NEC VERSA DOCK - SERVICE User manual

NEC Versa Tools:™Accessories and Solutions
USER’S GUIDE
USER’S GUIDE
VERSA DOCK
819-200470-002
VERSA®DOCK
VersaDOCKManCover-02 10/14/99 1:20 PM Page 1

Third Printing — March 2000
Copyright 2000
NEC Computers Inc.
15 Business Park Way
Sacramento, CA 95828
All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is
the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter NECC) and/or its licensors.
NECC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other
proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use,
and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.
The NECC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the
terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance
of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer
data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary,
the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the
customer and is not warranted by NECC.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is
subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions
thereof without prior written approval of NECC is prohibited.
As an ENERGY STAR partner, NEC Computer Systems Division has determined that this product meets the
ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
NEC is a registered trademark, Versa is a U.S. registered trademark, VersaBay, VersaGlide and PortBar are
trademarks, and UltraCare is a U.S. registered service mark of NEC Corporation, and/or one or more of its
subsidiaries, used under license.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective trademark owners.

Table of Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Setup.............................................................................................vii
Related Documents............................................................................. viii
1 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
Carton Contents...................................................................................1-2
NEC Versa Dock Features...................................................................1-3
Front and Top.................................................................................1-4
Left Side.........................................................................................1-7
Right Side.......................................................................................1-8
Back..............................................................................................1-10
The Right Environment.....................................................................1-11
Operating Environment................................................................1-12
Storage Environment....................................................................1-12
NEC Versa Dock Care.......................................................................1-12
Precautions...................................................................................1-12
Routine Care.................................................................................1-13
Battery Charging ...............................................................................1-14
2 Docking and Undocking
Connecting the Power Cable ...............................................................2-2
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking................................................2-4
Docking the NEC Versa......................................................................2-6
Dual Booting................................................................................2-11
Locking the NEC Versa.....................................................................2-12
Undocking the NEC Versa................................................................2-15
Emergency Undocking......................................................................2-17
3 Setting Up the Software
Updating the BIOS ..............................................................................3-2
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette..............................................3-2
Performing the BIOS Update.........................................................3-3
Installing Drivers.................................................................................3-5
Installing the Online User’s Guide......................................................3-6
Uninstalling the Online User’s Guide............................................3-7

iv Table of Contents
4 Installing Options and Connecting Devices
Installing Devices in the File Bays......................................................4-3
Removing Trays, Panels, and Covers.............................................4-3
Disconnecting the Cables from the Motherboard...........................4-6
Connecting IDE Device Cables......................................................4-8
Installing an IDE Hard Drive .......................................................4-10
Connecting VersaBay III Adapter Kit Cables..............................4-10
File Bay Installation.....................................................................4-11
Reconnecting the Cables to the Motherboard ..............................4-15
Replacing Covers, Panels, and Trays...........................................4-17
Installing PC (PCMCIA) Cards.........................................................4-21
Installing PCI Cards ..........................................................................4-21
Using PCI Cards...........................................................................4-24
Connecting External Devices ............................................................4-24
Serial Device................................................................................4-24
External Keyboard and Mouse.....................................................4-26
External Monitor ..........................................................................4-27
Parallel Devices............................................................................4-29
USB Devices................................................................................4-30
MIDI/Game Devices ....................................................................4-31
External Audio Options................................................................4-32
Connecting External Speakers......................................................4-33
5 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist ...............................................................................5-2
Troubleshooting...................................................................................5-2
Replacing the Battery ..........................................................................5-4
Battery Precautions ........................................................................5-6
Battery Disposal.............................................................................5-7
If You Need Help ................................................................................5-8
6 Getting Services and Support
Quick Reference Chart ........................................................................6-2
NECC Web Site...................................................................................6-3
NECC FTP Site ...................................................................................6-3
NECC Support Services......................................................................6-4
E-mail/Fax Support Services...............................................................6-4

Table of Contents v
A Specifications
Features ..............................................................................................A-2
Input/Output Facilities........................................................................A-2
Expansion Capabilities.......................................................................A-3
Indicator LEDs ...................................................................................A-3
Power Supply......................................................................................A-3
Power Cables......................................................................................A-4
Dimensions.........................................................................................A-4
Environmental Requirements.............................................................A-4
Index

