Tadpole COMET12 User manual

COMET12
User’s Guide

Contact Information
Please contact Tadpole at:
North America Corporate Office
20450 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
North American Customer Service
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Government Support
Tadpole Computer, Inc.
21355 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 150
Dulles, VA 20166
Phone: [phone] Ext. 8
Fax: [phone]
Europe
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Online
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.tadpolecomputer.com
ii COMET User’s Guide

Copyright and Trademark Information
COMET User Guide
Copyright 2005 Tadpole Computer, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Part Number: 431111401 Rev. B
Printed in the United States of America
COMET is a trademark of Tadpole Computer, Inc.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-
copying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Tadpole. No patent liability is assumed with
respect to the use of the information contained herein.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of
this publication, Tadpole assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for dam-
ages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein. Further, this publication and features described here-
in are subject to change without notice.
COMET User’s Guide iii

Disclaimer of Warranty Notice
Tadpole makes no representations or warranties with
respect to this manual, and shall not be liable for techni-
cal or editorial omissions made herein; nor incidental or
consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual. Further, Tadpole
reserves the right to make changes in the specifications
of the product described within this manual at any time
without notice and without obligation of Tadpole to noti-
fy any person of such revision or changes.
Environmental Statement
Tadpole Computer Inc. supports the concept of an envi-
ronmentally responsible corporation. To this end we
attempt to produce environmentally friendly products,
minimize waste, and make use of recycled or used parts
in our products to make most use of used materials and
components that pass our rigorous test and qualification
procedures. All products containing such parts and com-
ponents are supported fully by our manufacturers new
product warranty.
iv COMET User’s Guide

Declaration of FCC, UL and CE Conformity
We, Tadpole,
20450 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Third Floor
Cupertino, CA 95014
[phone]
Declare under our sole responsibility that the product
COMET
comply with applicable FCC, UL, and CE Directives as
listed in the section on COMET Specifications beginning
on page 83.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer-
ence when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio and television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio and
television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the sep-
aration between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
COMET User’s Guide v

DOC Class B Notice
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for
radio noise emission for a digital apparatus as set out in
the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Shielded Cables
Connections between the COMET notebook and periph-
erals must be made using shielded cables in order to
maintain compliance with FCC radio frequency emission
limits.
The connection of unshielded equipment interface cable
to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of
this device and may cause interference levels that exceed
the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is
the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded
equipment interface cable with this device. If this equip-
ment has more than one interface connector, do not leave
cables connected to unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
vi COMET User’s Guide

Modifications
Modifications to this device not approved by Tadpole
may void the authority granted to the user by the FCC to
operate this equipment.
Avis
Le present appareil numerique ne met pas de bruits
radio-electriques depassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numeriques de la classe B prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radio-electrique edicte' par le
ministere des Communications du Canada.
COMET User’s Guide vii

Safety Precautions
WARNING: Do not attempt to recharge alkaline or other
non-rechargeable batteries with the COMET’s AC
adapter/charger. Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged.
Attempting to recharge alkaline batteries may cause personal
injury and/or damage to the COMET notebook.
WARNING: To prevent fire, shock hazard, or damage to
the equipment, do not expose the COMET notebook to rain
or moisture. Do not immerse the COMET notebook in
water. If water has entered the COMET notebook cabinet, do
not use the notebook until it has been inspected by Tadpole.
WARNING: Do not dispose of the COMET batteries in
fire. Disposal of the COMET batteries in fire may cause per-
sonal injury.
WARNING: All service and upgrades to the COMET note-
book must be performed by a trained technician only.
Otherwise, you may encounter personal injury and/or dam-
age your notebook.
viii COMET User’s Guide

Sicherheitshinweise
WARNUNG: Beim Betrieb der COMET Notebook treten
hohe Spannungen innerhalb des Gehauses auf. Bitte befol-
gen Sie auf jeden Fall die Bedienungs- und
Installationsanweisungen um jegliches Risiko einer
Verletzung oder eines Personenschadens zu vermeiden.
WARNUNG: Versuchen Sie auf keinen Fall, Ihre
COMET Notebook mit Trockenbatterien (Primarzellen) zu
betreiben oder solche mit dem Netz/Ladegerat zu laden.
Versuche dieser Art konnen Personen-oder Sachschaden zur
Folge haben.
WARNUNG: Betreiben Sie Ihre COMET Notebook nicht
bei feuchten oder nassen Umgebungsbedingungen. Falls
Wasser oder Feuchtigkeit in das Gehause eingedrungen ist,
sollten Sie Ihr Gerat vor Wiederinbetriebnahme von einem
qualifizierten Servicetechniker uberprufen lassen.
COMET User’s Guide ix

