The OFFICIAL Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook Thread!

I got a lead on the EnGenius cards.

 

Try this guy:

ENGENIUS WIRELESS MINIPCI EMP-8602 PLUS-S Free S&H NEW - eBay (item 230454583178 end time May-25-10 10:47:57 PDT)

Edit: Same guy as above (but $2 cheaper) ...

 

Yep good deal, if he shipped here. I think I saw one the other day for $50ish plus shipping plus taxes (CDN re-seller)

 

I ordered 10 from that guy... They are the real deal!

 

So just got the pigtails in today, MUCH faster that expected.
The MMCX female plugs right to the cable in the cardbus. The CRC9 male connector does NOT FIT the Sierra Card, D'oh!
I ordered 10 of these too. Double D'oh!:cry:
I swear I had the right connector. Now back to the drawing board.

Now I'm thinking the necessary connector is an FME male right angle though I'm not sure. I found an outfit selling external antennas and pigtails for cell cards. They seemed to suggest that it was the FME one. However when I google FME male I find threaded connectors. Perhaps the one needed is a slip-fit version.
I put in a note to the outfit that made the pigtails. Hopefully they know which is the correct one.

If anyone knows the name of the proper connector let me know.

 

Hi NTTD. It looked like the same plug as the Sierra 850. If it is, the connector to the card is ssmb female right angle.

 

Yes, as I understand it the 850 and 860 use the same connector.
So SSMB female. Did some googleing and that sure looks like the right one!

Thank you for that, it has been an ordeal to find the right one.

 

As do the Sierra 550, 555, 750, 875 and 881 AirCards, maybe others as well.

Sorry about your first "go-round". When you get the right ones in I still want four, even though my new CF-29 Mk5 CF-29NDLGFBM has AT&T HSDPA built in.

 

Yeah I knew ordering 10 without seeing a finished one in hand was not the best idea.
The maker of the pigtails quoted 30 days shipping and I was thinking 30 days for the prototype, then another 30 to get the others...
Oh well hindsight is 20-20, shouldn't have done that!

 

TopCop. You may want one end is ssmb female right angle, the other end should be u.fl so you can plug it to the card directly. 14" in lenght should be plenty.

 

My CF-29HTM50BM system has the full factory-installed system, so all I need is the pigtail in order to switch out the Sony-Ericsson GC83 for the Sierra 860.

 

Yes, I understand what you said. I only suggested this so you can use the same pig tail for SBC model and also the MK5. I learned this from OHLIP.

 

We are actually using it to connect to the "stock" telco configuration cable which terminates at the cardbus. TC and I have ex SBC models which are factory set up to use a cardbus card for WWAN and connect to the integrated antenna at the top of the display. The pigtail we need is only 55mm long. That way we can use cards with different antenna connectors without re-routing a cable when we want to switch.

 

My CF-29NDLGFBM Mk5 has on-board AT&T HSDPA module located above the battery compartment. I does not use the PC Card slots and CardBus WWAN card as does my CF-29HTM50BM SBC Mk3.

 

I just bought two cf-29 the one is a 29f the other im not sure of yet. My question is how hard is it to install wifi on these unites if they don't have antennas

 

How mechanically-inclined are you?

First off: post the full Model Numbers of these units; such as: CF-29LTP55BM. Then we can provide proper responses.

Most all CF-29s are WiFi equipped, hence the need for the Model Number to assertain whether or not your is so equipped.

If not, you will need one (or two?) of these.

Oops! That "kit" does not come with the required right and left antenna covers.

SO, retrofitting a non-WiFi CF-29 is a rather expensive proposition!

 

All cf-29 unit, federal issue, corp. and etc. has a builtin wi-fi antena. You don't need to worry about it. Its there, you only need is to install a wireless card(mini pci) and hook it up the antena.

Is that antena that posted above made from Germany like the wiha tools?


ohlip

 

thanks for the info i have a cf-29fttgzkm do u have to go into the bios to turn
it on or is setup straightforward like all other laptops.

 

Panasonic Toughbook Configurator:

CF-29FTTGZKM Mk2 DESCRIPTION:
***Federal Only***
PentiumM 1.3G LV, 13.3" Transmissive Touch XGA , 256MB, 40GB, NON-WIRELESS, WinXP,SmartCard

"Non-Wireless" speaks for itself.

 

Yes i saw the non wireless but not being hardware smart i did not know if there was a way to make it wireless.... So i guess ill throw that one away and buy another one .

 

All you need to do it to download the service manual for reference. Take out the 8 big screws and the 12 small screws. Remove the 4 small ones for the RAM cover first as one of the large screws is underneath that. Unplug the speaker connector too while you are there.

