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    Making a non-WWAN ready CF-30 WWAN capable.

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by 808_guy, Jul 13, 2011.

  1. 808_guy

    808_guy Notebook Guru

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    I've been searching for the answer to this question for weeks now, and I haven't really found an answer.

    I have a CF-30 Mk I, no WWAN antenna installed. I have the slot next to the PCMCIA that I believe is used for the WWAN sled.

    I have read on here that installing the external antenna and wiring to make a TB WWAN ready is a major PITA....however, I have also read that the sleds have an antenna built in.

    My question...will a WWAN sled have acceptable performance if used with its built in antenna as opposed to the pullout one that the WWAN equipped TB's come with?

    A USB dongle is not an option for me...it would be cute and easy but my TB lives in an outdoor environment. It just wouldn't last, not to mention the dust and what not coming in through the open covers.

    Thanks!
     
    808_guy, Jul 13, 2011
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  2. Rob

    Rob Toughbook Aficionado

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    All I can say is: GOOD LUCK! TONS of antennas to run. You would at the least need the wiring diagram/schematic for this so you would know where the wires go... :-/
     
    Rob, Jul 13, 2011
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  3. 808_guy

    808_guy Notebook Guru

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    I'm actually looking forward to it! :) I'm not afraid to take the TB apart...I already installed an OEM GPS module and the bumpout antenna. It's just that there appears to be no information on making a CF-30 WWAN ready.

    With all of the TB mods that one can do, I'm kind of surprised at the lack of info or successful installs. :(
     
    808_guy, Jul 13, 2011
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  4. capt.dogfish

    capt.dogfish The Curmudgeon

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    The WWAN goes into a sled which fits above the battery. Remove the two screws from the small plastic cover on the left side of the palm rest. The sled won't be there, but that's where it goes. The slot next to the PCMCIA slot is for an express card.
    CAP
     
    capt.dogfish, Jul 13, 2011
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  5. Rob

    Rob Toughbook Aficionado

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    Just so you know, you'll have to BUY the correct PCB board that is there above the battery under the left palm rest. The NON-WWAN ready ones DO NOT come with the required PCB board that the sled slides in to.

    Thanks
     
    Rob, Jul 13, 2011
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  6. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    If you need a sled - contact me, I'll send it for free (just shipping) :)
    I've just sold HP un2400 modem installed in Panasonic sled (non-working combination, of course), so the sled is here :)
     
    BaRRmaley, Jul 14, 2011
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  7. 808_guy

    808_guy Notebook Guru

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    Ooh. Wonder when one of those will pop up on eBay???

    This is going to be fun and games for me...my last toughbook (a CF-73), I took it apart so many times I jokingly wondered how to come up with a way to field strip it.
     
    808_guy, Jul 15, 2011
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  8. 808_guy

    808_guy Notebook Guru

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    PM sent! :)
     
    808_guy, Jul 15, 2011
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  9. 808_guy

    808_guy Notebook Guru

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    My next question...does anybody know of any BIOS locks that will prevent a non WWAN TB from recognizing a properly installed sled?
     
    808_guy, Jul 15, 2011
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  10. Rob

    Rob Toughbook Aficionado

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    That's a damn good question! I'd like to know myself! I don't know if anyone on here has done this (As I've said before)...

    Why not just pay like $100 more and have it WWAN ready from the get go??? Seriously.........
     
    Rob, Jul 18, 2011
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  11. db04p71

    db04p71 Notebook Deity

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    You have installed the PCB that connects the sled to the laptop?

    What sled did you install? What modem did you install?

    Have you updated to the latest bios?

    Current version for the CF-30 Mk1: BIOS V1.00L20 / EC V1.00L17 for Windows XP

    http://pc-dl.panasonic.co.jp/dl/download/file/011545/s/05400ae625da78d7/bios_30_1_r080014.exe
     
    db04p71, Jul 18, 2011
    #11
    SirJ likes this.