New CF-28 owner

Hey guys & girls.

Hopefully taking delivery of my CF-28 tomorrow (VERY excited!)

I've never had a laptop before so I'm probably going to be on here quite a bit researching what to do with it!

Its got GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, backlit keyboard....and that's about it I think? It's the 800mhz model with 512k.

It's not got a CD/DVD but I've already printed off the guide on how to modify a Toughbook CD drive into a DVDRW (NICELY written! )

If anyone here is from the UK and has a CD drive they want to sell me, please feel free to step forward?

GREAT forum here and I look forward to being on here more when I get my Toughbook tomorrow (I feel like a ten year old on Christmas Eve! )

Regards,

Bruce.

 

Bruce... Welcome to the forum. Now you know how we all feel when we play with these. Have you checked on ebay for the CD Drive? There is a guy there who will let them go for $60US. (But I'm not sure he'll ship overseas though...)

Anyway... Welcome!

 

Thanks for the welcome Toughbook...

Well it arrived today and I've only just had time to play with it! Very excited to say the least.

Got the wireless already set-up and started transferring files via USB but this is just TOO painful without a CD/DVD drive! Gonna have to address this very soon.

Are CF-28's supposed to have external mouse ports? (PS2?) Mine hasn't but I'd like to use a mouse with it for some CAD work without resorting to using the only USB slot? What do other people do for running a mouse?

What is the best software (free download) for running the Bluetooth? Mine has built in Bluetooth but so far I am not impressed with the software? Maybe I just need more time with it, but it won't make a permanent pairing with my phone....I have to keep allowing it to access which is a bit of a pain!

Sorry for so many questions - I am sure there will be more?

Thanks in advance,

Bruce.

P.S. Does anyone fancy buying me a CD drive from the states and sending it to me here in the UK? I'm happy to pay in advance with PayPal....not having a DVD drive is making me CRAZY!!! I want to do the DVDRW conversion but need a toughbook CD drive first....any help GRATEFULLY appreciated?

 

Glad you are having fun!

There should be a PS2 port on the back left hand side. (When you are looking at the back straight on.) You should be able to plug into that. OR... Get your BT working and get a BT mouse.

Yousay it has bluetooth... Is it in the internal slot or exterior? We have been using the Billionton BT card witht he swiveling antenna. It works great forme and it gets much better reception than the paperwork states. The stock driver works great for me.

Keep searching for the CD... Did you check the auction on ebay I was telling you about? I think they ship overseas. You might want to look into it!

 

Thanks for the quick response.

My initial joy has turned to annoyance now becasue I don't have a PS2 port at the back of the unit - just a USB port, 'something' in the middle behind a sliding flap (docking port?) and a 9pin port with I0I0I symbol next to it.

I will be ringing the seller on Monday because I wanted to have a VGA out port on the unit so that I can run an external touch screen in my car....but this CF-28 doesn't appear to have one (despite talking about it to him on the phone before ordering!!) He is a main Toughbook re-seller, so I am not happy that the unit isn't the one I specified!

Oh well - I'll just have to hold of loading all my bits on until I have spoken to him (unless there IS a VGA port on here and I haven't found it yet?)

Thanks again for the advice about the CD drive - I had a quick look on eBay last night but SO much stuff came up compared to the UK eBay that I didn't know where to start looking!

Backlit keyboard is WAY COOL though.....

 

You are describing the docking bay port cover. The whole back should open up along the length exposing more ports. The release is just right of top center when looking at the back. I believe this is standard on all 28's? I would be shocked if you did not have this.

 

You gotta pop down the back panel man. There is a ribbed latch that you have to slide over, and you can pull the back panel down.

Everything is there.

Edit; damn, Doobi beat me.

 

I guess he doesn't know how to open the whole cover at the back. Myst....just slide it, babe!

 

Being faster than the hearse was never my problem!!

 

Well God Damn.....a whole new world of joy has just opened up before my eyes!

Thanks guys, MM is a happy chap once again!

