CF-51 power switch problems

hi,

I bought a Toughbook CF-51 about four years ago. I liked it very much. After about 2 years of using it I found that I was unable to charge a battery with it anymore. So I bought another one.

My second CF-51 was bought refurbished. It worked fine for about a year. Last evening, it felt unusual when I plugged the power cord into the PC. After gently moving the power plug all around the power slot, and trying another power cord, I have realized that this second CF-51 has the same problem that the first one had. It won't charge a battery.

So I've got two CF-51s that won't charge batteries.

I like the Toughbook brand. I'd like to find one that actually lasted more than a year or two. So far its the damn power switch for both machines that is killing me.

Does anyone know whether the CF-51 has a reputation for having its power switches fail? Also, can anyone recommend a Toughbook that doesn't have this problem? Finally, does anyone specialize in fixing this particular problem with the CF-51?

thanks.

 

Well, what you're describing sounds like a damaged Power Input Connector rather than a power switch; like most laptops, this has to be made of plastic to insulate (+) from (-), and as a result it tends to be a weak spot if handled roughly or constantly being plugged and unplugged (or repeatedly having the cord tripped over).

The good news is the part itself is usually inexpensive - $5-$15 depending on the vendor you buy from - but the bad news is, the repair requires a level of technical knowledge above the average user.

You will need to be willing/patient enough/able to:

(1) Completely disassemble your Toughbook. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP TRACK OF WHERE EACH SCREW GOES.
(2) Remove the MB or sub PC board the power connector is on.
(3) Unsolder the old power connector & solder in a new one.
(4) Reassemble your ToughBook, making sure that all the heat sinks & thermal pads are in the correct locations.

This is a medium technical skill level project; higher than "I can run a CamCorder" but definitely NOT "Dilbert" level. If you aren't up to the work, you should be able to find a local Tech able to do it for much less than the price of another laptop.

mnem
LEVEL UP!

 

thanks for the reply. I am going to print out your reply and see if I can't get find a PC techie to help me with this, as I'm in the "Dilbert" category.

thanks.

 

LOL -

I think you misunderstood me; the "Dilbert" level refers to Dilbert himself, not those he works with. He's an Engineer who DESIGNS this kind of stuff, so it would be an EASY task for him...

Anyways - good luck, and good hunting.

mnem
Actually, it would probably be FUN for him...

 

i have the same problem. does anyone know where i can purchase a power input connector?

 

This vendor on eBay has one they promise will fit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370249292653

$16.50 is about 300% - 400% markup; but still pretty cheap to fix a laptop.

I would disassemble the laptop & remove the old jack before ordering; you MIGHT get lucky and find it's just a bad solder joint at the PC Board. Even if the jack itself is broken as usual, having the old jack out makes sizing a replacement much simpler and more accurate. when you inspect, look for broken solder tabs (there will be 3) and try to wiggle the center pin - if it moves or rattles, it is junk.

If you go to Radio Shack they have several sizes of DC jack in this style much cheaper than the above vendor; be very careful when sizing, as the outer barrel and the center pin come in several different combinations of diameter. You can go to the store with the disassembled jack, PC board from your laptop & your AC adapter & see if they have the right one; pay extra special attention to the inside pin, as they come in about 6 different diameters and you need to be sure you have the right one for your AC adapter. If there is any doubt about the one you find, I'd recommend going with the one you KNOW will work.

mnem
Good luck, and good hunting.

 

There is a best offer option
And the s&h is dirt cheap , I have seen $15 parts c/w $20 shipping



Alex

 

Alex -

Agreed... I've seen some pretty skeevy dealings on fleaBay regarding shipping & HANDLING CHARGE abuse; I'm not saying the guy is dishonest, just that typical retail price on this part is around $3-$5.

He's banking on his customer being willing to pay extra for a part KNOWN to fit his application; that knowledge IS worth something; it's up to you to decide if it's worth an extra $10-$12.

This may be a moot point; I've since done a quick search on Radio Schlock's site, and it doesn't appear they have any PCB mount power jacks any more...

mnem
Fleas of quality right over heaaah...

 

Try DigiKey or mouser they usually carry this kind of stuff really cheap.

 

The bugger with DigiKey & Mouser is the surcharge for orders less than $50. Also, you really have to KNOW which one is the RIGHT one to order; it's not like you can go there and try them one at a time to make sure you have the right one. Their catalogs DO have incredibly detailed specifications on most such products; but I wouldn't expect the average DIYer to be THAT technically inclined...

mnem
RS is turning into Radio Suck...

 

Hey guys thanks for the tips. i can't wait to get my laptop fixed. gonna start figuring out how to take that bad boy apart.