Help With WWAN Antenna Installation in T61

Hi,

Im working towards installing WWAN into my T61 and have purchased the Wireless LAN and WWAN cables and the SIM card slot. The WWAN card should be arriving in two weeks.

Having upgraded my T61 to WUSB recently I thought it would be relatively straight forward and all I needed to do was install the extra WWAN antenna and run the cables through to where the WWAN card will be.

Attached is a picture of the antennas and cabling arrangenment of my T61. from the left hand side you can see the WUSB antenna, the 802.11abg antenna with the black cable, the 802.11n antenna with the white cable, the typical spot for the WWAN antenna, and the 802.11abg antenna with the grey cable.



The next picture shows that the new WWAN antenna simply cant be integrated into the typical WWAN slot. Its srew holes dont line up.



Im thinking what needs to be done is the following.

1) The 802.11abg antenna with the black cable stays.
2) The 802.11n antenna with the white cable needs to be removed.
3) The 802.11agb antenna with the grey cable to the side of the screen needs to be removed.
4) The new 802.11abgn antenna i received with a blue and white cable goes in the spot of item 2).
5) The new WWAN antenna I recieved goes into the spot of item 3) to the side of the screen.



Does this seem correct?

Its strange that the 802.11abgn antenna has a blue and white connector.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

Hi,

i left out the Wireles LAN and WWAN cable assembly that I recieved from IBM.

 

I think you have the hairiest fingers I've ever seen !

OK, I went throught the same agany. You'd think it would be simple but one has to to play antenna chinese checkers.

I have a t61p -15.4 inch. Your looks a little narrower? Also mine had a total of five wires.


You have an N card?

IF you read and read and read the hardware guide in one place it's place clear about the antenna cables. It's fast and cursory and once you see it, you say, "Oh yes", I get it now.

But I went through this. I would have written about this phase only it's almost impossible to describe.

ALL of the antenna pieces fit. You may not think they do but they will. The pieces are amazingly ambiguous.

Have you pieced it together yet?

 

thanks!

did you have to move around the antennas as per my original post?

Ive got a 15.4" T61.
Do you mean the antenna kit had five wires?
My kit has the following; 3 for the WLAN (one antenna with two wires, and another with one) and 2 for the WWAN.

Ive only got a 3945ABG. The card came with the additional (3rd) white antenna already installed.

The hardware manual shows that the WWAN antenna fits between top and side WLAN antennas. Theres no way its fitting in that spot.

 

Ok this is about WLAN from the hardware manual:

Plug the gray cable into the jack labeled MAIN on the card, and the black cable into the jack labeled AUX. If the computer you are servicing has three cables, put the white cable in the cable bag in the card slot. After you secured the card, make sure that the antenna cables are routed as shown in the following figure.

Note: The trouble is this is the description of the stock antenna system. You have a new one.

 

Have you see page 109 of this?

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/42x3546_02.pdf

 

It does seem that I have the new antenna kit.

My existing antenna setup looks exactly like this.



Ive read the manual and it seems that the WWAN antenna should go to the right of the 3rd antenna in the above pic. But this is not possible. Ive read page 109 which states for the WWAN card to do the following:

Plug the red cable into the jack labeled MAIN on the card, and the blue cable into the jack labeled AUX.3

Page 72 of the manual states that for the WLAN card to do the following:

Plug the gray cable (MAIN) into the jack labeled TR1, the white cable (3rd) into jack labeled R0, and the black cable (AUX) into jack labeled TR2 on the card.

So do I do the following:

• Leave WUSB as is.

• Remove the two exisiting top WLAN antennas and the side antenna that is shown in the above photo.

• Install the new side mounted antenna that has the red and grey connectors.

• Connect the grey to the WLAN card and the red to the WWAN card.

• Install the new top antenna with the blue and white connector. Connect the blue to the WWAN card and leave the white as is since I dont have a 4965N card.

• Install the new top additional antenna with the single black connector and connect this to the WLAN card.

From all of this it seems that 802.11n and WWAN share the same antenna being the one with the blue and white connectors.

Does this seem right now?

I'll think I'll write a sticky if all of this works as its been a royal pain for me getting this sorted, and it seems everyone who go through it has the same issues.

 

Keep in mind I did this a couple of months ago. I really understand you consternation because except the UWB antenna the antenna all look the same.

You are looking at the computer from the back. I think I worked on it closed and faciing me so what is right to you is left to me. Yes, the large assembly goes to the left.

What you are saying doesn't sound right. But I'd have to open up my machine to tell and I'm reluctant to do that for a reason. That plastic really doesn't like to have the screws removed too many times because it's plastic.

I do know that the installation of a WWAN card is to play antenna penucle because every thing except the uwb antenna is moved and shuffled.

Once I figured it out I was, "Oh, no big deal." But until you get it, it's a torturous experience.

I seem to remember Red and Gray to the WWAN. (But I could be wrong)

 

I just thought I'd post back on the antenna installation.

I did the above and re routed all the cables and all seems to be working well, with the WLAN side of things at the moment.

