The CF-28 F.A.Q. - Read me before posting

This thread will be updated many times, and contrary to our normal behaviour, I wanna keep this one thread on topic so it's not out of control... More people will read a short thread

Keep in mind, we are modifiers/hackers/tinkerers, and all of this is a community effort. If you have something to add that is of use, feel free to let us know what you can do.

If anything is not answered here, do a search before asking. Some questions have been asked so many times, and you'll probably get a faster answer by searching. This is also under construction...

Topics to be covered

• "What do I have?"
• Drivers
• Touchscreen activation
• Memory
• Wireless cards
• Hard drives
• CD/DVD drives
• GPS
• Keyboards
• Internal PCMCIA slot
• Beer/Alcohol

What do I have? ​

Almost everybody wonders this when they first rip open the box and find their new (used) CF-28.
That's because you wanna make sure you didn't get ripped off, and maybe find something extra in there.


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.

Another way to find out more details is to check your BIOS. Anything that you can enable/disable, you have installed. (You may need to check for some of these physically too. Any computer with a RIM board can be dip switched to tell the BIOS that GPS or various wireless devices are attached.)

Touchscreen activation​

If you've got a touchscreen, you may be pulling your hair out trying to get it to work. Once you figure it out it's easy, but it's tricky that first time.

Start by getting some drivers (use the above section's links). Run the installer. Once it's done, open up your System control panel, go to the Hardware tab, and click on Device Manager.

Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" hardware, and double click on the mouse (PS/2 Compatable mouse) that it found. This will open up a new window.

Click on the driver tab, and click on "Update Driver". On the next screen, select "No, not this time" and hit next. On the next screen, select "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)", and hit next again. Choose the option "Don't search. I will choose a driver to install", and hit next again.

Select "Have Disk...", and browse to the directory C:\util\drivers\mouse , and open up the folder inside (it'll be different for different OS's), and select the Fidmou.inf file inside of that folder. Once the file is selected, hit Ok, and it should start installing.

Once it's installed, you'll need to restart the OS to use it. When it's rebooted, you'll see a new icon in the system tray next to the clock. Right click on the icon that looks like a poorly drawn mouse in front of a monitor, and go to Calibrate. Use a rounded hard device (Pencil eraser, rounded pen caps, etc) to get the X's as close as possible. The closer you get this, the better your touchscreen will operate.

Memory​

Maximums for CF-28's.

600MHz == 384 MB
800MHz == 512MB or768 MB
1000MHz == 512MB or 768 MB or 1024 MB, depending on amount of onboard memory.

They use 144-pin SO-DIMMS chips. Keep in mind, the 600's are picky about what they use, and many chips will only show up as half the amount.

Wireless Cards​

Most CF-28's don't come with 802.11 wireless, so it's usually one of the first mods somebody does to them now.

Most of us here use Atheros based cards (5004 chipset or newer). Most are nameless brands of cards, but some of us go with the Senao Engenius EMP-8602 (400mW) or EMP-8602S (600mW).
They use the Mini-PCI slot (So don't get a Mini-PCIe card).

To swap in a wireless card... http://forum.notebookreview.com/search/23731996/?q=Cf-28+wireless+card&o=relevance&c[node]=1012

To install an external antenna.... http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/external-antenna-hack.148844/

Mnementh's RIM antenna hack that turns the old WWAN RIM antenna into an AWESOME wifi antenna.... I have used this hack MANY times on CF-28s always with great success!..... http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/built-in-wireless-advanced-mods.215522/

EDIT - Here is a great post by Cap.Dogfish showing the installation of an SMA bulkhead connection and a flag antenna.

SR,
Today's your lucky day, I just happen to have one on the bench. The photos are of the left side plastic cover at the palm rest(that's left when the computer is right side up).

View attachment 31338

View attachment 31339

The flag antenna is not behind any of the case, just the plastic cover. I only worry about the uncoated connections touching the case, not the plastic covered flag. The little piece of tape you can see takes care of that.
CAP

Hard drives​

If you want a new drive, get an ATA-6 laptop drive. The faster RPM, the better (7200 RPM will give you a good performance boost over the stock 4200, and even aftermarket 5400 drives).

