NEC VERSA DOCKING STATION 4000 Manual
NEC VERSA DOCKING STATION 4000 Manual

NEC VERSA DOCKING STATION 4000 Manual

Versa series
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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.
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

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Summary of Contents for NEC VERSA DOCKING STATION 4000

  • Page 1 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...
  • Page 2: Using This Guide

    Appendix 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.
  • Page 3: Text Setup

    TEXT SETUP To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up in the following ways. Warnings, cautions, and notes are set up in following format. WARNING Warnings alert you to situations that can cause per- sonal injury or harm.
  • Page 4: Related Documents

    RELATED DOCUMENTS See the following documents for information related to the NEC Versa Series Docking Station 4000 and NEC Versa operation: Your NEC Versa user’s guide. The Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS Operating Sys- tem documentation that came with your NEC Versa.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Battery Charging ............1-14 2 Docking/Undocking the NEC Versa Hardware Setup............Connecting the Power Cable ........ Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking ....Docking the NEC Versa..........Undocking the NEC Versa........2-11 Normal Undocking ..........2-11 Emergency Undocking ......... 2-13 3 Setting Up and Using the Software Plug and Play System Setup........
  • Page 6 Running the Setup Utility........Docking Station 4000 Setup Software....Choosing a Configuration ....... Using the Audio Switcher Utility..... 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 ......
  • Page 7 Installing the Drive ......... 4-36 Attaching IDE Drive Cables ......4-40 Attaching SCSI Drive Cables......4-44 5 Connecting Peripheral Devices External Monitor ............External Keyboard............ External Mouse ............External Audio Options ..........Microphone ............Headphones or Speakers ........Headphones............ Speakers............Line In/Line Out..........
  • Page 8 Error! No table of contents entries found. vi Contents...
  • Page 9: Introducing The Docking Station 4000

    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.
  • Page 10: Nec Docking Station 4000 Features

    An electronic docking mechanism that makes docking and undocking easier than ever. A CRT base that lets you put an external monitor on top of the docking station to save premium desktop real estate. 1-2 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000...
  • Page 11 NEC MultiSync 5FG monitor. Do not exceed the weight limit. Doing so can damage the unit. A 3-position lock to ensure that your NEC Versa is not undocked without authorization. Stereo speakers for outstanding quality sound. Full SoundBlaster compatibility.
  • Page 12: Front And Left Side Features

    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.
  • Page 13 NEC Versa is in Suspend mode. Eject Button – Pressing the eject button undocks the NEC Versa. All you have to do is remove the laptop. Stereo Speakers – These speakers provide excellent sound quality. Use your applications software to control the volume and balance.
  • Page 14: Leds

    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.
  • Page 15 Docking 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.
  • Page 16: Back Features

    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 1-8 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000...
  • Page 17 Docking Station Power Switch – lets you turn on power to the docking station. Fan Assembly – Provides proper cooling for the power supply that regulates power in the docking station. Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000 1-9...
  • Page 18 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. 1-10 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000...
  • Page 19: Internal Features

    Parallel 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.
  • Page 20: The Right Environment

    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 fol- lowing conditions: Temperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C) Humidity: 15% to 85% (noncondensing) 1-12 Introducing the NEC Docking Station 4000...
  • Page 21: Docking Station 4000 Care

    Follow the measures given next to maintain your docking station. Precautions Follow these precautions when using and storing the NEC Docking Station 4000. Do not use or store the docking station in direct sunlight or near radiant heat sources for an excessive length of time.
  • Page 22: Routine Care

    NEC Versa. 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.
  • Page 23: Docking/Undocking The Nec Versa

    Docking/Undocking the NEC Versa HARDWARE SETUP Getting your NEC Docking Station 4000 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 docking station and powering on the docking station.
  • Page 24: Connecting The Power Cable

    Connecting the Power Cable Follow the instructions given next in the order presented to get your NEC Versa and docking station up and running. Connect the AC power cable to the docking station and AC power before docking the computer.
  • Page 25 Disconnecting the power cable, turning off power, or experiencing a power outage while running the docking station and NEC Versa can result in a sys- tem crash. If this occurs, see the instructions in “Emergency Undocking” later in this chapter.
  • Page 26: Preparing The Nec Versa For Docking

    Follow the procedure given next to prepare the NEC Versa for docking. Set NEC Versa power for your system as follows. If you have a Plug and Play NEC Versa, put your system into Suspend mode or turn off power before docking.
  • Page 27 The Docking LED should be a steady green, which indi- cates that it is ready for docking. Docking LED 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.
  • Page 28: Docking The Nec Versa

