Aurora PVI-DESKTOP series Setup guide

Rev.1.3 - Aurora®is a trademark by Power-One - Product is subject to technical improvements
www.power-one.com
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Aurora®Power Service Malaysia [phone]
Model: PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx
INSTALLATION AND OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MANUALE DI INSTALLAZIONE E OPERATORE

PVI-DESKTOP
Remote controller and monitoring system
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Note: this document contains information which is the sole ro erty of Power-One
Inc.. No art of it may be co ied or circulated without the rior written consent of
Power-One.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Model number: PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx Rev. 1.3

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REVISION TABLE
Document
revision
Dat
e
Descri
ption of changes
1.0
21/07/2009
First release
1.1
29/12/2009
First revi
sion
1.2
09/12/
2009
Second
revi
sion
1.3
2
/0
7
/2011
Third
re
vi
sion

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CONTENTS
1 MANUAL INFORMATION .............................................................. 5
1.1 SYMBOLS USED........................................................................................
1.2 PURPOSE .................................................................................................
2 PRODUCT INFORMATION ............................................................. 5
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM .............................................
2.2 POSSIBLE USE .......................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Poss ble connect on to nverters:........................................................... 7
2.2.2 Operat ve systems compat ble for PC connect on: ................................. 7
2.3 PACKAGING CONTENTS ........................................................................... 8
2.4 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION ...................................................................... 9
2.4.1 outer label data ................................................................................... 9
2.4.2 f rmware vers on .................................................................................. 9
2. PVI-DESKTOP CONNECTIONS AND INTERFACES ...................................... 10
2.5.1 power supply connector ..................................................................... 12
2.5.2 usb connector .................................................................................... 12
2.5.3 rs485 connector ................................................................................. 12
2.5.4 sd card / sd card slot .......................................................................... 13
2.5.5 reset button ....................................................................................... 13
2.5.6 status led ........................................................................................... 13
2.5.7 bluetooth (opt onal) ........................................................................... 13
2.5.8 touchscreen ....................................................................................... 14
3 SAFETY WARNINGS .................................................................... 14
4 PVI-DESKTOP INSTALLATION ...................................................... 15
4.1 PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS ................................................................... 1
4.1.1 nverter conf gurat on (rad o connect on) ............................................ 15
4.1.2 nverter conf gurat on (rs485 w red connect on) .................................. 15
4.1.3 t ps on the select on of nstallat on locat on ........................................ 15
4.1.4 pos t on ng of the antenna w th respect to the dev ce ......................... 16
4.1.5 rad o commun cat on test ................................................................... 16
4.2 SYSTEM INSTALLATION .......................................................................... 17
4.2.1 wall mount ng .................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 desk nstallat on ................................................................................. 18
4.3 HOW TO USE – POWER-SUPPLIES ........................................................... 18

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5 PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM OPERATION ............................................ 19
.1 INITIAL START UP OPERATION ................................................................ 19
.2 BATTERY DURATION .............................................................................. 19
.3 START UP............................................................................................... 20
5.3.1 nverter d sassoc at on ........................................................................ 22
5.3.2 assoc at on (or conf gurat on) of add t onal nverters .......................... 23
.4 BASIC DEVICE SETTING ........................................................................... 23
5.4.1 br ghtness .......................................................................................... 23
5.4.2 language ............................................................................................ 23
5.4.3 energy sav ng modal ty (stand by or “sleep mode”)............................. 23
5.4.4 cal brat on.......................................................................................... 24
5.4.5 date and t me sett ng ......................................................................... 24
. SD CARD ................................................................................................ 24
.6 SYSTEM MODE ...................................................................................... 2
.7 MAIN MENU .......................................................................................... 26
5.7.1 default screen .................................................................................... 26
5.7.2 sett ngs menu .................................................................................... 27
5.7.3 nfo menu........................................................................................... 27
6 PC CONNECTION ......................................................................... 28
6.1 USB DRIVERS CONFIGURATION .............................................................. 28
6.2 DOWNLOAD GRAPHS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION ................................... 34
6.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE ............................................................................ 37
6.3.1 usb f rmware updat ng ....................................................................... 37
6.3.2 f rmware upgrade v a sd card ............................................................. 41
7 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................... 42
8 MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING ................................................. 43
8.1 BATTERIES CHARGE AND DISCHARGE ..................................................... 43
8.2 CLEANING PROCEDURE .......................................................................... 43
9 DISPOSAL.................................................................................... 43
10 AURORA PVI-DESKTOP TECHNICAL DATA .................................. 44
11 CERTIFICATES ............................................................................. 46

