Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Manual

Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™
Docking Stations
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 4.2. To obtain the latest version
of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

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Contents
Important Information 2
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 5
Using TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 5
Software and System Requirements 6
Preparing TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations for Use 8
Docking Station Features 8
Configuring the Docking Stations 10
Inserting Handhelds into Docking Stations 12
Charging TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries 13
Transferring Files and Folders 14
Locating Handhelds in the Docking Station 17
Storing Docking Stations 17
General Information 19
Texas Instruments Support and Service 19
Service and Warranty Information 19
Index 21
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TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations
The TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations provide solutions for recharging batteries and
transferring files to multiple handhelds at the same time.
TI-Nspire™ Docking Station TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station
The TI-Nspire™ Docking Station was designed to accommodate ten TI-Nspire™ CAS
with Touchpad and TI-Nspire™ with Touchpad handhelds with or without slide cases.
The TI-Nspire™ Docking Station can also accommodate the TI-Nspire™ CX and
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS handhelds.
The TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station was designed specifically for use with the
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS and TI-Nspire CX handhelds. Each CX docking station can hold up to
ten CX handhelds; however, you cannot seat TI-Nspire™ handhelds in a CX docking
station.
Using TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations
In the classroom, you can use docking stations to:
• Charge the lithium-ion TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries in rechargeable-ready
TI-Nspire™ and TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds.
• Transfer files to multiple handhelds at the same time using the Transfer Tool
option in TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software, TI-Nspire™ CAS Teacher Software or
TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software.
• Upgrade the operating system (OS) on multiple TI-Nspire™ or TI-Nspire™ CX
handhelds at the same time.
Note: You cannot use docking stations to charge batteries or transfer files to a
handheld without a current OS or to load an OS to handhelds that do not have an
operating system.
What You Need to Know about Using Docking Stations
When using TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations, keep the following points in mind:
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 5

6 TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations
• When transferring files, docking stations can be used individually or linked together
(daisy-chained).
- Linking TI-Nspire™ docking stations together with standard USB cables enables
you to transfer files to up to 40 handhelds at the same time.
- If configured using five CX docking stations, the CX docking stations can support
up to 50 handhelds when using two computer USB ports.
- At least one of the docking stations in the chain must be connected to the
teacher computer and all of the docking stations must be connected to a power
outlet or power strip.
• When using multiple docking stations to charge TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries
or transfer files, you must connect each docking station to a power outlet or to a
power strip with multiple outlets.
• It is not necessary to fill all the slots in the docking station to charge batteries or
transfer files to handhelds.
• You can charge batteries and transfer files at the same time.
• When the docking stations are connected to a teacher computer, TI-Nspire™
teacher software enables you to view:
- The status of the batteries in connected handhelds (both TI-Nspire™
Rechargeable Batteries and AAA batteries if applicable).
- The status of files and folders being transferred to connected handhelds.
• Teachers using TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software can disable Press-to-Test
from multiple handhelds using the TI-Nspire™ docking stations. For more
information, see the Press-to-Test Guidebook for more information.
What You Need to Know about CX Handhelds
When using a docking station to charge or transfer files to the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld,
keep the following points in mind:
• A full set of CX handhelds with lithium-ion batteries can be completely charged in
six hours or less from a power outlet.
• Communication with CX handhelds in a docking station is through USB cables if no
wireless adapter is attached or if a wireless adapter is attached but not associated
with an access point.
• If the CX handhelds have wireless adapters with an access point connection, the
battery will charge but communication will continue through the wireless adapter.
Software and System Requirements
To transfer files to handhelds in the TI-Nspire™ Docking Station and TI-Nspire™ CX
Docking Station, teachers must have one of the following:
• TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software (Version 2.1 or higher)
• TI-Nspire™ CAS Teacher Software (Version 2.1 or higher)
• TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software (Version 3.0 or higher)