    Stowing the expansion port cover DOCKING THE NEC VERSA You can dock the NEC Versa in one of two modes: Cold Docking – with NEC Versa system power off. This method works for all NEC Versa models that support docking.
  • Page 29 Set the NEC Versa on the docking station and align the expansion port and connector. Docking the NEC Versa Gently push against the front of the NEC Versa to put it in position to dock. Keep the notebook computer aligned evenly with the connector.
  • Page 30 NEC service representative. To lock your NEC Versa onto the docking station, insert the key into the lock and turn it. The Docking Lock pro- vides three lock settings that let you control NEC Versa removal.
  • Page 31 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.
  • Page 32 Powering on After docking the NEC Versa for the first time, you do not always need to use the power button to power on your sys- tem. If the docking station remains plugged in and the main power switch on the back of the unit stays turned on, the NEC Versa automatically powers on after docking.
  • Page 33: Undocking The Nec Versa

    If you have an UltraLite Versa, NEC Versa E, NEC Versa M, NEC Versa P, or NEC Versa V, turn com- puter power off before undocking. To power off the NEC Versa, press the power button on the front panel of the docking station.
  • Page 34 Eject button and lock location Check the status of the lock. You cannot undock the NEC Versa if the lock is in the Locked position. Press the Eject button on the front panel of the docking station. To use Windows 95 software to undock the NEC Versa, locate the Eject icon on the screen and click.
  • Page 35: Emergency Undocking

    Removing the NEC Versa Emergency Undocking You may need to undock your NEC Versa when power to the docking station is unavailable or is unexpectedly interrupted. When necessary, use the following emergency undocking procedure to undock the NEC Versa: If possible, turn off NEC Versa power or put the system into Suspend mode (a half moon is displayed on the LCD panel).
  • Page 36 Pull the NEC Versa forward and lift it out of the dock- ing station. Emergency undocking 2-14 Docking/Undocking the NEC Versa...
  • Page 37: Setting Up And Using The Software

    PLUG AND PLAY SYSTEM SETUP Plug and Play systems, like the NEC Versa 4000 with the Windows 95 operating system and Plug and Play BIOS, require no special software installation. To install the online version of the docking station user’s guide on your NEC...
  • Page 38: Non-Plug And Play System Setup

    Setting Up Docking Station 4000 Software The first time you use the Docking Station 4000, you must set up the software in the NEC Versa to recognize the Docking Station 4000 and make full use of its features. 3-2 Setting Up and Using the Software...
  • Page 39: Ms-Dos Version

    The hard disk drive that came with your NEC Versa should have MS-DOS 6.0 or above already installed. The subdirectories and information modified during Docking Station 4000 software installation are also in place for the setup utility to locate. Setting up the software as described here creates a configu- ration called “Docking Station 4000”...
  • Page 40: Running The Setup Utility

    To change settings, follow the on-screen instructions. Run the Docking Station 4000 Setup utility as follows. Follow the instructions in Chapter 2 and dock your NEC Versa on the Docking Station 4000 and power on. Boot into Windows, if Windows is not already opened.
  • Page 41 Specify the subdirectory in which to install the software. Press or click “OK” to accept the Enter default subdirectory “DS4000.” Wait while the utility copies the required software into the specified subdirectory. Read the screen that lets you know about changes made to the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.
  • Page 42 If you did not follow these instructions, click “Exit.” Go back to the beginning of this section, “Docking Station 4000 Setup Utility,” and start over. When prompted, select installation operations in the following order. Driver installation Click the “Driver Installation” button. Select “Automatic Board Configuration”...
  • Page 43: Docking Station 4000 Setup Software

    This section describes how to use the software that the Docking Station 4000 Setup utility loads in your NEC Versa. At start up, the NEC Versa lets you choose a configura- tion to use. See “Choosing a Configuration” for infor- mation.
  • Page 44: Using The Audio Switcher Utility