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1MANUAL INFORMATION
1.1 SYMBOLS USED
In order to reduce potential safety risks or highlight useful information the following symbols have been
used:
WARNING: Paragraphs marked by this symbol contain actions and instructions which must be
understood and followed carefully to avoid potential damage to the device or injury to persons
NOTE: Paragraphs marked by this symbol contain actions and instructions which must be
understood and followed carefully to avoid damage on installation and malfunction of the
equipment.
1.2 PURPOSE
This manual edited for the installer and user contains important instructions relating to installation, safety
and operation, which must be understood and carefully followed.
2PRODUCT INFORMATION
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM
The PVI-DESKTOP allows to monitor and display the performance of the AURORA Power-One inverter and
is ideal for residential or small commercial system installations.
The main advantage of using a PVI-DESKTOP lies in the possibility of setting up wireless communication in
the absence of wired communication, thanks to the PVI-RADIOMODULE installation (on every inverter) .
Moreover the large TFT touch screen display allows the data acquired by the system to be easily and
intuitively displayed and processed. In this way the use of an external PC is not strictly
necessary.Connection to an external PC is only necessary for updating the internal firmware or
downloading the data collected and displaying them by using Aurora Communicator.
Figure 1 - 2 shows a diagram summarizing the connections possible with the PVI-DESKTOP, both to the
inverters and a traditional PC/Laptop. The interface of the PVI-DESKTOP with the PC/Laptop requires the
installation of the SW Aurora Communicator, available from the CD inside the packaging.
NOTE: it is advisable to periodically check the availability of new SW updates, from the web site
www.power-one.com.
NOTE: the connection of the Power-One server must be only considered as a FW update of the
system using the SW Aurora Communicator installed on the PC/Laptop and connected to the
internet.

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Figure 1 – Co unication diagra for the PVI-DESKTOP (inverter co unication via RS485).
Figure 2 – Co unication diagra for the PVI-DESKTOP syste (inverter co unication via radio
connection).

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The wireless and wired (RS48 ) connections are mutually exclusive, therefore the PVI-DESKTOP
cannot be used in both configurations and the communication channel must always be chosen.
When the use wireless communication is chosen, it is absolutely necessary that every field
inverter has the PVI-Radiomodule installed; it is not possible to use one PVI-Radiomodule and
connect the other inverters to each other via RS48 .
2.2 POSSIBLE USE
2.2.1 POSSIBLE CONNECTION TO INVERTERS
•RS48 (cable length up to approx. 1000m, a maximum of 6 inverters)
•Radio (approx. up to 300m in the open/obstacle free, maximum of 6 inverters)
The list of inverters having limitations in using the PVI-DESKTOP , is summarized in the following table:
INVERTER
model
PVI-Radiomodule
com atibility
RS485
com atibility
Notes
PVI-6000 Yes (see note) YES Inverters manufactured before the
week 32/09 require a firmware
upgrade.
PVI- 000 YES YES Inverters manufactured before the
week 32/09 require a firmware
upgrade.
PVI-3600 Indoor YES (see note) YES From the FW 11 version of the PVI-
RADIOMODULE (units manufactured
after the week 2 /10).
PVI-2000 Indoor YES (see note) YES From the FW 11 version of the PVI-
RADIOMODULE (units manufactured
after the week 2 /10).
PVI-3600 Outdoor NO YES N/A
PVI-2000 Outdoor NO YES N/A
All other inverter models (PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2/10.0/12. -OUTD) in all different versions, there are
no compatibility issues.
2.2.2 OPERATIVE SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE FOR PC CONNECTION
•Windows XP 2002 version(Home and Professional), Service Pack 3
•Windows 2000
•Windows Vista 32bit
•Windows Vista 64bit
•Windows 7 32bit
•Windows 7 64bit

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2.3 PACKAGING CONTENTS
The packaging contains, a PVI-DESKTOP and its docking station, and all other accessories shown in the
figure below:
Figure 3 – Packaging Contents
1. PVI-DESKTOP
2. Software and documentation
3. Stylus Pen (already assembled)
4. DC power-supply
5. USB cable
6. SD Card (already assembled)
7. Wall mounting kit (2 dowels + 2 universal screws)
NOTE: The distributor delivered your PVI-DESKTOP to the courier safely packed, and in perfect
condition. By accepting the package, the courier takes responsibility for it up to the delivery.
Despite careful handling by the courier, both the package and its contents may be damaged
during transport.
Product ins ection at time of delivery
•Carefully check the device
•Immediately complain to the courier if one of the following is found:
oDamage to the package which could result into device malfunction
oClear damages to the device

