Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

I found this link which references using a PDRC setup to remotely turn on and power off a ToughBook. I am looking at using a CF-VDW07 wireless display instead and I am looking for a way to achieve the same remote power on for my CF-29 in a CF-WEB273 dock in the hatchback.



If I understand correctly, the PDRC hooks to the ToughBook dock via a single serial cable, so it stands to reason to me that there is something similar to wake on LAN via that connection. Does this signal come from something in the junction box or is it directly from the power button or something else in the screen? Is it possible somehow to replicate that signal without adding the PDRC hardware?



It seems that the PDRC setup would be the easiest route, but the display that comes with it is bigger than I wanted for permanent mounting in my tiny econo-box. I also prefer a display I can remove and take with me because I do not work in the best part of town and several of the local denizens would gladly remove it for me. And honestly, I am trying to do this cheap since it is just my daily commuter car.



So here is what I need:



1) Power on without having to open the hatchback every time. Turning it off can be done with Windows via the remote screen.



2) I use the ToughBook for other things and I want to be able to undock it easily so all mods have to be attched externally via the dock, completely internal to the laptop, or easily plugged into a standard port.



3) Inexpensive as possible

Reply 1 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

I set up one in my buddies altima and I hotwired the CF-30 to be in the glove box permanently and it's powered by a little power button.



Let me dig up the thread.



Thanks

Reply 2 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

Here is the install: ~Toughbook Talk~ Toughbook Discussion • View topic - My buddy's carputer



Let me find the one other thread of the CF-30 hotwire (VERY similar to the CF-29 too)

Reply 3 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

DAMN! I can't seem to find the pics (they're here somewhere on NBR) of the hotwire job I did on my buddies CF-30...

Reply 4 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB007Rules DAMN! I can't seem to find the pics (they're here somewhere on NBR) of the hotwire job I did on my buddies CF-30...

Did you check on your code page? It will show a list of all the pix you have posted. Look on the left side for the "attachments" link

Reply 5 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by deere245 Did you check on your code page? It will show a list of all the pix you have posted. Look on the left side for the "attachments" link

GOOD CALL! However, I checked it and found nothing... I'm almost wondering if I took those pics and never uploaded them... Hmmmmmm, now to try to find them...

Reply 6 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

Yeah... I can't find em DAMN!

Reply 7 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

......................

Reply 8 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

I might have to resort to my CF-28 permanently mounted if the only way is to wire directly to the switch. For my 29, I really have to be able to remove it and I really don't want to try and mod quick disconnects and maintain the watertight exterior too. I was really hoping someone knew how the remote power on/ off worked with the PDRC and if it was possible to replicate that. I'd even go so far as to tear apart one of those screens if I anyone has a dead one and see how the swich is wired and how it gets the signal to the ToughBook. Or just steal the switch.



But as I was writing this, a thought occured to me- mod the RF passtrough on the dock and wire that to the switch. Hmmmmmm.........

Reply 9 : Remote power on for CF-29 trunk monkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyrm73 I might have to resort to my CF-28 permanently mounted if the only way is to wire directly to the switch. For my 29, I really have to be able to remove it and I really don't want to try and mod quick disconnects and maintain the watertight exterior too. I was really hoping someone knew how the remote power on/ off worked with the PDRC and if it was possible to replicate that. I'd even go so far as to tear apart one of those screens if I anyone has a dead one and see how the swich is wired and how it gets the signal to the ToughBook. Or just steal the switch. But as I was writing this, a thought occured to me- mod the RF passtrough on the dock and wire that to the switch. Hmmmmmm.........

Maybe Page 9; "Shutting Down (power off your computer);" will help: Operating Instructions: Panasonic LCD Monitor CF-VDL03