NEC VERSA MINIDOCK 6000 User manual

First Printing — July 1997
Copyright 1997 Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division NEC Corporation
Packard Bell NEC, Inc. 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
1414 Massachusetts Avenue Tokyo 108-01, Japan
Boxborough, MA 01719
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 Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC (NECCSD,
PBNEC) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all pat-
ent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufactur-
ing, 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 written approval of NECCSD is prohibited.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation; Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.;
MiniDock 6000 is a U.S. trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.; all are used under license by NEC Computer Systems
Division (NECCSD) Packard Bell NEC, 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 v
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa®MiniDock™ 6000 User’s Guide gives you the information
you need to maximize the use of your MiniDock. Read this guide to become
familiar with the NEC MiniDock 6000 and its features. For specific infor-
mation, see the following chapters.

Chapter 1 introduces you to MiniDock 6000 capabilities and features.
This chapter also describes the correct operating and storage environment
for the MiniDock and how to care for the unit.

Chapter 2 provides instructions for docking and undocking an NEC
Versa on the MiniDock.

Chapter 3 explains setting up the software to use your MiniDock and
NEC Versa together.
 Chapter 4 details how to connect external devices and add options to the
MiniDock.
 Chapter 5 directs you through basic troubleshooting procedures to help
you solve problems that may arise.
 Appendix A provides MiniDock specifications.
 Appendix B provides connector pinouts.
This document, the quick setup sheet, your NEC Versa user’s guide, and
Windows documentation provide all the information you need to effectively
use the NEC MiniDock 6000.

vi Using this Guide
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up as follows.

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 damage 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 MiniDock
6000 and NEC Versa operation:
 The NEC MiniDock 6000 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 MiniDock.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide ....................................................................................................v
Text Setup..........................................................................................vi
Related Documents.............................................................................vi
1 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000
Carton Contents..................................................................................1-1
MiniDock Features .............................................................................1-2
Front and Top................................................................................1-2
Left Side........................................................................................1-4
Right Side......................................................................................1-6
Back..............................................................................................1-7
The Right Environment.......................................................................1-8
Operating Environment..................................................................1-9
Storage Environment......................................................................1-9
MiniDock 6000 Care ..........................................................................1-9
Precautions....................................................................................1-9
Routine Care .................................................................................1-10
Battery Charging ................................................................................1-10
2 Docking and Undocking
Connecting the Power Cable................................................................2-1
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking.................................................2-4
Docking the NEC Versa......................................................................2-6
Undocking the NEC Versa..................................................................2-11
3 Setting Up and Using the Software
Using the Setup Utility........................................................................3-1
4 Adding Options and Connecting Peripherals
Using the MiniDock VersaBay II ........................................................4-2
Installing a Device in the VersaBay II.............................................4-2
Removing a Device from the VersaBay II.......................................4-3
PC Card Slot......................................................................................4-4
Installing a PC Card ......................................................................4-5

iv Contents
Removing a PC Card.....................................................................4-6
Windows 95 Systems................................................................4-6
Windows for Workgroups Systems ...........................................4-6
Windows NT Systems...............................................................4-7
Connecting External Devices...............................................................4-7
External Monitor ...........................................................................4-7
External Monitor Stand.............................................................4-8
Parallel Devices.............................................................................4-9
External Keyboard and Mouse.......................................................4-10
USB Devices .................................................................................4-12
External Audio Options..................................................................4-13
External FDD Connector ...............................................................4-14
Serial Devices................................................................................4-15
MIDI/Game Devices......................................................................4-16
5 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist...............................................................................5-1
Troubleshooting..................................................................................5-1
Replacing the Battery.....................................................................5-2
Battery Precautions...................................................................5-5
Battery Disposal.......................................................................5-5
If You Need Help................................................................................5-6
A Specifications and Environment
B Pin Assignments
Keyboard and Mouse Ports .................................................................B-1
Serial Port ..........................................................................................B-2
Parallel Port........................................................................................B-3
Monitor Port.......................................................................................B-4
USB Port............................................................................................B-5
Docking Port ......................................................................................B-6

Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000 1-1
Introducing the
NEC MiniDock 6000
The NEC MiniDock™ 6000 docking solution lets you maximize your NEC
Versa®capabilities without minimizing its portability. Connect an external
monitor and keyboard to the ports on the back of the MiniDock, install your
CD-ROM reader in the MiniDock VersaBay II, attach your joystick to the
MIDI/Game port, and you're ready to work hard or play! Undock the NEC
Versa from the MiniDock and you're ready for the road.
This chapter introduces MiniDock features, guides you to setting up in the
correct environment, and describes how to take care of the unit.
CARTON CONTENTS
Carefully unpack and check the contents of the MiniDock 6000 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, con-
tact your dealer immediately.
Carton Contents
1

1-2 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000
Always use the power cable that ships with the MiniDock. If you need to
replace the cable, follow these standards:

In North America, the cable should be rated for 120 volts (V), 7amps(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.
MiniDock FEATURES
MiniDock features are found on every surface of the unit. To become famil-
iar 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
MiniDock. Descriptions of these features follow the figure.
Front and top features

Docking Guides — The docking guides on the glide panel ensure that
your NEC Versa is aligned properly for docking. These guides fit into
specially placed notches on the bottom of the notebook computer.

Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000 1-3

Eject Lever — The Eject lever disconnects the NEC Versa from the
MiniDock docking connector. Before pressing the Eject lever, you must
prepare your system for undocking by pressing the undocking button or
the power button on the side of the MiniDock. (See Chapter 2, “Docking
and Undocking,” for details about undocking procedures.)

Air Vents — These vents allow the MiniDock to cool properly. Keep the
vents free of paper and debris to allow for proper air circulation.

Docking Connector — This connector fits the expansion port on your
NEC Versa to allow for docking.
 AC Port Guard — The adjustable AC port guard keeps you from acci-
dentally docking the NEC Versa while it is still plugged into the AC
adapter. When the notebook is docked, the MiniDock supplies power to
run the system and charges the battery installed in the NEC Versa.

Notebook Glide — This panel allows your notebook computer to glide
easily towards the docking connector during docking and away from the
connector while undocking.

Docking Grips — The docking grips give you the leverage you need to
connect the expansion port on the notebook computer to the docking con-
nector on the MiniDock.
 Docking LEDs — These LEDs inform you of the current docking status,
IDE drive access, and diskette drive access. LEDs are shown in the fol-
lowing figure and LED states are described after the figure.
MiniDock LEDs

1-4 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000
 Docking Status – When power is on to the MiniDock, this LED
lights as follows:
– Steady green when the NEC Versa is properly docked, powered
up, and locked onto the MiniDock.
– Blinks green while processing an undocking request.
– Steady Amber when power to the MiniDock is on but no note-
book computer is docked; when the computer is docked but not
powered on; or an eject request was accepted and the computer is
ready for undocking.
 IDE Drive Access – lights green when a CD-ROM, hard disk, or
SuperDisk™ LS-120 drive installed in the MiniDock or NEC Versa
is accessed.
 Diskette Drive Access – lights green when a standard diskette drive
installed in the NEC Versa or MiniDock VersaBay II is accessed.
Also lights green when a diskette drive connected via an external
FDD connector cable is accessed.
Left Side Features found on the left-hand side of the MiniDock 6000 are shown in the
following figure. Features are described after the figure.

Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000 1-5
Left side features
 PC Card Slots — The PC card slots let you install two Type II PC cards,
one Type III PC card, or one Type III card in the top slot and one Type
II card in the bottom slot for use while docked.
 MIDI/Game Port — This port supports MIDI/game devices, such as a
joystick or MIDI keyboard.
 Serial Port — The serial port lets you connect serial devices to the
MiniDock.
 External FDD Connector — This port lets you connect an optional
External FDD cable directly to the MiniDock.