Important Safety Instructions
The following instructions pertain to the risk of fire,
electric shock or bodily injury. Please read all of these
instructions carefully.
1. Follow all of the instructions and warnings marked on this
notebook or included in this manual.
2. Do not use this notebook in unstable or unsupported condi-
tions.
3. The notebook may fall, causing serious damage to the note-
book and others around.
4. Slots and openings in the cabinet are for ventilation. To
ensure reliable operation of the notebook, and to protect it
from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or
covered. Do not use this notebook on a bed, sofa, rug or
other similar surface. This notebook should never be placed
near an oven, a radiator, or heat register. This notebook
should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper
ventilation is provided.
5. Never push objects of any kind into the notebook cabinet
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts that could result in a fire or electrical shock.
Keep liquids of any kind away from the notebook.
6. This notebook should only be connected to the AC power
source indicated on your notebook system's information
label. If you are not sure of the type of AC power available,
consult your dealer or local power company. Only connect
this notebook to a power outlet matching the power require-
ments of this notebook.
7. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not
locate this notebook where people will walk on the cord.
8. If you have to use an extension cord with this notebook,
make sure that the total amperage rating of all equipment
plugged into it does not exceed the amperage rating of the
extension cord. Also, make sure that the total of all note-
books plugged into the main AC power outlet does not
exceed 15 amps.
9. Unplug your notebook from the main electrical power out-
let before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
10. Do not use this notebook near water.
11. This product is equipped with a 2-wire non-grounded type
plug.
xCOMET User’s Guide

Battery Warning Instruction
WARNING: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equipment type rec-
ommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
ATTENTION: Il y a danger d'explosion s'il y a remplace-
ment incorrect de la batterie. Remplacer uniquement avec
une batterie de meme type ou d'un type recommande par le
constructeur. Mettre au rebutles batteries usagees conforme-
ment aux instructions du fablicant.
VORSICHT: Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemassem
Austausch der Batterie. Ersatz nur durch denselben oder
einen vom Hersteller empfohlenen ahnlichen Typ.
Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des
Herstellers.
COMET User’s Guide xi

Wichtige Sicherheitsvorschriften
Unbedingt beachten
Die nachfolgenden Anweisungen betreffen die Gefahr
von Verletzungen durch elektrische Spannung, Feuer und
mechanische Einwirkung. Bitte lesen sie diese
Anweisungen sorgfaltig.
1. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise, die am Gerat selbst angebracht
oder in den zugehorigen Handbuchern vermerkt sind.
2. Stellen Sie das Gerat an einem sicheren, stabilen
Arbeitsplatz auf.
3. Am Gerat angebrachte Offnungen (Schlitze und sonstige
Offnungen) dienen der Beluftung des Gerates. Um ein
zuverlassiges Arbeiten des Gerates zu gewahrleisten und
um Uberhitzung zu vermeiden, mussen diese Offnungen
unbedingt freigehalten werden. Betreiben Sie das Gerat nie
auf Betten, Sofas oder anderen, weichen Unterlagen.
4. Stecken Sie keine Gegegenstande (Schraubenzieher,
Buroklammern, etc.) in die Offnungen. Sie wurden damit
Kurzschlusse herbeifuhren, die zur Zerstorung des Gerates
fuhren, sich der Gefahr eines Stromschlages aussetzen oder
das Gerat in Brand setzen.
5. Das Gerat darf nur an vorschriftsmassige Steckdosen mit
der auf dem Gerat angegebenen Netzspannung
angeschlossen werden. Wenn Sie nicht sicher sind, welche
Netzspannung richtig ist, wenden Sie sich an den
Lieferanten des Gerates oder an das zustandige
Elektrizitatswerk.. Bitte nur an genugend stark abgesicherte
Steckdosen anschliessen, die der Leistungsaufnahme des
Gerates entsprechen.
6. Auf das Netzanschlusskabel durfen keine Gegenstande
gestellt werden.
7. Legen Sie das Netzkabel so, dass niemand darauftreten
oder daruber stolpern kann.
8. Wenn Sie Verlangerungskabel benutzen, mussen Sie sicher
sein, dass die gesamte Leistungsaufnahme nicht grosser ist,
als das Verlangerungskabel zulasst. Der gesamte
Stromverbrauch aller angeschlossenen Gerate darf nicht
mehr als 15A betragen.
9. Wenn Sie das Gerat reinigen, muss das Netzkabel aus der
Steckdose gezogen werden.
10. Das Gerat durfen Sie nicht in der Nahe von Wasserleitungen benutzen.
xii COMET User’s Guide

