CF19, 30, and 31 Fingerprint reader qestions

I want to mod a cf30 fingerprint reader into another computer and the only two questions I can't get a solid answer about is what kind of interface it is using (USB, serial, proprietary, etc) and what about that dern cable? Is that cable just funky and unusual. It's just a .5mm pitch ffc, isn't it? IF any .5mm ffc will do just to make the physical connection to the FPR and it's a USB interface, then I'm going to have some fun. OH, I'm trying to use it on win7, btw


I understand that the same hardware/software is used for the fingerprint reader in a CF19, 30, and 31 and also understand that the company got bought out by crapple, but the appropriate software is still floating around/available.


Thanks, guys n gals!

 

usb and a "standard" type ffc.

 

Interestingfellow, I have the software! I went through a lot of trouble to find it and save it. This is an interesting and dark path to go down! Now my memory isn't what it used to be, constant exposure to brake cleaner and all that.... But I managed to come across this about 6yrs ago when I built my MK1. I wanted to mod it with the fingerprint, but back then the OEM Panny stuff was exorbitant! I actually found some USB plug in readers and "sorta" got them to work.

The "sorta" part is that I would get constant read pop ups errors with the scanner thinking somebody had swiped it. But all of this is detailed in my MK1 Build thread (I can link it later if there is any interest). It is very possible there is something useful in there for you as I went down that path with the intent to mod these in. I may even still have them... ...A quick look doesn't see them but it has been a while...

Disclaimer #1: This is where details get a little fuzzy... Don't consider the following as fact, it is my recollection of my memories and research from 6yrs ago, with a quick refresh now. Upek basically had the whole market monopoly on biometric readers. Most were the normal swipe readers, but they had one that was just a press and hold reader too. This one was what Apple was interested in. When a serious security flaw was discovered in the Protector Suite software, Upek's credibility crashed overnight. Companies dumped any reader that was based off the Authentec chips and the DOD pulled all the computers with this out of commission. Supposedly their software got patched, but many OEM versions (including Panasonic's) never did.

SO, if you want this as a toy and amusement, have fun. But as a real security device, STAY AWAY. WIth that said, its flaws are unlikely to be easily circumnavigated by normal, or even most power users.

Disclaimer #2: I think Panasonic's software covers everything you need anyways. Another fuzzy bit, IIRC OEM sensors were locked to their respective OEM software packs. An OEM Toshiba scanner only works with the Toshiba software. Panasonic, with Panasonic.

I jumped through a LOT of hoops to make this work, and it was never stable. When I finally got a real OEM scanner and used Panny's software pack, it was stable.

If you want the software, PM me your email and I will go dig it up for you. Pretty sure that folder actually has several versions too.

 

That would be great! I'll pm you my email in a moment.
I actually just bought 2 of the 30 fingerprint scanners with no covers or cables for $10/each.
My intention is to make them work with an fzg1's usb port by the ssd.
Yes, it's mostly for convenience for logging into my tablet and basic security. I use a bios boot password now and am looking at using hdd lock and tpm for better security. Locks only keep honest people out, anyway. In this case, it will make them replacethe hdd and bios chip before they could use or sell my stolen property.

I did find where shawn had posted the panny driver over on toughbooktalk.
I have also been chasing down endless rabbit holes spanning the introduction of the "new" fingerprint readers, to the discovery of security issues, to the buyout of the company that essentially removed any reliable method of support or drivers.... LOL!

My next step is to pinout the mobo fpr connector on my own 30 and start 'esperimentin' when they get here. I still have to finish converting my 30 ccfl to backlight, too.

Yes, please link your mk1 fpr hack!

Thanks!

 

I thought I would be able to visually pin out the connectors of at least 1 or the toher ends of the CF39 FPR cable, but I'm having a helluva time trying to figure it out.

Does someone have the pinout for a CF30 CN18 and/or can help ID which pins are which on either of thie connectors?
How does one go about pinning out either CN18 or the FPR connector with a DMM without frying something?


I could tell you what I think, but I'm just guessing....

 

On the FPR
pins 1 and 5 are tied together but also to what I would have assumed is ground because of it being tied into the pad on the top left.
1&5 are also tied into the mounting pin for the FPCconnector

pins 2 and 8 are tied together and I"m guessing this is VCC. But also 2 and 8 are tied to one of the other FPC connector mounting pins. I thought the 2 mounting pins on either end were connected on either side (but not both ends tied together)

CN18 has 2 & 3 tied together. It is also not obvious to me which pins on CN18 are Vcc and Vdd.

That leaves 4, 6, and 7 free for D+ and D-, but which ones? I can't line up the 2 traces on the back of the FPR with the CN on the front. Also, I can't line up the two thicker traces leading into CN18.

That's where I"m at.

 

I have CF 30 schematics.
Been too scattered to respond until now.

I use a breakout board to ring out the ffc connections.

 

GOT"M! THANK YOU!
I can physically pin out the smd components with my dmm/test leads, I'm more concerned about crossing 5v+ and frying a data line, IC, blowing a fuse, etc. I was thinking maybe a 1k or 10k resistor might be safer to use for chasing down pins while having the battery installed. I use ohmeter with no power to the unit.

Seems weird that cn18 outputs 6.3v?
Also, FPR has CN18 pin1 and 5 clearly tied together as well as pin2 and 8 tied together.
That would tie CN18 D- to ground and pull pin8 high (FPR Exist). I guess pin 8 is to tell the bios (and the rest of the system) that FPR is present? Is it ok to ground the usb D- signal?

My first test will be to wire this up to a standard usb plug and try it on an old desktop, in case it bakes something in either.

 

I never ground the data lines on my custom setups.

No Load voltage vs Load voltage maybe?

 

What pcb is that a photo of?

Something is wrong, because on that pcb pins 1, 2, 3 and 8 appear to be grounded.

 

I think the numbering for that connector is reverse of the schematic.
It makes more sense. that way.
Look at how I numbered both of the edited images.

 

That is the FPR baord.
ANd that was a major concern of mine (which is why I posted it). The only thing I can figure is that the very end lugs are not connected to each other.

aye, but these pins are linked on the FPR pcb...

about it being possibly reversed, I don't think so. the pic here is of CN18 from the cf30 mobo. schematic shows pins 2 and 3 tied together and so does the picture...

nope. all the lugs read 0 ohms against each other....

 

The schematic is for the motherboard not the reader itself.

Maybe this.