Just got a cf-28 and I need some help before a deployment

Hey guys, I just got a cf-28STJGEDM. I actually just won one on e-bay and I have a few questions. I am in the Air Force and my first experience with a TB was on my first deployment working for the army and it was great to have. Well, I just got orders back but this time and I wanted to have my own so I don't have to conform to DOD software rules.

I don't even have the computer yet but I don't have much time to get it spun up before I have to leave. I have already purchased an Atheros AR5006X Wireless A/B/G Mini PCI Card
and I would like to find a way to hide the antenna so they don't snag on anything… any ideas?
Also, it doesn't have a CD-ROM and no operating system so trying to save time (and $), I got a usb CD-ROM, will that work? I have used this method before but I don't know if it will work properly with this computer and it seems this is the place to come for the info.

I would appreciate any and all help I can get with these questions. I am pretty good with computers and I can't wait to get back and do some serious mods but for now I have to just get it up and working.

Thanks again - Dave

 

The USB CD-ROM won't work for installing an OS because 28s don't have a boot-to-usb option. Once you get an OS installed you can use it though.

 

There are a couple of option if not a lot for an atena installation on cf-28 if you could find the right thread on the panasonic forum. One that I am going to suggest is using the padle antena behind the two rubber bump corner of the lcd. That way it is indistructible not so fragile specially on that kind of location that you are going to.


ohlip

 

Thank you guys so much for responding!

ZeroFlight
Do you think I can install an os using a usb enclosure on another computer an transport it in?

ohlip
I just got some of the type you are talking about
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=180260380418
is this what you’re talking about and if it is how do i get it to that location

 

I think thats a good one. Open up the lcd cover but first you have to remove the hinges cover 4 screws at the back and 4 srews at front of the keyboard. Then remove all srews of the lcd and crefully lift it up the lid cover and your set. Then take out the two black rubber bump at the top of lcd. Its up to you how to install on it. Put it back together. BTW, I forgot to mention you have open up also the cover beneath the keyboard to give way for an antena cable all the way to the mini pci wireless card. I have a photo somewhere here to one of the thread but i can't find it now.


Ohlip

 

That should work so long as you only do the pre-install stuff. If you try to set it up and load drivers while in the other machine, it won't work. So basically when it tells you to restart to start setting up windows, put it back into the toughbook.

 

Hey thanks alot guys !
Does any one know a good GPS program that does streets, topographical and on the ocean?

 

You may want to check out Fugawi Global Navigator with their marine maps: http://www.fugawi.com/web/products/fugawi_global_navigator.htm. They don't come cheap though!

 

hey thanks
should i just upgrade to a new GPS are the OEM ones really that bad?

 

Not entirely true. If you have a floppy drive download the 6 disk image set from Microsoft for the XP installation. This gives you USB CD-ROM support. That's how I put XP on my CF-28's!