Integrated wireless dongle inside laptop project ! (large pics)

The idea started with this. I had to do something to remove this stickin' dongle out of the way






The dongle can be moved away in the a.. err back of the mouse when not used, but how about when in use ?






The dongle was pretty much rectangular, so I could probably go with the project without destroying the dongle's casing






I figured out that the only place I could possibly put that dongle was somewhere *IN* the speakers assembly






It turned out that there was nothing inside.






Notice the perfect fit






The speakers still lay flat






Next step is to find a female USB jack to allow future removal of the dongle. That USB jack is going to be wired to this USB port. Note that the contacts are easy to solder!






If I find that USB jack tomorow, I'll probably start soldering that soon.

 

Impressive.

 

Do you think that the USB port will still be useable after being connected ?

Having devices like usb lights would probably still work, assuming the while port is not exceeding 500ma.

How about devices that require data?

I will try it, except if i'm told it's going to blow

 

No, that usb port won't be usable with the wireless adapter connected. You'd have to connect a hub and output one of the connections to that port.

I think it's a fantastic idea that you're not soldering directly to the adapter. That way you can always change/upgrade.

 

I may also end up putting the whole hub down there and having a bunch of devices connected

On a shorter-scale, if you're sure that it will not work with two "data" devices connected at the same time, I will have to psysically block access to that port, so people other than me will not seek to use this port.

 

You can block the port if you'd like. Since your system will only recognize the first device connected it's not likely to be an issue unless you boot with another usb device attached.

 

As already mentioned, no more than one data device, but you can use it for power, such as a 2.5" external HDD that has an extra power plug, or for a USB light/fan.

If you want to use it for power only, cut the data links and leave the power ones only, that way if you plug a data device it wont function, but a power consuming device would.

 

Dude!
I don't think Hp will validate your warranty anymore

 

I think the red paint already took care of the warranty

 

And I doubt at this point he would be concerned with a warranty. On my 3 year old HP with no warranty I wouldn't be brave enought to do that, though I could probably do it without destroying anything, he has other worries is my bet.

 

The mod is completed, and is working of course !



I've written a guide about that

http://pages.videotron.com/thief/dongle.htm