acer aspire 3G

Since owning the Aspire One (Linpus Edition), I’ve been thinking of getting an 3G modem so I can go online anytime. But with the MOD made by tnkgrl, I just might save some extra bucks. Unfortunately my soldering skills are non existing. I’m sure seasoned modders would love to give this a try.

This MOD is brought to you by Tnkgrl. All the information, videos and text belongs to her. Visit her site at http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com

DISCLAIMER: If you’re not experienced doing precision soldering with a fine-tipped, temperature-controlled iron, using soldering wick & flux, as well as proper magnification, then I suggest you avoid this mod. I’m not responsible if you damage anything. In fact, one of my SIMs was destroyed in the making of this mod.

Materials Needed

  • Right-angle, 9 mm height mini-PCIe connector
  • Push-push, 6 pin SIM holder
  • Multi-band antenna with cable and U.FL connector
  • Unlocked mini-PCIe 3G (HSUPA/HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS) card

Video Instructions of Aspire On 3G HSDPA MOD

Instructions Here

  1. Solder the mini-PCIe connector. By default there’s no power to the connector until you install this jumper.
  2. Chances are you’ll have to modify the SIM holder to match this pinout. Be creative! If you’re lucky to find the right SIM holder, just solder it on and email me the manufacturer/part #. I’d like to thank JKK for providing me with a physically (but not electrically, oops) compatible SIM holder. By default there’s no power to the SIM holder, until you install this jumper.
  3. If you completely dismantle and insulate this antenna, it fits next to the WiFi card under the palm rest inside the screen lid (see update below)…
  4. Inside the Sierra Wireless/AT&T AirCard 875U or 881U USB modem there’s a mini-PCIe 3G card. Who knew? If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, unlocked 875U or 881U, go here or there.
  5. You’ll have to tape pin 20 on the mini-PCIe 3G card. Once again, I’d like to thank JKK for this tip. File the plastic cover of the wireless switch so it can slide both the right and to the left (see update below). That’s it, you’re done :)

Full Details here:
http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/modding-the-acer-aspire-one-hsdpa/

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 4:16 amand is filed under Netbook fix and tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.