Installing camera on X220

[X32]

I want to install a camera on X220 which came without one. It has 2x2 antennas so this should not be a problem.

I saw some Lenovo camera kits on ebay but from the pictures it looks like they come without wires. Seller’s English was not clear enough to understand whether it comes with or without the cables. Anyone had experience with this? Thanks

[The Solutor]

I want to install a camera on X220 which came without one. It has 2x2 antennas so this should not be a problem.

I saw some Lenovo camera kits on ebay but from the pictures it looks like they come without wires. Seller’s English was not clear enough to understand whether it comes with or without the cables. Anyone had experience with this? Thanks

I dont know the X220 but on the previous models the webcam is connected to the video flat cable, already present on the notebook.

Very likely is the same on the X220 too, just check the HMM to be sure.

[JPH]

I did it on my other x220i recently, and yes it is a straightforward conversion for 2x2 antenna models; even if you have the 3x3 antenna wires, it is a breeze as you just have to remove the extra lead (unless you have a wifi card higher than the Intel 6205N) all across the screen cover to make room for the webcam. The screen cover is prewired for a webcam and all you need to do is snap the cam in place and plug it in and change the plate on the bezel. It really is a 15-minute job and at less than $30 a throw, is a good upgrade for the price.

[X32]

Thanks! That was very useful.

[roudiz]

Hi, thank you for the tips. I have an x230 with the same 3x3 antenna problem. Assuming the fix is the same, I have a couple of questions:

1. what part do I use? I found several like this one: http://www.compusee.com/hd-camera-fru-04w2668/
but they have a few, so not sure which to get (also, none are as low as $30)

2. Do I actually remove the wires (i.e. disconnect one of the antennae) or just move them out of the way.

Thank you!

[roudiz]

anyone?

[roudiz]

Bump

[JPH]

I would check for part numbers and any illustration in the x230 and x220 hardware maintenance manuals and compare whatever is comparable. The x230 is so new I am not sure many of us will have seen one yet, let alone taken one apart.

[roudiz]

I found part numbers but I am not sure that I can get the camera in there with the 3x3 antenna. Cab it be done in an x220 with the 3x3? Do I have to disconnect a lead and just move the wire out of the way? Do i llose some connectivity?
Thanks!

[JPH]

Well first of all I would check what wifi card it is. If it is a 3x3 then better leave well alone. If however you have a 6205N equivalent or any 802.11n card that only requires 2 antenna wires, then the extra wire round the display frame is just that - extraneous. See my earlier post from January. In the case of that x220, it had the extra wire which was not connected to anything in any case - I removed it off from the screen entirely, but more importantly you need to make room on top for the webcam. That x220 is working brilliantly well and my son has no issue webcamming etc and there is certainly no loss of range.

[roudiz]

Well first of all I would check what wifi card it is. If it is a 3x3 then better leave well alone. If however you have a 6205N equivalent or any 802.11n card that only requires 2 antenna wires, then the extra wire round the display frame is just that - extraneous. See my earlier post from January. In the case of that x220, it had the extra wire which was not connected to anything in any case - I removed it off from the screen entirely, but more importantly you need to make room on top for the webcam. That x220 is working brilliantly well and my son has no issue webcamming etc and there is certainly no loss of range.

I ended up returning the x230 and since it was <30 days out, they reordered me a new one with the webcam built in. I suspect that the 3 wire wifi card I originally had would have made the webcam a deal-breaker. Now that I have the webcam and "lesser" antenna config, I am happy with both wifi signal still and with skype-ability.

Thanks for the help!

[bretahrnek]

Can't see any problem installing webcam with 3x3 antennas built in.
my X200 has 3x3 and 2x2 antennas and webcam easily.

[JPH]

With the x220, the third wire appeared to be in the way and the cam module would therefore not sit flat, if I remember correctly.