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#1
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Please help with PCMCIA adapter
I am building a computer for a truck driver who has AT&T Edge internet
service - basically a high-speed cellular dial-up plan. The modem card is a Sony Ericsson GC82 PCMCIA modem card that fits into his laptop. The computer I'm building him is a micro-ATX desktop unit, and I need to find a way to make this card work with the new computer. Is there a PCMCIA cardbus that connects to the pc via USB ports? I know there are PCI to PCMCIA adapters, but I'd like to give him the ability to reposition the PCMCIA modem card a bit for better reception inside his truck. Any ideas appreciated. Thank you, jakesnake |
#2
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On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 15:08:40 GMT, "jakesnake66"
wrote: I am building a computer for a truck driver who has AT&T Edge internet service - basically a high-speed cellular dial-up plan. The modem card is a Sony Ericsson GC82 PCMCIA modem card that fits into his laptop. The computer I'm building him is a micro-ATX desktop unit, and I need to find a way to make this card work with the new computer. Is there a PCMCIA cardbus that connects to the pc via USB ports? I know there are PCI to PCMCIA adapters, but I'd like to give him the ability to reposition the PCMCIA modem card a bit for better reception inside his truck. Any ideas appreciated. Thank you, jakesnake What exactly is wrong with a laptop? |
#3
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"Curious George" wrote in message ... On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 15:08:40 GMT, "jakesnake66" wrote: I am building a computer for a truck driver who has AT&T Edge internet service - basically a high-speed cellular dial-up plan. The modem card is a Sony Ericsson GC82 PCMCIA modem card that fits into his laptop. The computer I'm building him is a micro-ATX desktop unit, and I need to find a way to make this card work with the new computer. Is there a PCMCIA cardbus that connects to the pc via USB ports? I know there are PCI to PCMCIA adapters, but I'd like to give him the ability to reposition the PCMCIA modem card a bit for better reception inside his truck. Any ideas appreciated. Thank you, jakesnake What exactly is wrong with a laptop? Why are you asking this? It has nothing to do with solving my issue. If you are just curious (as your name implies), I will tell you the several reasons why he wants to go with a small desktop unit rather than a laptop. However, this is not the discussion I want to have, so please don't debate this. It's a waste of time. My problem is that I need a piece of hardware that I've yet to be able to find. He wants a small desktop unit. Period. 1. His laptop is getting old 2. He likes to play 3D intensive games 3. He wants to use his computer as a TV/DVD player 4. He wants a larger monitor/TV Currently, he has a 13" TV connected to his satellite TV service, which is bulky and an inefficient use of space for the screen size. His laptop is older, and it can't be upgraded for 3D graphics or TV functionality. For about $1000 I'm building him a micro box with an AIW 9800Pro graphics card (TV/DVD/3D gaming) and a 17" lcd monitor. We'll use a Logitech cordless keyboard/mouse and a small set of 2.1 Creative speakers with a sub. The missing piece is the internet service. AT&T does not offer the EDGE card in internal/PCI or USB form. It's PCMCIA only. If I use an internal PCI to PCMCIA adapter card, we cannot reposition the card to get better reception. With his laptop, of course, he could just move around. The best solution I've come up with is an adaptor that uses a PCI card connected via IDE cable to a front-loaded PCMCIA cardbus. I could let the cardbus hang loose at the end of a 24" or 36" IDE cable, which will give him *some* flexibility. The best solution would be a high-gain antenna that would adapt to his EDGE card, but I can't find anything compatible. Any help appreciated. jakesnake |
#4
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On Fri, 17 Dec 2004 17:22:33 GMT, "jakesnake66"
wrote: snip What exactly is wrong with a laptop? Why are you asking this? Calm down. It wasn't exactly clear to me that what you are trying to do/find was really worth the effort. It has nothing to do with solving my issue. If you are just curious (as your name implies), I will tell you the several reasons why he wants to go with a small desktop unit rather than a laptop. However, this is not the discussion I want to have, so please don't debate this. It's a waste of time. That's fine. Now that you explained a little more I can appreciate the project goals better. The degree to which the type of box you are building is right for the project will determine the amount of effort, time, or money you may be willing to invest on a kludge. The more of a customized, homebuilt solution you make this the more that may eat away at profitability, the price differential against other solutions and ultimately the more potential of support issues you might get stuck with down the line. If this is a favor, you may not really want to kill yourself on this. That being said, I won't further debate or try to redesign you project. My problem is that I need a piece of hardware that I've yet to be able to find. He wants a small desktop unit. Period. I think what you are really looking for is a pcmcia reader that connects to the pc via usb or FW & that has no compatibility issues with the AT&T card. I don't think anyone makes these. Hopefull someone else here knows a product I haven't seen. maybe look at "PCM-CR-PC2EF 2 Slot PC Card External" he http://www.synchrotech.com/products/card-rw_02.html or other options he http://www.synchrotech.com/products/card-rw_00.html http://www.psism.com/reader.htm This is very similar to one of you solutions. Frankly I don't like that even this "external" unit uses a proprietary "ribbon cable", but it may be fine anyway. If you have indeed found a pcmcia reader that does connect to the ATA bus & that isn't solely for Type I-III storage cards you could try to install it in a 5.25" USB or FW ATA enclosure. It wouldn't add much to the price tag. It should work but I have no idea if it really will. Hope this helps |
