M11x WWAN card info thread?

I have the 5530 WORKING!!!

I plugged the card in, unhooked one of the Wifi antennas and plugged it into the WWAN card. Stuck my Tmobile-UK sim into the laptop, reboot. Installed 5530 drivers and can either use the mobile broadband app, or use the normal network button to connect.

This means you won't get anything better than Wifi-G but thats fine with me.

It works superb.


NOTE THOUGH: I couldn't get a sierra wireless card to work so I believe there is some type of BIOS lock on non-dell cards.

Neil.

 

Hi Neil,

Which drivers did you use? Can you link to them, as I've a 5530 at work I'd like to install in my M11x

Cheers

Nathan

 

See above, they should work, if not I'll zip them up and put them up for FTP later tonight.

 

I tried it myself now and it's working.
Reception is ok to good, thanx for the tip Neil McRae!

Noticable WLAN speed reduction on 2,4ghz band (just 2,5-3 mb/s instead of 8 mb/s, but 5ghz band still brings the full 8+ mb/s).

I now have the problem however that login takes ages (1min+) instead of just a few seconds before, and network center and system control reacts more slowly too. Anyone have this problem too?
I got this since I installed the 5530 drivers fully (not just partially before the Devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 trick).

 

not to ask a stupid question, but since I did not order the GOBI WWAN, is there any possibility to still use my sim card for internet or is it that the OBI WWAN is needed because of special antenna to use my sim card?

Since I did not order with GOBI WWAN, will I still have the slot for SIM card?

 

Yes. Buy and install an internal WWAN card or external USB 3G modem yourself.

This is like you need a card reader to read your SD card.
Similarly, you need the GOBI WWAN for internet connection.

Yes, you will.

 

No I'm not getting that, but I'm not using the drivers you posted up. If you want I can zip them up and make them available incase that improves the situation.

 

No I'm not getting that, but I'm not using the drivers you posted up. If you want I can zip them up and make them available incase that improves the situation.

 

Neil, which driver version did you use? I downloaded the drivers from the sxps 1640 page. I have also ripped out some old wireless antennas ready to install in the m11x.

Now all I need is the m11x to arrive

 

I would be greatful for the drivers you used, maybe it helps me.
However the german guy from whoom I got the instructions and the drivers I use now has no such problems like I described.
I did however do a few installs and uninstalls, maybe that caused the original problem. System restore does not help, so maybe I would need a complete factory-reset of windows.

 

is there any function at all with the sim card drive since I did not order the WWAN ? or do I now just have a place to store my SIM CARD for protection? hahahaha

but seriously, if no WWAN, why still keep the SIM card slot ?

 

The SIM card slot is fixed onto the motherboard, it would be too much effort to remove it just because you did not choose to add the WWAN card which is optional.
The connection between the SIM card slot and the pci-e slot where the WWAN card goes in is hardwired on the motherboard.
If you have no WWAN card you can still put in a SIM card, but you can't do anything else as putting one in for "protection".

 

Can anyone in Australia whose purchased the m11x confirm whether we've been jibbed with the sim card too? Honestly it was one of the turning points which made me purchase this system along with the small footprint and ability to play games, but it'll be kind of a bummer if I receive it and I can't throw a sim card in there and use it for light surfing, it's on their bloody specs page >.<

 

I cannot speak for australia but I think your units are produced at the same place as are ours.
This likely means if you do not choose the WWAN option or cannot, you will not be equipped with WWAN antenna cables but have the SIM card slot.
Only thing left to do to get it workig is buy the WWAN car yourself, fiddle with the drivers and use one of the WLAN antenna cables for WWAN and you are good to do for UMTS/HSDPA.
I am really wondering why you guys are so fixated on the SIM card slot.. It's just there, always. Nothing good or bad about it. If you are ranting, then talk about the missing WWAN antenna cables that should come with every unit even if you do not choose the WWAN option.

