CF-VEB311 issues with CF-30

Hello,

I bought a new CF-VEB311 and I have some issues with it. I am using the original 15.6VDC/7.05A charger.

1) CF-30 MK3 docked doesn't even power on and it gets stuck somehow even after removal it will not power on. I have to remove the battery and use a different charger and after a few tries it powers on. Connected again to the CF-VEB311 produces the same behavior.
Strange is that the 15.6VDC/7.05A charger connected to the dock cannot power on the CF-30 when undocked. Seems it goes into some protection?! After using another charger 15.6VDC/5A to power the laptop it works back with the 7.05A charger. Same happens if I swap the chargers and use the 5A one on the dock it gets stuck and I can power the laptop on from the 7.05A and than the 5A works also.

2) CF-30 MK1 is also doing the same as MK3 but after a few docks/undocks it powered on and I can see in Linux the USB hub, serial and one of the Network cards (the one on USB). It is normal behavior for CF-VEB311 to have only one network card working with CF-30 according to manual. If I power it off and leave it docked I have again to try a few times to power it on.

Does anyone had these issues with the CF-VEB311 and CF-30? I cannot believe it is DOA. Unit is new.

Thanks!

 

Did you check for any BIOS settings?

Maybe the physical docking connectors on the CF 30's are bad.

 

I forgot to check the BIOS settings but docking should be enabled. I will check it tonight again.

Is there any setting in BIOS that appears after the laptop is docked? Similar to GPS/WWAN/WiFi cards if they are missing the option is missing?

Regarding connectors, maybe to clean them with some alcohol but they are looking fine and I don't see any issue like broken, cracked, pins bent, etc. Almost same behavior with 2 laptops is quite strange and I was thinking that it might be some incompatibility problem.

Regards!

 

7.05 amp charger could be failing

 

Hello,

Docking is enabled in BIOS and connector looks fine and clean. The issue is that it is doing the same with the 5A charger which originally came with the CF-30. I didn't have too much time yesterday to do more tests but I will do it in weekend and come back.

Thanks!

 

ok.

Please post full model numbers and corresponding BIOS versions.

 

Hello Shawn,

Sorry for late reply but I was busy at work.
Model number is CF-30CTA01BG, BIOS version is V1.01L20 and EC version is V1.10L11.
The only option in the BIOS related to port replicator and dock is the one in the picture attached.

Regards!

 

I would get a used CF-VEB272A2W.
That is the dock originally recommended for the CF30.
A CF-VEB272 may work, but it's not listed in the original CF30 documentation.

 

Thanks for reply, Shawn. Does the CF-VEB272A2W have a network port? I see from some images a rubber cover between VGA and PS2 connectors but I cannot say what it is. I need a dock that has 2xUSB (works also 1x), 1xnetwork (2x would be perfect), 1x headphone port.

 

It does not look like the 272 has network port. How odd.
I can solve this all by selling you a used CF31....

 

Interesting but my main issue will be shipping costs and import taxes to EU will probably add 30~40% more on the unit.

My next toughbook will be something with DDR4. Waiting for a new model in the CF-3x series with DDR4 and discrete graphics...