Cf-28 Upgraded to XP - Wireless Display and Internal GPS

Hi all, first post so hopefully I make sense.

I got a CF-28 Mk3 off eBay back in June, works great, good condition etc but it came with Windows 2K. I don't actually have a problem with W2K as I think it is generally better than XP but I had a copy of Office 2007 as part of the Microsoft Home use arrangement though my work and this requires XP as a minimum.

So I upgraded the Toughbook to Windows XP. First problem, even though I wanted a clean install, it left the old W2K on as a dual boot but this is flakey to say the least because I only have one partition.

Second, the internal GPS doesn't work at all now, done the serial mouse fix on the XP registry as was done on the W2K registry, it's enabled in BIOS but cannot find the port.

Thirdly, on XP the CF-VDW07 wireless display won't connect. Gone through all the setup, switched off the firewall to check if that was the problem but no connection. As far as I can tell the MEIWDS program is the same for W2k as for Windows XP, it certainly loads up OK.

Before I go through the Pain of doing a complete software reload - I am going to go out and get a bigger hard drive and do two partitions so I can do a dual boot XP and Windows 2K system properly - does anyone know of any problems specific to Windows XP SP2 for the Internal GPS and for the wireless display.

I'm not so bothered about the GSP as I have a Bluetooth GPS I can use with my Bluetooth dongle, however I am going to be getting one of the Kodiak vehicle docking stations for my car and putting the Toughbook in it. Wanted to use the wireless touchscreen as a dash display for the GPS but if I can't get it working I guess I'll have to go and get one of the wired touchscreens instead.

Cheers
Andy

 

The internal GPS just sucks flat out. It seems they had a shelf life, and they all are failing. Your best bet is to run a new module on your daughterboard.


Which wireless card is inside the thing? You could probably benefit from adding a new card in, and running a new antenna. I don't think they ever had G wireless as an option in the 28s...

 

Control panel, System, Hardware, Device manager, Ports, COM4, Properties, Resources....take it off the default automatic setting...try Basic Configuration 0001, or 0002. If the resource is already assigned, it'll tell you. Once thats changed, reboot and check COM4 for your GPS.

I forget who originally posted this, but it worked fine for my XP w/SP2.

I've only used it once on a clear day outside and got 4-6 satellites. Havent tried it in my car yet.

 

The wireless card is a PCMCIA Netgear one, haven't installed the internal wireless mini PCI card I got yet. The card is a 802.11g one however the wireless display is only 802.11b anyway so not a problem there.

I wasn't going to use the internal GPS in the car because I won't be able to mount it where I can get unobstructed view of the satelites - I was going to use the Bluetooth one, however I wanted to see if I could get it to work if I need it outside the vehicle.

I'll give a go with changing the settings as Glenb suggests, however I have also just won a new Hard drive caddy so I can put a new drive in there, build a dual boot Windows XP and Linux drive and restore the original drive to Windows 2000. The more I think about it I may have a registry problem due to there being Windows XP and Windows 2000 on the same partition whic could be why it worked fine on Windows 2000 before I loaded the Windows XP and now it won't work (either the Wireless display or the GPS).

I'll keep you all updated.

Cheers
Andy

 

I got the GPS working at last, changing the configuration on the port from 0000 to 0001 to 0003 and back again about 10 times it finally decided that it wanted to work. However at the moment it has to be manually set to config 0000 every time I restart the machine because it comes up not working. Not sure what that is but I guess I'll find out what eventually. still wonder whether there is a problem with the Registry since the upgrade to XP. I'll see what happens when I get my new Hard Disk Caddy. I bought a 120GB Hard disk yesterday that I can build the new setup on with 3 partitions using Windows 2000, XP and Linux (not sure which I will use, used to run a Fedora Core partition on my desktop which I quite like however might just try Mint).

Cheers
Andy

 

Once you get the GPS connected and working, then go back into device manager...COM4, and re-check the Auto box. Windows knows if you've been using that setting, then it will use those settings for Auto from then on.

I used the stock internal GPS for the first time in the car today with MS streets. Overcast day...sitting on the passenger seat of my CrownVic. It worked just fine all the way home from work (~30 min's highway).

