Compaq Armada 1500 Manual

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Notice
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR
EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING,
PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
This guide contains information protected by copyright. No part of this guide may be
photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Compaq
Computer Corporation.
1997 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq, LTE, Contura, ProLinea, QuickLock, QuickBlank are
registered in the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. Armada is a trademark of Compaq
Computer Corporation.
Contura is registered in the Philippines Patent Office.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows 95 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement or
nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the
terms of the agreement. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Maintenance and Service Guide
Compaq Armada 1500 Family of Personal Computers
First Edition (March 1997)
Spare Part Number 255011-001
Document Part Number 284820-001
Compaq Computer Corporation

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Preface
Preface xi
Preface
This Maintenance and Service Guide is a troubleshooting guide that can be used for
reference when servicing the Compaq Armada 1500 Family of Personal Computers.
Additional information is available in the Service Quick Reference Guide and in
QuickFind.
Compaq Computer Corporation reserves the right to make changes to the Compaq
Armada 1500 Personal Computers without notice.
Symbols
The following symbols and words mark special messages throughout this guide:
!WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions in the
warning could result in bodily harmor loss of life.
CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could
result in damage to equipment or loss of data.
IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or specific
instructions.
NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or other points
of information.
Technician Notes
!WARNING: Only authorized technicians trained byCompaq should attempt to repair
this equipment. All troubleshooting and repair proceduresare detailed to allow only
subassembly/module level repair. Because of the complexity of the individual boards and
subassemblies, no one should attempt to make repairs at the component level or to
make modifications to any printed wiring board. Improper repairs can create a safety
hazard. Any indication of component replacement or printed wiring board modifications
may void any warranty or exchange allowances.
CAUTION: To properlyventilate the systembeing serviced, you must provide at least
3 inches (7.62 cm)of clearance on the front and back of the computer.
!WARNING: The computer is designed to be electrically grounded. To ensure proper
operation, plug the AC powercord into a properly grounded electricaloutlet only.

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xii Preface
Laser Safety
All Compaq systems, equipped with CD-ROM drives, comply with appropriate safety
standard including IEC 825. With specific regard to the laser, the equipment complies
with laser product performance standards set by government agencies as a Class 1 laser
product. It does not emit hazardous light; the beam is totally enclosed during all modes
of customer operation and maintenance.
CDRH Regulations
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration implemented regulations for laser products on August 2, 1976. These
regulations apply to laser products manufactured from August 1, 1976. Compliance is
mandatory for products marketed in the United States.
!WARNING: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures
other than those specified herein or in the CD ROM installation guide
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
This system is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. This label is located on
the outside of the system being serviced. A similar label also appears on the internal
CD-ROM installed in the system.
LASER INFO
Laser Type: Semiconductor GaAIAs
Wave Length: 780 +/- 35 nm
Divergence Angle: 53.5 Degree +/- 1.5 Degree
Output Power: Less than 0.2mW or 10,869 W•m-2sr-1
Polarization: Circular
Numerical Aperture: 0.45 +/- 0.04
Only authorized technicians, service provider, dealer, or reseller should attempt to
repair this equipment. All troubleshooting and repair procedures are detailed to allow
only subassembly/module level repair. Because of the complexity of the individual
boards and subassemblies, no one should attempt to make repairs at the component
level or to make modifications to any printed wiring board. Improper repairs can create
a safety hazard as well as void the warranty.

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Preface xiii
Battery Notice
This computer contains an internal lithium battery-powered real-time clock circuit.
There is a risk of explosion and injury if the battery is incorrectly replaced or handled
improperly. Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble, immerse in water, or dispose of it
in fire. Replacement should be done using the Compaq spare part for this computer.
The computer also contains a nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion battery pack. There is
a risk of fire and chemical burn if the battery pack is handled improperly. Do not
disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, dispose in fire or water, or expose
it to temperatures higher than 60 degrees C.
In North America, dispose of nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion batteries by taking
advantage of the Compaq battery recycling program. You will be provided with a
postage-paid battery pack mailer preaddressed to a reclamation facility where the metals
are recycled.
In Europe, do not dispose of batteries and accumulators with general household waste.
Dispose of or recycle them by using the public collection system or returning them to
Compaq.
Serial Number
The serial number is located on the back of the computer directly below the parallel
connector.

