Upgrading Internal Airport Card In A1106 PBG4

#1 Wed, 3 Jul 2013 - 06:15 68kMLA

Hi,

I know it would be difficult, if not impossible to hack in an extra antenna, but I'm just wondering if it's even possible to get a card that'll fit in there.

I know I could simply use a PC card or USB type adapter, but taking off from Gorgonops' inquiries, I thought maybe it might be possible for the A1106 PowerBook G4 to accept a more modern card in it's internal Airport slot that has wireless-n capabilities.

Perhaps it'll help me better understand if I begin with the basics: what kind of interface is it? Some kind of Mini-PCI? Perhaps it's adaptable for something modern?

c

#2 Wed, 3 Jul 2013 - 06:29 68kMLA

In theory, sure, it's a standard mini-PCI card. But do any 802.11n cards have PowerPC drivers?

#3 Wed, 3 Jul 2013 - 07:42 68kMLA

In theory, sure, it's a standard mini-PCI card.

That's a start.

But do any 802.11n cards have PowerPC drivers?

That would have to depend on the chipset. I know that some USB 802.11n adapters support PowerPC, but I don't know about Mini-PCI cards.
I should start experimenting with a machine that has an easily accessible slot.

c

#4 Sat, 6 Jul 2013 - 05:16 68kMLA

It is indeed *really* hard to get the airport card out of those last model powerbooks, or at least I remember it being so. (It's been a few years, but I recall thinking you might have to pull the motherboard to get it out.)

Drivers undoubtedly will be an issue but it's an interesting thought. A great source for mini-PCI cards to play with is old wifi routers; I've retrofitted several x86 laptops with very nice (linux friendly) Atheros cards out of SMB-grade Netgears. That said, the best I've seen so far are 802.11a. (wonder if I have any left, come to think about it.)