CF-29 Illuminated Keyboard Question

I'm having a problem getting the rubber type illuminated keyboard working one my 1.2Ghz CF-29. Its Fujitsu made with 3 cables and brand new. I connected all 3 cables like they should (2 left, 1 right) but there is still no backlit. It works just like an ordinary keyboard. Pressing F12 or Fn+F12 does not help.
Any help would be appreciated.

Here is a picture of keyboard I have:
http://cgi.ebay.ie/ToughBook-Englis...hZ005QQcategoryZ31568QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

IIRC, the cable that goes to the right needs to flip upside down so that the metal contacts are facing up. That could be the problem.

 

All the keys work fine? Just no light? I'm sure you've already removed and reseated the ribbons a few times? (Being *very* careful with those flimsy connectors)?

The one with the brown lock, are you sure the ribbon is on top of the lock and not under it? (Whatever you do, do not break any of them)

If nobody here has any other advice (I dont have a CF-29) I would contact the seller, and ask advice from him. Its not impossible that it could be a defective board.

 

This applies with the CF-28, so it may apply to the 29...

If you have a keyboard with 3 connectors, it needs a special power board to work. On the 28's, it sits under the panel that you can unscrew on the bottom.

Without that, you won't get any backlight on those keyboards.

 

Modly,
That circuit that you mention, is that the picture that gravitar has on the yahoo (or is it google) forum picture album? little diamond shaped deal?

If it is I want one , mine isn't there, anyone have an extra?

 

The inverter is a small triangular board...mounts under the thin sheetmetal plate on the bottom of the CF-28. I retro-fitted mine with the Emissive chicklet keyboard.
It also has 2 extra leads which go from the motherboard to the inverter, 1 on top and 1 on bottom.

 

Oh ya, also, there's a light sensor which mounts under the hinge cover...under that little hole on the left side.

 

tb4me; Sorry, the only one I have is in my only book with the emissive chicklet keyboard, and the rubber ones just kill my hands while typing so it might not get replaced soon...

 

Thanks Glen,
That's what I am hoping to do as well, because like modly ( or at least similar to modly ) Arthritis in the hands doesn't like it when I have to pound on the keyboard to type. I saw a seller on e-bay with 10 emissive keyboards listed and I'd like to buy one or two, even if the backlight won't work to start with at least it would be more comfortable to use until I can find a module for it.

 

Thank you all. Problem solved.
Voltage ribbon cable on the right side needs to flip upside down so that the metal contacts are facing up. Just like ZeroFlight said.
I actually figured it out myself, but still its great to have a right solution just second after my post. Great forum!

 

I was told that the CF-29s already have everything already installed for an illuminated KB. You just need the correct keyboard. I installed one on a customer's CF-29 and it worked flawlessly.

If you can wait a week I'll be able to tell you. I just bought a CF-29 from eBay for $850. (Get'em while they are hot! I think they have 3 left!) It comes with a standard keyboard. I have like 3 different types of illuminated keyboards so I'm sure at least one will work. I'll let you know.

I'm thinking either you forgot to flip the connector on the right upside-down so the metal contact show... Or you have a bad keyboard.

 

Good info to know. I've never gotten my paws on one yet, so I'm out of the 29 loop.

 

You're right. The 29's don't need anything like the backlight controller pcb and don't have a sensor at all. It's strictly plug-n-play on those.

 

Hee hee hee... I just bought a CF-29 tonight... I can hardly wait...

 

I know the feeling. I'm getting a new MacPro 8-Core 2.8GHz tower, and it should be shipping out in a week... You better believe I'm excited.

The insurance adjuster went all out with my replacement computer from the power surge a couple weeks ago.

A CF-29 would be cool to have too though!