Wartung der Notebook
Wenn Ihre Notebook nicht ordnungsgemass arbeitet, dur-
fen Sie nur die Einstellungen vornehmen, die im
Handbuch genannt werden. Andere Einstellungen oder
Veranderungen konnen den Rechner beschadigen oder
zerstoren. Umfangreiche und kostspielige Reparaturen
wurden notwendig werden, um das Gerat wieder betrieb-
sfahig zu machen.
Ziehen Sie den Netzstecker aus der Steckdose und ver-
standigen Sie den zustandigen Kundendienst bei folgen-
den Storungen:
1. Netzkabel ist defekt oder stark abgenutzt.
2. Flussigkeit ist in das Gerat gelangt.
3. Das Gerat war Regen oder Leitungswasser ausgesetzt.
4. Das Gerat ist heruntergefallen oder das Gerhause ist
beschadigt.
5. Das Gerat arbeitet nicht mehr richtig.
Achtung!
Wenn Sie das Gerat offnen mussen (Abnahme der ver-
schraubten Haube), ist unbedingt folgendes zu beachten:
1. Das Netzkabel muss aus der Steckdose gezogen werden
und zwar bevor Sie das Gerat offnen.
2. Die Haube muss wieder montiert und verschraubt werden.
Erst dann darf das Netzkabel wieder eingesteckt werden.
COMET User’s Guide xiii

Preface .........................................................................xvii
Conventions in this user guide.......................................................xviii
Symbols .....................................................................................xviii
Notes..........................................................................................xviii
Warnings and cautions...............................................................xviii
Procedures....................................................................................xix
Keyboard conventions..................................................................xix
Screen messages...........................................................................xix
Variables.............................................................................xix
Table of figures..................................................................................xx
Supplemental documentation..........................................................xxii
Chapter 1 - Overview .....................................................1
COMET ...............................................................................................2
COMET components...........................................................................3
COMET features .................................................................................4
Customer service and support .............................................................5
Chapter 2 - Getting Started...........................................7
Overview .............................................................................................8
First Steps............................................................................................9
Identifying components and features ................................................11
System with the display open ........................................................11
Front panel .....................................................................................12
Right side .......................................................................................12
Back panel......................................................................................13
Left side .........................................................................................14
Bottom of the COMET..................................................................15
Powering up.......................................................................................16
xiv COMET User’s Guide
Table of Contents

Chapter 3 - Using COMET..........................................17
Overview ...........................................................................................18
Setting up...........................................................................................19
Opening the display cover .............................................................20
Closing the display cover ..............................................................21
Providing power.............................................................................22
Using batteries ...............................................................................24
Operating COMET............................................................................30
Starting COMET............................................................................31
Shutting COMET down.................................................................32
Moving COMET............................................................................33
Using COMET Features....................................................................34
Using Smart Cards.........................................................................35
Using the USB ports......................................................................38
Using the Ethernet port..................................................................40
Using the Wireless LAN................................................................41
Integrated keyboard...........................................................................42
Special keys ...................................................................................44
Modifier keys.................................................................................46
Cursor control and editing keys.....................................................47
Function keys.................................................................................49
Common keyboard combinations..................................................50
Sun Ray server-specific hot keys...................................................51
The Touch Pad...................................................................................52
Using the Touch Pad......................................................................53
Using an external display..................................................................55
Using an external keyboard or pointing device ................................56
Status indicator LEDs........................................................................57
Status indicator LEDs on the display/cover ..................................58
Status indicator LEDs above the keyboard ...................................59
COMET User’s Guide xv
Table of Contents

