M14x/M17xR3/M18x - Wireless HD/SiBEAM discussion thread

Well, wait a sec.. which is it? You have a WirelessHD card installed or not? you mentioned the tech stated you need to purchase a netgear device for Intel WiDi. I would have stopped him right there as Intel WiDi and WirelessHD are two completely different things...

He was connected to your system for a few hours?

Sorry, no offense meant but I have to ask the following:

1. Did you open up your bottom panel and visually verify the card was installed?
2. On the Resource DVD, which driver did you install? Full driver name please and version# from resource DVD.
3. Please post a screenshot of the SIBEAM GUI window. Open the connection app and lets see what it reports for each tab.

Lets see what we can do here...

 

I was looking at the new part list and it looks like to get the WirelessHD, you need to get the following for the m18x:

DNF7J LCD, W/PMMA+Frame+Bracket+WLAN & DMC Antenna

(display mini-card (DMC) modules)

YWXT1 SiBeam Antenna Cable

I think its the 5HT44 WiHD Card (DMC/SiBeam) for the m17xr3, and it should work for the m18x as well.

Parts chat has no idea and no eta as to when then will arrive. So right now you either get it POS, or you want a few months +/- to get it.

 

Yes, he was reading my purchase order, for some reason it says the following;

1 430-4103 Internal 60GHz WirelessHD Transmitter $99.00
1 469-0500 No Wireless HD Selected $0.00

Which is odd, but yes I do indeed have it installed.

Yes, I think, he thought I was talking about widi, even though I explained that it was wireless hd and I bought the package from Dell. He was very nice, but he wasnt listening to what I was saying. Originally he thought I was having trouble with wireless, then widi, and I finally explained to him it was wireless hd, which is completely different then widi. However that didnt stop him from messing with my intel widi settings and turning them off and on remotely.

I started the call at 3:30 pm est, finished at 7:30pm, we connected remotely about an hour in if I remember correctly.

No, but I did see it on the device manager

I just hit the driver, it was the only one, I will grab the cd later and get the exact driver for you listed.

After his messing around I lost a few tabs that were reporting information, after he got done, it was all clear and reporting an associated number. After alot of messing around on my own today I finally got it to work. Now if it continues to work we will see.

How I got it to work, I hooked up my wifes M11x to the transmitter with the hdmi cable and was beaming her screen to the tv. After I did that I opened my computer and my associated tab had numbers in it again, so I tried to hit connect and bingo boingo, it worked. I have no real clue what I did different. But its working now and I am happy with it.

I did notice that having my two year old sitting in front of my computer will degrade the signal quality, anything in line of sight seems to mess up signal strength to reciever.

I think they really need more training in it, but I understand that they cant know everything, but they should at least know the difference between wireless hd and widi. They also said they would call back today, no call back, but thats not susprising, I never get techs to call me back.

 

I'm amazed you had a rep on the line for that long. Wow. Frustrations must have been high.

As long as you are up and running and happy =

Oh... one more thing... move the 2 year old out of the way - No need to expose the little one to weird signals.

 

Here's the other Wireless HD Transmitter/Receiver I mentioned on another forum post...

Amazon.com: ASUS WiCast EW2000 Wireless HD Video Transmitter and Receiver: Electronics

$134 current from AMZN and I've seen it as low as $99...

Would like to hear anyone's experience with this unit if anyone buys it.

 

I work for a company that does repairs on Dell and Alienware systems. Part of my ever expanding responsibilities, is to go over each new unit Dell is launching before it comes out. If a laptop has a special feature like this, I setup what's required for our techs to test it, in case a customer has an issue with it.

Before the unit launches, I get my hands on it and I go through an entire process to make sure we can support it. But, with special features like this, it isn't really a priority so they usually get done last.

But, today I'm gathering all of the information I need, in order to be able to test this. So, if you like, I'll be more than happy to attach some photos later.