Note: When using the docking stations to transfer files to or charge batteries in the
TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds, all software must be Version 3.0 or higher.
Requirements
To use the transfer function or view status of the handhelds, the teacher computer
must meet the minimum requirements for installing and running the software. For
more information about system requirements, go to education.ti.com/guides, where
you can download the relevant guidebook.
Supported Handhelds
TI-Nspire™ handhelds that can be used with the docking stations are listed in the
following table. The check mark indicates whether the handheld is rechargeable-ready,
can accept transferred files, or both.
To use a docking station to charge batteries in a handheld or transfer files to a
TI-Nspire™ handheld, the operating system must be Handheld Operating System 2.1 or
higher. For TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds, the Handheld Operating System must be 3.0 or
higher.
Supported Handheld Charge Transfer
TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Handheld Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ Docking Station
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Handheld Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld with Touchpad
(rechargeable-ready) Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ handheld with Touchpad
(rechargeable-ready) Ÿ Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ handheld with TI-84 Plus keypad
(rechargeable-ready) Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ handheld with Clickpad Ÿ
TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld with Clickpad Ÿ
Batteries
• TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery
• Four alkaline AAA batteries (TI-Nspire™ handhelds only)
- Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged.
- Do not under any circumstances use rechargeable AAA batteries in your
handheld.
Note: Although AAA batteries cannot be recharged, it is not necessary to remove them
from the handheld when using the TI-Nspire™ Docking Station to transfer files or
charge the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery.
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 7

8 TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations
Preparing TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations for Use
The TI-Nspire™ Docking Station and the TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station are shipped with
the following components in each package:
• A TI-Nspire™ Docking Station or TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station
• An AC adapter
• A regional power cord adapter
Note: USB cables are provided with the TI-Nspire™ handhelds.
AC adapter
If you plan to link multiple docking stations together to transfer files, you will also need
USB cables (standard A to mini-B USB cables). For example, if you need to transfer
data to handhelds in four docking stations linked to the teacher computer, you will
need four USB cables.
standard A to mini-B USB cable
Docking Station Features
Both the TI-Nspire™ Docking Station and the TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station are
designed to be easy to use and easy to move when needed in a different classroom.
Once all components are unpacked, the docking station can be set up for use in
minutes.

The TI-Nspire™ Docking Station has 10 slots and each slot can accommodate either a
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld or a TI-Nspire™ handheld. You can also seat a TI-Nspire™
handheld with a slide case on the front of the handheld in the TI-Nspire™ Docking
Station.
The TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station also has 10 slots; however, this docking station was
designed specifically for the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld. You cannot seat TI-Nspire™
handhelds in the CX docking station.
The LED indicators on the front of the docking stations provide information about the
battery status, transfer status and indicate whether the handheld is properly seated.
(Ÿ) Transfer Status LED Indicator
Battery Status LED Indicator
Indentations on each side of the docking stations enable you to lift a docking station
using both hands.
Turn the docking stations over and you will notice an indentation or “channel” across
the bottom. To ensure the docking stations sit flat on a surface, thread the cable
through this space when you are configuring multiple docking stations end-to-end. You
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 9

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manage excess USB cable when you don’t need to use the entire length.
Use channel to thread cable
Use cable wrapper to manage excess cable
Configuring the Docking Stations
When setting up multiple TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations, you must use a flat, stable
surface such as a table. You can also use a standard school cart if you need to move
the docking stations from classroom to classroom. When deciding on a location, it is
important to consider proximity to both the teacher computer and access to a power
source such as a power strip or wall outlet.
You can choose how you want to configure multiple docking stations depending on how
much space you have on the table or cart. If your surface is long and narrow, you can
configure docking stations end-to-end. If using a surface that is square or smaller in
area, you can configure docking stations side-by-side.