Now I can start to play with my flip-out touch screen monitor and hopefully control my Tuffy from the dashboard of my motor....once I've got all my software loaded.

Is there any way of cutting out extra slots in the rear cover and adding extra 'flip down' rubber covers? Has anyone done this? I'd love to be able to run the VGA cable with the metal panel up (I hope that makes sense?)

Thanks again guys - AWESOME site...GREAT response!

 

Im sure a good machinist, keeping them the same size as say the usb cover, or other already manufactured cover, could do it. Definitely not me... oh no... not me... please.... ER visit WAITING to happen.. hahahaha

 

Thanks for that - I've just had a closer look and the docking port slider goes right over the VGA out!!

If I could get hold of a spare back panel, I'd ditch the sliding panel (never going to be using a docking port) and fill in the hole. Then I could cut out a correct size hole for the VGA out....and use the same rubber cover as the IOIOI one.

Does that sound like a bad idea? Am I missing anything obvious??

Hahaha! Accident prone then?

I know some machinists who could cut the slot really nicely - it's filling in the docking port hole that will be tricky!

I'm going to be on the lookout for a rear panel now - if anyone see's one, please let me know?

Thanks,

Bruce.

 

Yup, look into the Kodiak Vehicle Mount (CF27) modification for the CF28, or keep an e-bay eye out for a Ledco Vehicle Mount for a CF28. Then you would have another whole world of extra add on goodies including ( I think ) vga out. Along with the added benefit of a more permanent power supply, a lock, and a secure mount for the laptop.

 

Cutting the hole isn't the problem, it's tapping the holes for small screw threads.

I'm a machinist too, so I could do it... but I don't have thread taps that small.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys....

Had the CF-28 for a whole day now and starting to realise this is going to be a 'project'! Part of me wishes I'd spent a lot less on a NEW notebook that can do a lot more....but hey.....it's all about the character of these things isn't it??

The wireless SUCKS big time! I can only get it to run when about 10ft from my router - any further and it just stops/drops off!

Am I best to look at replacing the wireless card in the unit or adding some access points around the house?? 150yr old house and magnesium cases don't seem to help signal! Any pointers gratefully received....

Battery lasts all of 40 mins when fully charged. Rang the guy I bought it from and he's sending me a brand new battery this week coming. Something good I suppose?

GPS won't connect.....no signal to be found - so I'll be on the phone on Monday to find out what I am doing wrong. At least it is under warranty, so if all else fails I get a replacement!

Just feeling frustrated that my 'new toy' is becoming more of a hassle!

Most frustrating at the moment is the wireless prob....any pointers to possible solutions will be read in eager anticipation!

 

It came with wireless?....what kind? Is that a factory stock CF-28? or was it 'built' by someone?

You can pick up an Atheros mini-pci card off e-bay for ~$20 plus shipping, thats what most did here.

There are a number of threads having to do with WiFi antenna methods, from simple to complicated (involving a drill). The easiest seeing you have the GPS is get a set of stock internal antennas of e-bay (they look like flags on the end of the wires), then put those under your keyboard. They dont work great, but they'll get you further than 10'.

For the factory GPS, you have to be outdoors, or sometimes it'll work near a window. There are a number of threads on replacing that if you like.

 

Thanks for that - I take it this replaces the wireless card already in there? Are these good for signal?

Is this in addition to the mini-pci card you mention above? Or are you saying that these should be added to what is already in the unit?

I'm only really going to be using the wireless at home - would you suggest changing the internal card/aerial more than adding a WAP to other parts of the house?

My comment was based on 2hrs+ sat out in the cold trying to get a signal! I figured it would at least work outdoors - but not yet at least! I was really hoping to have it running in my car as part of my sat-nav....but it looks like this plan isn't going to work if I can't get any form of signal!

I have tried using the search function to research the GPS/wireless and bluetooth issues - but SO many results come back that it is impossible to know where to begin! (and yes I am filtering it for the Panansonic section )

 

I edited my post a few times (probably after you first read it). Is that a stock unit? Or was it 'built' by someone on e-bay?

