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    REWORKING/UPGRADING BIOS on CF-19 MK3

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by morganphare, Sep 11, 2012.

  1. morganphare

    morganphare Newbie

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    Hi, I have another CF-19 MK3 that is a project build and does not show WWAN/UMTS in the BIOS. It was not shipped with 3G originally. No IMEI sticker on the underside.

    I'm wanting to use a GOBI 1000 PCI UMTS modem with it. However, I need to activate WWAN in the BIOS. I tried loading and saving the default values but this failed to do the job.

    I think the BIOS needs updating. I've been on www.panasonic.ca and but neither show any updates for a MK3 BIOS, only MK1 and MK4.

    I know that you have to be very careful with the BIOS on a toughbook or you can brick it. Nonetheless, any ideas? Thanks in advance.
     
    morganphare, Sep 11, 2012
    #1
  2. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    Install working modem and you will have that option in BIOS :))
     
    BaRRmaley, Sep 11, 2012
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  3. morganphare

    morganphare Newbie

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    Thanks for the tip. The first thing I did was to install a modem (using a GOBI 1000) but the CF-19 did not recognize it. I know the modem isn't faulty as I've used it successfully in another MK3 CF-19 where the BIOS shows WWAN. When you look at the Panasonic wireless switch utility it only shows Bluetooth and WLAN, but no WWAN. It's a BIOS problem I believe.
     
    morganphare, Sep 11, 2012
    #3
  4. onirakkiss

    onirakkiss Notebook Deity

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    have a look for SPGOBI / SPWWANID
     
    onirakkiss, Sep 11, 2012
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  5. db04p71

    db04p71 Notebook Deity

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    Does the Mk3 have WWAN dip switches? If so. are they set correctly?
     
    db04p71, Sep 11, 2012
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  6. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    I'm sure dip switches only regulate antennas, not switch the modem on and off.
    It's a very strange situation. My MK3 also didn't have factory installed modem. And now it has. Wireless WAN in BIOS appears when I install a modem. I'm sure :)
    Hardware wireless switch is on?
     
    BaRRmaley, Sep 11, 2012
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  7. gijoe4us

    gijoe4us Notebook Consultant

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    My Mk IV had to have a BIOS Flash to enable the WWAN..... Search the threads for WWAN Bios Flash...... It should be there in the posts. I used it from one of the GURU'S!!! and it worked great......
     
    gijoe4us, Sep 11, 2012
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  8. morganphare

    morganphare Newbie

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    Hi, Do you have a link? I'm certain this is what I must do. Thanks
     
    morganphare, Sep 12, 2012
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  9. morganphare

    morganphare Newbie

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    Yes the dip switches are set correctly and the wireless switch is on. I'm certain the BIOS needs flashing. Thanks
     
    morganphare, Sep 12, 2012
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  10. db04p71

    db04p71 Notebook Deity

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    Does your bios have an Mxx suffix? If so, WWAN may be disabled.

    SPGOBI is for a Mk4, not a Mk3.

    "The SPGOBI2.zip tool is used to write the WWAN ID in the BIOS for recognizing the integrated
    Gobi‐2000 module for Calpella models (CF‐31mk1/CF‐19mk4/CF‐52mk3/CF‐F9mk1/CF‐C1mk1)
    integrated with Gobi‐2000."
     
    db04p71, Sep 12, 2012
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  11. onirakkiss

    onirakkiss Notebook Deity

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    with something like AMIBCP u can have a deeper look into ur BIOS. ;)
     
    onirakkiss, Sep 12, 2012
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  12. gijoe4us

    gijoe4us Notebook Consultant

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    If a MKIII has a slot for a GOBI, how would it be disabled other than BIOS or dip switches? If a BIOS flash won't enable, then the dip's must be set properly, correct? Just trying to figure out how they would disable it otherwise, and still provide a slot.
     
    gijoe4us, Sep 12, 2012
    #12
  13. onirakkiss

    onirakkiss Notebook Deity

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    The WWAN card will get no power, no USB signal, no USB line and no WWAN enable signal if WWAN is disabled in the BIOS. U will see it in the schematic.
     
    onirakkiss, Sep 12, 2012
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  14. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    I think it's easier to sell this MK3 and buy another, already with Gobi or without those problems :)
     
    BaRRmaley, Sep 13, 2012
    #14