T61: What's necessary in adding Bluetooth after purchase?

[Tholek]

I know, I know.

However, before you jump in and say "Oh, you should have ordered it then", "Oh, send it back and pay the difference" or "Just add a USB adapter", know this:

• A. It was a gift, and it just wasn't included. There's no way to get it installed unless I do it myself. (Only the purchaser can do this, and I'm lucky to have gotten this already)
• B. I'd prefer to add it internally, since the option exists, and since there's not that many USB ports to play with.

I'm not saying I'll follow through if there are major hurdles to overcome, but I'd like to right this wrong.

Here's what I've gathered so far (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong):

• The component is: 39T0497 - CALLISTO BDC-2 ADAPTER (Not hard to come by)
• That if configured with Bluetooth, the T61's LCD ribbon cable will have a socket for the daughterboard at the base of the LCD bezel to the left of the ribbon cable and LED panel, and that the panel will have another clear BT symbol to the right of the wi-fi one to be backlit lit by an LED.
• That if NOT configured with Bluetooth, the T61's LCD ribbon cable might NOT have a socket for the daughterboard (?), and that the panel will NOT have another BT symbol on that panel.

I know that in general laptops usually have antennae wiring installed by default whether or not a wi-fi card was installed (cost, I supposed), so using this logic, I wondered if the ribbon cable truly was different between configurations. I only see one ribbon cable FRU (93P4513), so I assume the cable has the socket, but let me know.

On the other hand, I only see one FRU (42W3658) for the Clear Plate over the LEDs, and I know there's at least three (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+BT, Wi-Fi+BT+WWAN) if not more. What are the other FRUs?

Now, looking at the info above, my gut tells me that all I need is the component, and the clear plate (which I may be able to live without). However, is the LED still there underneath (on the inverter?), or unpopulated?

I'd appreciate any further information before actually shopping around. Thanks.

Oh, and of course...is this a warranty-voider, or not?

[Harryc]

I can answer a couple of your questions. The LED is already there and yes you will need a bluetooth clearplate to see it. Clear plate kit (T61) - 42W2450 is the only part number I can find. Maybe it comes with a few versions. Call Lenovo and ask. I do not know if all T61's come with a bluetooth antenna by default.

[Tholek]

I can answer a couple of your questions. The LED is already there and yes you will need a bluetooth clearplate to see it. Clear plate kit (T61) - 42W2450 is the only part number I can find. Maybe it comes with a few versions. Call Lenovo and ask. I do not know if all T61's come with a bluetooth antenna by default.

Thanks for confirming a few things.

I never thought the FRU might be for a clear plate kit. That would explain things, though. I'll try and find out.

As for the antenna, I saw no mention in the HMM of a BT antenna, even in configurations that included BT. Unless it's integrated into the LCD cable itself, I don't think the T61 has one. Again, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Harryc]

Here's a link that you can check for bluetooth upgradeability (antenna already installed). Check here, search for your machine type/model/bluetooth -

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 67914.html

[Tholek]

Actually, I should have clarified and said I have the 6465-CTO 15.4" WSXGA+ model with no camera at all.

This is the corresponding link:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 68233.html

On that, I see a different LCD cable, although the BT daughterboard is in the same position. Maybe it's mentioned because the antenna is integrated into the ribbon cable? If anyone can shed any further light on this I'd appreciate it.

This also explains the differences in clear plate numbers, since the one you mentioned is referred to in the 14.1" HMM, and the size is probably different. Also that one lists a "kit" while mine doesn't, which is worrying. Lenovo is a pain to call, so I still haven't found out for sure about the clear plate yet.

Thanks for the continued help.

[Volker]

I've got the same model but configured with bluetooth (and there is no option for a built-in camera). Since there is no special bluetooth antenna listed on the LCD parts page, maybe there is none? Apparently, the BT daughter card is now inside the LCD assembly, maybe that is good enough for reception. Like a USB BT stick just without the plastic cover.

Years ago, I upgraded my T41 for bluetooth. There, the clear plate kit came with various clear plates. Of course getting the right clear plate is just a cosmetic issue. On the T41, the BT daugher card was just on top of the mainboard, and you had to attach an external antenna (which ended behind the LCD)

[Tholek]

That seems to make sense, but I didn't want to assume anything.

The pictures of the daughterboard that I saw didn't show any type of antenna jack short of the socketed connection to the ribbon cable, so I think this is the case.