 

Sounds like me... toughbook on the passenger seat of a crown vic...

My new GPS setup works great though! Can't complain about my results, telling me that I'm going 1mph walking up the basement stairs in my house.

 

I read that long thread that was going for the GPS retro-fit. After the dust settled, what GPS unit did you guys finally go with? What antenna? Did anyone put an instruction sheet together? There are conflicting instructions on the pin assignments for the EM-408 replacing the stock GPS engine on the stock GPS daughterboard in that thread. There was also some talk of going with a USB unit instead of the 408...

I installed the 3com combo LAN/Modem card (3CN3AC1556) and free'ed up a mini-pci that I'm going to put an Atheros mini-pci WiFi card (AR5005GS).

I swapped out the standard keyboard with an Emissive chicklet board.
It works great (after changing the mobo for a destroyed ZIF)

BTW, my CrownVic is a Titanium 2001 w/driver spot. Best car I've ever bought.

 

I've got an old '96 Vic, tan colour, and has a black Unity spotlight on the driver's side.

What we ended up going with, is the GlobalSat EM-408 module, and Sarantel GeoHelix-S antenna. The wiring has been pretty well set now as what works, but we've all been slacking in instructions. I've had other projects to finish up.

 

Can you explain in detail how you did this because I tried.
Thanks

 

First you install all the proper drivers:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pc/itn/drivers/d_menu_en.html

At any point where your cursor starts jumping around, and seems uncontrollable, reboot, enter bios, and disable the GPS.

EDIT: This is caused by the system interpreting the GPS signals as Mouse commands.

Continue installing all the proper drivers.

After all drivers are installed, go into Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System, Hardware Tab, Device Manager button....

First, expand Mice...then right-click on Microsoft Serial BallPoint, and DISABLE it.

Then expand the Ports (COM & LPT ) node (the little plus in front of the name) and right-click on COM4 and Properties, select the Resources tab.
Un-check the Use automatic settings box...that will un-grey the drop-down box allowing you to select a different set of settings. Select Basic Configuration 001 or 002 or 003. It will tell you if those are already in use, so just select a different one.

Once you do this, reboot...enter bios and re-enable the GPS.

Somewhere alone the line, the GPS will start working...at that time, go back into the COM4 resources, and re-check the automatic settings checkbox (Windows will keep the current settings as the automatic configuration after this)

Glen

 

I will try again and let you know the outcome.

Thanks Robert

 

I disable the serial ball mouse with the regedit system with hex value fffffffe and gone. Would this affect it and also on the board near the module it was written this could be a battery ( 3volt size ) problem.

Robert

 

Glen.

Interesting that you get a good signal in the car, mind you the Crown Vic has a nice big windshield whereas my Land Cruiser the windshield is fairly vertical and from the passenger seat it can't get a clear view of the sky. If I put a laptop mount in the front I could probably jig it to get a view but I think I will still end up going for the Bluetooth GPS antenna that I already have for my PDA and fit a PCMCIA Bluetooth card in the internal PCMCIA slot if I can find a short one that fits in OK rather than the USB BT dongle I have for now.

I have my new CDRW/DVD drive so I can now boot up from the CD so I am now going to install the new hard drive with partitions for Windows 2K, Windows XP and Mint Linux. Also hopefully get the cable tail so that I can connect up my internal Wireless Mini PCI card to the RIM antenna for now until I can find a nice Antenna to use (or may go the route of a removable antenna mounted into a socket where the RIM one normally goes if I can find one).

Cheers
Andy

 

I've never used the registry editing method, so I dont know anything about that. Personally, if I have the choice, I never use "magical" methods to do anything. Meaning, methods which are invisible to me, or which perform something that I wouldent know how to un-do, I do not use. I stay away from those. Thats why I listed specific steps to follow. If you deviate in any way from those instructions, then I can't help with unpredicted results.

No way to know why someone would write that. That does indicate however, that someone else tried to get it working too. With what has to be done, my guess is 85% of casual users could not figure this out on their own.

Andy, there are a few threads here on retro-fitting different GPS engines in place of the stock unit which is what I'm going to do eventually. The main thread is a long read, and you really have to stay with the timeline of the story otherwise you can miss-read whats being said. There are some contradictions in some of the partial instructions along the way too. I've seen no "Final" instruction doc yet, but its my understanding that someone is going to post one eventually.