What's nice is that I'm able to completely disassembly and reassemble pretty much any unit all the way down to the motherboard. So I can take pictures of whatever you like, as long as the model as already released of course. I can also get any part I need for testing in just a few minutes time.

I'm working with the M14X today, but it should be fairly similar across each model.

So if I'm not mistaken, you just want pictures of how the card and antenna fit into the notebook?

 

Hello Odysses.

It would be fantastic if you could take some pictures for me

I basically need to know if there is an antenna in the screen already or if i need to put my own in

Where the Wireless HD card is and how the antenna is connected.

My main concern is taking the screen apart :S sounds like a very hard thing to do so if your going to be taking that apart it would be amazing to see some pictures of that.

I am not very confident when it comes to taking my laptop apart so your pictures would be incredibly helpful to me because i could almost put myself together a guide with your pictures as to how i would fit the wireless HD


Thanks !


Jon

 

Hey Jon,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back with you. Today's been a pretty crazy day. I've only just now been able to look into this.

If you're determined to do this, then I'm more than willing to help you. But, please know that I'm a certified engineering technician. I disassemble and reassembly tons of units every week and if I ever make a mistake, I can just easily get a replacement part. But if you mess up, it won't be so easy. So please, remember to be careful when disassembling and reassembling your unit.

With that out of the way, let me give you some additional information before I get to the disassembly.

First, these LCDs are what we call Hinge Up Displays, or HUDs for short. This particular one is also an "Edge-To-Edge" display. The latter means there isn't a typical bezel that pops off. Well, there is, but it's not the same as the others. The former means that we typically just have the technicians order the entire display. This HUD will contain all the required components.

This method is ideal, but definitely the most expensive. Here are the parts for the HUD:


Don't really worry too much about the numbers at the moment. If you really want to go this route, just supply me the service tag of your unit and I'll tell you exactly which one you'd need to order.

If you don't want to go this route, then I'll supply the steps to disassemble the unit. I've already disassembled it and it's really not all that hard, you just have to be cautious.

I'll create another post in a little while with a PDF detailing the steps and the correct part numbers for this model.

 

Boy, that was annoying and time consuming

For those interested, I made a short walkthrough detailing the steps required to disassemble and install the card+cable. I've also included the part number for both parts. The cable listed in the very first thread only applies to the Alienware M17XR3. The ends of the cables have the transmitter, which is different sizes for each model.

Take a look at the document on Scribd. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me anything.

Alienware M14X WiHD Card Installation Walk Through

 

Thank you so much Odysses !

Just a few quick questions

Do you need to pry up the white peice of plastic holding the ODD rybon cable ?

When i did this before i just pulled the rybon cable up and out of the white peice of plastic and it slided out easily without lifting up the white plastic thing at all. Seems many people are snapping peices of this and if you can just do it the way i did then you aviod this

also i am having a problem making out the last picture, is that what the bottom left of the screen looks like from inside ?

Will the UK version be compatible with this ?

the list of HUDS you mentioned is that so i can order a new display rather than take it apart or is it to see if mine is already compatible with this upgrade.

Do you have a steam account by any chance ?

Thanks again !

+ rep

 

It's a locking mechanism. It's purpose is to secure the cable within the connector. If you just pull out the cable, without pulling up the white piece, you could potentially damage the cable. The mechanism is meant to keep it in place while pressed down, so you might end up damaging the cable because it's rubbing coarsely against the connector.

Yeah. Sorry about that. I can take some better pictures of that on Tuesday if you like. That's just a metal cover the transmitter sits inside, to secure it to the back cover.

They're all built the same, so you shouldn't have any problems with it. The only issues we typically have with parts, is when one part isn't compatible. But it's usually things like WWAN cards, keyboards, AC adapter, etc.

Any HUD should already be compatible with the upgrade. It's just a matter of disassembly. However, if you'd rather just replace the entire HUD than worry about disassembling it, then you can just purchase the HUD instead of the antenna/transmitter.

I don't. I spend my free time developing software, reading and playing paintball among other things

No problem. I'm glad I could be of help

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know

 

Thanks for replying back to me so quickly.

