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    How to add Bluetooth to your Timeline 3810T and other interesting tidbits with the machine

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by icase81, Jul 16, 2009.

  1. clipzed

    clipzed Notebook Enthusiast

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  2. icase81

    icase81 Notebook Guru

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    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMltgL4mNY

    Theres the video I made of it working in a 3810T.

    <object width='425' height='344'><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ynMltgL4mNY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ynMltgL4mNY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='425' height='344'></embed></object>
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2015
  3. GloStiX

    GloStiX Notebook Evangelist

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    icase for ur own privacy/security I'd censor the numbers on ur SIM
     
  4. technurse

    technurse Notebook Enthusiast

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    Interesting. My 3810T already came with Bluetooth integrated. I just use my Samsung Instinct to connect as a data modem using Bluetooth to connect. In fact, I'm at the airport using my unlimited Data plan from Sprint to type this post. No extra $60/month just for 3G connection. It's all part of Sprint's all Voice/Data plan. No I don't work for Sprint, just the cheapest I've been able to find for everything I use. $110 / month for 2 phones 1500 minutes, unlimited data and text messaging.
     
  5. Ductapemaster

    Ductapemaster Notebook Geek

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    To whoever installed that Broadcom HD decoder, how does it work? For the price, I would definitely consider getting one to try it out. I'm going to try and get my hands on one of those for free though...I'm an intern at Broadcom for the summer :D
     
  6. sosorio

    sosorio Notebook Consultant

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    well back to wwan... i have an OPTION 378 HSDPA modem... i install the globetrotter connect and it says RADIO IS OFF.. if i make hardware diagnostics... its there...
     
  7. tamrac

    tamrac Notebook Guru

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    Same here... My 3810T has built in bluetooth as well....
     
  8. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    My 3810TG-354G50n also came with BT :)

    Could some of you share your experiences with 3G modem installations - which ones are successfully working in this lapppy, and which are not ?
     
  9. icase81

    icase81 Notebook Guru

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    That SIM hasn't been used/worked in about 5 years. I don't know why I keep it around. I've been on Verizon for the past few years, just an old SIM i had laying around.
     
  10. sosorio

    sosorio Notebook Consultant

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    is it necesary to have an gsm antena?? i have an option gtm378 hsdpa card
     
  11. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    Its preferrable, but you can try without it if the network coverage is good, or otherwise "borrow" one of antenna cables from your wifi card :)

    please report if the card is recognized by OS when inserted in slot.
     
  12. smeeyo

    smeeyo Newbie

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    Success with this card and antenna http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-UNLOCKED-HP-HS2300-SIERRA-MC8775-WWAN-antenna_W0QQitemZ320390107005QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a98bd0f7d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

    put antenna right under the 3g card because of the short cable, and reception is good / average. Or try another position and let me know which one is the best!

    installed with drivers:

    ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp36501-37000/sp36889.exe

    http://www.sierrawireless.com/resources/software/watcher/Build2258/Watcher_Generic.msi

    you put 3G on with wifi button -> keep pressing the button -> 3G on + Wifi on / Wifi on + 3G off / Wifi off + 3G on / Wifi off 3G off. When the 3G is on the led turns green instead of orange (wifi only)

    well? :p
     
  13. sosorio

    sosorio Notebook Consultant

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    my network is not recognized... only other, so i guess 9i need that antenna...

    ill try to borrow a cable and check ;)

    under xp and 7 i have to install drivers
     
  14. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    So, what is the result?
     
  15. ayeaye06

    ayeaye06 Newbie

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    has anyone tried installing a mini pci-e ssd card in the second mini pci-e slot?
    Does it work? can you install windows on it?
     
  16. lalamans

    lalamans Newbie

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    Hi. My Timeline is arriving in a few days, and I just wanted to know if anyone's tested the spare Slim SATA below the Mini PCIe?
     
  17. zuhuratbaba

    zuhuratbaba Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    No one in this thread has tested it yet. Slim SATA port ruins everything, since there are some small form factor drives but with ordinary SATA connections.
     
  18. Vihsadas

    Vihsadas Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough. I just bought that version for the 3810T. When it gets here (and I find a few minutes to disassemble and install) I'll let you know how it goes!

    Any word on adding an extra SSD into the mix? That would be exactly what I wanted.

    Also, what do you guys mean by "Wifi button"? I have a bluetooth button, but not a Wifi button. I also have a canadian (US-Intl) Keyboard so I thought that might be the problem.
     
