FYI - These instructions can be applied if you're only adding BT, or only adding the webcam as well. Parts needed can easliy be ordered thru yaphet_merrit@dell.com. Just provide your name, address, city, state, zip, contact phone, Dell customer number, and the parts you want. He will call back in less than an hour or so for payment information. Generally, it's $8 shipping.

Apologies for not having good pictures of my own and having to pull direct from Dell.

Read through these instructions completely first. If you have doubts as to you ability to perform these without breaking your Mini, check around with people you know to see if they can do it for you! I'm not responsible if you break your Mini.


Time required:

• Approximately 2 hours depending on your skills[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

Parts for webcam:

• X048J LCD bezel service kit ($10.99)[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• X051J Camera assembly service kit, 1.3M ($34.99)[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Original Dell Creative camera drivers[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

Parts for Bluetooth:

• J613H Wireless blue tooth module ($19.99)[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Original Dell WidComm BT stack
  or[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Hacked Dell WidComm BT stack to remove bloatware
  or[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Old Toshiba BT stack (lightweight/small footprint) and the "PC Bluetooth Stack Hotfix SP2" from Toshiba if you're using XP.[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

Tools needed:

• Precision mini screwdrivers (I use a Wiha System 4, but you can find them at Radio Shack, Sears, or Walmart for under $10.)[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

Miscellaneous:

• Soft towel[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Microfiber cloth[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Dell Mini 9 Service Manual (for reference)[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Dell Mini Disassembly Pictures thread by cmarcho (for reference) - THX![/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

I like to use a piece of paper to lay out the screws as I remove them so they don't get lost, and I know exactly which position they came out of (to prevent thread and/or length mix-ups). On that point, the BT module DOES have specific screws - don't lose them or get them mixed up with the others. I find it easiest to remove one screw at a time and set it aside so you don't have them falling out all over the place when you turn you Mini over.

Before you start, make sure you have the time to complete this. Also make sure you have a clean, well-lit area to work (kitchen/dining room table, work area, etc.).

• Lay out your towel on your work area to protect your Mini[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Turn off your Mini[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Unplug your Mini from AC power[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Unplug any peripherals or USB devices, including SD/SDHC cards[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Place the Mini display side down on your work area towel[/*:m:3h4k0fcb]
• Remove the battery by pressing the two tabs outward and sliding the battery out.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the RAM/SSD/mPCI-E cover by removing the two screws and prying upward.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the keyboard by removing the two screws, turn the Mini display side up, tilt up keyboard, unlock keyboard cable connector, and unplug keyboard cable. Use care when unlocking connector!
  (Service Manual reference)
  
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the palm rest by placing the Mini display side down, remove the two rubber covers at the rear corners (two new ones should have been included in case these get messed up), remove the nine screws, turn the Mini display side up, remove seven more screws, unplug the touch pad cable, and the power button cable from the mobo (same style locking connectors as the keyboard), then starting at the top of the palm rest where the battery would be, pry the shell apart. Use care when prying apart!
  (Service Manual reference)
  
  
  Under the palm rest, there will be three thermal pads. They may be stuck to the chips on the mobo, or stuck under the palm rest. Do not touch them or get them dirty!
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Place the palm rest face down, align your BT module so the cable is routed to the hole in the left of the palm rest, and attach it using the two screws provided.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

If you are only adding the BT module, you can stop here and reverse the steps to put your Mini back together. At each step, check to be sure you have all screws replaced and all cables plugged in - you don't want to get done only to find you forgot a screw or forgot to plug something in! Otherwise, continue on to add the webcam module.

• Remove the display panel by placing the Mini display side down, make a note of where the wifi antenna wires are connected and routed, disconnect them from your wifi card, remove them from the channel and push throught he hole in the mobo. Turn your Mini display side up, make a note of the routing of the wifi antenna wires, speaker wires, and display panel wire, finish pulling the wifi antenna wires up, unplug the display panel cable, and the speaker cable and remove them from the channels. The blue tab on the display cable might be stuck down to the connector, just peel it up. These connectors are NOT the locking kind as found on the keyboard, trackpad, or power button. Make sure the display is open to 90 degrees and you are supporting it, then remove the two screws and remove the display panel from the Mini.
  (Service Manual reference)
  
  
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the display bezel by placing the display face up and CAREFULLY prying with your fingernails from the inside edge. After removing the bezel, it is EXTREMELY helpful if you note EXACTLY how the cables are routed around the hinge pins on both sides.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the display panel from the case by removing the six screws and then place the display face down on the microfiber cloth or another clean towel. It is not necessary to remove the display brackets.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Remove the old display panel cable from the display panel. The old non-webcam cable will not have the section from the #2 line on up.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

