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    Looking for Z-Series IFX-498 HSDPA Board

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by hankit, Jan 17, 2009.

  1. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    Currently my JP model has sim insert opening...but I missed out ordering the hsdpa module (with sim reader at the bottom).

    After i read through the service manual, i realize that the IFX-498 can be add in along with a pci-e 3g card (not included)...

    Does anyone know the part number or places to get it? I try contact sony and type in ifx-498..but they cannot find it..

    This part is also available to some model in US of Z but I don't know which one...
     

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  2. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    any help? thanks!
     
  3. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    bump pushing..for help~
     
  4. xand

    xand Notebook Consultant

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    How do you know that HSPDA antennas are installed?
     
  5. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    HSDPA antennas are not there. But install them its not that hard, the most important thing is if you have the sim slot the the ribbon. As you can see from the pic i posted, the ribbon is actually there just the ifx-498 not included. So basically you will get the same layout just without ifx498 if you didnt order it + antennas.
     
  6. xand

    xand Notebook Consultant

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    eh. installing the antennas requires opening the display? Looks like an awful task (from that same manual).
     
  7. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you check the on the manual itself...with and without wwan has the same ribbon. Just the non-wwan has the end tape (the place that you attach to the hsdpa module)

    I have try sony servicesales, and asked give ifx-498...but they cannot find it. So I'm guess I need a part number...

    does anything know where I can find the part number?
     
  8. xand

    xand Notebook Consultant

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    If you look at z_l1a_1_10.pdf (specifically 1.L-1-A.13) a "No-WAN Model" is referenced in conjunction with putting in an "antenna sheet".

    This suggests that the WAN antenna is not actually installed in models which ship without WAN?
     
  9. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    Again..WAN antenna is never there, but the most important thing is if you have the slot..because in this way you will not need to do any messing arround attaching pcie to it..which cause damage to it...the Antenna can wired up anywhere as long as there is space for it...its not necessary to wire all the way up to the back of the monitor...

    just like the days when you trying to install Draft-N wifi to SZ model, the third antenna you can attach it underneath your palm rest...
     
  10. xand

    xand Notebook Consultant

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    Oh I see what you mean... thx :)

    Good luck finding the part number!
     
  11. Rachel

    Rachel Busy Bee

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    hankit do you live in the US? The reason why i am asking is because the US modules are probably not compatible with what is used in Japan or Europe. If you live outside the US maybe contacting somewhere like Conics might help. Conics customise Sony laptops.
    http://conics.net/catalog/index.php?cPath=22
     
  12. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    I try that too already. Conics said Sony never do that (I was like..hmm....)

    The major thing i need is just the ifx-498, because I can put in serra wireless HSDPA pci-e card to make it work. However without that, I will never have a sim slot and a pci-e adapter.

    The difference in US model, for example sprint, is they just insert the hsdpa (no sim type) directly connecting the ribbon. The board the and card is together i think...but the ifx-498 as you see on the pic...its sperated...(check out the manual, there is one part that shows wwan with no sim slot)

    So as long as the card you are using are supported in the country, with the use of sim card, then i think is fine...

     
  13. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    many thanks guys!
     
  14. MegaMan X

    MegaMan X Notebook Evangelist

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    you found what you were looking for?

    I was wondering, if I have a US Z, would I be able to buy a HSDPA Board as well and use a SIM card with it? That would be pretty sweet!
     
  15. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, I'm still looking for it. One's I have the parts in, I can confirm everybody...

    The search goes on...................................HELP!
     