The white 802.11n cable and the blue and red WWAN cables arent connected as yet.

Im waiting on a 4965AGN and MC8775 WWAN card and I'll post back on the installation of those.

 

OK, I just received a not from Rambler asking about the clear plate.

It's hard to remove. I tried jewelers tweezers and they didn't work.

I tried a swiss army knife... there was notthing fine enough.

Finally I used a jewelers screw driver. I tiny, tiny one with a flat tip right at the upper edge of the plate with frightening downward pressure and I was able to make a dent in it.

Sounds like you are doing fine!

 

So sort of like a small screwdriver from precision screw driver set?

I removed the screw covers on the LCD bezel by piercing them with a safety pin and then pulling them up. I chose this method as it didnt damage the surrounding LCD bezel.

Im reluctant to do this with the clear plate though as I dont know whats behind it.

Ive heard a razor blade may also work.

Yes everythings gone to plan. re routing the cables wasnt too much of an issue as the cable guides on the roll cage fit all of the cables and theres tiny cable guides above the heatsink.

I just need to replace the clear plate kit and install an unlock WWAN and 4965AGN WAN.

 

"So sort of like a small screwdriver from precision screw driver set?"

Exactly. They need to be sharp.

"I removed the screw covers on the LCD bezel by piercing them with a safety pin and then pulling them up. I chose this method as it didnt damage the surrounding LCD bezel."

That's what i did too.

"Im reluctant to do this with the clear plate though as I dont know whats behind it."

Nothing you can harm. There's just hard solid plastic.

"Ive heard a razor blade may also work."

I couldn't find one. This home has all women in it.

"Yes everythings gone to plan. re routing the cables wasnt too much of an issue as the cable guides on the roll cage fit all of the cables and theres tiny cable guides above the heatsink. "

Yes, BE SURE to use all of the industrial tap to keep the cables in their channel.

"I just need to replace the clear plate kit and install an unlock WWAN and 4965AGN WAN"

Unlock?

 

Sorry I meant unlocked.

The IBM FRU for the MC8775 comes in a Vodafone version and an unlocked version.

Since my provider in Sydney is 3 I need to get an unlocked WWAN card.

 

May I wonder where you found unlocked MC8775 and SIM card slot parts for sale? I am interested in adding HSDPA too. Thanks.

 

Unlocked MC8775's and the newer MC8780's are widely available from retailers here in Sydney, but due to the IBM BIOS issue I cant buy one.

I bought the sim card slot, antennas, and clear plate kit from IBM spare parts.

IBM in Aus have a strange way of ordering spare parts. The parts are not listed on the website, so you have to ring the spare parts division. Spare parts then send away overseas for a price and get back to you in a few days, and then you place your order.

Im currently waiting for a price on the unlocked MC8775 and a WLAN card. If the price of the WWAN isnt astronomical I'll place an order when they get back to me and my order will be shipped in 7-10 days.

 

I just got a quote from IBM for a MC8775 since my T61 didnt come with it.

AUD$706! and its locked to Vodafone as well

I can buy the successor (MC8780) unlocked for less than half that, but it wont work.

Im also getting shafted on a 4965AGN 802.11n card which they're asking AUD$132 for but can be bought for about AUD$40.

 

Thanks for this thread!!!

I have a T61. We were on a vacation cruise last week and I had my lappy on the desk. My wife set her curling iron, which has a little stand attached, on top of my laptop. The lid melted!! My wireless stopped working and now I know why.

How do you get the cover off? Do I try to order the parts from Lenovo or is there a better way to go?

Thanks.

Papa

 

At the top of the forum you will find a thread that points to the hardware guides that should be very helpful.

As you face your computer when you type, you will notice black squares and circles which are covers for screws. The have to be destroyed to remove them. After removeing all five screws, making sure the machine is not plugged in and the battery is removed, close your computer. At the rear, pry (scary) the top up and push it toward the front of the machine.

The best way I know of to get parts, is get them from Lenovo. To order you have to have part numbers from the hardware guides.

 

papaglock,

Renee's right you need to have a read of the hardware manuals and familiarize yourself with the notebook disassembly/assembly.

I'd probably buy the replacement lid, the screw kit and the antennas.

Seeing the iron melted the lid, the iron most likely melted the solder on the WLAN antennas or completely damaged the antennas under the lid.

Removing and replacing the lid isnt too hard and Renee has summarised it above.

It sounds like you will need to replace the antennas to get the WLAN running again. Its not hard but its time consuming and involves the following:

- Removal of palm rest
- Removal of keyboard
- Removal of keyboard bezel
- Removal of the lid
- Replacement of antennas.

Have a flick through the manual as it details the above steps.

If your keen to do it yourself and need help start a thread and I'd be happy to help. Im sure Renee will be also.

 

It is time consuming but there is one thing that is fortunate for him. He's not installing new hardware requiring new antenna and he won't have to play electronic mix and match. A screw kit is excellent advice.

Rambler did your top go back on perfectly?

 

yes the lid went on perfectly.

