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Those of you who have disassembled your 901 have probably noticed pads for the 4th miniPCIe connector marked "3G Card" and on the other side of the mobo the place for SIM card reader.
I was just wondering - if theoretically I was able to add the missing connectors to the mobo, do you think that 3G miniPCIe modem would work? Or will the bios be a problem here?
SIM card slots are cheap (like $2-3) so I'll get one anyways. If only I could get a miniPCIe connector... Do you know a place where I could buy it cheaply?
You may heard of my problems with soldering the ZIF connector. I have already ordered an inexpensive hot air station, so it shoud be easier this time 
UPDATE 7/9/2008
It really works!!! Complete how-to bellow.
Parts needed:
1. miniPCI-E connector (5.6 - 5.9 mm height) - JAE
2. SIM Socket (1.5 mm height) - Proconn SPPN08-A0-5000
3. Some metal screws and "thingys" to secure miniPCI-E card
4. HSPA or EVDO miniPCI-E card
5. Coaxial wire with an U.FL connector
6. Spare cell phone antenna
First, solder miniPCI-E connector on the 3G card pads (a bit tricky but can be done with a lot of flux). I used JAE 5.9 mm connector
I used those metal hexagonal rods to keep the card in place.
That's how a Sierra Wireless MC8755 looks in place:
Next, enable USB+/- lines on the 3G connector. Just short the pads marked red (credit for finding a way to enable USB lines goes to jkkmobile)
Enable 3.3V line - short the pads marked red (credit goes to jkkmobile)
Solder SIM socket to the mainboard: 
Antenna
I used this pigtail with U.FL and RP-SMA connectors
I cut off the RP-SMA and left the antenna wire connected to the card and hidden under the keyboard.
You can use thin film antenna from a cell phone:
- it's very small - 25 mm x 30 mm x 0.1 mm thick
- it's cheap - $2-5
- works great (5 out of 5 bars)
Cut a hole for SIM card access. Wasn't really hard. I used a Dremel and little metal files.
A word of advice - If you're planning to do this mod, buy SIM socket that has 1.5 mm height. I have the 1.9 mm one and it isn't perfect - I had to file the upper part of the case, and still the card is inserted at an angle. It's ok, looks good, but it would be much easier with 1.5 mm SIM socket.
Insert your miniPCI-E modem, connect the antenna, insert SIM card (if needed)
Launch your OS and install driver
I installed the drivers and the modem was properly initialised in XP:
With the SIM card in the socket I launched XP. Sierra's aplication asked for the PIN and after few seconds it was ready to connect.
A photo with a HSDPA connection established:
For testing I used an external WiFi antenna from my router. It wasn't perfect (as HSDPA works on a different band than WiFi), but I was able to establish connection (with max 2 bars).
And here a photo with an antenna scraped from Nokia 6230i
Voila! You have a 3G enabled EEE 901 !!!
Enjoy! And try it yourself
Last edited by packer (2008-09-06 7:00:08 pm)
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this was the only thing i could find so far
http://mmt.manufacturer.globalsources.c … nector.htm
http://www.globalsources.com/manufactur … ector.html
edit: i inquired to 15 different sellers about getting this. if i hear any news, i will tell you. i am interested in doing this too.
Last edited by mtotho (2008-08-12 4:48:40 pm)
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Since I screwed the warranty on mine big time, I might follow you Packer for that one. It means one less item to carry, plus I don't have the added problem of my parents/sister/friends trying to call me at inappropriate times. 
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I'll try ordering samples from molex.
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u can buy them heer
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDet … TDxw%3d%3d
Last edited by mtotho (2008-08-12 6:14:21 pm)
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mtotho wrote:
u can buy them heer
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDet … TDxw%3d%3d
It's the one with 4.0 mm height. According to ivc's tests we need 5.6-5.9 mm. 67910-5700 is the right part number, but I can't find it at Mouser.
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You might check availability here http://www.connectorpeople.com/partpages/Molex6.htm
Could you advise me what card (manufacturer) you would like to put into this connector if it was actually working? What I understand it should be some specific eee 901 card because of an outside (on motherboard) sim card socket.
Last edited by nrg (2008-08-13 3:36:43 am)
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All of the miniPCI-E 3G cards that I've seen need a separate SIM socket on the motherboard.
I thought of:
- Option GTM 378
- Option GTM 380
- Sierra Wireless Aircard MC8775.
(those are easily available where I live, Sierra is the least expensive).
If it works, you'll also need to add a separate antena inside your eee.
Edit: Novatel Merlin EU850D has an integrated SIM slot (if anyone needs it).
Last edited by packer (2008-08-13 4:55:25 am)
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Oh I didn't know about that, thanx for clarifying. It would be great if it works, internal 3G modem is the only thing I'm missing in eee 901. The next problem that you might encounter, as many pages which selling those cards states, could be card block at BIOS level.
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http://www.mmtmachrone.com/pdf/MINIPCIE … GfV1-1.pdf
there is a 5.6mm model. i am gonna order it. it is from someone i inquired to .
you could shoot them an email
kehho@mmtmachrone.com
"From: Keh Ho <kehho@mmtmachrone.com>
To: mtotho@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 1:32 pm
Subject: mini PCI Express connector
Michael,
how are you ? This is Keh Ho from MMT, I'm following up with you on your
inquiry for min PCI Express connector from Global Source :
The link is our spec for mini PCI express connector :
http://www.mmtmachrone.com/pdf/MINIPCIE … GfV1-1.pdf
Please let me know if this would work !