Note: Your configuration will depend on the number of handhelds you normally have in
your classroom. It is not necessary to set up three or four docking stations if you only
need one or two.
Setting up Multiple Docking Stations
The CX docking station can support up to 50 handhelds in five docking stations. When
connecting five CX docking stations together, TI recommends using two USB ports with
two docking stations on one port and three stations on the other port. All CX docking
stations must be connected to a power outlet.
Complete the following steps to configure multiple docking stations.
1. Place the docking stations on the surface.
2. Insert the AC adapters into each docking station, and then connect adapters to a
power strip or wall outlet.
Insert the AC adapter
Standard-A port (out)
Mini-B port (in)
When using multiple docking stations to charge batteries or transfer files, you
must connect each docking station to a power outlet or power strip.
3. Link the docking stations together with USB cables. The standard-A port is used to
transfer data out. The mini-B port is used to transfer data in.
4. Connect the teacher computer to the closest docking station (for data transfer).
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 11

12 TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations
Inserting Handhelds into Docking Stations
1. Align the connector on the bottom of the handheld with the connector on the
docking station. When facing the front of the docking station (looking at the
TI-Nspire™ logo), handhelds are inserted into the slot with the keypad facing right.
2. Push the handheld into the slot. You will feel a slight resistance and hear a small
“pop” as the handheld is seated.
When a handheld is properly seated in a slot:
• The Transfer Status LED blinks five times to indicate the handheld is connected.
• The Battery Status LED illuminates to indicate the handheld is properly seated.
Note: If the docking station is connected to power, handhelds are automatically turned
on when placed in the slot.
The slots in the TI-Nspire™ Docking Station are wide enough to accommodate a
handheld with a slide case attached. When you place a handheld into a slot without a
slide case, you will notice some “wiggle room.” Because the slot is big enough to
accommodate a slide case, it is possible to seat a handheld incorrectly. If the handheld
is seated incorrectly in the docking station, the battery will not charge and the transfer
will fail.
handheld is seated correctly handheld is seated incorrectly
When docking stations are fully loaded with 10 handhelds, they can weigh
approximately 10 to 12 pounds. When moving a docking station to another location,
always use two hands to lift the docking station. If tilted too far in any direction,
handhelds can fall out of the docking station.

Charging TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries
The charging process starts automatically when a handheld is placed into a slot if the
docking station is connected to a power source. Otherwise, the charging process starts
when the docking station is connected to a power source.
Note: It is not necessary for the docking station to be connected to the teacher
computer to charge the rechargeable batteries in the handhelds.
Determining Status of Batteries in a Handheld
The LED lights under each slot on the docking station provide basic information about
the status of the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery or AAA batteries in the handheld.
Status of batteries in the handheld is reported in the following priority:
• If a handheld has a rechargeable battery, status for the rechargeable battery is
always reported even if the handheld also has AAA batteries.
• If the handheld only has AAA batteries, the status of the AAA batteries is reported.
Battery Status LED
Indicator
To determine the status of the handheld’s batteries, look at the Battery Status LED
indicator for the slot under the handheld. The Battery Status LED Indicator is located to
the right of the battery symbol ( ):
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• Red indicates battery is low with less than 25 percent power
• Yellow indicates battery power is between 25 and 75 percent
• Green indicates battery power is greater than 75 percent
• The light is off when:
- The slot is empty.
- The handheld is not seated correctly.
- The docking station is not connected to a power source.
Learning More about Battery Status
Additional information is available in the Content Workspace if using TI-Nspire™
Teacher Software, TI-Nspire™ CAS Teacher Software or TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher
Software. You can view the status of both the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries and
the AAA batteries in connected handhelds.
For both rechargeable batteries and AAA batteries, status levels are reported as they
are on the handheld:
• Critical, low (two to ten percent), 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent charged.
• Percentages are presented in black text unless the level is critical. Red text
indicates the battery power is critically low.
• Two dashes (--) indicate the handheld does not have a rechargeable battery or AAA
batteries installed.
Troubleshooting
If the recharge fails:
• Make sure the handheld is seated properly in the slot. Batteries are not charged if
the connector on the handheld and the connector in the slot are not aligned.
• Check the connector on the handheld to ensure that it is clean. If there is build-up
on the handheld’s connector, you can remove it with a clean, dry cloth or a pencil
eraser. Never use wet cloths or solutions of any kind.
Transferring Files and Folders
Teachers can use the Transfer Tool function available in the TI-Nspire™ CX Teacher
Software, TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Teacher Software or TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ Teacher
Software to reload connected handhelds in multiple docking stations with a common
set of folders and files or upgrade the OS on handhelds with an existing operating
system.
To transfer content to or from connected TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds, you must have OS
version 3.0 or higher installed on all the handhelds.
Viewing Status and Settings
Teachers can also the view status and settings of connected handhelds. When using
the Transfer Tool, one of the docking stations must be connected to the teacher’s

