CF-VKBL02 or 3 keyboard with CF-19?

Anyone successfully hooked up one of the PDRC keyboards with a CF-19 (mine is a Mk.4) -- and have the Fn key modified Function Keys work? I can use the keyboard to USB adapter to get most CF-VKBLxxxx series keyboards working fine (CF-VKBL02 or 03 and either M or AM) but no joy getting the Fn key to modify the Function Keys to control the Toughbook keyboard brightness, sound, hibernation, etc. The Function keys themselves work but not the Fn modified functions -- and everything works fine when run through one of the docking stations (allowing the use of the second cord). I was hoping there might be some modified driver on the Panasonic website or clue in the keyboard instructions or CF-19 Reference Manual - but no luck. Suggestions?

 

In order for the fn keys to work you must have the vkb plugged into the laptop, then the fn cable plugged into the vdl. then the vdl plugged into the serial port.

 

Thanks TB Tech, but is there any way to do it without the vdl? I'm taking the Cf-19 to a seminar and need to take a large amount of notes - not much fun on the 19's small keyboard. The vkb gives me a standard sized keyboard and backlighting that is useful in the dark seminar room - having the vdl also would be a bit overkill.

 

Not for the function keys. sorry.

 

Why not something like this: Amazon.com: Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard with Backlighting: Electronics
It would travel a lot easier than a PDRC keyboard. There are rugged ones, I have one, I just don't have time to look them up just now.
CAP
Edit: Took the time, mine is one of these. Got it on the flea for around $40 new. I use it for my CF-07 carputer. http://www.stacosystems.com/data_entry_systems/keyboard_selector.php

 

You do realize that the CF-VKBLxx keyboards are designed and intended to be connected to the CF-VDL0# PDRC displays and not directly to the laptop; don't you?

Nevertheless:

Toughbook Computers Support > Downloads > Manuals
Title: North America: Operating Instructions (English)
Model Number: CF-VKBLxx (Backlit Keyboard) CF-VKBL03AM
Part# : DFQX5720ZA
Operating System:
Language: North America
Last Updated Date: 2010/07/15
Download Manual
vkbl03am-oi-dfqx5720za-non-nonlogo-M-p20090569.pdf [1.17 mb]

 

Great keyboard, Cap: I'm typing this message on one right now.

While it has the great additional feature of being wireless (uses a dedicated tranaceiver dongle, but uses a USB cable to recharge the onboard battery), it is not small; measuring 17½ x 8 x 1 (LxWxH) inches.

 

Of course, the PDRC keyboards are not exactly compact or light. I took a further look, the Staco keyboard I have is an earlier version of:
M777 - Rugged Duty Computer Keyboard - Staco Systems
They even have chicklet style emissive models.
CAP

 

Staco M777

Staco Systems' enclosed rugged NEMA 4 Illuminated keyboard was designed for rugged duty computer applications where clean environments must be maintained. The M777 is watertight sealed, dustproof and meets a NEMA 4 water resistance rating. It is designed with a built-in pressure-sensitive pointer control. The mouse pointer has left and right mouse click buttons and a standard PS/2 or USB connection. The mouse pointer device is activated by fingertip pressure. It’s built with elastomer for optimum sealing...

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Features:

•88 Keys in a Compact Size
•PS/2 and USB compatible
•Wipeable Design for Easy Clean-Ups
•Advanced Laser Process Ensures Durable Legends
•Integrated Pressure Sensitive Pointer Mouse
•Dimmable EL Backlighting

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Mechanical

•Actuating Force:
•90 ± 30 g touch-type
•260 ± 50 g glove-type
•Travel: 1.7 ± 0.5 mm

Computer Connection / Electrical

•Keyboard, pointer and back lighting are powered by
•the standard 6' coiled or straight USB or PS/2 cable.

Temperature

•-30°C(-22°F) to +85°C(185°F)

Moisture Resistance

•Watertight: NEMA 4
•Moisture Resistance:
•10 cycles, 240 hours, 90-98%
•RH, 65°C to 25°C, 10 day cycle

Shock

•50 G Peak, 11 msec duration, 3 axis

Nice keyboard, Cap!

Guess I'll be "surfin' ebaY™" for one of these.

 

Thanks for the suggestions CPT. I have a Logitech like the one you mentioned on my desktop now, and that would solve the backlit issue - but they're both much longer than the VKBL keyboards and still lack the working Fn key controls.

The Stacosystms look really cool - particularly the red backlit one - but, again, no Fn key controls so no real advantage over the VKBL I already own. Looks like I'll either need to do without the Fn keys or shrink my fingers and use the CF-19 keyboard
Thanks though

 

Thanks for the links TopCop but, actually no, the 02 and 03 series VKBL keyboards come with a PS2 to USB adapter cable - and the manual you link to specifically says this adapter can be optionally used to connect the keyboard to the computer. Unfortunately (for me) you are apparently correct about a VDL being needed if I want the Fn key controls to work - but the keyboard itself works just fine by itself via the adapter into the computer's USB.

 

The adapter cable is to allow the PS/2-equipped keyboards to connect to the USB-only CF-VDL03 LCD Monitor; as well as directly to the laptop:

"[KB IN Port] This connection to the external USB port of the computer or the LCD monitor (CF-VDL03) with the included USB cable."
--Keyboard Operator's Manual

However; the Function Key Port connects to the LCD Monitor ONLY:

"[Function Key Port] This connects to the Function Key Port of the LCD monitor (CF-VDL01, CF-VDL03 , CF-VDL02B) with the included function key cable"
--Ibid.

 

I have used several kinds of keyboards with CF-29 units. The regular function keys all work OK, but NONE of them can do the Fn+Fxx special features. I believe that only works for the built-in keyboard, not set up to read those keys from any external type, Pany or otherwise.

 

I believe that the function cable on the PDRC is just for the special hot keys on the display. My Staco keyboard has 12 "shiftable" function/hot keys across the top of the keyboard. It also has 2 ALT keys, ALT L & ALT R, and a FN key. I have never messed with all of these, but I'm guessing there is a way to get these keys to mimic the Panasonic hot keys. If you're just looking for an illuminated remote keyboard for meetings I would think that the hot keys would be pretty irrelevant anyway.
CAP