CD/DVD drives​

You must have a CD caddy to use a drive. Unless you can find a way to get around this, then you need it. You can score them on eBay, and if you're patient you can get them for $50-60.

If you've got just a CD drive, you can upgrade it to a DVD, DVD/CD-RW, Or even a DVD-RW drive.

GPS​

There are two kinds of GPS systems now for the CF-28. The original stock system, and the aftermarket system that we're working on here.

At the moment, it requires a RIM board or GPS board with the GPS module desoldered, and a GlobalSat GPS module.

If you've got problems with the jumping mouse, go to your system control panel, open the hardware tab, open the device manager, expand "Ports (COM & LPT)". Open COM 4, go to "Port Settings", and hit advanced. Change the COM port number to COM 7.
Restart the computer. If the problem is not fixed, go back into the device manager, open up "Mice and other pointing devices", and see if there is a "MS serial mouse". If so, open it up and disable it.

Keyboards​

There are five main kinds of CF-28 keyboard;
Grey/Beige hard plastic keys. Not backlit.
Black hard plastic keys. Not backlit.
Black hard plastic keys, emissive backlit.
Black hard plastic keys with hard support, emissive backlit.
Black rubber keys, backlit.

All keyboards from CF-27's, CF-28's, CF-29's, CF-71's and CF-72's can be interchanged, with a few exceptions.

• The emissive keyboard can only be used on 800 & 1000 MHz machines, and it must have the emissive power board installed.
• Keyboards with 3 connector cables can only be installed in 800 & 1000 MHz machines or CF-29's

To install a new keyboard, you need to remove the panel below the screen. There are four screws between the keyboard and screen, and two behind the rear port cover. With some careful prying you can pull it up. Once the panel is removed, you can pull up the keyboard. There may be some adhesive holding it down, so carefully pry it up. Underneath the keyboard is a metal panel that is held down with six small screws (I used a #0 screwdriver to get them out). When that panel is out of the way, carefully pull up the brown connector and slide the first connector out, then slide the beige connector(s) outwards (You'll have a total of 3 connectors on some keyboards).

BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE CONNECTORS! THE BROWN PULL UP CONNECTOR IS VERY EASY TO BREAK!

If your brown lever is broken or missing from the main keyboard connector do a search and you should be able to find a thread on this fix.

Beer/Alcohol​

While not required, apparently you will have better results while working on your Toughbook with an alcoholic beverage near you. Soda is not recommended, nor is cheap beer. High priced beverages are less prone to be spilled.

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks a lot!

 

This is great. Once it is finished it should be locked and stickyed.

 

Modly... GREAT job! I'll sticky it now...

Well done!

 

Don't mind the last category... figured we could use some humour.

 

Modly.. you can add under the keyboard. CF-71 & 72 also compatible on cf-28

 

Added. Thanks Ohlip!

 

Hmm parts interchange.. that's a topic unto itself. Here's a couple quick ones that i can think of offhand.. The port cover hinges/screws are interchangable between the CF27 and 28. And, bizarre as it sounds, the stamped steel insert and sliding plastic cover that go inside the rear port cover of the 27 & 28 interchange!

 

That's really great news as the sliding plastic cover on the main rear port cover on my new project machine is cracked. I also need a power plug cover as well. I was told tonight that the screws holding the hard drive caddy are the same as the port covers (rubber covers) but I haven't verified that yet.

 

The port covers are a little different from the door hinges. Same width and thread but different length though, you can use the long ones on the hinges going against the cabinet (as opposed to door side) if that makes sense.

As a side note on the FAQ, most of the hinge covers have 8 screws (4 in back). IIRC, the Ms are the only ones with 6 screws. Also, there are 3 different backlit keyboards, not just 2. There's the black chicklet style, the emissive with supports around each key, and the rubberized.

 

Got a picture of the emissive with supports style keyboard? I've never seen one.

