Panasonic Emissive Backlit Keyboard / CF-WKB293AM

I called Panasonic and talk to "Akmed" needless to say i couldnt understand him so i thought i'd jump on here for the answer. Is this compatable with a CF-28?
Panasonic Emissive Backlit Keyboard / CF-WKB293 AM

 

Anthony,

What mk# of cf-28 do you have?

The keyboard has the 3rd connecter to power the backlight.

I believe that the mk-2 and mk-3 have that power connecter.

But my experience with the cf-28s is limited and quite frustrating.
I have never used that keyboard on a cf-28.

So please someone that has tried this, correct me if I’m wrong.

Cap ,tough-to-go , Toughbook , JB007Rules ,ohlip Modly help!


And I have spent a lot of time and money finding compatible ram for the mk-1 through mk-3 28s , and dealing with a electroluminescent cf-28 keyboard that requires hardware support.

I never have had any problems with the cf-29s.


Alex

 

Alex,
ARRAGGAH! I'm here looking for info to see why my "new" backlit key board won't light up on a CF-28 MKIII. Everything else works, but which ever way I insert the third cable, the obvious way and the "it can't possibly go this way", no illumination. This is not the new one for the CF-30, it's another one. I'll have to go back to the "everything you ever wanted to know about keyboards" thread.
Cap

 

Cap,

Whats the part # ?

Alex

 

How do I find out that MK info? Cap u r worring me b/c if its the keyboard u just win from ebay i too have just purchased and identical one.

 

As per the faq on the cf-28


For a quick summary, everything after the CF-28 part in your model number is how yours was configured. If it's CF-28Mxxxxxx, it's a 600, 28Pxxxxxx it's an 800, and 28Sxxxxx is a 1GHz.

The 600 = mk-1

The 800 = mk-2

The 1000=mk-3

 

it is MKIII

 

manikhispanik-Alex,
No fear, the one I just bought on eBay is for my CF-30. The one I am having trouble with, and I haven't had time to look through the other thread for proper terminology, looks just like a stock gray and white keyboard, but it is black and the characters are not printed but seem to be translucent. I'm sure it's supposed to light up, has three cables, and the F12 key has a lit up key graphic.
I'm going to look at the other thread now to see if it is the one which needs an inverter or something. Part# on the back of the keyboard, ESU64TB304AB. Maybe it's for a CF-30? Maybe one of the Techs can help.
Cap

 

you might have a Electroluminescent backlit keyboard for a cf-28 if it is then it requires extra hardware that only came on the cf-28 that was equipped with that keyboard. I think it is an extra inverter board that is needed. I am not positive but that sounds like what it might be since it is not lighting up.


-James

 

Cap,

You have the identical part # keyboard as mine.
I have learned that it requires hardware support on the 28 as it is ac powered,
not dc powered.
It has 3 connections for power on the 3rd cable.
And I think the normal dc powered backlit have 2.


Alex

 

An inverter huh? So where do we get one of those, and do I have to take the whole thing apart just to put it in. I think it's time for Captain Zero and the TBtechs to chime in here.
Cap
Alternatively, anybody need one of these suckers? I'll just go back to safe computing with the backlit condom model.

 

Cap,

It sounds like you are farther ahead on this that I am.
I also have the hole in the hinge cover, but there are no components under.
I guess when I swapped the keyboard from another 28 I had I took the hinge cover only.

If you have some components under, you might just have a faulty keyboard.

If so, I have one of these rare keyboards for sale or trade.

Alex

 

The only 2 cable illuminated keyboard that works in the Toughbook is the rubber one made for the CF-28. The other ones that have 3 cables require an inver PCB that is located under the cover on the bottom that is held on by the 4 little screws. They make two different types of inverters for the CF-28.... One that will work with the emissive keyboard that works on the CF-29 & CF-30 and the other type (not sure of the proper name) but it looks like a regular keyboard but it is black instead of white... You'll also need the light sensor that goes under the hole just above the F4 key. If ANYONE can find out where to get these PCBs along with the sensor and the 2 other wires you need... PLEASE let me know. I have 40+ illuminated keyboards but none of the hardware to go with them. I could sell them on ebay but don't want to rip people off. Other have sold these only to have the buyers realize that they need the other parts to make it work. I have a feeling that the keyboards are the cheap part here and that the PCBs, sensor and cables run $200+ to make it all work.

 

im so confused ...... so will this work on my CF-28 or not? And about all this inverter stuff... " Other have sold these only to have the buyers realize that they need the other parts to make it work." (now im worried again cause in my auction that i won it doesnt say anything about other components other than the kb) so if i have the condom bklit kb will the underwear fit this NEW kb i bought? and i have been wondering about this little slit hole in my hinge cover... that is just a light sensor? Oh and lastly... will a Panasonic Emissive Backlit Keyboard / CF-WKB293AM fit my CF-28 MKIII?