CF-VDW07 Wireless Display HOW-TO...

How to get your CF-VDW07 display WORKING.

I FINALLY got my CF-VDW07M working on my machine, and WITH the Atheros AR5006X Mini-PCI card I have installed. Once I get a second WiFi card installed, I'll have my internet on the machine again...
First, GO HERE:

http://www.panasonic.ca/English/customercare/customercare.asp

Click on DOWNLOADS. Click on software, drivers & firmware. Enter CFVDW07 in the Model Number Dialog Box. Click search. This will list ALL available downloads for these displays. Download the following 2 zip files:

http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Software/cfvdw07_firmware_meiwds_upgrade_v200l13.zip

This is the firmware upgrade for the handheld; it makes it possible to use the meiWDS software listed below:

http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Software/cfvdw07_non_panasonic_meiwds_k-04-224.zip

This latest version of meiWDS works on many different models, Panasonic and otherwise, including the CF-07.

Unzip the firmware upgrade file to its own directory; read and understand BOTH the README file and the UpgradeWirelessDisplayV2.doc files BEFORE you begin. There are TWO versions of the firmware updater; one for transflective models, one for high-brightness models. If you use the wrong one, you may turn your handheld INTO A BRICK.

You need a SERIAL DB9 FEMALE to DB9 FEMALE Crossover or NULL MODEM cable for this; it will have BOTH ends that look like the plug on an OLD SERIAL MOUSE (Look at the serial port on the Handheld to see the one you want to be able to plug into), and it will be wired as seen in the image below. You will need an AC adapter for your CF-VDW07 as well as the one for your laptop.

At this point, you are ready to upgrade the firmware on the handheld; follow the directions in the UpgradeWirelessDisplayV2.doc file.

Once you've successfully upgraded the firmware in your handheld as seen in the last panel, it's time to install meiWDS. This is pretty much self explanatory; it will prompt you a couple times, then ask if you want to reboot. Reboot.

Now that you've got your handheld ready and meiWDS ready, all that remains is to set up the wireless connection. This is where it gets sticky.

Get this document:

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&url=http://www.nobeltec.com/products/pdf/WND_Manual.pdf

As before, read it and understand it. (If possible) The steps are as follows; how you do it depends ENTIRELY on YOUR Wireless Client software.
First, you create a NEW WIFI PROFILE. Name it something easy, like Wireless Display.

Make it an AD HOC or PEER TO PEER connection. Turn OFF security, Turn OFF LEAP (If present). Set to WIRELESS B ONLY. (This is only to prevent unnecessary interference; it will also work in AUTO mode as well)

At this point you need to turn on the handheld as shown in the directions; get the necessary SSID as generated by handheld, (cfvdw07-xxxxx) and the necessary IP ADDRESS as generated by handheld. (This will vary according to what class address you use; as we are private users, FCC regs dictate it should be class C)

Enter the SSID into your new profile. Activate it.
Go to Network Connections in Device Manager; right click on your WiFi connection, then Properties. (Or whatever route you prefer to get to TCP/IP settings) Click on "Use the following IP address".

Enter the IP ADDRESS & SUBNET MASK given by your handheld. DO NOT enter anything for DNS Server. Click OK.

Left-click on the meiWDS icon in your SysTray; click on Password in the resultant dialog box. Enter password collected from Setup screen of handheld. (Default is "wdsp" )

At this point, you SHOULD be able to click on CONNECT at the bottom of the Network Settings window on your handheld, and it should try to connect. It will show as "CONNECTING to xxx.xx.xxx.xxx" (depending on the IP address of your PC) then "Receiving initial Screen". Then... WAHEY! CONNECTION!

If, like me, it shows "ASSOCIATED" at bottom of GENERAL tab in Menu screen but eventually times out saying "Failed to initialize session", don't FREAK. This REALLY IS A GOOD THING. It means the WiFi connection is there, it's just being blocked.

If you have Norton, McAfee, Trend, AVG, or any other AntiVirus/Spyware suite running, try disabling it. If you have Windows Firewall turned on, try disabling it. If EITHER of these work, YAY! you're ALMOST THERE!

If your fault was Windows Firewall, (as mine was) click on the "Exceptions" tab, and add an exception for TCP Port 11900. Click OK, then OK. Make sure the "Allow Exceptions" box is ticked ON. Close Windows Firewall. Things should now work JUST AS THEY DID with Windows Firewall turned off.

YAY! You're DONE!

If it was with another Internet Security program that was your problem, don't fret. You should be able to create an exception in them for meiWDS, and/or TCP Port 11900.

