Official Upgrade T61/P to UWB Thread.

This thread is brought to you buy hunts--4bargin and kebs, as well as those who posted pics of the exposed UWB wireless card with part number. Thank you to all.
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Bought a T61/P? And don't have UWB? Want it? This thread aims to inform you of what physical hardware requirements will be required to put UWB onto your laptop.

It probably goes without saying that you first need to have a UWB Capable slot, we cannot guarantee which laptops have this ability, we can only tell you what parts to buy to allow capability.

*edit 8/19*

hunts--4bargin has found the T61P wireless USB installer! good job hunts!

(just released 8/14!!):

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...d=MIGR-68278&velxr-layout=printLenovo#install


Wireless USB software for Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, XP - ThinkPad T61, T61p Applicable countries and regions

This package installs the software (ThinkPad Wireless USB Software) to enable the following device:

- Lenovo Wireless USB

This release supports the following ThinkPad systems:

- ThinkPad T61, T61p

Note: This driver is language independent and can be used with any language system.
File details
Version 1.3.098.9
Release Date 2007/08/14


File link - File size - File description

7kxa18ww.exe - 23,124,648 - ThinkPad Wireless USB Software

7kxa18ww.txt - 6,033 - README for ThinkPad Wireless USB Software
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Here's what we know so far:

You need at least 3 parts:

42T0885 UWB card~ $93.50 in stock
93P4520 UWB antenna assembly~$6.64 in stock
41W4504 Screw assortment, Nylon-coated M2x3mm (2) screws~$8.03 in stock

$13.50 1-2 day flat rate anywhere in country DHL
Tax according to your local rate.

CALL: Lenovo Parts Order Pennsylvania to order all parts at once- 800-388-7080 options 2-1-1

edit: MerlinWang put together a nice little install blog with pictures, you can view that here. Nice job!

http://blog.mobile01.com/merlin/article/983

To physically install, do searches for those part numbers in the hardware maintenance manual that hunts--4bargin dug up. Btw, +reps to you hunts--4bargin, you found the maintenance manual and the part number for that antenna.

The reason we may all want to go with the nylon screws only found in the Lenovo kit is because nylon screws don't come out, and are more reliable, they say that you should use each screw only once, which explains why the bloody pack is so big.

Shipping: Don't order separately as it costs 13.50/shipment no matter how big or small the purchase, I made the mistake of separating out my UWB card shipment from the antenna and screw shipment, since I didn't have the additional part numbers yet, nor did I know if the antenna and screws came with the card, they don't.

Download: The Manual Here: ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/42x3546_01.pdf

Attached are pics, can someone tell me how to post pics in the thread?

We have yet to try all this stuff out as both mine and hunts--4bargin's parts are probably arriving first. But there is a limited supply of Antennas and UWB cards. There were 18 left after me and 4bargin ordered, and there were 8 assemblies left after we ordered those. These are numbers given by the Lenovo parts shop in Pennsylvania, so don't hold me to those numbers.

We'll let people know how we do as we go.

This is the thread that started it all, thanks to everyone that input.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=156263

 

Very helpful post Kebs, although mine did ship with UWB...

 

Ordered.

It would appear that it isnt...but is it soldered in? Anyone with a T61p withOUT UWB able to take a few pictures of the socket there?

It would be kind of funny if I get this working a month before people even get laptops with UWB shipped.

 

Very cool, guys.

 

So, IN STOCK eh?

Guess that exposes that LIE of an excuse Lenblowvo has been giving.

 

Only like 12 in stock though hardly enough to fulfill orders. The above number is mainly for servicing...ie: warranty and whatnot.

 

Be sure to note the error code referring to unauthorized UWB modules...I dont know what that means but it seems awfully relevant

 

what in the world is anyone going to do with this

 

What do you mean?

 

McBrided, I have the chip already, it's a socket. with like a ground in the middle.

 

ohh very nice. I dont suppose you have your t61p to test it on?

I'm curious if we are going to see that bios error

 

Good work guys- Looks like Lenovo decided to ship my T61 today rather than give me an ETA onn waiting-oh well.

Question: By adding this, do we risk voiding the warranty? The manual does refer to these parts as an "N":

FRUs that have a 1 or 2 in the CRU column are Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs).

* 1 identifies parts that are fairly simple to replace, requiring few or no tools.
* 2 identifies parts that are slightly more difficult to replace.
* N identifies parts that are not to be replaced by the customer.

What do you think?

 

Not technically customer replaceable.

With that said, if you do it right, I highly doubt a lenovo tech will recognize that we put it in ourself rather than the notebook coming from the manufacturer like that. They would seriously have to recognize that it wasnt on our original part list - and I dont think this is something they will look at. If it is the UWB itself that goes bad, I will replace it out of pocket. Hell, I could just take OUT the UWB and antenna if I wanted to be careful if the notebook needs to go in for service.

 

use it to work, for school and as a strange hobby. whats your point?

Dont necessarily need UWB, but quite frankly, I find doing this kind of fun.

