Bluetooth Module install in an 8943g

I was wondering if you anyone here has performed or observed the install of a Bluetooth module in a Acer Aspire 8943g? I have the 8943-9319 and I am looking into doing this upgrade. Need to know what I am getting into. I do have an electronics background and I can solder.

If you have observed or performed this mod, what was the degree of difficulty? Was there a lot to take apart? From the little I have read about this mod, the module just plugs into the appropriate slot on the motherboard. Also, besides installing the module, I just need to install the appropriate drivers right? Or is there more to it than that?

There are about 2 choices for this module on ebay from the same vendor, one is the AR3011 3.0 Bluetooth Module for 39.99 and the other is the Acer 2.1 Bluetooth Module for 18.99. Would you go for the 3.0 or will the 2.1 suffice?

this is the 3.0 option: AR3011 3.0 Bluetooth Module + Cable acer Aspire 8943G | eBay

2.1 option: acer 2.1 Bluetooth Module + Cable Aspire 8943G as8943G | eBay

I want to save a usb slot so want to install bluetooth internally instead of using a bluetooth dongle.

Thanks in advance, zealouz

 

I think this is a good option, I asked the ebay person if

1. the 8943g already has all the software it needs, and
2. if this car replaces the wifi card in place already (in case it is a bundle wifi+bluetooth), or if goes somewhere else...

It surely would be nice to have bluetooth... $30 extra is not that much if it is truly compatible and it doesn't cause a downgrade in the OEM wifi card (in my case it is supposed to be the

I see from your signature that you took your 8943g to 16GB, added an SSD and the seagate momentus XT. I bought the 16GB and replaced the original disk with the momentus XT. The 16GB I bought are the 1333MHz ones. Don't know if the fact that they are 1333 will make a difference or the system would just work at the 1066MHz recommended. How is the SSD working for you? How did you transfer your system to it? Or did you install everything new on it?

Thanks

 

1.Standard windows drivers.
2.Nah, it has a slot on the board.

 

Thanks Meaker, you answered before the ebay seller, hehe. Now the question is where in the board does the bluetooth go. I bought it and will attempt to place it myself. When I open the big lid on the laptop's back, I only see the place where I think the wifi card goes, but the bluetooth placement most likely will be more involved than just removing that lid and connecting it.

Thanks

 

You need to get the service manual and it will show you where.

 

Do you know where I can find the service guide for the acer aspire 8943g? The acer website shows just a blank page with the link to download acrobat reader, but no service guide, I wasn't able to find the manual googling around either. If there is no service guide, do you know of any laptop that is close enough to this one and that I can use the service guide from? Thank you very much in advance.

 

Cant post links on these forums since service manuals are copyrighted documents so sharing them is illegal.

 

Ok, so here it is for anyone wanting to install the internal bluetooth card/device. It is a bit nervewrecking (truly scared of breaking my shiny new laptop just to get that extra gram of greedy feature to open your laptop, specially when you have to disconnect those fine delicate connectors. Try to find a friend that has some good electronic skills and invite him/her over for beers. Have them help you before the beers. Remember that if you feel uncomfortable by something that looks too delicate, it is better to close back the laptop and call it quits, or get somebody with good skills. It is scary to mess up a $1,500 machine to get a $30 part in.

If you need the service manual / service guide, contact your preferred hardware provider .

And finally, remember to TURN ON your device. This is the first time I have a computer with bluetooth, and, an acer with bluetooth. In the case of the 8943g, you have to TURN ON / SWITCH ON the bluetooth by pressing Fn+F3 (Fn=the function key right next to your windows bar key at the bottom left of your keyboard). I physically disconnected and connected the card, and installed just about every driver in the acer website, before it occured to me that maybe the bluetooth could be switched on and off by means of a key, the same way that you can do it with the wifi.

Best of luck to those wishing to install bluetooth. Well, I am now listening to my iPhone's music on my 8943g speakers.

 

Dang, my notifications must have been set wrong...I was curious about this but did not realize I had any replies.

So JReview...I am experienced with electronics but not so much circuit boards and the like. I don't want to Damage my laptop either externally or internally. I have a service manual but was wondering if you have any pointers on the disassembly of the 8943g? Also, which Bluetooth module did you go with?

Thanks in advance

 

Well I can tell you to never force anything unless the service manual tells you to apply some force for clips and the like. Also he will have gone with one off ebay since they are the cheapest.

 

I never had any problems with my wifi card but if I were to replace the current wifi card with one that includes Bluetooth, would that be a better idea than just buying the Bluetooth module?

I read other threads talking about the quality and performance of the Intel 6230 N wifi+BT card...would that particular card work with the 8943g? Also, what would change if it were an option and I were to purchase and install it? I assume that the manner in which Bluetooth toggles on and off would be different than if I were to install just the Bluetooth module. I believe FN+F3 toggles BT on and off if just the BT module were installed. Would I go to the devices menu to toggle BT on and off if I installed the Intel 6230?

Any replies will be greatly appreciated!

 

So I finally got around to installing the Atheros 3011 Bluetooth Module I ordered from Ebay. I took my time and followed the service guide and the install turned out great. This was my first time opening up a laptop to the extent that I did. I had to take the keyboard and screen off in order to get to the area where the BT module was to be installed. The install was actually not bad at all. I have gained a lot of confidence during this install...I just might dive into more complicated installs in the future.

I installed the driver and was able to pair my Acer Tab and Thunderbolt. I did have to troubleshoot an error message that I was getting...'Bluetooth peripheral device doesn't have a driver' I googled the error message and was able to find the fix...Everything is working great!