CF-30K Various questions

Hi everyone, :hi2:

I notice that at full screen bright, at the lower centre of the screen case, between the two hinges, it get hot. Is this normal??
At a setting of 50% screen bright, that spot stay at a normal temperature.

In the Bios the screen bright is set to normal.

Do we have a way to turn off, the heater for the hard drive??
Or could we remove that heater from the candy hard drive case??

My default OS is Vista on it, I try to upgrade it at Windows 7 Pro 32 bits. But it fail because the OS language was not the same as Vista, so I have to do a custom installation.

I have did it like Panasonic tell in there step by step info, I have remove the software that they ask on Vista before a upgrade and made a new install of Windows 7 Pro, after I have load each drivers for this OS like they ask.

Now I have two bugs,
The "Fn+F1" and "Fn+F2" bug, W7 reset the bright after fonction is used.
And a funny sound on the startup of W7, like if two sound files try to play at the same time.

Did someone have find a fix for those bugs, that do not request me to reinstall Vista and do a upgrade??
Maybe a regedit key to fix or add?

If I remove the laptop harddrive and use my desk computer (OS W7 Pro 64 bots) to zero and fromat it, like if it was a new one. And put it back in the laptop to do a new fresh install of W7 Pro 32 bits, will this work?

I have read nearly all the threads on W7, and for what I have read it look that the only way to fix those bugs, it to do a upgrade from Vista to W7. But the upgrade fail for me.

Those that use Linux as there OS, where they get all the drivers for the Toughbook??
A Toughbook CF-30 mk3 running a Linux OS, will it have all there things working??

What I got from the seller, is a recvery custom made CD. I have the original Vista key at the back of the laptop.
The seller did not give me a DVD of Vista.
I have buy a new version of Windows 7 Pro SP1 32 bits DVD for this laptop.

Thank's for your time,
CNNC

 

Install the correct W7 OS that you need. Go to Panasonic's website to download the drivers... Do NOT rely on someone's Driver CD... Most eBay sellers don't have a clue what is going on!

Your F1 & F2 issues are because you need to install the original Vista Video Driver. W7 will tell you that it is older.. Install it anyway! You may get a BSOD on the first attempt... Let it go and reinstall the 2nd time... It will install. Then install Hotkey Driver via Device Manager and Hotkey Appendix and Settings through their own self installers once you extract them.

Your sound issue sounds like you do not have the correct sound driver... or a sound driver at all.

Some of this may be because your OS is bolloxed up... You said it wasn't the correct one.

 

Hi Toughbook, :hi2:

I have change the video driver only and it have fix the Fn+F1; Fn+F2 bug. :thumbsup:
Here the driver file name that I use: video-7_15_10_1554-1930-33-vi-d081425d081742.exe
It is a Vista graphic driver.

Only have to fix the random sound bug now.

Toughbook CF-30KCP54AM
My Bios is from American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS = V3.00L16
Embedded Controller = V3.00L16

I could not find that bios version on Panasonic web site, how could I know if it have a update for it??

Thank's for your time to answer,
CNNC

 

I looked on the Panasonic Canada site and there is no BIOS update for the CF-30MK3.
PM sent.

 

Yup... No BIOS update for that model. I'm thinking buggy OS or intermittent speaker issue.

 

Hi everyone, :hi2:

I find something funny, after that I have install the Vista graphic driver. The Fn (+F1 and +F2) bug was fix, but when I use it on the battery and when it go to sleep the display, it make funny things. So I reinstall the Win7 graphic driver, and now the Fn (+F1 and +F2) bug is still fix.

My conclusion to fix that Fn (+F1 and +F2) bug:

1- Install Vista graphic driver (video-7_15_10_1554-1930-33-vi-d081425d081742.exe), from Panasonic.
2- Reinstall Win7 graphic driver (video_8.15.10.1872_1930_33_w732_d091455d081742.exe) from Panasonic.