 

I believe its "flux capacitor". Anyhow, is it that you don't understand why we want this new technology on our machines? Or is it that you wonder why we would bother doing this on our own? First of all, we are the kind of people that don't wait around and wonder what it would be like...we get our hands dirty and get it done...Do you lack the technological expertise? We could arrange a ship-n-install-ship back if your interested?? If its the technology, I suggest you should read up on the many benefits that this new device might make available to those who welcome new ideas. Do you still watch BETA? Use a tape recorder? Watch Laser Disc's? Yaa...we know, many people said: "that will never work" ...yaa...sure it won't......

Anyhow, stay happy playing your 8 track of the Doobies...We'll be here when your ready, we'll save you a seat.

 

Thanks for proving my point, now go and figure out how to water cool your laptop processor fruitloop!

 

i adore fruit loops....

i just don't eat them any more because the look so bad for you

 

Funny...if this is all such a waste, why were you giggling like a schoolgirl when you realized you had the UWB installed?

You posted:
Brusso99: "what in the world is anyone going to do with this"

and

Brusso99:"what i am saying is this [UWB] is a total waste"

After you posted:

Hahaha...I'm confused? I think we have a closet UWB fan...its ok.

BTW: How can you stand that high pitch shrill coming from your new machine???? sub-standard build?

 

Lets get this back on topic now

Anyone actually have the parts yet to try this? Apparently, I should be expecting the UWB/antenna etc on monday or tuesday - no notebook to try it on till possibly next month. It'd be great if someone else could report back as to the success.

 

My T61 just cleared customs, delivery expected Tuesday. I think that Kebs will have the first shot at this Monday afternoon. We need to find out from someone who has the UWB installed what the software looks like, so we can see whether or not we are going to need additional s/w. Brusso99 can you help us with that? I wonder if ThinkVantage ships with all modules.

 

I imagine we can just download the software...I'm pretty sure if you do a drivers search it comes up with all possible downloads.

I'm mode cocrned with than bios error code to be honest. I'm wondering if lenovo physically has to allow the module for it to work.

Excuse any misspellings am on phone.

 

Even so, wouldn't that just be a setting on the Bios Screen? Hard to believe they would create a seperate on/off function for just this feature...You could see something like that on maybe a EVDO network with Verizon, where they try to control your usage because they make money from it.? Just a guess.

 

I'm hoping it is just a bios switch at most

 

What would we test it out with? Have any devices actually hit the store shelves yet?

 

Well, here's the thing, I have the part, but no screws. 8.00 worth of screws I bought from Lenovo, they'll be here Monday, I'll try it out then.

Did anyone find a how to take your bezel apart without breaking stuff? The keyboard stuff seemed easy, the lcd side i'm more paranoid about.

 

I spent some time digging around, check out what I found (just released 8/14!!):

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...d=MIGR-68278&velxr-layout=printLenovo#install


Wireless USB software for Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, XP - ThinkPad T61, T61p Applicable countries and regions

This package installs the software (ThinkPad Wireless USB Software) to enable the following device:

- Lenovo Wireless USB

This release supports the following ThinkPad systems:

- ThinkPad T61, T61p

Note: This driver is language independent and can be used with any language system.
File details
Version 1.3.098.9
Release Date 2007/08/14


File link - File size - File description

7kxa18ww.exe - 23,124,648 - ThinkPad Wireless USB Software

7kxa18ww.txt - 6,033 - README for ThinkPad Wireless USB Software



Additional information
Contents
Summary of changes
Installation instructions
Determining which version is installed

Well, its clear that this software enables this function, no BIOS issues !!!

 

I'm actually more just wondering if
1) it will even allow your system to boot up without bios errors
and 2) it shows up in device manager

 

Good find. Maybe Kebz can update his original post with this information...keep this all in one place

Specifically, when I bring up possible bios issues, I am referring to an error code listed int he maintenance manual concerning unauthorized UWB or something that effect...

 

Yes the first comment i posted "that it was hot" was sarcastic, this feature is a waste, we have so many freaken radios on the laptop now, wwan, wusb, bluetooth, and the joke is that all the wireless mice i see at the strore come with their own 2.4ghz adapter, lol. where are the wusb mice. Seriously I think wubs is a joke, and pointless..

The second comment was to show people that in fact those features were shipping and they did not have to reorder without them..

Thanks
B

 

Brusso99: If you truly believe in what you are saying then the UWB parts you have are just wasting space and weighing down your machine. I will pay you $75.00 for all of them. All you have to do is remove them, properly package and ship them to me. Antenna, adapter kit/card and the 2 screws. You just found $75 under your pillow

OK? Put up or shut up on this issue.

 

Kebs / hunts4--bargin, I wonder if one of you can try installing the Wireless USB half minipci-express card into the WWAN minipci-e slot? I suspect BIOS will throw error 1804 or 1805.

Many thanks in advance.

I have a 4:3 14.1" T61 coming which does not have the 3rd half height minipci-e slot. I am interested in WUSB card but only if the WWAN slot is compatible with it.

 

These are the errors I am also wondering about.