 

If it's a stock unit, good luck getting it to work well.

 

I think it was built by someone. Its certainly got the factory GPS and also the emmissive (SP?) keyboard.

I have no idea if the bluetooth or the wireless are original or aftermarket? I guess I'm gonna have to work out how to open this thing up and have a pokey around?

I was really hoping to have a full running machine, not a magensium box of headaches!

Are there any guides on how to open one of these things up? Also anything on how to fit a wireless card (the thread I found seems to concentrate on aerials, not card removal/fitting)

Sorry guys - working on PC's is a new thing for me!! I am a very quick learner....just entering a new realm of the unknown! All help and advice appreciated....

 

glad you're here Mod....I got'a go, but dont want to leave'em hang'n...

 

How to proceed depends on what kind of wifi card it has...mini-pci or pcmcia...

 

I got'a go, Modly is very capable to give you all the advice you need, I'll check in on this thread in the morning and catch up

 

If you do a bit of searching and reading you will see the answerws to all your questions. You can start with Modly's FAQs stickied at the top and search from there. Also... You can look at the bottom of his posts and see the link for drivers/manuals. He's got everything you need.

 

Deffo not got a PCMCIA card because I fitted a card reader in slot #1 and the other slot was free....so it is a built in affair (mini-pci?)

As added to my edited last response, any guides on how to open up one of these things would be a good start for me....also anything on how to swap out a card for a new one....

 

I think you are getting your slots mixed up. He's not talking about the slots on the side. He's talking about the mini pci slots underneath the hard drive. There are usually a LAN card and a modem card. We have been taking out both and then reinstalling a LAN/Modem card and a Atheros based wifi card. Then people do different things when it comes time to mount their antennas.

 

Many thanks Toughbook - it is starting to make sense now!

Please understand that I have used the search function a lot to try and find the answers - but seem to either find irrelevant results or SOOO many reuslts that I am confused before I begin! The FAQ section has never been far either....and has certainly been a help as well.

I guess you spoilt me with your amazing photo guide on how to convert the CD drive into a DVDRW drive....and now I can't seem to find anything similar to help me changing the wireless card/opening up the case etc.....

When it comes to tackling somethng new I guess I find visual stuff/photo guides much more helpful?

Sorry to be a pain - and please understand that I really DO appreciate your time & help.

 

blind holes too.. no thanks! good luck trying to extract those itty-bitty taps when you break 'em off in the hole!

 

Hey Hey,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new toy even though it may be causing you to pull yer hair out.

First, check out the manuals and threads on Modly's page TB recommended(Cf-28 F.A.Q). Second, Keep exploring the threads especially on the first two pages, you will find answers even on threads that seem to be irrelevant...pics as well.

Read the thread on "going wireless" A pic on post #28 shows yer mini pci cards (10/100 ethernet and 56 modem). Post #1 of the same thread shows the pci area with a mini pci combo card (1 card that replaces both of the stock mini pci cards). Your minipci wireless card, will fit in the open spot on pic from post #1 of "going wireless" thread.

Read that entire thread and TB's; If you already have do it again and dont skim, it will all be relative to adding your mini pci wireless card and the antenna.

Yes you will need to purchase or salvage antenna... the Rim antenna on your unit (probably advertised as "wireless")...dont waist time trying to use that for your wireless mini pci.

I dont know much about the BT subject...but if you have it internally it will be in the 'hidden pcmcia slot"

Read, read. read this forum. Its all here, you just gotta dig...everywhere.

I hope some of this helps.
Good Luck and enjoy the process.

As far as your

 

Opening it isn't hard. the thing to remember is all the hardware stays in the top half, and the bottom cover is pretty much bare. All the screw positions are pretty easy to find, none are covered with labels or anything. the only one you might not realize you would have to remove is the one at the bottom-center of the rear panel (where all the ports are). Also, don't be surprised if you have to apply some PRESSURE to get the halves apart. It's a pretty delicate balance between the necessary force to separate it and too much force (telling you that you missed a screw!)

