NEC VERSA DOCKING STATION 6000 User manual

First Printing — July 1996
Copyright 1996 Copyright 1996
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved 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 Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors. NEC 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 NEC 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 NEC.
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 NEC is prohibited.
MultiSync and Versa are U.S. registered trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
Docking Station 6000 is a U.S. trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
trademark owners.

Using this Guide vii
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa® Series Docking Station™ 6000 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 Docking Station 6000 and its fea-
tures. For specific information, see the following chapters.
nChapter 1 introduces you to Docking Station 6000 capabilities and
features. This chapter also describes the correct operating and storage
environment for the docking station and how to care for the unit.
nChapter 2 provides instructions for docking and undocking an NEC
Versa on the docking station.
nChapter 3 explains setting up the software to use your docking station
and NEC Versa together.
nChapter 4 details how to add options to the docking station. These
options include expansion boards and various types of drives.
nChapter 5 directs you through connecting peripheral devices, like an
external keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, and audio options.
nAppendix A provides docking station specifications.
nAppendix B provides connector pinouts.
nAppendix C gives a quick reference to common problems and solutions.
Appendix C also provides NEC technical support numbers.
This document, along with your NEC Versa user’s guide and Windows
documentation, provides all the information you need to effectively use the
Docking Station 6000.

viii Using this Guide
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up in the following
ways.
nWarnings, cautions, and notes are set up in following format.
WARNING
Warnings alert you to situations that can cause personal injury or
harm.
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can damage system hardware or
software.
Notes give particularly important information about the topic
being discussed.
nNames of keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard, for example,
Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.
nText 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 Se-
ries Docking Station 6000 and NEC Versa operation:
nYour NEC Versa user’s guide.
nThe Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS Operating System documentation
that came with your NEC Versa.
nManuals and setup instructions for any devices that you are installing in
or connecting to the docking station.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide .................................................................................................... vii
Text Setup.......................................................................................... viii
Related Documents............................................................................. viii
1 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
What’s in the Box............................................................................... 1-1
NEC Docking Station 6000 Features................................................... 1-2
Front and Left Side Features.......................................................... 1-3
LEDs and the Volume Control Knob......................................... 1-6
Back Features................................................................................ 1-7
Internal Features............................................................................ 1-9
The Right Environment....................................................................... 1-11
Operating Environment.................................................................. 1-11
Storage Environment ..................................................................... 1-11
Docking Station 6000 Care................................................................. 1-11
Precautions.................................................................................... 1-11
Routine Care................................................................................. 1-12
Battery Charging................................................................................ 1-13
2 Docking/Undocking the NEC Versa
Hardware Setup.................................................................................. 2-1
Connecting the Power Cable .......................................................... 2-1
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking ........................................... 2-4
Docking the NEC Versa...................................................................... 2-6
Undocking the NEC Versa.................................................................. 2-10
Normal Undocking ........................................................................ 2-10
Emergency Undocking................................................................... 2-12
3 Setting Up and Using the Software
Plug and Play Systems........................................................................ 3-1
Non-Plug and Play Systems................................................................ 3-2
Running the Setup Utility............................................................... 3-2
Windows for Workgroups Setup............................................... 3-3
Windows 95 Setup.................................................................... 3-4

iv Contents
Docking Station 6000 Setup Software............................................ 3-5
Choosing a Configuration......................................................... 3-5
Option Configuration..................................................................... 3-5
Drivers.......................................................................................... 3-6
Quick Start......................................................................................... 3-7
4 Adding Options
Cover Removal................................................................................... 4-2
Cover Replacement............................................................................. 4-4
Expansion Boards............................................................................... 4-6
Precautions.................................................................................... 4-7
Slot Locations ............................................................................... 4-7
Installation .................................................................................... 4-8
Removal........................................................................................ 4-11
Data Storage Devices ......................................................................... 4-12
Preparing the Drive........................................................................ 4-13
Installing Drives in the Front Bay................................................... 4-13
Removing the Drive Cage......................................................... 4-13
Attaching the Drive to the Drive Cage....................................... 4-15
Attaching the Cables................................................................. 4-17
Finishing Up............................................................................. 4-30
Hard Disk Drives........................................................................... 4-32
Preparing the Hard Disk Drive.................................................. 4-33
Specifying Master and Slave Drives.......................................... 4-33
Installing the Drive................................................................... 4-34
Attaching IDE Drive Cables ..................................................... 4-36
Attaching SCSI Drive Cables.................................................... 4-41
VersaBay II Adapter Installation......................................................... 4-45
Removing the Drive Cage.............................................................. 4-45
Securing the NEC VersaBay II Adapter......................................... 4-46
Attaching Cables........................................................................... 4-48
Finishing Up.................................................................................. 4-55
5 Connecting Peripheral Devices
External Monitor................................................................................ 5-2
External Keyboard.............................................................................. 5-5
External Mouse.................................................................................. 5-6
External Audio Options ...................................................................... 5-6
Microphone................................................................................... 5-7

