New 1st Time ToughBook owner looking for general input/comments

OK, first

Hello everyone, and thanks for having this site. There is soo few information sources available for these units, and clear cut answers are hard to find (lack of owners I guess). But that is what makes them cool, not too many people have them!

SO, I just bought a CF29 Mk1, 13.3 touch, daylight viewable, backlit rubber KB, w/fdd and DVDRW for $479 (delivered) from ebay.
Then, I bought the 20 chan SirfIII internal after market GPS w/blue tooth also from ebay for $150.
And then impatiently bought a CF-WEB273 dock, from ebay (duh).

So what do you think? Good deal? I know it's not the latest cutting edge thingamajig, but for $650, I think it will serve my purposes well (carputer for MP3/GPS, business invoices, reciepts, inventory management (all spreadsheets/quicken)).

I had read a few posts here about the WEB273CBL dock working with 27/28/29's, and not working with certain models, or requiring the pass through to be moved in order to accommodate certain models of TB's. Anyone have any input on that? I build and fix just about anything for a living, and will be fabricating a bracket for the dock, as well as another dongle dock to mount my HTC Universal in. It will end up being a geek's wet dream in my center console.
The dock didn't come with a PS or keys, does anyone have the spec sheet or instalation sheet for the CF-WEB273, or the part no or replacement for the PS (I know, the two web sites from the first sticky have parts suppliers info, but, dang, they're expensive)? And what type of lock is it (from the hdware store, or is it a panasonic specialty item)(remember, I can butcher all sorts of things to make them work).

And I had also asked the seller for the GPS, and he says it doesn't take up the dock USB, and that the GPS will power down/sleep with the TB, so that's good. And I'm not too worried about the BT (or it's range), that's just a bonus. Actually, I had considered a GSM/EDGE/3G usb modem with a butchared antenna for several reasons/purposes. Anyone here done that?

My only other intentions with the unit are to test a stick of 2gb ram (I haven't found any posts of people who actually tried it)(I read that some of the TB's that were for say 2100DDR, could accept/use more than spec max ram, if you installed 2700DDR), and to upgrade the HDD to the 120gb I have laying around.

i'm also going to use some security measures to protect my investment (that will be sitting in my car for periods of time). I see that the CF30 has the computrace in the bios. There isn't a home brewed bios flash for a 29 that includes the computrace software, is there? I have seen other mobomodders cook custom bios images by ripping apart the pieces that they wanted, and hex editing them into thier own bios img.... anyone here done that sort of thing? I just don't think installing the security software on the HDD is good enough (I know first thing I do when I get a salvaged/used pc is reimage it with my own choice of OS/tweaks). Is there a DIY lojack solution (that doesn't require me to give my info to a company that can track my every movement...I'm not dangerous, just paranoid)


Well, that bout does it... although I don't have the unit in my hot little hands just yet, it'll be here on the 29th. But I'm anxious, and impatient, and want to know everything.... and could you pass me the world in a hand basket, too, please?

Thanks!

OH, just remember, there are no stupid questions, only a whole lot of inquisitive idiots...

 

I will answer a few questions
The docking station will need a lind dc /dc adapter to work
Wait to get it and confirm the power plug is the new style, same as the cf-29,although it should be

You will need a few parts to interface a wwan ,but it's possible
If you read some of the posts here there is a cf29 model that comes with the wwan antenna terminating in the pcmcia area that is the easy way of doing this


Alex

 

Or you COULD just do it the EASY way... get CLEAR/4G, plug it into a CradlePoint instant WiFi Broadband Router, and BAM... High-Speed WiFi for EVERYTHING YOU OWN within 1000' of your vehicle.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875997504&Tpk=N82E16875997504

mnem<~~~Keeper of the EASY Button ~~~<<<

 

Sweet, I wish I had seen that when I was router shopping.

 

You need to look a tiny bit harder, there is a huge thread here on that very subject.

Without your model number it is hard to say if it has a chance of working, but if it does you will be the first one known with a Mk1 to make it happen.

Basacially the only folks that have had luck had Mk 4 & 5 with either 1GB or 256MB RAM mounted on the Motherboard.

 

You will need one of these to adapt the Panasonic dock to any vehicle mount:

Gamber-Johnson Mounting Interface Plate (Toughbook 27/28/29)
http://concept.gamberjohnson.com/catalog/item/GJ-PAN-CF27

I am using the RAM mounting system < http://www.ram-mount.com >, but have a NIB Gamber-Johnson system extra, if you are in the market. You would need to get a base to match your particular vehicle:

http://concept.gamberjohnson.com/catalog/category/mounting_base/2

[ CORRECTION: Just looked at the system in the box: it's a Jotto Desk unit instead of Gamber-Johnson. Guess I'm losing my memory with age. ]

As to the keys, I will try to find the key blank number you will need, but you will have to figure out how to get the cuts to match the lock.