#5
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If his old laptop works, how about having him keep it as a
Router/Firewall or proxy server & connect it via crossover cable to the new box. Seems easy & cheap to me an would use little additional power (which may be an issue on the truck). No special kludge required! |
#6
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"Curious George" wrote in message ... If his old laptop works, how about having him keep it as a Router/Firewall or proxy server & connect it via crossover cable to the new box. Seems easy & cheap to me an would use little additional power (which may be an issue on the truck). No special kludge required! I apologize for my snappy response. I'm a bit conditioned by another ng where no matter what is asked, the response invariably will argue a peripheral point whether than address the principle issue. I should not have assumed the same thing here. Now, as for your suggestions, they are good, thank you - especially this last one. One of the main problems I face is that I can't find any of these devices locally, which means I have to order them online, and, like you observed, there is no way to know if they will work. I don't want to get into a trial-and-error, buy-and-exchange loop that will kill the project in shipping and restock fees. Another nice solution would be a compatible high-gain external antenna, but I've never seen a connector like that of the tiny antenna on the EDGE card. It's a little insert, about the diameter of a toothpick. I like providing solutions for people, but this one's getting a bit sticky. Again, I appreciate your assistance. jakesnake |
#7
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On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 02:11:44 GMT, "jakesnake66"
wrote: One of the main problems I face is that I can't find any of these devices locally, which means I have to order them online, and, like you observed, there is no way to know if they will work. I don't want to get into a trial-and-error, buy-and-exchange loop that will kill the project in shipping and restock fees. Potentially a very real problem which was a motivator to my original post. Sorry if it was too terse. Another nice solution would be a compatible high-gain external antenna, but I've never seen a connector like that of the tiny antenna on the EDGE card. It's a little insert, about the diameter of a toothpick. This is a good idea. You could move the antenna around instead of the PC or reader or maybe even mount it outside the truck (and you don't even have to bother with an external reader). I'm really not familiar with this card. Sounds like a proprietary connector. With some technical details and some parts rummaging you might be able to make what you need. I like providing solutions for people, but this one's getting a bit sticky. Again, I appreciate your assistance. jakesnake No prob Keep us updated with your success/progress on this. What you want to do is not unreasonable and really the products _should_ exist. They may not (or may not be readily available commodity items) only due to profitability concerns- but this could be a niche market perfect for someone small. Hopefully someone in this group successfully uses exactly what you need & will write in. In the mean time look up linux support for the card and laptop or make sure it has windows 98SE or above. You can share the connection without these, but they're good first steps. |
#8
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On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 02:11:44 GMT, "jakesnake66"
wrote: Another nice solution would be a compatible high-gain external antenna, but I've never seen a connector like that of the tiny antenna on the EDGE card. It's a little insert, about the diameter of a toothpick. http://www.meritie.com/article/articleview/142/1/55 |
#9
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jakesnake66 wrote:
I am building a computer for a truck driver who has AT&T Edge internet service - basically a high-speed cellular dial-up plan. The modem card is a Sony Ericsson GC82 PCMCIA modem card that fits into his laptop. The computer I'm building him is a micro-ATX desktop unit, and I need to find a way to make this card work with the new computer. Is there a PCMCIA cardbus that connects to the pc via USB ports? I know there are PCI to PCMCIA adapters, but I'd like to give him the ability to reposition the PCMCIA modem card a bit for better reception inside his truck. Any ideas appreciated. Thank you, jakesnake i just did a google search there are such devices...and the price does not look too bad either |
#10
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"kony" wrote in message ... On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 02:11:44 GMT, "jakesnake66" wrote: Another nice solution would be a compatible high-gain external antenna, but I've never seen a connector like that of the tiny antenna on the EDGE card. It's a little insert, about the diameter of a toothpick. http://www.meritie.com/article/articleview/142/1/55 That looks great, thank you. I was all over their website the other day, where they were discussing producing this antenna, but I could not find the direct link to the product page. I will definately call them. Thank you! jakesnake |
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