Internal USB/BT

[NeoMatrixJR]

Ok, sorry I don't have pix and I know this forum is loosing interest w/ the age of these laptops, but I did find something interesting.  The bluetooth module used internally is essentially a USB device.  The first 4 pins of the cable that comes with it are +3.3v, Gnd, D+, D- (if memory serves it's D+, D- and not the other way around...check online for acer bluetooth mod).  Some USB bluetooth sticks can use 3.3v instead of USB spec 5v.  I recently hacked the end off of a USB bluetooth module and built a cable inside my laptop and it WORKS!  Module turns on and off w/ the wifi button on the front.  If you could find a 5v supply somewhere you could potentially have an internal USB port if you didn't want to mess with bluetooth.  The module I built was heat-shrunk and still fit where the OEM module would go.  I used a cable I got online that fit the motherboard and then 4-wire phone cord to attach the module.  USE THIN CORD as there's not a ton of room to run the cable, mine barely fit!

[biophysics]

Hi Neomatrix JR

Can you put the link to the acer mod. I tried a lot but could not find it.

Last week all  USB ports stopped working. Surprising thing is that "device manager" shown them working properly. (I tried it in linux (dual boot) with same result - tested even with a Live CD). Any body here has any ideas. Is there any fuse or something... Strangely one of the ports (next to VGA) does charge my phone. So there is a current there but not in other ports.

I thought I will put a small powered hub and make more ports.

many thanks

[NeoMatrixJR]

http://www.xiaprojects.com/index.php?section=All&project=Acer%205020%20Bluetooth%20Module

good luck...you're gonna need it.