Options for WWAN on X61

[fasterbybike]

My X61 came without WWAN - but has a spare mPCIe slot under the keyboard.

1. Is it possible to fit a WWAN card ? Any suggestions on FRUs ?

2. What do I do for an aerial ?

Thanks

D

[Peak2Peak]

Although the following postings are for the X61s, there may be (?) some useful info within: No WWAN Antenna in my X61s, how do i get one?, HSDPA x61s Part number? and Recomended 3G card

[ThinkRob]

Personally, I'd recommend the Dell 5530. You just need to tape one pin -- you *don't* need a modified BIOS to use it.

As for the antenna issue, there are a number of solutions, including just using one of the WLAN antennae. You can also get one of the antenna FRU on eBay for a few bucks, or any one of a number of other types of antenna if you're really the DIY type.

[fasterbybike]

Thanks ... I'll follow up the Dell 5330 suggestion. Do you know if taping pin (20) prevents the card from being controlled by the hardware on/off switch on the front on the X61 ?

[ThinkRob]

Thanks ... I'll follow up the Dell 5330 suggestion. Do you know if taping pin (20) prevents the card from being controlled by the hardware on/off switch on the front on the X61 ?

No idea. I power it off via the BIOS or via an AT command string when I'm not gonna use it, so I honestly can't say I've ever tried the switch.

[fasterbybike]

Thanks for all the help

I purchased the Dell card, an external antenna that fits to the side of the lid, an internal antenna that fits under the keyboard, and a new clear plate.

I have taped pin 20 (will not work without it), fitted my SIM card, and ubuntu prompted me to create a profile.

An easy connection which I'm now using to send this message

And btw - taping pin 20 stops the wifi switch on the front from controlling the card (it still controls the wifi card tho). But without the tape the card does not work. Time to create a batch file to turn it on/off.

[fasterbybike]

I power it off via the BIOS or via an AT command string when I'm not gonna use it, so I honestly can't say I've ever tried the switch.

Do you have the AT command so I can power it off / on to save power when it not being used ?

[morkli]

Do you have the AT command so I can power it off / on to save power when it not being used ?

This should help you:
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Ericsson_ ... and_Module

Cheers,

[ThinkRob]

Do you have the AT command so I can power it off / on to save power when it not being used ?

Code: Select all

AT+CFUN=0

That will *completely* power off the card, i.e. it will draw no power whatsoever and will not be available until the machine is next booted.

[crashnburn]

With a modified BIOS is it possible to put in a card that supports both WWAN camps:

CDMA/EVDO and GSM/UMTS/HDSPA/HSDAetc/3G/4G?

I believe Gobi 2000 or 3000 chips support all these mix techs?

[raket]

Do you have the AT command so I can power it off / on to save power when it not being used ?

[/quote]

Code: Select all

AT+CFUN=0

That will *completely* power off the card, i.e. it will draw no power whatsoever and will not be available until the machine is next booted.

you just need to hibernate or suspend the machine after AT+CFUN=0 and it will come back up