Toughbook H1 MCA Users Guide

I just received my lightly used CF-H1 in the mail this week and charged her up. This will be an on going thread as Sadlmkr and I would like to try out Linux/Ubuntu operating systems and hopefully share some information on this lightweight tablet. Mine came pre-loaded with XP and found my home network right off the bat. I updated the operating system last night and added virus protection (msessentials). I have another CF-H1 coming in the mail this week that was sold with out hard drive/caddy. That unit will have a used hard drive and caddy by next week and that is when I will try installing Linux. So, more information to follow. Hopefully everyone else will chime in and share their expertise. I used a google search and found on youtube 12 nice videos by Toughbook found here::hi2:
Toughbook H1 MCA: How To Videos - YouTube
These are broken down into 12 chapters: Overview, Special Buttons, Barcode & RFID Scanner, Camera, Fingerprint Reader, Calibrate Display, Dashboard, Cleaning, Hot swappable Batteries, Docting Station, Prtogrammable Buttons, and Conclusion.
Please chime in.
Regards,
Cleve

 

You did get the needed dock to reload the OS, or you going to load it on the hard drive and then load it into the machine?

 

I think he got a dock for $66.00

 

Yes, the dock/cradle allows a keyboard and usb functionality. Found a used one and made an offer. These range in price upwards to over $300 new. There is a new one for sale on this forum for $85 shipped which is a great price.

 

I have the "motion computing" version of this pc, it needs the dock also. I was suprised when the second unit I got had the dock in the box with it. Since then I make sure I keep it around.

 

Some people would not believe the ToughBook Sickness but I know you forum members would. Continuing the H1 thread, the cradle's are now multiplying like sheep. This H1 project is now an East meets West Coast collaboration. More to follow!

 

Here's a pic of the H1 opened up. Sadlmkr has already appreciated that there is alot of room inside making mods possible:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nINDmGQQaxmFzD5wgOKjSG18qorg0pR2A815poanlk8/edit
Take care and keep on Toughin
Cleve

 

This is the CF-H1 BDJBZCM....sort of.

Up and running no issues on Ubuntu 10.10 once I read the fine print in the bios. That's USBCD not USBHDD.

The single most issue that I dealt with is the lack of a right click. On XP I assigned A1 as a right click. Now I'm looking for the same treatment to apply to Linux.

XP to me was un-workable due to the jumpiness of the arrow when using the digitizer in conjunction with the tiny keyboard.
Linux loves it. (the pen) Rock steady. Wacom driver is pre-installed in two flavors of Linux to my knowledge (personal experience) Mint 8...and Ubuntu 10.10 (Custom) .....all custom means is it is a copy of my 10.10 package using Remastersys back-up.
TO DO:
1. Assign A1 and A2.
2. Camera.
3. Bar Code reader
4. RFID
Something interesting:
I am typing this on my CF-52 and utilizing CF-H1 using "Synergy". I see the screen of the H1, am using the H1 wireless connection to the web, and I can use the touchpad which I really miss with the H1. The pen is getting handier as I use it. No big deal to you digitizer guys but new to me.
So far I have NO luck booting from a USB.

All for now.

Jeff

 

Jeff, great work! I'm in one place for a whole week and have the H1 packed up with cradle, usb kb, and some linux install disks, will let you know how it goes using the H1 with XP installed (COA is for Vista).

 

What I have found is it boots from a LiveCD fine but never ever from a stick(thumbdrive). Comments are welcome. Is this in the bios?

Still working on the bit where the KB loads before the password query. I had it and lost it.

MOST IMPORTANT (help appreciated) is assigning A1 or A2 as a mouse right click. Just for fun, try to run your lappy all day with no right click. VERY IMPORTANT. I'm 4+ hours into this. Anyone?

Anyone......What Linux program to use for RFID? Stability/security issues are at the forefront of google searches. Mostly security. (low priority right now)
Then barcode program....I know naught.
My priority is the built-in camera. What to use for Ubuntu?
If anyone is interested I am using 10.10 Ubuntu. I think 12.4 and above are mayyyyybe do-able but graphics issues interfere.
Trying to make the lappy/tablet look like a cell phone was a mistake in my mind......the older ya get the more ya like what yer used to. W8 makes me gag.
H1 in Linux sees the two Wacom devices and the camera. Just a matter of tweaking it around. Calibrate works. (uses the last touch device which is perfect....the finger touch wacom) IOW the digitizer is not affected which is perfect because it(digitizer) is "spot on" in 10.10 and Mint 8......I loaded both at different times. I was amazed at the accuracy. XP was jumpy and un-workable for me. (FOR ME)

XP ........if I was in health care I would have run the H1 through the shredder.