Thanks
keh
"
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Nice! I've just sent my request to MMT.
Unfortunately Molex isn't willing to supply me with samples - they have redeirected me to their Polish subsidiary, and they to an online store (which only has the 6.8 mm version in stock).
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Ok so what about USIM connector what type is it? And where can I buy one?
Would it be something like that?
http://www.imperial-connect.co.uk/produ … SIMS61.pdf <--1,5mm
or
http://www.imperial-connect.co.uk/produ … SIMS60.pdf <--2,1mm
Last edited by nrg (2008-08-13 7:35:46 pm)
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I am considering ordering one of those mini pci connectors. What are the odds that my verizon usb modem works in that slot? (assuming normal 3g modems work). My verizon usb 720 modem is really a mini pci card inside and internally converted to usb via an adapter. The adapter is kinda bulky even after i cut some pcb.. and i know the adapter isnt necessary for the modem to work (works in my other laptops without blocked mini pci ports). I wouldnt have to worry about sim card slot.. because FORTUNATELY (sarcasm) verizon doesnt use sim cards. If it doesnt work i will just go back to using usb adapter.
"Michael,
I can sell you 10 pcs !
You can purchase by using credit card !
Thanks
keh
-----Original Message-----
From: mtotho@aol.com [mailto:mtotho@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 1:53 PM
To: kehho@mmtmachrone.com
Subject: Re: mini PCI Express connector
Hey, thanks for responding. I need a few connectors where dimx=5.6mm. 1003 series number. I really only need a few though, 5-10, just tell me how you want to make this transaction.thanks
-----Original Message-----
From: Keh Ho <kehho@mmtmachrone.com>
To: mtotho@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 1:32 pm
Subject: mini PCI Express connector "
Last edited by mtotho (2008-08-13 8:03:11 pm)
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usb lines on the 3g card pins are not working and i havent had time to test what else is missing...
I will try to test soon...
btw. why you don't want to use these 4mm ones from Mouser? Thay shoud work fine..
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jkkmobile wrote:
usb lines on the 3g card pins are not working and i havent had time to test what else is missing...
I will try to test soon...
btw. why you don't want to use these 4mm ones from Mouser? Thay shoud work fine..
thats not good news.. alot of modems use usb lines.
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jkkmobile wrote:
usb lines on the 3g card pins are not working and i havent had time to test what else is missing...
I will try to test soon...
btw. why you don't want to use these 4mm ones from Mouser? Thay shoud work fine..
It seems that 4.0 mm are to low - here
Edit: It may be different in case of 901 as there are no other components in the place desingned for 3G card that would collide with it. So indeed 4.0 mm might be ok.
Edit2: I wanted to order from Mouser:
- 656-MM60-52B1-E1-R - JAE 5.9 mm
- 538-67910-0001 - Molex 4.0 mm
Unfortunately, the connetor itself costs like $2, but the shipping charge to Poland is $98 So I have to keep looking...
Last edited by packer (2008-08-14 3:56:31 am)
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So, I cannot put this option HSUPA card with GPS, http://www.option.com/products/gtm_382.shtml, and make it work?
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now even if you manage to solder the connector to the 3G pins and install a mini pci modem, where you will install the TS controller ? there wont be a space in that area!
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zooster wrote:
So, I cannot put this option HSUPA card with GPS, http://www.option.com/products/gtm_382.shtml, and make it work?
Not in the WLAN or primary/secondary SSD miniPCIe slots.
In the non-existing 3G card slot - maybe, if you add the connector. Nobody has tested it yet, but jkkmobile noticed that USB lines don't work on that connector. It may (or may not) that this option on the mobo is disabled.
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I still don't get why to add a miniPCI-e port not completely working as specifics, why to limit it to work only with the **** flash memory...
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zooster wrote:
I still don't get why to add a miniPCI-e port not completely working as specifics, why to limit it to work only with the **** flash memory...
makes their upcoming devices with 3g more desireable...
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USB lines on 3g card can be enabled by shorting these pins..
typically there is a fuse component so if you just short them it will work, but it you do something stupid you will fry your board as fuses are not there...
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jkkmobile wrote:
USB lines on 3g card can be enabled by shorting these pins..
typically there is a fuse component so if you just short them it will work, but it you do something stupid you will fry your board as fuses are not there...
That's good news!
Forgive me my ignorance, but how do those SMD fuses look like? As I'm getting the connetors I might as well buy a couple of fuses, but I don't know what to look for.
BTW, I was checking lately various miniPCIe 3G modems and they all seem to use USB interface (and not the PCI express).
Last edited by packer (2008-08-16 5:10:56 am)
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they look like really small black thingys.. i have no info sorry.. there are plenty of them near the 3g card pins so check your self..
yep 3g cards are usb devices..
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mtotho wrote:
zooster wrote:
I still don't get why to add a miniPCI-e port not completely working as specifics, why to limit it to work only with the **** flash memory...
makes their upcoming devices with 3g more desireable...
So, a 9" with atom and BT will come out with embedded 3G???
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