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2.4 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Several versions of the PVI-DESKTOP are available, and they differ by their features or added components.
The various models are identified by the P/N ID.
PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx
US - North America
AU - Australia
No suffix – European version
BT - Bluetooth version
No suffix - Standard version
2.4.1 OUTER LABEL DATA
Figure 4 – Product label
(USA version)
Figure 5 – Product label
(Europe / Australia versions)
2.4.2 FIRMWARE VERSION
The firmware version of the PVI-DESKTOP and of the PVI-RADIOMODULE (if the installed inverter results
already configured to the device) can be consulted following the following procedure:
•Select “Menu” from the main screen
•Once in “Menu” select “Info”
•In “Info” select “ID system” to find out the firmware version installed in each PVI-RADIOMODULE
configurated to each inverter of the system or select “Firmware” to check the version installed in the
PVI-DESKTOP.

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2.5 PVI-DESKTOP CONNECTIONS AND INTERFACES
For a correct use of the PVI-DESKTOP it is recommended to carefully observe Figure 6 to be able to identify
each component of the device.

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Figure 6 - Co ponents position
1. PVI-DESKTOP
2. Docking station
3. Holes for wall mounting
4. Touch screen display
5. Multicolour LED status indicator
6. Switch ON/OFF button
7. RS48 communication port
8. USB 2.0 communication port
9. Reset button (inner)
10. Power-supply input
11. Sound output holes
12. Stylus Pen groove
13. SD card connector
WARNING: Component 7. is a connector to be used solely and exclusively for connection by
RS48 to the Aurora inverters. On no account use it for anything else (i.e. connection of
Ethernet cables for PC or phone connections) to prevent damage to the communication port.
WARNING: the PVI-DESKTOP is fitted with security labels which, if removed or showing scratch
marks, make the warranty null and void. Maintenance operations and components
replacement on the PVI-DESKTOP can only be carried out by qualified specialist staff.

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2.5.1 POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR
Component 10 in Figure 6 shows the input connector for the power-supply on the back of the device.
Figure 7 shows power-supply polarity.
Figure 7 – Power-supply polarity
WARNING: use the provided power-supply to power the device.
2.5.2 USB CONNECTOR
Component 8 in Figure 6 shows the USB 2.0 interface connector.
The connector is a USB mini B and is used with the cable supplied.
The interface is designed to connect the device to a standard PC with a USB 2.0 port.
Insertion of other types of peripheral such as mass storage keys, external hard disks, mobile
telephones, MP3 players and other devices is not permitted.
Communication with the PC occurs after installation of the special drivers and through the software on the
CD attached to the packaging.
The USB connector can also be used to recharge the PVI-DESKTOP (please refer to paragraph .1).
2.5.3 RS48 CONNECTOR
Component 7 in Figure 6 shows the connector entry of the RS48 port. This port is to be used exclusively
for Aurora inverters connection. The connecting cables must have a RJ4 connector with 8 pins and must
be used in accordance to the following table.
Pin N° Function
1 not used
2 not used
3 +T/R
4 not used
-T/R
6 not used
7 GND
8 not used
This connection is as an alternative to the radio communication with the inverters.

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2.5.4 SD CARD / SD CARD SLOT
The slot dedicated to the SD card is located at the bottom of the PVI-DESKTOP (component 133 in Figure
6).
To remove the SD card, simply press on it until there is a click (Figure 8) and at that point the card will be
automatically pushed out.
The SD card contains some files essential to the system's operation (Language, Sound, Theme) together
with files created during system operation (System – containing all installation data acquired during
operation, SNxxxxxx – containing detailed data of the inverter together with SNxxxxxx acquired during
operation). The SD card can be used to update the system FW, through a procedure described in paragraph
6.3.2.
The memory card can only be reinserted into its slot in one correct way; do not force insertion
as this may break the connector.
NOTE: the SD card can remain indefinitely in its slot. Do not use the SD card as a storage disc for
data unrelated to the operation of the PVI-DESKTOP.
2.5.5 RESET BUTTON
Just above the USB connector, shown in Figure 6, component 9, there is a small hole which allows, through
the use of the stylus pen or other pointed object, the processor to be reset and hence the device restarted.
NOTE: the reset procedure is a recovery process to be used solely and exclusively when the
need arises (i.e. blocking of operation stopage due to exceptional events). The reset procedure
does not damage the device or alter any of its functional characteristics.
2.5.6 STATUS LED
At the top right of the display there is a multicolour LED status indicator for the PVI-DESKTOP system. This
LED will take on different colours depending on the operating status. Figure 6 identifies the position of the
multicolour LED.
The following table describes the different states of operation corresponding to colours that the
multicolour LED can take on.
Flashing red light Flat Battery
Steady yellow Battery charging
Steady green Charged battery and power-supply on
LED off No power-supply connected
Flashing blue Unit in backlight off mode (not yet on standy by)
2.5.7 BLUETOOTH (OPTIONAL)
There is the possibility of having a Bluetooth® module as an optional interface for the PVI-DESKTOP. This
interface allows communication with PCs equipped with Bluetooth® and dedicated software (Aurora
Communicator) which allows data download. Under normal operating conditions, the Bluetooth® function
is disabled to eliminate unnecessary power consumption. To enable this function, access to the
appropriate menu is needed.
For references on the Part Number for the model with integrated Bluetooth® please see paragraph 2.4.
NOTE: we recommend using Bluetooth® only when necessary and disabling it immediately after
use to avoid draining the battery too quickly, when the device is not connected to the network.