  16. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    any help or comments?? I'm looking for part number as well.. =)
     
  17. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    stiill looking ...tips help..clues....all welcome
     
  18. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    bump to the top...looking for help
     
  19. hankit

    hankit Notebook Enthusiast

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    help help help
     
  20. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    hankit,

    the IFX-498 is the same for all US/JP/EU. I don't see where you've seen connecting the EV-DO Card directly via a ribbon cable. that being said, call
    http://www.sparepartswarehouse.com/ and ask for DON. Tell him you want the IFX-498 and he will quote you. Expect 400-500$ for the daughterboard only. In addition you will need a couple of sheets for isolation + 2 antennas to be routed in the monitor bazel. There is also no guarantee the Sierra piece of junk you have would work. I would suggest using a OPTION GTM378/GTM380/GTM382 (you can also search where to get it)

    This type of upgrade has been discussed MANY MANY times here, specifically by myself, so I would suggest to use the search button the next time

    Cheers
     
  21. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, sony gave me this number for IFX-498 board : Part Number: A1553755A, but i opened my z and there is different number on the IFX board. Some pictures of my project, HSDPA GPS mod. I am having truble to get the GPS working. I have replaced the novatel 728 with option gtm378 (HSDPA,GPS). next thing is to soder the sim reader. I have try it without sodering and i got registered to AT&T network.
     

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  22. fisco

    fisco Newbie

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    Ron123, this is wow! I dont want a GPS, but interated 3G module is better then Sony Ericsson ExpressCard.
    Do you know that "add-on" this board is compatible with european model Z11XN/B? If yes, where can I buy it?

    Thanks.

    AK
     
  23. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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  24. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Dear Ron123,

    I would like to do this upgrade on my Z790DLX,
    how much would be the IFX-498 HSDPA Board and the sim card slot ?

    thank you
     
  25. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I will give you the IFX-498 board and the sim reader for 60$. If you are in USA I will ship it for free.


    thank you
     
  26. korvkorv

    korvkorv Newbie

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    Hi!

    I've got the European Z11 model without HSDPA and thinking of upgrading with an integrated 3g module and use it in Europe. USB dongles are ugly!

    If I've understood you correctly you need a "carrier board" (IFX-498) for actually mounting the HSDPA module on, e.g. Qualcomm GTM382.
    Then you need 2 antennas (main and aux) and finally the SIM holder (or is the SIM-holder already mounted on IFX-498? Need any ribbon cables?). Finally, some ferrite sheets seems to be needed.

    Can anyone tell me if the IFX-board and a HSDPA module are the only things needed? Are the antennas factory mounted or do I need to buy them as well?

    Partnumbers and where to buy would make my day, please :)
    All help is very appreciated!! Thanx!
     
  27. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Ron123,

    thank you for you prompt reply,
    yes I am in US ,
    so with the IFX-498 HSDPA board and the sim card slot my laptop will be like the Z92 ? after the upgrade can I insert the simcard from the slot access located under the battery....right?
    till now I did only replace the wifi and wwan to the HP , Asus and Dell but never to one Sony Z,
    I saw that the wwan is located by the blu ray drive.....
    do you have any extra recommendation in order to do this operation by myself or any manual so I can avoid to spend extra money for the technician...
    the only GlobeTrotter drive/soft. will be enough or need something done to the BIOS?

    thank you
    F.
     
  28. raczkri

    raczkri Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi ron123,

    If the IFX-498 board you offered is the version with the SIM reader on it, I really would like to buy it.
    I have everything else installed in my Z so this is the only piece I need to get the HSPDA WWAN working.

    Please send me a private message if you are still willing to sell it.

    thanks
     
  29. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Ron123,

    do you have the IFX-498 as per the att. pictures?
    if yes than send me a message.

    my best regards
     

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  30. Rachel

    Rachel Busy Bee

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    I would call sparepartswarehouse to confirm the part numbers if you want to buy the wwan board. They may have just got their part numbers direct from Sony though and as i've discovered Sony are not always correct when it comes to listing part numbers. There is a EU version that comes with the sim slot mounted already but getting Sony in the EU to sell this to you would be tricky.
    The IFX is also no more than $50.

