WiFi reception

Happy Holidays Folks! Just joined up and this seems like the place to be.
Just picked up a CF-29 MK1. Always wanted one, but $ kept me out of the running. Maybe someone can help. WiFi only picks up my router signal when Laptop is right on top of the router. Walk 8 feet away and :confused2: no or weak signal, "Can't display webpage". Antenna is under caps on right and left side of cover. No mast. Model # CF-29CWPCCKM. 1.2Mhz, 1.5Gb RAM, CD ROM, 40G H.D. I got this for a garage application so it can get banged around. This laptop sure seems like it can take it! Thanks in advance.

 

Your CF-29 Mk1 comes with a crappy Intel 2100 wifi card. No doubt it should be getting better signal, but you will need to replace it anyway to get a reliable connection. I would recommend getting an EnGenius 8602 Plus-S that has lots of power and great receiver sensitivity. These cost around $30 or so on Ebay when you can find them. Or go with an Intel 2915 card, which is easy to find, cheaper, and uses the same Intel PROSet driver.

You also need to update to the latest Intel driver, but use the Windows connection manager because PROSet is a pain at best.

Edit: Just looked up your model number -- It should have Bluetooth built-in, which is handy and kinda rare. Check to see if there is an antenna under the keyboard bezel on the left side.

 

Much cheaper and easier to find (check ebaY™)

And a WWAN antenna on the top left of the screen lid:

CF-29CWPCCKM

C = Mk1 w/Intel® Pentium M 753 1.2 GHz ULV (Centrino) CPU
W = 13.3" XGA Touch Screen, Backlit Rubber Keyboard
P = 60GB HD & 512MB RAM
C = Floppy Disk Drive, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
C = EVDO Verizon 1xRTT WWAN
K = Windows XP Professional
M = North America distribution

 

You guys are TREMENDOUS. I do in fact have an antenna under top left cap of cover and under keyboard bezel on left side. Is the Engenius 8602 WiFi card that much better than Intel 2915? Engenius is $53.00. If so I will save.
On Windows connection manager, Do I want RDCMan?
Keyboard is click type and not backlit. Must have been swapped at some point. Touchscreen doesn't work properly. First six red + marks are O.K. then nothing moves. Not an issue though, fingerprints drive me nuts. Have Microsoft blue tooth enumerator. Driver date 4/13/08, Ver. 5.1.2600.5512.

 

The EnGenius 8602 Plus-S card is 600mW; the Plus card is 400mW: both increase the range over even the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG 802.11 a+b+g card.

If you don't want to spend the money, the 2915 is a pretty good card in itself; however:

Support for the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection

Notice :End of interactive support announcement.

Notice roduct Discontinuation Statement.

Don't know; I use AT&T Commection Manager since my Toughbooks are AT&T Mobile Broadband-equipped.

If you are going to utilize the Verizon card, you will want to get Verizon's VZAccess Manager

Quite possible; and quite common.

 

I have an extra EnGenius 8602 I could let go to a new guy for alot less.
Leave me a PM with your contact info if you're interested.

 

Thanks Springfiled! I am definatly interested. Is it a Plus S?
I don't think the admin. enabled PM in my CP.
Another way to make contact?
D.D.

 

Yes it's a Plus-S
Email: springfield98 (at) gmail (dot) com

 

I found a panasonic addendum/supplementary instructions for gsm/gprs. Driver utility does not seem to be in system. This could also contibute to problem, maybe. Does anyone where I could get this driver software?
"c:\util\drivers\gprs\setup.exe"
simm card slot for this unit is blocked when you open the cover on the left side.
TOPCOP is right, I think this machine is kind of rare. Thanks. D.D

 

One of these may be what you seek:

Model Number(s): CF18BDKZXMM-R, CF18BDAZXMM-RP, CF18BDAZXMM-PRU, CF18BHKZXKM-R, CF18BHAZXKM-R, CF29CTKGZDM, CF29CTKGZKM, CF73E3KVXDM-R DFJN5219ZE_checknet_update.zip (2.48 MB - English)
Operating System(s): WindowsXP
Release Date: 2004/8/27
Updated Checknet GPRS software for use with XP SP2, on units with the optional GPRS (Siemens MC46) modem installed.

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Model Number(s): CF18BDKZXMM-R, CF18BDAZXMM-RP, CF18BDAZXMM-PRU, CF18BHKZXKM-R, CF18BHAZXKM-R, CF29CTKGZDM, CF29CTKGZKM, CF73E3KVXDM-R DFJN5219ZC_checknet_update_v211l11e.zip (2.58 MB - English)
Operating System(s): Windows 2000,WindowsXP
Release Date: 2004/4/5 Version: V2.11L11E.M01
Supports North America ONLY
Adds support for Siemens MC46 GPRS modem for units using the OPTIONAL GPRS modem, minor bug fixes and improvements.

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Model Number(s): CF29CTKGZDM, CF29CTKGZKM gprs_29_1_d030570.exe (2.71 MB - English)
Operating System(s): Windows 2000,WindowsXP
Release Date: 2003/11/7
Checknet GPRS software for use with the OPTIONAL GPRS modem.

Repeating this unit's configuration:

CF-29CWPCCKM

C = Mk1 w/Intel® Pentium M 753 1.2 GHz ULV (Centrino) CPU
W = 13.3" XGA Touch Screen, Backlit Rubber Keyboard
P = 60GB HD & 512MB RAM
C = Floppy Disk Drive, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
C = EVDO Verizon 1xRTT WWAN
K = Windows XP Professional
M = North America distribution

As you see, the WWAN modem is for Verizon, and AFAIK, Verizon does not utilize a SIM card with this modem: the modem's IMEI number is utilized by Verizon to activate the modem to the Wireless Broadband account you set up with them.