Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

I found this link which references using a PDRC setup to remotely turn on and power off a ToughBook. I am looking at using a CF-VDW07 wireless display instead and I am looking for a way to achieve the same remote power on for my CF-29 in a CF-WEB273 dock in the hatchback.

If I understand correctly, the PDRC hooks to the ToughBook dock via a single serial cable, so it stands to reason to me that there is something similar to wake on LAN via that connection. Does this signal come from something in the junction box or is it directly from the power button or something else in the screen? Is it possible somehow to replicate that signal without adding the PDRC hardware?

It seems that the PDRC setup would be the easiest route, but the display that comes with it is bigger than I wanted for permanent mounting in my tiny econo-box. I also prefer a display I can remove and take with me because I do not work in the best part of town and several of the local denizens would gladly remove it for me. And honestly, I am trying to do this cheap since it is just my daily commuter car.

So here is what I need:

1) Power on without having to open the hatchback every time. Turning it off can be done with Windows via the remote screen.

2) I use the ToughBook for other things and I want to be able to undock it easily so all mods have to be attched externally via the dock, completely internal to the laptop, or easily plugged into a standard port.

3) Inexpensive as possible

 

I set up one in my buddies altima and I hotwired the CF-30 to be in the glove box permanently and it's powered by a little power button.

Let me dig up the thread.

Thanks

 

Here is the install: ~Toughbook Talk~ Toughbook Discussion • View topic - My buddy's carputer

Let me find the one other thread of the CF-30 hotwire (VERY similar to the CF-29 too)

 

DAMN! I can't seem to find the pics (they're here somewhere on NBR) of the hotwire job I did on my buddies CF-30...

 

Did you check on your code page? It will show a list of all the pix you have posted. Look on the left side for the "attachments" link

 

GOOD CALL! However, I checked it and found nothing... I'm almost wondering if I took those pics and never uploaded them... Hmmmmmm, now to try to find them...

 

Yeah... I can't find em DAMN!

 

......................

 

I might have to resort to my CF-28 permanently mounted if the only way is to wire directly to the switch. For my 29, I really have to be able to remove it and I really don't want to try and mod quick disconnects and maintain the watertight exterior too. I was really hoping someone knew how the remote power on/ off worked with the PDRC and if it was possible to replicate that. I'd even go so far as to tear apart one of those screens if I anyone has a dead one and see how the swich is wired and how it gets the signal to the ToughBook. Or just steal the switch.

But as I was writing this, a thought occured to me- mod the RF passtrough on the dock and wire that to the switch. Hmmmmmm.........

 

Maybe Page 9; "Shutting Down (power off your computer);" will help: Operating Instructions: Panasonic LCD Monitor CF-VDL03

 

Not really. I will be using a CF-VDW07 wireless display, not the CF-VDL03. If I was using the wired display, I already understand that the power button can control a Toughbook and that it should be as simple as "push the button" once configured in Windows power options.

But since I am not using the PDRC, I am trying to find out how it actually works electrically. As in when you push the button on a CF-VDL03, how does it communicate that action to the ToughBook?

My theory is that it will be a momentary voltage between two pins on the serial port. Anything more complex would seem to me that it would require a special model or configuration of ToughBook, BIOS settings, or at the very least special drivers to work. The fact that it can be done without any modification to the ToughBook tells me that there is hope. All that remains is to figure out if it is a fool's hope- a determination that is exceedingly difficult without having the hardware to test.

Maybe a different approach- does anyone have the wiring schematic for the CF-VDL03?

 

I missed that.

Well, according to the Panasonic Wireless Display CF-VDW07 Operating Instructions, there is no way to start up a Toughbook wirelessly, as the network has to be active in order to connect.

Taking that into consideration, along with the initial cost involved in obtaining the Panasonic Toughbook Wireless Screen Display CF-VDW07, as well as its 8.4", 800x600 color display, AOT the PDRC's 12.1" 1024 x 768 XGA ToughScreen™ display capability (-Ibid.), what is the particular reason for not going with the PDRC?

BTW: just found a nifty little Panasonic Toughbook utility: "Toughbook Solutions for a Tough World."

 

I wanted the smaller size of the wireless display and the ability to remove it while parked at work, home, or anywhere else that looks shady. I really don't want to support the local glass shop when the tweakers see something hanging on my dash that looks like it might sell at a pawn shop.

I do not plan on using the wireless display to start the ToughBook. I was hoping to hardwire a switch or whatever I need to the dash on one end and the other end only attaches to the dock- not hardwired to the ToughBook.

I am really starting to like the idea of modding a passthrough. I don't use the passthrough at all, so I wouldn't miss it and it would allow the ToughBook to be easily removed from the dock still and maintain factory appearance and weather sealed integrity. The dock currently has no passthrough but those are easy to find. I could use Rob's switch mod, but keep it all internal.

 

GAH!!!!! Figures!!! NOW I FIND THE GOD DAMN PICTURES:

Index of ./CF-30 Stuff/CF-30 Power Switch MOD/