Adding Aftermarket Internal GPS to the CF-M34(1.0ghz)

Hi! For those member who wants to install GPS on panasonic CF-M34(1.0ghz)MK7 only, using EM408 gps engine. I had a bet of success on it couple with sarantel S active antena. Here is the photo for your reference. This setup of gps is connected directly to CN(20) of m34 which is almost the same procedure to what I have accomplished on panasonic CF-29.

 

Is the antenna permanently installed; or is it easily removable?

 

Pap.... The antena was permanently installed and you can fold it down 180 degrees when not in use. I used the existing rim antena, I cut it leaving an inch to hold the sarantel antena. By applying a certain amount epoxy to hold it tight together and then drill a hole on a rim mount antena to passthrough the RG178 coax. and soldered it to sarantel antena. Apply again an epoxy to sealed it let it dry up. I am waiting for my purchased shrink tubing about an 1" diameter to cover it and to be more like factory installed. After that I am gonna install a stopper or maybe a holder for antena to make it safe when not in use or on travelling.


ohlip

 

Thanks, O, very nice job.

 

I can offer $450 for those with m34(1.0ghz) a 20 channel gps engine EM408. pm me. I am serious about that. Just kidding.




ohlip

 

Anybody here interested on putting an em408 gps engine on CF-m34(mK7)? Let me know.

teo

 

Hello,
I am sailor, and after many years of using ordinary laptops I am going to buy CF-M34 for navigational purposes. I am intend to install EM408 GPS in it. Could you please send me just several photos and quick instructions?
Thanks in advance.
Rob

 

oh if possible i'm interesting how to put em408 in cf-m34 mk3 Tank's alot
Mario

 

I have connected the em408 to cn20 connector but no power source find in this...anyone have a little guide how to connect this?? photo or instructions??. I've measure tension on every pins of cn 20 but zero result..mmmmhhh sound strange. At this moment i don't have a schematic of my m34np...i don't know what to do.....Thank's in advance Mario

 

Mario... Post your email address and I will send you a schematic and service manual. However... A quick glance shows me that CN20 on the MK3 is NOT the place to go... As a matter of fact... I'm having a hard time seeing any GPS connections (other than for a USB GPS) for your model. I think the MK5s and up had an available GPS as an option. If it had it as a factory option... then it a A LOT easier to hook up. But I do not think CN20 is the correct connector for your MK# with the EM408. I may be wrong... And I am sure that if I am... Someone will correct me...

I think Teo is just about the only one who has done the GPS in the CF-M34 on this forum.

 

Rob... I recommend buying a CF-m34 with 1.0ghz(MK7). It has all the feature of portable laptop like wi-fi, rj11,rj45, usb, serial pcmcia slot others has no wi-fi.

And here how can I help you to mod the unit. Provide an EM408 gps module. An active antena with at least 14" long coax. cable and an MMCX male connector at the other end of it If you prepare to install it on the top of LCD.

Here is the pin out On CN(20)

CN(20)----------------------- EM408
pin15(Tx)--------------------Pin3(Rx)
pin17(Rx)--------------------pin4(Tx)
pin18(on/off)-----------------pin1(enable/disable)
pin20(Vm)--------------------pin5(Vcc)
pin22(Grnd)-------------------pin2(grnd)

And then the DIP switches must be, On,On,On,On, Off-----gps
in oder show up on the bios and make it enable or auto.


Let me know if you have some more Q?

ohlip

The first photo is at the time in progress and the second one is the final stage of modification.

 

Ohh thank's my mail is [email protected] tank's a lot Mario

 

Hi! this modification is applicable only on Mark 7. I don't know if it works on other CF-m34 mark as I never had an schematic of MARK 1-Mark6. I repeat this is applicable only on MARK7. Thank you.


ohlip

 

Thank's Ohlip Toughbook send me a schematic diagram and after search a solution for em 408...
Mario

 

That's what I thought... It will not work the same way on other units prior to MK6? I think... I checked into so many schematics... I forgot... But CN20 on an MK3 will fry your GPS or your laptop as they have no GPS hookups on CN20... I can guarantee you that. I will email you both sets of schematics in a zip file for you to compare... You'll see what I mean.

Teo knows his stuff on GPS!

 

Mario... I just emailed them both out... MK3 & MK7 schematics...

 

Thank's to all i think better solution for my m34 is to sell it and buy a cf 29 or 18 or cf 34 Mk7......mmmhhmhmh
By for now Mario

 

We'l see you soon... I'm sure!

 

does anybody know if anyone manufactures a ffc to cable adapter for hooking things up to the onboard connectors ?

 

I do...
You can buy ribbon cables from Farnell and make your own. If you are fairly adept at soldering...