A31p Install Bluetooth

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CHFFriday · #1 Post by **CHFFriday** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:07 pm

I ran across this form when I was searching for an answer to a Bluetooth upgrade for my A31p.

This is my quest:

I want to install Bluetooth capabilities in my A31p. Here is what I have done. I installed the Bluetooth Antenna and the Bluetooth Module.

Now for the problem:

On my A31p I have a button, all though it may be a filler button, located on the lower part of the LCD panel near the Battery LCD light. There is also a Bluetooth emblem near it. IBM states this needs to be pushed to turn on the Bluetooth radio. MY A31p Bluetooth does not turn on when pushing this button. So I removed the Basel for the LCD panel and guess what I found, no switch under the filler button! What is behind the filler button is the Inverter so I told myself “The Bluetooth activation switch must be on the Inverter” but I’m not sure as I have tried all over the Internet, sent e-mails to lots of sellers and made lots of phone calls and nobody seams to know what I’m talking about.

Does anyone know if this correct- the switch is on the inverter and if so can you tell me what inverter to buy and where? If it is not on the inverter then what gives?

basketb · #2 Post by **basketb** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 3:24 pm

Have you checked whether your Bluetooth module shows up in the device manager; i.e., is recognized by the Thinkpad?

Also, there is a control panel called "Bluetooth Configuration" that may be of help.

ajkula66 · #3 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:50 pm

Welcome to the forum!

What is the 7-character model number of your A31p? Should be something like 265?-???

Let us know and we'll take it from there.

sjthinkpader · #4 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:56 pm

Most A3x inverters do have this button for BT. But you can so turn it on in Access Connection utility.

CHFFriday · #5 Post by **CHFFriday** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:53 pm

Thanks to all for the replies!

ajkula66,
Here is the Model Number: 2653-AUU
Just a reminder, this Laptop did not have any Bluetooth parts installed from the factory.

CHFFriday

basketb · #6 Post by **basketb** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:10 pm

Sorry can't help you further with your Bluetooth problem but as a by-the-by, even though your Thinkpad says "A31p" on the right bottom corner on the inside of the lid, it is a plain A31. My wife used to have one just like this; quite dependable machine.

ajkula66 · #7 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:58 pm

To the best of my belief, your machine doesn't have the antenna for the BT to begin with, so you may want to take a whole another approach, and instead of going the "IBM way" install a card with a small antenna under the keyboard.

I do believe that sjthinkpader can walk you through this part, I think I recall him writing about this issue in another thread...but you won't be able to utilize the "dummy switch" on your LCD bezel.

Good luck.

CHFFriday · #8 Post by **CHFFriday** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:50 am

ajkula66 and sjthinkpader,

As I stated in my 1st post,"I have installed the Bluetooth Antenna and the Bluetooth Module".

Just want to know what inverter has the Button. Here are the ones I have found: 62P9872, 26P8132 and 26P8133.

I have found I can turn on Bluetooth by using IBM Access Connections but the Bluetooth Configuration Hardwear Tab does not see it and I get the "No Internal Devices Detected" Error. So I think, 1. The module is not staying on or 2. the module is not fully turning on. That's why I want to get the inverter with the Button so I can do futher testing.

The Bluetooth establishes a partnership with my HTC 6800 phone but when I try to do things that is when I get the "No Internal Devices Detected" error. It's as if there are TWO Bluetooth functions going on. One for the BT Radio and one for BT module to get the info to the A31p. Maybe I'm wrong! I don't know.

sjthinkpader · #9 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 4:43 pm

If your AC does see the BT card and can turn it on, your driver is correct. For some reason the BT utility set is not working.

I would remove the BT software via the Windows Program management utility and reinstall the BT software.

CHFFriday · #10 Post by **CHFFriday** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:44 am

sjthinkpadder,
Thanks for the info!

During my quest I have found allot of info concerning Bluetooth on Thinkpads and Activesync. I know I did not mention Activesync before but that is what I what to get done. I still would like to use the Button to turn Bluetooth off and on. I just hate to spend the money and get the wrong inverter. That’s why I started this post. I guess I will bite the bullet and buy a 26P8132 and see what I get.

As you posted I will try to uninstall and reinstall AC. Most people that have Thinkpads just uninstall MS Bluetooth to get things to work. What do you think?

sjthinkpader · #11 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:52 pm

In my experience, as long as you have the correct utility installed, it should work. The device driver and utility pretty much has to match the adapter in your computer.

My HDD had been in service a long time over several machines, so it is pretty cluttered with drivers and utilities.

I am traveling so cannot look at a converter to confirm the part number with BT button but pretty sure the 26P8132 should work.

Once you get the adapter turned on, you will need to set a serial port on the BT profile. Then you simply use that serial port for your sync. Some needs an input port and separate output port. Most GPS just need an input port.

CHFFriday · #12 Post by **CHFFriday** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:36 am

sjthinkpader,
Thanks again for you help!

I have learned allot about all the problems with BT and Activesyn especially when it comes to Laptops. The best post I have seen is here:

http://www.htcwiki.com/thread/708261/Ac ... +Bluetooth

I hope the link works. It really explains what’s going on. It also causes me more then ever to want to get the BT switch because if I use MS BT as he recommends I have to uninstall the IMB BT driver and that causes me not to be able to turn on BT using the IBM AC. The turn on BT radio becomes grayed out on the menu.

Again THANKS!

CHFFriday · #13 Post by **CHFFriday** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:10 am

sjthinkpader,

Got Activesync working. Way to complicated for the average user.

I found an Inverter with the button. At lest it looks like the button is there viewing the eBay picture. I will get it in a few days then try the directions as posted in the link.

Will let you know how it goes

fasterbybike · #14 Post by **fasterbybike** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:59 pm

I have a 62P9872 in my hot little hand. It has the BT button. You will also need to make sure you have the correct clearplate with the switch etc.

HTH

sjthinkpader · #15 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:30 pm

I have many TPs with BT at home. We have also purchased BT for the last few generations at the office.

AC had been used on all these computers. While I understand the frustration some people had with AC, I don't see any problem in using IBM BT stack and AC.

CHFFriday · #16 Post by **CHFFriday** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:47 am

Well I’m finely back. Sorry I was gone so log. I order a 26P8133 form some guy on ebay and things got all screwed up. It’s a long storey so I won’t go there. It took me about a month to get it all straighten out. What I received was a 26P8301 which is what I have installed so it has no button.

My investigation shows that the 26P8133 is for a 15” LCD. Will it work with my 14” LCD.

Fasterbybike,
The 62P9872, do you know with what it came out of?

sjthinkpader · #17 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:43 pm

14 inch and 15 inch LCDs versions us the same inverter configurations. IPS panels use different inverter than TN panels.

I have not investigate whether the BT button availability coincide with IPS inverters or not. But there are no adverse effect in using either types of inverters that I can observe. I can look later today for an BT button inverter in my pile of parts.

CHFFriday · #18 Post by **CHFFriday** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:58 pm

sjthinkpadder,

Thanks for the info.

A31p Install Bluetooth

A31p Install Bluetooth

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