I don't need to tell you to REMOVE YOUR BATTERY FIRST and to make sure that you don't have the AC adapter plugged in!

Pop the bottom plate off and you will see the antenna leads wrapped in Kapton tape. Unwrap them, pop in the card, attach the antenna leads and reinstall the bottom plate after blowing off the seal with compressed air. You may also want to make sure that the thermal pads that cool your CPU and Video card are in good shape. Most of the time they can be reused.

There is also a rubber bumper for the media bay that should be pushed back down to re-adhere it to the laptop case. These come loose over time. pressing down hard along its length will re-stick it to the laptop case.

Then download the appropriate software for your card and install.

 

Don't give up so easy.

First, check to see if you have the antennas in your system (should be there per ohlip). If they are there, obtain the proper WLAN card (like this one), then follow Toughbook's posted directions to install and activate it.

Voila! Wireless communication!!

 

I have been looking on the web for CF-29 Touchscreen help in Ubuntu 10.04 NBR. I apologize if this is not the appropriate place for this post, but the other main thread I saw about CF-29, ubuntu and touchscreens is now closed.

In case this is the right place...
I was able to get it the touschscreen working very well in Ubuntu 9.XX NBR, but since the upgrade the 10.04 I've had no luck. Any ideas?

BTW, This is my first post....

 

The antennas are there... Guaranteed! There is just no wifi card. Get one!

Man Up and get that job done!

 

thanks toughbook if the antennas are there like u say they are i can do the rest.

 

Could use some help. Just installed Win 7 on a CF-29 Mk III toughbook. Works great, except NO SOUND. Have tried various drivers, microsoft and Panasonic no help. Anyone know of a driver I can use?

 

There is a thread here that discusses how to install all the drivers depending on what model. Usually (for W7) use the Vista drivers for your model and install those.

 

thanks, but that is the problem. Can't find vista drivers for this model. Any ideas?

 

Yes... You should thoroughly read the stickies.... You can go HERE to register and get anything you need for any Toughbook.

 

Could it be that Intel® does not show the 82852/82855 Graphics Controller Family, the CF-29 Mk3's video chipset, to be Vista-supported?

Duh: SOUND, not video!

Try this one: http://ftp.us.dell.com/audio/R167846.exe

It is supposer to be for the SigmaTel C-Major Audio for Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit.

 

Okay.... Let's start from scratch with you posting your full model number.

CF-29XXXXXXX

 

When you search for vista drivers on the Panny sites use MK4 as you model. You'll find, among other things, the Vista upgrade guide pdf and a link to the Panasonic Windows Vista Support Information Page.
Panasonic does not list any vista drivers for the MK3 and earlier that I am able to find.
You may be able to find what you need there.

 

Out of curiosity I tried this, using "CF-29L/M (Mk4)", "Audio & Graphics Drivers" and "Windows Vista Upgrade" as the search parameters; response: " There were no applicable downloads found."

 

On a Mk4 and Mk5 use the XP audio driver for Windows 7. Run it in compatability mode for XP.

Glen

 

What do you see it in the " device manager" .Does it show that it's installed .If it's there remove it and restart the 29 and see if windows finds it and point it to the driver and install it......for me it found it and installed it ...never had a problem since.

 

Just search for "all drivers" and just one link shows up. From that page there are the above links and just a few drivers. It seems that either most of the XP drivers will work and/or many of the default Vista drivers work. If you have upgraded to the EnGenius WiFi card then you can scratch two of the provided ones off the list.
This thread has more information on installing Win 7.

 

I hope my model # is in my sig :-/ . Just a dumb question does this thing have an internal microphone ?
P.S.
Thanx again guys !


good I did put the Mod # in my sig

 

CF-29H3LGZBM DESCRIPTION:
Pentium M 738-1.4G LV (Centrino), 13.3" NON-touch XGA, 256MB, 60GB, Intel 802.11a+b+g, Win XP SP2

Not a "dumb question", and the answer is "No".

 

You can mod one in (mic) with an old cell phone speaker mic and the right connector... Or microsoldering.... It's been done.... I think Onirikkiss did it frst...

 

I asked because Ubuntu not only shows it in hardware but allowed me to configure it . I just haven't found an echo test yet that works w/ my sound application ALSA in this case . I mangle *nix pretty good but always learning ..
I'll let you all know about this phantom mic as soon as I ...

Tnx again

~kop

 

As an idea have you tried this? This is from an extensive series in which 9nine9 was trying to help me with Linux Mint. I've used it on two Mark 3's with fair success and on a Mark 4 with no success. (writing that off as a hardware issue) Read up on evtouch on Google. Line 2 where he says create the file would be sudo gedit /usr.........etc.

