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    installing bluetooth in a CF-52

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by CvilleKevin, Mar 10, 2012.

  1. CvilleKevin

    CvilleKevin Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Folks - I recently got a used CF-52HF unit and would like to add the internal bluetooth module. I've been searching the forum but havent found any info on doing this. Does anyone have any experience with this? If so, I've got a few questions:

    1) what's the part number for the radio and antenna? Is it only available from Toshiba or is there an aftermarket part available?

    2) From what I can gather, the bluetooth radio is located on the right hand side of the keyboard, under the cover where the fingerprint reader would be installed and the antenna is located above the PC card slots. Is that right? If so, how does one remove those little rectangular screw covers without marring them? With a sharp Exacto knife? or is there a better way to get them off?

    3) When the BT card is installed, will the BIOS automatically find it, or does some sort of BIOS switch need to be turned on first?

    4) Once the BT card is recognized and Toshiba stack drivers are loaded, can the unit be turned off with the front wireless switch? The operator manual wasnt real clear on that. I've got a Sena UD100 external BT radio that I use in the field and will need to turn off the internal unit when running the Sena. I'm hoping I dont have to go into the Bios setup each time to switch radios.

    Thanks - Kevin
     
    CvilleKevin, Mar 10, 2012
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  2. db04p71

    db04p71 Notebook Deity

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    If it is setup like a CF-30, you will have a hardware switch and a software switch for the BT. The hardware switch enables/disables all internal wireless devices. The software switch let's you selectively disable wireless devices.
     
    db04p71, Mar 10, 2012
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  3. unclemack

    unclemack Notebook Evangelist

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    You're correct about the location of the module, one of my 52's has a dummy board there, one has the module. Mine are both Mk.1's, yours may use a different module.

    Slide the screw covers to one side of the recess with a fingertip and then slide a fingernail, photographic film or something similar under them to avoid marking anything. If you need to you can use a little heat from a hairdryer to soften adhesive.

    The part number from the (Mk.1!) actual board is DFUP1621ZA. The board's part number isn't shown in the online pdf manual but the component part numbers tally. Page 87/88 of the manual. The antenna is part of the board.

    BT in my CF-52D's may be disabled by their special bios I think. Because mine doesn't work yet I can't answer your other Q's, sorry.
     
    unclemack, Mar 11, 2012
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  4. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    Yes when you turn the front wireless switch off it also turns the bluetooth off too...at least in mine in does.
     
    toughasnails, Mar 11, 2012
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