I Got sick of my USB2 card sticking out of the side of my otherwise slim portege 2000 Laptop.
So well.. I cut it off..
I'm not going to go into painstaking detail here. As it is actually a pretty simple Hack.
And the pictures should be pretty self explanatory
But first of all. I can't recommend this hack to anyone, as I'm sure Cutting stuff in half with a hacksaw
Voids most warranties..
Quick wrap up.
#1 Take the PCMCIA card apart
#2 Trim the metal parts so they meet PCMCIA specs
#3 Cut the PCB as short as possible. (making enough room for the usb connectors)
#4 Desolder the USB and power connectors
#5 Cut, Saw, File and Sand the connectors down so they fit in the thickness of the pcmcia card..
#6 Using Hotglue (Lots) Make the whole thing fit together
#7 Solder the USB signal lines to the PCB (Scrape the laquor off with a blade)
#8 As there is only 3.3v in PCCARD mode. you have to solder the power lines to the power connector
#9 Sit back, and enjoy your handy work. Wondering why nobody sells 100% internal PCMCIA USB2 cards
WITH! 5v in the plugs!
To those with questions about the components, left on the PCB I cut off..
I think they where for a 3.3 to 5v boost converter which was mostly unpopulated.
Anyway it took me about an hour or so, and it works like a charm.
Although I still need to use the usb "powercord" which sucks.
Next version / Or upgrade will include a 3.3 to 5v boost converter..
and i will use black instead of white USB Connectors
/Kyndal