On the bluetooth topic, you could search the threads too. Its my impression that some have put a BT card in the hidden PCMCIA slot.

There is also mixed opinions of improvement of the GPS performance using external antennas...RIM...bulkhead mounted jack...The various threads make for interesting reading.

EDIT: You could also trade the Land Cruser in for a Crown Vic

Remember: 2 wrongs dont make a right....but 3 lefts do

 

Yup.. the internal Bluetooth does work.. The only downfall I see to a Bluetooth GPS is .. sure you doin't have any wires dangling about.. but.. now you have to make sure you have enough batteries to keep the thing powered. I just use a USB GPS plugged into my Kodiak Mount...

 

OK I now have the new 120gb drive installed, 4 partitions

Windows 2000
Windows XP SP2
Linux Mint Main Drive
Swap Drive.

I'm using the XCFE version of Linux Mint just to see what that front end looks like, seems OK so far.

So far it all seems to work (excluding the wireless display as I haven't bothered to set that up yet.

Linux sees all the installed hardware (not tried my Wireless card yet), XP and 2000 both see the GPS OK.

So starting to look good.

I'll continue the story as I get on......

Cheers
Andy

 

OK.

Got Linux to see the Wireless card - used the Windows Driver and a utility called Linuxant to allow the driver to be used in Linux as Netgear don't do a Linux driver for the WG511T PCMCIA card. Works very well.

Can't get Linux to see my Bluetooth Dongle even though I am pretty sure I have the BT stack loaded and the driver for the USB2 PCMCIA card that it is plugged into loaded up. Still most of it is working and I really like the XCFE window manager and the synaptics Package loader (never used a package loader before on Linux always had to download RPM files and load them through a terminal window).

So If I can get the Bluetooth up and running and get GPSDrive working with UK maps (I can see the inbuilt GPS) then I think Linux will provided me with an almost complete subsitute for everything I use on Windows XP and run a lot quicker too.

Cheers
Andy

 

Nah think I'll keep the Cruiser - Crown Vic is a bit wide for the UK - not that it isn't a good car, always hired one when I come to the US on business, I love the relaxed nature of the car and the fact that the suspension is so soft you could go to sleep while driving at 70 on the freeway

Cheers
Andy

 

Harveya,
If you have the second (hidden ) pcmia socket enabled in the bios, yes you must do this manually the first time, then a terminal command as root, or sudo'd in of pccardctl with any of the following modifiers might get you going;

pccardctl status -> gives the status of the slots
pccardctl eject -> gives the command to eject cards ( read man pccardctl or pccardctl --help, may be able to specify which slot to work on.)
pccardctl insert -> tells system to initialize a new card, or activate one that has been de-activated by the eject command.

Other modifiers may be available, read the manual, or --help

Hope this helps.
Duane

 

Duane.
I'm not using the hidden PCMCIA card yet for the Bluetooth. It's a Belkin BT Dongle connected to my Belkin USB 2 PCMCIA card in one of the two main PCMCIA card slots.

I've loaded up BlueZ BT stack and utilities but it won't find it.

Mind you not sure where to find the Bluetooth configuration tool on the XFCE desktop. I might still be missing some drivers, I'm gradually going through the Syaptic Package Manager loading up everything I think I will need - also just updating to the latest version of XFCE (4.2.2) from the standard Mint build of 4.0.1

I certainly like the speed of Mint plus XFCE and actually while I'm having problems with the Bluetooth, everything else came up straight out of the box which is a first for me and Linux. Fedora Core and Red Hat before that was a complete pain to get working on my old desktop machine.

Just as an aside, loaded up XP SP3 from Microsoft today and it actually worked and didn't kill the system - thought if I was going to do it, might as well test it now as I have all my important document still on my backup external hard drive.

Cheers
Andy

 

Andy, I had never used Bluetooth anything until I got a CF-28. I don't have a bluetooth phone, and all my laptops and workstations have nice keyboards/mice, some RF wireless.

