ThinkPad X201/X230 and COMPEX WLE900VX-7A wifi module

[Marek Behun]

Hello,

so I have tried to insert the COMPEX WLE900VX-7A wifi module
(http://www.compexshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/104_105/products_id/452
) into the wifi slot of ThinkPad X230 and X201 (since on X230 the
wifi slot is for half-sized module only, I had to file out the bump that
is on one side istead of the hole for the screw).

For some reason this module does not show on lspci on either of this
laptops (with coreboot installed). On Lenovo 3000 N200, it does show up.

Any idea what is the reason? Is this due to some pins being not powered
on the Wifi slots on ThinkPads, or something like that?

If it is not possible, I think I am going to create a
expresscard-to-minipcie reduction for this reason :D

Thanks.

MB

[Alexander Couzens]

On Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:58:14 +0200
Marek Behun  wrote:
> Hello,
>
> so I have tried to insert the COMPEX WLE900VX-7A wifi module
> (http://www.compexshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/104_105/products_id/452
> ) into the wifi slot of ThinkPad X230 and X201 (since on X230 the
> wifi slot is for half-sized module only, I had to file out the bump
> that is on one side istead of the hole for the screw).
>
> For some reason this module does not show on lspci on either of this
> laptops (with coreboot installed). On Lenovo 3000 N200, it does show
> up.

I'm using an atheros card as well on x201 and x220. It should work.

a) you're using WWAN slot and not WLAN (on some models wwan slot is a
full mini-pcie, but on most it's just usb)

b) the slot is disabled in nvram - try to use nvramtool. If such a slot
is disabled, the slot is hidden on pcie level, not sure if the power is
cut as well.

Best,
lynxis