My First Toughbook (CF-30F3SAXAM)

Hi All,

Well my first ever Toughbook arrived from the states today a Mk2 CF-30 (CF-30F3SAXAM). I'm completely new to Toughbooks so bought this unit as a learning tool in how to fix/upgrade them.

Unit Cost = $25
Shipping to UK = $25 roughly
Total price at start =$50



Now my unit has a few defects, mainly being the following:

1. No Battery.
2. No DVD Drive.
3. No Hard Drive or Caddy.
4. Missing Power Port Cover.
5. Missing USB Port Cover (one next to Power Point).
6. Broken Top Lid Cover (LCD is fine and working apart from little scratch).
7. Missing Cover that goes above battery door (not sure what this part is yet).

Now i'm planning on maxing this unit out with everything it can have just as a project and to help me get used to how these units go together and work.

So i'm now going to go hunt for a Service Manual for my model and take it from there.

I'll try and updated this thread as I go along and replace/upgrade parts and how I'm getting along with Toughbook ownership.

 

I have a service manual.

 

Could I trouble you for a PDF copy via email ?

 

That's the sled door. See if the rails and connector are in there. Look inside with flashlight. Is there an antenna in upper corner of lid?
This has a few things stripped off. Maybe they changed the lid.
They make a blank cover or you could put a WWAN sled in there.

I think I have all your pieces except battery. I trust you have the correct power supply. 16.5 volts....no more.

 

I think the sled is in there, as I can see a connector at the back and a metal rail on the left side as I look in. Lid has the Antenna still. Only thing wrong with the lid is it's cracked and the plastic shield in front of the LCD has a scratch on it. LCD is very clear when powered up.

 

Apart from the cracked Lid Cover and the missing parts, the unit itself is in extremely good condition. Also has the backlit emmissive keyboard already in it.

 

I started a private conversation.
Send me your email there.

 

Good the rails are there. Means the cabling is there too.

Back in the day my first post here was "What's a sled". rofl Nobody answered.

How's pricing on that side of the pond? With VAT etc. would you be better off buying from your local vendors/ebay?

The sled holds WWAN engine. There are three or more versions. It would be nice to have a WWAN that worked but the object is fill the hole.

Here's a EU860D (whatever that means and Matt will ship to Europe). Be sure to request the two screws. Matt (Proton) should have a lid sitting around also. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-T...hash=item1c29ad382c:m:mklUbor_YQ1WNszR5Q0LoMQ

 

This is a sled


This is a toughbook sled

 

Ahh ok, then I don't have a sled.

Pricing varies, sometimes it's cheaper to buy from the UK, other times the USA is cheaper even with shipping costs. It all depends who's got what.

 

New panasonic toughbook cf-30 wireless module cover With Screws.

Took some time for the nomenclature. This is a sample. I went through a bunch of service manuals with no joy. Googling will probably show the module plus item number. From ebay.

 

this search for a sled

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro....H0.Xwwan+cf+30.TRS0&_nkw=wwan+cf+30&_sacat=0

 

Shouldn't this have been moved to his own thread, not this one ?

 

Sorry wrong thread....fixed now

 

Is it possible to remove dents out of Toughbook Lids at all ?

 

They are cast metal so I doubt it

 

yep ...
the metal is a high magnesium/aluminum alloy (with a very small percentage of a couple other elements for ease in casting)
a minor dent may be removed by using a rounded surface striking tool (preferably lead or rawhide) backed up with a flat "anvil" tool .
deep and/or sharp dents will crack due to stresses/deformation crystalization ... no joy .
the paint will most likely peel/flake in all cases .
you could try "bondo" and go for a full re-paint .
it might be easier to purchase a new *chunk* ...
what piece is damaged ?

idea ...
shawn , check the PM .

 

I fill em and paint em.

See my Cf31 build thread. I will link it later.

 

That's what I was thinking of doing. Bondo and then have it custom powder coated

 

Not exactly easy to find 'New' or good CF-30 lids in the UK/EU, only one i've found half decent is one on ebay with a dent in it from the US which doesn't have stupid shipping charges with it.

My CF-30 lid is cracked as can been seen in my first post in this thread.

 

This link
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/cf-31-mk3-construction-site-edition.785766/

 

Talk to forum member sadlmkr.

He will trade a lid for a sheep. Preferably a ewe. Can you UPS a ewe?

Seriously though,
He will take care of you. Tell him what all you need.

 

I don't think that you can powdercoat bondo. Bare metal only.

Bondo and paint works.

 

"He will take care of you. Tell him what ewe'll you need."
CFA ...

 

I have successfully home brew poormans coated. Then layers then each layer gets a few minutes in the oven. Comes out as strong as powder coating and looks Good too. I haven't used bondo before tho... I remember my mom getting a 57 Fairlane and the front corner panel was about 80% boy was she pissed. Seller lied about it being all NOS.

 

I should have a couple of spare lids here in the enormous pile of parts,if I find a good one just pay shipping and it's yours.

 

pm headed your way.
For something else

 

Please explain.

 

If you do that would be great thanks.

 

For example.
I modify and build Flashlights.
I took a old nasty maglite, bead blasted it with my beadblaster, then used a light primer, and a light first coat. I then stuck it in the oven for 20min at 375ish degrees and removed let it cool and added a second coat. Repeated about 4 times. I have dropped the light and haven't ruined the finish yet.

 

So you bake on the paint. Hmmm

 

Yah, and it's as tough as nails. I've done it to knife handles as well. No chips, or scratches. Unless you really try to mess it up.

I don't know what the top on the toughbook is made of so I am not going to try baking it lol

 

the top (backing) is made out of high Mg/Al alloy ... the lcd frame is made from the same stuff .
the badge is plastic