How did I add a big Miscrosoft Lifecam VX-3000 into CF-29 Mk5

Funny job requirements:

- Normal level of technique, don’t need to solder anything into anything (because I use the right side external usb port which stays near AC port, the cover of USB port there will cover that port always and nobody knows until they open that port.

If you want to use internal usb port, please read more threads of adding webcam in the top forum thread to know how to get internal usb port working).

- High level of brave and a strong heart. Yes, you will feel your heart jumping all times


Firstly, my 2 cents story is that I need a webcam, but I tried to use CMOS webcam from Acer aspireone without success. I could not wait so long to receive a CMOS camera from other sellers.

In addition, I am not a good guy in soldering something to something (50/50 I destroy mini pieces by soldering). I also don’t have small soldering tool.
Also, I bought 2 different webcam with microphone but both of them are so big to insert into anywhere on under the LCD cover.
One of them are Microsoft VX-3000 which I finally decided to install it and got success.

Secondly, here is whole of my process:

1. Take apart the VX-3000, you will see it is really big. I don’t keep the original image now, because I did not think I will post this thread later. But you can imagine that it is original almost 25 - 30% bigger than the one you see in this thread.

2. Using small knife or anything you can have to cut ALL Extra parts of this webcam that you think it is not need and also it will not affect your webcam performance.

Believe me, this job will cost time and every time you cut the webcam, your heart will jump .

One gold rule here: 1mm more will kill your webcam, 1mm more will let your webcam stay fit fully in your CF-29.

SO you have to know what exact position you should cut and stop, otherwise, expect that it will not work because you just cut the electric micro wires inside the webcam.

3. To install it, you now have to destroy some small pieces inside the LCD cover, there is NO WAY to install directly that webcam – even if after cutting all extra parts. You have to cut aluminum and make a good place for the webcam to stay.

4. To avoid something can happen with electric, make sure you get something like tape under the webcam, it will not connect with the aluminum cover though.

5. You have to make sure the webcam will stay fully fit and tight, otherwise, try to cut more (don’t kill it).
Webcam will have to stay under right the LCD, so you will feel it is really tough, really tight to close the LCD cover again. Be sure you don’t kill anything there. .

6. Finally, put a little glue there, it will be happy to stay on the back cover.

7. Drilling a hole in the middle of the front cover, make sure the hole will show the clear image from webcam.

8. I use a little foam cover around the webcam, and from outside, nobody can look into the cover except the webcam, this will also avoid moisture well.

The rest of the job now is just connect the webcam to internal usb or external usb port, it is up to you.

Now, turn on laptop and check the focus, try to get the best focus and it rocks.

My result is really good. Also, this webcam is built in microphone which you can now install both microphone and webcam into your CF-29 for only $13 (yes, I bought this webcam for only $12.5 on Ebay).

If you do everything follow my instruction, then the webcam does not work as the first time you got it, don’t worry, look at it carefully and see where is the position that you did not stop, you killed it.

Just order another one and do it again, it is not expensive though.

Good luck and happy.

 

Very good job and the price is right. Got any pictures of where u hooked it
?

 

It looks like you will have to be careful not to get it wet as the seal is gone on the screen now.

Good job with your mod.



TB2010

 

I update information, I am sorry I did forget to mention that.

"... - Normal level of technique, don’t need to solder anything into anything ( because I use the right side external usb port which stays near AC port, the cover of USB port there will cover that port always and nobody knows until they open that port.

If you want to use internal usb port, please read more threads of adding webcam in the top forum thread to know how to get internal usb port working).
....

.
The seal still stay there almost, also I care of that foam, so water of course can not come in, except very high density of moisture area can affect it (or even not).

Anyway, I just only use this laptop indoor almost of my time, so it is ok to mod this

Thank you