RS-232 (COM PORT) installation problem

Hi everyone. Hope i can get a professional support here,as my CF-18KDHZAVM are not very friendly to me yet. It didn't have RS-232 port in it and i've ordered genuine CF-18 com ports from e-bay.It has came with 2 ports and a power supply socket.This adapters were successfully installed and connected to motherboard. Unfortunately connection is not established via RS 232 port newly. Have tried severel adapters and no luck.Then i've entered into BIOS and didnt find any com ports over there.Could be that com ports were not included in BIOS and it is a case of a problem.Are there any ways to update or modify BIOS to make it available with COM ports. Wont it destroy my toughbook at all?
sorry for my English and thank you all for advices.
p.s. toughbook also having intermittent problems with erratic cursor.I wrote about it in other thread.

 

You need to make sure that all "Serial Devices" are enabled in the BIOS. That should get you going. If it doesn't it is most likely a conflict somewhere.

As for the jumping cursor... Disable your GPS in the BIOS until you apply the GPS registry fix or apply the recovery disks.

A lot of toughbooks share certain common problems or issues. You may want to take some time reading some of the stickies that are posted around the top of the forum.

Welcome to the forum and the "Toughbook Club"!!!

 

Thank you very much for a prompt reply!

 

Does this legacy port show up in the bios anyway, as this is a digitizer tablet version? I got gps on my digitizer on com 1, but it only shows gps in the bios. There is no serial port reported in the bios.

I'm using a usb to serial bridge with success on the digitizer. In case the project doesn't work out.

 

Yes the problem is that it doesn't appear in BIOS. Some devices can't work with COM to USB adapters. Have spent $60 for useless com ports.Now thinking of PCMCIA to com adapter,hope it will do.

 

U need to install an IC and some surrounding electronic parts to get the COM2 port working. U can see it in the picture.

 

Oh,i see. will check if i have it in my book. Thank you for good information.

 

Originally the cf-18 digitizer model doesn't support an RS 232 thats why it is missing at the back of the unit as Onirakis said you need to solder its coresponding electronic component on the mbo. Your best bet is to buy an external usb to serial adapter but if you are handy enough and have an schematic to follow, you may go ahead.


ohlip

 

Hi.And where from to get such IC and releted parts? Wont it make conflict with other electronics in my toughbook?

 

IF u have the skills to do it, it's quite easy. U need the schematic first! Their u will see, what u need. The parts can u buy over the internet.
Maybe it will be easier to use an serial port (GPS, IRDA, RF) from CN16. But this is not an full pin COM-port. Depends on ur application, which u want to use on the COM.

 

I mainly need COM port to connect some vehicle diagnostiv interfaces and perhaps some portable printers or oscilloscopes.