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    CF-31 Addons - FP reader and SmartCard

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by tomcatsniper, Apr 30, 2020.

  1. tomcatsniper

    tomcatsniper Notebook Geek

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    Hello,

    I am looking to make some upgrades to a CF-31 Mk5 but I want to have some details not to buy something that doesn't fit.

    The smartcard and the fingerprint reader seems to be the same for all CF-31 models but I read that smartcard cable is different between models and only the unit is the same. As for FP reader the module can be used between all models but the Mk5 was delivered with a different one. Can someone shed more light regarding those 2 accessories?
    Is it possible to have a installation manual for smartcard reader and FP reader for a Mk5? I am interested to see where are the connectors for the cables and hot to route the cables.

    Best regards!

    EDIT: Can someone confirm how the smartcard reader is detected in Linux? Do I need some special drivers or it works by default? I saw it is a SCM one but I don't know which exact model number.
     
    tomcatsniper, Apr 30, 2020
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  2. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    I never had a mk5 so I can not give any specifics to that mk.

    Adding a smartcard reader to any CF-31 requires a complete teardown. Not an easy task at all.

    Fingerprint reader is not quite as involved, but it will take time.
    I might have an "old style" FPR setup for a CF-31. Fit and works in a mk3.
     
    Shawn, May 1, 2020
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  3. steve.steve

    steve.steve Company Representative

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    The cf31 mk5 has AT LEAST a different cable for the fingerprint reader. I have never paid any attention to the smart card reader on the mk5 but know we have quite a few if they are different on the mk5.
     
    steve.steve, May 1, 2020
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  4. tomcatsniper

    tomcatsniper Notebook Geek

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    Do you know where is the connector on the motherboard for the smartcard reader? I see a few unpopulated connectors there so I don't know which one it is. I found a few smartcard readers but none are delivered with cable. Also do you know the part number for the smartcard reader? It will be easier to find the one matching the Mk5 if I know the part number.

    Also can you confirm if the smartcard reader is mounted under the SD card reader, near the PCMCIA slot?

    Thanks!
     
    tomcatsniper, May 6, 2020
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  5. tomcatsniper

    tomcatsniper Notebook Geek

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    You have the smartcard readers in the CF-31 non Mk5? Can you post some pictures with how it looks inside and how it is connected? I also saw some sellers don't have the screws and the cable. I would like to know how many screws I need and type and the cable how many pins it uses. Maybe I can order a longer flat cable and be prepared for a longer route for cable inside.

    As for FP reader I am interested in the module itself is the same for all CF-31 or Mk5 has different module? With cable I think it can be fixed by ordering a longer cable in case connector far away from FP module.

    Thanks!
     
    tomcatsniper, May 6, 2020
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  6. Geraout

    Geraout Notebook Consultant

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    Pics of the smartcard connection on my mk4 attached.

    The smartcard reader uses a dual ribbon joined with the SD card reader ribbon

    Its a fairly simple job to fit one; just needs the DVD tray and the smartcard blanking plate removing.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 8, 2020
    Geraout, May 7, 2020
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  7. tomcatsniper

    tomcatsniper Notebook Geek

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    Thanks for the details. From what I saw the cables are different between models and they don't fit from on Mk to another. Maybe they changed the connector on the motherboard?! I need to open mine and check the connector type to see if it looks like yours and if it is the same I will try to get a Mk4 cable. I don't think they changed the reader itself also.
     
    tomcatsniper, May 8, 2020
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