CF-73Y: Backlit Keyboard?

Hi Everyone,

I read an closed thread on here about putting a backlit keyboard on a CF-38. Someone mentioned that the backlit KB from a CF-28 would work, but said something about using the "two ribbon" version. Has anybody done this mod, or has a better idea of which CF-28 KB has two ribbons?

Old thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=208973

Thanks!

 

It looks like a similar keyboard on the CF-28... Not sure there ever was a CF-38.... Maybe a Senatorial Fact Finding Tour is in the works?
You should search the open threads and stickies about the compatible keyboards... We talk about them all the time.

 

The issue that was bought up before as I remember with the cf-27 or cf-28 2 connecter rubber backlite model was the shorter length of the connector wires

I think that you are asking if it will work on your cf-73

I don't know for sure there might even be a height issue as well as the need for longer cables

I have swapped a stock cf-29 keyboard to my cf-73

And I put a 3 wire backlite rubber cf-29 keyboard on a cf-72 without hooking up the backlite power as they don’t have that ability

Alex

 

Yes sir, I meant the CF-28! Whoops. Tango mike for the catch.

I will investigate further...the height is not an issue as mine (maybe all Cf-73's are like this?) has a gap between the base and the lid of about 1/8" when the lid is closed.

Thanks for the help so far. Now I know it's possible.

 

Update: Got a rubberized backlit keyboard from a CF-28 and installed it today. Keyboard works and fits great....but no backlight.

Hmm.

 

Ok so you tried the two cable type that lights up the cf-27,cf-29,cf-29
And it won't light up on your cf-73

I thought of getting power from somewhere on the m/b on the cf-73 to power a three wire type keyboard
That could work as it just needs low voltage dc power
You would not have the ability to dim it


Alex

 

I've been thinking along the same lines. How big is the inverter board? I don't use the minipci slot in my CF-73...could easily fit it in there.

I like the CF-73 because of speed and memory (2GB RAM), and I'm not *too* rough on it, but in my work I need the backlight capability. My only other option is to sell this one and pick up a CF-29, but I'm kinda attached to this one already

 

I will test tonight on the voltage requirements for the 3 cable keyboard,as I have a few
I would think that you need between 3 and 5 volts dc only
The copper terminals are really quite large on that third connector, and would be easy to solder some small wires to it

Anyone want to comment ?

Alex

 

I'm actually interested in this as well... but it was my understanding these were illuminated by cold cathode fluorescent, like "IndiGlo" devices... this is why the inverter board... I'm tempted to try an exciter circuit out of an old cellphone...

mnem
TZZZZZZZZZZT!

 

Ok I have it figured out

They must use LED illumination

The contacts need to be hooked up to the correct polarity to work

I tested on two spare keyboards the first being a rubber backlite model for a cf-29/cf-30 and the second keyboard tested a transflective model for the cf-29/cf-30

Both had full illumination with 5volts dc
This means it’s a simple or as complicated as finding a 5volt usb breakout somewhere

One of the Modders here ,Teo has had success breaking out a usb on expansion connecter CN 10
In looking at the cf-73 schematic I see 5 volt power used for usb3 on pins 31for + and pin 32 for –


Alex

 

Yeah... The regular emissive (CF-29/30) and 3-pole rubber illuminated should all take 5V... It's the CF-28 emissive that requires the inverter that takes the higher voltage. Right? Someone said way back when that the CF-28 emissive required close to 85V to work... Hence the need for the inverter. Sound right?

 

80-90V is about right for IndiGlo CC devices...

Now I have to wonder... how do they make all THAT waterproof?

I can see it now... new developments in interrogation techniques...

You sit the guy nekkid on a CF-28 so his junk sits on the keyboard; then pour water on it & toggle the keyboard dimmer(using a long pointy stick, of course)...

mnem
Of course, you're always gonna get the one wiseguy who LIKES THAT sh!7...