CF-30 WAN antenna

Hi all,
yesterday I took my CF-30 to the field for the first time, hoping to enjoy a nice internet connection with the 5520 card... and it turned out that there was no signal! I was really disappointed, because the mobile phone was able to get a weak signal (1-2 over 5, with internet barely working), but at least it was working! With the computer, no way. No signal at any time. (the SIM card was for the same provider, of course) (and this morning, after restoring the computer from the hibernation, a strange thing happened: the SIM was working, because I was requested for the PIN, the card was working, because I was able to scan manually for the different provider, but I wasn't able to get connected to any network. After a reboot and some thinking, it connected fine. But maybe it is another problem, I noticed that the software of the 5520 does funny things after stand-by...)
So I'm a bit puzzled... how is it possible that a real antenna like the one on the CF30 gets less signal than a cheap, almost-unknown brand, phone? The first thing I would like to rule out is that I made some mistake when I mounted the new card. What should I check? Second step: the antenna. The laptop was bought refurbished, until now everything has been working perfectly but, if I have understood correctly the serial number (CF30FQSAXAO-BW), this CF30 didn't have the WAN by default, so it is possible that some connection has been made wrong by the seller. How could I check that part? Third step: if everything is mounted correctly... what could I do? Another card? Another antenna? ...? In the city I get a good signal, so it should not be a obvious error...
Thanks for any suggestion!

 

Your Toughbook originally came with an Intel ABG card and was "Wireless Ready"... Meaning that it didn't come with the WWAN modem and someone added it later.

You need to make sure you have all updated drivers and correct equipment.

 

As I said, the WAN connection works when I'm at home, in the middle of the city. So I don't really think it is a problem of driver...
The problem is when the signal is weak, and I don't get anything with the laptop even when my ugly smartphone is able to get something...

 

You can open it up and check connections...

 

...yes, I thought something like that. Just unscrew everything and pray to not broke something, right?

 

here's a stupid question. Does it have the WWAN antenna? The WWAN antenna is the pull out one on the lid.

 

Remove the ram access cover and the ram, open all the doors and port covers then remove the 19 screws from the bottom. You might have to push the bottom case free through the battery and hdd compartment, using your fingers. Just go slow and watch what you are doing and you should be okay. Good luck.

 

Yes it does the antenna is there...

 

WHAT? Do I have to remove the bottom? I thought I had to remove the top, where the antenna comes out... maybe it is easier to start from there, isn't it? Maybe I could open that and check with a multimeter if there is connection between the antenna and the card connector. Or, even better: I may do the same with the external connector on the back... that may be a start, don't you think?

 

:laugh::laugh: really it's not that hard. It's a piece of cake...just take your time, 10 minute job.

 

Uuuuhhhh.... ok... but I'm scared

 

Don't forget to reshape and refit the heatsink pads - and try to keep them clean

 

Heatsink? Come on...! Is there any guide/diagram/something? I just wanted to check a cable, not disassemble the entire damn laptop

 

If I showed you that then you are really going to freak..,kidding. Will post it in a few

 

Removing the bottom is not even close to disassembling the laptop. There is an antenna pcb that needs to be checked for proper hookup. The antenna wires do not run from the antenna direct to the card.

If I, and thousands of others, can remove the bottom and reinstall it with no problems, so can you. Have a little faith. Put all screws in a container, so you don't 'misplace' any, and take your time.

 

Here you go. It is very easy to pull this a part..really it is.

 

Hm, ok, it doesn't look so bad
Tomorrow I will try, thanks a lot!

 

It's a good idea to take lots of pictures, make sketches & notes. Pushing each screw through a piece of card in the exact pattern as in the laptop base - or anything complex you're ever working on - is worth the trouble. Screws are of different sizes & types. Plastic bags in a range of sizes and with white panels for writing on are good when you need to leave things dismantled.

The idea is to be able to put it back together in the correct order and with nothing left over even if you've left it in bits for 6 months or 6 years - waiting for parts, whatever.

On my bench I tried to keep to a system. The first assembly removed went on the furthest left-hand corner of the bench from me - and then parts were laid out in order of dismantling along the back edge, then the next row left to right again. Reverse the order for reassembly and you don't miss a thing. If I had to leave reassembly waiting for parts everything was bagged up and numbered in that order. Screws for each assembly are kept in a smaller bag inside the assembly's bag, not all in one bag marked "laptop screws."

Don't forget to remove battery and AC before you start. Holding the power switch on for 30 seconds after that to discharge capacitors is recommended. ESD precautions should be observed once you're inside the casing but I'd guess many people don't always strap up like they should.

 

Good suggestions unclemack, thanks!

 

Ok, I did it. I can see the wires going from the WAN module to the top of the DVD bay, from there to the connectors on the back but I cannot see anything going to the screen antenna.
I put here some images, what should I do now?

 

...I found an interesting thing here. I loose the "M" wire from the WAN module, while the "A" cable is connected to the center of the small board outside the module, where the two cables goes out for the antennas. Is it possible that the main and aux connections are mixed (and there is no aux cable)?

View attachment 108194

 

Well, I think my theory is right...
I have switched the cables, reassembled and turned the laptop on.
It turned on (reassuring ) and the WAN was working (even more reassuring ) and now I see difference on the signal strength if the antenna is up or down!

 

That is something I have never used but it sounds like you might have it figured out.

 

I really think that I was right. Now I've got HSDPA, which was never available from here, and if I put down the antenna the speed drops instantaneously.
Maybe the mistake was mine when I changed the WAN module, but I'm pretty sure that I have placed the two cables exactly where they were. Maybe the guy who has assembled the laptop made the mistake in the first place...
I will have the confirmation of the fix during my next night out with the telescope. I will let you know. Thanks to everybody in the meantime!

 

I don't know about everyone else... But I love it when a new guys fixes his own stuff!

Excellent!

 

Thanks! It's very nice of you, especially if I imagine your avatar saying that
I'm also very happy when I can fix my own stuff... I won many battles against entropy in the last two weeks

 

I'm fighting the battle of getting older myself... Dang back is out now from loading up 70 pounds of Toughbooks to ship to Springfield!