Adding HSDPA module - installation procedure - cable connect

[jamess]

I am just about to receive the HSDPA module which as I was assured, works with my mobile operator, which is great.

From what I see, it goes like this:
- remove keyboard
- unpack HSDPA
- load HSDPA module into slot
- CONNECT THE CABLES (WHERE CAN I FIND INSTRUCTIONS WHICH CABLE GOES WHERE)
- attach/put back keyboard
- start the computer
- new hardware found, auto install (or do i need drivers?!)
- DO I NEED TO REINSTALL ACCESS CONNECTIONS to work with the added module?

Many thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

[erik]

there's only one cable needed for an HSDPA card so you'll only be connecting the red cable.   the blue cable will need to be tucked safely out of the way.

video instructions can be found here under the 'FRU removals/replacements' menu.

if the driver isn't installed automatically then run thinkvantage system update.   it should find and install everything you need.   otherwise, the driver can be found here.

[jamess]

Thank you very much for your help. At least I know how to remove the keyboard to begin the procedure


EDIT: In the video - I saw there are two screws. Will these two screws be already in place, do I get them with the WWAN miniPCI card or do I need to buy these seperately?!

[erik]

the screws should be on the X300 already.   i added an EV-DO card to mine just for the GPS function and don't recall having to source out any screws.

[jamess]

thanks again!

[garcia916]

Jamess,

Where did you order your HSDPA module. I talked to lenovo and they said you cannot purchase the HSDPA module separetly. They did say I could purchase the WWAN card for the T61 series, is this what you did?

Also, do you know if the HSDPA module is unlocked?

Thank you,
Tony

[jamess]

The official distributor for Lenovo in Slovenia. Not the Lenovo Slovenia itself, but biggest distributor.
It is supposed to work on both SiMobil (Vodafone) and Mobitel (which I have) and should not be locked - that was also "verified" by one of forum members I think.

[garcia916]

thanks Jamess,

I am just going to get the MC8775V OEM module directly from Sierra Wireless. I will post my findings as soon as i get a module.

Tony

[rossaj]

Hi Tony,

Whatever you do - DO NOT get the 8775V

I have tried the following in my X300

8775 OEM (taken from an aircard 875U) - this works with a modified Zender BIOS

Lenovo 8775 - Of course, works straight out of the box - no mods

OEM 8775V - even with modded BIOS - the 8775V radio is powered down after 2 seconds of use - I can get it to work by putting it into the aircard adapter - but NOT in the X300 - AVOID this!!!

My advice if cost is important - is to buy the Aircard 875U, take out the 8775 minipci and use a modded x300 bios..

Best Regards,

Alan

[jamess]

I received the Vodafone HSDPA miniPCI today. There is a sticker Sierra Wireless on it.
I connected it, installed the driver from the CD provided and it works like a charm. I am connected to the WWAN HSDPA with speeds of 7,2 Mbit/sek and for 25 USD/month I have unlimited upload/download. It is actually so fast that I am thinking of cancelling my subscription for "landline" xDSL.

The cards seems not to be locked to Vodafone, as it works with my XY provider without a problem.

Regards,
happy WWAN user

[vpn-user]

BTW I modded Sierra Wireless' Generic Driver to also work with Lenovo Cards (This one is most recent, Lenovos original driver is rather old!): http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

[kung]

Hi Tony,

Whatever you do - DO NOT get the 8775V

I have tried the following in my X300

8775 OEM (taken from an aircard 875U) - this works with a modified Zender BIOS

Lenovo 8775 - Of course, works straight out of the box - no mods

OEM 8775V - even with modded BIOS - the 8775V radio is powered down after 2 seconds of use - I can get it to work by putting it into the aircard adapter - but NOT in the X300 - AVOID this!!!

My advice if cost is important - is to buy the Aircard 875U, take out the 8775 minipci and use a modded x300 bios..

Best Regards,

Alan

[kung]

Hi Alan
How about FRU 42T0901 unlock HSDPA will it work with X300. I am having some friend coming over from America and they can order the module for me. I am on GSM network 900/1800 and 3G 2100.
The Lenovo MC8775 FRY 42T0901 is just perfect for it.
But I am still worry about having to modify the BIOS as I don't know how to do it. Someone please help as I my friend is coming over soon.

x300, X41, MacBook Pro

[RaysMD]

where did you guys get the modified Zender BIOS? I need to use another WiFi card.


thanks

[H1]

Thanks for the helpful tips regarding the HSDPA module.

My installation went beautifully until I tried to remove the two screws used to attach the module. As you know, they must be removed before it can be installed.

Unfortunately none of my screwdrivers are able to do the job.

What kind of screwdriver did you guys use?

Ps. Some asked whether the screws are already in the X300. They are, but I also got another set with the module.

Thanks in advance!

[erik]

What kind of screwdriver did you guys use?

i can't recall the exact size but it's either a 000, 00, 0, or #1 philips.   get yourself a high-quality set of all four and you'll be able to work on the majority of small philips screws found in notebooks.

[H1]

Thanks erik!

HSDPA works now.

The installation was a breeze except for the screws. It also took time to understand that HSDPA must be configured using Access Connections because Vista doesn't have built-in WWAN support.

If anyone wonders the size is Phillips #1. Speaking from experience these screws are difficult to remove if even slightly damaged so be careful.