    Docking Station 4000. (This option may not appear, depending on your system configuration.) Using the Audio Switcher Utility Follow these steps to use the NEC Versa M Audio Switcher utility. If the Docking Station 4000 sound system is selected and the NEC Versa is not docked, run this utility to switch to the NEC Versa M sound system.
  • Page 45 Double click on the audio switcher icon. An NEC Versa M Audio Switcher Welcome similar to the fol- lowing appears. Audio Switcher welcome screen From the screen, click the button for the audio system that you want to use. The laptop button selects the NEC Versa audio.
  • Page 46 Audio switcher dialog box The three buttons shown give you the following options. Cancel — Click this button to return to the Welcome screen without making or saving any changes. The sound system that was active when you opened the utility remains active.
  • Page 47: Using Dos-Based Programs

    If you select the Laptop Built-in Audio button and you are docked, the laptop audio drivers load, but the sound system does not work. Once you undock the NEC Versa M, the sound system functions. If you select the Docking Station 4000 sound system and are not docked, two error messages appear.
  • Page 48: Changing Irq And Dma Settings

    Display the current sound settings by typing the follow- ing and pressing Enter essvol The screen displays the current volume settings. To change a volume setting, type the following: The command followed by the space. essvol The code for the setting to change followed by a colon changes the master volume changes the line volume...
  • Page 49 CAUTION Only change docking station sound IRQ and DMA settings as a last resort. If you change the settings to run a DOS application, you may need to change the settings back to the defaults before running Windows. In some cases changing these settings can create system conflicts.
  • Page 50: Option Configuration

    Follow the instructions that come with your option to con- figure devices installed in the Docking Station 4000. If your NEC Versa BIOS, its operating system, and the option are all Plug and Play-compliant, you should be able to install the option, reboot your system, and use the option.
  • Page 51: Multiple Configuration Systems

    If your NEC Versa is running a DOS version that is earlier than Version 6.0, your system supports only one configura- tion at a time. See the section “Single Configuration Sys- tems” for information about saving and using separate configuration files.
  • Page 52: Creating A Start-Up Diskette

    Creating a Start-Up Diskette Create a start-up diskette as follows. (For details, see the MS-DOS user’s guide that came with the NEC Versa.) If your system is in Windows, exit Windows. From the DOS prompt (C:>), type the following com- mand to format a diskette in drive a: using the option.
  • Page 53: Switching Between Configurations

    Enter copy CONFIG.SYS CONMO.SYS Dock your NEC Versa on the docking station. Follow the instructions in your NEC Versa user’s guide to cre- ate a docked configuration. After you reboot your system to activate the docked con- figuration, copy the new system files by typing the fol-...
  • Page 54: The Scsi Configuration Driver

    Your Docking Station 4000 comes with an external as well as an internal SCSI port. Plug and Play systems, like the NEC Versa 4000, take control of this port and its settings. However, if your system is a non-Plug and Play system, you may need to specify some settings for the port.
  • Page 55: Modifying The Config.sys File

    Using the driver requires that you change your CONFIG.SYS file. Before changing your file, we recommend that you create a start-up diskette as described earlier in this chapter in “Creating a Start-Up Diskette.” The SCSI Configuration driver has the following charac- teristics and limitations: Each time you reconfigure the SCSI port, you must per- form a cold boot.
  • Page 56 Options include: /Sx — SCSI On/Off Control 0 = disables the SCSI port 1 = enables the SCSI port (default) /Ax — SCSI I/O Address Selection 0 = I/O address 140-15Eh (default) 1 = I/O address 340-35Eh /Ix — SCSI IRQ Enable/Disable 0 = enables IRQ (default) 1 = disables IRQ /Qx —...
  • Page 57 /Rx — Reboot system after configuration 0 = System port reboot 1 = Far jmp F000:FFF0h (hard reset address) For example, the following command line disables the SCSI port: device=c:\ds4000\scsictrl.sys /S0 The following example disables the SCSI port and then re- boots the system using the system port: device=c:\ds4000\scsictrl.sys /S0 /R0 The next example enables the SCSI port and specifies an...
  • Page 58: Quick Start

    NEC Versa family of computers. Run the Docking Station 4000 Setup utility as follows. Dock your NEC Versa on the Docking Station 4000 and power on. (See Chapter 2 for docking instructions.) Boot into Windows.
  • Page 59: Adding Options

    Adding Options You can install the following options in the NEC Versa Docking Station 4000. In the front device storage bay, up to two 5 1/4-inch, half-height drives. This bay gives external access to the drives. In the internal device storage bay, one 3 1/2-inch internal hard disk drive.
  • Page 60: Cover Removal