Here's a thought, maybe I can take a pic of the bottom of a CF28 and circle/arrow all the screws that need to be unscrewed to get the case apart. would that help?

 

You don't need to take it apart to get to the mini pci slots and I don't recommend you do so until you get more familiar with your new toughbook. Hate to see you break it before you have a chance to enjoy it.

 

If I were you... I'd familiarize myself with getting what you have working first... and THEN modding it. You're asking for a heap of trouble if you start pulling everything apart now.

As for the wifi card. It is the easiest of ALL mods. Replace the LAN card with an IBM/3Com LAN/Modem card. (If you want to keep the modem!) and then buy yourself a mini pci wifi card. There are several threads about that around here including which ones you should buy as well as stay away from. You just slide the card into the slot and then route your antenna(s) the way you want. Personally I like an internal antenna along with a bulkhead SMA jack for adding long range wifi if the mood strikes. Others don't want to drill holes in the case. (Even though the jack is waterproof if you use a little rubber o-ring.)

The choice is yours. Just don't get ahead of yourself and try to do too much before you are familiar with what you have. Or you'll be on here telling us how it blew up and doesn't work. This has happened before... Believe me.

This is one of the most fun and rewarding things (I think) that you can do for a hobby or work. Taking something old and making it better than new. There aren't too many things you can do that with for the price you pay.

Keep us posted and don't worry about asking questions... The only stupid question is the one you DON'T ask!

Good luck... I'm headed out for the night. I have to go meet Jack at a neighbor's house.

 

Nevermind, too much info!

They are right!

 

Thanks for all the responses guys......

I think Toughbook is right - work with what I've got first....but having bought it for the wireless, blutooth and GPS - it is frustrating that these are the three things that don't work (or don't work well!)

I am currently refreshing the battery (found the setting in the BIOS) and see where that gets me in the morning - it's currently 00.20 here in the UK so time to head to bed while it discharges/charges.

I'll have another play with the wireless tomorrow - but it does only seem to work within a VERY short range of the router, so I guess the next step is to try and establish what wireless card I have got.

Tomorrow is another day, so maybe something will get resolved then?

Thanks again guys - your support is fantastic!

 

Everything will be better tomorrow! You'll soak up what you've learned and it will all start to make sense.

G'night!

 

Right - battery refreshed and still only lasting 45mins tops! Seller is sending me a brand new battery so I will be happier once this arrives.

I managed to get the OEM GPS working and it it VERY accurate! Running Memory Map it even plotted my route as I walked around my garden! So that's one device working now.

The signal for the GPS became much weaker when I sat in my van (with a glass roof) so the next step was to try linking it to my TomTom Bluetooth GPS receiver for a much stronger and more stable signal.

This is where the problems start!!

The Bluetooth Manager on the Toughbook recognised the TomTom unit straight away - but I cannot find any function or setting to pair/connect to it?

I rang the original seller who tells me that the Bluetooth card is a 3Com 3CRWB6096 which sits in the hidden PCMCIA port. According to him this is the original set-up for Bluetooth on the CF-28. I have no reason to doubt him on this but he could not give me any indication on how to pair it with my TomTom unit? I spoke to TomTom - NO help at all....I then rang 3COM and they were about as helpful as water balloon to a drowning man! Customer service ZERO!!

So I am now wondering how on earth to connect my 3COM bluetooth card to the TomTom GPS when there seems to be no function for pairing? The software interface from 3COM is utterly useless and I am seriously considering looking for an alternative PCMCIA card which will do the job better? I want to keep it internal where possible, so all suggestions gratefully received.

I looked up the BillionTon ones but can't find any in the UK at the moment or anyone in the US willing to ship to me here in Blighty!

Thanks in advance for any help?

Bruce.

P.S. WiFi issues put on back burner until I can resolve the Bluetooth ones....