BUT, when I got a CF-28 with a rubber keyboard, I rummaged around and found a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard/mouse in the 'room of spare things' I had never used. The rubber keyboard is quite difficult to type on, and I have a few keys that you have to push 'just right'. I'm using Sidux on my CF-28, so I loaded up all the Bluetooth things I could find. Fumbling through everything, I could get the USB Bluetooth unit to recognize the keyboard and mouse, but I could not get them paired using the "find stuff" choices.

I eventually got around it with a clumsy hack. In each user's .bashrc file is a lot of goodies that can be configured. I use the command line a lot, so I am always loading .bashrc up with aliases. This is little shortcuts, to be translated into anything else. As soon as you have made changes, they do not take effect until you log out/log in again. Here is what I did, after (too much) experimentation:

Code:

alias m='sudo hidd --connect 00:07:61:1B:FF:D7'
alias k='sudo hidd --connect 00:07:61:1C:A8:92'

When I just type 'm' at a console it is the same as typing sudo hidd --connect 00:07:61:1B:FF 7 only a _lot_ easier. I then fiddle with the connect button on the mouse and the base station, and the Bluetooth monitor pops up "associated with xxxxx mouse". I hit k and same for the keyboard. I got the network address of each device by fumbling around with the utilities, and then LATER found they were on a tag on the bottom of each one.

If you are using Mint, the sudo hidd command alone may make it work. You will be prompted for the usual 'first user' password. All non-Ubuntu distros you have to set particular commands that can be run as root, and with or without a password. You edit this file with the visudo command (as root). My username is mumbler9, here is what my sudo file looks like:

Code:

mumbler9 ALL = NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/kismet, /usr/bin/hidd, /usr/bin/kismet_server, /usr/sbin/gpsd

These are all commands that the user mumbler9 can run as root without having to enter a password. The visudo command is based on the lovely vi editor, hit insert to actually edit it, then Esc, type a colon : then wq (short for Write, and then Quit). You cannot easily edit this file with anything else.

In originally searching for answers, I found a lot of people complaining about Linux occasionally losing connect with Bluetooth, but so far my awkward method seems to keep working until I power it off.

 

Thanks Picoshark.

I'll have a play however at the moment the biggest problem is that Linux won't boot with the Bluetooth dongle in the USB 2.0 PCMCIA card. I'm starting to think that the PCMCIA card is not setup correct rather than the BT being wrong. I have loaded up a new bluetooth app rather than bluez which was recommended on the Mint Linux forum, still no good.

Linux sees my external hard drive fine through the PCMCIA USB 2.0 card so it isn't completely broke. I'm doing some searching around. Belkin never seem to provide native Linux drivers.

The only reason I want the BT is that I will use it for GPS in the car and also for transferring files between my work Laptop and my Toughbook if I need to as the firewall settings on my work laptop are too tight to allow file sharing across my home Lan.

 

Well a quick update.

I got hold of a Billionton Bluetooth PCMCIA card (the early one with the built in antenna rather than the movable one. Fitted it in the internal PCMCIA slot (had to cut a small amount on the cover that houses the Ethernet and modem port to allow it to fit). Powered it up, enabled the second cardbus slot, loaded up the software and away it went. Perfect.

While I had the Toughbook apart I also fitted my mini pci Lan card to the port freed up by removing the modem one. I had a small patch lead which connects the built in antenna to the port on the card. I had already loaded up the broadcom drivers.

Again booted it up in Windows XP and away it went, 54MBs connection, good signal strength. Not sure on the distance yet, and I will eventually replace the built in antenna with a stubby antenna, however it works well for now. I also have a PCMCIA wireless lan card anyway if I am in a difficult area.

So I now have all the things on it I want. Spec is as follows

CF-28 MK3 1GHZ
768MB Ram
120MB Hard Drive - 3 partitions - Linux Mint, Windows 2K Pro, Windows XP SP3 (Yes I loaded up the beta of SP3 and it works no probs).
Built in Factory GPS, Mini PCI 802.11G Wifi, Billionton Bluetooth on internal PCMCIA.

Running Ozi Explorer GPS software which works fine on the internal GPS.

Also running Office 2007 which is a bit slow (but then it is MS Bloatware).

