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So I spent a couple of evenings exploring my Eee motherboard for USB signals and 5V (off in standby) and here's the results.
There's a beefy 5V trace (off in standby) that's available without draining current from the existing USB connectors. Look here:
There are 8 USB ports on this chipset:
- 3 are the existing USB connectors
- 1 is used by the SDHC/MMC card reader
- 1 is used by the webcam
- 2 are used by the mini PCIe card slots (1 for each)
- 1 is still unknown (debug connector, perhaps?)
I destroyed one of my USB Bluetooth modules while probing the debug connector - doh! *BEWARE*
The MDC card slot does *NOT* have USB signals.
Both mini PCIe card slots have USB signals...
The Atheros mini PCIe wireless card does *NOT* appear to use USB signals (only the PCIe signals) - is this the available USB port for hacks? Look here:
Update: I just tested it, and I can confirm that the USB signals on the mini PCIe slot used by the wireless card are available even when the wireless card is installed and working. Look here:
Also, inserting a Novatel mini PCIe EVDO modem into the empty mini PCIe card slot disabled the built-in SSD - as a result, my Eee tried to boot from the 8GB SDHC card in the built-in card reader! I think this mini PCIe card slot is designed for an optional SSD that replaces the built-in SSD...
The Novatel card does *NOT* appear to use the PCIe signals (only the USB signals), so I think there's a detection pin on the empty mini PCIe card slot such that the built-in SSD is disabled when a mini PCIe card is inserted.
The USB port on the empty mini PCIe card slot appears to be available, but only after boot. Look here:
For more information: http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/ … s-701-eee/
Last edited by tnkgrl (2007-11-20 5:38:04 pm)
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Wow this is some impressive work. It's somewhat above my head, but I'm sure something good will come of this, so keep at it!
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So basically, this laptop is run almost entirely off of USB? I find that very interesting. I figured the mini PCIE was at least a direct attach to the bus. So, that being said, there should be no noticeable difference in running off of an add on hooked up to the PCIE slot once they become available.
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@TheBronze, the wireless card uses PCIe signals, not USB. The optional SSD card, if it exists probably also uses PCIe signals... The built-in SSD uses the ATA controller, and the Ethernet, audio, keyboard and trackpad connect directly to the chipset.
Everything else is USB!
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@netomx, no sorry.. I'm not cracking it open again until the weekend... Too busy with other stuff, not to mention I need a new USB Bluetooth module 
Last edited by tnkgrl (2007-11-16 12:59:47 am)
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Fantastic work so far tnkgrl. Thanks so much! I definitely want to put a USB hub into my EEE when it arrives.
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wow! thanks !
I'm a software bod not a hardware bod so I always admired thouse brave enough to dive into the depths of thier hadrware, especially when thecomponents are so tiny !
So tnkgrl, in your experience how much room does the board have for hardware modding - or is it just too small for that?
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@faintdreams, there's a lot of empty space inside the Eee, and a lot of possibilities for mods - it's not inconceivable to add Bluetooth, more flash storage and a 3G modem!
Then again, I've modded a lot smaller: http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2007/05/07/ … hsdpa-mod/
Last edited by tnkgrl (2007-11-16 5:15:04 am)
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tnkgrl wrote:
@faintdreams, there's a lot of empty space inside the Eee, and a lot of possibilities for mods - it's not inconceivable to add Bluetooth, more flash storage and a 3G modem!
Then again, I've modded a lot smaller: http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2007/05/07/ … hsdpa-mod/
I need that pics
jk haha
just I cant wait for them!
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tnkgrl wrote:
I just tested it, and I can confirm that the USB signals on the mini PCIe slot used by the wireless card are available even when the wireless card is installed and working. Look here:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/204 … 3d8a_o.jpg
Hi tnkgrl! Grrrreat picture, thanks.
Maybe I'll use these ones for my mod, rather than the ones off the un-used mini PCIe slot. It'll be a much neater job.
Stupid question: What ground can I use? Is any ground OK? Could you point to a suitable one or two? One that's close to either your 5V or the USB+- that you show above, or a nice chunky one that I'll have no problem soldering to?
Thanks
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@whistler, any ground's good... See how the metal shield on the USB connectors is soldered to a very large light green ground plane? Well there's some nice ground
And BTW, all the pictures were snapped (and then scaled) with my Sony Ericsson K850i 5 megapixel camera phone!
Last edited by tnkgrl (2007-11-18 4:37:39 pm)
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tnkgrl wrote:
@whistler, any ground's good... See how the metal shield on the USB connectors is soldered to a very large light green ground plane? Well there's some nice ground
And BTW, all the pictures were snapped (and then scaled) with my Sony Ericsson K850i 5 megapixel camera phone!
Thanks tnkgrl. I'm all set now. Now all I need is an actually EEE PC. Come on Equanet!
BTW, good piccies for a camera phone.
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I have used this USB connection and the one on the PCIe expansion connector. It works well! I have also found a 5V connection on the same side of the board as the USB connections which is easy to solder to. Details are here:
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=25175#p25175
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@tristand, is that 5V off in standby?
tristand wrote:
I have used this USB connection and the one on the PCIe expansion connector. It works well! I have also found a 5V connection on the same side of the board as the USB connections which is easy to solder to. Details are here:
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=25175#p25175
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@netomx, about US $500... There are several 5 megapixel camera phones on the market: Sony Ericsson K850i (which I currently have), Nokia N95 (which I used to have), Nokia N82 (just released), i-mobile 902 (which I used to have), and LG KG-920! Check my blog for reviews: http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com
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2 mini PCIe have different label. One is "MINI CARD" that use with WiFi and another on is "FLASH_CON".
Is it fix for use?
If it's real. We may use MINI_CARD slot for expension card (has it wifi+bluetooth all in one?) and FLASH_CON for SSD only.
Last edited by TonMai2K (2007-11-19 11:06:54 am)
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@tnkgrl,by any chance did you come across a +5V pad in the boundary of mini PCIE bay?I am thinking to add a USB A connector inside the bay without cracking the whole case open.
ba
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