    If you want to do this yourself you can buy a sim holder of ebay and solder the part yourself or take it to a professional to do it.
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sim-Slot-Adap...s_RL?hash=item518bf7696d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

    If your laptop did not come with wwan built in then you will need to buy the antenna.

    ron123, you might want to create a thread in the buy and trade forum on this board to sell your part.
     
  31. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Rachel,

    thank you for your advise regarding the sim card slot..............
    I think that I will be able and doing so I can save alot of money for the upgrading,
    I'll open the laptop as soon I get few minutes......in few couple of weeks I'll get some day off from work and I think to do it.

    thank you again Rachel and Ron 123 I'll let you know the end of the story,
    my best regards
     
  32. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    this is the ifx-board that i have att. pic. it doesn't have the sim reader solder on it but I have the sim reader and I can solder it. I have done it for my board and it is working perfect. second pic. is the ribbon cable that IFX-498 connects to.

    the sim card opening is covered by plastic sticker from the inside in the US models. you just have to removed it and the opening is right where the sim reader is.

    if you guys are buying the sim reader keep in mind that sim readers are different sizes, and not all of them fit. I bought a dozen different till I found the right one.
     

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  33. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Ron123,

    would you please add. one picture from the other side of the IFX-498 ?
    do you have the assembling manual for the Vaio VGN-Z ?
    how much is you last price for IFX-498 board and sim slot?
    I already have a GTM382 in order to install on the IFX-498,
    please let me know

    kind regards
     
  34. Rachel

    Rachel Busy Bee

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  35. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Major League didn't have the right one, I got it from Digi-Key but I ordered many different and don't remember witch one is the right one

    my price for the ifx-498 board with soldered sim reader is 60$
     
  36. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    GTM382 is nice you may be able to activate the GPS. I have GTM378 but is not the latest revision and the GPS is no go.


    ifx-498 pic
     

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  37. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Ron123,
    if you want I have a GTM380 that I am not using........
    I would like to buy your IFX-498 board with the welded and correct sim slot but how can I do in order to give you my e-mail address ?
    sorry but I am new to forum.notebookreview.com and I don't have idea ,
    also do you have the assembling procedures?

    kind regards
     
  38. korvkorv

    korvkorv Newbie

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    If you solder the SIM holder onto the IFX-498 board will the slot opening be close to the plastic cut out on the Vaio? Will it be possible to stick in a SIM card or must the computer be opened every time you want to change SIM card?

    Cheers!
     
  39. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    the sim reader will be right behind the the sim opening. you just have to take off the battery and pop in the sim.

    you can't go wrong with the sim reader if you have the right one.
     
  40. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Ron123,

    did you get my message?
     
  41. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    yes i got it
     
  42. thepinkpanter

    thepinkpanter Notebook Consultant

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    Hello Rachel,

    thank you so much for the manual.....

    best regards
     
  43. rami69

    rami69 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hello guys!
    somebody can post detailed instruction how to replace EV DO (Verizon) standart US mobile modem, to 3G GSM unit ?

    Thank you in advance.
     
  44. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    you need IFX-498 board with soldered sim reader and to download the service manual. you can find the manual in the forum
     
  45. rami69

    rami69 Notebook Enthusiast

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    ron132, thank you from prompt answer.
    could you please point which sim reader should be soldered into IFX-498?
    Do need to replace EV DO (verizon) modem to something GSM? where to buy it?
     
  46. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    read the previous page, and you will find about the sim reader rami69. I have 3G GSM modem that you can use with the Z and I will trade it for your Verizon if you are interested. I will give you and the sim reader for your IFX-498 board. you just have to solder it
     
  47. rami69

    rami69 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Ron123,
    to solder no problem.
    what kind of 3G GSM modem do you have to exchange?
     
  48. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Option GTM378, are you looking to use AT&T ?
     

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  49. rami69

    rami69 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I need to use it in Europe. that one is OK? there few models with different letters on the end? which your device have?
     
  50. ron123

    ron123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mine is › MO 0201: 850 / 1900 / 2100 ( Rx diversity) MHz
     

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