  19. zuhuratbaba

    zuhuratbaba Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    Well, where as Bluetooth button is Fn+F3 and it is a key on the keyboard, Wi-Fi button ( in fact a Wi-Fi kill switch) is placed near the right speaker and it is not a real button. Instead Acer placed three touch-sensitive buttons near the right speaker. From left to right, Wi-Fi kill switch, back-up quick access button and power-saver button. Between these and right speaker there is HDD activity LED.

    [​IMG]
    (cropped from icase81's picture)

    When Wi-Fi is active, this glows in orange; when kill switch it is activated it stops glowing. I think this kill switch also incorporates with any HSDPA (mobile broadband whatever) modem; I mean it also kills the connection when Wi-Fi is deactivated.
     
  20. Vihsadas

    Vihsadas Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the great answer. That certainly clears up a lot!
     
  21. Vihsadas

    Vihsadas Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well I emailed them to find out when/where these pSSDs will be available. That will be the icing on the cake for me. :) What a great little laptop. Definitely the best purchased I've made in a long time.
     
  22. lalamans

    lalamans Newbie

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    Great find, zuhuratbaba.

    Vihsadas, please send word if you hear from SanDisk. :)
     
  23. mieserpuckel

    mieserpuckel Newbie

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    Hi, I also installed the gtm378 pci card with antenna. But I have a very poor signal. How have I to install the antenna ?
     
  24. zuhuratbaba

    zuhuratbaba Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    Thanks for the kind appreciation. But we have an issue: Empty SATA port on 3810XX is slim SATA, but that drive is not. I am not sure if it will fit with a converter on. I made a estimation/calculation with sizes and remaining area and found that drive just fits there nip and tuck.
     
  25. mieserpuckel

    mieserpuckel Newbie

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    Hi

    I've installed a Option gtm378 and I have a very poor signal. What kind of antennas have you used ? And where have you installed it ?

    Regards
    Michael
     
  26. sosorio

    sosorio Notebook Consultant

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    i have that one too... had to order a gsm antenna...
     
  27. zuhuratbaba

    zuhuratbaba Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey there,

    There's a contest going on: http://www.acer8hourcontest.com/ My country is not eligible, but some of you may be living in the US and may want to join it.

    FYI
     
  28. Vihsadas

    Vihsadas Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have heard nothing back from Sandisk, but the word on the internet is that these pSSD should already be available somewhere. :confused:
     
  29. Andrei.F

    Andrei.F Newbie

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  30. mieserpuckel

    mieserpuckel Newbie

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    Today I got my gsm antenna, but when I put the antenna under the keyboard the signal is very poor again. Where do you have installed the antenna ? Behind the display ?
     
  31. mieserpuckel

    mieserpuckel Newbie

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    Hi

    Where do you have installed the antenna ? I have a very poor signal with my option gtm378 and I installed the antenna under the keyboard.

    Regards
    Michaek
     
  32. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    1) you should connect BOTH (main & aux) antennas for optimum performance
    2) if you have only one, ensure that you connect it to the out marked as "main" or "A", and not as "aux" or "B"
    3) Personally I'm using GTM380 in 3810TG and I've put with main antenna near the second (non-connected) sata. It's between card reader and 2usb slots. And I've put an auxiliary antenna under touchpad, close to the AC/charging LEDs

    My question to you: are you able to turn your GTM378 off with wifi switch?
    Mine is always on, not depending on what i'm selecting from the menu...
     
  33. dnaxx

    dnaxx Notebook Guru

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    Has anyone opened his Travelmate 8371? Is there also a free SATA port?
     
  34. lkripper

    lkripper Newbie

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  35. Vihsadas

    Vihsadas Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unfortunately, I don't think that anyone has been able to get a hold of one of these pSSDs for our purposes, let alone measure it. :( I've been harassing Sandisk to tell me where I can get one of these retail, but I haven't gotten any response. Let me know if you find out anything. I'm delaying installing my bluetooth adapter until I know whether or not we can do the pSSD thing or not.
     
  36. mieserpuckel

    mieserpuckel Newbie

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    Hi maxim_fr

    Yes, I could switch off the gtm378 with the wireless button. When I use the button I get 4 options to choose. O.K. I try to put the antennas to the same location how yours. Thanks for your reply !

    Regards
    Michael
     
  37. voxish

    voxish Notebook Geek

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  38. ieftm

    ieftm Newbie

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    has anyone tried converting the mSATA interface to some sort of eSATA slot? (Powered eSATA would be even better)
     
  39. voxish

    voxish Notebook Geek

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    Hi guys
    I installed my bluetooth module http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ACER-Bluetoot...Computing_LaptopAccess_RL?hash=item518d499a16

    and HP HS2300 SIERRA MC8775 WWAN http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320390107005&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    I had a couple of setbacks opening the case and installing the cards - it's trickier than it looks to pry the keyboard off and I couldn't do it without sustaing minor damage to the plastic above the F8 key. I'd suggest using a plastic or wooden stick to press down the clip and either a dentist's hook or a nylon iPod opener to lever it out.

