CF18 Wireless EVDO upgrade possible?? *Reward*

What I am trying to do is upgrade the internal wireless card. Currently my 18 has a Sierra Wireless 555SB installed (1x RTT only). Per Heartland, multiple boards etc need to be replaced and the upgrade can only get me to EVDO rev 0 not rev A. I currently use a V740 card in the side for broadband, but due to the nature of my work, it wont last long!

My questions are these:

1. Is it worth the upgrade to rev 0 ( I know this is subjective) I initially thought it would be a direct replacement modem, but there is more to it per Heartland

2. Is there anyway to hack apart the V740 (EVDO RevA) to install it internally and use the internal antenna through one of the PCMCIA slots?

3. If thats possible, why can't the 18 accept an internal EVDO Rev A Card? If anyone knows..

4. Is there any other card Verizon offers that I could get that has been used to do this process that someone may have done in the past?

I am proficient with soldering and not afraid to modify parts and pieces to make this work.

Thank you for any help that can be offered...I may be able to work out a deal to offer a CF28 in decent condition for successful completion/assistance with this project..

Please post replies here, however if possible also call me 8043392984 Thank you!

 

I don't know anything about the 18s; but on my 29, a usb modem, the smaller ones available for rev A, seat deeply enough in the usb slot to be less susceptible to damage. You should shop around at places like 3G.com, and if you found one small enough, it would probably save you lots of bucks.

For my money, the revA is the way to go, plus, my machine is not tied to a carrier. If they tick me off enough, I'll sell my card (S720) on ebay and switch carriers.

With an expensive option like you're considering; you might be tied in.

I'm sure that a revA card could be modded to work in any machine by the guys on this site. By offering the 28, I'm sure you will stir up some interest.

Good luck!

 

As Far as Verizon goes, I'd tend to stay away from them. Simply because they are using CDMA. Sierra does make a card (I think it's the 580) that is sim driven on the other type of network, can't remember the name of it right now, but it's the one Sprint, US Cellular, AT&T, and many international carriers use. It is a 3G capable card, and it's the same setup as the 555 by Sierra, and I'm pretty sure by looking at the connections that it will plug into the external / built in antenna, at least the one that the 28 uses in the hidden pcmcia slot to go to the RIM antenna.
Check out Sierra.com and look at the discontinued built in modules, or serch e-bay for the correct model #, there are some advertised as "Voice Unlocked"
and again I think it's the 580,but I could be mistaken on that.

However, there was rumor that soon Verizon would be able to handle any hardware on their network, which would make the card I mentioned useful for someone locked into Verizon.

 

I am locked into verizon for 2 years, and actually they are the only reliable service in my area of the country! That is why I have the V740 PCMCIA card currently active on thier network. If I find a workable solution, I will just swap ESNs on the account and its all good to go.

So long story short I have to have a Verizon capable solution..

Thank you all for the input so far, keep it up!

Bill

 

I will look into it tomorrow at work...

 

I'm angry at Verizon at the moment... high phone bills... Grrr!

Unfortunately all I've got laying around is a 555. I suppose it could be possible to hack apart an 740 though.

 

Verizon is terrible in all aspects except the coverage which is second to none..so not really a choice...

Is there a way to plug in a USB modem internally? Just a different thought from looking at other posts on other version mods..

TBtech, do you need any other info, full model# or s/n etc?

Bill

 

Their only other good quality is FIOS. Unfortunately they are starting to lay down the fiber optic line in my town right now, and I'm leaving in a month.

 

Yes, give me the full model number please. Slipped my mind today. I will print the darn page and stick it in my pocket so my CRS doesn't fail me again!

 

TBtech,
Its a CF18BHAJBKM, you work on saturdays! I should talk, I am at the firehouse for 24 tomorrow..Thank you, Bill

 

I pulled it completely apart tonight and it looks as if I can find room for the circuit board from a USB wifi card like the 720, however, I do not know enough about emmisivity etc to know where is ok, and cabling/connections I would need help with. An OEM solution would be best, but if not, let me know what your thoughts are about hacking it..

Bill

 

i think sierra's rev-a cards don't have the removable antenna's so you mightbe out of luck. not sure if novatel makes a rev-a like that.

 

An antenna cant be spliced? or the card modified in some way? I have not seen the internal rev A cards to know what they look like..

 

My novatell cards have a little female plug on the side for an external antenna. That would seem to be an easy solution for installation inside the machine.

 

Thats kinda what I was thinking..something along those lines..

 

TBTech..any word?

 

I was just getting to that

There is an option under *special* for the wireless option that includes a PCB for a mini-PCIe slot (from Cingular I believe). I will do some researching tomorrow to see if this can possibly be added to a MK1 CF-18. If i know the guys on here, they will figure out a way. The mini-PCIe slot shouldn't care what brand of card it holds. I will get into it more tomorrow.

Please PM an email address where I can send a couple attachments.