    COVER REMOVAL Follow these steps to remove the docking station cover. WARNING Make sure docking station power is off, the NEC Versa is not docked, peripheral devices are discon- nected, and cables are detached from the docking station before beginning installation procedures.
  • Page 61 The cover latch Pull the cover forward to clear the expansion connector. Clearing the expansion connector CAUTION When disassembling the docking station, be careful not to drop anything into it. Doing so can damage the unit. Adding Options 4-3...
  • Page 62: Cover Replacement

    Pull the sides of the cover outward slightly and lift the cover up and off of the docking station. Removing the cover COVER REPLACEMENT Once your options are installed, replace the docking station cover as follows: Turn the Docking Lock to the Locked position for easier cover removal and replacement.
  • Page 63 CAUTION Failure to set the Docking Lock to Locked before removing or replacing the cover can cause damage to the locking mechanism. Align and lower the cover over the front of the docking station. Make sure the cover clears the expansion connector.
  • Page 64 Pull the sides of the cover outward slightly. Push the cover towards the back of the docking station. Make sure the expansion connector and docking sensor protrude through the opening in the cover. Replacing the cover Slide the cover all the way onto the docking station. Turn the cover latch on the back of the docking station to secure the cover.
  • Page 65: Expansion Boards

    EXPANSION BOARDS You can install three full-size or half-size AT-style expan- sion boards in the NEC Docking Station 4000. Before be- ginning the installation, check the documentation that came with the board. If you have any switches to set on the board, do so before starting this procedure.
  • Page 66: Installation

    Follow these steps to install an industry standard, 8- or 16- bit expansion board in the docking station. Prepare for board installation as follows: Disconnect and remove the NEC Versa from the docking station. Turn off and unplug the docking station.
  • Page 67 CAUTION Be careful not to drop anything into the docking sta- tion. Doing so can damage the unit. Locate and remove the screw that attaches the slot cover to the docking station. Removing the slot cover screw Remove the slot cover. Locate the expansion slot connectors inside the docking station.
  • Page 68 Hold the board by its edges, component side up, and in- sert it into the slot. If installing a full-size board, fit the board into the guide at the front of the docking station. Aligning the board edge and connector Press the board firmly until it is securely seated in the connector.
  • Page 69 Insert the screw to attach the board to the support bracket. Securing the board Repeat steps 2 through 7 to install a second or third ex- pansion board. Once you install the boards, continue as follows: To add drives, continue to the next section, “Data Storage Devices.”...
  • Page 70: Removal

    Follow these steps to remove an industry standard, 8- or 16- bit expansion board from the docking station. Prepare for board removal as follows: Disconnect and remove the NEC Versa from the docking station. Turn off and unplug the docking station.
  • Page 71 Remove the screw that attaches the board to the support bracket. Removing the screw Hold the board by its edges and pull the board. You may need to rock the board side-to-side to dislodge it from its connector. Removing the board Adding Options 4-13...
  • Page 72: Data Storage Devices

    NEC Versa series systems and the docking station support only two diskette drives. Therefore, if you have more than two diskette drives installed in the NEC Versa and docking station, you can only access two of them. Some storage devices require that you provide a signal cable.
  • Page 73: Installing Drives In The Front Bay

    Prepare the docking station for drive installation by remov- ing the drive cage as follows. WARNING Make sure docking station power is off, the NEC Versa is not docked, peripheral devices are discon- nected, and cables are detached from the docking station before beginning installation procedures.
  • Page 74 Removing drive cage screws Slide the drive cage towards the back of the unit. Make sure the holes on the bottom of the cage clear the tabs on the bottom of the docking station chassis. Lift the drive cage up and out of the system. 4-16 Adding Options...
  • Page 75: Attaching The Drive To The Drive Cage

    Removing the drive cage Attaching the Drive to the Drive Cage Attach the drive to the drive cage as follows. Before attaching the drive to the cage, make sure that any switches on the drive are set properly. See the guide that came with the drive for switch setting information.
  • Page 76 Slide the drive into the drive cage. Be sure the drive is seated on the guides within the cage. Sliding the drive into the cage Locate the screw holes on the side of the drive cage and align them with the screw holes on the side of the drive. Using the screws that came with the drive, secure the drive to the drive cage.
  • Page 77: Attaching The Cables