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2.5.8 TOUCHSCREEN
The PVI-DESKTOP is equipped with a (resistive) touch screen that allows easy and fast navigation through
the menus. At the back (see Figure 6) there is a groove where to insert a stylus pen, for use apply pressure
on the screen. The screen is sensitive to pressure from any object (fingers, pens, etc.) and only a light touch
is needed to activate it.
WARNING: take care to avoid touching the touch screen with sharp or pointed objects or
applying excessive pressure on the surface. Do not scratch, strike violently or scrape the display
surface and only use products specially designed for cleaning LCD screens. Damage to the touch
screen seriously undermines the object's operating efficiency.
NOTE: we recommend using the stylus pen to prevent any staining or soiling to the display
surface.
3SAFETY WARNINGS
Please pay attention to all safety warnings contained in this manual; failing to comply can cause damage to
the device and danger to people.
The PVI-DESKTOP system can only be opened by specialized Power-One personnel.
The energy production data, saved by the PVI-DESKTOP system can vary from those indicated by the
counter installed in the system. Data acquired from the PVI-DESKTOP directly derive from the inverters and
have no tax value.
For any questions concerning information not reported in this manual, please contact Power-One
assistance service.

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4PVI-DESKTOP INSTALLATION
4.1 PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS
WARNING: the PVI-DESKTOP requires some preliminary steps at the initial start up of the
system. Instructions reported in the next paragraphs must be carefully followed for a correct
start up.
The PVI-DESKTOP can simply be placed on a flat surface or a desk, or can be wall-mounted. This is possible
thanks to the docking station with supporting feet and pre-scoring for the fixing holes.
4.1.1 INVERTER CONFIGURATION (RADIO CONNECTION)
•Check that the PVI-RADIOMODULE card has been correctly installed (see the PVI-RADIOMODULE
manual) if you want to initialize radio communication, and that LED 3 (orange) is flashing (see Figure
10 for LED positioning).
•Check that the Aurora inverters in your system are switched on.
•Check that the addresses for the RS48 ports are all different for each inverter (they do not need to
be sequential).
•Check that the current date and time are set on the inverters.
4.1.2 INVERTER CONFIGURATION (RS485 WIRED CONNECTION)
•Check that the RS48 wiring is correctly done and inserted.
•Check that the Aurora inverters in your system are switched on.
•Check that the addresses for the RS48 ports are all different for each inverter (they do not need to
be sequential).
•Check that the current date and time are set on the inverters.
4.1.3 TIPS ON THE SELECTION OF INSTALLATION LOCATION
ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS:
•The PVI-DESKTOP is a device designed for internal use only and with IP20 (NEMA 1 for USA version)
protection.
•Protect the PVI-DESKTOP from water, dust and corrosive substances.
•Avoid direct sunlight which could make it impossible to correctly read the display or discolour the
outside plastic.
•Avoid installation on or near heat sources (i.e. radiators, stoves, heaters or alike) which could damage
the system.
CONDITIONS FOR GOOD QUALITY RECEPTION:
The quality of the radio signal received is strongly influenced by the selection of installation location and
the position of the PVI-DESKTOP.
The best radio signal reception is obtained by choosing to leave the PVI-DESKTOP resting on a desk free of
obstacles and objects in a 20 cm radius.
If a wall mounting is chosen, some rules must be taken into account that allow data reception to be much
improved.