• Install the new display panel cabel on the same connector you just unplugged from. There is a piece of tape exactly like the one that was there to hold the cable in place. There are also three pieces of tape that have a white backing on the section of the new cable routed to the webcam. Remove the white backing and gently stick the tape in place. Place the display panel back in the case and replace the six screws. Plug in the web cam to the web cam connector, remove the brown backing from the tape on the back of the webcam, place the webcam in place and stick it down. Remove the blue protective sticker from the lens.
  (Service Manual reference)
  [/*:m:3h4k0fcb]

You can now reverse the steps to put your Mini back together. Be careful with your display cable routing around the hinges. When you plug the web cam into the mobo, the connector is oriented so you see the metal conductor side up. At each step, check to be sure you have all screws replaced and all cables plugged in - you don't want to get done only to find you forgot a screw or forgot to plug something in! Clean up the smudges on your screen before you put the bezel back on. Don't forget to check the BIOS to ensure that the camera and BT are enabled, then load your drivers!

You will have leftover parts - a non-webcam bezel and non-webcam display cable for the for sale forum here, eBay, your parts bin, or the trash.

If you have any questions, please ask!

HTH!
SickPup404

[davico_rosello]

very nice, thanks! wiki candidate!

[Fallstar]

My bluetooth module ordered from Dell arrived today (at work). With the help of my friend the IT guy, we managed to get it installed. My eyes aren't so good, even with reading glasses, so that's why he helped. :mrgreen: Anyway, thanks to SickPup for his detailed instructions. As many others have said, the palm rest frame was the most difficult part.

Also, while putting the nine screws back in, we discovered the 9th screw hole (closest to the center) had something blocking it from the other side of the board, which prevented the screw from going all the way through. :? He used a paperclip to nudge whatever it was gently aside, and we were able to finish putting it back together. phew! Vista discovered the new BT module immediately, and installed all necessary drivers.

Question...should I install the Dell driver for the bluetooth or just use the "generic" one that Vista installed? Also, as a suggestion to SickPup, it would be super nice if you could somehow make this tutorial available in a printable PDF file. I couldn't get the images to print from your post, so I ended up running back and forth from the tech shop to my office computer (where I had this thread opened). :lol:

Thanks again!!

[klongwood]

I am looking for a Mini through the outlet store and I noticed that most don't have BT. Are all Mini's capable of "accepting" the BT module? If it says No WAN, that has nothing to do with BT. I'm just concerned that something won't be soldered.

[Zion]

Originally Posted by klongwood

I am looking for a Mini through the outlet store and I noticed that most don't have BT. Are all Mini's capable of "accepting" the BT module? If it says No WAN, that has nothing to do with BT. I'm just concerned that something won't be soldered.

No WAN means the motherboard does not have the connector for a 3G WWAN Card. It has nothing to do with BT. If you get a good deal on the outlet without BT, you can order the BT module separately directly from Dell. It will cost you around $26-27 including shipping.

[SuperNova]

Has anyone successfully done the webcam installation? It seems well documented enough but I'm still slightly intimidated.

[davico_rosello]

Originally Posted by SuperNova

Has anyone successfully done the webcam installation? It seems well documented enough but I'm still slightly intimidated.

don't worry, just take your time. the most difficult part is taking off the palm rest and the screen panel, but is much better and easyer to do it with a pvc card, "cuting" through the edge

[klongwood]

Emailed the person listed in the first post a few days ago and I haven't heard anything. Does this mean that we will be unable to get the module by itself anymore?

[fillamagilla]

Thanks for the Bluetooth help. I got my J613H module from Dell today & installed it immediately. BTW, for others interested in the bluetooth upgrade - it requires a moderate amount of technical knowledge & does bring on a few "what have I gotten into" moments.

[omj]

I emailed yaphet_merrit@dell.com, but have not rec'd a response. Is there another way to order from Dell? Or maybe another site?

thx

Originally Posted by SickPup404

FYI - These instructions can be applied if you're only adding BT, or only adding the webcam as well. Parts needed can easliy be ordered thru yaphet_merrit@dell.com. Just provide your name, address, city, state, zip, contact phone, Dell customer number, and the parts you want. He will call back in less than an hour or so for payment information. Generally, it's $8 shipping.

Apologies for not having good pictures of my own and having to pull direct from Dell.

Read through these instructions completely first. If you have doubts as to you ability to perform these without breaking your Mini, check around with people you know to see if they can do it for you! I'm not responsible if you break your Mini.


Time required:

• Approximately 2 hours depending on your skills[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]

Parts for webcam:

• X048J LCD bezel service kit ($10.99)[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]
• X051J Camera assembly service kit, 1.3M ($34.99)[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]
• Original Dell Creative camera drivers[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]

Parts for Bluetooth:

• J613H Wireless blue tooth module ($19.99)[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]
• Original Dell WidComm BT stack
  or[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]
• Hacked Dell WidComm BT stack to remove bloatware
  or[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]
• Old Toshiba BT stack (lightweight/small footprint) and the "PC Bluetooth Stack Hotfix SP2" from Toshiba if you're using XP.[/*:m:2rrkw4x3]