And as already mentioned, I would suggest the Lind power supply:

http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-.../aaa/Panasonic/dbx_gen_mfg_products?industry=

 

I would think that if you could find a good Gamber-Johnson mount that you could either fab up your own mounting system or have someone do it for you. Each application is different of course and fabbing your own gives you more options...

 

Well, thanks ya'll!

I'm looking into getting a 2gb ddr stick now, and I'll let ya'll know...

Also, I saw those plates for the bottom of the WEB273. There are a few on ebay for like $20 delivered, but I've already hit my budget. It'll either have to wait a month or so, or I'll just fab up something myself. And to make it just that much mo ghetto, I have a piece of hdwr for a boat railer that adjusts in height and angle (top and bottom) that I'm probably going to use as the rest of the mount. I have a 90 Astro as my work van, so it's pretty much a flat floor. Also I have a big box (see pic) I could use for an angle mount too, but it might get another 12" sub on the front to make it an isobaric box (and squeeze out a few more dcbl), so that might not work. Dunno till I get the unit(s) in my hands and see what will work best.

And I have found a few solutions for a few problems, but I'm a broke budget kinda guy, and I like finding alternate solutions (that doesn't cost nearly as much). It's kinda fun, sometimes.

I'm going to searcha a little more now about the dock pass through issue, but, tomcat57, do you know which thread you were referring too? I got that dock figuring if I didn't need the pass through, I could just pull the connector.

 

If you do find some ram
Remember it has to be ddr1 and thats rare rare rare in 2GB
Don't buy ddr2 unless you are planning on buying a mk4 or mk5 with 256mb on board
If you are not sure put up a link to the ram here before you purchase and we will look and comment

Alex

 

His Toughbook Model Number, obtained from the eBay listing, is:
CF-29CWKGZDM

It configs out as:

Pentium M 1.2GHz (Centrino), 13.3" Transmissive touch screen, 40GB HDD, 256 MB RAM, 56K/LAN, FDD, Intel PRO Wireless LAN, backlit keyboard, WIN 2000

Obviously it has had an OpSys and memory upgrade since it left the factory.

 

If you can give me some time to get back to SC (I work in FL), I have most of what you need in a Gamber Johnson mounting system that came out of a Crown Vic. I have the laptop mount and the floor mount along with some various other parts. The only thing you may need to get is an extension tube to bring the laptop up to your level in the van. You might be able to fashion your own. If you pay for shipping (it's all heavy as crap!) you can have it for free! I need to clean out some of the old stuff and I might as well start with that. Just let me know when you get the funds together and I will let you know when I am heading home again.

 

Yeah, I had a brainfart and forgot to post the model number.

I'm not a total idiot, but I'd rather ask and look like one, than screw up and prove it...
SO, I'm looking for DDR 200 pin - not DDR/PC2 or 184 pin?
That would include pc2700 or 3200 (any others)? I'm assuming the TB with throttle the mhz down to whatever the TB can use, like 133mhz sdram installed on a 100mhz fsb.

I'm all giddy and and what not. I can't wait for this stuff to get here.

 

Yeah, I've found that there are not any speeds, and that, yes, 2gb DDR2100/3200 just about doesn't exist... looks like I'll be getting a 1gb stick, when I can.

And, there is mini pci on the MK1, but not mini pci-e, correct? (I've got a few things to put on ebay, and don't want to sell off the pcie's, if I can use them).

Thanks ya'll.

 

If you want to make your own mount interface plate be advised that the Gamber-Johnson plate's thickness measures .110".

 

Hey, Silver trooper,
when do you think you'll be back in SC (where abouts?)? and what part of FL?
I have friends and family that live in both states, and just happen to be visiting my soon (one is leaving on Tuesday from Myrtle Beach), the others from Ocala, FL.

I appreciate the offer, regardless of how it turns out.

What I'm actually trying to find right now (that I can't fabricate myself) is a stick of 1g 2700/3200 and a car adapter (cheap is the idea here). Gonna go check the marketplace now (nothing cheap enough on ebay).

On a side note, last night there were probably 30 different listings on ebay for a cf29 dock; this afternoon, about 6. there were 6 or 7 listings for web273's, now there's 2. They're just flyin outa there!

 

Yes 1GB will work great, pc2700 is best

Yes mini-pci


Alex

 

Well he could be the first to prove that the Intel® 855GM chipset equiped models will work or not. That chipset is also designed to support up to 2GB, of DDR memory, but I am not as sure of how it manages the extra RAM via UAM.

