NGC-5: Installation Instructions of the 4G Module.

[MINIX - Martin]

This is the instructions for installing a 4G module onto the NGC-5.

Preparations:

• Purchase a 4G-module from a reseller.
  Connector type: M.2
  Size: 2242 (width:22cm, length:42cm).
  
  The following 4G modules has been tested and confirmed to be compatible with NGC-5:
  - Longsung E9510,
  - QUECTEL EM06-E,
  - HUAWEI ME906s-158.
  
  
• Ask the reseller for the driver of this 4G module.
• It’s better to purchase 2 extra antennas.

Instructions:

Step 1:
Remove the rear cover of the MINIX NGC-5, take out the PCBA board.


Step 2:
Insert the SIM card (see below pictures)


Step 3:
Installs the 4G module right in the M.2_KEY_B port and secure it with the included screw.


Step 4:
If you have extra Antennas, attach them onto the 4G module.
And if NOT, you’re going to use the Wi-Fi antennas to make sure that the module is able to receive signals.

Please note, when you move the Wi-Fi antenna to 4G module, the Wi-Fi is still going to work, but the signal it receives is pretty weak.

Step 5:
Attach the power adapter, HDMI cable, keyboard and mouse.
Turn on the NEO NGC-5.
Install the driver for the 4G module. When finished, restart your device, then you should be able to access the Internet now.

END

 

[OldFriend]

Please note, when you move the Wi-Fi antenna to 4G module, the Wi-Fi is still going to work, but the signal it receives is pretty weak.

Thanks for the instructions @MINIX - Martin much appreciated. One question though, is it possible to connect one antenna to the WiFi and the other to the 4G module to avoid loss of WiFi signal or do both have to be on one or the other?

 

[MINIX - Martin]

Thanks for the instructions @MINIX - Martin much appreciated. One question though, is it possible to connect one antenna to the WiFi and the other to the 4G module to avoid loss of WiFi signal or do both have to be on one or the other?

Below is the Wi-Fi module pre-installed on the NGC-5.
The left Antenna port (MAIN) is for 5GHz signal, and the right one (AUX) is for 2.4GHz signal.
So, if you want to use 5GHz Wi-Fi signal, you may connect the antenna to the MAIN port.
If you'd like to use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal, you may connect to the AUX port.

That's the same principle as the 4G module.
Each port stands for a frequency channel, but I don't know the exact frequency channel it stands for.

 

[OldFriend]

Ah, understood, thanks for the feedback @MINIX - Martin

 

[kevp]

Hello,
I've try to install a Quetel module on my NGC-5, based on Windows 11 actually.
It seems that my PC can't find a network.
Where can I find the drivers for Windows with Quetel? Where did you download this driver for the EM06 module?

Thanks

 

[acermez]

Hello, sorry to revive this old thread but I hope this would help anyone in the future to avoid the Fibocom L850-GL module, I bought it for my MINIX NGC-5 i5 8th generation, it was detected correctly under Windows and Ubuntu but the modem wasn't able to see the SIM card (I tried multiple SIM cards, always stuck at Insert SIM card)... I even tried to cover the PCIe pins with electrical tape to force the modem to go in USB mode just like the default mode for HUAWEI ME906s-158. I wish I found this page before buying the Fibocom which is CAT9 and tempting to any IT guy for the extra speed and features... I checked datasheets for both the Fibocom and the HUAWEI ME906s-158 to compare and figure out the difference... If anyone knows what I was missing please let me know, I did check the BIOS (with advanced mode on, couldn't find any option for the M.2 KEY B... I'm open to modifying the hardware if I have too (running a jump wire etc...) Thanks!