Using This Guide vii
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa Dock User’s Guide gives you the information you need
to maximize the use of your docking station. Read this guide to become
familiar with the NEC Versa Dock and its features. For specific
information, see the following chapters.
!Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC Versa Dock,” introduces you to
docking station capabilities and features. This chapter also describes
the correct operating and storage environment for the docking station
and how to care for the unit.
!Chapter 2, “Docking and Undocking,” provides instructions for
docking and undocking an NEC Versa LX or SX notebook computer
on the NEC Versa Dock..
!Chapter 3, “Setting Up the Software,” explains setting up the software
to use your docking station and NEC Versa notebook computer
together.
!Chapter 4, “Installing Options and Connecting Devices,” details how
to connect external devices and add options to the docking station.
!Chapter 5, “Solving Problems,” directs you through basic
troubleshooting procedures to help you solve problems that may arise.
!Chapter 6, “Getting Services and Support,” provides details for
getting technical support from NEC Computers Inc.
!Appendix A, “Specifications,” provides docking station
specifications.
This document, the NEC Versa Dock Quick Setup sheet, your NEC
Versa User’s Guide, and Windows documentation provide all the
information you need to effectively use the NEC Versa Dock.
Text Setup
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up as follows.

viii Using This Guide
!Warnings, cautions, and notes are set up in the following format.
WARNING
Warnings alert you to situations that can cause
personal injury or harm.
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can cause damage
to system hardware or software.
Note: Notes give particularly important
information about the topic being discussed.
!Names of keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard, for
example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.
!Text that you must type or keys that you must press are presented in
bold type. For example, type dir and press Enter.
Related Documents
See the following documents for information related to the NEC Versa
Dock and NEC Versa operation:
!The NEC Versa Dock Quick Setup sheet.
!Your NEC Versa User’s Guide.
!The Microsoft Windows and other operating system documentation
that came with your NEC Versa.
!Manuals and setup instructions for any devices that you are
connecting to the NEC Versa Dock.

1
Introducing the NEC Versa
Dock
!Carton Contents
!NEC Versa Dock Features
!The Right Environment
!NEC Versa Dock Care
!Battery Charging

1-2 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
The NEC Versa Dock lets you maximize your NEC Versa LX and SX
capabilities without minimizing portability. Connect an external monitor
and keyboard to the ports on the back of the NEC Versa Dock, install
your CD-ROM reader in the optional NEC Versa Dock VersaBay III,
attach your joystick to the MIDI/Game port, and you're ready to work
hard or play! Undock the NEC Versa from the NEC Versa Dock and
you're ready for the road.
This chapter introduces NEC Versa Dock features, guides you to
choosing the correct environment, and describes how to take care of the
unit.
Carton Contents
Unpack and check the contents of the NEC Versa Dock carton.
Be sure you have the hardware components shown in the following
figure and that they are in good condition. If anything is damaged or
missing, contact your dealer immediately.
Carton Contents
A- NEC Versa Dock B- CRT base C- BIOS update diskette
D - Software Setup CD E- IDE power cables F- User documentation
G - AC power cable H- NEC Versa Dock keys

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-3
!NEC Versa Dock — provides many features to expand your NEC
Versa capabilities. These features are described in detail in this
chapter.
!CRT Base — supports an external monitor that weighs up to 55 lb (25
kg).
!BIOS update diskettes.
!NEC Versa Dock Software Setup CD.
!Two extra power cables for the installation of optional IDE devices.
!User Documentation — introduces you to the NEC Versa Dock and
guides you through initial docking and setup.
!AC Power Cable — allows you to connect your NEC Versa Dock to
AC power.
Always use the power cable that ships with the NEC Versa Dock. If
you need to replace the cable, follow these standards:
In North America, the cable should be rated for 120 volts (V), 7
amps(A). The plug is a NEMA 5-15P. Use an SVT or SJT 18/3
AWG cable that is less than 15 feet (4.5 m) long. Use connector
type IEC320.
In Europe, the cable should be rated for 230 V (220-240 V), 10A.
The plug is country-specific. Use an H05VV-F or H05VVH2-F
cable that is less than 15 feet (4.5 m) long. Use connector type
EN60320.
!NEC Versa Dock Keys.
NEC Versa Dock Features
NEC Versa Dock features are found on all sides of the unit. To become
familiar with these features, read each of the following sections.

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
Front and Top
The following figure shows the features found on the front and top of the
NEC Versa Dock. Descriptions of these features follow the figure.
Front and top features
A- Docking connector B- Docking guides C- Right file bay
D- Power button E- Status LEDs F- Dock/Undock button
G- Left file bay
!Docking Connector — Fits the expansion port on your NEC Versa to
allow for docking.
!Docking Guides — Ensure that your NEC Versa is aligned properly
for docking. These guides provide positioning for docking with the
monitor stand in place.
!Two File Bays — Allows you to install IDE file devices in your NEC
Versa Dock.
The left file bay supports any 5.25-inch IDE device (like a tape
drive, hard disk drive, or SuperDisk drive.) It also supports 3.5-
inch IDE devices with a 3.5-inch Universal Installation Kit.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-5
The right file bay is identical to the left file bay, with the added
versatility that it allows you to install the optional VersaBay III
Adapter Kit. With the VersaBay III Adapter kit installed, you can
use any of your VersaBay III options in the file bay.
!Power Button — Allows you to power on and off the NEC Versa LX
or SX notebook computer while docked on the NEC Versa Dock.
!Status LEDs — LEDs on the front of the unit inform you of the
docking status, keylock status, IDE drive access, diskette drive
access, and battery charge status (for a battery installed in the optional
VersaBay III Adapter Kit). LEDs are shown in the following figure
and LED states are described after the figure.
Status LEDs
A- Docking status LED B- Keylock status LED C- IDE access LED
D- Diskette drive access LED E- Battery charge status LED
Note: Hot docking and hot undocking is
supported with Plug-and-Play operating systems,
such as Windows 95. Before hot undocking, the
docking/undocking button must be pressed or you
must select Eject PC from the Windows 95 Start
button.

