CF-19 "P" model Wifi card?

Hi All,

This is my first post. First, thank you all. I've been hanging around just reading for a few years, and your knowledge is amazing.

I acquired a MK3 CF-19, Model # CF-19PJRFXAM. I am aware this is a federal laptop, and did not come with a wifi card. So I have three questions.

1. What model is appropriate to buy (Internal)? What I've picked up with my google-fu is 5100 or 5300. Is that correct?

2. Will the BIOS need to be reflashed? I done dozens of BIOS flashes (I'm in IT), but never on a Toughbook. Is there anything special I need to know, and is there a special flash to go from federal to normal?

3. Is there anything different with the fed model, other than the lack of wifi? I also work on Motorola two-way radios, and I've seen some weird fed stuff..........

Thank you!

 

Welcome to the Panasonic Toughbook Forum

This is what your CF-19 had when it left the factory

Model Number : CF-19PJRFXAM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP : $4,579


Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 1.20GHz, 10.4" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, No WLAN, No Bluetooth, Dual Pass, TPM, GPS, Rubber Backlit Keyboard, Smartcard, No Absolute BIOS, No Drive, Toughbook Preferred

What I have found is you never know what to expect when it comes to the fed model . On most of them the antenna are there.

 

Thank you. I already pulled that info. That's how I initially found out about "No WLAN". What does " No Absolute BIOS" mean?

I'll have to open the thing up and check. If it does have a card, then I have to reflash the BIOS? If not, what card do I want to put in?

BTW, I already tried disabling the wireless switch.

Thanks!

 

Check this out... https://www.absolute.com/en/partners/oem/panasonic

 

I never had a MK3 but I would go with the 5100.

 

Internesting. Thank you.

Ok. Thanks. I'll pull it apart and check, and order a 5100 if there is not one installed.

 

Ok. Got the thing open. Both wlan antennas seem to be present. No card. Each antenna also has a peice of coax attached, that goes into the frame. However, I can't find where inside the case they are terminated.

Here are some photos. What am I looking at?

Thanks!

 

These are your antenna wires.

 

Please excuse my stupidity ;-)

I watched the below video. So what I want to do is to leave the black wire (left) on the docking thingy, attach the white one (right) to pin 1 on the wifi card, and then jump the right connector (where the white cable was) to pin 2 on the card?

EDIT: I just checked the service manual for a K model. I think ^^^^^^^ is what I'm supposed to do.

Or, is my config different from his, and I connect black and white both directly to the wifi card?

Thanx

 

Upper left is when the wwan card goes,the green board that has the writing. You put your wlan card lower right and connect the 2 wires i circled to it where the grey board is with the square cutout.

 

Right, thank you. I took photos on the upper left, in case the jumpers affected the wifi card as well.

So the wires go directly to the wifi card? Page 28 here indicates differently, that I leave one on the dock, and jump to the wifi card. It also calls it an "antenna PCB" which makes me think there is some sort of impedence matching or something. What am I missing? Is that only if you want to use the dock, and you can bypass it if you don't need the dock?

http://tim.id.au/laptops/panasonic/CF-19KDRAXCM.pdf

Thanks!

 

Just bypass if your not using the dock,I have 3 of the 19P models.

 

Panasonic calls the antennas in the screen antenna pcb..
Its just a pass thru device...nothing special...bypass it if you like. Just make sure you get the correct antennas connected.

 

Ok. Thanks. What card did you put in them? Intel 5100? Or something else, like a SR71?

Thanks. Just wanted to make sure it was not impedance matching or anything. I'll check the antennas to make sure I have the right coax.

 

The coax is color coded....Each antenna has printed on it what it is for WLAN is wifi..

I use a SR71 in everything I can...But a 5100 would work ok for normal people.
Last week I was driving through a small town about 35 mph and my CF30 with a SR71 connected to a wifi signal as I was moving....No special or external antenna..

 

Yep, I noticed. I've got to pull the antenna covers back off and check, as I was stupid enough to not check the colors when I had them off.....

Does the SR71 noticeable affect battery life? I've used them before, but in a customers facility where the laptops where kept docked. And the ability to "grab and go" is one of the main reasons I have a TB. As a two way radio tech, where even a 5-5-90, (much less 50-50 or 100) duty cycle can empty a 4000Mah battery quick (admittedly, with 5W, not 400mw), I can't help but think it will hurt the endurance.

Thanx guys, I think I've got this all figured out.

 

I'm sure the SR71 uses the battery somewhat faster. I have no idea by how much. I never checked.. I am a More Power kind of guy...

Tim the toolman Taylor