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•Preferably install the PVI-DESKTOP on walls with less obstacles coming between the inverter and the
PVI-DESKTOP system.
•Avoid installing the system near large metallic walls (i.e. boilers, steel doors, metal boxes etc. in order
not to limit the operating efficiency of radio communications or Bluetooth
®
.
•Signal quality is also influenced by environmental factors such as fog, rain, air humidity, etc. The
effect of these environmental factors can be considerable for communication distances near the
limits reported in the technical data sheet (paragraph 10).
NOTE: A radio communication test is recommended to be carried out before the actual
installation, once a plausible location for mounting has been identified.
4.1.4 POSITIONING OF THE ANTENNA WITH RESPECT TO THE DEVICE
Another important factor for improving reception quality is how the inverter antenna installed is
positioned in relation to the PVI-DESKTOP system.
Avoid positioning the inverter antenna with the tip pointing towards the PVI-DESKTOP, because exactly at
this point there is a signal shadow as shown in Figure 8.
Preferably install the PVI-DESKTOP system with the front or back towards the inverter antenna.
A
B
Figure 8 – Antenna position in relation to the PVI-DESKTOP syste
a. opti al reception
b. weak reception
4.1.5 RADIO COMMUNICATION TEST
To test communication quality, it is possible to carry out a simple system configuration as shown in
paragraph .3.1. Appearance of the own inverter in the list of associable devices is confirmation of radio
signal reception.

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4.2 SYSTEM INSTALLATION
4.2.1 WALL MOUNTING
Choose the location carefully for wall mounting for comfortable and easy reading of data. The figures
below illustrate the procedure for proper wall mounting.
Figure 9 – Wall ounting procedure

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•Drill two holes, diameter mm and 3 cm apart from each other.
•Insert the dowels.
•Screw the base to the wall using the screws provided.
•The PVI-DESKTOP support base is designed to make it easy to remove the device even with the
power or communication cables inserted.
4.2.2 DESK INSTALLATION
The PVI-DESKTOP base enables comfortable and solid positioning on flat surfaces such as tables or desks.
The axis inclination of about 10° allows for easier reading of the display and more comfortable use of the
touch screen.
4.3 HOW TO USE – POWER-SUPPLIES
The PVI-DESKTOP has 3 different power-supplies:
-Universal power-supply AC/DC, V, 1. A
-USB cable for connection to USB 2.0 port of the PC
-Lithium internal battery, 1800mAh, 3.7V nominal
The unit is very versatile due to the combination of these 3 power-supplies.
AC/DC ower-su ly always connected
The PVI-DESKTOP can also be used with the power supply always connected causing no problem to its
internal battery. Nevertheless, it is recommended that a full charging and discharging cycle of the battery
be carried out twice a year.
This is an optimal modality of use and does not require any particolar setting.
Connecting via USB cable
The USB cable is another power source which can provide enough energy for unit operation. PC connecting
must be considered as “maintening energy” charge and might not allow a full charge depending on setting.
Lithium battery
The use the PVI-Desktop on battery mode is very much influenced by the system setting. A display warning
and a flashing red LED light indicate that the device needs recharging. To see how long the battery lasts
please see paragraph .2.

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5PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM OPERATION
5.1 INITIAL START UP OPERATION
The battery inside the PVI-DESKTOP may not be completely charged, or even completely discharged, at the
time of initial start up.
The PVI-DESKTOP can be recharged in operation and even when it is switched off. The power sources are
the AC/DC power unit and the USB cable connected to a USB 2.0 door. The multicolour LED lights in front
of the PVI-DESKTOP system indicate the battery status as shown below:
-Flashing red LED light = flat battery, recharge
-Steady yellow LED light = battery charging
-Steady green LED light on = fully charged battery, power connected, or charging time-out
completed.
The charging time-out is a protective function to prevent over-charging and has a variable duration
between h 30min and 7h. Charging characteristics are summarized in the table below.
Charge
mode
F
ull charge
time
with
unit turned on
F
ull charge
time
w
i
th unit
turned off
Note
s regarding recharging
AC/DCpower
unit
Between
4h and 4h30min.
4h / 4h30min Always sufficient for full charge.
USB 2.0 Between h and 7h h Charging may not be complete
depending on the use of the PVI-
DESKTOP system. It is advisable to
use the USB only as maintaining
charge or when the unit is turned
off.
WARNING: Should recharging not be complete after 10 hours, unplug the power supply, check that
there is no overheating or deformation of the plastic parts of the device that would indicate potential
damage to the internal battery.
5.2 BATTERY DURATION
Battery duration depends on configurations and use. The battery will last for at least 10h during normal
operation.
The configurations affecting the battery duration are reported below:
SHORT - - -  BATTERY DURATION  + + + LONG
Scann ng every 1 m nute Scann ng every 15 m nutes
Sleep mode OFF Sleep mode ON every 1 m nute
6 nverter connected 1 nverter connected
Bluetooth (opt onal) ON Bluetooth (opt onal) OFF
D splay Backl ght H gh D splay Backl ght Low