Here’s how I installed an external USB Bluetooth adapter INSIDE my laptop and made it internal. My laptop wasn’t Bluetooth ready, it didn’t have internal Bluetooth connector and antenna but I needed it in order to access the cell phone without running a cable.
My first option was using the external USB Bluetooth adapter as is but it wasn’t very convenient. I decided to find a way to install this adapter inside the laptop.
Before I started hacking my laptop, I installed Bluetooth software and tested if the new adapter works fine. As you see on the picture below, the Bluetooth icon in the SysTray is active and the cell phone is detected.
For this modification you’ll need:
1. Laptop disassembly experience. Here are service manuals for some laptops.
2. Soldering skills and tools as I mentioned in the power jack repair post.
3. Inexpensive USB Bluetooth 2.0 adapter. I spent less than $8 for that thing and you can find it even cheaper.
This is only for experienced technicians. If you have no experience you can (and most likely will) damage your laptop. Proceed on your own risk!
This guide should works for all laptop brands: Toshiba, Dell, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Gateway, etc… as long as you have enough space to mount the Bluetooth module inside the laptop.
OK, here’s how I did it.
First of all, I disassembled my laptop and found a place where I can install the Bluetooth adapter. In my guide I’m using a Toshiba Satellite A105 laptop. I found enough empty space in the top right corner of the laptop.
My idea was simple. Disassemble the Bluetooth adapter, remove the Bluetooth module and solder it to one of the USB ports. I decided to use one of the USB ports located in the lower right corner.
NOTE: After this modification is done, you will not be able to use that particular USB port with any other USB device, it will not work because it’s dedicated to the Bluetooth module. But I think it’s not a big deal because most laptops have 3-4 USB ports.
I found some thin wires laying around.
Make sure that wires are long enough for your project.
Now you’ll have to disassemble the adapter. I easily split the adapter case with a sharp knife and removed the Bluetooth module.
Unsolder the USB connector.
As you see on the picture below, the Bluetooth module easily fits into the empty place inside the laptop.
I soldered four wires to the Bluetooth module. I used terminals for the USB connector.
After that I soldered four wires to four contacts on the back of the USB connector. Be careful. Make sure all wires are connected correctly.
At the last step I installed the Bluetooth module into the place and routed wires from the module to the USB port. I had to reroute the wires a few times to make sure that I can install the top cover and it seats properly. I secured wires to the motherboard with electrical tape.
Finally, assembled the laptop and tested it. There is no on/off hardware switch for the Bluetooth module but I can turn it on and off through software.
The Bluetooth adapter has been installed INSIDE the laptop and works flawlessly!
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May 5th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
OK I have to ask. You claim that the original USB port that has been modded cannot be used anymore because it is dedicated to the bluetooth device. Others have also claimed that after the mod the original USB port is no longer there but it appears to be there in the photos (it is unclear just how exactly it is supposed to be connected).
So, if you disable the bluetooth device, then could the original USB port possibly work? What if you install a hardware on/off switch such that the modification is no longer electrically connected to the original assembly? I don’t see why in theory this sort of thing could actually make all your USB ports work, but perhaps not while SIMULTANEOUSLY using bluetooth.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
ariclon,
The USB port I used for the Bluethooth module doesn’t work with other devices, it’s dedicated to the Bluethooth module. But I have three more.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Hey, it´s great!!! Only one question, the usb port still works with other devices? Thanks!!!
April 28th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Amazing!
I dont have the same laptop.. but is just about fining the perfect spot for it.
thanks!
March 29th, 2009 at 1:15 am
bro,
u`re da bomb am a nigerian, a sophomore as well and very interesting in laptop repairs…not because i can make a living with it here in africa, but just cos i`ve got love for it…i love the stunt u pulled on the bluetooth stuff…thank a great deal…wish u could provide me wiv other useful tips for a starter like me
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 am
My laptop screen display HP and remain parmanently dark when booting.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
hi steve,
it’s not about BT question. but i don’t know hoe to email you, that why i use this mail form. i found an interesting peripheral that has a function as WWAN card and GPS receiver. any idea if it is possible to be attached on other laptop ? mine is vgn s480. an old machine.
Dell Wireless 5530 HSDPA Mini Card
the 3G chipset used in this laptop also supports GPS. But it doesn’t work out of the box – you have to send a few AT commands to the modem first. If you follow the guide at the following forum, you get an NMEA compliant GPS as a serial device.
let me know for any possibilities or work around.
thanx,
February 9th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hello..
Great mod’..keep them coming! I just wanted to add that on the Uniwill-chassis’d Systemax laptop I own there’s a small service
cover next to the hard disk access cover that holds..a full-size
USB port! The depth is not great and the opening is only about
2 1/2″ inches long, but is perfect for stealthing a miniature Blue
-tooth adapter. The one I use is the newest style that’s barely
an inch long-it’s a rectangular profile, not the quarter-moon type. The slimmer dongle types tend to be longer and aren’t
an easy fit into the USB port-they go in at an angle and I wasn’t
comfortable with the idea of applying force..since it’s the bad DC jack on this laptop that brought me to this site in the first place . When I’m not using the BT I just disable it in the Device Manager.
Great, informative site…thanks again!
January 18th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Great mod BTW
, ive done this to a 16gb USB cause needed a hidden drive for personal stuff, no not pron ;P
January 18th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
LOL WTF, u bunch of noobs asking
wow….where can i get those wires ? and
can you use the blue tooth and also plug a next usb in the same usb port that is connected to the blue tooth?
What the helll, this mod could not be easier to understand, and you still ask stupid questions
A wires ANY DAMN ELECTRICAL SHOP, crap get an old appliance or somthing and loot them from there.
and how many times did he say that you CANT use the use port after connecting the bluetooth, i would have thought it was a nobrainer that if the USB port is missing from the outside of the case then u CANT use it, u cant use somthing that isnt there, dumbass
Also
Great idea….. But you can buy something like this for $19 bucks or less.
The point of this mod is to have an internal one, yes that one is small but this is internal, and fun to try.
omg people human brains are one of the most intelligent on the planet, why dont some of you use this feature, unless ur an ant or somthing then wtf u doing on this website