cd-rom drive

does anyone know offhand if I could install an internal cd drive from a cf-48 into a cf-28?

 

You would probably have to switch caddys..since it's a Panasonic..it should work...no guarantee tho...

 

the drives themselved are all the same. even across different brands. it is always the caddy and interconnecting cable that makes or breaks you. I've never seen a 48 so I can't say offhand if it is the same. Let us know if you find out

 

While you're dismantling the old CDD from the 48, could you take note of drive model number and hopefully shoot some pics?

In the 28, you'll need a caddy but the 48 appears to use stock slim-line drives [no caddy as far as I can see].

Also, if anyone can point me to a pdf of service manual for the 48 & 50, I'd appreciate it very much. It's nice to have some assurance while I disassemble 'em buggers. Many thanks in advance.

 

I can help with getting a drive out of a 50 pretty easily.

You remove the speaker panel by folding the LCD back enough that you can still press up on the tabs in the rear and press the panel up. A little tweaking will get the piece of plastic off.

Then pull the keyboard forward and fold it back.

You'll see two screws holding the CD drive, which are on an added bracket. This is just right off center when the keyboard is out of the way.

When they are unscrewed, press on the back of the CD drive, and it'll pop out.

You should be able to use any CD drive in it, as long as it doesn't have a funny front bezel.

 

my god that was so much easier to take out than I thought. I disassembled the entire computer in the process however...
Ok I just took the floppy drive out of my cf-28 and took apart the caddy and the cd drive isn't going to be able to be hooked up with what I have here. I'm probably going to need an actual cd caddy for a 28.

 

Hey Modly,
Thanks for the info. You make it sound soooo easy! I'll have to postpone the drive purchase till after I'm fit to walk. Home-bound on hospitalization leave at the moment and have lots of idle time to kill. What better things to do than strip a toughbook!

Jerichman, the FDD & CDD do not share the same caddy! Don't ask me how I know

 

Yeah, the FDD caddy only uses the pins/traces that the floppy drive needs. The CD apparently uses a different group.

I had thought about using the FDD connector as well, but Panasonic didn't make it that easy.

 

I may be a little late on this, being a newcomer, but my P4 CF-48 has a UJDA720 unit. No caddy required.
Also, all the manuals are available from http://tinyurl.com/2dd64n
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