my T41p (2379DJU), and it was discontinued. The parts guy I finally got a hold of on the phone said that the replacement P/N was 39T0065, and so I ordered that and installed it. On finishing the install of the IBM software stack (bthwxp1o.exe) the desktop disappears, but I can log off via Task Manager and log back on to get it back. However, attempting to open the Bluetooth Configuration from the Control Panel results (after a 15 sec delay) in a dialog saying that the Bluetooth device was not found. There is also no device showing up in the device manager. I know the BMDC is plugged in and working since the Modem device seems OK.
Anybody know if the P/N 39T0065, which says BMDC200 on it was the right one for my T41p, And if so, what the problem might be? I've got WinXP SP2 installed.

Thanks,
jt

naro · #28 Post by **naro** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:14 am

mtroxel wrote:Naro,

Download the hardware maintenance manual here. ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 192_01.pdf
That will show you how to take apart the LCD bezel and the other parts you need to get at the bluetooth antenna. The antenna also comes with some directions.

thanks dude..

may i check with u whether i can test the daughter card without the antennas?

cos i'll be going back to my home country at the end of Mar and i'm studying now.. won't haf the time to install the antenna before i fly back and i would to test the Bluetooth daughter card first before i bring it back to my home country to install..

marcos · #29 Post by **marcos** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:56 am

ejwt wrote:Hello,
I recently tried to order the BMDC (P/N 91P7315) from IBM for my T41p (2379DJU), and it was discontinued. The parts guy I finally got a hold of on the phone said that the replacement P/N was 39T0065, and so I ordered that and installed it. On finishing the install of the IBM software stack (bthwxp1o.exe) the desktop disappears, but I can log off via Task Manager and log back on to get it back. However, attempting to open the Bluetooth Configuration from the Control Panel results (after a 15 sec delay) in a dialog saying that the Bluetooth device was not found. There is also no device showing up in the device manager. I know the BMDC is plugged in and working since the Modem device seems OK.
Anybody know if the P/N 39T0065, which says BMDC200 on it was the right one for my T41p, And if so, what the problem might be? I've got WinXP SP2 installed.

Thanks,
jt

The bluetooth device is found as soon the radio is turned on, you will need this:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-38953

Press Fn+F5, turn blutooh on, and the installation should complete.

mtroxel · #30 Post by **mtroxel** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:02 am

naro wrote:may i check with u whether i can test the daughter card without the antennas?

Well....you could except I don't know anything about testing it. I would guess it wouldn't work very well at all w/o an antenna. It is a radio after all, and even healthy bluetooth only has a range of about 20' on a good day.

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