CF-29 Power Issues

I have a relatively new to me CF-29. The Model # is CF-29LAQNZBM. As mentioned in another thread, I messed up the cable and connector from the touchpad to the MB. After debating with myself for awhile, I decided to try a service place in Las Vegas through Ebay. Paid the $35 and sent it and another 29 off. They call in with an estimate of $300 to $400 for a new MB. I say no. Several days later they call back with an offer of about $200 for a refurb. I say no, too high. Several days later they give another offer of $98, which I could live with.

When I receive the "repaired" TB, the touchpad works and it runs on AC power, but after awhile, I realize the the battery light is not on. Turns out it will not run on battery or charge at all. So I send it back to them under "warranty". They come back with an estimate of $400 for a daughterboard for the battery charger. I say no, send it back, which they do.

Because the entire process took too long, I can't leave negative feedback, which was their intent all along, I think. Bottom line, stay away from "laptoprepairs99" on Ebay. End rant.

Now for the question. What can I do to fix this problem. I have had the case open to install and uninstall the GPS that didn't work. I have found a service manual. What should I look for and what can I do? It seems like it might just be disconnected somewhere, or is this a typical problem?

The laptop runs on AC and on my vehicle mount through the dock connector. Thanks for the help.

Tim

 

My opinion, for what it is worth.
It's time to roll up your sleeves and learn how to fix your own Toughbook.
There are quite a few on ebay right now for cheep, like this one

Panasonic Toughbook CF 29 1 60GHz 1GB RAM Incomplete Laptop | eBay

Get one for pieces and parts and build yourself a good running unit.
I have built many Toughbooks and if I can do it, you can too.
There are stickies above with tons of information to use.
Get yourself some duct tape. Staple some to a piece of cardboard sticky side up. Put the screws and
small parts on it in the order removed to keep track of how it all goes back together
Take it slow, have a nice clean large work area and take lots of pictures with a digital camera for help in putting things back together.
Keep us informed as to how it goes.

Bob

 

That is what I intend to do. I was just looking for guidance on where to look, and what to look for when I get inside. Haven't had a chance to dig into the manual yet.

 

The manuals are good, but there is more info in the stickies.
If you run into problems take pictures, and come back, show us and ask for help.
There is a wealth of knowledge to be shared in this forum and
most of the guys are happy to help if you are willing to put in the effort to learn.

Bob

 

OP... I think there are enough people around here to help you out with any parts you may need. Download a service manual for your model or post your email and myself or someone else will email it to you. These things are relatively easy to work on IF you have the right tools. I would start out with a good set of Wiha screwdrivers. HERE IS A SET like the one I bought. Then I just added a few more to this one.

You'll want to take the bottom plate off and inspect. Battery daughterboards are everywhere around here so just sing out with what you need.

 

Thanks, TB. I have more info. Today, I swapped out the battery with a good one from a 29H that has other problems (I will start another thread about that one later). The battery in it was dead. I had forgotton this, but this 29 will run on battery, and on the power adapter. It won't charge the battery, and will not indicate anything in the battery, even when it is running on batt with the power supply disconnected. So the charger is bad?

Also, I went through the entire service manual (CF-29XXXXXXM) and found no direct info on the charging daughterboard. If you could email the more correct manual, that would be helpful. august (at) julian-ca. (com).

Where is this daughterboard located? With these symtoms, is it likely bad, or a bad connections somewhere?

Thanks, again

 

Check "F2" Unfortunately you can only access on that fuse by dismantling the whole motherboard coz it is beneath beside "CN1" when you open up the bottom cover.

"CN1" is the connector between the HDD and the battery of CF-29 Toughbook.

ohlip

 

Well, I am finally getting around to digging in. I have removed the bottom cover, and all of the removable devices (battery, HD caddy, DVD) What do I need to be careful of in removal and replacement. This problem started when I dug in carefully and damaged the ribbon cable from the touchpad and the MB connector for it. Couldn't get it to stay closed on the ribbon. I have read that the heat dissapating items need to be replaced. Where do I get that, locally, if possible?

