CF-73: The neglected and forgotten Toughbook :(

WARNING: The following is mostly a rant/lament, and may waste your time. Side effects may include wanting parts of your life back. You have been warned!

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I picked up a CF-73J (1.6GHz Pentium M... mark II laptop?) today, and upon Googling for helpful information, I realized that the 73 series has received very little enthusiast attention. Compare the modding/service information available for the 73, with that for the 28, or even the 72! The Toughbook wiki on Wikispaces is chock full of great info on the 72 - this is how I got my start in the Toughbook world. Here on NBR, there's a veritable encyclopedia on CF-28 mods and troubleshooting.

Yet, no such luck for the CF-73. Wikispaces has a service manual for a different model, but it is perilously different inside from my new hardware. Even searching eBay, we find that there are far fewer parts for the CF-73 than there are for the 72, the 28, or even the 29.

I guess the core of this is - none of this would be an issue if the thing would just boot. I'm sad that I can't find user experience-based troubleshooting info via online searching. I actually have the entire thing spread around my workbench, and I'm actually using a voltmeter at this point.

Now, I've repaired a lot of laptops, but I must say I've always given up by the time a voltmeter or soldering iron became necessary. However, there's always that opportunity to learn, I suppose... and besides, it's a freakin' Toughbook, and if I want top-notch and in perfect condition, I guess you gotta shell out the real money.

I've started to take the Pentium M in general for granted. All of the non-rugged laptops I use on a day-to-day basis use this CPU, and I've grown to love it. Just as I start to become resigned to my Pentium 3 fate (CF-72 and CF-28), this CF-73 comes along, and darned if it's not the face of temptation! It's certainly a step up, too, from the Pentium 4 in the CF-72XC with which I'm typing this forum post. This laptop is way too hot.

I would just look for a new motherboard, but that's a lot of money to spend if I'm not certain that it will actually fix my problem. Argh.

By the way, you can cure my anguish by sending me a free CF-29. Hey, I can hope.

 

Did it ever pass post? Or did it hang on boot? You aren't giving us much info to try to help you.

I don't think the CF-73s are near as popular as the fully rugged line. The fact that you don't see parts tell you there just isn't any demand... But you can still get all the parts you need through Heartland if needed. (Depending on what they are... They may be cost prohibitive though.)

Have you tried checking continuity on all the fuses? Do you have the schematic and board layout for you model?

I'm like you... I hate taking things all apart and checking with the volt meter. I'm not always 100% sure I can find what's going on but I am getting better about that. That's why I look for working laptops.

Wiki is fine but you still won't find more Toughbook info anywhere else but here!

 

Oh, it's much worse than that - it doesn't power up to begin with. Not a single LED lights up, even if I just plug in the DC power. I'd expect at least a battery-charging indication.

No lights, no fan sounds, no display. I'd be so happy if I could just get it to POST. I've got the CF-73E series service manual, and at this point I'm grinding through the schematics and electrical troubleshooting guide, trying to hunt down the problem.

By the way, I've been using an IBM 16V/4.5A power cord (IBM FRU 08K8209), since it's the best I have right now - same polarity, very close electrically (versus 15.6V/5A), and it physically fits. I've seen anecdotal information that this is the same cord other people have been using, and I've even seen the same cord, IBM logo and all, being advertised as a Panasonic replacement adapter. Weird.

Do you folks find that an IBM power cord can power your CF-73, too?

 

Yup! I am using an IBM adaptor, same as yours to my cf-73 and cf-29 with no problem. Have you dissambled the unit already? Let me know.

ohlip

 

I hope you didn't have too much invested into the unit. Might end up being a donor for another project.

 

It's just about as disassembled as a screwdriver can get it. I'm checking for voltages on the main PCB as directed, but so far, no joy.

I will continue and let you know what I find.

 

Most likely a fuse issue. Ohlip can definitely help you with that, he is our resident fuse expert, and he apparently owns a 73. The support on this forum tends to be on-demand; meaning, you see assistance for the model of toughbooks we have listed for the very reason that those are the questions being asked. The more questions we get about 73's, the more posts you will see to that model. It would be nearly impossible for us to just start threading every potential problem, for every conceivable toughbook model and make. For that reason, we address problems as they are asked. I personally don't have any experience with the 70 series, but know we have posters that do. If you would care to elaborate on your particular model, and the symptoms you are experiencing, I am POSITIVE you will get some feedback from those that are in the know!

BTW: Welcome to the forum! And keep us posted on your progress. With a little patience, and a little more info, I believe we can help you.

 

The dc inlet connecters can get damaged from use, or the dc connecter to motherboard might have loosened or have cold solder connections
That would be the first thing I would check

Alex

 

I know this is bonehead, but....is the adapter good? If it checks good...like Tomcat said the DC input and solder joints at the motherboard.

Let us know what you come up with!