PCMCIA Bluetooth for CF-29

I have a CF-29 (one of the SBC ones) and I want to add Bluetooth. I am currently using one of those tiny little USB units, but it ties up one of my USB ports and it keeps the back door from closing. I don't want to tear my unit apart to get something installed deep inside either.

So, since I have no other use for my PCMCIA slots, I want to get a PCMCIA Bluetooth adapter.

I did a bunch of google site: searches here for this, and most of the threads seem to be old and refer to a Billionton card as the best to get. I searched around for that model and I can't find anyone who still sells it. I also saw cautions that some other cards don't work well.

Can anyone recommend a PCMCIA bluetooth card that will fit completely in the slot (no door problems) and works fine with the CF-29 and XP and is available? I'm not too concerned about range, all I use it for is my Bluetooth GPS in the car.

Thanks.

 

The Billionton card will go in and stay in with the door shut.

 

The problem is I can't find anywhere that is selling the model I saw referenced here. They all seemed to be older posts. All I can find is the Bllionton style that has a large bump-out on the end. The model I saw referenced here has what looks like a movable antenna whip.

 

Keep looking it will eventually turn up. I saw one on there a couple of weeks ago.

 

I've got one for short money, let me find it and check to be sure the door will close on a CF-29. I'll be in touch, probably this evening.
CAP

 

You CAN use one of the Chinese made AKE cards but they don't work as well as the Billionton cards. Billionton made two different types of flush-fit BT cards... One with a pull-out antenna and one with a folding antenna. They are hard to find but do come up on eBay from time to time.... Anywhere from $5 to $45 depending on the bidding action.

 

Check out this one, it should clear with the PC Card door closed.

I have the "pull-out" antenna version in my CF-29HTM50BM and I am able to close the door with the antenna out and just folded back along the end of the card.

 

Update:

Update:

I just got in three of these Billionton v2.0 +EDR Bluetooth Class 1 PCMCIA CardBus cards for my CF-29 Toughbooks and, "Yes", they fit with the PC Card Bay door closed. :yes:

ps: I offered $20/ea. for the cards and the offer was accepted. :laugh:

 

Here's one on ebay for $29.95
Billionton v2.0 +EDR Bluetooth Class 1 PCMCIA CardBus - eBay (item 350347097299 end time May-27-10 17:16:12 PDT)

Here's one Amazon webstore for $19.99
Billionton Class 1 PCMCIA Bluetooth Adapter (V2.0 + EDR) | Cadmus Micro Inc

 

That's the very same one I linked to above; the one(s) I bought for $20/ea.

That's the one I considered when I made my offer on the ones above.

 

TopCop... I would have bet you $5 that the card you showed wouldn't fit... I know they don't think they fit the CF-28 with the door closed though.... I KNOW they won't fit in the internal PCMCIA slot...

Good find and experiment!

EDIT: I can vouch for the seller also.... None better on ebay. I used to buy A LOT of the old style BT cards from them when I was modding CF-28s

 

I "cheated" before "experimenting".

I took the ebaY™ sellers "6mm" measurement he showed in the ad's photo and measured the depth of the PC Card bay to the end of a "blank" card. It was greater than 6mm so I knew it would fit. :yes:

As I wrote, I try not to "experiment" too much when Dollar$ are involved.

+1

 

My Billionton Class 1 PCMCIA Bluetooth Adapter does not work well under Windows 7, something to keep in mind if that is your current or future OS.