Audio Ports — These ports give you the option of connecting 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.

Volume Control — This knob gives you control over the volume of ex-
ternal speakers or headphones attached to the MiniDock.

1-6 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000

Undocking Button — This button releases the locking mechanism and
prepares the NEC Versa for undocking. For warm undocking, you must
press the Undocking button before pressing the Eject lever to success-
fully undock. (See Chapter 2, “Docking and Undocking,” for details
about undocking the system.)
If an eject request is rejected, the Docking LED returns to solid green.

Suspend/Resume Button — The Suspend/Resume button puts your NEC
Versa into Standby mode to conserve energy. To return to Operating
mode, press the button a second time.
Right Side Features on the right-hand side of the MiniDock are shown in the following
figure. Descriptions follow the figure.
Right side features
 Kensington Lock Port — This port lets you secure your MiniDock using
an optional Kensington Lock.

Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000 1-7

VersaBay II — The VersaBay II slot lets you install your diskette or
SuperDisk drive, CD-ROM reader, second hard disk drive, or other
VersaBay option into the MiniDock.
 VersaBay II Eject Button — This button ejects a device installed in the
VersaBay II.

Power Button — The Power button lets you power on and off the NEC
Versa notebook computer docked on the MiniDock. (The computer
power button does not work while the unit is docked.)
Back Features on the back of the MiniDock are shown in the following figure. De-
scriptions follow the figure.
Back features
 PS/2-style Keyboard Port — lets you connect an external keyboard to
your MiniDock.

PS/2-style Mouse Port — lets you connect an external mouse to your
MiniDock.

1-8 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000

USB Port — lets you connect a USB device or devices to the MiniDock.
If your NEC Versa supports USB device connection, this port on the
MiniDock works. If your NEC Versa does not support USB device con-
nection, this port does not work.

Power Port — allows you to connect the MiniDock to AC power.
!
CAUTION
Always use the power cable that ships with the MiniDock 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.
 Main Power Switch —turns power on to the MiniDock. Pressing this
button while the notebook is docked and powered on shuts down every-
thing and can cause a system crash.
 Parallel Port — lets you connect a parallel device to the MiniDock.

External Monitor Port — allows you to connect an external monitor.
(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.)
THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Before setting up the MiniDock 6000, find a good location for using it. Here
are some guidelines.
 Choose an area that is close to a wall outlet that is easily accessible.
 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 extremely warm or cold surroundings, direct
sunlight, excessive dust, vibration, shock or moisture.

Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000 1-9
Operating Environment
Use the docking station in a location that meets the following environmental
conditions:

Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
 Humidity: 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Storage Environment
Store the docking station in a location that meets the following conditions:

Temperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)

Humidity: 15% to 85% (noncondensing)
MiniDock 6000 CARE
With protective measures and proper care, you can keep your MiniDock in
top operating condition. Follow the measures given next to maintain your
MiniDock.
Precautions Follow these precautions when using and storing the NEC MiniDock 6000.
 Do not use or store the MiniDock 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.

Always use the power cable that came with the MiniDock 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 MiniDock in dusty environments.
 Do not use or store the MiniDock 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 MiniDock or knocking
it over can cause serious damage.

Keep the MiniDock away from machinery that generates strong electric
or magnetic fields.

1-10 Introducing the NEC MiniDock 6000

Do not place heavy objects on the MiniDock. Make sure the optional
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
100 pounds. Do not place other heavy objects on the CRT base.
Routine Care
Maintain the condition of your MiniDock by periodically following the gen-
eral procedures listed next.
!
WARNING
For safety, power off and unplug the MiniDock and NEC Versa be-
fore cleaning.
 Clean the outside of the MiniDock with a soft clean cloth.

