NEC VERSA DOCK - SERVICE User manual

First Printing — August 1998
Copyright 1998
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1 Packard Bell Way
Sacramento, CA 95828-0903
All Rights Reserved
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valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc. (hereinafter
“NECCSD”) and/or its licensors. NECCSD 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 NECCSD 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 NECCSD.
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
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FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation, used under license.
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All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective trademark owners.

Preface v
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up
and maintain the NEC Versa ® Dock, for use with the NEC Versa LX and SX notebook
computers.
The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an
overview of the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers,
system analysts, service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface
components.
Section 2,System Configuration and Setup, provides information on setup and how to
operate the docking station.
Section 3,Disassembly and Reassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to
disassemble and reassemble the docking station.
Section 4,System Board Layout and Board Connectors, shows the system boards and the
board connectors.
Section 5, Illustrated Parts Breakdown, shows the Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) and
corresponding part numbers.
Section 6, Preventive Maintenance, lists general docking station preventive maintenance
procedures.
Section 7, Troubleshooting, lists troubleshooting procedures as well as helpful servicing
hints.
Section 8, Support, provides information as to how to contact NEC CSD for service
information, technical support, product information and ordering information from
FaxFlash.
Section 9, Specifications, lists physical specifications.
An Index is included for convenience.

vi
Aampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board Service
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
Ccapacitance
Ccentigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable
memory
CAS column address strobe
CD/ROM compact disk-ROM
CG character generator
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
ECC error checking and correction
EDO extended data output
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
FFahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
FP fast page
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HEX hexadecimal
HGA Hercules Graphics Adapter
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IR infrared
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard
Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
Abbreviations

vii
IPC integrated peripheral
controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
Kkilo (1024)
kkilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency
modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PCB printed circuit board
PCI Peripheral Component
Interconnect
PDA personal digital assistant
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
converter
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
Rread
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SPM standard page mode
SRS Sound Retrieval System
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TAC Technical Assistance Center
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
USB universal serial bus
Vvolt
Vac volts, alternating current
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
Wwatt
Wwrite

Contents iii
Contents
Preface .....................................................................................................................................v
Abbreviations......................................................................................................................... vi
1Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
Carton Contents.....................................................................................................................1-2
NEC Versa Dock Features.....................................................................................................1-3
Front and Top..............................................................................................................1-3
Left Side......................................................................................................................1-6
Right Side....................................................................................................................1-7
Back............................................................................................................................1-8
The Right Environment..........................................................................................................1-9
Operating Environment................................................................................................1-9
Storage Environment ...................................................................................................1-9
2System Configuration and Setup
Setting Up Software...............................................................................................................2-2
Updating the BIOS ......................................................................................................2-2
Installing Drivers.........................................................................................................2-4
Installing the Online User’s Guide ...............................................................................2-5
Docking and Undocking ........................................................................................................2-6
Connecting the Power Cable........................................................................................2-6
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking .........................................................................2-7
Docking the NEC Versa...............................................................................................2-9
Locking the NEC Versa.............................................................................................2-13
Undocking the NEC Versa.........................................................................................2-15
Emergency Undocking...............................................................................................2-17
Installing Options and Connecting Devices..........................................................................2-18
Installing Devices in the File Bays.............................................................................2-19
Installing Devices in the File Bays.............................................................................2-19
Installing PCI Cards...................................................................................................2-32
Installing PC (PCMCIA) Cards..................................................................................2-34
Connecting External Devices.....................................................................................2-35
3Disassembly and Reassembly
Required Tools and Equipment..............................................................................................3-2
Disassembly ..........................................................................................................................3-2
Preparation for Disassembly ........................................................................................3-3
Removing Trays, Panels and Covers............................................................................3-3
Disconnecting the Cables from the Motherboard..........................................................3-6
Removing Device Brackets..........................................................................................3-7
Back Cover, Left and Right Sides, and Top Cover .......................................................3-8
Docking Connector Board, PCI Housing, and Power Supply........................................3-9
Docking Tray Assembly and Motor Assembly...........................................................3-12
Main Board Assembly ...............................................................................................3-13
Reassembly .........................................................................................................................3-14

iv Contents
4System Board Layout
Main Board ...........................................................................................................................4-2
LED Board............................................................................................................................4-2
PCI Expansion Board.............................................................................................................4-2
5Illustrated Parts Breakdown
NEC Versa Dock Illustrated Parts Breakdown........................................................................5-2
Parts List...............................................................................................................................5-3
6Preventive Maintenance
Precautions............................................................................................................................6-2
Battery Charging ...................................................................................................................6-2
Routine Care..........................................................................................................................6-3
Cleaning the Versa Dock Interior...........................................................................................6-3
Protecting the Disk Drives .....................................................................................................6-4
7Troubleshooting
Quick Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................7-2
Helpful Questions..................................................................................................................7-4
8Getting Services and Support
Services and Support Contact Information .............................................................................8-2
NEC NOW............................................................................................................................8-3
NEC CSD Web Site...............................................................................................................8-3
NEC CSD FTP Site ...............................................................................................................8-4
NEC CSD FaxFlash Service...................................................................................................8-4
Email/Fax to Support Services...............................................................................................8-5
NEC CSD Bulletin Board ......................................................................................................8-6
NEC CSD Support Services...................................................................................................8-7
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center..................................................................................8-8
Versa Laptop Fulfillment Hotline...........................................................................................8-8
9Specifications
Features.................................................................................................................................9-2
Input/Output Facilities...........................................................................................................9-2
Expansion Capabilities...........................................................................................................9-3
Indicator LEDs......................................................................................................................9-3
Power Supply ........................................................................................................................9-3
Power Cables.........................................................................................................................9-4
Dimensions............................................................................................................................9-4
Environmental Requirements.................................................................................................9-4
Glossary
Index

1
Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
nCarton Contents
nNEC Versa Dock Features
nThe Right Environment

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 adapter kit,
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.
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
nNEC Versa Dock — provides many features to expand your NEC Versa
capabilities. These features are described in detail in this chapter.
nCRT Base — supports an external monitor that weighs up to 55 lb (25
kg).
nBIOS update diskette.
nNEC Versa Dock Software Setup CD.
nTwo extra power cables for the installation of optional IDE devices.

Introducing the NEC Versa Dock 1-3
nUser Documentation — introduces you to the NEC Versa Dock and
guides you through initial docking and setup.
nAC 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.
nNEC 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.
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

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa Dock
nDocking Connector — Fits the expansion port on your NEC Versa to
allow for docking.
nDocking Guides — Ensure that your NEC Versa is aligned properly for
docking. These guides provide positioning for docking with the monitor
stand in place.
nTwo 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.
The right file bay is identical to the left file bay, with the added
versatility that 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.
nPower Button — Allows you to power on and off the NEC Versa LX or
SX notebook computer while docked on the NEC Versa Dock.
nStatus 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