CF-30 WWAN antenna

[kode-niner]

Anybody got one of these kicking around? I actually just need the antenna stalk, not the whole assembly.

[SHEEPMAN!]

Checking if CF-29 fits.

There may be a CF-30 here. You just need the outside attached piece, yes?

[kode-niner]

The stalk. It can be removed by unscrewing the silver collar around it and pulled out.

I think.

[SHEEPMAN!]

Yes a screwdriver (flat) in one slot (does not need to go clear across.

CF-29 is the same but 3/8" longer same thread. CF-29 will not go all the way down due to its length.

I have trim-able 29 but no CF-30. Is that some kind of shrink fit tubing on there?

[kode-niner]

It's not shrink fit, it just more or less guides it so it doesn't snag on anything.

[kode-niner]

I suspect the length of the antenna has more to do with the wavelength that matches the frequency of the WWAN card and not the Toughbook model. You say the one you looked at is too long and won't go all the way down?

[SHEEPMAN!]

Yes. I pulled it from a CF-29 screwed it into a CF-30. The antenna is between 1/4 and 3/8 too long to go all the way down. Exactly the difference in length of the antennas laid side by side.
I assumed wave-length would be the same.

INTERESTING.........I just pulled another CF-29 (MK5) antenna and it is shorter then the one from the parts lid (probably a (MK 2). This would work for you.

I think I have your address. Film soon.

[SHEEPMAN!]

The silver colored tip one was the first I tried. Hard to tell.....the long one is from a MK2. You tell me the difference on the others.

[kode-niner]

Cool, thanks!

Can you measure the longest one in centimeters? I want to calculate the wavelength it was meant for. Also, if you know what WWAN card was in that MK2 or we can figure it out from the model code.

[SHEEPMAN!]

What's a centimeter?

LET'S CALL IT 7.3 AND 6.5. WOODEN SCHOOL TYPE RULER GUESSTIMATE. My machinists calipers have gone missing temporarily.

Heh! that's funny....guesstimate is in the spell-checker of this site. Maybe that's why I like it.

Below see. Hence the CF-29 MK5 antenna and CF-30 MK(everything) being the same length. IOW switch to mini-PCI.

ref. Toughwiki


From toughwiki

WWAN (Cellular)
Panasonic Toughbook support says that each WWAN module is locked to its specific carrier. That is, you cannot use a Cingular card on the Rogers network in Canada even though both use the same GSM technology.
Panasonic Canada says there is no HSDPA module for the CF-29 mk4 and below for the Rogers network. An unofficial quote told me it will cost about $500 in parts (antenna, mounting and sled) with a $75 install fee. If I want to install an available WWAN module.
The CF-29 mk5 uses a mini-PCI express card for its WWAN connection. CF-29 mk4 and below use a proprietary connector for its embedded modem and as such CDMA uses the Sierra Wireless SB555 embedded module.

Telephone interrupts. Forgive duplicate post if it happens.