 

Bruce,

I'm not sure if the seller knows what he/she is talking about. The 3Com came with it originally? Uh... Bluetooth wasn't even an option for the CF-28!

If I were you I'd get the Billionton BT card. I've used the 3Com before and they are CRAP! Their software is crap too! The Billionton is the way to go. It pairs very easily. I have it running on all my CF-28s and also my CF-29 and it pairs grat with my cell phone allowing it to act as an Internet provider.

Yes... The stock GPS is weak to say the least. That is why we have been retrofitting more accurate, powerful and modern GPS system into the CF-28. With the Sarantel geo-helix antenna... You can even be inside and peg all the satellites. Good stuff!

Keep with it!

 

Sorry I've been away, spent all day at the tat shop with my brother yesterday, and we both got new ink

Mysterymachine; If you pop up your battery cover, remove the battery and hard drive, and lift up all the black plastic covers, and take a picture, we can figure out a bit better what exactly you have. We can see if you have a stock GPS module or not, as well as what wireless card you have.

Bluetooth is not OEM. That's a NBR option, so whoever sold you that laptop has read these forums.

 

Yup.... There's alot of that going around ebay these days!

 

Ya! No kiddin!

 

No probs - I hope these are OK?





Sending the bluetooth card back to the seller for a refund, so will be looking for one of the Billionton ones - but as mentioned before, I can't get hold of any here in the UK?

If any of you guys can track one down for me and are willing to send it to the USA - I can PayPal money straight over.....

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

Does it look like the Intel wireless card and the GPS are sharing an antenna?

Top photo wired network card on left, wireless on right. 2nd and 3rd photo stock GPS?

 

Thanks for your comment - I now know what each card is....

I am hoping to receive an extra aerial/antenna to fit to the wireless card tomorrow. I really hope that this will make the reception a little better than it currently is? I assume it fits onto the 'AUX' plug/adaptor?

I don't think the antenna's are shared because the one from the wireless goes into the battery compartment and stops next to the GPS card. The GPS antenna looks like it goes up along/on top of the media bay.

I don't think I'll ever really use the network (LAN?) card - so does this mean I can gain a slot for something else?

 

So it looks like your vendor added a wireless mini-pci and the antenna is held in place by tape in the battery compartment. I wouldn't expect you would get much reception there. You might want to try putting your new antenna next to the wired network jack. There should be a square area cut through the side piece by that, that might get better reception. Maybe route your new antenna that way, and maybe switch the two so the new one is main. Some one else will probably come in with more specific info.

You can use another mini-pci card where the wired LAN card is. Great expansion possibilities with these 28's

Interesting to see from your photos that there is no connector in place ( for a wireless switch) by the GPS. 28's with wireless modems have a front panel switch that connects to the CN300 connector to the right of your GPS in the bottom 2 photos. Also a lot of unpopulated solder points to the left of the GPS.

 

Thanks for the response.

The comment about the front panel switch - I assume this relates to units with the factory fitted wireless? This obviously means that my wireless card has been retro-fitted? Not that it bothers me - all I want is to get a good enough signal to use the wireless around my house (which I can't at the moment!)

I tried re-routing the antenna for the wireless, but it is jammed solid somewhere between the two compartments. I think I'll leave it where it is for now until I feel confident enough to open the case up. When the secondary antenna arrives, I'll do what you suggest and route it by the network jack and up the side there.

I might have a go at removing the network/modem jack panel later to see if I can access the bluetooth card. I'm still trying to source a Billionton one in the UK but want to know where it is/how to remove it before I go any further....

 

Naah... the GPS antenna lead is routed under the WIFI, tehn under the coner of the daughterboard to the GPS antenna at the right hand edge of the photo, at the end of the daughterboard.

mnem
Oooooh! Electrical spaghetti - my favorite!

 

That's a strange place to terminate the WIFI antenna, right next to the GPS module undoubtedly scrambling the GPS signal with the WIFI transmissions.

 

I route my wifi antenna right beside the GPS engine and I get fantastic signal strength on both!