    Securing the drive Attaching the Cables Attach drive cables as follows. When connecting cables, align the cable con- nector with the drive connector and position the red edge of the cable as shown in the figures. Taking care not to bend any pins, press the cable connector firmly onto the pins.
  • Page 78 Drive power cable Connect the power cable to the docking station interface board. Connecting the power cable 4-20 Adding Options...
  • Page 79 SCSI cable. If you are installing Plug and Play SCSI devices, purchase a cable that comes with a terminated connector. You can pur- chase this optional cable from your NEC dealer. For diskette drives: Look in the package of cables and find the disk- ette drive signal cable.
  • Page 80 Route the cable over the side of the interface board and snake it behind the LED bracket as shown. Routing the diskette drive signal cable Position the red edge of the signal cable as shown in the following figure and connect the cable to the drive.
  • Page 81 Connecting the diskette drive signal cable For IDE drives Look in the package of cables and find the IDE signal cable. IDE signal cable Adding Options 4-23...
  • Page 82 Connect the IDE signal cable to the docking sta- tion interface board as shown in the following figure. Route the cable over the side of the interface board and snake it behind the LED bracket as shown. Routing the signal cable If you are installing an IDE device with audio features (like a CD-ROM reader), connect the audio cable as follows:...
  • Page 83 Audio Cable Attach the audio cable to the docking station in- terface board. Route the cable over the side of the interface board and snake it behind the LED bracket as shown. Adding Options 4-25...
  • Page 84 Connecting the audio cable Connect the IDE signal cable to drive. The con- nectors are keyed to fit only one way. Connect a large or small power cable connector to the drive (connector size depends on the drive you are installing). Power connectors are keyed to fit only one way.
  • Page 85 Play SCSI devices, purchase a cable that comes with a terminated connector. You can pur- chase this type of cable from your NEC dealer. Locate your optional SCSI cable. It should look similar to the one shown in the following figure.
  • Page 86 Optional SCSI signal cable Locate the SCSI cable connector on the docking station interface board. Connect the SCSI signal cable to the interface board. (Connectors are keyed to fit only one way.) 4-28 Adding Options...
  • Page 87 Connecting the SCSI cable to the interface board If you are installing a SCSI device with audio features (like a CD-ROM reader), connect the audio cable as follows: Locate the audio cable that came with the dock- ing station. Adding Options 4-29...
  • Page 88 Audio cable Attach the audio cable to the docking station in- terface board. Route the cable over the side of the interface board and snake it behind the LED bracket as shown. 4-30 Adding Options...
  • Page 89 Connecting the audio cable When installing SCSI devices, use the end connector on the cable first. Attach the next SCSI device to next connector on the cable. (Do not skip connectors when attaching more than one SCSI de- vice.) Connect the cables to the back of the drive. (See the documentation that came with the drive exact connector locations.
  • Page 90: Finishing Up

    Connecting SCSI cables To complete drive installation, go to “Finishing Up.” Finishing Up Finish up drive installation as follows. Locate the tabs on the bottom of the docking station chassis. Position the drive cage a little behind the tabs and lower it into the unit.
  • Page 91 Replacing drive cage screws If you installed a drive that requires external access, re- move the drive slot cover from the docking station cover as follows: Locate the drive slot cover tabs inside the docking station cover. Gently push the tabs out until you can release the cover.
  • Page 92: Hard Disk Drives

    Removing the drive slot cover Being careful to move cables out of the way to prevent crushing them, replace the docking station cover as de- scribed in “Cover Replacement.” Hard Disk Drives Installing a hard disk drive involves the following steps: Preparing the hard disk drive Setting your hard disk drive to slave or master as appro- priate...
  • Page 93: Preparing The Hard Disk Drive

    Preparing the Hard Disk Drive The NEC Versa Docking Station 4000 has built-in IDE and SCSI controllers. However, some hard disk drives require that you install a controller board. Before installing a drive that requires a controller board, install the board as de- scribed in “Expansion Boards.”...
  • Page 94: Specifying Master And Slave Drives

    Only one drive can be identified as the master drive. If you plan to use the NEC Versa IDE drive when docked, set the docking station IDE drive to the slave settting. Installing the Drive Follow these instructions to install a hard disk drive in the internal drive bay of the docking station.
  • Page 95 Locate the internal hard disk drive bay. Locating the internal drive bay Align the hard disk drive so that its cable connectors face the front of the docking station. Make sure the screw holes on the hard disk drive face the drive bracket in the docking station.
  • Page 96 Aligning and installing the drive Align the screw holes on the drive with those on the bracket. 4-38 Adding Options...
  • Page 97 Use four screws and attach the disk drive to the guide. Attaching the drive to the bracket To continue, go to the appropriate cabling section: See “Attaching IDE Drive Cables” for IDE drive in- stallations. See “Attaching SCSI Drive Cables” for SCSI drive installations.
  • Page 98: Attaching Ide Drive Cables