Now that you have a handle on how to get hooked up on a simple peer to peer connection, you may want to experiment with the INFRASTRUCTURE MODE Connection. Remember, you will have to have a dedicated WAP unless you wish to flashback to the "Rocks & Spears Security" of the stone age of wireless connectivity.

Also, now that you have a connection to the handheld you can use the WdspSU utility (Installed in your Programs Menu with meiWDS) to change the IP addresses as you see fit for your own networking strategy, plus you can enable the rudimentary security available on Wireless B.

Also, see these threads for our collected tinkering on this subject:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=340232

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=351591

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=426734


All right, you maniacs!
Take what I've collected here AND GET REMOTIN'!

Oh... and BTW - an extra special THANKS to rcx for the last piece of the puzzle!

mnem
WiFi? WhyNotFi?

 

That was easy now, wasn’t it


Alex

 

Dewed...

I KNEW it had to be something STUPID... I could SEE the two machines talking.

It was like watching the semi-pretty girl at the end of the bar talkin' to that semi-ugly guy... you KNOW she's 88% gonna go with him cuz it's quarter to last call and she hasn't had any action in weeks... but she's still looking for an excuse to appease that last shred of dignity; just say ANYTHING wrong so she can go storming out the door...

mnem
And, as always, it's the documentatin' that kicks yer arse...

 

Mnem... thanks! Now... When I buy one of these... I won't bug everyone with questions!

 

MNEM,
You are without a doubt the best. I have probably spent 10 hours on the phone with Panasonic support and endless emails. Along comes the dragon and figures it out! I was getting really sick of the "failed to connect" message, like you I knew the two machines were at least on speaking terms.
You have also saved my pride, I know my display is not transflective, I didn't know they made one. Mine is a high bright and is about as bright as a good CF-29, thus my 500nit assumption.
Thanks again and tell RCX thanks as well
CAP
About to spend half a day with his remote display.

 

Cap'n -

You are MOST WELCOME. I've been tinkering on this for so long... Ahhh. Now If I could just get one of those high-bright models to play with...

rcx has a SPECIAL THANKS at the bottom of my FAQ; as well as rep from a grateful dwagon. >~~~(;

The new meiWDS seems to work GREAT, though a few caveats with my system.

First - as I feared due to it being transflective, indoors the contrast is pretty weak and I've not found a means of adjusting it. I may have to tear it apart and see if there's a trimpot or somesuch.

2nd - meiWDS changes your desktop to 800x600 resolution. It is really cool in that it DOES change it back when you turn off the handheld, but if (like me) you keep your icons on your desktop in a certain pattern... well, it's gonna mess them up.

3rd - The backlight REALLY SUCKS BATTERY. About 1/2 to 1/3 the life as running with it off.

mnem <~~~ PORTABLE ~~~<<<

 

Dumb question time... (And forgive me if you stated it elsewhere)

They make two models... Transflective and transmissive. Are the screens and resolution the same? Does the transflective suffer from the same washed out colors the CF-28 does?

Just curious...

Cap... Glad to see you back!

 

Rick -

Yeah, the contrast and color are poor to fair at best on mine; I mentioned above that I wanted to try and find a way to adjust the contrast. Cap'n compared his favorably to the display on a CF-29, so...

The meiWDS software is the SAME for both Transflective and Hi-Brightness models; I don't believe the CF-VDW07 has a model that is higher res than 800x600. You probably need to get into a newer, larger model for that.

mnem
p-coughhhh... Bleahhh. Still sick dwagon go blarfff...

 

Here's a fun twist: software keyboard for all

Got my CF-VDW07 working tonight and quickly realized that, just like with the tablet models, there are times this little bugger really needs an on-screen keyboard. Although Panny provides a "software keyboard" driver for the CF-07 brick and CF-18&19 tablets, those will not install on the CF-28 I'm using to host the wireless display. Solution? .... (drum roll please) ..... Simple! Just copy the files in the C:\prog files\Pany\MEISKB from my CF-18 over to the CF-28

Then right-click the executable meiskb.exe and select Pin on Start menu, and Voila!

 

FYI there is also a software keyboard that comes standard with win2000/XP it is called osk.exe

 

D'oh !

 

yeah but for touch screen non-tablet models, how do you get the service started at log in?
Ron in SG

 

I've heard reports that the Siemens OSK for their Panel PCs might behave the way you want. Putting something in the system startup won't fully work, because if a user logs off and the system goes back to the login screen, the keyboard needs to display again.

