Need to purchase a CF-29 USB replacement card

Here's my situation:

I'm a solider in Iraq and I have a toughbook CF-29 (CF-29CTKGZKM). I had a guy on ebay build it for me about 2 years ago (Peter Hubbard), but he basically disappeared off the face of the planet...

Recently my single USB port stop working. Windows dosen't see a problem in device manager, I've tried power hubs, different devices, reinstalled drivers, basically everything I know how to do (I'm not completely incompetent)...I'm pretty sure it's a hardware problem...at the same time my USB went out, my AC adapter stopped charging my batteries (I've tried different batteries, AC powers my computer when plugged in...it just dosen't charge the battery). I unscrewed the bottom of my computer and it looks like they're part of the same card...but it's really tight in there and I'm not confident enough to start pulling the insides apart...

Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's a hardware issue...I'd really like to aviod sending my computer somewhere, because it's my lifeline out here...so what I would need is the replacement part, the tools to work on my computer, and help actually installing the card.

Any help you can give me would be very appriciated.

Sincerely,

Jeremiah Bodensteiner

 

You can buy a 2 port(2.0) usb PCMCIA card. The short one and not the one with bulk head. It will fit nicely on the PCMCIA slot and you can even close the cover when not in use.

With regards to the usb port, it is soldered on the Mbo. Did you check its solder? It maybe loose that needs only to reflow the solder.


ohlip

 

Jeremiah,

I have a new in the box PCMCIA card with two USB and two 1394 ports. Email me with your APO address and I will mail it to you @ no charge. My email is [email protected]. From one service member to another...stay safe.

 

Dear Ohlip,

Is soddering something that you need a special tool to do? I'm interested in trying...but I'm in Mosul, Iraq, and it's nearly impossible to find tools around here...I have to use a Leatherman and staples just to unscrew that bottom of the computer, because I can't find a small screwdriver anywhere...I'm just worried that if I start pulling stuff apart on the insdies I'm going to damage my computer...since the internet is still working, I'm reluctant to do this...what do you think...how would I know if the sodder was bad? Where should I be looking? Thanks for any help.

-Jeremiah

 

Dear Silver Tropper,

I sent an email to your [email protected] address. Thanks for all the help!

-Jeremiah

 

Check around with the motor pool. You should have some radio repair or generator mechanics around in a support area somewhere. If so, try to make a couple new friends: they should be able to help you out. Unfortunately, soldering is not really a skill you can help someone learn over the internet unless the Video Professor has a new DVD out.

If nothing else, I will be joining you in a few months. How far is Mosul from Taji? I think that is where I am supposed to be headed.....unless they change their mind.

 

Sorry! man, I didn't realized that you are far away from home. Anyway, if you've got a chance in the near future just look where the usb located. You can't see its leg outside but when you open the pc its leg is within that usb terminal.


ohlip

 

He posted this in my "battery wanted" thread. In there he described the fact that his AC charger port and his USB port had stopped working all together. So he can't use the USB and he can't charge his batteries. It sounds to me like he either needs to resolder the USB and AC ports back down to the motherboard or get a new motherboard. I guess a USB PCMCIA card would give him USB... But it is only a work-around.

 

Dear Wyrm 73,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner...we've been in a blackout the past couple of days...the fun never ends around here. I'll definatley try hitting up some support units when I get the chance. Taji is in central Iraq and Mosul is near the northern border...but I wouldn't be surprised if you guys ended up in Mosul...it's the place to be if your an insurgent in Iraq...hence the frequent blackouts...who are you with...I'm Alpha TF 2-82, 3BCT, 1CD (out of Fort Hood, TX) patrolling in Eastern Mosul. It sounds like we'll be here for more than our original planned 12 months, so maybe we'll run into eachother. I noticed that you have Salem on your Avatar....I grew up in Madras (Near Bend, OR), went to school at U of O and now my old lady is living in Portland. Are you with the NG? Anyway, I hope you're getting as much of Oregon in as you can...I can't wait for RR in September. Take it easy.

-Jeremiah Bodensteiner

 

Yes, I am in the guards and deploying with the 41st infantry brigade. About 2000 of us give or take. And yes, Oregon is a great state. I have traveled to almost every state in this country and I just keep coming back to where it is green and beautiful. Unlike where I am headed.......