WWAN Modems in the UK

Quick Question.....

I have a 1.6GHz CF-29 with a Verizon EVDO and OEM GPS. I am selling to someone in the UK who would like to install the HSDPA modem in it. I have never needed to do this as I usually sell without the modem. Since I cannot test it... I don't like selling them. In this case the end user would be swapping modems to Orange most likely.

Those who know 100%... Is this something that can be done by the end user or would it have to be sent in to Panasonic? Will the HSDPA modem fit on the same PCB as the OEM GPS or would a whole new setup need to be installed?

Rick

 

Thanks for this, the Toughbook is a 29L so it is a MK4 right?

I just found this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=268431&page=3

Post number 28 says the MK4's sled is not compatible with a standard mini-pci card.

Apparently the sled from MK5 will accept a mini-pci card and then I will be able to use something like this:

http://classifieds.mocca.com/node/7...rra-mc8781-3g-hsdpa-laptop-mini-pci-modem-gps

The only thing is that is a mini-pci express and I don't know if that is an important distinction.

The thing does work on the UK mobile networks and will acept a SIM card though so if it is compatible then it will be ideal.

Does any of that look like it makes sense to anyone who isn't mad?

I'll keep looking

 

Yeah... I remember something about that thread... So here's what it looks like our choices are....

If you want to maintain the setup the way it is... You'd have to either buy a whole new sled with HSDPA AND a GPS or buy just the HSPDA and move the OEM GPS over to the new sled. But the new sled would need to be able to support the GPS hookup.

I think those are the only options...

 

So, the HDPSA sled is cf-wew29007.

If I get that does it have GPS or will I have to swap the existing GPS onto it. If so, does the sled support GPS?

If yes will it work with an aftermarket mini-pci net card or do I have to get the cf-kmc001 cingular card?

If it has to be the cingular card then does that accept a GSM style SIM and will it work in the UK?

If I ask enough questions will I get banned?

 

I do not know if the newest sled has provisions for hooking up GPS. In the past, on the older ones... Some did and some didn't. Most of the ones I worked on have had it... But a few have not. They were the older ones...

If it has the little white connector on the modem PCB... Then you can swap the GPS onto that platform with a little work. You must cut off a small part of the sled to make room for the GPS engine. And you MUST make sure that the modem and the GPS engine DO NOT touch!

 

OK, I got the Toughbook and it is brilliant.
In the end we removed the original WWAN and GPS sled and TB stuck in the custom GPS.
I am still interested in WWAN so i have been looking around for a PCMCIA card to do the job.
I found this:
http://www.option.com/en/products/products/wireless-data-cards/globetrotter-gt-max-hsupa-e/
The option GT Max 3G card with retractable antenna.

Now, I have had a look on the forum and although Raipekass had the same idea as I did, he couldn't get hold of one so I can't find a definitive answer.
Will this fit inside the door on a CF-29?

It is 10mm longer than a "flush" PCMCIA card, I understand that the billionton bluetooth card does fit and that it is 7mm longer than "flush".
Is that 3mm critical or will the GT-Max fit?

Thank you all.

 

read about my journey
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=406798

 

So, since mine came with verizon EVDO to begin with there will be an internal antenna in there somewhere already.
All I have to do is get hold of a PCMCIA card with a removable antenna and connect it up to the existing internal antenna.
I'll have the 7mm of room to bodge together a suitable connector.

Sounds like surgery.

Cool.

 

Andrew... Your antenna was removed. It was a pull-up type that was on the back of the corner LCD... Since we didn't go with a WWAN it was removed. I can change this back if you decide to change the configuration. I have several "wireless Ready" kits in my parts bin.

 

Seen.

OK, this looks like a project that will need to be properly researched.
Looks like I need:
Wireless ready kit (presumably a new rubber corner with an antenna and a bit of co-ax)
Suitable PCMCIA 3G card, I'll look for one of those.
A couple of connectors from china.

Will the std. pull up type antenna have the correct length to harmonise properly on the 3G frequencies or will I need to mod one?

POW!
Had it 4 days and I am planning to open the case and dig around in there with a stick.

I might just paint it too, you like the painted Toughbooks eh Rick?

 

Awwwwww... I WAS going to help you... But not now....

 

Dang.
OK, I won't paint it...