[jingo5]

Here are the specs:
Dell Mini 9
2Gb Ram
64gb SSD STEC

NO WAN connector at all.

Sourced the mini pcie connector from Mouser Eelectronics:
Part # 656-MM60-52B1-B1-R

The SIM connector was difficult to source since it has an odd pin setting. First pin on the left indicates when there's a sim card inserted.

[attachment=2:1388pm31]Sample.JPG[/attachment:1388pm31]

I used a 855u Sierra USB adapter. These can be found anywhere online pretty cheap. I got mine for ~$40 which is great since all I need is the mini pci card inside. If you buy one please test it before gutting it. No sense in going through hard work for a dead piece of hardware.

https://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=141901

Here's a picture of my mini apart with empty slot. Note where there is a light band across the top is adhesive tape. There was a piece of black foam to prevent anyone from trying to shove anything into the slot in the battery compartment. Guess the cost of the foam + adhesive was less than the connector for Dell.

[attachment=1:1388pm31]empty.jpg[/attachment:1388pm31]

Here's the sim connector in place. Note on the bottom there are two little plastic pegs. Use the right one for alignment. On mine I used a hobby knife to cut off the left plastic peg so it sat flush with the board. Look on the above picture you'll see the holes in the pcb board where they align up. Note: Solder the top connectors on the side first since they're used primarily for grounding and support. Then solder the bottom connectors. No soldered needed for the bottom since Dell was nice enough to tin them.

[attachment=0:1388pm31]Soldered.jpg[/attachment:1388pm31]

After this was done button everything back together and fire up.

I'm using the sierra software for my 755 card which detects fine. Upon startup I wasn't detecting a 2G/3G network.. hmm no antenna.. guess I do need one. No biggie I took one off of the LAN card. These are not attached and do not appear to hinder any functionality of the LAN while in use. the 755 only has one aux antenna connector to begin with so hey I save money and space here.

I've hit my attachment limit right now will continue in a response.

[jingo5]

Reconnected everything on the board and used the sierra app for OSx and we see a network! Note: LAN/Wireless are off at this point. Connected to 3G. For those who are interested I already have a subscription with AT&T for datacard access. I swap my sim out between a pcmcia card and the mini or the iphone at whim.

[attachment=1:33oxmthl]3G connected.jpg[/attachment:33oxmthl]

Now for a check on speed. I don't expect much sitting in my house. Here's proof but it's quick enough that I'm not too concerned with it.

[attachment=0:33oxmthl]SpeedTest.jpg[/attachment:33oxmthl]

So there you have it! 3G conversion can be done!

[Sin]

Nice work!

[Carlos]

Sourced the mini pcie connector from Mouser Eelectronics:
Part # 656-MM60-52B1-B1-R

I ordered my Mini 9 without the WWAN slot or port. Do you have a photo of the part and how you did the solder?

Also I have a Sprint 3G account. Would this upgrade work with Sprint 3G?

[jingo5]

Originally Posted by Carlos

I ordered my Mini 9 without the WWAN slot or port. Do you have a photo of the part and how you did the solder?

Also I have a Sprint 3G account. Would this upgrade work with Sprint 3G?

You need two connectors for this:

Mini PCIE connector from Mouser Eelectronics:
Part # 656-MM60-52B1-B1-R

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDet ... CrHbXo8%3d

Sim Connector: Part # SIMS60-620-F from Major League Electronics
This part is not available publicly but you can request a sample. Your mileage may vary with them so please be patient.

http://www.mlelectronic.com/sim-card-co ... h-push.asp

NOTE: For me I used a Sierra 875u which was purchased from http://www.zendoo.com . If you have your own mini pci e card to put in then that will work as long as you have a sim for the gsm networks.

Since I don't have a sprint card I can't confirm whether this would work or not. I suspect it would as far as I remember the sprint account information is tagged to the card itself and would not need the sim connector to function.

In your case you'd probably just need the mini pci e connector from Mouser.


Here's a pic of my minipci card with the MC8775 connector in it. I don't have the extra standoff's and debate on taking one from the Wireless connector since you only need 1. For the mean time I'm using electrical tape underneath and on top for insulation.

[attachment=1ntt4lt0]MC8775.jpg[/attachmentntt4lt0]

I'd recommend taking the board completely out to solder the mini pci in. There are holes which align the connector up. Once they're aligned solder an end pin first for alignment then proceed with tapping each one. Again this is just a suggestion and it's totally up to your own level of comfort on what you want to do.

[attachment=0ntt4lt0]MiniPci.jpg[/attachmentntt4lt0]

Enjoy!

[convictus]

I have a dumb question? Instead of a 3g card can you use that as an additional ssd drive? I have little use for 3g, but would like to have additional storage instead.

[Cino]

Nice work!! I would love to add 3G to my mini but don't want the monthly fee...LOL...hmm have to find a pay-as-you-go plan..lol

[jingo5]

Originally Posted by Cino

Nice work!! I would love to add 3G to my mini but don't want the monthly fee...LOL...hmm have to find a pay-as-you-go plan..lol

AT&T was nice to me. I had my own datacard so they didn't bind me to a 2 yr contract so all I have to pay is the monthly fee. Not bad if you're on the go alot plus with the sim card I swap between 3 different devices depending on my needs.

[Dunhamzzz]

Nice,

Engadgeted: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/dell ... ifficulty/

[LGSilva]

Yeah... this mod is famous now: http://hackaday.com/2009/04/13/dell-mini-9-3g-install/
Congratulations!