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Damaged aux power cable (the black one) for the Killer Wireless card in Alienware 13 R1. How to change/repair it?
So after a long overdue, a week ago I finally opened my Alienware 13 R1 to clean it up as well as repaste the CPU & the GPU. Bottom line is - everything went "almost" without any terrible consequences... except the fact that I f*cked up the Killer Wireless card.
While disconnecting the power cables from it (despite doing it as gently as possible) I managed to rip one of the pins but the bigger problem is problem is that the pin is now stuck inside the cable's connector (the black one).
The good news is that with only the main power cable attached to the card (the white one) it still works but I have to be very close to my router to get connected.
I can easily get a new card from Amazon for 20 euros (here in France) but not before I fix the cable somehow. But I'm afraid if I try harder to get the little piece stuck in it I might damage the connector altogether.
So for the time being, I bought a Netgear N300 USB WI-FI adapter.
Is there a way to repair the cable without sending the machine to a service center?
10x in advance
Carbon Based Lifeform
872 Posts
2
September 13th, 2017 17:00
Hi.
these Cables are not Power Cables. they are WIFI "UFL Antennas". you can find them on Amazon.fr.
DKolev
4 Posts
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September 15th, 2017 11:00
10x for the info The cable was labeled as "aux power" in the service manual but anyway...
Follow-up question: is there any significant difference in the connector (like size or sth else)?
I found this one - https://www.amazon.fr/Femelle-Ensemble-Adaptateur-Coaxial-Pigtail/dp/B01KEFZ9SS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1505501014&sr=8-5…
Or this: https://www.amazon.fr/TOOGOO-CONVERTISSEUR-CABLE-PIGTAIL-RP-SMA/dp/B00AZEMMJ8/ref=pd_sbs_107_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refR…
Since I have no idea what's on the other side of the cable (which goes into the display panel) and because opening it looks rather more difficult and risky... my plan, for now, is to "FRANKENSTEIN" a solution by cutting the damaged connector, then cut a small part of the new cable and use some duck tape to glue the two parts. If that doesn't work... the final resort will be going to a service center.
Carbon Based Lifeform
872 Posts
2
September 15th, 2017 17:00
Hi.
the two Antennas in your Post are actually Adapters for the big Antennas like the ones connected to the WLAN Routers. you need something like this:
https://www.amazon.fr/GSM-ANT403-UFL-Antenna-f1710%C3%B71990MHz-824%C3%B7960MHz-I-PEX/dp/B01N15P4RL/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=…
or this:
https://www.amazon.fr/Delock-WL-Antenna-Indust-Antenna-86136/dp/B003VIUDYQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505524387&sr=8-2&keyw…
maybe find something with a bit longer Cable.
don't cut the Cables. leave the old Cable where it is. just connect the new Antenna, fix it with doublesided Tape inside the Laptop and call it a Day.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
2
September 15th, 2017 17:00
1. Not advisable because that is likely miniature COAX cable
2. If anything it would have to be very-carefully re-soldered. But generally, you never splice coax cable (you install proper connectors). Never worked with this tiny-stuff much.
3. If those are the choices, I suggest Service Center.
Are you sure you can't remove the pin? It should just pop-out.
DKolev
4 Posts
0
September 16th, 2017 03:00
The pin, this little mother , is stuck soooo good that it really can't be removed. It's like it has become one with the connector.
DKolev
4 Posts
0
September 16th, 2017 03:00
Thank you again.
I've just ordered a new card and the antenna from the second link. I think I'll be able to fix it on the inside of the removable back panel. I hope this placement won't interfere with the reception of the Wi-Fi signal.
I'll keep you posted when I receive and install the parts.
Have a great day!
Carbon Based Lifeform
872 Posts
0
September 16th, 2017 06:00
i hope it works. good Luck my Friend.