computer via a USB cable plugged into an available USB port. Multiple docking stations
are linked together with USB cables.
Supported Files Types
You can transfer the following types of files to connected handhelds:
File Type Extension
TI-Nspire™ document .tns
Packaged lesson bundle file .tilb
Handheld operating system files
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld .tco
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Handheld .tcc
TI-Nspire™ Handheld .tno
TI-Nspire™ CAS Handheld .tnc
Using the Transfer Tool, you can select to transfer files to all connected handhelds or
transfer files to selected handhelds in the docking station.
Transferring Files and Folders to Handhelds
Use the Transfer Tool, to select folders or files stored on your computer and transfer
them to handhelds in the TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations. Once a transfer starts, it
continues until you stop it. You cannot select additional files until the transfer is
complete or until you stop the transfer.
You can remove a handheld from a docking station when the associated Transfer
Status LED indicator shows that the transfer is complete. You can place another
handheld in the empty slot and files will also be transferred to that handheld unless
you stop the transfer.
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For more information about how to use the Transfer Tool, see the following
guidebooks:
• TI-Nspire™ CX Teacher Software Guidebook
• TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Teacher Software Guidebook
• TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ Teacher Software Guidebook
Viewing Transfer Status on the Docking Station
The Transfer Status LED indicators under each slot on the front of the docking station
provide basic information about the status of the transfer for the handheld in that slot.
The Transfer Status LED Indicator is to the right of the transfer (Ÿ) symbol.
ŸTransfer Status
LED Indicator
• The LED indicator is off if handhelds are simply charging and no transfer activity is
happening.
• A solid green light indicates transfer is complete and successful.
• A blinking green light indicates that the transfer is active (files are being sent).
Viewing Transfer Status on the Teacher Computer
Teachers can view the status of transferred files to individual handhelds in Transfer
Tool. To view the status of transferred files:
1. In the Transfer Tool window, click the Status tab.
2. Click the +before the file name to open the display.
When you select a handheld in the tool, the following information is available:
• Handheld ID
• Name of the file being transferred
• Progress bar for that file on the selected handheld
For more information about using the Transfer Tool, see the TI-Nspire™ CX Teacher
Software Guidebook and the TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ Teacher Software Guidebook.

Troubleshooting
If the file transfer fails, check the handheld for the following error conditions:
• Low battery
• Wrong handheld type
• Memory full
• Lost connectivity
• Wrong OS version or no OS
Locating Handhelds in the Docking Station
Using the Identify Selected Handheld option available in TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software
or TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software, you can quickly locate the slot for any
handheld in the docking station. When you select the Identify Selected Handheld
option, both of the LED lights under the slot where the selected handheld is located
will blink for 30 seconds.
Note: In the TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software and in the TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher
Software, you will find the Identify Selected Handheld option on the Tools menu in the
Content Workspace.
Storing Docking Stations
You can store the docking stations on a flat surface such as a table or standard school
cart, which provides portability. If docking stations are set up on a surface that cannot
be moved, you should consider proximity to both the teacher computer and a power
source.
You can charge a classroom set of handhelds overnight without issues. However, you
should be aware of any security issues in the building if the classroom cannot be
locked.
TI-Nspire™ Docking Stations 17

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General Information
Texas Instruments Support and Service
Home Page: education.ti.com
E-mail inquiries: [e-mail]
KnowledgeBase and e-mail inquiries: education.ti.com/support
International information: education.ti.com/international
Service and Warranty Information
For information about the length and terms of the warranty or about product service,
refer to the warranty statement enclosed with this product or contact your local Texas
Instruments retailer/distributor.
General Information 19

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