So how would I go about ordering this new HUD when they wouldn't sell it in the uk? How much do you think it will cost me ?

Is it easy to just remove and replace the screen and run the antenna under the keyboard ?

Can you get a dell techy to come and fit this so out doesn't effect your warranty ?

Thanks


I am actually going painting balling in a few days haven't done it since I was a kid ( 10 years ago I think )

 

odysses, any information on the m18x and is the process like the m14x?

 

Okay, so I thought I should post here. I'm a total noob at all this antenna things and such, so if I wanted to do WirelessHD in the future (going to dig up a 40 inch TV we won last fall to put in my room) but didnt need the box right now, would I just do the 100$ internal card upgrade (m14x), then just buy a box online later and it would work? Or would it be more complicated?

 

I'll have to dig up some information on Tuesday. I have access to prices of parts, but I'm fairly certain those are internal prices that I can't release. But I'll look into consumer prices.

If you're familiar with notebook repair, then the guide I made should help you do the installation fairly easily. But, you have to do each step I outlined. The biggest issue is the palm rest. The cable runs underneath the palm rest. So you can't just remove the keyboard. This is why you have to remove all the bottom case screws and the palm rest screws.

As for the tech, I'm not sure if Dell even has UK onsite support, but again, I can look into on Tuesday. But don't expect any results until at least the end of the week. I'll have to probe around and everyone, including myself, will be very busy because of the extended weekend.

The M18X should be just about the same as the M14X, but I can disassemble it next week just to make sure. If it's different, I can make another walkthrough.

Take a look at the walkthrough I posted: Alienware M14X WiHD Card Installation Walk Through

That should give you an idea on how difficult it is, based on your experience. That was only the second time I've disassembled that unit and I was able to do it in just a few minutes. But, I have a lot of experience with these notebooks.

In the walkthrough, you'll see two parts you need to order. You need the antenna and the WiHD card. After you purchase those two items, you can get the box and hook it up to your TV.

 

No no no, I mean if I got it preinstalled with the card but no transmitter. Heres pictures



Buy the m14x with that (highlighted option)

then just buy this and have it work (separately)?



EDIT: Because I need that first option to have the wireless HD working right?

 

What you're saying doesn't make sense. But, yes, ordering that highlighted option and then purchasing the Vizio product will work.

But, why not just order the second option? You'll get everything you need, including the Vizio product you mentioned, you won't have to pay double shipping and and you'll save 11 USD.

 

I only get a paycheck once a month from UIC so I wont have enough money to buy it all at once. I can just buy the transmitter in august and possibly even save some money if it lowers in price . It may cost more money in the end but I wouldn't be able to afford it when I buy the m14x

 

Oh. Gotcha. No worries. Without context, it made more sense to buy it all at once. But given your situation, I understand

 

Just been looking over your guide again

I was just thinking because i am changing the optical drive for the HDD can i disconnect the rybon cable from the the optical drive rather than removing it from the motherboard ? ( peel the rybon cable off and disconnect the connector from optical drive )

and are all the screw you remove captive screws ?

Thanks for putting up with all my tedious questions, i get very nervous when working on this laptop lol

 

If the ribbon cable can be removed from the unit, then sure. That's a bit more ideal. I didn't even think about doing it that way. I can't actually remember if the cable can be removed from the ODD though and I can't tell from the pictures I've taken. But, if you've noticed that you can, then by all means.

There are several captive screws on this unit, but in regards to the area around the ODD, the only captive screws there are the 4 screws holding the ODD down to the bottom case.

Don't worry about all the questions. I completely understand. You want to make sure you're getting it right. Like I mentioned before, I can afford to make mistakes due to the massive availability of parts I have access to, but you can't

 

yeah the rybon cable can disconnect from the optical drive its glued down though so you have to peel it off but once thats done it should just hang there and hopefully not get in the way

these are the screws i was referring to, sorry i should have posted picture before

 

Um.. if it's glued down, then it's best not to try it just now. Let me take a look at it tomorrow first.

