is it possible to exchange the modem board with modem + bluetooth module?

[bastiaan]

Does anybody know if it is possible to exchange the modem board with modem + bluetooth module?

I have seen some offers for the set on ebay but I am not sure I only need the module or more parts like antenna?
I don't like walking around with an external BT USB stick and would like to 'upgrade'

Thanks,
Bastiaan



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[wutang01]

Pity we can't add a Bluetooth LED light on the bottom left hand corner of the screen

[jokerunm]

I exchanged the modem cdc card with a bluetooth/modem cdc card on my think express model. Took all of five minutes to do.

Look up the part numbers for the bluetooth cdc card,the bluetooth antenna, and the bluetooth lcd icon plate(the bluetooth light is there on all models) here---> ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/39t6187.pdf

You can order the parts from here. -->http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?cntrfnbr=430429&storeId=260785&langId=-1&catalogId=-840

The bluetooth antenna is suppose to go up into the screen according to the hardware maintenance manual, but I really didn't feel like taking my tablet apart to do it. I simply tucked it in next to the cdc card. Works fine for me.(I did not try it without the antenna, but really do not think it will work without it.)

[wutang01]

"the bluetooth light is there on all models"
This isn't true. The 18695CU (which doesn't come with bluetooth) doesn't have the LED light

---

""Always try to run a low-level format before replacing a hard disk drive""

How do you do this?

[cdthomas9]

I have added both the internal bluetooth and the FP reader to my tablet. it took a bit of time to install them, but it works great. when I installed the FP reader, i had to replace my LCD bezel, and the new bezel did not have any labels on it. you have to order the icon plates for the bezel separately, and the FRU includes the bluetooth version and non bluetooth version of the stickers, so you can replace the ones to allow the bluettoth LEDs to shine through.

[jokerunm]

quote:Originally posted by wutang01

"the bluetooth light is there on all models"
This isn't true. The 18695CU (which doesn't come with bluetooth) doesn't have the LED light

---

""Always try to run a low-level format before replacing a hard disk drive""

How do you do this?


Sorry it is true. The icon plate without the bluetooth symbol is just covering up the hole where the bluetooth light it. That's why you have to buy the icon plate with the bluetooth symbol which uncovers the hole which lets you see the bluetooth light that is there on all the models.

[jokerunm]

quote:Originally posted by jokerunm


quote:Originally posted by wutang01

"the bluetooth light is there on all models"
This isn't true. The 18695CU (which doesn't come with bluetooth) doesn't have the LED light

---

""Always try to run a low-level format before replacing a hard disk drive""

How do you do this?


Sorry it is true. The icon plate without the bluetooth symbol is just covering up the hole where the bluetooth light is. That's why you have to buy the icon plate with the bluetooth symbol which uncovers the hole which lets you see the bluetooth light that is there on all the models.

[wutang01]

Oh really? Then I take that back.
How much are all these components added together? (The bluetooth card, icon plate ... etc)

I don't really like taking the risk of pulling apart my tablet. Placing the bluetooth antenna up the screen, replacing the icon plate ...

[jokerunm]

quote:Originally posted by wutang01

Oh really? Then I take that back.
How much are all these components added together? (The bluetooth card, icon plate ... etc)

I don't really like taking the risk of pulling apart my tablet. Placing the bluetooth antenna up the screen, replacing the icon plate ...


The total parts is somewhere near $80 -$90. Like I said, it took me all of five minutes to install, and you don't have to stick the antenna up into the screen to have functional bluetooth. The icon plate is simply a sticker, it was not too hard for me to pull the old one off and put the new one on.

[bastiaan]

I guess Bluetooth modules, stickers and antenna's are the same for all models. (I have a 1866-5GA).
Can you give the partnumbers you ordered?
Where did you order?

Thanks in advance,

Bastiaan

[cdthomas9]

I ordered right from IBMs parts page.

FRU # Description Price
1 26R9169 FRU SCREW KIT $11.50
1 26R9158 FRU LCD FRONT BEZEL ASM FINGER $9.20
PRINT 12 TFT
1 39T0422 FRU FINGER PRINT CARD $55.50
1 91P6926 FINGER PRINT CABLE $8.25
1 39T0024 BMDC-3 BT MODEM

I wanted to upgrade to the FP reader as well as BT, so I added in those FRUs. IBM recommends always replacing the screws when you open up the unit, as the thread coating no longer keeps the screws tight. I also strongly recommend downloading the hardware maintenance manual.