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xiv Preface
Locating Additional Information
The following documentation is available to support the products:
■Quick Setup
■Reference Guide
■Introducing Microsoft Windows 95
■Compaq Service Quick Reference Guide
■Service Training Guides
■Compaq Service Advisories and Bulletins
■Compaq QuickFind
■Technical Reference Guide

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Contents v
Contents
Preface Symbols xi
Technician Notes xi
Laser Safety xii
CDRH Regulations xii
Battery Notice xiii
Serial Number xiii
Locating Additional Information xiv
Chapater 1
Computer Product Description
1.1 Computer Features and Models 1-1
1.2 Standard Features 1-2
1.2.1 Software Fulfillment 1-3
1.3 Options 1-4
1.3.1 Convenience Base 1-4
1.3.2 System Memory Options 1-4
1.3.3 External Battery Charger 1-5
1.3.4 External Keyboards and Pointing Devices 1-5
1.3.5 External Monitors 1-5
1.4 External Computer Components 1-6
1.4.1 Front and Left Side Components 1-6
1.4.2 Right Side Components 1-7
1.4.3 Rear Components 1-8
1.4.4 Bottom Components 1-9
1.4.5 Status Panel Lights 1-10
Chapter 2
Convenience Base Description
2.1 Models and Features 2-1
2.2 Convenience Base Features 2-3
2.3 Convenience Base Components 2-4
2.3.1 Front and Right Side Components 2-4
2.3.2 Rear Components 2-6

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vi Contents
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
3.1 Preliminary Steps 3-2
3.2 Clearing the Power-On and Setup Passwords 3-3
3.3 Power-On Self Test (POST) 3-4
3.4 POST Error Messages 3-4
3.5 Compaq Utilities 3-7
Running Computer Setup 3-7
Running Computer Checkup (TEST) 3-8
View System Information (INSPECT) 3-10
3.6 Diagnostic Error Codes 3-11
3.7 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 3-17
3.7.1 Solving Minor Problems 3-17
Chapter 4
Illustrated Parts for the Computer
4.1 System Unit 4-2
4.2 Mass Storage Devices 4-4
4.3 Cables and Power Cords 4-6
4.4 Standard and Optional Boards 4-8
4.5 Options 4-10
4.6 Miscellaneous Parts 4-12
4.8 Shipping Boxes 4-14
4.9 Documentation 4-14
Chapter 5
Illustrated Parts for the Convenience Base
5.1 System Unit 5-2
Chapter 6
Removal and Replacement Preliminaries
6.1 Electrostatic Discharge 6-1
Generating Static 6-1
Preventing Electrostatic Damage to Equipment 6-2
Removing Batteries 6-2
Preventing Damage to Drives 6-3

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Contents vii
Grounding Methods 6-3
Grounding Workstations 6-4
Grounding Equipment 6-4
Recommended Materials and Equipment 6-5
6.2 Service Considerations 6-6
Tool Requirements 6-6
Cables and Connectors 6-6
6.3 Serial Number 6-6
Chapter 7
Computer Removal and Replacement Procedures
7.1 Serial Number 7-1
7.2 Disassembly Sequence Chart 7-2
7.3 Design Overview 7-3
7.3.1 System Unit 7-3
7.3.2 Internal Boards 7-3
7.3.3 Video system 7-4
7.4 Preparing the Computer for Disassembly 7-5
7.4.1 Disconnecting the AC Power 7-5
7.4.2 Undocking the Computer 7-5
7.4.3 Battery Pack 7-6
7.4.4 DualBay Devices 7-8
7.4.5 PCMCIA 7-9
7.5 Modem 7-10
7.6 CD-ROM Drive 7-11
7.7 Keyboard 7-13
7.8 Memory Board 7-16
7.9 Hard Drive 7-19
7.10 Lithium Real Time Clock Battery 7-21
7.11 Microphone/Display Cable Cover and Microphone 7-23
7.12 Clutch Covers/Display Assembly 7-26
7.12.1 Clutch Covers 7-26
7.12.2 Display Assembly 7-27
7.12.3 Clutches 7-28
7.12.4 Display latches 7-32