As for the screws. You mean all of them? Only 6 of those are captive screws; the four holding the ODD down and the two holding the battery down.

 

hmm ok and are all the screws the same size or will i have to keep them all separate so i get them back in the right place ?

Dont worry to much about trying to remove the rybon cable many people have done this when they replace there optical drive with a HDD so its conformed that its alright to do this

Ive got my self a torque drive but what torque do i tighten them to ?

 

If I remember correctly, the outer screws are longer. I'm going to take a look at the ribbon cable because in my experience, when something is glued down, it's not meant to be removed.

And for the torque, I'm not sure. I don't calibrate our torque drivers, but I can look at mine tomorrow.

 

Paddon,

I just checked the ODD and it doesn't look like you can remove the ODD cable from the ODD itself. You're going to have to remove it from the motherboard.

The cable is indeed glued down, but that's not really the issue. The cable is attached to the ODD connector, which is screwed onto the ODD. You'd have to unscrew it first, which can't be done unless the ODD is removed.

 

Ok, i appreciate you checking that for me

Do you have a video camera by any chance ? i know many people would appreciate a video of how to put the wireless HD in from a official dell technician

Only if you dont mind of course, i know you have put a lot of time into helping us out already and i would completely understand if you dont want to make a video

 

Hi everyone,

I read like 30page and i have questions

Im from canada and i buy a m17x, i put the 6970, the mimo 3x3 and the wireless HD from the m18x. (it was not an option on the CAN site(6970 and wihd), i call the dell sale rep to tell him to put them in the laptop and he said yes!)

i have not recived yet

But can someone tell me if the card will come with an internal antenna, because you guy make me fear that i will have to put it by myself.
what is the idea to put a wireless card of 100$ and not put an antenna with it, or put it as an option?!....

I just want to know if i can start sending wireless signal to my tv when i will recieve the pc or i will have to upgrade something...

And i read that the 6300 have 3 antenna and that the wireless hd antenna will no have place anymore since the 3 space are taken for the 6300...i am right or i didnt understand something?

Also the sale rep from dell tell me that the wihd card from the m18x will fit, then i ask him if i will have the receiver with it and he said yes ....so is wrong and i will have just the card installed inside

Please help me find those answer, sorry again for my poor english

 

I have a few questions....

When using SiBEAM, I try to play a movie on the TV and mess around online on the laptop. When I "extend" all I get is an alienhead on the TV or the monitor depending on which I have assigned as primary. How do I fix this??

 

It extends your screen , which means you can drag stuff over there by moving it all the way to the top of your screen and its going to go to the tv after , just go back down with you mouse to come back to the laptop screen

 

Ok I just got my Alienware M18x with Intel Wifi Link 6300 and Vizio XWH200 Audio Kit with internal 60GHz WirelessHD Transmitter.

I can't connect in any way using only the Vizio receiver attached to the TV.
It works perfectly with both Vizio Transmitter and Receiver.

I have the feeling they forgot to install the internal transmitter...
How should it appear in the Windows Device Manager?

There was no Sibeam software installed either... So I downloaded it, but still nothing. It doesn't find any network.

Am I doing something wrong?
Do you have a link for the right software to use?

Thanks

 

Look in you Hardware section of your computer, there should be a SiBEAM device.

 

You can download the software from Dell's website. It should already be on there, tho. It's called Intel WiHD controller. From there you can click the Connect button to get it working.

 

The only thing I had installed is the Intel My WiFi Utility: is this the one?

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/8562/36234797.jpg


Device Manager

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2895/19491888.jpg

The light if the Vizio receiver attached to the TV keeps blinking as well if I don't connect the transmitter.

 

nobody?

 

No, that's not it. You need the Intel WiHD Controller, I think I found the link:

Drivers and Downloads

You should also get comfy with the M18x section of the Dell support site for drive downloads and updates.

