CF-29 WWAN power problem

Newbie with a question I hope someone can help with. I removed the Sierra Wireless CDMA modem and replaced it with a Novatel HSDPA modem so I can use my SIM card on my local network. My problem is with the power switch on the front left of my TB. I can't turn the power on. I have tricked the computer by inserting the old CDMA sled and turning the power on then hotswapping in the HSDPA sled. Computer recognizes the modem and it works fine. GPS works as well. When I turn the computer off I can't turn the modem back on via the front switch. Is this a BIOS issue or am I missing something?

 

Try a full reset
Unplug the ac adapter
Remove battery
Hold down power switch for a few seconds
Replace battery , and ac adapter
Hit F2 while booting
Last tab, reset to defailts
Then you should have control back on the front panel wwan switch

 

Thanks for the quick response but still nothing. My model did not show up in my signature block. Its a CF-29HWLGSBM. Serial #5CKSA02730.

 

CF-29HWLGSBM DESCRIPTION:
Intel Pentium M 738-1.4GHz LV (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Touchscreen, 256MB RAM, 60GB HDD, Floppy Disk Drive, Intel 802.11a+b+g WLAN, Win XP Pro SP2, Verizon CDMA WWAN, GPS, Rubber Backlit Keyboard

 

Thanks for the description TopCop. I have upgraded the ram, HDD, and optical drive. Everything works well and I'm using windows 7 pro with no issues other than the wwan switch not working when I changed modems. I've tried everything I know to no avail. When I trick it into turning on, windows has no problems finding the modem and gps and both work fine. Just the #$%^ switch problem.

 

Whats the history on the Novatel HSDPA modem
Do you have the part #
Do you know if it came out of a MK-5 ,as I think these are different

 

I just spoke to the fellow I bought the sled from and he originally told me it came from a CF-29 but now he said it came from a CF-30. I think this is my problem. Anyone have a solution?

 

Yes
Thats what I was thinking
I believe the CF-29 Mk-5 and CF-30 have extra internal connections
I was never sure on compatability, and I don't even think we have a decisive answer on any thread
Here is a thread that I found
http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/268431-cf-29-hspda-module.html

 

Look for bios update if theres any.


ohlip

 

Hey, I should of thought of that smart guy
There is an update on the US site

BIOS Upgrade for EDGE/EVDO Support
BIOS Upgrade for a CF-29H/J/K for an integrated EDGE/EVDO module running Windows XP SP2
29m3bl13.zip [zip, 3mb]


ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/toughbook/downloads/BIOS/CF-29/29m3bl13.zip

And on the Main Site here
http://pc-dl.panasonic.co.jp/dl/doc...103&p2=1030036&score=1.0&sri=263981&trn_org=2

 

Already did the BIOS update. Still nothing. I can turn it off using the switch when I have it powered up but still can not turn it on after its powered down.

 

It means that the power on the sled is sync...to the unit. Try to change it on the bios. There is an option in there.


ohlip

 

I thought of that too. With the old cdma sled I had the option of sync or independent. With the new sled the BIOS only gives me the option of enable or disable. Maybe I shouldn't be such a tightwad and just spring for a CF-30!

 

You may also look on the dip switches. It might not be on the right option.


ohlip

 

There are no dip switches on this sled. The old CDMA sled had them with #2&3 on, 1&4 off.

 

Umm...Can you post a picture of the two sled. So that i can see the dif..between the two.


ohlip

 

New to this forum so unsure how to attach photos. What's the quickest way and what size works the best here?

 

Here are the photos of the two modems.

 

That HSDPA modem with GPS did not come from a CF-30. Most likely from a CF-29 Mk5. It is very similar to the HSDPA modem w/o GPS that came in my CF-29 Mk5.

You are trying to get this to work with Windows 7. Have you tried with Windows XP?

Also, are you using the Panasonic file for the HSDPA modem?

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/toughbook/downloads/WWAN/Software/Mobilink2.2.30.zip

Since you are in Canada, that may not work. It is for the Novatel EU730 modem which is locked to AT&T. Do you know what modem is installed in the sled?

Glen

 

The modem works fine with windows 7 and my carrier when its powered up. The problem is with the power wwan power switch on the front of my CF-29. It won't allow the modem to power up. It will power it off if I "trick" it into powering up by using my old CDMA modem sled and then hotswapping the new sled into it. If I do a restart the modem will stay on but when I power down the computer or turn the modem off via the switch, it will not come back on.

 

I guess this sled and modem combination will only work 100% with a Mk5 CF-29 or a MK1 CF-30. Ebay here I come.

 

So if I understand correctly, A wwan HSDPA cf29 MK5 sled will work in older MKs if we figure a way to mod the on off circuit?

 

I'm pretty sure that combo with the GPS on the sled will not work in a CF-30. Maybe the modem will work. The GPS will not. CF-30's use a completely different setup for the GPS.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Glen