CF-19 GPS/UMTS Help

I installed the Sierra MC8781 card in my toughbook CF-19 mk4 laptop and flipped on dip switches 1 and 4.

The Bios now shows WWAN (which I enabled), but when I installed Sierra 3G watcher, and click to find gps position, it seems to just search and search and never find anything. And, when I inserted my SIM into the laptop, it doesn't recognize the SIM. YES, my MC8781 is UNLOCKED.

Any ideas? Is it a problem with the dip switches? Both antennas are attached to the card properly too. (just moved them directly to the card, holding the same position as when attached to the laptop board).


TIA!

 

UPDATE: The 3G SIM works now, however, the GPS does't seem work that well. I ran a log and the GPS seems to be transmitting some data, but I don't get any connections/lock-ons to satallites.

Is there supposed to be a specific GPS-enable in the BIOS?

Also, this is a CF-19 mk2, not mk4...my mistake.

Thanks!

 

There is usually a spot in the BIOS to enable the GPS... However... If you see data streaming, you should be set. You just need to go outside somewhere with a good opening to the sky and let it try to lock on for 10-15 minutes.... If it even needs that long.

If it still doesn't connect... Try opening the bottom to make sure that the antenna connection is on correctly.

Also... You should be on COM3 (Though it may be a different COM port for your model) but you will definitely need to be set at 4800 Baud!

 

I am wondering if he have a GPS module installed , or just using the wwan card's GPS function?

 

U have to use an different antenna. The original toughbook wwan-antenna will not work good enough for GPS-frequencies. Have a look into the threads here.

 

if only the MK4 would pop WWAN up in bios by plugging in a module.

 

MK4, as in CF-19 MK4? Maybe it will appear or maybe not. There have been some changes in the BIOS of some of the newer Toughbooks that require a special program to enable some features.

There should be, at least there are on the older CF-19's, 4 dip switches near the WWAN card. There is also a chart showing the correct position of the switches. Gobi is UNDP1. Other choices are HSDPA and EV-DO and None.

Glen

 

Category: BIOS and EC
Title: BIOS V4.00L11 (Aug‚ 2010)
Model: CF-19R/S(Mk4) CF-19[R/S]xxxxxx
Operating System:
Language:
Release Date: Aug 30, 2010 Index No: 050523
File Name (Size): bios_19_4_r100196.exe (4.0 mb)
[Download Time] [Download Time 512k: 1.2 min]
CF-19BIOSUpdateProcedure.pdf(15.7 kb)
[Download Time 512k: 0.3 sec]

File Description: This utility updates the BIOS of Toughbook CF-19 series to V4.00L11.

The Reason of revision: To fix the issue that the GPS/Serial communication may fail.

Category: FAQ
Title: [GPS ‚ COM ports] GPS/Serial port device does not work properly.
Model: CF-19R/S(Mk4)
Operating System: Windows 7‚ Windows XP‚ Windows XP Tablet PC
Language:
Release Date: Aug 23, 2010 Index No: 050274
Question [GPS ‚ COM ports]
GPS/Serial port device does not work properly.
Answer Disable PCI CLKRUN function by excuting the tool below;

CLK Disable Utility V1.00L10 M00
mei-CLDis-1.00l10m00_w7xp_nonlog_E_d20101215.zip

This tool is also effective for CF-31A/B/C/E (Mk1 Perf./Std.)‚ CF-31G (Mk1 Value)

Finally:

Category: Application and Utility
Title: GPS Registry Patch
Model: CF-19R/S/T/V(mk4) Windows 7 Professional 32bit CF-19[R/S]xxxx[D/1]x
Operating System: Windows 7 32bit
Language: English (North America)
Release Date: Jul 30, 2010 Index No: 050135
File Name (Size): GPSRegistryPatch_v2.00l12_19R_19S_19T_19V_W732_ss8182.exe (253.2 kb)
[Download Time] [Download Time 512k: 4.4 sec]
Installation_Instructions_19R_S_Win7_H-2010-0125.pdf (129.4 kb)
[Download Time 512k: 2.2 sec]

Version: V2.00L12M00
Microsoft Signed: No

 

OK; back to Square One.

Post the complete Model Number; such as: CF-19xxxxxxx

 

I have found information that indicates that in order to utilize the GPS function you must upgrade the card's firmware and utilize the latest Sierra Watcher for Windows:

1 、Download Newest Driver and Firmware AirCard® 881U

[TC1988: See above for links]

2、Install driver, Make sure not plug card before install driver

3、Plug MC8781, Reboot

4、Open watch, Whether it is GPS function option in Watch, Please see the below picture



Please attention red line, If there have not “** GPS” (I’m sorry my watch is Chinese,
I don’t know this function name in English version), You must update firmware

Above from MC8781 GPS Voice function

 

i have the same laptop and i have a big problem with gps, it not recongnise it and it not have 4 swits near to the gps module, i have the cf-19RHREX2M MK4
can you help me plz? i wanter if i must put the swits my self because it have the holes down.

 

Here is manual you need.
I have MC8780 and it works (including GPS) with WWAN antenna of CF-19 very well. DIP switches on HSDPA side.
Good luck!