Using Express card slot for internal USB?

I want to add an internal USB port to my CF-19 (CF-19DGAXCM) so I can have 2 wireless network adapters running at once.

My original plan was to simply solder a dongle to the backside of the USB port on the motherboard, but the more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to lose that port. So as I sat here looking at it, I realized I would never be using the express card slot, and it has USB connectivity.

Before I go soldering anything in, I just want to make sure I've got my pinouts correct. From the express card slot I can get-

pin 1- gnd
pin 2- data
pin 3- data

Where should I pick up 5v? I considered running the wire over to the USB port, but the PC card slot is right there. Once I started looking at pc card pinouts, I see there are two different voltages available, 3.3v and 5v. How do I know what I have? Is this even worth it, or is it easier just to run the gnd and pwr to the USB port?

Am I thinking this through enough? Do I have any idea of what I'm doing?

 

Sounds like fun.lol

Try using the search engine handed to us by our very own Azrial. It lives in my tool-bar and I drag and drop like this: TEST site:forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic - Google Search
Replace TEST with your question.

I've seen some posts re: voltage, re: if you solder it on the back you lose it on the front. etc. etc. ad infinitum.

Then wait for Ohlip to stop by. I think he and M the dragon understand electricity. Can ya believe it?

On a CF-29 I would be checking the pin-out on CF-18 for what you are doing.........like I said Ohlip will be along.

Did you report your model #? It CAN make a difference. Do you have a Service Manual?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

Sorry if this is a dumb question but - what advantage is there in having two wireless adapters?
Do you mean WWAN & WLAN? If so there are two mini PCI-e slots inside, one for each - or do you have a "funky" Panasonic bios?

 

I've searched about this mod for quite a while before actually settling on doing it. I found several people who asked the same question, but there was never any concrete answer. I can't seem to find anyone who has actually put an internal USB port in either an 18 or a 19, just people who wanted to. Such as-
This thread, This one or This one. They don't really go anywhere, and whatever links I've found are either dead or been removed because they were dead.

I know adding an internal USB is entirely possible, I'm just interested to know whether the PCMCIA slot has 3.3 or 5v. I have the CF-19 service manual, but that doesn't give me the slot pinout or available voltage. I've found a few different sites with pinout diagrams, but how do I know which card slot is in the CF-19? Short of powering it up with the case open and a DVM attached? Is there a way to tell based on my model number (in the original post)?

I want to add the additional wifi adapter so I can use a CF-VDW07 display and still be able to access a wireless network, but, I don't want to lose any environmental protection (with a USB cover hanging open). I've looked for flush fit wifi PC cards, but I'm not up for paying $150 for one, and even then it only will reach within a few feet. I've already added a WWAN card, so I can't use that card slot.

 

this guy did it to an 18.

 

check this out too
might b helpful

 

u will have usb only on the wwan-pci-express card slot. not on the wifi port. also check for the fingerprintreader port, if u don't use them. (I had used this one for my wimax). also the portreplicator has usb. because of the powersource for the usb: if u use an exchangable card, it would be an good idea to use an protected standard usb-port as source for 5V. advantage: it's shortcut and overload protected. disadvantage: u are splitting the 500mA in one part for ur normal usb-port and one for ur extra port.

 

dont you want just to buy expresscard to 2xusb? on ebay.

 

Internal USB - it's not so difficult.
But what about antennas?
This task is veeery strange. Maybe just use Cf-k18cb002 USB cable and USB Wi-Fi dongle?

 

Please Delete

 

This is what I thought the issue would be.

I've thought about this some more. I may end up just connecting directly to the rear USB port. I don't think I've ever used it, and when the computer isn't in the field, it's on a replicator. If not, I will go to the Express card slot for serial, and use the side USB for power.

I will have all the parts together in the next few weeks and I will share pictures when I'm done.

Thanks for all the input everyone!

 

I don't want you to make more confuse. Just follow of what omnirak..suggested and if you are still need a few option. Let us know.


ohlip

 

This is a nice choice mini pci-e card to USB 2.0 adapter / mini pci-e card to USB 2.0 adapter - Sintech adapter card and test tool