1-6 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
Docking Status – lights as follows:
– Steady Yellow – AC power is on, the keylock switch is in the
Normal position, and the NEC Versa Dock is ready for
docking.
– Steady Green – The NEC Versa is docked on the NEC Versa
Dock and is either powered on or in Standby mode.
–Fast Blinking Amber – A docking or undocking error has
occurred or the docking tray is in the wrong position for the
system.
–Off – AC power is on, the keylock is in the Manual or Locked
position, and either no NEC Versa is docked or the NEC
Versa is docked and powered off.
Keylock Status – Lights as follows:
– Off – No NEC Versa is docked.
– Steady Amber – The NEC Versa is docked but not locked on
the NEC Versa Dock. The key is in either the Normal position
with the notebook turned off, or in the Manual position with
the notebook on or off.
– Steady Yellow – The NEC Versa is locked onto the NEC
Versa Dock through software. The key is in the Normal
position and the NEC Versa is on.
– Steady Green – The NEC Versa is physically locked onto the
NEC Versa Dock. The key is in the Lock position with
notebook power on or off.
IDE Drive Access – lights as follows to indicate access to an IDE
device such as a CD-ROM, hard disk or SuperDisk drive installed
in an NEC Versa Dock file bay, an optional VersaBay III Adapter
Kit, or in the NEC Versa.
– Off – No IDE device is being accessed.
–Green – The NEC Versa is accessing the IDE drive.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-7
Diskette Drive Access – Lights as follows to indicate access to a
floppy disk drive installed in the NEC Versa notebook computer
only.
–Off – No diskette drive is being accessed.
–Green – The NEC Versa is accessing the diskette drive.
Battery Charge Status – Lights as follows to indicate the battery
charge to a secondary battery pack installed in the optional
VersaBay III Adapter Kit.
– Steady Green – The battery installed in the optional VersaBay
III Adapter Kit is being charged. You can charge the battery
whether the NEC Versa Dock is powered on or off or is in
Standby mode. You can also charge the battery in the optional
VersaBay III Adapter Kit when no system is docked in the
NEC Versa Dock. The NEC Versa Dock must be connected to
an AC power source to charge the battery pack.
– Off – The installed battery is fully charged, or no battery is
installed.
!Docking/Undocking Button — Initiates the automatic sequence for
docking or undocking your system if the keylock is in the normal
position.
Left Side
Features found on the left-hand side of the NEC Versa Dock are shown
in the following figure. Features are described after the figure.

1-8 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
Left side features
A- PCI external access B- Height lever C- Volume control knob
D- Audio ports E- MIDI/Game port
!PCI External Access — Gives you access to external ports,
connectors, switches and indicators on installed PCI cards.
!Height Adjustment Lever — Adjusts the height on the docking tray to
match the height of your system. To access the lever, pull the door
open by the slot.
!Volume Control — Gives you control over the volume of external
speakers or headphones attached to the NEC Versa Dock.
!Audio Ports — Connects external audio devices including a
microphone, headphones, or speakers. You can also connect other
audio devices to use as an output device or input source.
!MIDI/Game Port — Supports MIDI/Game devices, such as a joystick
or MIDI keyboard.
Right Side
The keylock switch on the right side of the NEC Versa Dock is shown in
the following figure. A description follows the figure.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-9
Right side feature
A- Keylock switch
!Keylock switch — Provides three settings that let you control NEC
Versa removal. An alarm sounds if someone tries to remove the NEC
Versa while it is locked onto the NEC Versa Dock, even if the NEC
Versa Dock is powered off or is disconnected from AC power.
Note: Motorized docking is only enabled when
the keylock switch is in the full upright position.
Locked – Prevents the NEC Versa from being removed from the NEC
Versa Dock. You must use the key to unlock the unit before removing
the NEC Versa.
Normal – (Default position). Allows you to motorize dock or undock
the NEC Versa. Set the keylock to this position for normal use. To
prevent electrical damage, manual undocking is not allowed when the
keylock is in this state.
Manual – Allows you to remove the NEC Versa by hand. Use the
unlocked position for emergency undocking only. Otherwise, use the
Normal lock setting for normal use and the Locked setting to
physically secure your system to the NEC Versa Dock.