Also managed to get myself a CF-VEB272A docking station just before christmas for $19 plus shipping which I though was an excellent deal. Just need to get me a Kodiak one for the Car.

Now I just got to get the Bluetooth running in Linux - should work as BlueZ support CSR Bluetooth chipsets of which the Billionton is one, and finally get the Wireless display working with the internal wifi card.

All in all it's coming togther nicely.

 

Update.

Finally got the Wireless display (CF-VDW07) working on XP. Seems it is not compatible with all wifi cards, won't work with my Netgear Wireless G card (However will when running Windows 2K - go figure), also won't work with my Broadcom mini PCI internal wifi (won't work with that under Windows 2K). How did I get it working - managed to get hold of one of the fairly rare Panasonic Wireless Display Interface Kit wifi cards (CF-VWLS071) which is actually a Lucent PC24-E 802.11b wifi card .

I downloaded the Orinioco drivers for this card as they were the only XP ones I could find and it worked first time.

Pity they don't do the Wireless screen driver (MEIWDS) for Linux as I can get the drivers for the wifi card for Linux.

Still under XP it works very well and I can use my OziExplorer software for the GPS. The Billionton Bluetooth PCMCIA works well connecting to my Bluetooth GPS. All I need now is to find a mount or make one for the Wireless Display.

I'm going to get another CF-VEB272A docking station (the normal desktop one) for the car and mount it as I don't need the ability to mount on a ram or anything once in the car. I can get one for a lot less than the Kodiak or the Panasonic Car mounts.

Nearly there then........

 

So the latest thing I have done is to repartition and reformat the hard drive. Now just working on XP SP3. Having canned Norton Internet Security it is running really fast.

Next mod for when it arrives is to fit my new 13.3 Touchscreen. Got the drivers for it already.

Still looking for a Car mount docking station at a reasonable price.

Cheers
Andy
CF-28 Mk3, 768MB Ram, 120GB HDD, Broadcom MiniPCI Wireless on normal wireless antenna, Billionton PCMCIA Bluetooth on internal slot, Panasonic Wireless Display Interface Wifi card, CF-VDW07 Wireless Display, Factory GPS and external Bluetooth GPS and soon to be fitted Touchscreen.

 

Update.

Got a 13.3in Touchscreen off a Mk3 at a really good price and it fitted straight in - came complete with the casing as well so just a case off swapping over the complete screen unit. Got the driver loaded up and it came up working first time. Only thing I wish they had fitted on the CF28 was a slot to keep the stylus in - still can't have everything.

So now the spec is

CF-28 Mk3
120gb Hard Drive
768MB memory
Windows XP SP3
Internal GPS
Internal Bluetooth (Billionton PCMCIA in 3rd PCMCIA slot)
Internal Wireless (802.11g mini PCI running through standard antenna using converter cable)
13.3in Touchscreen
CF-VEB272A Docking Station
Soon to be fitting Rubber backlit keyboard
Panasonic Wireless Display Interface Kit (CF-VWLS017 - Lucent PC24E-H-FC Wifi card)
Panasonic CF-VDW07 Wireless Display

Still trying to find a vehicle docking station and sort out a mount for the Wireless display in my vehicle.

 

Andy,
I have just finished up the mount for my CF-VDW07 wireless display in preparation for our annual trip out West. It's a little less finished looking than I would like, but works great and was cheap. I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight.
Cap

 

Cap.

That would be great, thanks. Have spent a fair bit scratching my head how to do this - pity they never made a docking station specific for it unlike the CF-VDW08. Because of the dashboard layout on my vehicle (a '93 Land Cruiser) I want something that I can move out of the way or remove when I'm not using it.

Be great to see what you have done.

Cheers
Andy

 

Andy,
I put it up here so more people might see it.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3709110#post3709110

I hope it helps.
Cap

 

That looks like a SLICK setup! You can control ALL functions on the host laptop?