[cdthomas9]

Oh, forgot a couple:

91P6925 BLUETOOTH ANTENNA SET
26R9171 ICON PLATE SET


Use the antenna set to route the BT antenna into the screen, and the icon plate set is used to replace the stickers on the bezel to show the BT LEDs

[bastiaan]

Thanks a lot. I had trouble locating the last two ones.
Will see how it works when ordering in the Europe.

[Mindfull1]

Picking up this old thread as I'd searched for adding Bluetooth to the X41.

IBM says the actual BT adapter has been updated to a new part number (39T0026). However, it is not available. Any details on whether this is actually a new part? Feature differences? The original part (39T0024) posted above is "not found" on IBM's site, but is still sold by others.
Any insights appreciated. TIA!

[Xebec]

Well, now I'm totally confused. My X41T model is: 18675GU.

How can I confirm whether or not it has BT built-in?

[Mindfull1]

That's the same model I have, so I believe you can rest assured you don't have bluetooth installed. Control Panel>System>Hardware Configuration would tell you for certain, though.

I've just started seeing the new model BT "daughter card" for the X41 marketed. BMDC300, as I recall. Anyone tried install?

[bastiaan]

I installed the set as described by cdthomas9. Putting the board in is simple, adjusting te sticker too but then you are left with an long antenna that can go knowhere unless you disassemble a lot. So I decide to make it much shorter, took the shielding off and kept it around the board. It works fine now. Just have big trouble finding the right way to install the software. It seems I always end up with MS + IBM software + driver. Although it works, it seems strange to have 3 BT icons in the control panel, two entries in the system devices and one on the taskbar. If this X41 Tablet ever has to be serviced I will ask them to put the right antenna up the way it should. For now I am happy that I upgrade for less then 80 euro, everything included and quick IBM NL service for delivery.

[Mindfull1]

quote:Originally posted by bastiaan

I installed the set as described by cdthomas9. Putting the board in is simple, adjusting te sticker too but then you are left with an long antenna that can go knowhere unless you disassemble a lot. So I decide to make it much shorter, took the shielding off and kept it around the board. It works fine now. Just have big trouble finding the right way to install the software. It seems I always end up with MS + IBM software + driver. Although it works, it seems strange to have 3 BT icons in the control panel, two entries in the system devices and one on the taskbar. If this X41 Tablet ever has to be serviced I will ask them to put the right antenna up the way it should. For now I am happy that I upgrade for less then 80 euro, everything included and quick IBM NL service for delivery.


Bastiaan,
Thanks for the feedback on that setup.
It appears the new part has a range of 300ft (100meters), and I'm still trying to figure out if it is Bluetooth v1.2 (i.e. if it can pair with multiple devices at the same time).
I believe the last part # (the one being replaced) is BTv 1.1 and 30ft range. Cost seems about $45-50 for the old part, $100 for the new BMDC300.
And yes, I'd opt for the antenna in the case rather than taking apart the display, but that's just my comfort zone.
M1,

[AbilitySys]

Jeepers, these parts seem fairly expensive. $150+ for the BT card, $80+ for the antenna? I'll stick with the $40 Motorola dongle for now...

- Robert

[wutang01]

I decided to add bluetooth by selling my 18695CU and buying a 18666SU.

[Mindfull1]

quote:Originally posted by wutang01

I decided to add bluetooth by selling my 18695CU and buying a 18666SU.


LOL. That'll certainly do it!
What was the cost difference for the upgrade- just curious? The used market for the X41s is really interesting! (Crazy variation in price that makes me very thankful for the deal I got!)
Best,
M1

[ToeCutter]

quote:Originally posted by Mindfull1

That's the same model I have, so I believe you can rest assured you don't have bluetooth installed. Control Panel>System>Hardware Configuration would tell you for certain, though.

I've just started seeing the new model BT "daughter card" for the X41 marketed. BMDC300, as I recall. Anyone tried install?


Yes sir, I can confirm that BMDC-3 works just fine in my 18695CU X41T. The IBM Connection Manager SW picked it up just fine as well.

I'm waiting for the antenna to arrive to actually start using BT, but I have already paired the X41T with my Treo, so everything appears to be working just fine.

Don't you just love it when it *actually* works!

EDIT: DOH, just noticed there were more pages to the thread...

[John Hill]

Does anyone have information on the part numbers to add Bluetooth to an X61? We got one without it preinstalled.