 

Lot's to consider, Jeff.
Thanks for all your endeavors. I just booted into a usb install of Joli (Linux) and it loaded properly. I then went back and am running the battery re-calibration program via XP. I had a little problem getting the original new oem install of XP to load because the on-screen keyboard in XP is small. But I got it to load and was able to do updates.
Hint for XP users using an on-screen KeyBoard. Use a Very Very Small Password at first (i.e. one letter or number). There are frequent re-boots as the system builds and it is very, very frustrating as Jeff aludes to above. I look on this as a challenge. There is a way to make it user friendlier...I think the bar code reader would be cool for a small business owner doing inventory. The camera is a "no brainer" and then there is the "RFID" which I believe is radio frequency ...
I'm going to condition these four (4) batteries I scored for $15/each used and then work more on other OS that might work.
Lastly, a paint/childrens drawing program is my goal for the grand kids. I think a "hack" for a usb port would be nice (Jeff has already opened one up and there is plenty of room). This would allow an H1 to be used in a vehicle/boat/etc. with a GPS.
Lot's to consider.

 

videos by Toughbook found here::hi2:
Toughbook H1 MCA: How To Videos - YouTube
These are broken down into 12 chapters: Overview, Special Buttons, Barcode & RFID Scanner, Camera, Fingerprint Reader, Calibrate Display, Dashboard, Cleaning, Hot swappable Batteries, Docting Station, Prtogrammable Buttons, and Conclusion.
These videos have alot of information. There is a scanner supplemental manual 1d & 2d bar code scanner information on the Panasonic web site. Watch all of these and then search for other information...

 

Jeff, "right clicking" is achieved by using the digitizer stylus on the H1, NOT the touch screen with fingers. I was just watching one of the videos on utube (see above).

 

I found that this afternoon. Also the keyboard in 10.10 comes in three parts. One of the parts shows mousy clicks....clumsy kind of but hit right click and the next thing you touch yields a right click.
This morning, never mind what time I installed 13.04 on a CF-52, CF-30 MK2 and the after a nap on the H1. H1 failed the test. It was a little too much for it. It's back to 10.10 (11 should work mayyybe). With a half screen size keyboard it ain't half bad.
We're fighting new graphic intensive shtuff with a leetle outdated Intel chip. (sic)
The 'puter/Linux sees the gizmos, camera for instance but does some weird assigning. I need more sleep to figure it.

Re: the keyboard. On the end of the board are three big unlabeled colored pads. Each has a function. Top one is qwerty keyboard. Middle does most of the arrow...up, down etc., bottom is mouse and something else or visa verse. (spelling)

With a GUI for the keyboard on the desktop.....when it asked for password, hit esc a couple times and tap the GUI. Keyboards comes up, enter password and Bob's yer Uncle.

Someone tell me how to assign the A1 and A2 key please in Ubuntu. Research needed here, on camera, RFID and Barcode.

Thanks,

Jeff

Hey Cleve, there's a 10.10 iso in the public share on TBT.......if the snow hasn't covered it up. Rob ain't getting all the snow... started here about dusk. When it asks if ya want to start automatically chose that! If you use the more convenient password on boot it kind of locks you out of the desktop. Adding Keyboard to start menu is next on the list. If I ever get tired of writing.....sooorryy.

 

You are funny Jeff! I'm backing up the original OS (XP) now and will have more information to follow. I found under "Panasonic Dashboard" a setting named "Advanced". This led me to Application Button Setting Utility and an option to assign Button A1 & A2, choices being:
Dashboard, Display Switch, Right Click, Cleaning Utility, Reference Manual, & Launch an application.
I know you are most interested in the camera, RFID, Bar Code Scanner, & Camera.
Once all of this original software is imaged and backed up, I can play a little with Linux & the touchscreen. Really only interested right now in a drawing program for the kids to use. This little H1 is perfect for summer camping with the kids on the water. I'm looking for applications in XP and Linux to load for them. Any thoughts on this? Please let us know. (Jeff, I just thought of a great trade for the cradle)...Everyone, Keep on Toughin...