 

If you buy a laptop that says it can connect via wireless HD I would imagine it would come with everything needed to transmit. For more info, it's best to call Dell and get confirmation for your other concerns.

 

i just ask here because the guy from dell said it will come with a reciever but here and on the website i seems that no...

and i want to know about the antenna issue too, if there really one

Thanks to have responded though.

 

It'll come with a receiver if you buy it with the kit.

:shrug:

 

yeah i know...

 

When do you think we'll start seeing devices (TV/Monitors) with built in WiHD receivers on the consumer market?

 

Mmm nothing even with that... I had already tried it.

It doesn't find any network to connect to...
And the VIZIO receiver lights keep beeping.

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/998/72228255.jpg

Could it be some of the option in here:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9441/80303522.jpg

(note that the SiBeam SB92xx Host Serial (COM3) wasn't showing before I installed the driver).

 

Did you already make sure a regular HDMI connection works with the setup you are using? Also, the TV needs to be on to establish a connection.

If so, make sure that the receiver is the one hooked up to the TV not the transmitter. I mention it because I made that mistake at first. Doh!

 

TV is on, and it works perfectly if I use the VIZIO transmitter as well.

But I can't get it to work with the internal transmitter in any way... (and yes I have the receiver attached to the TV )

The Intel WirelessHD program can't find any network (as you can see from the pictures I posted the "connect" icon is activated and pressing the "disconnect" doesn't do anything).
The VIZIO receiver lights keep blinking because it's not finding any connection...

Any other suggestion.. ?
I am now almost sure there is no internal transmitter in my machine...

Could you post some screenshots of the Intel WHD program while in use?

 

No need for screenshots. All you need is to be able to click the connect button. At this point I'd call Dell to have them do their normal walkthrough and get on the road to getting a tech out there to fix it or issue a replacement. It sounds like everything else is set up correctly.

I wouldn't rule out it being a driver problem but since I haven't encountered that so far I'm not really certain.

 

Ok 10 pages of technical discussion aside, is it worth it to get the Sibeam? So far how have you been using it? Does it live up to your expectations? What are the cons?

 

If it hasn't been answered already, I use the wireless HDMI almost daily. Works great for gaming and media viewing.

It all depends on your personal situation. It just gets rid of the wires, nothing more.

 

I'M REALLY REALLY doubting on getting it, by the moment i get the laptop i wont get the transmitter (maybe) (if i dont ill get it around December )

there was a problem with my transfer on HIDEVOLUTION, so im thinking on adding a momentous XT SSHD and maybe the wireless hd thing,

QUESTIONS,
1) Does the VIZIO $280 Wireless HD Video & Audio Kit comes with the two things, the transmitter (for connecting anything) and the receiver (that connects to the tv?), or just the receiver?

2) does it work with for WIDI to? it would be great as i have a Vaio Laptop that has WIDI

3) IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?

4) will it be cheaper later?

 

Guess I made a mistake. I have the Wireless HD in my M18X and went to buy a receiver and bought a netgear wireless HD receiver but says it is WiDi. Not working, guessing I need a different receiver?

Anyone able to point me in the right direction?

 

Hey guys, I've got an m18x in production right now, which I got because I'm more or less bedridden due to a motorcycle accident and want a workstation replacement that will fit on my hospital-style bedside table. While I'm waiting to receive my machine, I'm determining what will be the best way to set it up, which has me wondering about the wireless HD transmission technology.

1. Is the option offered on the dell site a transmitter card on the inside of the laptop, or an external device?
2. If it's internal, does it come with a receiver to hook up to the tv or does it only work on TVs with wireless receivers??
3. If it's internal, is it available in the aftermarket? I didn't add it to my build, and would like one now, but don't want to have to cancel my order and restart production like I did last time I made a change.
4. If it's external, I've noticed there are many external wireless video transmitter and receivers out there, so I wouldn't have to get one from dell. If that's the case, can anyone reccomend one with a very small, but very good transmitter (not a lot of room on a hospital table)?