 

If my memory (no pun intended ) and research is correct, this is the only 2GB 200-pin DDR-1 SODIMM available:

http://www.govgroup.com/getac_2gb_ddr_sdram_memory_module_a_ram2000-1188040-prd1.htm

It is for the Getac brand of ruggedized laptops: http://us.getac.com/

 

I have several Lind car adapters that I am not using. PM me if interested in buying one. I will have to check which cables I have, whether they are the old or new style plug.

 

My home is in Summerville, SC just outside outside of Charleston. I work at Tyndall AFB just outside of Panama City. I probably will not get home for at least a month to six weeks. Just let me know when you are ready for the parts.

 

Thanks, Silver Trooper... but I can't pm yet; the forum rules want to make sure I'm not a rip off artist, bot, or terrorist.

Email me at interest ing fe ll ow ( a T ) hot m a i l (d ot) c o m. I hate spam, sorry for the fubar spelling.

I believe it's going to need the barrel style (if by new you mean the standard round/center pos and not the 2 pin virtical). Or are there 2 different styles of barrel plugs? And also, I noticed with one of the vehicle mounts (the name eludes me right now) that had the "break out box", there were 2 power supplies, 60 and 100 watt (or something like that) does it matter for the web273? or is the stfd 60watt ps good enough?


And thanks TopCop1988 for that linl to the 2gb ram, I dont have too much play money right now, so I think I'm gonna stick with the 1gb stick, and later on, give hte 2gb a shot.
Thanks!

 

The old style plug has the pin in the middle and fits into the hole in the power receptacle. The new style is the opposite where the pin is in the receptacle and the plug has a hole into which it fits. The Lind adapter has an output of 70-75 amps (I think), but you only draw what you need. I have one in my vehicle and I have both cords wired in and just swap them depending on which Toughbook I have mounted at the time. The cord will plug into the dock just like it does your computer as the plugs should match.

 

Thats a wattage estimate, they are 5 to 8 amps usually

Alex

 

That is correct, I was trying to do too many things at once when I answered that one. The newer (52 and 74) TB's will take 8 amps, the 28/29 take 4.5-5 and the 18 takes 2.5. The 34's take 2.6 I believe. The Lind adapter will work with any of them with the correct cord/plug.

 

The Panasonic vehicle dock uses the power plug for the CF-28, even though the dock takes the CF-29 computer.

Best bet: the PA1555-655 Lind power supply. It comes with both power cables and fits all these model Toughbooks: CF01, CF17, CF18, CF19, CF25, CF27, CF28, CF29, CF30, CF33, CF34, CF35, CF37, CF45, CF47, CF48, CF50, CF51, CF61, CF62, CF63, CF71, CF72, CF73, F8, H1, R1, R4, R5, T1, T2, T4, T5, T7, T8, U1, W2, W4, W5, W7, W8, Y2, Y4, Y5 series,

For more info see: http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-...RDERID!/aaa/PA1555-655/dbx_gen_detail_product

I would go with the 1GB upgrade. I'd hate to see you spend all that money for the 2GB only to find out it doesn't work. It would have very limited resale value as there seems to be few applications which readily accept a 2GB DDR-1 module.

 

Wow!
Just got the unit in the mail, with the gps unit at the same time.
So far, so friggin awesome!

I'm gonna post my experience installing the GPS. It's a really good kit, my only gripe is that the only 1 thing you need, it doesn't come with: a drop of conductive glue.

I'll get back soon!

 

I got the kit installed, and took a couple pics, but I can't get it to work.
I have tried (in the bios) auto and enable (with whatever specified and irq3) and windows doesn't see it. there was no dialoug box saying "found new hardware". Nothing comes up in dev management.
I even tried a program called simple gps to just test the connection, and it finds something on one of the coms, but doesn't see it as a gps.
I even ripped everything back down, just to check the connections. No pinched cable, and everything seems secure.

Anyone?

TIA!

 

@ interestingfellow

It will show up as an extra com port in device manager
Not positive but it might be com3 or com4
Set baud rate to 4800
Here is a download link to a gps testing program, I use windows hyperterminal and forget the normal two software programs that are usualy recomended here
http://download.cnet.com/Easy-GPS-Tester/3000-2130_4-10471271.html


Alex

 

What OS are you using?

With Win7 I had to manually define my ports and baud rate. Also, you may have to do the M$ Serial Mouse Hack.

 

It's runing XP SP2.

Two thoughts:
it's a software issue, and I'll have to define the ports and what not.
or
I used really nasty double sided tape (regular double sided tape, just really good and strong). Could that be shorting out the serial interface? I put a square of ds tape on the bottom of the serial board, and then cut off the excess, so it is the exact size of the board.

