Compaq 7400 - Armada - PII 366 MHz Quick reference guide

White Paper
April 1999
[PRT017A/0199]
Prepared by Portables Software
Marketing
Compaq Computer Corporation
Contents
Overview.......................................3
Battery Calibration.......................3
Calibrating Without the
Utility.............................................5
Frequently Asked Questions......5
Armada 7800 and 7400 Battery
Calibration
Abstract: In 1Q’99, Armada 7800 and 7400 computers will feature
a new, higher capacity battery. In addition to providing higher
capacity, the new battery features a more accurate method for
measuring remaining capacity. Although more accurate, this new
method is prone to error when subjected to many short
charge/discharge cycles. Correcting this accumulated error requires
periodic calibration. To make calibration as easy as possible for
users, Compaq has developed a new software battery calibration
utility.

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Notice
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS” WITHOUT
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INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF
COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The
configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available solution. This test
is not a determination or product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal
state or local requirements.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
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Copyright ©1999 Compaq Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Armada 7800 and 7400 Battery Calibration
White Paper prepared by Portables Software Marketing
First Edition (January 1999)
Document Number [PRT017A/0199]

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[PRT017A/0199]
Overview
The new High Capacity SMART Battery started shipping with the new Armada 7800 and
7400 notebook computers. This battery uses a new chemistry that requires a different
method to measure remaining battery capacity. This new method begins with a known
capacity value for the battery pack. Power consumption is then tracked in real time and
subtracted from total battery capacity to derive remaining capacity. The result is greater
accuracy when compared to methods used on earlier Armada batteries. Earlier methods
made assumptions about the rate of discharge.
This new method of measuring remaining battery capacity is subject to errors. Accuracy
is compromised over time through normal use. Generally speaking, the more frequently
the battery is subjected to partial charges and discharges, the faster the battery gauge will
become inaccurate. To improve accuracy of the gauge periodic calibration of the battery
is required.
For 1Q99 models in the Armada 7800 and 7400 families, a new software battery
calibration feature is included in the factory pre-install. This utility provides a convenient
and automatic method for calibrating batteries. It also provides an interface that clearly
identifies batteries that could benefit from calibration. This eliminates guesswork on the
user’s part and avoids over calibration.
Battery Calibration
The new battery calibration utility has been incorporated into the suite of Compaq power
management features for Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0. Battery
calibration controls can be found on the battery calibration tab in the Power applet located
in the Windows Control Panel {Start !Settings !Control Panel !Power (called
Compaq Power under Windows NT)!Battery Calibration tab}.
The process of calibration is defined as a full charge, followed by a full discharge1. Unless
these two steps are followed, a battery will continue to report it needs calibration. The
battery calibration utility simplifies the process by allowing both steps to be completed
without requiring the user to unplug AC or undock in order to discharge the battery.
Furthermore, calibration can be started and run in the background allowing the user to
continue to use the computer while calibrating.
1While the battery is calibrated at the point of full discharge, obviously the battery must be allowed to recharge before it can be used.
NOTE:
The Battery Calibration tab
will only appear on Armada
7800 and 7400 notebooks
built after January 31, 1999
that are already equipped
with an appropriate revision
of system BIOS that supports
battery calibration.

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To use the calibration utility first identify whether or not the battery requires calibration.
On the battery calibration tab, all installed batteries will be displayed in the primary list
box. Next to each will be an indication of whether or not calibration is required. If
required, the phrase “Needs calibration” will appear. Select the battery to be calibrated
and press the “Start Calibration” button.
While calibrating, the utility will display an icon in the Windows System Tray to indicate
that calibration is in progress and what phase of calibration the system is in (i.e. charging
or discharging). Calibration is complete when the icon no longer appears in the System
Tray.
Once calibration is started, the following actions or events will terminate the process:
1. Unplug AC from the computer
2. Unplug calibrating battery (may result in data loss if a second battery is not installed)
3. Undock the computer
4. Press power or standby button
5. Power down or suspend machine by using Windows menus
6. Pressing the “Stop Calibration” button in the Battery Calibration tab
Terminating calibration will not damage the computer or battery; however, depending on
the level of charge remaining in the battery, there may not be enough power to keep the
computer turned on. Without enough power to keep the computer on, the computer will
obviously shut off creating the potential for data loss. If it is necessary to terminate
calibration, Compaq recommends using the Stop Calibrating button in the Battery
Calibration tab.
IMPORTANT!
While the tab displays all
batteries installed in the system
including those in the
ArmadaStation, only those
batteries installed in computer
battery bay or MultiBay can be
calibrated. To calibrate a battery
in the ArmadaStation, with the
computer off remove the battery
from the docking station and
insert into either the computer
battery bay or MultiBay.

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Calibrating Without the Utility
The Battery Calibration tab will not appear on Armada 7000 family computers produced
prior to 1Q99. The new High Capacity SMART Battery is still backward compatible with
these computers though. To calibrate the new battery on these systems using the
following steps:
(1) Remove any second battery from the notebook, leaving only the battery to be calibrated.
(2) Dock the computer or connect to AC.
(3) If the remaining battery capacity is between 90 and 100%, undock or disconnect AC and let
the battery drain to less than 90%.
(4) Dock the computer again or reconnect AC.
(5) Allow the computer to charge to 100%.
(6) Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode (Start !Shut Down !Restart the Computer in MS-
DOS Mode !OK).
(7) Set the system to “drain” mode on the battery conservation settings through Fn+F7.
(8) Allow the computer to discharge until it shuts off.
(9) Dock the computer or reconnect AC.
(10)Allow the computer to fully charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the new Armada 7800 and 7400 notebook computers require
calibration when earlier models did not?
Previously used methods for measuring remaining battery capacity are no longer effective
on the new, higher capacity batteries. While the accuracy of the remaining power gauge
has been improved, periodic calibration is required to keep the gauge as accurate as
possible. Improved gauge accuracy translates into the obvious user benefit of being able
to better estimate the remaining run time given the current charge level. However, other
benefits such as longer runtime can also be achieved since many of the power
management triggers such as low battery hibernation are triggered based on remaining
battery capacity reported by the gauge. A more accurate gauge means that these triggers
are more likely to occur at the correct point.
Are the new batteries backward compatible with earlier Armada 7000
notebooks?
Yes, the new High Capacity SMART Battery is backward compatible with earlier Armada
7800 and 7400 models as well as the 7700 and 7300; however, the battery calibration
utility will only work with the newer computers. When using a new battery in an older
computer the battery can still be calibrated without the utility using the steps outlined in
the section titled Calibrating Without the Utility.
NOTE:
While the computer is recharging
it can be turned on and used.