Should I remove the MB first to check the fuse, or just get a battery daughterboard and replace that?

Is there a wiring diagram available anywhere?

Thanks.

 

Update:

I managed to partially remove the MB. It is still sticking at the back corner by the power supply input. Lifting up the diagonally opposite corner, i was able to remove the battery board. The part number is DFUP1269XB. I have another CF-29H that I can use for parts, as the USB ports and the touch screen are bad. The part number for that battery board ends in XA. It appears to have additional contacts near the CN1 connector that are spring loaded. Are they for the media bay battery? Is the XA board interchangable for the XB and can I use it? Or should a get another board.

Thanks.

 

No response? Anyone? Please.

 

post some pics of the two boards....

 

It sounds like you are doing a partial disassembly. You need to get the mobo completely out. Yes, they can be sticky near the AC adapter... Look closely and get it out. Check continuity of all fuses found.

This is something that has to be done if you want to try to figure out what's wrong.

 

Thanks, Toughbook. I thought I might be able to avoid disassembly on the keyboard side. Not true. Once I disassembled that, it all came out. I hope I can get it all back together. I have looked over the MB and can't locate anything that looks like a fuse. An earlier post said F2 was near connector1, where the board connects to the battery/HDD board. I cannot locate any F components. Can someone help me locate the fuses? Photos perhaps?

As for the battery boards, they look nearly identical, except for the added contacts which look like they are for the media bay battery. I don't have one, and don't plan to get one, and the "bad" board doesn't have them anyway. Should it be a problem to have them when not needed? Sorry, I don't have any easy way to post photos.

 

There are quite a few photos showing the fuses on the boards already on the forum - try Azrial's search. The boards are marked ("F2" etc.) next to the components.
You need a decent magnifier and a systematic, thorough scan.
Have another look.

 

You are looking for small SMD, white fuses. About the size of two bug match heads. Use a headset magnifier or magnifying glass to locate the writing, F1, F2 ,etc. You will see them but you need the complete motherboard out of the laptop.

 

Update:

I have finally found fuses F2 through F6 on the MB. All test OK for continuity. F2 and F3 are actually on the top of the board (as viewed as it sits in the case looking in from the bottom of the laptop), at or near the corner with CN1, the battery connector. They were hidden under tape and the label. F4, 5, and 6 are on the bottom of the board at the back, near the notch cut into the edge of the board.

As I mentioned before, the "bad" battery board has a part number ending in XB, and my spare has the part number ending in XA. Are they interchangable for this purpose? I know the spare is good, as it charges the batteries not charged by the bad one.

Thanks

 

If it looks the same... I'd do the swap to try it out. It may be out of a different MK# with a different part number.

Just like some CF-29 caddys have different part numbers...

 

I am in the process of reassembly, and have a question. When I separated the PCMCIA unit from the MB, I didn't get the proper sequence of the items between them. There is a metal frame bracket and an insulation sheet that go in between the MB and PCMCIA, and surround the connector. If the connector on the MB is face up, does the frame go first, or the sheet. Also, is the flat side of the frame up or down around the connector. The service manual doesn't show them at all. I think that the frame was resting on the MB after I removed the sheet, but I am not sure.

 

Plastic sheet first and then the metal bracket face up I beleive and then again snap in the PCMCIA terminal male connector.

ohlip

 

Face up? Does that mean flat side up, or "tabs" up? In other words, does the flat side go toward the MB or the PCMCIA?

 

Yes! Its correct.

ohlip

 

That was an either/or question. Please clarify.

 

Well, I finally got it all back together last night. I tried both ways on the metal bracket and decided it fit best with the flat side to the PCMCIA. The replacement battery card works to charge the battery. I did have a problem with the touchpad not working, but I noticed that some of the contacts on the ribbon cable were bad from my earlier problems. I replaced that tonight with a spare I had on hand, and now everything seems to work well. Thanks to all for your help. It is most appreciated. I now know I can tear it down and replace parts and get it back together.

 

Next time take lots of pictures taking it apart.