CF-54 Serial port retrofit

Hi

My company are idiots and somehow we have ended up with 2 toughbooks with the same mission software on them from a provider (latest one cost $US6500) - both still in boxes.

One is 2-3 years old and is a CF-54 and the latest one is a FZ something. I want to repurpose the older one as an aircraft maintenance terminal and I would like to add a serial port. (native serial ports just work so much better talking to the onboard systems)

I know the latest FZ one I can add a serial port too, but it also has the latest mission software so I want, if I can to add the serial port to the CF-54.

Is this still a major pain to do? Is it still a Panasonic only deal? Is it even possible these days

Thanks

 

I imagine that you will need to source the parts from Panasonic.
The 54 is modular so I bet the serial port would be easy to add.

 

It's been awhile since I watched this video, but I think he tries EVERY thing they offer for the 54 swapping out the modular modules.

 

CF-54 can get a serial port easily which works prefect by Panasonic port replicator CF-VEB541

 

That's the FZ-55

Not very portable though - I use it in the field on aircraft, not on a desk.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/anyone-know-about-cf-54-serial-ports.809671/

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/19361945128...AWBybhS0pQ00SjioA%3D|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2047675

 

Yes, I read that, but that was back when the CF-54 was current production - the guy who said he could supply it hasn't been on the forum since 2019.

I saw that - but the guy wants US$110 for the port, which is fine, but wants US$160 to post it to Australia, which is a ripoff.

 

I must admit, that guy is a crook, personal experience.

 

That was my impression after emailing them

 

Did you try there web site? My guess this is who you were talking to " mruggedmobile " Just Google his name and his website should come up.

 

Tried them, no response