This have fix the Fn (+F1 and +F2) bug for me, my Toughbook is a CF-30 mk3. And now it is running with all the Win7 drivers from Panasonic. It make me think that Vista driver have write some missing regedit key in Win7.

I have to give credit to member Toughbook for is idea to use Vista graphic driver. :thumbsup:

I am still trying to find some info on how I could trun off the harddrive heater, I realy not need that heater.

Oh! why do I have a sticker at the back of the laptop that tell "Canada 310", it stand for what??

Regards to everyone,
CNNC

 

Don't worry about the heater. It only comes on if the 30 is really cold. I have a SSD in my 30 so I just unplugged it.

 

Hi toughasnails,

I also want to put a SSD harddrive in it, what did you use?
On my desk computer I use a Intel 520 SSD 180 Go for the OS, and for my files they are on a Western Digital Black 1 To.

 

I has a few SSD's...Intel X25, 320, 330, 520, Samsung EVO, Kingston SSDNow, Kingston HyperX. I have had no problem with any of them, some new (newegg.com) and some used (eBay). I must have at least a dozen of them.

 

Hi everyone, :hi2:

Why do I have a GPS antenna plug sign at the back, If I open the door I see two USB plugs and two small round plugs. Are they for the GPS??

If I all ready have a GPS card in the laptop and it was using a outsde antenna that plug at the back, the Bios will dispaly me the GPS in which page??

Here images:





Oh! by the way did someone have find a good small backpack to carry the CF-30??

Thank you,
CNNC

 

When your 30 left the factory this is what it had...

Model Number : CF-30KCP54AM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP : $2,200

Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo SL9300 1.60GHz (Centrino2), vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/Lower:GPS), GPS, Gobi, No Drive, Emissive Backlit Keyboard

They are for a external antenna

 

Hi toughasnails, :hi2:

Thank's for the factory info, I do not find the GPS and the TPM1.2. Or I do not know how to active them.
When I install Win7 drivers I did not install the GPS driver, because I did not see it.
I know that they place the GPS card is under the keyboard, do you want that I remove the keyboard to see if it is there??
What is "Gobi" ??
I have a DVD read/write on it, and 4 Go ram, the harddrive have be change, it show 585,4 days running

Here images of what Win7 see:





Thank's for your time,
CNNC

UPDATE: I have remove the keyboard to see under it if I have the GPS card, and no the card is not there.
I will have to buy a GPS kit.

 

Are you SURE that you have no GPS? Look in the BIOS... On your model it isn't on the main menu but don one level on the 3rd tab I think. You don't see it there unless you have a program to use it and/or you turn it on in the BIOS... But then you haven't complained about a jumping mouse yet... So I don't think you have it in there.

You should talk to Teo (Ohlip) and get a GPS from him. He's a fellow Canadian.

Your GOBI (If you have one installed) is a cellular modem (WWAN). You would have to load the software for it and then pay to activate it.

It's funny for me to see your Device Manager.... In a different language.

EDIT: Here is what your build was from the factory... The price looks conspicuously low!

CF-30KCP54AM Status:
DISCONTINUED MSRP:
$2,200

Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo SL9300 1.60GHz (Centrino2), vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/Lower:GPS), GPS, Gobi, No Drive, Emissive Backlit Keyboard

 

Hi Toughbook, :hi2:

Thank's again for the graphic card tip, my Fn F1 and F2 bug is fix now and I am running all the W7 drivers. :thumbsup:

I have seach the Bios for the GPS and that Gobi, and did not see it.
Here my Bios:








Yes, I am sure, the card is missing, I am also sure that I am not blond.
I also take off the keyboard and unscrew the little panel to see if the GPS card was in there, but it was not in it.
The GPS card is missing from it. For the Gobi, I do not have the left corner antenna for 3G communication.
For my mouse all is OK, I only lose the mouse display when I use the touch pen. In Vista when I touch the screen with the pen, before I have a mouse image on the screen that give me the left and right mouse button option.

I think that my CF-30 come from a police car, it have some wear spot of a docking station, so if the city have buy many of them, they may got a reduced price. Panasonic have maybe remove some items by request of the city in them and did not update the the code info.