1-10 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
If no computer is docked and the keylock is in the Locked
position, no one else can use their computer with the NEC Versa
Dock. The key can only be removed from the system while the
keylock is in the Locked position.
Note: Your NEC Versa Dock comes with two
keys. Be sure to keep these keys in a safe place. If
you lose your keys, you may obtain a new set
through NECC Support Services. You will be
required to provide the key combination found on
the inside of the height lever door in order to get
replacement keys.
Back
Features on the back of the NEC Versa Dock are shown in the following
figure. Descriptions follow the figure.
Back features
A- Fan assembly B- Voltage selector switch C- Keyboard port
D- Kensington lock port E- USB ports F- Parallel port
G- Serial port H- Monitor port I- Mouse port J- AC power port
!Fan Assembly — Provides proper cooling for the power supply that
regulates power in the NEC Versa Dock. Keep the fan assembly clear
of obstructions to ensure proper cooling.
!Voltage Selector — Allows you to choose from 115 or 230 Volts.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-11
!PS/2-style Keyboard Port — Allows you to connect an external
keyboard to the NEC Versa Dock.
!Kensington Lock Port — Allows you to secure your NEC Versa Dock
using an optional Kensington Lock.
!USB Ports — Allows you to connect Universal Serial Bus devices to
the NEC Versa Dock.
!Parallel Port — Allows you to connect a parallel device to the NEC
Versa Dock.
!Serial Port — Allows you to connect a serial device to the NEC Versa
Dock.
!External Monitor Port — Allows you to connect an external monitor
to the NEC Versa Dock. (You may need to press Fn-F3 to get an
image on the external monitor. See your NEC Versa User’s Guide for
function key combinations.)
!PS/2-style Mouse Port — Allows you to connect an external mouse to
the NEC Versa Dock.
!Power Port — Allows you to connect the NEC Versa Dock to AC
power.
CAUTION
Always use the power cable that ships with the NEC
Versa Dock or one that is appropriate for your
country. See the cable specifications at the
beginning of this chapter or those listed in Appendix
A, Specifications.
The Right Environment
Before setting up the NEC Versa Dock, find a good location for its use.
Here are some guidelines.
!Choose an area close to a wall outlet that is easily accessible.

1-12 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
!Select a flat, sturdy surface, like a desktop or table, so you have
access to the front, back, and sides of the unit.
!Choose an area away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight,
excessive dust, vibration, shock or moisture.
Operating Environment
Use the NEC Versa Dock in a location that meets the following
environmental conditions:
!Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
!Humidity: 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
Storage Environment
Store the NEC Versa Dock in a location that meets the following
conditions:
!Temperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)
!Humidity: 15% to 85% (non-condensing)
NEC Versa Dock Care
With protective measures and proper care, you can keep your NEC
Versa Dock in top operating condition. Follow the measures given next
to maintain your NEC Versa Dock.
Precautions
Follow these precautions when using and storing the NEC Versa Dock.
!Do not use or store the NEC Versa Dock in direct sunlight or near
radiant heat sources. Heat from these sources can raise the internal
temperature of the unit and damage its parts.
!Always use the power cable that came with the NEC Versa Dock or a
cable that meets the specifications described at the beginning of this
chapter or in Appendix A, Specifications.
!Do not use or store the NEC Versa Dock in dusty environments.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-13
!Do not use or store the NEC Versa Dock near chemicals.
!Do not cover the air vents or put anything near enough to them to
block air circulation.
!Avoid excessive vibration or shock. Dropping the NEC Versa Dock
or knocking it over can cause serious damage.
!Keep the NEC Versa Dock away from machinery that generates
strong electric or magnetic fields.
!Do not place heavy objects on the NEC Versa Dock. Make sure the
CRT base is in position before placing an external monitor on it. The
CRT base is designed to support an external monitor weighing no
more than 55 pounds (25 kg). Do not place other heavy objects on the
CRT base.
Routine Care
Maintain the condition of your NEC Versa Dock by periodically
following the general procedures listed below.
WARNING
For safety, power off and unplug the NEC Versa
Dock and NEC Versa before cleaning.
!Clean the outside of the NEC Versa Dock with a soft clean cloth.
!Remove stubborn stains with a cloth slightly dampened with a mild
detergent. Never use a strong solution or spray cleaner on any part of
the unit.
!Check the NEC Versa Dock regularly for loose material, such as
paper, books, or magazines, that might block the air vents and prevent
proper air circulation.
!Keep food and liquids away from the NEC Versa Dock and NEC
Versa.