 

I can't speak for others who might be reporting the same concern, but personally since i've got a rather generous data limit on my phone plan, it would've been ideal to have a constant connection while on the move when I'm not in an wifi hotspot littered throughout the city without having to tether my phone to the unit. I guess another reason would be that its listed as apart of the tech sheet on the .au site and just hate having something listed without it being presented in the final product, thou having seen the Canadian version of the tech sheet and seeing how that module was missing from the list, i'd like to think each site wasn't a copy/paste and it'll be included.

 

What exactly does it tell being present in the product?

And are you sure it is stated as being a mandatory part of the system and not some upgrade that you may be able to get?

 

It's apart of their tech sheet on the .au site when viewing the m11x specs, I've just double checked the upgrade list before purchasing and it wasn't presented as an option.

 

yeah it in the tech specs !!!! so australian models do have it !!!! still waiting for someone to get it working !! lol

 

When you look here at the specs I don't see any mention of it:
http://www1.ap.dell.com/au/en/home/.../pd.aspx?refid=alienware-m11x&s=dhs&cs=audhs1

I have not found any specification file specific to australia yet.
So please point to those specs...

When I first looked at the M11x they did mention wwan for germany/austria (that's where I am) as an option though they never allowed you to choose it. They tend to make mistakes like this: Apply generarl description from america that does not match what you can choose in a specific country.

And for gods sake, just call dell and ask them if its included. If they say no tell them to correct any wrong statements you may have found on the website.

 

Here are the drivers that I am using:

http://defiant.domino.org/Dell_5530_GPS.zip

it also includes the mobile broadband client for these drivers which isn't as good as the current one but the current one I couldn't make work. 70M download.

 

It seems like Dell/Alienware took it off there specs page...............

false advertising for a whilethere blardy Dell/Aliuenware...

perhaps they took it off after seeing this thread lol

 

Neil, those are exactly the drivers I used - at least the included files and dates of the files match.

 

hmm interesting, maybe a local clash with something else you have?

 

So I finally got a chance to speak with an Alienware rep. He said that because the WWAN card is a "line item" and is only for "production" it is not for sale. This particular part involves replacing the whole LCD panel. That means Alienware can only sell this part to an onsite tech who will also charge me for labor. How lame. It doesn't make any sense to me. After hearing all this I'd rather buy the part online and install it myself.

 

So from reading the previous posts the Dell 5530 card is the way to go right? Is this card directly from the Dell website? What about the antenna? Did anyone try installing it?

 

If you mean the official antenna: no, you can't even get your hands on it as you cannot get it just as-is, you would need to get the whole new screen that has the antenna built in.
So far other antennas that may be on sale on ebay (which are not specific to the M11x) have proven difficult to build in, and if not properly done the network reception is dreadful.
The best option I know if you do not have the wwan antenna cables built-in is to use one of the WLAN/WIFI antenna cables for WWAN.

 

thanks for the update, but in case of us M11x buyers who did not purchase this gobi WWAN option, what options do we have if we want to install a WWAN card?

Is it because we did not purchase the WWAN card initially, we are stuck now with a useless SIM card "HOLDER" ?

 

Unfortunately, if you didn't purchase the Gobi card, you will not have WWAN antennas in the system. You can use an external USB device though.

 

So basically now I just have a SIM card holder on my M11x? Now I should have ordered one. Dang it!

 

Has anyone imported one from the US with the WWAN option? I'm considering doing this, but I can't find factual information that there is no carrier lock on the SIM and that the AT&T GOBI WWAN option will work here in Australia.

Apparently a 3 year service plan will get you local support, hopefully it's not the screen or GOBI card that ever breaks

 

I'm still a little unclear about this. When I bought my m11x I didn't get the GOBI WWAN card installed. I didn't realize that I needed to use my sim card.

So what do I need to do to use my sim card? Can I just buy a GOBI WWAN card and install it to use my sim card? Would this be the WWAN card to buy?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=313-7847&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

 

You don't need to use your sim card. Only if you wanna play on the go. Why not just tether?