Chapter 4 - Configuring COMET...............................61
Overview ...........................................................................................62
Accessing the Main Menu.................................................................63
Servers ...............................................................................................64
Connecting to a remote server.......................................................64
Connecting to a firmware server ...................................................65
TCP/IP ...............................................................................................66
DHCP.............................................................................................67
Static ..............................................................................................68
Wireless .............................................................................................69
Security..............................................................................................73
Status .................................................................................................75
Version ...........................................................................................76
Power .............................................................................................77
Radio..............................................................................................78
Advanced...........................................................................................79
Video..............................................................................................79
Wireless Tunables ..........................................................................80
Factory Reset.....................................................................................81
Exit ....................................................................................................82
Chapter 5 - Maintaining COMET ..............................83
Overview ...........................................................................................84
Cautions.............................................................................................85
Cleaning COMET..............................................................................86
Packing and shipping ........................................................................87
Storage...............................................................................................88
Unpacking from storage....................................................................89
Battery use and maintenance.............................................................90
Chapter 6 - COMET Specifications ............................93
Index...............................................................................97
xvi COMET User’s Guide
Table of Contents

Preface

Conventions in this user guide
The following conventions are used in this Guide:
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this book:
NOTE: Special note for clarification.
CAUTION: Risk of personal injury and equipment damage.
WARNING: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced.
Notes
Notes precede information that requires special attention.
Example:
NOTE: For your convenience, you can attach an external
keyboard and mouse.
Warnings and cautions
Warnings highlight conditions of potential personal
injury. Cautions point out possible equipment damage.
Examples:
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the product, do not subject
it to excessive shock.
WARNING: To reduce risk of electric shock, do not open
unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to
qualified personnel only.
xviii COMET User’s Guide
Preface
Conventions

Procedures
Procedures are numbered. Example:
1. Turn on your notebook
Keyboard conventions
Keyboard keys are shown in initial upper-case type.
Example:
1. Type ls and press the Enter key to list the contents of a
directory
Screen messages
Screen messages appear in Helvetica type bounded by rules.
Example:
COMET
Keyboard Present
Ethernet address x:x:xx:x:x:xx, Host ID: xxxxxxxx
Variables
Variables appear as a lower-case x. For example, the x's
in the previous example are variables because the values
shown for ROM Rev., serial number, Ethernet address,
and host ID will vary from system to system.
Preface
COMET User’s Guide xix
Preface
Conventions

Table of figures
Figure 1-1: COMET components ...........................................................3
Figure 2-1: Installing the battery ............................................................9
Figure 2-2: Opening the COMET display ............................................10
Figure 2-3: COMET components .........................................................11
Figure 2-4: COMET front panel...........................................................12
Figure 2-5: COMET right side .............................................................12
Figure 2-6: COMET back panel ...........................................................13
Figure 2-7: COMET left side................................................................14
Figure 2-8: Bottom of COMET ............................................................15
Figure 2-9: COMET power switch.......................................................16
Figure 3-1: Opening the display cover .................................................20
Figure 3-2: AC adapter connector.........................................................22
Figure 3-3: Installing the battery ..........................................................24
Figure 3-4: Removing the battery.........................................................25
Figure 3-5: Cover for the expansion battery connector bay.................26
Figure 3-6: Expansion battery connector exposed ...............................26
Figure 3-7: Expansion battery lock in the open position .....................27
Figure 3-8: Expansion battery aligned in place....................................28
Figure 3-9: Expansion battery locked in place.....................................29
Figure 3-10: Smart Card slot ................................................................35
Figure 3-11: Inserting a Smart Card .....................................................36
Figure 3-12: Removing a Smart Card...................................................37
Figure 3-13: Right side USB ports .......................................................39
Figure 3-14: Back panel USB port .......................................................39
Figure 3-15: RJ-45 Ethernet port..........................................................40
Figure 3-16: Integrated keyboard layout ..............................................42
Figure 3-17: The Touch Pad .................................................................52
Figure 3-18: External monitor port.......................................................55
Figure 3-19: USB ports.........................................................................55
Figure 3-20: LEDs on lower portion of the display .............................58
Figure 3-21: LEDs on the top of the keyboard.....................................59
xx COMET User’s Guide
Preface
Table of figures