Or as a quick check look in /usr/share/hal/fdi/20thirdparty and see if the 50-Toughbook file is there.
I just checked as this is a fresh install and by going to the Synaptics Package Manager and typing evtouch the file xserver-xorg-input-evtouch showed up as not yet installed. I'm doing that now.
The best thing would be to get 9nine9 interested as he knows what he is talking about.

BTW Welcome to the forum.

Jeff

 

Hey,
I just ordered and received one of the units that was for sale at CompUSA. Overall I don't think it was too bad. The battery still delivers about 3 hours of life (not bad given how old the battery probably is). The screen is just the base XGA screen but it's still bright for a laptop. I'm not sure it's outdoor readable but bright none the less.

One word of caution, these computers have been repainted. The top covers were repainted presumably to make them look newer. At first I thought it was just the one I got. Looking closer at the pictures on the sales sight it's clear it's not just mine. Note that the screws on the lid are painted silver. On the unpainted models the screws are black. More telling (and what made it clear to me) is the overspray on the black parts and the Panasonic logo. Panasonic would never think to paint their housings after assembling the computers. Anyway, I don't think the computer I got was bad but we aren't dealing with an off lease office computer and we are dealing with a refurb company that, like a shady used car shop, slapped some paint on to make things look better than they might actually be.

 

More than likely one of the gazzillion SBC units that have flooded the market and diluted all the regular, standard Toughbooks.

Welcome to the forum... And the fun.... It's always an adventure.... Um... Or a headache!

EDIT: I thought CompUSA went out of business.... Or maybe just their bricks & mortar stores....

Double EDIT: Yup... Old SBC... I'd gamble my stake in tomorrow night's poker game!

 

Mine from TigerDirect was the same way, poor mask job and all. Whatever paint they used was not prepped well as it flakes off easily. No worries though, the machine still works great.

 

Thanks for the info. I was wondering why so many of these came on the market all at once. Is there really much difference between these units and any of the others?

I'm not sure what's up with CompUSA. If you look at their website it appears they are joined with TigerDirect.

OK, please forgive me because I didn't search but... one of the CompUSA reviews suggests that his non-touchscreen model actually has a touch screen and a simple installation of drivers had it up and running. My question is, do you think that's true? The unit I have does have a screen that looks and feels like a touch screen but I definitely ordered the cheaper non-touchscreen version. When I say looks and feels I'm saying it feels like the covering you see on most non-rugged touch screen laptops or even like that on my Garmin GPS. The screen as a mat finish layer that clearly floats in front of the main screen. Anyway, is there a quick link to what I need to have to use the touch screen? Since I didn't search I'm only asking if the knowledge is close at hand.

Thanks again!

EDIT:
In the bios mine is a CF-29HT....
So with that in mind I would assume this is a touch screen model. I will search but any suggestions as to how to get the touch screen up and running?

EDIT EDIT:
Yes it does work! Many thanks to Tomcat57 who provided the answer and KiwiKev for asking!

 

My retired SBC Mk3 CF-29HTM50BM came from ebaY™ seller deal_train and was just as retired: no painting, "refurbishing", etc., and is in excellent condition (except for the cracked wrist rest, that is ). It even had the factory Cingular/AT&T Sony-Ericsson GC83 WWAN card and antenna pigtail still installed.

Seriously, all I did was to "pop" the cracked section back into place (no metal repair) and if you didn't know it was cracked you couldn't tell (the wrist rest cover hides the cracks).

Of course, that was my first Toughbook and the remaining supply may not be as good as mine is.

Caveat emptor!

 

SBC (now: AT&T) did a massive upgrade and their CF-29s hit the "Previously Owned" market as a result.

CF-29HTM50BM DESCRIPTION:
***SBC ONLY*** Pentium M 738-1.4G LV (Centrino),13.3" Transmissive touch XGA, 512MB,4 0GB, WLAN 802.11a+b+g, Win XP SP2, Tester I/F, EDGE(GC83), logo, asset tag, replaceable RJ11 jack

See the "Tester I/F, EDGE(GC83), logo, asset tag, replaceable RJ11 jack" entries?

That's "the difference" from your run-of-the-mill CF-29 Mk 3 units.

Go to the Toughbook Support page, register yourself as a Toughbook Customer (free), register your Toughbook (optional, but also free), then use the Downloads link to "Access software updates and drivers, product manuals, BIOS, ECs, and more."

There you will find all the Panasonic Toughbook-specific drivers, including the Touchpad/Touchscreen drivers.

OR; purchase the Product Recovery CD Set, either from Forum Moderator Toughbook here or from ebaY™.