Contents v
Headphones or Speakers................................................................ 5-8
Headphones.............................................................................. 5-8
Speakers................................................................................... 5-8
Line In/Line Out............................................................................ 5-8
Line In ..................................................................................... 5-9
Line Out................................................................................... 5-9
Telephone Cable............................................................................ 5-9
Gaming Devices ............................................................................ 5-10
Parallel Devices............................................................................. 5-10
Serial Devices................................................................................ 5-12
External SCSI Devices .................................................................. 5-13
A Specifications
B Pin Assignments
Keyboard and Mouse Ports................................................................. B-1
COM Port.......................................................................................... B-2
Printer Port......................................................................................... B-3
Monitor Port....................................................................................... B-4
AT Interface Connectors..................................................................... B-5
Expansion Port................................................................................... B-8
C Solving Problems
Problem Checklist............................................................................... C-1
Troubleshooting.................................................................................. C-1
If You Need Help ............................................................................... C-2

vi Contents

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-1
Introducing the
NEC Docking Station 6000
The NEC Versa® Series Docking Station™ 6000 transforms your NEC
Versa 6000 Series notebook computer into a full-featured desktop dynamo.
A built-in sound system and three option bays let you create a powerful
workstation or a robust multimedia presentation system.
Once you fill in the hardware, the NEC Docking Station 6000 gives you
unparalleled software compatibility. Using the latest technology, the docking
station supports the newest Plug and Play boards as well as older non-Plug
and Play legacy boards.
The sleek ergonomic docking station design makes it pleasant to look at and
easy to use. Its innovative docking mechanism insures secure and easy
docking and undocking.
This chapter describes the features and capabilities of the docking station.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Carefully unpack the shipping carton and check its contents. Accessories are
in the box tucked into the side of the shipping carton.
Make 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.
1

1-2 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
*Not shown is a bag containing optional drive signal cables, a power
cable, and an audio cable. What’s in the box?
NEC DOCKING STATION 6000 FEATURES
The docking station has the following features, which are described in
greater detail in the sections that follow.
nSupport for full Windows 95 configuration and Plug and Play options.
nSupport for Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS 6.22.
nSupport and on-board connectors for both SCSI and IDE interfaces.
nAn electronic docking mechanism that makes docking and undocking
easier than ever.
nA CRT base that lets you put an external monitor on top of the docking
station to save premium desktop real estate.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-3
CAUTION
Always use the CRT base if you are going to put an external CRT
monitor on the docking station. Never place an external monitor or
any other heavy object directly on the docking station or NEC Versa
without the CRT base. Doing so can damage the unit.
The CRT base weight limit is 60 lb (27.2 kg), equivalent to a 17-inch
NEC monitor. Do not exceed the weight limit. Doing so can damage
the unit.
nA 3-position lock to ensure that your NEC Versa is not undocked or your
docking station used without authorization.
nStereo speakers for outstanding quality sound.
nPorts on the back of the unit for connecting external peripherals like a
PS/2-style keyboard, PS/2-style mouse, printer, monitor, and much more.
nLEDs on the front of the docking station to track docking station and
NEC Versa status.
nThree drive bays and three full-size expansion board slots for expanding
docking station capabilities.
Front and Left Side Features
The following features are found on the front and left side of the Docking
Station 6000. Features are described after the figure.