Remove 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.
 Check the MiniDock 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 MiniDock and NEC Versa.
BATTERY CHARGING
The MiniDock charges the battery installed in your NEC Versa notebook
computer or in the NEC Versa VersaBay II as long as the computer is
docked, the MiniDock is plugged into AC power, and the main MiniDock
power switch is on.
Battery charging occurs whether or not you are using your system.
NOTE
The MiniDock VersaBay II does not support the installation of
an NEC Versa battery.

Docking and Undocking 2-1
Docking and Undocking
Getting your NEC MiniDock 6000 up and running is easy. This chapter
provides the procedures you need to get started. They include:

Connecting the power cable to AC power and the MiniDock 6000 and
powering on.

Preparing the NEC Versa for docking and docking it on the MiniDock.

Powering on the NEC Versa.
This chapter also describes how to undock the NEC Versa from the Mini-
Dock when you want to use the notebook by itself.
NOTE
For Windows NT and Windows for Workgroups systems, you
MUST install the PC card drivers before docking for the first time.
Failure to do so can result in a system malfunction. These
procedures are described in Chapter 3, “Setting Up and Using the
Software.”
CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE
Follow the instructions given next in the order presented to get your NEC
Versa and MiniDock up and running.
NOTE
Connect the AC power cable to the MiniDock and AC power
before docking the computer.
The power cable that came with the MiniDock provides power to both the
MiniDock and the NEC Versa.
2

2-2 Docking and Undocking
NOTE
If you need to replace the MiniDock power cable, make sure it
meets the following specifications.
 In North America, the cable should be rated for 120 V, 7 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), 10 A.
The plug is country-specific. Use an H05VV-F or H05VVH2-F
cable that is less than 15 feet (4.5 m) long. The connector type is
EN60320.
Connect the power cable as follows.
1. Position the MiniDock on a flat surface close to an AC outlet.
2. Attach one end of the cable to the AC power port on the MiniDock.
3. Attach the other end to a properly grounded wall outlet.
Connecting the power cable

Docking and Undocking 2-3
4. Locate the main power switch on the back of the MiniDock. Press the
white dot on the switch to turn on MiniDock power. A vertical line icon
above the power switch indicates power on.
!
CAUTION
Make sure the Main Power switch on the back of the MiniDock is
powered on before docking the NEC Versa. Docking the NEC Versa
while the MiniDock is powered off can result in a system crash.
Powering on the MiniDock
!
CAUTION
Disconnecting the power cable, turning off power by pressing the
Main Power switch, or experiencing a power outage while running
the MiniDock and NEC Versa can result in a system crash.

2-4 Docking and Undocking
PREPARING THE NEC VERSA FOR DOCKING
Follow the procedure given next to prepare the NEC Versa for docking.
1. Set NEC Versa power for your system as follows.

If you have a Plug and Play NEC Versa, you can either put your sys-
tem into Suspend mode or leave it in full Operation mode for docking.
For example, an NEC Versa with Windows 95 running is a Plug and
Play system.

If you have a non-Plug and Play system, turn off system power before
docking. Systems running Windows for Workgroups or Windows NT
do not support plug and play.
NOTE
Make sure your system is in the appropriate mode for
docking.
2. If you are running the NEC Versa on AC power, disconnect the AC
adapter cable from the NEC Versa.
NOTE
Before disconnecting power, save any open files or close
open applications to avoid data loss.
3. On the back of the NEC Versa, open the expansion port cover and slide it
underneath the expansion port.
Check that all other NEC Versa port covers are closed.

Docking and Undocking 2-5
Opening the NEC Versa expansion port cover
Stowing the expansion port cover
4. Verify that the power cord is plugged into the MiniDock and that
MiniDock power is turned on. (See “Connecting the Power Cable” for
details.)
When the Docking Status LED lights steady amber, power to the Mini-
Dock is turned on and it is ready for docking.