This will restore the CF-29 Mk3 to "as delivered" configuration.

 

More than likely you have a BAD touchscreen. (Though we shall hold out hope for you!)

Panasonic used the WRONG adhesive in some CF-18, MK2,3,4 &5, CF-29s and MK1 CF-30s (And others too I think)

They, for some time, extended the warranty on this particular defect FOR THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER for an extra 12 months. They now have an "All bets are OFF" policy... If it is bad.... Guess what? You NOW have a NON-Touchscreen unit.

This is why you are seeing most of the SBC units on eBay being advertised as Non-Touch or the ever-famous, "Tested to BIOS ONLY.... Cannot guarantee Touchscreen function!" This pretty much means they booted it up and it didn't work. SBC dumped SO MANY units on the market it has literally killed all legitimate sellers of WORKING TOUGHBOOKS on eBay and on the Internet in general.

(Did I mention I switched to Verizon?)

I will say it here NOW and you can spread the word... (As it has already been tossed about here) If you buy certain models (named above) of Toughbooks you MUST buy them knowing that the Touchscreen MAY NOT (and probably won't) WORK!

UNLESS the seller specifically says that the Touchscreen works AND WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR OWN WARRANTY.... And I ain't talking Square Trade... which is pretty much worthless! (Google it and you decide!*)

I know a lot of people here have purchased the SBC units with mixed results. It is a strange bird but very moddable into what you want to do... AS LONG AS IT WORKS!

I have always been against painted Toughbooks. (Though I may soon resort to selling one as the lid only is scratched**) as most people have no clue how to truly paint them. To spray a cheap coat of Krylon over the top would me off and I would demand a refund.... You can get a 1.6GHz for that if you are a careful shopper. (Though the differences between some of the 1.6 and 1.4 units aren't that much.)

*And today you can play Pac-Man!

** Yeah... I have an excellent 1.4GHz NON-SBC unit that has some scratches and worn spots on the top. Everything else looks brand new!

 

Well I wouldn't feel cheated if the touchscreen didn't work since it was advertised as without and was $50 cheaper because of it. The fact that a driver upgrade has it working is just a bonus. That of course doesn't mean that it won't go bad in a few days time!

This computer was actually purchased for a friend of mine. He's got a small construction company and asked me to recommend a laptop for him. He isn't a power user by any stretch. Money is tight for him. It was a bit hard to come up with a recommendation. If he was just going to use the computer at home and in the office then just about any computer would do. However, he really wants to use the thing in his truck. That would be an issue. His truck is VERY dusty. I was actually looking at some of the kid friendly netbooks. My thought was they often run with the fan shut off so less dust would get ingested. Also being small I figured it would be easier for him to not break the stupid thing. He has a remarkable ability to break the unbreakable. The only cell phone he never broke was the Motorola/Nextel R750. The R750 happens to be built to the same standards as the Police two way radios including a driving rain spec (sound familiar?).

Anyway, the dust and dirt concerned me more than drops and the like. When I saw the Toughbook for $330 and saw the positive reviews I figured I would give it a chance. I had it sent to me so I could give it a good look over before sending it to him. I'm not happy about the repaint simply because I think it's deceptive but the rest of the computer actually looks quite sound. The keyboard perhaps was replaced or just not used much since it looks to be in better shape than my 6 month old Dell M4400. The touchpad clearly was used a lot. It still works but the touch surface isn't in good shape. The screen is actually pretty good. The display is very bright. My experience with older Dells (Inspiron 8600, Precision M20) is the backlights dim over time. Well if this one has lost some power it must have been really bright when new! The battery clearly isn't what it used to be as I "only" get 3 hours. So overall for $360 after shipping and an extra 512 mb of ram this thing looks to be a good deal for him.

Thanks again for all the help!

 

I recent reimaged a Toughbook that I sold over a year ago to a well driller out in CA.... I thought some of the units I got in were dirty.... Sheesh.... I cleaned it all up for him again.... But there was dust EVERYWHERE.....

EXCEPT

Where is wasn't supposed to be. I mean this thing was dirtier than any I had bought before. I took it all apart again and renewed it for him... Just because he is a good customer...

Even a crappy Toughbook beats the best Dull laptop. I guess unless you are a gamer.... And then you wouldn't be here anyway. You'd be in cyberspace dating your dream date with your VR goggles on..... And a tissue.

Count your lucky stars that you got a good touchscreen. It is a "Must have" for some... But most people who buy them use them infrequently..... Not all... But most. Some live by them.

There is a good chance, if your Toughbook has been, (Or will be) subject to high heat that your touchscreen will eventually fail. Maybe not... It is often hard to get the true history on these.