I did put an extra fold in the ribbon, to get rid of the slack (so the hdd or battery wouldn't be moving it around everytime one of them got inserted/removed). I'm not overly experienced in electronics, but I do know better than to tight fold those types of cables. It would be more accurate to say that I looped it (think of a capital S), and then put a small piece of celophane tape on it, and let the plastic HDD insert (not the caddy) squish it down and hold it there, although, it didn't look like it was stressed more than it could handle. Am I making any sense?

What is the serial mouse hack? The seller, and their website, didn't provide drivers or any info on software, I figured it was plug and play. Comments?

 

If you get it working properly your Toughbook will find new hardware
A microsoft serial ballpoint mouse ,and it will need to be disabled /not removed in the device manager
It will add one com port ,so disconnect and note com ports and then reconnect and see if a new one shows up

If it doesn't it would be best to contact the seller of the kit,as he should be better at troubleshooting than myself as it could be a hardware issue with the kit

Alex

 

Got it!

I was using the program that someone else had linked to earlier in the thread (easy gps or simple gps), and it ended up showing up. For some reason, the program will find the gps (and satalites), until I change the settings on com2 to 4800 (which is what the program "finds" it as). I know it's in right (for now), so it's time to shop for some navigatin software. I'm leaning twards iGuidance.

Thanks ya'll!

 

As I said in post #28 4800 baud is whats needed or the sentiences get scrambled

Great you got it going, and yes you will need to find some software


Alex

 

Yeah, these things are just BA!

Got my web273 dock in today... first thing I did=take it apart. it didn't come with keys, so I pulled the cabinet lock, compared it to ones at Ace and Taylors, no good. My locksmith doesn't know what blank to use. Anyone?

If you have one, could you look at your key, and post any markings, numbers, pics, etc? thanks! I searched the internet machine, including all the tough book sites I have bookmarked, and no usefull info came up.

 

I guess you need to try Heartland Services: http://www.heartlandsi.com/

 

Yes, I did call Heartland this morning. Ridiculous! $20 for 2 keys, not bad.... but the cheapest smallest box they have is $25 (I'm sure most of you know that)....
So, I swang by this big A locksmith place in VA Beach, and after being stuck in traffic for an hour, they had my keys cut.

$15 for 2 keys. Not the right blank, but they made an Ilco LF10 work. Fantastik!
WEB273 Panasonic Dock Car Key blank keyblank Ilco LF10

 

Good to know!

Now all you need is a power adapter for the dock.

Keep us advised on your vehicle installation progress.

 

Too bad they can't do that for the bilateral multi-axis tumbler lockset on the Cf-28 Mk1... I'd pay that just for novelty's sake.

mnem
key.

 

Sorry guys, I feel like a hooker (aparently the forum edits out the wh version of hooker). I got the Lind 1540 off ebay for $9 no cables, free ship. I just couldn't pass it up, and for another $6 from the RadioCrack, I can fab my own leads....

I'm imagineering some stuff for a car mount. It's iether gonna kick ace, or be really simple.

Tomcat: I love the avatar. I catch myself staring at it every once in a while. I'm totally NOT a cat person, but the avatar is kickace.

 

Actually, the Lind cables are proprietary, as the are retained in the power supply by a "snap-in" feature.

The cables you will need are:

Adapter to Laptop Cable, 36 Inches CBLPW-F00019A
http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-.../cables/CBLPW-F00019A/dbx_gen_detail_product/
and:
Cigarette Lighter Cable, 18 Inches CBLAU-F00218C
http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-.../cables/CBLAU-F00218C/dbx_gen_detail_product/
or:
Bare wire input cable: CBLPW-F00220B
http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-.../cables/CBLPW-F00220B/dbx_gen_detail_product/

 

Yeah, I've come to figure that the connectors are proprietary.... We'll see about that!
If worse comes to worst, I'll just crack it open and direct solder the lines in and out. Yes! I am a cheap bass tard.

So far, I've got the CF29, Internal GPS, WEB273 dock, key(s), dock car Power supply for $672. Looks like I'll get it all setup for less than $800.

Still working on the dock mount for my van. I'm thinking about doint some flat 3/16x4" or so steel, water jet cut at the machine shop, and then the final assembly and finish out myself. depends on the price of the machine shop. Local scrap yard will charge me less than $10 for what I need in scrap steel plate.

I'll post the acad drawings (in pdf too) if I go that route, so others can do it too!

Thanks ya'll

 

You should really check Ebay for a docking station before you go through what you are planning. The prices have come down quite a bit and for not much more (by the time you figure materials and your labor) you can have an OEM style station with all the electronics and connectors. Don't forget, besides the mechanical part of docking, you have the electrical connections as well as the antennas.

 

Yis sir! I just went and looked last night; looks like there's one in particular that articulates all over, like I want, that's selling for about $80. Not bad. I think I'll just use some angle for right now and mount it off the front of my speaker box, and get one of those when my cash reserve builds back up.

Thanks again!