WWAN module installation

I wonder has anybody tried to install the optional WWAN wireless broadband module in the envy 14? It is available in US as an optional extra.

 

I'm wondering the same thing. I have a ClearSpot and I would love to get rid of the extra hardware.

 

im interested in this too. is there an after-market part that we can just pop in? i see a SIM card slot below the battery.

 

According to the Service and Maintenance Manual (see screen cap below), two WWAN antennas are already built into the display assembly. If you look closely, you can see there's a separate notation for WLAN. So that eliminates any confusion there could've been between the antennas. From the reading I've been doing, installing the antenna's 90% of the work. Since it's already built into the E14's display assembly, we're good to go.

Now, we just need to find out which devices are supported. And after that, get the 3G/4G service. Since I already have a Clear device, I think I can just spoof the WWAN module's with my ClearSpot's MAC. Sounds good in theory. Thoughts, anyone?

 

As for devices, I found the HP un2420 EV-DO-HSDPA Mobile Broadband Module (WD301AA). Interestingly, I noticed the device's operating temperature numbers are sort of low (75°C). Perhaps this is why HP nixed the WWAN option from the Envy, as the Envy can get pretty toasty inside under intensive load. I know I've breached the 75°C barrier, that's for sure.

As for anyone looking for an embedded WiMAX option, like myself, there's the Intel® Centrino® Advanced–N + WiMAX 6250. According to specs, its max operating temperature is a toasty 80°C.

 

To get working GSM/HSPA WWAN you need antennas, modem and sim-reader.

1. Antennas are easy, they can be put afterwards and you can use old wlan-antennas. Better if they are already there.

2. Modem is easy to install, just like a wlan card would be. You need to have one extra internal mini-pcie slot. In my own laptop the physical slot is missing, it was never soldered in place. Check that the slot exists.

3. SIM-card reader is inside the actual slot under the battery. Depending on model, it can be directly on motherboard or a separate device that is wired on motherboard. Check that either the reader exists, or there is cable connector on the motherboard for it.

 

From the service guide, page 17:

(7) SIM/WWAN board (includes cable) 608382-001

Looking at it's picture on page 58, it is the SIM-reader.

In addition the actual WWAN device is needed, it's slot is under the HDD, picutred on page 39.

 

So do i just order that part ans install it like on pg.38 for it to work?

 

Hopefully, if the device you chose is whitelisted in the Envy 14's BIOS.

Also, WWAN and WiMAX are both subscription based services. When you turn on the device it automatically searches for 3G/4G providers in your area (Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc). After you make your preference, you should be forwarded to a portal page where you sign up. The rest should be simple after that. It's just like signing up for a cell phone pretty much.

Last time I looked, prices ranged from $39-$59 a month.

Oh yeah, depending on who you go with, you might not even need to use a SIM card.

 

Does anyone know what WWAN card will work with the envy 14?

The service manual points to this card: 531993.001 (an Atheros card)

However, the picture of this card on the parts store shows it as a half size pcie card, and the slot underneath the hdd is for a full size card.

AND when you go to the drivers section of the support site, it has drivers for Qualcomm Mobile Broadband Drivers - Gobi2000

I am also interested in adding a WWAN card to my laptop, but with the whitelist over at HP, I don't know what card I need!

 

I posted an HP-branded card a few posts back that's a full-size mini. Kind of pricey, though.

Also, if you decide to go for a half-mini, you can use a half to full mini card adapter. Keep in mind there needs to be 6.6 mm of clearance.

 

i dont think anyone tried on the forums ...

the mobile bb antennae are not installed by default but there is a mini pcie slot and a sim reader . the u2420 is available for quite lower price on ebay

 

Sorry, I'm not following you. What do you mean by "mobile bb antennae"? Do you mean the WWAN antennae? According to the manual there's 2 for the WWAN already installed. Is that inaccurate?

I don't think so either. Or they would've chimed in by now. I've noticed that most of this stuff is promoted towards enterprise users as opposed to your every day consumer. I myself use WiMAX through Clear and EVDO (3G) through Sprint in the same device. I don't think I could live without either. I've got around 8Mb/s down pretty much all over town. And near Ohare (the airport) it's an astounding 20Mb/s down. And where there aren't any WiMAX towers, I switch my device to pick up Sprint's 3G. Always connected, baby. Now I need to get rid of this device and internalize everything.

 

Yes that is incorrect, There are no antennas installed for the wwan card. I took it all apart to see if i could get the screen apart to install my own antennas, and thats a no go. I think I might get some cheap antennas from ebay and jerry-rig them underneath the palm rest and see if they don't get me a good signal for the wifi card. If they do I will just use the wifi antennas for the wwan/gps card.

 

no hookups to the antennae, no nothing? I'd swear it'd be easier to just have them installed in all screens and depending on the configuration have the qualcomm module installed or not...just thinking aloud...

 

I agree, considering it would probably cost them maybe 2 cents?

I ordered a couple of antennas off of ebay that I am going to test out... I will report back and let everyone know if I find a reliable place to install them...

 

there is no wlan antenna installed . it seem like a complex procedure to add

 

no offence, but how do you know?

 

If you are asking me, I opened the laptop up to check it out.

There is no easy way to get the screen apart from what I can see.

If you are easily anxious about possibly breaking a $1000 plus laptop, or have never worked on computers before it can be difficult. However I have had my envy open about 10 times and know every part by heart, still the screen is the most difficult to deal with.

But there might be other locations for antennas

 

Will it work without antenna?

 

You'll get a horrible signal. Chances are it won't work at all.