 

TB,
Yep, any thing you can do with your keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, or touchpad on the host computer you can do with the CF-VDW07. I only use the CF-07 in the car cause it's so small, fits under the seat in the jeep. It will run a Laptop in the trunk or the back seat. You just have to install some Panasonic software to turn any computer into a host. They claim 300' but I think that's a little optimistic. It will certainly work any where in the house or car. Watch out for the price of these on eBay!
Cap

 

I'm thinking about trading in (or selling) the H3 Hummer. I'm debating on what to do for navigation in the next vehicle. I'd like to mount a CF-28 somewhere like under the seat and hook up a touchscreen in the dash... That way I can have full functionality AND have a huge hard drive to store all my music! There are a ton of interfaces as far as software goes. But I'm thinking more about hardware. This looks like a pretty cool alternative.

 

TB,
I think if you look around you might find one of these displays. Toughbook Exchange sometimes has them new with warranty for around $450-500. I got one on eBay for $120. The guy thought the screen was ruined, it was the protector. My whole rig cost me about $300 with a CF-07, XP pro 20gb hdd, and
the dock. Compared to built in GPS in a car or even a high end TomTom or Garmin I'm way ahead, and the screen is relatively huge! And I can run Streets & Trips, DeLorme Topo, and Ozi all open at the same time and just pop the one I want to the top or split the screen. It requires the use of Franson Gate, a neat piece of software which lets you send the signal from one GPS to multiple programs simultaneously. With every thing loaded including a full version of XP and a full set of marine charts for the whole US, I still have 11-12gb left to store waypoints and track logs. I figure that's good for about 50 years of travel. Next, sound, but I expect to have that up and working by next weekend. And of course it will be up and working in the rental in Denver on Sept. 10th in about 5 minutes, one cigarette lighter adaptor and one suction cup.
Cap

 

Cap.

That looks really good and has me itching to get mine set up - I have a handy piece of Polycarbonate that I can use and a swivel mount (might need to get a RAM mount as I think mine might not be man enough for the job but we'll see).

Need to find somewhere safe to mount the CF-28 and get me a Serial GPS antenna as I want to use the Bluetooth for hooking up to my cellphone for GPRS data.

The screen really is good although I need a new battery for mine as the battery life is pretty short (around 1 hour), the touchscreen even responds well to just using your finger rather than the stylus.

Thanks for posting up the pictures.

cheers
Andy

 

Cap.

How do you take off the protector or is it just a case of splitting the unit. My screen is relatively dull - the colours are not that bright but wasn't sure if it was just the way it was or something that can be fixed.

Cheers
Andy

 

Andy,
The protector is a thick membrane which self sticks to the outside face of the touchscreen. It just peels off, be gentle! If you look very closely, you can see the edge of it somewhere on the periphery of the screen, they are just a little bit smaller than the screen. The best ones are available on eBay from Porterus or something like that. New batteries are available, I'll relocate the source and PM you. About $39. The Ram mount is a 1" ball, identical to the one that I have for my Garmin. It is rated for 5#, the display is around 2#. I will have some sort of tether to the rear view mirror just in case, the suction cups get weird sometimes when you are gaining or losing 9-10,000 feet in elevation over the course of an hour or so and we will be doing that a lot.
Cap

 

Cap.

Looks like mine already has the protector taken off. Could be the inverter or backlight I guess. Hopefully it's the inverter because if I am lucky it will be the same unit as is on the CF-28 screen and can swap out one of the 2 spares that I have. The backlight works just isn't very bright and the viewing angle has to be almost straight on - you soon lose contrast if you view anything beyond about 15 degrees from the straight on position.

I guess I'll have to take it apart and see if I can see anything obvious.

Just one extra thing - typing on my new rubber backlit keyboard, took 10 mins to fit and worked straight awayso I guess I am pretty lucky with most things on it. Mind you ittakes some getting used to.

Cheers
Andy

 

Doh!!!!.

Did what I should have done first off, gave the screen a clean - it looked clean at first glance but it was amazing how much dirt came off. Anyway I can see things now - wow, it isn't as bright as my CF-28 screen but it is pretty good. Just need to order up a new battery (thanks for the pointer Cap) and it will be really useable even if not plugged into the power.

Cheers
Andy

 

Andy,
I assume you have tried the backlight control in the menu screen.
Cap

 

Cap.

Yes running it with Backlight set to high, not that there seems to be that much difference between high and low - only difference is when it is off - can't see a thing. Still it is much better than before I cleaned it.