I used most of the tape supplied with the screw kit and antenna assembly to tape the cables into their grooves.

 

I used most of the tape too
I have a timy lift on mine

I fear I'm going to have to go back in.

 

the only things that would be causing lift would be the antenna cables and the antennas themselves.

the grooves in the roll cage are wide enough to accommodate all the antennas (WLAN x 3, WWAN x 2) so as long as they're taped in it shouldnt be a problem.

wheres the lift?

the side mounted antenna containing the grey WLAN and red WWAN did tend to stick outwards a bit until i taped it in.

maybe the antennas are causing the lift.

 

The lift peaks exactly at the three Led's on the top rear.

I'm sure the antenna cables are causing it. I was religious about the tape but that's a glove tight fit.

 

Just another update.

I recieved my 4965AGN card the other day and swapped my old 3945ABG card and connected the third antenna.

Wireless is working fine so I guess the cabling effort was worth it.

Stay tuned for another update when I purchase my WWAN card.

 

Rambler,

I've just ordered a T61 with a 14.1" screen, and was interested in getting the WWAN option in, as it doesn't come with the laptop.
Where did you get the info that the MC8780 isn't compatible with your BIOS?
Where can i check when it'll be? (if ever)
I've already got the order numbers for all the parts that i need to get from lenovo but the WWAN card is at a prohibitive price... Where can i get a cheaper MC87xx than from lenovo?
I've tried ebay, but theres a risk that the cards are locked to a given operator, and the seller doesn't know/wont' tell.

Thanks!

 

You can't. You will have to get a lenovo card. In earlier Thinkpads there have been mods to turn off off bios checking. To my knowledge no one has done it on a t61 yet. I purchased a Dell EVDO card my machine would not boot. It is now a paper weight on my desk.

 

Its well documented that Thinkpads will only accept wireless cards (WLAN and WWAN) that are Lenovo branded due to FCC regulations.

The MC8780 will only work with Thinkpads if its listed as an option or as a FRU in the hardware maintenance manual.

I have the same dilemma. Lenovo has got us over a barrel with this one,
I can buy a newer MC8780 for less than half the price that Lenovo is asking for the MC8775 (AUD$780).
The only option is Lenovo or buying a MC8775 card from ebay and making sure it has the same FRU as the Lenovo one. Often these cards are removed from Thinkpads and resold.

Ive found a MC8775 on ebay but its a Cingular one, so I dont know if its locked or not.

 

I've request a quote from a local dealer in Portugal, and they ask 212€ + VAT for the MC8780, free from any operators, plus 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
Although the price isn't what i expected it's still affordable so it's really a shame that it won't work on my future T61 (it's a 7664-1FG).
From what i could understand from the FRU lists i think i could apply a 8775 without problems. But the mentioned dealer can't get one of those, and the only one that i could find at a reasonable price is at ebay and that one is locked to cingular.

For now i'll have to use those HUAWEI USB dongles, but i'll keep a eye on this thread for a possible solution cause i would really like to have a neat and clean solution! (and would really like to disassemble my T61 eheh)

 

It is not just a case of an 8775. It must be a lenovo provided 8775

 

its been a while and i thought i'd post back.

to date ive;

- installed a WUSB antenna and half height mini PCIe card,
- installed the sim card slot,
- installed the WWAN/WLAN antennas,
- installed a 4965AGN card
- recently received and installed a MC8775 WWAN card.

Ive had a lot of private messages from people about where I bought my MC8775 card and requests for help in getting WWAN up and running in their notebooks.

Its a Lenovo branded card which I bought from Lenovo spare parts.
Lenovo Aus didn't have a WWAN option for the T61, so I had to retro fit my existing T61 with all the antennas and WLAN/WWAN/WUSB cards.

The MC8775 is unlocked and is working with my provider 3, although its referred to as a Vodafone WWAN card under the Lenovo FRU.

I received the MC8775 in a box from Lenovo with no drivers or applications.
I got it up and running using the Lenovo WWAN drivers and the Sierra Wireless Watcher application for the 875 PCMCIA card, which in turn contains the MC8775 mini PCIe module. You can also use the Sierra Wireless application for the 875U USB module as it also contains the MC8775 module.

The WLAN and WWAN antenna assembly comes with two antennas (red main and blue aux) but the MC8775 only has a red main connector. The newer cards such as the MC8780 support antenna diversity and can make use of the additional antenna for better reception and throughput.

I also bought the WWAN shield kit which wouldn't fit the T61 and it turns out that I didn't need it anyway as all of the Sierra Wireless embedded modules are RF shielded. It was only $10 so its no problem.

Please feel free to post in this thread about any questions or help that you need.

 

I noticed that you said you installed a sim card reader. Where did you get it? How does it connect to the laptop and how does the MC8775 WWAN unit recognize/know where to look for the sim card?Thanks in advance.

 

the sim card slot was purchased from lenovo spare parts

it plugs into the motherboard and is screwed into place.

I dont know, but the mini pcie slot, the mc8775 and the sim card slot all seem to work in tandem.