CF-28 Hidden PCMCIA Slot Question

Hey guys I recently got a toughbook CF-28 with a Cisco systems 350 wireles lan adapter, am I to understand that this is located in the hidden pcmcia slot correct? How does this card compare to using a mini pci card with an ext antenna?

I also have an unkown device coming up in the device manager:
device instance id: ACPI\MAT0012\2&DABA3FF&0
any ideas what it is?

I have to throw out a thanks to all you guys in regards to the info I have found it most helpful with getting this 28 up and running.

 

Answer=Hotkey driver missing

Download it here for your mk-1 xp o/s
http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Drivers/cf37_mk2_w2k_hotkey.exe

It will unextract to c:\util\drivers\hotkey

In device manager click on the unknown device
Tell it to update driver
Say don’t search and point it to the above folder ,in the folder I think the file is called HOTKEY.SYS and then install your hotkey driver

Alex


The cisco card has not bad power, old card and lack of support for the newest driver updates could be a reason to change to a mini pci

Alex

 

Well, yeah - that, and it's 802.11B, not G. Even though it's still faster than most people's internet connection, it doesn't support WPA security - I for one would not willingly revert my network to WEP just so I could use an antique WiFi card. Besides; that hidden PCMCIA slot is the PERFECT spot for the internal USB2.0 card we like to use.

mnem
On the other tail...

 

mnementh, you have my attention. I did a little digging and came up dry on the usb 2.0card you are talking about.... what exactly is involved?

 

Why a USB 2.0 in the internal space? How do you get to it?

Why not stick a bluetooth there?

 

We use a low-profile USB 2.0 adapter like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/AKE-PCMCIA-2-Po...ptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

in that slot to get USB 2.0 on a machine that only has USB 1.1.:wink: From there, you can plug in a micro Bluetooth adapter like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Micro-USB-V2-0-...3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:1|39:1|240:1318

and still have your USB on the back free, and/or you can do as I did - solder wires to the ports directly and run them out to the back USB port (This requires total disassembly of your ToughBook and cutting/grinding on your MB to isolate the USB port from its original circuits - definitely an Expert Level hack:GEEK: ) so THAT port becomes USB 2.0 and then extend the other USB to an internal hub for Bluetooth , cheapo GPS , usb goodies in the LCD Housing - the possibilities are pretty much endless.:yes:

One thing to be mindful of is that these AKE cards ARE CHEAP . If you buy 5, expect to have 1 or 2 with a bad port or crash your machine , then have to wrangle replacements from your supplier.:tongue:

mnem
USB or == USB? THAT is the question...

 

That's actually what I thought was the only possibility without cutting into the case...

Splitting the case is no problem for me at all, already done it to get a look at that hidden card, in fact I was snooping around the internet and found this.....
http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-panel-mount-type-a-cable.html
Then pop it right out next to the RJ-11 jack and there you go.....
No way to weatherproof it though unless you used silicone or something o_0
so I think the 1.1 to 2.0 mod would be easier.

I like the idea of using the other hub for bluetooth, 2 birds with one stone.....

those AKE cards do look pretty sketch though....

 

My plan is bluetooth in hidden, third pcmcia slot,
GPS with a daughterboard,
802.11 through the mini-pci with flag antennas in the plastic side-tabs,
and USB 2.0 (X2) and 5 in 1 card reader in the two accessible pcmcia slots.

Seems reasonable to me.

 

Its up to the modder what they want to do. On cf-28 there are a lot of option you can do. As one of our member here quote "This rig can expand morethan a desktop pc" which is true. The only setback of this unit is its speed but if you are not a gamer its fine.



ohlip

 

Thats a great idea mnementh! It seems to be the best way for many as I know we aren't all comfortable with the elite hacks... Thanks for that link! ^.^

 

Man you guys are crazy! Awesome hacks I would have never thought of. Maybe I'll give that a shot with some old parts machines we have laying around.

 

EJ... you see this photo. this is one of my hacked on cf-28 internal PCMCIA wiring up a led up to the switch lever. Its awesome right?



ohlip

 

Teo, Has probably started on the knife Mod
What is the Knife Mod you ask

You take a fillet knife and mod a led light in it so you can see your work and to do a better job at cutting fish at the fish plant lol

Alex

 

He he I like that. It's even blue (goes with 'tooth' - lol!). My system still 'bites' me now and then (got no idea how that's happening - could just be static discharge *into* the metal casing since I have a carpetted floor in my room), but I would like to get that blank cover out of the power switch and do something interesting with it.

I thought about ways to get different USB config on my CF28 and even tried two USB 2.0 cards in the two accessible PCMCIA slots but of course they are too close together and a USB plug on one port fouls the matching USB port on the card above (or below). SO I'm sticking to just one USB 2.0 card there (use it with my Sun USB mouse when I'm at home), and I use the rear USB slot exclusively for my Huawei e169 3g wireless modem (on a USB extension cable) when I'm travelling.

The hidden slot is going to get a billionton bluetooth card soon, and as for the second accessible slot, not sure what to do with that yet. Still angling for internal GPS using EM408 and antenna in factory bump, so no need to go GPS using PCMCIA-based porting.

Craig.

 

Man! that was two years ago and the unit has been long gone for good. I just keep my photo around for reference and collection. I've posted this also on internal bluetooth thread almost two years ago but forgot where is it now.


teo

 

ohlip,
does your machine call you "dave"?
and do you call it "hal"?
What hapens when you ask hal to open the pod bay doors?





What are you doing, Dave?

 

No. It's his "brother Daryl", and his 18 is his "other brother darrell"

 

ohlip[/QUOTE]

"I can't do that Dave."

Lol creepy!

 

Anybody has an orange or green to complete. Come on guys! show what you've got.
tuck...I am pretty sure you are a long time lurker here and then decided to be a member. Its good for you and its your time to give an advice/guidance for others who need our help. Rep for you.


ohlip

 

Gotta say it....

"Open the pod bay doors Hal"

"I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that..."



Craig.

BTW, where this could be really cool is with the little bank of LED's that some CF28's have on the left hand side next to the carry handle. In my cf18 that's where the wifi LED's are and i guess the CF28's with those LED's use them for wifi or for the RIM cellular modems. Gotta track that down and make up a neato mod..

Craig.

 

For those who can't find the right search terms on ebay for a short USB cardbus or pcmcia card, try "USB hide." Hackaday.com had an article on making a DIY version that I tried, with limited success. I'll be ordering one of the ebay cards shortly.

I've often wondered how much I miss just by using improper search phraseology.