1-4 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
Front and side features
nElectronic Docking Mechanism – This innovative docking mechanism
makes docking and undocking easier than ever.
After setting up the hardware, all you do is position the NEC Versa on
the docking station and give it a firm push towards the connector. The
mechanism reaches out, grasps the NEC Versa, and completes the dock-
ing process.
nExpansion Connector — This connector attaches the NEC Versa and the
docking station interface board.
nAir Vents – These allow air circulation to keep the docking station and
its components from over heating.
nLEDs – Five LEDs on the front of the docking station let you monitor
docking status, hard disk drive access, diskette drive access, NEC Versa
battery, and Keylock status. (LED functions and lighting sequences are
described in the next section under “LEDs.”)
nVolume Control Knob – This conveniently located knob lets you control
the volume of sound output through docking station speakers.
nPower Button – The power button on the front panel of the docking
station turns on and off power to the docked NEC Versa. For Plug and
Play systems using Windows 95, this button acts as a Resume switch if
the NEC Versa is in Suspend mode.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-5
nEject Button – Pressing the eject button undocks the NEC Versa. All you
have to do is remove the laptop.
nStereo Speakers – These speakers provide excellent sound quality. Use
your applications software or the volume control know to control speaker
volume and balance.
nExternal Bay Access – These front panels are removable to allow access
to drives installed in the bays.
nThe Docking Lock – This lock provides three settings that let you control
NEC Versa removal.
Manual – lets you remove the NEC Versa manually. Use the un-
locked position for emergency undocking only. Otherwise, use the Nor-
mal lock setting for normal use and the Locked setting to secure your
system to the docking station.
Normal – this default position allows you to dock or undock the
NEC Versa through software (for Windows 95 Plug and Play systems)
or the Eject button. Set the key lock to this position for normal use. To
prevent electrical damage, manual undocking is not allowed when the
lock is in this state.
Locked – secures your NEC Versa to the docking station. This set-
ting keeps the NEC Versa from being removed from the docking station.
You must use the key to unlock the unit before removing the NEC Versa.
If no computer is docked and the key is in the Locked position, no one
else can use their computer on the docking station.
nSecurity Alarm – The locking mechanism comes equipped with an audi-
ble security alarm that sounds if someone tries to undock the NEC Versa
while the key is in the locked position.

1-6 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
LEDs and the Volume Control Knob
NEC Docking Station 6000 LEDs and the volume control knob are located
on the front of the docking station. LED functions and lighting sequences are
described after the figure.
Status LEDs and the Volume Control Knob
nDocking Status – lights green and yellow
Steady Green – When the Main Power Switch is turned on, no NEC
Versa is docked, and the lock is in the Normal position, the docking
status LED lights steady green indicating that it is ready for docking.
Blinking Green – If docking or undocking is unsuccessful due to an
error or jam, the LED blinks.
Steady Yellow – Once the NEC Versa docking process completes
successfully, the LED lights a steady yellow.
nHard Disk Drive Access – lights green when a hard disk drive in either
the NEC Versa or the docking station is being accessed.
nDiskette Drive Access – lights green when a diskette in the NEC Versa is
accessed.
nNEC Versa Battery – lights green
Steady green – when the notebook battery is charging.
Blinks green – if an abnormal charge condition occurs.
Off – indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-7
nKeylock Status
Off — indicates that the lock is set to Normal.
Steady Green — indicates that the lock is set to Manual or Locked.
Blinks Green — indicates that the keylock is set to Manual or
Locked and a software eject command was issued or the Eject button
was pressed.
Back Features
Features on the back of the docking station are shown in the following
figure. Descriptions follow the figure.
Features on the back of the docking station
nThumbscrews – secure the cover to the docking station. When un-
screwed, allow cover removal.
nKeyboard Connector – allows the connection of an external PS/2-style
keyboard.

