CF29 Internal 3G mod

Hey all:

We have a Panasonic Toughbook CF29 with onboard Verizon EVDO which doesn't work over here in the UK, so I was wondering if it would be possible to use the existing antenna and hook up some form of 3G on the inside.

I have two 3G USB modems at home, both Huawei, and have taken one of them to pieces to see what is on the inside and one has a mini antenna attachment on it. I happened to have a spare antenna for my Mac mini and tried cliping it on to see if it was indeed 'standard' but it appears not to be, its a fraction smaller. I took the Toughbook to pieces a few months ago to clean it as it was bought 2nd hand from eBay and was filthy. Its also been resprayed to make it all shiny shiny again. While taking it apart, I took out the EVDO Modem, so know that the card has a cable which goes inside the machine to the antenna that pulls out of the top left of the screen.

So - first question: can I mod the Toughbook to add internal USB to plug the card in and does anyone know of a connector (perhaps I could make one) that I could use to attach a 3G modem to?

Thanks in advance

pac

 

Pac... It might be worth a try as long as the WWAN card you are using uses the same frequency. You would need a set of schematics to find the best/closest internal USB... As far as using he existing antenna... I think you'll need to solder the connection. I doubt you'll find the right connector.... Unless you remove the Verizon modem and use its base and then trace the wiring of the USB on that connector. It should be doable.

 

The cable you need is this one:
eBay.be: CRC9 male right angle to IPX U.fl crimp RG178 pigtail (object 250605163929 eindtijd 24-aug-10 21:34:58 CEST)
Take the 12"

For the usb: Try the gps bourd from custom-toughbooks
CF-29 : Custom Toughbooks, -Aftermarket solutions for Panasonic Toughbooks
Ask for the pcb only (he sell the pcb apart)
If you use the internal usb, it is always on (even with the toughbook off) and will drain the battery. The board from Vincent cuts the power, even in standby.

The whole thing is a tight fit above the battery, you have to take all the plastic off of the Huawei, and fix the sim with tape on it.

Mine is done like that, and it works like a charm (better reception than the stock usb stick.

Try to get a Vodaphone pré-paid card from Ireland 0,99€/day, and no roaming cost if you use it in the rest of Europe

 

Do you know how much the board costs? I could not find a link to contact him about the pcb only. Do you have the email address or link?

 

I payed 49$ including send cost

Not sure about the email anymore but i think it was [email protected]