[REQUEST] Acer Aspire One 722 (AO722) Whitelist Removal

[Nodas]

this is an update to the closed thread :

http://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Re...-whitelist

Which I argue it didn't resolved the central question when closed...

There is something that KirillV failed to mention:
The second pci-e port in the AO722-BZ454 has been reported to work with no modification when installing the original 3GModem that alternatives configurations offered by Acer included:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JaO9uNqUvw

I installed a Broadcom CrystalHD card in the pci-e port 1 and the card was recognized without not problem with the original bios firmware. I assumed then that the bios did have a whilelist but only for pci-e port 2 (is that even possible??)... anyway, I flashed the bios with the firmware camilo provided, but the situation stayed the same (although, my bios has a lot more options now!!! thank you) .

I also followed the tip of taping pin 20 on the wireless card when installing it at the pci-e port 2, but didn't not change the situation.

I have to assume then that the stock 3G Modem Driver found in the Acer support website:

3G Huawei 3G Module Driver 2.0.6.706

Resolves the question of functionality of the pci-e port 2 without hardware modification....

anyone happen to know how?

[camiloml]

Maybe the second PCI-e is not that, but USB only. And that's why PCI-e cards are not working, only the ones that use the USB pins on that port. Just a guess.

[Nodas]

Maybe the second PCI-e is not that, but USB only. And that's why PCI-e cards are not working, only the ones that use the USB pins on that port. Just a guess.

Camiloml, I think you have hit the nail!!!

2 Stupid questions for someone that knows the answer:

Besides 3g modems and card readers, what other kind of device would it use this crippled port?

why someone would prefer to use a bulky connector like that instead of a regular usb pinout?
My guess is that (non-standard?) implementations have to have a reasoning.

any comments are welcome

[camiloml]

The standard PCI-e slot has USB pins, but if i remember well is low voltaged, not +5v like externall.

[dzhonw]

I also have an AO722 with what appears to be an extra mini PCIe slot. The Broadcom half-size mini PCIe wireless card that comes with this computer is having issues with current linux drivers, so I've tried installing several known compatible PCIe card I have in the second slot.

There is no indication in the OS that the BIOS has recognised the card, though lspci indicates that there are two PCIe ports. I have tried tape over pin 20 to no avail, though even without that I should be able to see the hardware. Seems that extra slot is basically useless unless you get Acer's 3G card.

My known good wireless cards are twice the size provided in the normal slot, so won't fit there, or else I would've installed them there

[Nodas]

The Broadcom half-size mini PCIe wireless card that comes with this computer is having issues with current linux drivers
...
My known good wireless cards are twice the size provided in the normal slot, so won't fit there, or else I would've installed them there

I also experience the issue with latest ubuntu live cd where the lack of drivers by the distribution would crash the session to an stand still, by just hovering the mouse over the wireless manager icon in the notification area.

Question: Was that what you are referring to? because installing debian from scratch has not given me any problem with the non-free drivers.

Seems that extra slot is basically useless unless you get Acer's 3G card.

That is left to be proven, maybe later we will find an use for the second pci-e slot

[dzhonw]

The Broadcom half-size mini PCIe wireless card that comes with this computer is having issues with current linux drivers
...
My known good wireless cards are twice the size provided in the normal slot, so won't fit there, or else I would've installed them there

I actually did end up putting a full-size card in the half-size slot, and keeping it in with some tape. So far it's been working okay, but I ordered a half-size card so that I can do this right.

I also experience the issue with latest ubuntu live cd where the lack of drivers by the distribution would crash the session to an stand still, by just hovering the mouse over the wireless manager icon in the notification area.

Question: Was that what you are referring to? because installing debian from scratch has not given me any problem with the non-free drivers.

The freezing problem I had intermittently with all cards I tried with both 3.1 and 3.2 kernels, usually shortly after associating with an AP. The freezes seem to be fixable by setting the network to the first boot option in the BIOS. The broadcom card still has the issue of losing connectivity frequently

Seems that extra slot is basically useless unless you get Acer's 3G card.

That is left to be proven, maybe later we will find an use for the second pci-e slot

Indeed, hopefully someone out there figures this one out.

[amod]

hello, everyone. I have an 722 and I tried to add a 3G module in the second mini pci-e, which is free. the 3g module is an Huawei EM770. the problem is that is not detected at all. in first mini pci-e it's working, seen as an USB device. what about second mini pci-e? it's not powered or activated? i tried with your unlocked BIOS, too, tried to tap pin 20, but same story. any ideas? thanks.

[balaso]

Bios DL link: http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/BIOS/BIOS/BIOS_Acer_1.11_A_A.zip?acerid=634883888728307449&Step1=Netbook,%20Chromebook&Step2=Aspire%20One&Step3=AO722&OS=701&LC=en&BC=Acer&SC=PA_6

Stock card PC ID: Vendor: 168C Device: 0032

WIFI whitelist removal please. I appreciate any time and effort on this.

[TheWiz]

Hi balaso,

This may take me some time to get to as I don't frequently do Whitelisting - I will try to update you when I have more information.

Regards,
TheWiz