NEC VERSA 4000 BATTERY CHARGER WITH AC ADAPTER User manual

First Printing — August 1995
Copyright 1995 Copyright 1995
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 4000 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™ 4000 User’s
Guide gives you the information you need to maximize the
use of your docking station. Read this guide to become fa-
miliar with the Docking Station 4000 and its features. For
specific information, see the following chapters.
nChapter 1 introduces you to Docking Station 4000
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 un-
docking 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 prob-
lems 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 4000.

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 per-
sonal injury or harm.
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can damage sys-
tem hardware or software.
Notes give particularly important information
about the topic being discussed.
nNames of keys are printed as they appear on the key-
board, 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.

Using this Guide ix
RELATED DOCUMENTS
See the following documents for information related to the
NEC Versa Series Docking Station 4000 and NEC Versa
operation:
nYour NEC Versa user’s guide.
nThe Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS Operating Sys-
tem 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................................................... ix
1Introducing the Docking Station 4000
What’s in the Box..................................................... 1-1
NEC Docking Station 4000 Features......................... 1-2
Front and Left Side Features................................ 1-4
LEDs ............................................................. 1-6
Back Features...................................................... 1-8
Internal Features.................................................. 1-11
The Right Environment............................................. 1-12
Operating Environment........................................ 1-12
Storage Environment ........................................... 1-12
Docking Station 4000 Care....................................... 1-13
Precautions.......................................................... 1-13
Routine Care....................................................... 1-14
Battery Charging...................................................... 1-14
2Docking/Undocking the NEC Versa
Hardware Setup........................................................ 2-1
Connecting the Power Cable ................................ 2-2
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking ................. 2-4
Docking the NEC Versa............................................ 2-6
Undocking the NEC Versa........................................ 2-11
Normal Undocking .............................................. 2-11
Emergency Undocking......................................... 2-13
3Setting Up and Using the Software
Plug and Play System Setup...................................... 3-1
Non-Plug and Play System Setup.............................. 3-2
Setting Up Docking Station 4000 Software .......... 3-2
MS-DOS Version................................................ 3-3

iv Contents
Running the Setup Utility..................................... 3-4
Docking Station 4000 Setup Software.................. 3-7
Choosing a Configuration............................... 3-7
Using the Audio Switcher Utility..................... 3-8
Using DOS-Based Programs........................... 3-11
Changing the Volume.................................. 3-11
Changing IRQ and DMA Settings............... 3-12
Option Configuration........................................... 3-14
Drivers................................................................ 3-14
Multiple Configuration Systems...................... 3-15
Single Configuration Systems ......................... 3-15
Creating a Start-Up Diskette....................... 3-16
Creating a Second Configuration File.......... 3-16
Switching between Configurations............... 3-17
The SCSI Configuration Driver ...................... 3-18
Using the Driver ......................................... 3-18
Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File............... 3-19
Quick Start............................................................... 3-22
4Adding Options
Cover Removal......................................................... 4-2
Cover Replacement................................................... 4-4
Expansion Boards..................................................... 4-6
Precautions.......................................................... 4-7
Slot Locations ..................................................... 4-7
Installation .......................................................... 4-7
Removal.............................................................. 4-12
Data Storage Devices ............................................... 4-14
Preparing the Drive.............................................. 4-14
Installing Drives in the Front Bay......................... 4-15
Removing the Drive Cage............................... 4-15
Attaching the Drive to the Drive Cage............. 4-17
Attaching the Cables....................................... 4-19
Finishing Up................................................... 4-32
Hard Disk Drives................................................. 4-34
Preparing the Hard Disk Drive........................ 4-35
Specifying Master and Slave Drives................ 4-36

Contents v
Installing the Drive......................................... 4-36
Attaching IDE Drive Cables ........................... 4-40
Attaching SCSI Drive Cables.......................... 4-44
5Connecting Peripheral Devices
External Monitor...................................................... 5-2
External Keyboard.................................................... 5-5
External Mouse........................................................ 5-5
External Audio Options ............................................ 5-6
Microphone......................................................... 5-7
Headphones or Speakers...................................... 5-8
Headphones.................................................... 5-8
Speakers......................................................... 5-8
Line In/Line Out.................................................. 5-9
Line In ........................................................... 5-9
Line Out......................................................... 5-9
Parallel Devices................................................... 5-9
Serial Devices...................................................... 5-11
External SCSI Devices ........................................ 5-12
A Specifications
BPin 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-9
CSolving Problems
Problem Checklist..................................................... C-1
Troubleshooting........................................................ C-2
If You Need Help ..................................................... C-3
Index

vi Contents
Error! No table of contents entries found.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-1
Introducing the NEC
Docking Station 4000
The NEC Versa® Series Docking Station™ 4000 lets you
transform your NEC Versa notebook into a multimedia
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
4000 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 pleas-
ant 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 ship-
ping 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 4000
*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 4000 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 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 4000 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 56.2 lb (25.5 kg)
equivalent to an NEC MultiSync 5FG 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 without authorization.
nStereo speakers for outstanding quality sound.
nFull SoundBlaster compatibility.
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 dock-
ing station and NEC Versa status.
nThree drive bays and three full-size expansion board
slots for expanding docking station capabilities.

