CF30 Questions

Hello! I've recently pulled the trigger on a used CF30 MK3. With the way market forces have been acting on new laptops and considering the hardware port demands that I have (really not that much, sadly), it really was the only option. Fed Ex is delivering it today, but before that happens I have a few questions.

Which case pieces can you move from a CF28/CF29 on the CF30? I will be doing a custom paint job.

Has anyone had success installing 8GB Ram on a CF30? The chipset is GS45 Express, which intel states supports 8GB.

I remember reading that the mark 3 has a button which turns off all the backlighting, lights, etc. Is that correct? What is that called? Has anyone had success implementing that functionality under linux?

EDIT: I've added more questions in my May 2 post below

 

Got bad news for you. The keyboard might fit, but I wouldn't call that a case piece. The screws from a 29 will fit in a 30. As for the 28, not even the screws will fit.

 

Hi divisor! Welcome to the Panasonic forum!!

Yes it will support 2 x 4GB sticks of PC2-800 ram. They are a bit hard to find and pricey.

There is a setting in the BIOS for Stealth mode. Set that and then some key combination should activate it (forgot which keys tho).

 

I can confirm now, that 8GB works on the 30mk3.

 

Hi again all,

I've REALLY grown to like the cf30mk3. I take it everywhere I can, and I have more questions:

1. how can I attach a shoulder strap? My idea is to screw some eyehooks into the piece the stylus string is attached to now, but I hope there is a better way.

2. Does the mk3 support SATA-II? On the panasonic website it says it is only SATA-I, but much like in the case of RAM, the intel chipset supports SATA-II.

3. Can you fit pieces from a mk1 or mk2 to the mk3? Namely, if I buy a used for parts mk1 just for the case materials and paint those will I be able to use what were the gray pieces on my mk3?

For anyone who is curious, Linux works right out of the box - I swapped the laptop harddrive from my old thinkpad x200t into the cf30 and after calibration it works great. However, it does lag when I change the volume or the screen brightness.

 

panasonic makes d rings for the strap. they screw on beside the rear door.
sata 1 is all you'll get.
yes the lid is the same between mk's . doors also.

 

Take a look at TBT, there's a guy there parting out a CF-30. The upper is available without any guts. PM please.

I'm going to look at modding CF-29 rings to fit.....I say put the home made brackets where the tether ties to the case.

More on this later after I find my dog. (see below)

 

just added strap rings. works like a dream! would be better on the handle side tho

 

Jeff if you look at the cf 30 beside the rear door...look for the 2 flat spots shaped like a D..Lift the stickers off...yes they are stickers.....you'll find a threaded screw hole under the sticker.......They make d rings for the cf 30. My personal cf30 has them. Rob used to have some.

I'll try to post a photo...

 

wow thanks Shawn I didn't notice the sticker. I screwed mine into where the black one is in your picture.

quick question, is there any way to dock your hard drive caddy into a desktop CDROM bay? like they used to have for zip drives

EDIT: like this, but for toughbook caddies:

 

I'll be,whoda thunk it.I just looked and there they are,thanks.

 

not for toughbook caddies...sorry.

 

This is a CF-29 D-ring on a CF-30MK3. Using the CF-29 original piece with two, now three holes.
1. Back in the day I was taught to have at least half the hole size on a piece I was drilling...between the hole edge and the edge of the piece.
2. There is plenty of room for a hole and it meets the guidelines.
3. The folded piece is clamped in anyway....not relying on just the bolt (screw).

Center punch, select correct drill, clamp in tool vise and drill. I did a two stage deal here with a pilot hole and then a finish hole. The other one is on the floor someplace.

Jeff :hi2:

 

Looks good Jeff.......

 

I find that the rings work best in the rear. Using a velcro strap to attach the carry handel to my belt buckle and a sling to the rings and around the back of my neck will make an exspendent desk for the Toughbook as I walk around the site.

Try it, you might like it.

 

Well? what happened with the dog?

 

He was visiting. Gone for a long time so I thought dead or a girl friend.

I don't use the d-rings Bill, I just did this to see if I could. It makes a nice marker for the unit when on my rolling shelf of assorted TB's.

The other d-ring must be under the drill press stand. Need to block those holes. Where's the duct tape?

Speaking of holes guys....Bill (Azrial) needs the cover piece that blocks the smart card reader slot. I have a couple of beaters coming is maybe one of those will have one. It blocks the smart card reader hole and is the face-plate for the SD slot. I think it may be tape type material. Maybe someone has the part #. Oh. Shawn.

 

it's a sticker....I cut one from an extra label from a unit at work,
I'll look for the official part number



looks like this is it

DFGL0153ZA-0................ SD LABEL

 

I LIKE Shawn but don't do the clicky thing. (what movie)?
Gotta feed my Beatnik a cracker.

TTYL

 

at least i can still be a search ninja...

my hand hurts.....had to stop the percocets...

crud...i was gonna put some crackers in the box today...maybe tomorrows box.

does life cereal ring a bell?

 

Oh I know mikey. I was thinking of the clicky thing. Actually it was the flashy light thing. "When do I get a flashy light thing?" "When you grow up". MIB

 

My display emits a high-pitched whine when it is turned up. Is this normal?

 

inverter is probably going bad..Check the cable connections first though.

 

Stumbling around old posts and found this info.

CF-30 D-Rings are VERY helpful to have when you want a shoulder strap. P/N: DFMD9104ZA-0

 

Hi again all,

How do I remove the touchscreen from the display case of the CF30? It seems to be glued to some sort of foam panel (see attached photos). There are small pieces of plastic which are either keeping it from moving and/or wedging it into place. I am not sure how to proceed. Heat gun? Please advise.

 

You'll need an X-Acto blade to cut the double sided foam tape. You will then need new tape to install.

Why are you removing it?

 

That's a pretty big wrench for a CF-30!
CAP

 

My first pass with 60 grit. The word Panasonic got sanded too, which is unfortunate.

if you look closely there are four small dots around the toughbook 'bone'. what a mystery.

TB you are right, I don't need to remove the display from the frame.

On a lighter note my notebook was running hot yesterday so I went up to the sink and turned on the cold water. Problem solved





EDIT: was a little overzealous with the sander and ended up taking quite a bit off the piece by the latch.

 

Why all the sanding on the lid?

 

Seriously? You should not be allowed to own a Toughbook!

 

Many people don't realize that all you have to do is remove the shine before you repaint something. Unless there is some damage you are repairing scuff it lightly to dull the finish and spray bomb that bad boy.

I sniffed way too many urethane fumes repainting school buses....Yes that's a lot of vehicle...and a lot of paint..

BTW...Rust Oleum silver texture paint for refinishing Toughbooks..

Color number...251053

 

They make primers where there is no need to even sand or break the surface... But why?

Every scratch is a badge of honor!

 

Agreed. It's like scuffs on a football helmet, or . . .


Jaws (6/10) Movie CLIP - Scars (1975) HD - YouTube

 

To activate Stealth mode (After enabled in BIOS) is FN and F8