    Attaching IDE Drive Cables Attach IDE drive cables as follows. Locate the IDE cable in the accessories bag that came with your docking station. IDE Signal Cable Connect the IDE cable to the IDE connector on the docking station interface board. The connectors are keyed to fit in only one position.
  • Page 99 Routing the IDE cable Align the IDE cable connector with the connector on the hard disk drive. Taking care not to bend any pins, press the cable con- nector firmly onto the pins on the drive. The connectors are keyed to fit in only one position. Locate the power cable that came in the cable accesso- ries bag.
  • Page 100 Connecting the power cable to the interface board Connect the cable to the interface board. Power connec- tors are keyed to fit in only the correct position. Connecting the power cable to the interface board 4-42 Adding Options...
  • Page 101 “Cover Replacement.” Proceed as follows: If you have a Plug and Play system, simply dock the NEC Versa and reboot your system. The NEC Versa automatically detects the new drive. If you do not have a Plug and Play system, run Auto Setup to set your new configuration.
  • Page 102: Attaching Scsi Drive Cables

    Play SCSI drive, purchase a cable that comes with a terminated connector. You can purchase this type of cable from your NEC dealer. Locate the SCSI cable connector on the docking station interface board. The cable should look similar to the one shown in the following figure.
  • Page 103 Attach the connector on the SCSI cable to the connector on the board. The connectors are keyed to fit in only one position. Attaching the SCSI cable Align the cable connector with the hard disk drive con- nector as shown. (The connectors are keyed to fit only one way.) Adding Options 4-45...
  • Page 104 When installing SCSI devices, use the end connector on the cable first. Attach the next SCSI device to next connector on the cable. (Do not skip connectors when attaching more than one SCSI de- vice.) Taking care not to bend any pins, press the cable con- nector firmly onto the pins.
  • Page 105 Proceed as follows: If you have a Plug and Play system, simply dock the NEC Versa and reboot your system. The NEC Versa automatically detects the new drive. If you do not have a Plug and Play system, run Setup or the Automatic Configuration Utility to set your new configuration.
  • Page 106: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Peripheral Devices You can connect peripheral devices, like a printer or an external monitor, to the NEC Docking Station 4000 for use when the NEC Versa is docked. Ports for connecting devices are found on the back of the docking station.
  • Page 107: External Monitor

    Docking station power is off. The cover is in place and secured. If the NEC Versa is docked, turn off power to the computer. (If you have a Plug and Play system, you can put your system into Suspend mode instead of turning off system power.)
  • Page 108 When using the CRT base, the NEC Versa display panel is closed and secured. Lower the CRT base onto the docking station. Lowering the CRT base into place Carefully set the external monitor on the CRT base or desk. Attach the 15-pin connector on the signal cable to the monitor port on the docking station.
  • Page 109 Plug the other end of the power cable into a properly grounded wall outlet. Power on the external monitor. Power on the docking station. Always power on the monitor before powering on the NEC Versa. Otherwise, the system may not recognize the monitor type. 5-4 Connecting Peripheral Devices...
  • Page 110: External Keyboard

    Insert the keyboard cable connector in the port. Connecting an external keyboard Turn on power to the NEC Versa and docking station. EXTERNAL MOUSE The NEC Docking Station 4000 lets you attach an external mouse. When a mouse is connected, the NEC Versa mouse, trackball, or NEC VersaGlide is disabled.
  • Page 111: External Audio Options

    Insert the mouse cable connector in the port. Connecting an external mouse Turn on power to the NEC Versa and docking station. EXTERNAL AUDIO OPTIONS The docking station provides various audio ports on the back of the unit for connecting audio devices such as head- phones, microphones, and external speakers.
  • Page 112: Microphone

    The following figure identifies the audio ports on the back of the docking station. Docking station audio ports Microphone For the best results, NEC recommends that you use an omnidirectional monaural microphone that has an electric condenser. (See Appendix A, Specifications, for recommended microphone specifications.) To connect a microphone to the docking station, insert the microphone jack into the microphone port.
  • Page 113: Headphones Or Speakers