I have OpenCPN software that need the GPS, I will use it on a sailboat as my backup.

What is in the screen case between the two hinges, where it is write "Panasonic"??
It get hot there at full bright.

How could I find Teo (Ohlip)???

An option will be to use a USB GPS and custom fit it in the CF-30 case, here some link of what I have find:

NEW 20 channel USB GPS Receiver for PC laptop computer

GT 730FL USB GPS Data Logger Dongle 4 NB Laptop ☆65CH ☆surif IV ☆ND 100S Advance | eBay

GPS Receiver USB Adapter for Computers Netbook Laptop | eBay

Thank's for your time and answers,
CNNC

 

Teo will probably read this and get a hold of you! Yup... No GPS in the BIOS... I presume that someone removed the antenna from the LCD lid as well?

TechTough makes an awesome aftermarket GPS system. Easy to install. if you need/want the USB type that is up to you. Personally I like all my stuff INTERNAL!

Between the hinges is where your inverter is located.... That's the gizmo that runs your LCD lights... It will get hot but it shouldn't get too hot!

 

You DID find it ??? I do not see or did you mean " DID NOT SEE IT ??

 

Hi everyone, :hi2:

Toughbook,

Yep, me to I will like internall. I do not have any antenna on the left or right screen top covered.
I will take a look at TechTough, and wait for Teo to get at me. So the heat spot on the screen panel is not a Goblins that is cooking is eggs.

Only have a funny sound when it start to load the Bios, like if a Goblin is scratching is back two times.

Oh! on the sailboat I only have 12 V DC, I need a good battrey charger for the CF-30 that have a input for 12V DC.
and output of 15.6V 5A, do Panasonic made some for car?? It may do the job for me.

UPDATE: I search on Google for TechTough, get many software creator. Do you have a link for TechTough??

Thank's for all the info.

toughasnails,

Sorry for my grammar, it is not my native, I have fix it.
Sometime I am little, only little blond.

Thank's everyones,
CNNC

 

No problem at all. I just wanted to be sure...

 

This is what you want!

New GPS Kit Panasonic Toughbook CF 30 Laptop MS Streets Trips Works Ublox 6 | eBay

And he is in Canada!

I have been using these chargers... They work very well and come with the cig lighter adapter already!

IBM AC DC Adapter 72W Auto Car Airline Combo 73P4503 73P4485 73P4502 | eBay

 

CNNC,
In Bios, tab over to "Advanced">"Serial and Parallel Port Settings">
You will see Serial Port A & B, Parallel Port, and GPS (if you have it installed).
Since you are wanting to use OPNCPN program, and will be sailing, you might want to consider an external GPS antenna on your water craft. There are several here using external antenna with their Toughbooks and am sure they will respond soon. You might also look at a usb GPS, which many navigator/sailors use on the Navigatrix site. I believe the photos you posted are for an external connection for the gps antenna.
BTW, Torrent downloaded beautifully, thanks very much! Take care.

 

Hi everyone, :hi2:

toughasnails,
Ok, so you will not give me the spanking.

Toughbook,
Thank's for the links, the GPS one is it for Teo or TechTough?
Is the charger volt of 15,6V important for the battrey?

UNCNDL1,
Look up in this thread, where I post 4 images of my Bios, the last one is what you are telling me.(images name "Bios4.jpg") I see under Parallel Port, Mode.

The CF-30 will be use as my backup or if I have to go on land to get a Wifi signal.
It will not be the master computer of the sailboat, I have find some low watt, fully waterproof, marine computer.:thumbsup:
It will run from the battery of the sailboat, it a small box to be screw in the sailboat.

Thank you everyones for your time and answers,
CNNC

 

The link is for TechTough
If you need one of them chargers and the seller does not ship to Canada let me know. I bought a spare from him that I could sell to you for $13.50 ($5.00 + $8.50 shipping) plus what ever it would cost me to ship it to you. That is what it cost me...