M34 Internal Wifi /WLAN Mod

I was generously given a M34 mk4 that needed help.
I still can't get it to boot from a CD, but that's another thread. I got XP loaded by putting the install files on the HDD via USB from another computer.

I really wanted internal wifi..I tried a MPI350 card that was recommended in another thread, but it would not enable or show up in BIOS.
So I pulled a Intel 2915 from a CF18.. It was recognized as soon as I installed the driver..I did not even check the BIOS..

Then my issue was an antenna.....

The M34 only has one Mini PCI slot and it was occupied by the Modem/Wired network card. I had to remove the modem /network card to install the Wifi card...I needed a non metal area of the case to mount the antenna....I removed the now useless modem and network ports. This gave me the rubber covers as a non metal area...I fabbed a small bracket and used a trimmed down CF30 Wifi antenna. Now I get good reception with one antenna.

I did reinstall the rubber covers, but they are not in the photo...The Kapton tape is not needed. I just did not remove it from a previous antenna mount attempt..

 

Glad to see someone is still interested in the Little Wonder CF-M34. What are the results with this antenna ? I used to locate wifi flag antennas under the palmrest, and reception wasnt bad.
Romain

 

It works much better than no antenna at all..
Which is what I started with. I'll have to look at the connection rate and post later.

 

I've done the flag under the palmrest and it worked pretty well for me too as I recall. Pretty easy to install, routed wire thru the battery compartment. Might be worth try if Shawn needs a 2nd antenna.

 

Good show Shawn.

Need a couple more? Oops battery light.:hi2:

 

What Mk did you get?

 

Mk4 800mhz

 

I really like these little beasties. The keyboard arrangement is normal unlike CF-18/19. When Shawn gets the time I will try to get him to do a lcd/led interchange for me for daylight readability.
Meanwhile I am sitting on my keeper w/ the BLKB (rubber) plus two others with wifi antennas......umm.....and two more no wireless. (total 5)
My intention is one of them for a fire truck utilizing USB GPS. That fell through for a bit as the vendor could not read my address. That unit will probably run Navigatrix. See UNCNDL1 posts in toughbooktalk Linux/Navigation.
These lads and lassies (Navigatrix) have Linux and GPS dialed.
Sorry to be jumping all over the place like this. Who knows the list price of a new CF-M34RHFZDM?
My point is Toughbooks are not throw-aways. XP sorta killed them....Linux saved 'em.
For the folks looking for a unit to program radios (w/pure DOS).......look no further.

O.K. I'm done.

Happy 4th.

Jayburd :hi2:

 

That's a good call...The M34 would be perfect for radio programing..

Let me get back to work Monday and in a somewhat normal routine and I'll set you up with LED LCD's.

 

What material is the palmrest? My quick look assumed it was metal, the same as the rest of the case.

 

Palmrest is made of plastic (dont know which one...). To remove it, you have to remove bottom cover and remove a few screws through the mobo, then it comes out easily.

 

Aha...then a flag antenna would work underneath it.....That would be a good location to put #2 antenna...That's a later project