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viii Contents
7.13 Top Cover Assembly 7-34
7.13.1 Power Button 7-36
7.13.2 Suspend Button 7-37
7.13.3 Left and Right Touchpad Buttons 7-38
7.14 LED Status Panel 7-40
7.15 Audio Board, Speakers, and Audio Cable 7-41
7.16 DC-DC Converter 7-43
7.17 Fan 7-47
7.18 I/O Fixture Connector 7-49
7.19 System Board 7-51
7.20 AC Power 7-53
7.21 External Computer Components 7-54
7.21.1 Computer Logo 7-54
7.21.2 Computer Feet 7-54
Chapter 8
Upgrade Procedures for the Convenience Base
8.1 Serial Number 8-1
8.2 Preliminary Procedure 8-1
8.2.1 Installing the Optional 100BaseT Ethernet Network Module 8-2
Chapter 9
Specifications
9.1 Computer 9-2
9.2 Displays 9-3
9.3 Hard Drives 9-4
9.4 Diskette Drive 9-5
9.5 CD-ROM Drive 9-6
9.6 Battery Packs 9-7
9.7 Convenience Base 9-8
9.8 External Power Supplies 9-9
9.9 System Interrupts 9-11
9.10 System DMA 9-11
9.11 System I/O Address 9-12
9.12 System Memory Map 9-14

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Contents ix
Appendix A
Comput A-1
Appendix B
Power Cord Set Requirements
3-Conductor Power Cord Set B-1
General Requirements B-1
Country-Specific Requirements B-2
Notes: B-2
Appendix C
Modem Commands C-1
Index I-1

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Chapter 1
Computer Product Description 1-1
Computer Product Description
1.1 Computer Features and Models
The Compaq Armada 1500 Family of Personal Computers is a line of multimedia
notebook computers with advanced modularity, processors, and video graphics. This
full-function, Pentium-based, family of notebook computers allows full desktop
functionality and connectivity through the use of an optional Convenience Base. The
following computer models are available:
Table 1-1
Compaq Armada Personal Computers
Model Pentium Processor Display Hard Drive Level 2 Cache CD-ROM Modem Serial Configuration
1510 120-MHz 11.3-inch CSTN 1.0-GB BM51
1510DM 120-MHz 11.3-inch CSTN 1.0-GB ■■BM52
1520 133-MHz 11.3-inch CSTN 1.0-GB 256-Kbyte BM53
1520D 133-MHz 11.3-inch CSTN 1.0-GB 256-Kbyte ■BM54
1520DM 133-MHz 11.3-inch CSTN 1.0-GB 256-Kbyte ■■BM55
1550T 133-MHz 12.1-inch CTFT 1.4-GB 256-Kbyte BM56
1550DMT 133-MHz 12.1-inch CTFT 1.4-GB 256-Kbyte ■■BM57
NOTE: All models have 16-MB of standard memory, upgradable to 80-MB.

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1-2 Computer Product Description
Figure 1-1. Compaq Armada Personal Computer
1.2 Standard Features
The Compaq Armada models have the following standard features:
■120- or 133-MHz Pentium processors
■16-MB of EDO dynamic random access memory (DRAM), expandable to 80 MB
■1.4-GB or 1.0-GB, 2.5- inch with carrier, or 3-inch hard drive
■11.3-inch Color Super Twist Nematic CSTN, or 12.1-inch Color Thin Film
Transistor (CTFT) SVGA displays
■Supports Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) modular battery
packs
■SoundBlaster−compatible audio controller with internal stereo speakers and internal
microphone
■Full-size 101 key compatible keyboard including 12 function keys, 8 cursor control
keys, inverted-T cursor control keys, and embedded numeric keypad
■Four user-programmable keys
■Touchpad pointing device
■Operates from an internal battery pack, plus an optional battery pack in the
DualBay, or integrated AC power that is compatible with domestic or international
power sources
■Power management and security features