 

I have the iPhone and I would like to put the sim card in my m11x and use the internet from AT&T. What would I do to get this working? My m11x doesn't have the GOBI WWAN card.

 

That's only for global phones that have dual band GSM/CDMA compatibility.

 

Jailbreak your iPhone and tether it. It's far easier that way.

 

does anyone have detailed pics on how the antenna cables are routed?

I have a WWAN card from verizon and the Antenna cabled from my old hp mini1000.


EDIT: after finishing removing the hardware from the HP (the antennas) Im not sure that it would be worth it to try to install these.

I ordered the m11x from Best Buy.. I figured id add that before the flaming started.. lol


But at the same time I was wondering if i can retro fit the antennas somehow by just cutting and soldiering them so they lay directly on top of the card. I realize they wont be in the ideal position. But it would be a lot easier to install.

 

Hi,
Can anybody tell me if this card it´s the correct one?
- Dell Wireless 5530 HSDPA Broadband WWAN Mini+3G antenna

I´ve found it on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Wireless-5...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33548552fe


Thanks

 

All,
I have two requests - I wonder if someone can take a picture of their gobi wireless card - see below for why.

Second request is those that have the gobi can you give me feedback on how its working. I've installed a 5530 WWAN card and to say that its flakey would be an understatement. One of the issues is the no sim message which I think is coming from the laptop rather than the WWAN card. The other is that sometimes the card just seems to get stuck and the only way to fix it is to reboot. I'm just wondering if Gobi users are seeing similiar issues before I decide to go buy one.

Cheers,
Neil.

 

I didn't order a WWAN card with my M11x.

I just use my 3G mobile with bluetooth and GPRS.

Having a poke around inside the notebook, I don't see the antenna cables needed should I wish to install a WWAN card at a later date.

Believe there should be white/gray, black/gray stripe cables.

Would one install an antenna cable when it comes time to install the WWAN card and if so, I'm guessing the cable is extended into the lid/screen.

The service manuals seem to imply that the WWAN cabling is normally pre-installed.

Just thought I'd ask before I fall into a tar pit at a later date.

Thank you for any advice.

 

Unless you ordered it you dont get it.

 

no they don't come with it. I'm using one of the WiFi aerials instead.

 

update before I saw the above.

 

Ah, poo! A bit of a Google and I can see there is a bit of gubbins inside the screen and thus a cost outlay to Alienware if it's never used.

Oh well at least I now know.

 

Hi, I had the same issues when I installed my 5530 card.

The cause of the sim card message is to do with the actual software I think, dell software kept asking me to insert my sim card when I was already using it.

My solution was to actually install the SONY ERICSON drivers along with their software and completely uninstall the dell drivers and software.

The drivers need to be edited slightly for use with the 5530.

Touch wood I've havent had a problem since and the connectrion is stable, I was using it for college well over 4 hours the other day and havent had an issue.

Ill see if I can find the drivers again some place and post them.

 

I have yet to try the sim card but I do have an Verizon EVDO usb UMW190 and it works fine with my M17x but I am having trouble with it working with my M11x. It says it cannot locate the antenna (USB). I have uninstalled and reinstalled it 3 times. Any ideas? Does it have to do with Dell's proprietary WWAN drivers?

Thanks!

 

They are correct - no WWAN cables unless you ordered at point of sale.

Brian
Alienware Quality

 

yes please.

 

Given that I have a WLAN(Wifi) card with cabling/antenna, could I use that antenna for the WWAN card by attaching required cables to the antenna in the screen?

I'm guessing splicing the WLAN cable to use with the WWAN card is a big no-no.

Is there a difference in antenna assembly inside the screen when you have both WWAN and WLAN installed? Or is it sharing the same antenna assembly.

Sorry for all these questions, I figure I've got this far, I might as well learn as much as I can.

 

kinda stinks there are no aerials installed - the uk version doesn't even have the option for wwan.

 

me too! had nothing but trouble with the 5530 and dell drivers and just gave up. Using my usb dongle at the mo which sucks