    The other problem I came up against was the small console ribbon cable top middle. I pulled it out easily enough but because I've got non-delicate fingers I accidentally pulled the plastic retainer off. It took me a while to figure out how it worked but eventually it went back on and clamped the cable firmly in place. I was a bit worried I'd borked the whole operation but was OK!

    If you're only installing the WWAN module there's no need to open the bottom of the case! It slots in easily on the mini-PCIE socket - I had to rob a screw from the Wi-Fi module but they only need one each. There's only one aerial connector on the sierra module and the antenna fits neatly over the top (I'll post a photo if anyone's interested).

    The bluetooth module was also very easy to fit - there's no mistaking where it goes, the lead only fits one way in the socket and clicks securely home. I'll post a pic if anyone's interested but it's not a lot different to the one posted by icase81 (nb 8 wires not 4).

    I had a few problems installing drivers until I realised I had to switch bluetooth on using Fn+F3 d'Oh!

    Finally many thanks to icase81 for starting this thread.
     
  40. antoniof

    antoniof Newbie

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    Hi,
    I'm interested to mod my timeline 3810T with a 3G module.
    I found here a lot of info about. Tkanks for that !!!

    I have found the module SIERRAMC8780 (with a download speed of 7.2 Mbps).

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/unlocked-Sierra-MC8780-7-2-Mbps-HSUPA-GPS-not-mc8775_W0QQitemZ320434062357QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9b5bc415

    This module seems have 2 antennas.

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antenna-cable-for-MC8700-MC8790-MC8780-MC8775-Card_W0QQitemZ230382753942QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a3e1d896

    So, I have a couple of questions.

    Is the module compatible with timeline?
    Can I fit he 2 antennas in notebook? and where can I put them?
    This module (MC8780) seems be compatible with Win7.
    Any info about the compatibility of SIERRA MC8775 with Win7?

    Thanks a lot for your answers and.... sorry for my english.
     
  41. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    Hi guys and gals,

    Anyone with 3G modem using 64-bit Win7? I have a strange problem with Acer's keyboard Launcher: when it's installed, I just cannot toggle wifi & 3G on or off !

    In bundled Vista everything is Ok, i.e. wireless button shows 4 choices in horizontal menu, etc. and wireless switching actually works. The same menu appears in WIN7 x64 but unfortunatly it didnt work. When I'm uninstalling the launcher, button toggles like 2 positions "all off" and "all on".

    P.S. I've tried Option's GlobeTrotter GTM380 and GTM382 modules.
     
  42. ultracy

    ultracy Newbie

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    Same Pain here.

    3810T, Windows 7 x64 with GTM382 & Antenna, driver of x64 from Option.

    It show "Radio is OFF" in the GlobeTrotter Connect
     
  43. ultracy

    ultracy Newbie

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    would have bought sierra if sierra is 7.2, GTM382 is 7.2 but now regretted. spent plentiful hours but not able to solve the "Radio is OFF" problem, any would have successful with the same configuration?
     
  44. feuerstein

    feuerstein Notebook Enthusiast

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    @ultracy:

    did w7 found the card? if not, just tape pin20 - it will work.
     
  45. ultracy

    ultracy Newbie

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    hi buddy yes, w7 found the card, driver installed and it appears in device manager. however what do you mean by tape pin20? do you mean block it?
    ;)
     
  46. voxish

    voxish Notebook Geek

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    I have a similar problem with Win 7 64bit - the card was recognised straight away and drivers installed. All drivers are good in Device Manager. I installed the generic sierra wireless watcher software but when it runs it says "no device detected".

    Not quite sure why this should be - any help gratefully received!
     
  47. ultracy

    ultracy Newbie

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    I have tried the same thing too. unfortunately GTM382 is Option instead of Sierra, tried with no luck.
     
  48. voxish

    voxish Notebook Geek

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  49. maxim_fr

    maxim_fr Notebook Guru

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    Just uninstall keyboard Launcher, reboot, press wireleess key twice and it will work!
    However, its not a permanent solution - I'm really missing other features of Launcher...
     
  50. ultracy

    ultracy Newbie

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    It WORKS..... I have spent 4 hours in troubleshooting it and i get nothing done. Just uninstall the launcher and it works immediately. Thank you buddy
     
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