How To Install a Bluetooth Module

By Staff Contributor

These days, everything is getting wireless. From mobile phones to computers, from hospital equipment to Internet connections, everything is getting more and more handsfree and wireless. In terms of connection, Bluetooth has come up as one of the biggest names in data transferring. However, due to it being a fairly new program, most of the older versions of laptops, don’t have one. However, you can easily install a Bluetooth module in your laptop, granted that you have the following items.

The Bluetooth Module. A Bluetooth Module is a 51.5x15.8x5.66 millimeter chip that is inserted into the computer. It is inserted into the motherboard of the laptop. It is also called a Bluetooth Serial or a Bluetooth Antenna. There are two variations of these. The first one is the Bluetooth Module with an internal antenna. This variation does not require an external dongle for a USB cable to an antenna, which receives and sends the information. It is quite small, so be careful not to lose it. The Internal variant of the Bluetooth Module has a range of about 2.4ghz while the one with the external antenna goes to a higher range. The External Antenna itself looks much like a normal antenna and is normally inserted into a USB slot. The Dongle is a variant of the external antenna and looks like a USB Flash Drive but with an antenna. Normal Bluetooth Modules are priced at about $60 or more.
Equipment You Need. There are several things you will need when installing your module. The first would be a laptop, a Bluetooth chip module, a screwdriver, and the installation disc that normally comes with the chip. However, if you don’t have a disc, you may go to your manufacturer’s website to download the installer. You will also need a good, flat surface that is clean enough so that you won’t lose any parts like screws.

Now that you have your Bluetooth Module and the equipment you need, you may proceed in installing your module. This is how to do it:

Turn off your laptop and unplug it from the socket.
Check if it’s truly powered off before attempting anything as this may cause harm to you and damage your laptop.
Flip your laptop upside down slowly, detach the battery.
Now it’s time to disassemble it.
Remove the screws of the cover of the hard disk.
Lift the cover of the hard disk.
Remove the drive itself and the base cover. At the back of the base cover, there is a disk plate that is normally rectangular. This plate is what protects the laptop’s inner workings. There are also a lot of screws here. So be careful not to lose any. Normally, there are around 20, but in some laptops, this can go higher.
Remove the said cover.
Let’s go back to the module. The antenna cable, should your variant have one, should be connected to the Bluetooth module itself. Look for a tine or a prong in your laptop module where your Bluetooth module will be connected to. It will normally clip or, sometimes snap on. Remember, don’t force the module as it may damage other equipment.
Once it is reconnected, screw the plate and the cover again.
Turn your laptop over, and then power your laptop on.
When you have successfully booted up, insert the disk to install the software and follow all instructions carefully to install the wireless module drivers.