    If you encounter excessive noise or speaker feedback while recording, try lowering the volume or moving the speakers away from the docking station. Headphones or Speakers Use the headphones port to connect either headphones or external speakers to the docking station. Headphones WARNING Before plugging in headphones, make sure the...
  • Page 114: Line In/Line Out

    Line In/Line Out The Line In and Line Out ports let you connect the docking station to another sound system. Line In The Line In port lets you use another audio system, like a home stereo, as an input source. Use a cable to connect to the Line Out port on the other audio system to the docking station Line In port to record or play.
  • Page 115 Attach the 25-pin printer cable connector to the parallel port on the docking station. Secure the printer cable as follows: Lock the connector to the printer with the connector clips. Secure the cable to the docking station with the screws provided. Connecting a parallel device Connect the power cable to the printer.
  • Page 116: Serial Devices

    Serial Devices Use the following procedure to connect a serial printer, mo- dem, or any other RS-232C device to the COM port on the docking station. Serial devices must have a serial cable with a 9-pin female connector on one end to connect to your docking station. Other cable requirements depend upon the device.
  • Page 117: External Scsi Devices

    Securing the Cables Connect the power cable to the optional device. Reconnect any options that you disconnected. Turn on the device and the docking station. External SCSI Devices Attach external SCSI devices as follows: Check that the SCSI device is set up properly. See the documentation that came with the device to verify switch and jumper settings.
  • Page 118 Reconnect any options that you disconnected. Turn on the device and the docking station. Connecting an external SCSI device Connecting Peripheral Devices 5-13...
  • Page 119: Specifications

    Specifications The following specifications are standard except where noted. Features Windows 95 reconfiguration support Plug ‘n’ Play capabilities Innovative mechanical docking mechanism Three-position keylock SoundBlaster Pro Compatible Sound Subsystem ESS 1688 Sound Chip High-quality stereo speakers Stereo right and left channels On board mixer Internal power amp for sound system controlled by external control panel (separate from mixer)
  • Page 120 PS/2-style keyboard port AC power connector Microphone — external port; accepts standard microphone jack NEC recommends you use a microphone with the following specifications: Type: Electric condenser; omnidirectional, monaural Sensitivity: -42 +3 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa, at 1 Khz) Impedance: 2.2 K ohm (@1 Khz sine wave) Operating voltage: 1~10 volts Current: 0.3 ma...
  • Page 121 Humidity: 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Storage Requirements Temperature: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C) Humidity: 10% to 85% (noncondensing) Provided Software NEC Docking Station 4000 Setup utility (includes ESS sound drivers and online user’s manual) Windows ’95 drivers Specifications A-3...
  • Page 122: B Pin Assignments

    Pin Assignments KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS The ports for the external keyboard and mouse are 6-pin mini-DIN female ports. The keyboard and mouse connectors are male connectors. Keyboard and mouse ports KEYBOARD/MOUSE PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS SIGNAL FUNCTION KBDATA Keyboard data (MOUSEDATA) (Mouse data) —...
  • Page 123: Com Port

    COM PORT COM port pin assignments are as follows. COM port COM PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS Function Carrier Detect Receive Data Transmit Data Data Terminal Ready Signal Ground Data Set Ready Request to Send Clear to Send Ring Indicator B-2 Pin Assignments...
  • Page 124: Printer Port

    PRINTER PORT Printer port pin assignments are as follows. Printer port PRINTER PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS Function Strobe Data Bit 0 Data Bit 1 Data Bit 2 Data Bit 3 Data Bit 4 Data Bit 5 Data Bit 6 Data Bit 7 Acknowledge Busy Select...
  • Page 125: Monitor Port

    MONITOR PORT Monitor port pin assignments are as follows. Monitor port MONITOR PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS Function Green Blue Monitor ID bit 2 (not used) Ground Red return (ground) Green return (ground) Blue return (ground) Key (no pin) Sync return (ground) Monitor ID bit 0 (not used) Monitor ID bit 1 (not used) Horizontal sync...
  • Page 126: At Interface Connectors

