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    Toughbook cf-31 gps upgrade

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Laptop_Doc, Dec 11, 2014.

  1. Laptop_Doc

    Laptop_Doc Newbie

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    I just recently acquired some MK1 CF-31 toughbooks and want to upgrade them to GPS.

    I have over a hundred dead MK1 CF 30 toughbooks that have the GPS option and was wondering if the GPS modules inside the 30's can somehow work in the 31's.

    Upon inspection, the GPS ribbon cables LOOK the same size and the module even looks like it can fit (with slight mods) where it supposed to inside the 31.

    Plus, the antenna comes apart and appears that it will mount inside the lid where the aftermarket ones mount.....

    Has anyone attempted this :confused:

    Thanks
     
    Laptop_Doc, Dec 11, 2014
    #1
  2. ohlip

    ohlip Toughbook Modder

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    Yes! It can be done but you need to send me one unit, lol...Just J/k. The antenna will be a different story though.

    As a matter of fact I already done it using the Ublox module and it will be the same mod.

    ohlip
     
    ohlip, Dec 11, 2014
    #2
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  3. Laptop_Doc

    Laptop_Doc Newbie

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    have you used the Sony module board from a cf 30 on a 31 or just the Ublox?

    Do you have to modify the BIOS when upgrading to GPS like you do when upgrading to a GOBI card?
     
    Laptop_Doc, Dec 11, 2014
    #3
  4. ADOR

    ADOR Evil Mad Scientist

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    How did all of them die?
     
    ADOR, Dec 11, 2014
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  5. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Duke Nukem shot them...

    [​IMG]
     
    Shawn, Dec 11, 2014
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  6. ohlip

    ohlip Toughbook Modder

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    Its the same pinout, you just need to follow what is the GPS pinout on the CF-31

    No! The GPS option will display on the bios when you installed/connected the GPS module properly. Gobi is out of the question on here and if you rely on Gobi gps. Its a crap.

    ohlip
     
    ohlip, Dec 12, 2014
    #6
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  7. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    yes , curious minds want to know .
     
    CWB32, Dec 12, 2014
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  8. Laptop_Doc

    Laptop_Doc Newbie

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    They were worked to death by the local Sheriff's Dept. They have 30-45K hours on them and they show it. As is typical with Mk1's also all touchscreens are bad. They still POST, but......

    They are fully loaded though (WWAN GPS BIOMETRIC BACKLIT S-CARD)
     
    Laptop_Doc, Dec 12, 2014
    #8
  9. Laptop_Doc

    Laptop_Doc Newbie

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    No - actually the reason I brought up the GOBI card is because I tried plugging one of my Sony GPS modules into the 31 board and the 31 didn't see it - and I was wondering if this was because there was some sort of secret bios flash (as in the case of the GOBI card ) that is required first.
     
    Laptop_Doc, Dec 12, 2014
    #9
  10. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Want to sell one as is?...
     
    Shawn, Dec 12, 2014
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  11. I58SR

    I58SR Notebook Consultant

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    Shawn....sell ONE? You must buy in pairs! :D

    -Nick
     
    I58SR, Dec 13, 2014
    #11
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  12. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    I've never been to Paris...
     
    Shawn, Dec 13, 2014
    #12
  13. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    "I've never been to Paris... "

    i've never been to spain ...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1uSxhFcJn4

    ... been to needles though .

    i agree , the gps function on/in a 1000 is about as worthless as a screen door on a submarine when compared to a decent after market unit .
    also , there may be members here interested in obtaining a machine or two ... call it a form of insanity . :laugh:
    i take it that the machines are "unlocked" (bios) ?
    perhaps posting in the BST section and/or on slingbay is a good idea ?
     
    CWB32, Dec 14, 2014
    #13
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  14. AMReid

    AMReid Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey all - Laptop_doc did you ever get any guidance on the CF-30 GPS modules to be used in a CF-31. I have tried this too and it doesnt show in the BIOS. I have a factory CF-31 GPS module that I pulled in to try right after and it shows in BIOS. Anyone with experience on this??? The cable is plugged in just the same way and the CF31 GPS module shows but the CF30 GPS module doesnt. Your help is much appreciated!!!
     
    AMReid, Aug 26, 2015
    #14
  15. EdFromBJCS

    EdFromBJCS Notebook Geek

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    So here's a question...

    The consensus seems to be that Gobi GPS is way worse than the OEM Toughbook GPS receiver, and the Ublox aftermarket GPS module is also good (better than OEM?). Presumably USB devices will vary in quality, but two clear disadvantages are that they occupy USB ports and that they could snap off. Could anyone who has used more than one type of GPS receiver explain the differences? Barring that, does anyone know where I can find hard data pertaining to the accuracy of these receivers? Any qualitative or quantitative data on GPS receiver quality would be awesome.

    I don't doubt you guys that the Gobi GPS isn't any good, but maybe someone could expand on that for me.
     
    EdFromBJCS, Aug 26, 2015
    #15
  16. Bladeweaver

    Bladeweaver Notebook Enthusiast

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    Bladeweaver, Aug 26, 2015
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  17. safn1949

    safn1949 I'm sure I'm on the wrong planet

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    The GPS in a Gobi 2000 cards bites,its really bad. The stock CF-29 GPS will run circles around it. I have tried it in a CF-52,74 and a 19. It sucks. You might get 2-3 satellites if you are lucky.
     
    safn1949, Aug 26, 2015
    #17
  18. EdFromBJCS

    EdFromBJCS Notebook Geek

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    Thanks, fellas.

    I never had any doubt that the GPS in the Gobi 2000 cards sucks, but I was looking for a concrete way that I can tell my customers that when they ask. It looks like you are saying it has lousy reception, so I'll tell them that.
     
    EdFromBJCS, Aug 27, 2015
    #18
  19. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    From my source, On certain models the Gobi2000 gps is "ok"..A lot depends on the antenna. It varies from mks even.
     
    Shawn, Aug 27, 2015
    #19
  20. Bladeweaver

    Bladeweaver Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ed,

    The aftermarket modules also use many more channels. The Sony/Panasonic OEM unit is a 12 channel while the UBLOX is a 50 channel unit.
     
    Bladeweaver, Aug 27, 2015
    #20