Adding Aftermarket Internal GPS to the CF-73

Does anybody here done it? I have successfuly installed an aftermarket gps to my semi-rugged toughbook cf-73 using the CN(10) an allocated slot for expansion. The data streaming and installed a patch antena under the palm rest but for some reason I can't get any sattelite signal.

Any recommended antena to use and the best place to install it? I used the Gstar gps module from usb to serial connection.


ohlip

 

Test test test

You need to see if the palmrest cover is reducing the signal too much
The hinge cover might be a spot to try as well
I think anywhere on the lid is not possible

You have introduced extra variables by using a different gps module
The SiRFstar III has well known performance

Alex

 

Alex,

Whats up, man! been to busy now. it start to catch up again from my day job. Anyway, I've got a chance to work on my cf-73 last sunday and I found out that the problem is the antena. i insatlled a new Sarantel S active antena onto it and it works perfect. I need to modify an antena connector on the gps engine as originally it has none(no connector for external). The only remaining task on it is to pour a bit of rubber mixture on the antena base as it is not good lookin. BTW, Its a pain in the as...on tracing those usb line on the sd slot board on this machine. I needed a good magnifying glass to make it done. Here is the photo for reference:

ohlip

 

Good job Teo

I have a cf-73 and a cf-74 , both with wwan that I was going to do the same with

A couple of questions

Why the cf-27 handle?

Is there a wwan breakout that has usb that you could of used instead?

Or could you break into the touchscreen usb ( I think it uses usb) correct me if I am wrong and then used a usb hub?


Alex

 

Hi! The cf-27 handle has d ring for strap thats why I installed on it.

I need to installed the bump out WWAN case for an antena insatllation only becoz if there is none its gonna be dificult to install the sarantel antena as there is not enough thickness on the LCD lid to cover its antena base diameter. I tried different antena on the palm rest but to no avail.


ohlip

 

Ok! here is the final outcome of the cf-73. I need to blow/spray a bit of paint on the lid as it distress to badly. Only a thin layer of silver paint so it will not loose integrity. I spent to much manhour into this one that i never did to the other toughbook. Its really pain on the as... Maybe this is the first and the last as the spare part is hard to get specially the WWAN antena casing. Its very rare. I replaced the handle again from Cf-71. It is more rugged looking.

ohlip

 

The finished CF-73 looks great Teo

As for time spent on it , you need more practice
I was slow at things when I first started
Modding Toughbooks is harder the cutting up fish

Oops did I just say that
Seriously it is a lot of work to find and run data and power sources on a model not designed for the GPS module
You have the only built-in GPS cf-73 in the world, and you ended up with a great looking Toughbook


Alex

 

Yeah, looks really good! Panasonic should have a look on ur sample! Really nice!

 

What he said ^^^^^

Recently acquired a CF-73, now I have GPS envy. Time to take a cutting torch to the lid and ......

 

What type of rubber is this? Wouldn't it be too resilient (to movement)? What's the product number of silver paint for the blow job... urm... I mean paint job!!

 

Ron..Lol..Its a Aeromarine Urethane Elastomer. The one use for molding car pedal, bicycle pedal and more its really a hard rubber when its cured.

About the painting job. Its duracoat, i just applied a very thin layer just to make it presentable.


And thank you all guys for the feedback


teo