[KC6TTR]

Well, I have been looking into the lack of the mini PCI-e and SIM card connector slots on the US/UK motherboard and thought about possibly doing an in-house upgrade since I do this type of SMT solder work all the time. I believe I have access to these OEM connectors and think the system would be 3G compatible once I simply solder on these proper components. Do others agree or feel there is more to it than that (other than also adding the broadband antenna)?

I have a USA based AT&T Sierra Wireless USB dongle I am using now and it would be nice to relocate the SIM card to an internal Mini 9 3G solution that is proper.

Feedback is welcomed.

Regards,
Scott

[nickganga]

Contact warranty support and tell them something is wrong with the board. I will bet they will replace it with the WWAN enabled board in due time.

[KC6TTR]

I think I am going order the mini pci-e connector, smart card SIM slot, and upgrade the motherboard myself. We shall see what happens. It is a fast process once I get the connector slots from Taiwan.

Regards,
Scott

[frostw]

I tried it.

Bought the PCIe mini card connector obtained from Mouser.com

http://au.mouser.com/Search/ProductDeta ... 67910-0001

Bought a 5520 3g card on Ebay from a chap in the UK (I won't post a link although it's easy to find)

Got the SIM socket from Farnell (never got to even solder this on)

http://au.farnell.com/jsp/search/produc ... KU=1503773

Soldered on connector, added some plastic insulation under the card to stop it from shorting the motherboard vias, plugged in the card and turned on.

After a few seconds the mini turned itself off. Oh dear I thought. Strong smell of burning. Bugger!

Removed the card. Two vapourised pins on it. Part of the socket melted.

Checked all soldering for the umpteenth time with jewelers loupe - no bridges. Removed socket, cleaned up board with isopropyl, soldered on another. Same result. Gave up!!

Mini still works so that's a bonus!

[KC6TTR]

Are you sure there wasn't a shorted jumper or zero (0) Ohm resistor on the back side of the motherboard? Maybe your WWAN card is not good...??

Also, your SIM card slot looks close, but can you please confirm if it matches up with the solder pads and mounting holes?

Regards,
Scott

[frostw]

Not sure about jumpers, but I had previously tried the WWAN card in the WLAN slot and it worked - well windows recognised a new device.

I spent quite some time checking out the pinout of the SIM card connector. The motherboard has 7 pads. The connector I bought has 8 pins; 6 of these connect to the pads of the sim card and match exactly to the pads/signals on the motherboard. The remaining two are a switch which opens when the sim is inserted. I assume the seventh motherboard pad is intended for this sim inserted indication signal. I'm sure if you just connected one of the remaining socket pins to this and the other to Vcc it would work.

[jingo5]

Added the miniPCIe connector without incident or loss of magic smoke . Sierra 8775u is seen fine. Just trying to source the damn sim slot properly.

[jb2590]

what does the factory sim slot connect to that came with the factory at&t ones. i thought it was on the main board.

[jingo5]

Still waiting for my sim connectors from Major League Electronics. I believe these are an exact replacement for those without the connector on board. Will confirm once my shipment shows.

-J

[roadster18]

Hi all. Just wondering if anyone had a mini 910 sim slot pin diagram for the motherboard. I have know idea if the slot i purchased will line up with the correct pads.