Look for the "Virtual Keyboard / OSK" download on this Siemens webpage. I haven't yet tried this myself, though, as I have my MDWD linked up to a brick running Tablet PC....

 

The Pany OSK is setup to work well, including login.

 

Hello,
i have a problem with my cf-vdw07.
it doesnt connect to my cf-18.

i bought a cf-18 and a cf-vdw07.
when the cf-18 was running and i switched the cf-vdw07 on, it connected to the cf-18.
so i was able to control the cf-18 with the cf-vdw07.

i saw the wireles network at the networklist of the cf-18 when both were running.
the firmwar of the display is V2.01L10M12
the meiwds version is V2.00L13c

then i reinstalled windows xp.
also all special cf-18 drivers.
the cf-18 is runs excellently.

i installed meiwds and tryed to connect the display.
it doesnt work.
all setups of the cf-18 i did like it was instructed.
but no connection.
when the cf-vdw07 is running i cant find it in the list of the wireles networks.
the cf-18 doesnt realise that the display is running.
is it possible that i changed any settings in the display?
for the people who also have such a display, do you see a wireles connection at the wireles connection list when the display is on?

thanks for helping.
bye

 

You should be able to see the VDW as an ad-hoc wifi from the CF-18. But it won't connect until 3 things are right:
1) The CF-18's IP address must match what the VDW is pre-programmed for.
2) CF-18 must be setup to connect to the ad-hoc network with the SSID name pre-programmed into the VDW.
3) The WinXP firewall must be set to pass TCP port number 11900.

 

before i reinstalled xp at the cf-18 i tryed to connect the display to a cf-07.
at this time all was ok with the display and the cf-18.
to connect the display with the cf-07 i looked for the network setup at the cf-18.
at this time i saw the network from the cf-07 and i saw a network named vdw.. or something.
i think it was the display.
it was connected to my cf-18.
i disconnected the network with the display by press the butten disconnect.
then i connected to the cf-07 with the cf-18 just to see what happen.
at this time i never saw the network vdw.. again.
i took a new hdd because i bought a new bigger one for my cf-18 an installed windows.
then i did all the things to connect the display.
but it does not connect.
im not able to see it as an network.
when i switch it on it tryed to connect to ip: 10.xxx.xxx.217
(the x i dont know now)
but i cant see it at the networklist.
what could be the reason for that?
i dont see it in networklist on any computer.
is it possible that i changed some thing at the display at the moment when i disconnected it from the cf-18 by hand?
thank you

 

Address that starts with "10" is Class A for commercial use. You want a Class C address starting with 192.168 which is the address range for home users.

Turn on the VDW wireless display, press the Menu button. Then select the Option tab, and select Wireless Connection: Setup. Then pick a Profile number, and pick Ad Hock mode. This will show a setup screen. Be sure the setup screen shows TCP/IP as Class C. That should set the VDW address to something in the range of 192.168.xxx.xxx

The setup screen will also show the SSID for the VDW. On the CF-18 setup the wifi to look for that SSID by name and be sure to enable ad-hoc connections. You must be sure your CF-18 has it's wifi IP address manually set to exactly match what the VDW shows when it is looking for a connection -- un-check the box for automatically assigned like a normal wifi connection.

 

hi, thank you for answering.
i tryed to install it like many manuals.
but it does not work.
but i found a hdd backup of the first installation where the display worked.
i copyed it to the cf-18 and the display worked.
i wrote all wifi settings to a paper and tryed to install it again with my new xp installation.
but it will not work.
at this week i will make screenshots of my old and new wifi settings and put them here.
maybe someone can tell me what i did wrong.
thank you

 

Are you using Windows firewall?
You MUST make an exception to pass TCP port 11900 or it won't connect.

 

Blender -

Make sure you're running the SAME version of MeiWDS as your old install; otherwise, you'll have to do the firmware update as I described in my How-To.

Also, just for grins, try TURNING OFF Windows Firewall in your Security Center, just long enough to test. If it DOES connect, you haven't properly configured the TCP Port 11900 exception as outlined in my How-To (And as Springfield has repeatedly suggested).

Next - you HAVE to configure a STATIC IP AND SUBNET MASK on your laptop as defined by the Connection Wizard in your handheld, and DISABLE ANY WEP or WPA SECURITY PRESENT ON THE CONNECTION.

Try these troubleshooting steps, then get back to us with the results.

mnem<~~~ MOOP ~~~<<<

 

Hi guys,

I'm just going through this process with my CF-07. I've got a null modem cable, to flash the firmware, but I'm being scuppered by a really stupid question - how do i access the serial port?? I can't find one!!

