USB Dongle/pigtail

Is there some kind of USB pigtail for the CF-29? What I mean is that it seems to me there would be something that would plug in to the side USB port and fit snugly to seal and maintain case integrity (like the power adapter plug). Perhaps something rugged and not unlike the the CF18/19 USB pigtail that screws in.


I have been searching for some time but haven't located anything. And so I appeal to the collective for my answer.

EDIT added pics and accompanied text

You can see how robust the pigtail is.

 

I am a little curious about this? The USB port, when closed, should provide ample protection against water intrusion. There is a silicone sheet that has the LAN and Modem connectors molded into it that is below the steel cover secured by two screws. When you close all the port covers on the CF-29, LAN/Modem, USB and DC port covers... They are secure against water intrusion. I'm not advocating putting it in the sink and filling it up with water like the guy does on YouTube... But it should work well enough.

I've got a CF-18 also... The USB port covers are a little different but none of mine screw in.

 

Rick, I believe he is talking about one of these:
USB Cable W/screw for CF-18&CF-19 Panasonic Toughbook - eBay (item 260484122065 end time May-27-10 12:36:35 PDT)

The external USB port on my CF-30 looks like it would accept one.
CAP

 

Thanks Cap, Yes that is the one I was referring to. I know that one would not work on the 29. But if you look at the other views you can see it's quite tough!

For the 29 you would think there would be an adapter that when plugged in would effectively work like a cork, provide a USB connection while sealing the port.

Maybe I'm just dreaming.

EDIT added pics to first post.

 

Personally... As a short term solution I would use either layers of heat shrink tape or electrical tape to increase the diameter of the USB that you use. Maybe a combo of both.

Or perhaps a silicone cast could be made that has enough play so it can slip over just about any USB plug and still be flexible enough to fill the gap between the silicone seal inside the USB interior and the USB plug.

This is going to sound stupid but I have never owned a USB that screws in... My thought is... "What's the point?" But I guess when you are talking rugged and you have your diagnostic thingamabob plugged in you don't want someone walking by snagging the cable and unplugging it. Maybe instead it will pull the Toughbook off the table...

But I do love the idea of the "USB Sealing Ring"

 

Already brewing something...



But I figure there HAS to be some factory part or device or special function for that port. The port is just so odd otherwise. I mean why is the port recessed so deep? Is there a purpose for this? The RJ-11 and RJ-45 ports (phone, LAN) are right "next door" and they are almost flush. It would seem there is method to their madness, but I don't know what that is.

EDIT

Exactly and this rubber sheet lines the INSIDE of the power and USB port. The power adapter plug has a shoulder that fits snug against the sheet which is effectively a gasket.
Logic says that there is a similar function intended for the USB port.

 

I would probably buy one of the eBay ones but it's not clear from the picture what happens at the other end. That doesn't look like a female USB, it looks round. It looks like the computer end would work in the CF-30 as well as the CF-18-19. I have one like it for the CF-07 with the thumb screw, but it is 4-pin Mini B USB male by standard USB female at the other end. It really makes sense for a computer meant to be carried on your belt in a holster.
CAP

 

Yeah I thought of that as only an example of how "tough" it might look. I have no use for the device in the pic.
The device I'm thinking of would just be a short USB extension.

 

If you could get a suction cup large enough for the USB connector to fit through and still be tight, it would push against the side of the TB when put into the port and effectively seal around the USB connector. Or better yet, anyone ever try an O-ring on the USB connector itself? When pushed into the hole it should seal against the sides of the hole of the USB port. Just some random, non-connected thoughts at the end of a long day.......

 

The cable is simply an extension cable, male on one end, with the locking screw, and female on the other with a hefty strain relief.

Glen

 

As I said... The LAN & Modem are molded into the silicone... The USB is mounted on the motherboard so it is inset further. One of the reasons why, if the port cover is closed.. This would most likely be the last to leak!

 

Yeah I've had the covers off of that side. I understand the USB is mounted to the mobo, but it could be more flush and still be protected. I guess I just can't let go of the idea that the part I'm thinking of doesn't exist.

I tried a prototype extention wrapped in silicone tape. Did not work, plugged in fine and snug but turned the seal inside out when removed!
Since the seal is rubber using another rubber device causes too much friction. Just something plastic like the power connector should work better.

 

The closest thing I have found to what you're looking for is the USB cable that came with my Samsung SE-S084 external DVD drive. The cable has a fatter end that fits the USB port very snuggly. The plug is approx. the size of the inner rectangle on the port cover. The cable is split with an extra USB power connecter that's normal size and a mini USB to connect to the DVD drive.

Glen