Toughbook 29 802.11 Wi-Fi

Hi,
As everyone can see, I'm new to this forum and thought maybe someone could help me. I just purchased a like-new CF-29 Laptop for $600. Works great except it does not have built in 802.11 wi-fi. I know I can add a pcmcia card or usb adapter but would really like something internal if this is possible. The model # is
CF-29D3KGZKM. I've read the CF-29 FAQ and the other thread but figured someone has done this before.

Thanks !!
Steve

 

Hi! all Cf-29 has a builtin ready wireless antena you just need to instal a wi-fi card mini pci. I recommend intel coz it make your system a centrino. Based on my experience with this machine, if you have taken out the intel base chip on mini pci slot(wireless card) it will display as pemtium M not centrino.

BTW, check first the bios, maybe it is on disable mode( serial port) and probaly has a wi-fi card on it. Also your unit is not a touchscreen



ohlip

 

Great! Which Intel card do you recommend?

Thanks
Steve

 

Try with this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130227008663&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

But you can also find a seller base in US. Just to remind you mini pci not mini pci express.

ohlip

 

also check the windows device manager for yellow question marks/red x's, as ohlip stated it may be already in there.

 

cf-29d did not come from panasonic with wifi. the mini pci slot is more than likely empty.

 

That's what I was thinking as the device manager looks fine with no unknown devices or red x's. I'd already checked out the model # at Panasonics site. What I need to know is if I can put a mini pci wireless card in a CF-29 and will it work.
OHLIP mentioned in a post that all Cf-29's had the wireless antennas in them even if the wireless wasn't an option. If so, then all I should have to do is order a mini-pci wireless card and that should do it. Just wondering if that's all there is to it and if anyone here had actually done one..

Thanks

Steve

 

Thanks. I found this card at several locations. Just wanted to make sure that one will work before I order it. From what you've told me and from what I've read, it should. I'll probably order it tomorrow unless I hear or find out otherwise. Thanks for all your help!

Steve

 

It should work but you have to open the buttom part of your toughbook, first to remove is the memory cover with 4 srews, take out the module(if there is) and pull off the speaker cable plug and then remove all the remaining srews. 8 big srews and also 8 small srews not to include the memory screws. Good luck.


ohlip

 

yep. all wires are ran already for the wlan antennas.

when you go to remove the bottom cab after you get the screws out pull the hard drive and batt, and use your fingers inside there for leverage to pry the cab up. some of them are on tight so it may take some pressure. just make sure all screws are out and no power is getting to unit when putting the wlan module in.

 

You have to watch out for those federal models, I once aquired a federal CF-50 and I thought great i will just add a mini pci card, so I got the card and when I opened the cover I noticed that the Mini PCI slot was completely missing! just a bunch of solder pads where it would normally go. has anybody else come across one these?

 

Just took it apart. It does have the mini-pci slot but only has one antenna cable. I looked everywhere for another one but that's all I could find. Would they only use one? Thanks to ohlip, I ordered the Intel 2915 A/B/G card for $24 with shipping. Shouldn't be any problem installing as it was easy to take apart. Is there a way to turn the wireless off on these or does it stay on all the time. Thanks for everyones help. I'll let you know how it goes. Gonna try putting wireless in a Toughbook 28 I have if this works.

Thanks
Steve

 

The other antena is connected to the pass thru connector at the otherside, you can't see that but if you open up above( under keyboard). You need a least 6" jumper wire with u.fl connector both end. That jumper wire will connect to the pass thru connector(as you can see at the buttom there is u.fl available at the pass thru connector) and then to main terminal of wireless card to make it two antena wires connected to the mini pci wireless card.



ohlip

 

Thanks. I'll remember that. Also, can you turn the wireless on/off with a keyboard function or just disable it in device manager?

Steve

 

I just installed the driver of the card and let windows xp control the system and I don't wanna use the wireless software utility of intel.


ohlip

 

OK. Sounds great! I should have the Intel card in shortly and I'll let you know how it goes. Where can one find one of those jumper cables? Thanks!

Steve

 

Welcome to the forum... You will soon have the disease! Congratulations!

The Wireless program that controls the wifi on the CF-29 has an ON/OFF switch in the program when you first start it up. I used to have XP control my wifi but I let Intel's program do it on the 29 as it adds functionality to the wifi. The same goes for the CF-30. Now.. The CF-28 is another story... I use a WLAN Utility for Atheros cards for that... A great feature.