Requirements for backlit keyboard

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shadowlight
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Requirements for backlit keyboard

#1 Post by shadowlight »

Hi folks,
I am new to the "Tough" World of Laptops but I have about 15 years experience with the "Think" World....

Recently I`ve bought my first Toughbook: Cf-19 Mk.7 with a foreign language keyboard. Now I would like to change it with a rubber backlit keyboard because I need the machine to be dust and sand proof.

I asked the local Panasonic Representative and he told me that compatibility demands an auxiliary sub-board beeing installed for the power of the light, but he was unable to tell me if my machine has this board already installed or not.
He offered me to order the localized german version of this keyboard including install of keyboard and sub-board (if necessary) for about 350,-€ which is way to expensive for me.
On eBay I have found lots of keyboards to sell: regular german keyboards for about 40,- and english rubber backlit for about 80,-. I think I am able to change the keyboard myself but the question is which one to buy?

Is it reality that a sub-board is required for any backlit keyboard and is it possible to check by some website or by model number if it`s already installed?

I need to choose between the following options:
1. buying lots of german regular keyboards for cheap and exchange them myself every time they are stuck by sand
2. buying a us rubber backlit keyboard and install it myself if the question about prerequisites can be answered
3. going the expensive way and let a german rubber backlit keyboard beeing installed by a local company

Option 2 is my favorite but I need your input for it.

Cheers
Jens

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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#2 Post by toughasnails »

Unless Panasonic changed it you don't need a sub-board. You can do it yourself. It's really not that hard.
Do a Google search on this ( panasonic cf-19 keyboard replacement. ) Lots of great videos on how to do it
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shadowlight
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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#3 Post by shadowlight »

Thank you for your fast response!
I hoped for that, but without all the familiar Hardware Maintenance Manuals, Hardware Lookout Tables and Personal System Reference Manuals I am used to ask in the Lenovo world I needed to be sure...
And I will definitely do it myself - only one of my 20+ ThinkPads has ever seen a repair shop ;)

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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#4 Post by toughasnails »

If I am right there are only 8 screws , 4 on top and 4 under the keyboard which holds a metal plate on . This keeps water and dirt out. Just be careful when taking the keyboard off the 19. There could be double face tape holding it down.
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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#5 Post by SHEEPMAN! »

7 screws on a MK1.

2 in each keyboard bezel. 3 in silver plate.

There will be adhesive. Lift carefully giving the glue time to let loose.

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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#6 Post by ADOR »

On CF-18 Mk1-5 and CF-19 Mk1-5 ( I haven't had a 6,7 or 8 yet) never seen a extra board needed. Also the CF-18 keyboard is the same as far as fitment goes.

On the old CF-28 for the emissive back lit board there was a special board you needed, but you didn't need it for the rubber keyboard back then either.
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shadowlight
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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#7 Post by shadowlight »

Many thanks to all of you!

User32
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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#8 Post by User32 »

99% sure the 19 Mk6, Mk7 and Mk8 also use a 2nd flatcable for the backlight.

Keep in mind though that the Emssive Chiclet Keyboard is not waterproof!

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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#9 Post by Rob »

Correct User32.

Panasonic says that the emissive is waterproof but we all know that's not true. The thing that's waterproof is the lid that covers the ribbons. *yawn*.

I have a CF-19 MK7 dual touch for use in the Canadian bush and it's got a rubber keyboard on it for that reason! ;)
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shadowlight
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Re: Requirements for backlit keyboard

#10 Post by shadowlight »

@User32: for the Mk7 the second cable is 100% true ;) and thank you for mentioning the danger of not beeing waterproof.
But as I said in the starting post: sand and dust are my main enemies - 3 years ago in Morocco and next month in Tunisia.

With the help of you guys the installation of the backlit keyboard was as easy as eating a piece of cake.

And as soon as my truck is finished I will ask you further which car docking station suits me the best (it needs to be dustproof with GPS and WWAN Antenna input).

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