I'll also edit the FAQ later to add that in. Thanks ZeroFlight!

 

The screws for the hinges (on the 27 and 28) will work just fine on the hard drive caddy. the only one that is a little different is the AC port cover on the 28.. the screws are significantly longer. you might get away with using those on a HD caddy if you had to.. just make sure the screws don't contact the HD or cable!

 

You might have and just didn't realize that's what I'm talking about. The same keyboard is on a couple of 29s and several 30s. Not sure what other units. I couldn't find a pic of it directly but the one attached is almost the same. A few minor differences.

On the screws, the long screws can go into the cabinet where the hinge screws go, leaving you with 2 short ones that can be used on the keyboard cable plate or hard drive if you don't mind losing a rubber cover.

 

Randycf-28 found this link to the latest video driver for our CF-28 Intel chips at:
http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intel830m/#anchor2

could this be added to the main FAQ?

 

It sure can. It'll be added in a minute or two.

 

Just thought I'd mention.. I just got some misc. CF71 parts, among which was a 13" LCD screen. It is the same model as on the CF28, so consider that if you're looking for a replacement screen for your 28.

 

Is the touchscreen assembly and are all the connectors the same?

 

This one wasn't a touchscreen. I wonder if the 71 was even available with touch? The wiring harness and inverter board were totally different. Actually, different in a good way.. it didn't have those tiny, flimsy connectors at the motherboard end like the 28 does. probably the only thing you would be able to transfer from the 71 to a 28 is the LCD panel itself.

 

The CF-71 screens don't have the glossy surface like the 28's so they would be extremely dim behind the Touchscreen on a 28.

 

I just wanted to say hi yall . I know its a southern thang. You guys have blown my mind with all the info that is here. I guess my Toughbook romance started with Hawkins from Jericho. I saw it and had to have one. I just won a cf-28 off ebay, so yall cross your fingers for me. I'm not new to working on laptops. Yes there are some girls that love to tinker too. I cant wait to add what i need on it . Anyways you guys are great in my book.

 

I say y'all alot too. It happens.

When you get the toughbook and have any questions, search around on the forum a bit, and if you can't find any answers, post up a new thread and we'll be glad to help.

 

Thanks Sugar

 

Hmmmm... I'm thinking Georgia...

 

Actually North Carolina "Sugar"

 

Hey, the config thing doesn't show CF28's anymore...nor does it show 27's....fun!!!
~Ryan

 

It does right now-- the 28 anyway. Don't remember ever seeing the 27. Maybe the site was down at 1am when you pulsed it.

Don't forget the FAQ says "go to Discontinued Models, and select CF-28." Did you go to Discontinued Models?

 

I found it, must have missed it at 1am...

 

Hi guys,

call me a dummy..but I cant get that Touchscreen to work. Modlys goodie site wont come up and on ftp.panasonic.com which driver do I need?

Thanx for anz advise,

arved

 

Post your model information and we could help.

There are separate drivers for each model and each OS option, and there should be a data text file which lists all the info on the site.

Looks like modly's site is having issues (?). http://www.modly.org/Toughbook

 

I'm a little concerned about the downtime my new host has had...

I should have my brother go down to their office (They are in the next city over) and take care of some "business".

 

see if he'll repo their cars

 

I don't know if I added this to the FAQ but if your 28 needs a touchpad, the 27 touchpad is exactly the same. Even nicer, the 27 touchpad isn't siliconed down and can be removed without fear of destroying it!

Oddly enough, the ribbon cable does NOT seem to interchange.

I'm still thinking we should make a "compatibility matrix" that lists what parts are common across the various toughbooks..

 

That would be great, because the info seems to be spread around like herpies in prison.

 

This looks like a job for... Micro$uck ExSmell!!!

Fortunately, they even make a version for OSX...

mnem
*Unfortunately, noone can be told what the Compatibility Matrix is... You have to experience it for yourself. I can only guide you to the truth...*

 

... or there's the google free one.

 

www.openoffice.org I think...