1-4 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000
Front and Left Side Features
The following features are found on the front and left side
of the Docking Station 4000. Features are described after
the figure.
Front and side features
nElectronic Docking Mechanism – This innovative dock-
ing 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 gentle
push towards the connector. The mechanism reaches
out, grasps the NEC Versa, and completes the docking
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.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-5
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.”)
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.
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 to control
the volume and balance.
nExternal Bay Access – These front panels are removable
to allow access to drives installed in the bays.
nManual Undocking Lever – This lever lets you manually
undock the NEC Versa in case of unforeseen circum-
stances like a power outage. The docking lock must be
Unlocked for manual undocking to work.
CAUTION
NEC Versa power must be off before manual un-
docking to avoid system damage.

1-6 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000
nThe Docking Lock provides three lock settings that let
you control NEC Versa removal.
Unlocked – lets you remove the NEC Versa manu-
ally, through software, or with the Eject button. Use the
unlocked position for emergency undocking. Otherwise,
use the Normal lock setting for normal use and the
Locked setting to secure your system to the docking sta-
tion.
Normal – 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 po-
sition for normal use. This setting secures the docking
lever and prevents accidental damage to the locking
mechanism. It also minimizes any chance of data loss.
Locked – secures your NEC Versa to the docking
station. This setting 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 dock their computer on the
docking station.
LEDs NEC Docking Station 4000 LEDs are located on the
front of the docking station. LED functions and lighting
sequences are described after the figure.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-7
Status LEDs
nDocking Status – lights green and red
Steady Green – When the Main Power Switch is
turned on, no NEC Versa is docked, and the lock is
unlocked, this LED lights steady green indicating
that it is ready for docking.
Blinking Green – If docking or undocking is unsuc-
cessful due to an error or jam, the LED blinks.
Steady Red – Once the NEC Versa docking process
completes successfully, the LED lights a steady red.
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.

1-8 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000
Blinks green – if an abnormal charge condition
occurs.
Off – indicates that the battery is fully charged.
nKeylock Status
Lights Green — indicates that the lock is locked.
Blinks Green – if the keylock is in the locked posi-
tion and you issue a software eject command or
press the Eject button.
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

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-9
nCover Latch – when latched, secures the cover on the
docking station. When unlatched, allows cover removal.
nKeyboard Connector – allows the connection of an
external PS/2-style keyboard.
nMouse Connector – allows the connection of an external
PS/2-style mouse.
nVideo Port – lets you attach an external monitor to the
docking station.
nSerial Port (COM port) – lets you connect a serial de-
vice, 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 regulates power in the docking station.

1-10 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000
Audio ports
nAudio Ports:
Microphone (MIC) – lets you plug in an external
microphone.
Headphones – lets you plug in headphones or exter-
nal speakers.
Line In – lets you use another audio system, like a
CD player, as an input source. Use a cable to con-
nect to the Line Out port on the other audio system
to record or play.
Line Out – lets the docking station act as an input
source for another audio system. Connect this port
to a Line In port on another audio system to play or
record.

Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-11
nSCSI Port – lets you connect an external SCSI-2 device,
like an external 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.
Internal Features
Internal NEC Docking Station 4000 features are shown
next. The following figure shows the docking station with
its cover removed. Descriptions of internal features follow
the figure.
Internal features
nBoard Expansion Slots – three full-size ISA expansion
slots.
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.

1-12 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000
nI/O Connectors – One each of the following:
Diskette Drive Connector
IDE Disk Connector
SCSI Disk Connector.
nLED Bracket – supports docking station status LEDs.
nSpeakers – provide exceptional sound for the integrated
docking station sound system.
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 sur-
roundings, direct sunlight, excessive dust, vibration,
shock or moisture.
Operating Environment
Use the docking station in a location that meets the follow-
ing 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 fol-
lowing conditions:
nTemperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)
nHumidity: 15% to 85% (noncondensing)