If it doesnt work, then oh well...its a fun project to take a crack at - I wont be heart broken if it doesnt pan out

 

Umm... from what I remember looking at the pictures, isn't the WWAN slot a lot wider than the UWB slot? The WWAN slot is the same slot as the ITM slot, isn't it? ITM was pretty wide from what I remember.

 

OH WOW Hunts- You are a STUD. GREAT FIND!!! =) I updated the first post to reflect this new development! + REPS!

 

The WWAN and UWB slots have the same widths but different length (height). The UWB is shorter.

 

The pics you attached is from below link.
We should mention that......

http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=240&t=379897
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=240&t=379897&p=2#3382171

 

Kebs: You need to update the link on page one...for the : Wireless USB software for Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, XP - ThinkPad T61, T61p
The posted link didn't copy over right, doesn't work...This is the correct link:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...d=MIGR-68278&velxr-layout=printLenovo#install

 

mailww, thank you.

I arranged pictures into blog instead of the forum in mobile01.

http://blog.mobile01.com/merlin/article/983

One more part we need is LED light indicator plate....

 

Merlin, nice article!

I'lll update that link,hunts!

 

Merlin! Your blog is sorta inaccurate, you actually MUST remove all the screws holding down the keyboard, as well as all 5 screws that hold the bezel in place to get the cover off. Not doing so will most definitely result in damage to your cover!!

 

Okay wow, I just finished the install....

It was more than I expected, although, doable. I think I'm about 3 hours into this thing.

The steps, with commentary:
1) Remove keyboard and palm rest, (together 5 screws on bottom)
2) Remove keyboard bezel, (2 screws on bottom, 4 screws under where the keyboard was) p.84/170 on maintenance manual.
3) Open the lid and remove the plastic tabs in the corners and center bottom of the lcd by stabbing through it with a small flat head screwdriver.
4) Remove the 5 screws holding the lcd together.
5) Shut the lid, and pry up where the ribbon cable enters the bottom lid
6) Pry up the rest of the lcd back cover, and slide forward to clear the lid clasp.
7) You WILL NEED AN EXTRA SCREW to mount the UWB Antenna in place. It slides into place, and then a screw.
8) Tape down the antenna wire, and run it through the hinge.
9) By now, keyboard bezel should be out, take out your ultra-bay too, it'll give you more room to work with.
10) Route the wire BEHIND the magnesium brackets so that your keyboard will seat properly!!!! I routed and taped my wire to the front of the brackets, thinking that's what the purpose was for. WRONG. The little magnesium tabs are to allow your keyboard to slide in and mount properly!
11) Mount the UWB card RAM style, slide in at angle, and push down. Screw down with 2 screws. BTW the 2 screws are 4mm across the top, and 3mm long!!!!
12) Route the wire to the UWB card, and press down, the connector will be snug.
13) Screw the keyboard bezel back on.
14) Screw the palm rest and keyboard back on.
15) Mount the lcd back lid back on, ensuring all surfaces are flush.
16) Screw the lcd inside lid back on, and stick on little plastic stickers.
17) Download the T61/P install software from the link above, and install.
18) voila, UWB enabled, with no UWB devices in sight =)

 

Kebs
Congratulation!!

 

NICE!

My UWB parts are sitting at home - just need a t61p to put them in now

The extra screw you said you needed for the module - did that come in the screw bag you listed on the top post? If you had to go out and buy it, what size?

 

The screwbag has more than enough to cover that missing screw. I believe the screwbag allows you to replace most of the components in your laptop at least once without reusing screws, as this is how Lenovo wants you to treat your laptop for build quality and longevity issues. I'm sure it's a miniscule thing, but I decided to go ahead and do it all the right way by using the screws in the bag. I believe I was only forced to reuse 2 screws, I think the ones that hold the laptop bezel in, I don't think I could find two medium longish screws that were the same length.

Keep in mind that the screws either have a brown/red nylon coating or a blue nylon coating, you're not going to use any screws with the blue nylon coating, that should help you find the right screws faster..

 

McBrided- Hunts? Any Luck?

 

I was hoping my parts would be here today- hopefully tomorrow- I'm loving the laptop though---> :smile:

BTW, Nice job on the play by play- will make my installation a breeze..

 

no notebook till possibly 9/14 (or later )

Hoping for sooner though!

 

sorry about the dp.

 

They somehow got the address wrong, package went back. I cleared it up this morning...should have parts on Friday now!- Jeez

Kebs, I would assume really no deviation from your instructions with a T61 vs your T61 p ?? Also, how can you tell the UWB is on without the light at the bottom of the screen? Where should I look for that part? Does the UWB have its own on/off function seperate from Wifi/BT? (can it be on without the others being on?)

I should have time to do this Saturday morning.

 

hunts- I don't know how different the T61 is from the T61P, it we're talking about 15.4" laptops, I believe they would be the same. I don't think you need that extra part, you can tell the UWB is on simply by looking at your thinkvantage utilities. It has its own sofware on/off function separate from wifi/BT. I believe only wifi has the external radio on/off switch.