1-8 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
nMouse Connector – allows the connection of an external PS/2-style
mouse.
nMIDI Game Port – lets you connect gaming devices such as joy stick.
nVideo Port – lets you attach an external monitor to the docking station.
nRJ11 Telephone Jack – lets you plug in a standard phone cable to use the
internal NEC Versa modem.
nSerial Port (COM port) – lets you connect a serial device, such as a
printer or modem, to the docking station.
nExpansion Slot Covers – protect the expansion board slots when no
boards are installed. If you add expansion boards to the docking station,
these covers are removed.
nPower Port – lets you connect the power cord to the docking station and
AC power.
nVoltage Selection Switch – lets you select the correct voltage to use in
your area.
nDocking Station Power Switch – lets you turn on power to the docking
station.
nFan Assembly – Provides proper cooling for the power supply that regu-
lates power in the docking station.
nSCSI-II Port – lets you connect an external SCSI-2 device, like an exter-
nal CD-ROM, scanner, or hard disk drive, to the docking station.
nParallel Port – lets you connect a parallel device, like an external printer,
to the docking station.
nAudio Ports:
Microphone (MIC) – lets you plug in an external microphone for
monaural recording.
Headphones – lets you plug in stereo headphones or external
speakers.
Line In – lets you use another audio system, like a CD player, as a
stereo input source. Use a cable to connect to the Line Out port on
the other audio system to record or play.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-9
Line Out – lets the docking station act as a stereo input source for
another audio system. Connect this port to a Line In port on another
audio system to play or record.
Audio ports
Internal Features
Internal NEC Docking Station 6000 features are shown next. The following
figure shows the docking station with its cover removed. Descriptions of in-
ternal features follow the figure.

1-10 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
Internal features
nBoard Expansion Slots – three full-size expansion slots
one full-size PCI card slot
one full-size ISA card slot
one full-size PCI/ISA card slot
nExternal Access Bay – allows the installation of up to two 5 1/4-inch
half-height drives.
nHard Disk Drive Bay – lets you install one 3 1/2-inch internal hard disk
drive.
nI/O Connectors – One each of the following:
Diskette Drive Connector
IDE Disk Connector
SCSI Disk Connector.
nLED Bracket – supports docking station status LEDs and volume control
knob.
nSpeakers – provide exceptional sound for the integrated docking station
sound system.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-11
THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Before setting up the docking station, find a good location for using it. Here
are some guidelines.
nSelect a flat, sturdy surface, like a desktop or table, so you have access
to both the front and back of the unit.
nChoose an area away from extremely warm or cold surroundings, direct
sunlight, excessive dust, vibration, shock or moisture.
Operating Environment
Use the docking station in a location that meets the following environmental
conditions:
nTemperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
nHumidity: 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Storage Environment
Store the docking station in a location that meets the following conditions:
nTemperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)
nHumidity: 15% to 85% (noncondensing)
DOCKING STATION 6000 CARE
With protective measures and proper care, you can keep your docking sta-
tion in top operating condition. Follow the measures given next to maintain
your docking station.
Precautions Follow these precautions when using and storing the NEC Docking
Station 6000.
nDo not use or store the docking station in direct sunlight or near radiant
heat sources for an excessive length of time. Heat from these sources can
raise the internal temperature of the unit and damage its parts.
nDo not use or store the docking station in dusty environments.
nDo not use or store the docking station near chemicals.

1-12 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000
nDo not cover the air vents or put anything near enough to them to block
air circulation.
nAvoid excessive vibration or shock. Dropping the docking station or
knocking it over can cause serious damage.
nKeep the docking station away from machinery that generates strong
electric or magnetic fields.
nDo not place heavy objects on the docking station. Make sure the CRT
base is in position before placing an external monitor on it. The base is
designed to support an external monitor. Do not place other heavy ob-
jects on the CRT base.
Routine Care
Maintain the condition of your docking station by periodically following the
general procedures listed next.
WARNING
For safety, power off and unplug the docking station and NEC Versa
before cleaning.
nClean the outside of the docking station with a soft clean cloth.
nRemove stubborn stains with a cloth slightly dampened with a mild de-
tergent. Never use a strong solution or spray cleaner on any part of the
unit.
nCheck the docking station regularly for loose material, such a paper,
books, magazines, that might block the air vents and prevent proper air
circulation.
nKeep food and liquids away from the docking station and NEC Versa.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 6000 1-13
BATTERY CHARGING
The docking station charges the battery installed in your NEC Versa as long
as the computer is docked, the docking station is plugged into AC power,
and main docking station power switch is on.
Battery charging occurs whether or not you are using your system.