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Computer Product Description 1-3
■Infrared interface for wireless communication with other IrDA-compliant devices at
data rates up to 4 mb/sec
■Two standard device slots that will accommodate two types I and II and one type III
PC Cards, PCMCIA and CardBus cards; Compaq Telephony modem in the top slot
and Zoomed-Video in the bottom slot
■176 pin expansion connector provides the interface to the convenience base options
■Rear-panel ports provide connections for parallel and serial, external monitor,
keyboard/mouse, and IrDA compliant infrared devices
1.2.1 Software Fulfillment
Replacement software may be ordered directly from Compaq Computer Corporation.
Both the model and the serial numbers of the computer are needed to identify the
specific software available.

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1-4 Computer Product Description
1.3 Options
The computer supports the following options:
■Convenience Base pass through model
■Convenience Base with Ethernet
■Memory expansion boards
■Li-ion and NiMH battery packs
■Automobile Adapter
■External Battery Charger
■PCMCIA modem
■AC power cords for international travelers
■Hard drive upgrade
■Internal modem
■Internal CD-ROM drive
1.3.1 Convenience Base
Compaq Armada models support the following convenience base models:
■Convenience base pass through
■Convenience base with Ethernet (RJ-45 and BNC connectors); BNC connector not
available in North America
■Convenience base with Ethernet (BNC connector); not available in North America
1.3.2 System Memory Options
The computer supports optional 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-MB memory boards. The memory
boards are 60 ns EDO RAM without parity. System memory can be expanded to
80-MB of DRAM depending on the model.

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Computer Product Description 1-5
1.3.3 External Battery Charger
The External Battery charger has the following features:
■Two battery charge slots
■Accepts both NiMH and Li-ion modular batteries
■Charges one battery in 1.5 hours
■Charges two batteries in 3 hours
1.3.4 External Keyboards and
Pointing Devices
Supports Compaq or Compaq compatible PS2 keyboards and pointing devices
1.3.5 External Monitors
The Compaq Armada models support all VGA Monitors up to 1024 x 768.

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1-6 Computer Product Description
1.4 External Computer Components
The external computer components are illustrated and described in this section.
1.4.1 Front and Left Side Components
The front and left side external components are shown in the following figure and
identified in this section:
1 Display latches
2 Battery charge light
3 Power/Suspend light
4 DualBay compartment
5 PC Card slots
6 PC Card eject levers
7 RJ-11 port (on some models)
Figure 1-2. Front and Left Side Components

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Computer Product Description 1-7
1.4.2 Right Side Components
The right side external components are shown in the following figure and identified in
this section:
1 Battery bay
2 Stereo/speaker headphone jack
3 Microphone jack
4 Volume control buttons
5 CD-ROM drive (on some models)
6 Cable lock provision
Figure 1-3. Right Side Components

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1-8 Computer Product Description
1.4.3 Rear Components
The rear components are shown in the following figure and identified in this section:
1 Serial connector
2 Serial number
3 Parallel connector
4 External monitor connector
5 AC Power connector
6 Docking connector
7 Airflow vents
8 Infrared port
9 Keyboard/Mouse connector
Figure 1-4. Rear Components

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Computer Product Description 1-9
1.4.4 Bottom Components
The bottom external components are shown in the following figure and are identified in
this section:
1 Docking alignment guide
2 Modem compartment
3 Diskette drive
4 Diskette drive release latch
5 Docking latch receptacles
6 Battery bay traction grip
Figure 1-5. Bottom Components

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1-10 Computer Product Description
1.4.5 Status Panel Lights
The status panel lights are shown in the following figure and are identified in this
section:
1 Hard drive light
2 Diskette drive light
3 Num Lock light
4 Caps Lock light
5 Scroll Lock light
Figure 1-6. Status Panel Lights