Embarrassing, I know.. Any help appreciated!

T

 

There is one on the end of the computer next to the USB port unless you have one with a video out instead, in which case you would be needing the dock/port replicator which I might sell you one of if you ask nice.
CAP

 

T -

Does your CF-VDW07 have a card reader on it? If so, the serial port has been hijacked internally by Panasonic to that purpose. You'll need to disassemble the unit, unplug the card reader from the mainboard, then plug in a serial port long enough to do the flash.

If this is the case, let me know - I'll disassemble mine and post a pinout if you feel like trying to fabricate one; otherwise, you'll need to post in the B/S/T Forum for the OEM Serial Port.

mnem<~~~Been at this too long~~~<<<

 

Mnem,

You're right it does have a card reader - one that's redundant I have to add - I never intend to use it. Is it possible to remove it for good?

I guess I'll have try to try and fabricate one - could you be so kind as to disassemble and post the pinout? Thankyou! So much to learn!

 

Another question - has anyone got the CF-VDW07 working with a Win7 install? I'm thinking probably not, but it would be cool to use all the extra tablet features!

 

Cancel my reply, I could have sworn you asked about a serial port on a CF-07
CAP

 

Cap'n -

He DID call it a CF-07... I suspect he didn't know that there is actually a model by that name and abbreviated for convenience.

T -

I'll try and get you some pinout over the weekend... though if you want to lose the Card Reader permanently, you'll need to get the port and side cover anyways from the B/S/T Forum.

mnem<~~~Info-Dwagon~~~<<<

mnem

 

The vdw-07 saga continues!

First of all i would like to thanks all of the contributors to this topic for their valuable time and effort. I found these pages via google, and without them i wouldn't have gotten my vdw07 to work. You guys probably made us win lots of yacht-races, so again: THANKS!

Somewhere along the lines of this topic there was someone who couldn't get his serial port to work, and therefore wasn't able to flash his display. I had the same problem, and solved it by using the correct drivers for the serial port. Make sure they match with your firmware-version:

- firmware V200lxx: Use the drivers included in the firmware-upgrade, linked from the first post

- firmware V100lxx: Use the Win98 / 2000 drivers from toughbook.eu (which links to the Japanese download-database).

Hope this info helps someone, someday, just like you giuys have helped me so far. btw, if someone has spare batteries for the screen lying around, please contact me on [email protected]

 

JaapvR is quite right - it's only thanks to people that are good enough to take the time to help solve these problems that we ever manage to get anything done. Without communities like this there would be lots of useless blocks of plastic around, so thanks again!

Mnem, did you have any luck getting the pinout? I took the back off, and am stuck in a situation where i have two ribbon cables going to the fingerprint reader and card reader - I think I'll struggle to adapt those. Can i use the wires from the small secondary circuitboard to the actual card reader instead? I'm on a bit of a time budget, so any help appreciated!

 

Just in case you guys would like to play with a new one!

http://cgi.ebay.com/PANASONIC-CF-VD...r_Monitors?hash=item2c537ec102#ht_3671wt_1165

 

T -

Here ya go; please note that this view is with the serial port (Top of the display) facing you. Pin one is leftmost (closest to the battery tray) on both the header and the DB9. The header at the PCB alternates between the 2 rows of the DB9 connector; male and female DB9 connectors both number their pins the same.

Remember to disconnect the card reader before you try and flash; Oh... and BTW - if your PCB is DIFFERENT from this one - aside from the actual connector for the card reader, then I will remind you that this is an untested hack; I have NEVER actually owned a CF-VDW07 with a card reader, so I cannot say for sure that they didn't change anything. That is why I made sure you have a good, high-res photo to look at!

Good luck, and good hunting!

mnem<~~~Picture-Perfect~~~<<<

 

Mnem - thanks! That was hugely helpful. I've fallen down with the upgrade still - there seems to be more going on that I know. In the meantime, I'm documenting everything, so that others can learn from what I'm doing.

If anyone has a serial port then please let me know - I'll buy it! In the meantime, I'll keep trying..

 

Glad to help!

I hope your luck runs in herds... once you get bitten by the ToughBook bug, you need all you can get!

mnem<~~~Luckiest widdle daddy-dwagon in the world!~~~<<<

 

Thank u all guys, I got my display today and it is working, like it should. But I was thinking about some nice addons and so I want to ask u: is there an schematic diagram anywhere for me ?