    AT INTERFACE CONNECTORS AT interface pin assignments are as follows. AT INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS Signal –I/O CH CK I/O CH RDY SA19 SA18 SA17 SA16 SA15 SA14 SA13 SA12 SA11 SA10 Pin Assignments B-5...
  • Page 127 AT INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal Ground RESET DRV +5 Vdc Power IRQ9 –5 Vdc Power DRQ2 –12 Vdc Power –OWS +12 Vdc Power Ground –SMEMW –SMEMR –IOW –IOR –DACK3 DRQ3 –DACK1 DRQ1 –REFRESH IRQ7 IRQ6 IRQ5 IRQ4 IRQ3 –DACK2 BALE +5 Vdc Power...
  • Page 128 AT INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal –SBHE LA23 LA22 LA21 LA20 LA19 LA18 LA17 –MEMR –MEMW SD08 SD09 SD10 SD11 SD12 SD13 SD14 SD15 –MEM CS16 –I/O CS16 IRQ10 IRQ11 IRQ12 IRQ15 IRQ14 –DACK0 DRQ0 –DACK5 DRQ5 –DACK6 DRQ6 –DACK7 Pin Assignments B-7...
  • Page 129 AT INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal DRQ7 +5 Vdc Power –MASTER Ground B-8 Pin Assignments...
  • Page 130: Expansion Port

    EXPANSION PORT Pin assignments for the expansion port are as follows. EXPANSION PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS Signal Signal +5 V PC +12 V CHG +5 V PC +12 V CHG Docking Station Detect 2 +12 V CHG +12 V CHG +12 V CHG Docking Station Detect 1 AGND AGND...
  • Page 131 EXPANSION PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal Signal Mouse Clock FD – Direction In Mouse Data FD – Boot Select Keyboard Clock FD – Low Density Keyboard Data FD – Write Enable N.C. FD – Step +12 V sys LA23 FD – TRACK0 LA22 +12 V sys LA21...
  • Page 132 EXPANSION PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal Signal Serial – RXD IRQ12 Serial – DTR IRQ15 Serial – DSR DRQ1 Serial – RTS DRQ3 Serial – CTS DRQ6 Serial – RI DACK0 FD – Drive Select 0 DACK2 FD - Motor 0 DACK5 DACK7 FD –...
  • Page 133 EXPANSION PORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS (CONT’D) Signal Signal IRQ4 PC Power Control IRQ6 SA16 IRQ9 SA14 IRQ11 SA12 IRQ14 SA10 DRQ0 DRQ2 DRQ5 DRQ7 DACK1 DACK3 N.C. DACK6 N.C. PC Power Good N.C. Battery Charge N.C. B-12 Pin Assignments...
  • Page 134: C Solving Problems

    PROBLEM CHECKLIST Check the items in the following list if you cannot get the NEC Docking Station 4000 to work. If these do not help, continue to the “Troubleshooting” section of this appendix. Check that the NEC Versa is connected properly to the docking station.
  • Page 135: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING While trying to record using the microphone, excessive noise is emanating from the speakers. Try moving the speakers away from the docking station. Check to see if the microphone you are using is the recommended type (see the microphone specifica- tions listed in Appendix A).
  • Page 136: If You Need Help

    The power went out and you need to undock the NEC Versa. See “Emergency Undocking” in Chapter 2 for instructions about undocking the NEC Versa manually. The NEC Versa is stuck on the docking station and normal undocking procedures are not working.
  • Page 137: Index

    Carton Contents, 1-1 Docking Station Care, 1-13, 1-14 Checking the DOS Version, 3-3 Docking Station Precautions, 1-13 Choosing a Configuration, 3-7 Docking the NEC Versa, 2-6 Cold Docking Method, 2-6 DOS-Based Programs, 3-11 COM Port Pin Assignments, B-2 changing the volume, 3-11...
  • Page 138 Monitor Port Pin Assignments, B-4 Mouse Connector Pin Assignments, Features, 1-2 back, 1-8 Multiple Configuration Systems, front, 1-4 3-15 internal, 1-11 left side, 1-4 NEC Technical Help, C-3 NEC Versa Docking, 2-6 NEC Versa M Audio Switcher Utility, 3-8 Index-2...
  • Page 139 SCSI Drives, 4-36 board removal, 4-12 Serial Device Connection, 5-11 diskette drives, 4-15 Setting Up the Hardware, 2-1 expansion boards, 4-7 Setting Your NEC Versa for hard disk drives, 4-34 Docking, 2-4 installing, 4-1 Setup Utility Use, 3-4 Single Configuration Systems, 3-15...
  • Page 140 Troubleshooting, C-2 Undocking, 2-11 Using the Audio Switcher Utility, Using the Eject Button, 2-11 Using the Undocking Lever, 2-13 Warm Docking Method, 2-6 Index-4...

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