To be even more speicific, the 'Developer Builds' YYMV:
http://download.openoffice.org/680/?intcmp=1235

 

should we start calling you ....mneo-menth?

 

I think we should be calling for a big net! Ha!

 

I was thinking... Mnorpheus.

Pappy - you would NOT be the first to have THAT thought...

mnem
*I took the RED pill AND the BLUE pill... now we are unanimous*

 

Could someone please tell me what a RIM 902M is doing in a CF28, and more importantly since I installed XP, how do I get a driver for it to "work". or a Plan B would be nice.

 

It's not doing much anymore. The RIM hardware is for analog wireless which has been phased out. You can use the main daughterboard it is on though for adding GPS.

Do you want cellular or "wifi" wireless?

 

If you really want to play around with the RIM board, all you need is hyperterminal (or equivalent). It is an ASCII serial device, and has a built-in diagnostic system that provides a few minutes of enjoyment.

 

I mod my 28 for WIFI, was looking at the 600 mW mini cards. Trouble is that I'm very handy, but I really don't know where to place the card inside the 28. i checked for any pics that would make the install clear as glass but didn't see any. i also checked the schematics and have a good idea where to put the mini card, but then I don't know about antennas

 

This probably should be tacked to the end of a wifi thread rather than the FAQ, but anyway-

Most users have the mini-PCI wifi card in the second (modem) slot, replacing the outer, network card slot with a modem/NIC combo card. I've used an internal antenna like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-Notebook-802-11BG-Wireless-mini-PCI-Card-Antenna-H_W0QQitemZ180245090955QQihZ008QQcategoryZ31531QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem to good effect with the b/g wifi card the same sellar offers - lower power, but fine for me. One antenna is fine, leaving the socond connector free for an external mod later. I routed the antenna cable from the battery compartment through the existing slot for the RIM antenna cable, then back to the card, and have the antenna itself against the left side of the case, where the removable side piece is.

HTH

>>edit-
And I THINK this http://cgi.ebay.com/BEST-U-FL-to-male-RP-SMA-Pigtail-Mini-PCI-Wireless-Card_W0QQitemZ170222951131QQihZ007QQcategoryZ61816QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem might work for an external antenna connection - some body help me here!

 

Does anybody know roughly what year the toughbook cf-28 came out?

 

I believe the first were made in 2001.

 

Hi, long time listener, first time caller. I've been through a bunch of threads over the last few days looking for BIOS updates. I started here of course and found that all the links contained here either didn't have any BIOS files for the 28 or just didn't work at all. All my drivers are good and work, just need to open the door to some RAM that's sitting there invisible. Oh, this one's a Mk 2 with 256 BTW. If anyone has the versions 11, 12, and 13 I'd like to have them for future use. Thanks for all the great info on this forum and keep up the good work.

 

Bios files
Version 12 for 28mk2
ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/notebooks/Cf28/pb-pc/28m2bl12.exe
Version 13 for 28mk2
ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/notebooks/Cf28/pb-pc/28m2bl13.ZIP
Just a heads up on ram for your mk2
Most of the 256 or 512 ram I have tried showed up wrong even after latest bios upgrades. Read about compatability in the threads here.
Alex

 

Thanks Tomcat, this got me farther than anything so far. Unfortunately I keep hitting dead ends. The EC disks for 12 and 13 keep telling me "This is not Target Machine", and the BIOS disk for 12 keeps telling me "Cannot find machine name use '-m' utility to configure". The BIOS for 13 keeps telling me "The following file is missing or corrupted: COMMAND.COM, type the name of the Command Interpreter". Tried swapping the Autoexe. file from 12 to 13, same result. This sounded really simple earlier in the thread and I have some experience updating Phoenix BIOS for PCs so I thought this would be cake. as for the RAM, I have a low density 512 Kingston stick (4 chips both sides) and it works in my main 28 giving me a total of 1GB RAM there. Model number for this problem child is CF-28STJGZDM. Give me your honest opinion guys, am I just stuck with 256?

Current BIOS is V3.00L12C, current EC is V3.00L17