Toshiba 802.11b Mini PCI doesn't work in X31

X2/X3/X4x series specific matters only
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smokefly
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Toshiba 802.11b Mini PCI doesn't work in X31

#1 Post by smokefly » Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:44 pm

I have been using a Netgear PCMCIA wireless card for years. It sticks out of the right side. Recently I bought a really cheap 802.11b card from amazon for $5.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000095ISI/ref ... nkCode=as1

I received the card this afternoon and installed in my IBM Thinkpad X31 this evening. The computer had no problem booting up. I didn't get the 1802 bios lock up error message. It was also listed in the Windows device manager. However, the new wireless connection couldn't find any wireless network. It asked me to turn on the wireless adapter. I have tried Fn+F5, but that didn't work either. Still doing my research :(

If any of you could give me some help, that'll be great. Meanwhile, I will keep googling by myself.

aaa
ThinkPadder
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#2 Post by aaa » Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:56 am

Did you plug in antennae?

smokefly
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Location: Pittsburgh, PA

#3 Post by smokefly » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:40 am

Yes I did. The black and white cables. Main and Aux. I matched them up with the connectors on the mini pci card.

ajkula66
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#4 Post by ajkula66 » Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:50 am

Fn + F5 will not work on a non-IBM card.

You might have to flash the firmware to be able to use the card, which, in my opinion, is a waste of time on a "b" card.

On this very forum you can buy a genuine IBM Atheros a/b/g card for $30 shipped...and you'll be amazed how well it works.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

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rek
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#5 Post by rek » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:31 pm

I vaguely recall something about the mini-PCI power management functions on Toshiba laptops (and presumably, the cards supplied with their machines) working in a specific way.

Something to do with how it signals when to turn the power to the card on and off. Sometimes these issues can be resolved with taping off pin 20 of the card (going by memory here with regard to which pin it is...)
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