Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

T60/T61 series specific matters only
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JRez
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Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#1 Post by JRez » Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:46 am

I'm new at all this.. My T60p came with an Intel 3945ABG card, but I would like to install a PCIE wireless N card that will work whether I'm in 7 or OSx. I know I have to look into flashing a hacked bios on, but first I want to be sure about which card I should get (one that only needs 2 antennas) and any pros/cons or possible compatability issues. I've been reading up on the Broadcom 422AGN and Dell 1505, but I'm leaning more towards the Atheros 9280 (Which would you recommend?). I want to make sure my laptop has the antennas installed already so I won't have any problems. Would someone be nice enough to give me some advice on this ?

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#2 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:28 am

Intel Advanced-N 6200 is the one to go for (it's 802.11a/b/g/n).
[FYI: the N6300 requires 3 antenna wires].
You'd also need an adapter bracket, because that card is only 1/2 size Mini PCI-e. (see 2nd post in thread below)
It needs only 2 antenna wires (already in your laptop).
See also this posting: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=93467
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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#3 Post by Harryc » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:42 am

Here's a source. I'd be interested in knowing exactly what obstacles(if any) you run into while using this card in a T60P.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-wireless-Card ... 1e5f9a6feb

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#4 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:11 am

Get a free patched BIOS (see Zender Bios in my Board Room website) and pay only ~$17.- on eBay
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=6 ... p=15&_sc=1
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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#5 Post by JRez » Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:37 am

Thanks for the replies! Why do you recommend that card, what sets it apart from the others (& what is that whole BT feature I was reading about?) ? Has this card been tested in a T60p already? In the listing it says it's for Thinkpad laptops, but I don't think my model is mentioned. I haven't been able to find any experiences of others using this card (with a T60) and I'd really like to make sure it is supported under OSX 10.6 also. I did find this thread which leads me to believe it may not workout for running under Leopard: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index. ... pic=232685 . Is the adapter needed because it is a Mini Half PCIE card and the slot is for a Full PCIE ?

Thank you!

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#6 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:37 pm

Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#7 Post by Harryc » Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:37 pm

Unless I missed something, none of that linked discussion mentions a T60P, that's why I camped onto this thread.

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#8 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:54 pm

Get a Zender-BIOS from The Board Room, and ye shall receive waves from the web.
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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#9 Post by JRez » Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:42 am

Thanks for all the help.. I wish I could've gone with the 6200, but I went ahead and ordered a BCM94322MC because it's been proven to work quite well under OSx. I guess I'll find out for myself. I'll see how it does in Windows 7 first and then try it out in SL. Thanks for the information on the bios updating. I'm gonna flash the hacked bios now.

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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#10 Post by mpcook » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:44 pm

Harryc wrote:Here's a source. I'd be interested in knowing exactly what obstacles(if any) you run into while using this card in a T60P.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-wireless-Card ... 1e5f9a6feb
I have been eyeing this card for my arriving T60p. If I weaken and go for it, I will let you know how it does. I have a Netgear 3700 dual band router.

Mike
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Re: Atheros 9280/Dell/BCM Installation - Antennas Preinstalled?

#11 Post by Harryc » Wed Jan 26, 2011 1:46 pm

Thanks Mike

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