 

Andy,
Something is tired then, there is a marked difference in the brightness on mine when I change the setting. Unfortunately, you really should get a screen protector on it.
Cap

 

Cap.

OK looks like I will have to take it apart, hopefully it is the inverter for the screen because apart from that the screen is perfect, no blackouts or anything. It is a pretty old unit, one of the early ones, however I paid next to nothing for it compared to what they tend to go for on ebay normally.

I definately will get a screen protector for it though.
Cheers
Andy

 

You may have the transflective screen which is normally a bit dimmer and duller than the transmissive screen. These are made for direct sunlight viewing but not so good in normal lighting.

 

Yes you may be right. I took it apart yesterday and could see nothing immediate that may be a problem, couldn't change out the inverter for my spare as it is a different type.

The inside of the touchscreen is clean so it isn't that.

I'll see what it is like inside the vehicle.

One good thing. Managed to get a Brand new Panasonic Vehicle Docking Station (CF-WEB273) from Horizon on ebay which should be getting here in a couple of weeks. Good price and the shipping was reasonable too (and they did take PayPal from the UK which was good).

The CF-VDW07 is a part number CF-VDW07JS not sure if this is a Transfelctive screen or Transmissive - does anyone know?.

Also ordered up a screen protector for it from screenpatronus on ebay.

Cheers
Andy

 

Hello harveya

Nothing to add of a technical nature. As a Mud participant too I wanted to make sure you post your finished build there, as I am sure it will generate interest. I am still debating the toughbook up front, or mounted somewhere out of sight and input through a display such as these. Mobility is key for me cause it has to move between a few vehicles.

Regards

gb

 

Greg.

Wondered if you was that Greg_B. Nice to see you on here too. Yes when I get the Toughbook installed in the Cruiser with the Docking Station and the screen etc, I will post some pictures up on Mud. Got a few other things on the Cruiser since last I posted any pictures.

Going to fab up a Drawer system in the back with a plinth to put the Toughbook on and some kind of vented cover (possibly with a Fan just to make sure it doesn't get too hot (Mind you the Toughbook will take a lot of heat and abuse generally). Screen going in the front (just working through how I will mount it).

Cheers
Andy

 

Tried it in the vehicle today, have built a mount to the windscreen but really want to get hold of one of the Arkon steel goose neck mounts and mount to the transmission tunnel, but current mount works well with a short flexible goose neck which takes up some of the vibration.

The screen is quite visible in the car, so I guess it is a transflective screen. Got myself one of the Panasonic car power adaptors as my non panasonic one, the plug doesn't fit well in the socket at the top of the screen.

I will take some pictures maybe tomorrow and post them up.

Cheers
Andy

 

Quick update.

I have always had a level of difficulty in getting the Wireless display to connect - always managed to do it eventually but used to be far more of a difficulty than it should have been. I have been using a Panasonic Wireless display interface card CF-VWLS071.

Anyway I got fed up with it and managed to get a CISCO Aironet 350 PCMCIA card for $10 on ebay. Didn't hace any drivers but managed to get these from the CISCO support site.

Anyway, first time I put it in after the setup was complete, connected to the Wireless screen within 2 secs. Switched off the screen and it reverted to the normal screen, powered up the wireless screen and it connected straight away. Couldn't believe it was so easy, so I repeated it about 10 times, each time it connected straight away. Guess there was either something wrong with the Wireless Display interface card or the software I was using for it.

Anyway I am really pleased now , the screen works just as it should, I can see it in the vehicle and it does the job. Even got the screen protector and the sent me an extra piece just because they had to ask me a question about the screen - great service. Used the extra piece for my PDA.

Just waiting on the Arkon mount to arrive and the docking station and then I can get around to installing it in the car. I'll post some pictures of the wireless screen though when the Arkon Mount arrives.

 

OK so I have got the Arkon Mount installed although not yet installed the docking station but here are some pictures of the screen working in the vehicle with the CF-28 just sitting on the passenger seat.

You can see the 4 prong mount fitted on the back of the screen (using hard plastic superglue. This means I can use the same mount for my PDA or the screen.

Now that I am using the Cisco Aironet wifi card to drive the screen it connects first time everytime so must have had a hardware problem on the wireless interface card or it might not be fully supported on XP.