 

Onirakkiss -

I don't have it, but this was where I was GOING to buy one for mine before I figured out that all I needed was a firmware update to make it talk to my meiWDS:

Panasonic CF-VDW07 / CFVDW07 service manual, user's manual, owner's manual

I have NOT seen SERVICE manuals listed ANYWHERE ELSE for the CF-VDW07.

mnem
Smeg.

 

Thank u!
In the schematic I found nice connectors on the mobo for addons, which I will try in the next days.

 

Oh good lord...

I can see it now. His CF-19 will have dozens of ion-anion-powered remote displays with doppler radar guidance and transwarp temporal incursion capability... all hovering in a little swarm around his desk, just waiting to be sent off on some errand...

mnem
Before we know it, SkyNet will be born.

 

Gentlemen ... so good to find this place.
I have recently hit the jackpot ... a full set of equipment was about to get thrown away. I saved a cf-07 with basestation, a cf-vdw07 with a couple of batteries.
With the instructions found here, upgrading the cf-07 and the display was a snap ... thanks so much for putting this together.

Any additional advice you guys would like to pass along? On usage? mobile installation? I am thinking of making a carputer out of it ... that transflective display sure looks nice in the sun ... ;-)

 

Rogue -

Welcome to the forum!

You're welcome. I'm glad you were able to get yours up & running.

The only drawback I've found to this setup is that it ties up a WiFi adapter all to itself, so if you need WiFi TOO, you're boned. If you're feeling froggy you can install an older PCMCIA Wireless B card in the machine (they're usually VERY CHEAP on fleaBay) just for the panel, but finding a short one that will allow you to close the PCMCIA door is a chore.

Of course, if you're using wireless broadband, then all you have to do is set up a different profile in your Wifi Client for meiWDS and you can have your WiFi when you're not using the panel.

Common usages on the forum are carputer for monitoring OBDII data, GPS functionality, and mobile media player for MP3 & Video.

mnem
Remote-ily.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome ... much appreciated. Are there all-star threads about GPS and OBD apps you would recommend reading? Thanks.

 

hello,
I bought a CF-VDW07CH2, and tried to update the firmware, using http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Software...de_v200l13.zip
I think that I used the wrong file, because actually, when I try to turn my display on, it doesn't work, and the green and red lights are flashing
is there a solution to my problem?
thank you for help (and excuse mistakes, I am french...)

 

According to the website, on your model you need to do an upgrade to this version first to make it compatible with TCP/IP:

https://panasonic.ca/PDP/Software/cf07_firmware_v100l12.zip

Then you can upgrade to the current version:

https://panasonic.ca/PDP/Software/cfvdw07_firmware_meiwds_upgrade_v200l13.zip

You may need to run the older BIOS upgrade on a Win98 machine; I don't know if it will run under Win2000/XP in compatibility mode. I also don't know if you CAN upgrade the BIOS at this point; you may have bricked your unit.

mnem
Connection reset by remote peer.

 

thank you very much,
I will try and keep informed with the results....

 

I was able to re install V100l12, but unfortunately, I stay with the same problem: power and battery LEDS are flashing when I reconnect power
should I try to install V200l13?, and which version?
thanks for help

 

Hi mnementh,
as my unit appears to be damaged, do you think that it could be possible to repair it?
I have the service manual, if anyone have an idea....
thank you for help
Sagitta35

 

Are those lights blinking all the time or only when the battery is installed?

It's been a long time, but I believe you are supposed to flash the BIOS with ONLY the AC adapter plugged in, NOT the battery. It WILL run with ONLY the AC adapter plugged in and no battery.

mnem
Suffering from CRS...

 

The main Toughbook models will not allow a bios flash without both battery and ac adapter, it will give a warning that battery must be conected

Don't know for sure on this panel though

 

thank you for your reply
I performed the BIOS flash without the battery (only with AC adapter)
the lights are blinking (battery in red and power in green) together as soon as I push the power button whatever the AC adapter is connected or the battery is in
I ordered a CD utilities for CFVDW07 at Panasonic Toughbook CF-07 Drives Repair CDRom
Perhaps shall I find a solution with it, but if anyone have an idea, I would be interested in...
Olivier

 

Believe your CFVDW is damaged beyond repair, or "bricked". I have one with a password set, and tried to re-write the CMOS to remove the password. It failed to update correctly and now has the same symptoms as yours. Spent several hours trying everything I could think of but no luck.

Please let us know if you figure out how to get that CFVDW working again.