The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN;
NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM
THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
This guide contains information protected by copyright. No part of this guide may be
photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Compaq
Computer Corporation.
1997 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq and LTE are registered in the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Armada is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement or
nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of the agreement.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Maintenance and Service Guide
Compaq ArmadaStation
Compaq
Compaq
Compaq Armada 7000 Family of Personal Computers
First Edition August 1997
Documentation Part Number 272412-001
Spare Part Number 296391-001
This Maintenance and Service Guide is a troubleshooting guide that can be used for
reference when servicing the Compaq ArmadaStation and Armada MiniStation E
and EX.
Compaq Computer Corporation reserves the right to make changes to the Compaq
ArmadaStation and Armada MiniStation E and EX without notice.
Additional information is available on the Compaq ArmadaStation and ArmadaMiniStation E and EX Illustrated Parts Map. Information for the Compaq Armada 7700
Family of Personal Computers is available in the Compaq Armada 7700 Family ofPersonal Computers Maintenance and Service Guide and Illustrated Parts Map.
Symbols
The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout this guide:
WARNING:
!
warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
CAUTION:
caution could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.
IMPORTANT:
instructions.
Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points
NOTE:
of information.
Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions in the
Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions in the
Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or specific
Technician Notes
WARNING:
!
equipment. All troubleshooting and repair procedures are detailed to allow only
subassembly/module level repair. Because of the complexity of the individual boards and
subassemblies, no one should attempt to make repairs at the component level or to
make modifications to any printed wiring board. Improper repairs can create a safety
hazard. Any indication of component replacement or printed wiring board modifications
may void any warranty or exchange allowances.
WARNING:
!
operation, plug the AC power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet only.
CAUTION:
(7.62 cm) of clearance on the front and back of the computer.
Only authorized technicians trained by Compaq should attempt to repair this
The computer is designed to be electrically grounded. To ensure proper
To properly ventilate your system, you must provide at least 3 inches
When requesting information or ordering spare parts, provide the ArmadaStation or
Armada MiniStation serial number. The ArmadaStation serial number is located on the
right side below the PCI/ISA expansion slots; the Armada MiniStation serial number is
located on the left side above the power button.
Locating Additional Information
The following documentation is available to support the ArmadaStation and Armada
MiniStation:
■ Compaq ArmadaStation documentation set
■ Compaq Armada MiniStation documentation set
■ Service training guides
■ Compaq Service Advisories and Bulletins
■ Compaq QuickFind
■ Compaq Service Quick Reference Guide
■ Compaq ArmadaStation and Armada MiniStationE and EX Maintenance and
Service Guide
■ Compaq ArmadaStation and Armada MiniStation E and EX Illustrated Parts Map
■ Compaq Armada 7700 Family of Personal ComputersMaintenance and Service
Guide
■ Compaq Armada 7700 Family of Personal Computers Illustrated Parts Map
The Compaq ArmadaStation provides fully integrated desktop capabilities for the
Compaq Armada 7000 Family of Personal Computers. The ArmadaStation eliminates
the need to disconnect external devices when you remove the computer.
The ArmadaStation provides a MultiBay device bay, a half-height device bay, two
PC Card slots, integrated Ethernet, integrated stereo speakers, modem connections,
computer I/O port replication, and connections for up to two PCI or ISA expansion
boards. When the computer is docked in the ArmadaStation, the total system
functionality includes:
■ Support for up to three MultiBay devices simultaneously
*
■ Overall system support for up to four hard drives
■ Up to three CD-ROM drives installed as follows:
or two diskette drives
– Three CD-ROM drives: The two drives in the ArmadaStation must be used for
data; the CD-ROM drive in the computer can then be used for audio or data.
– Two CD-ROM drives: You can have one drive in the ArmadaStation and one
in the computer; either drive can be data or audio. If both drives are in the
ArmadaStation, they must be for data only.
– One CD-ROM drive: The drive can be either data or audio and in either the
computer or ArmadaStation.
*
*
■ Two PC Card slots
■ Overall system support for up to four PC cards
■ Charging of up to four battery packs
*
■ Any combination of two 32-bit PCI and 16- or 8-bit ISA expansion boards
*
1-2
*
An Armada 7000 Half-Height MultiBay Adapter must be installed in the
ArmadaStation to support up to four hard drives or battery packs, or three CD-ROM
drives or MultiBay devices.
The MultiBay activity light is located on the MultiBay. This light turns on when
information from a removable drive inserted in the ArmadaStation MultiBay is
accessed.
Power/Suspend Light
The power/suspend light is located on the front/right corner of the ArmadaStation and is
visible from both the front and right side of the ArmadaStation. This light turns on
when the system (computer and ArmadaStation) is turned on; this light blinks when the
system is placed in Suspend.
MultiBay
The ArmadaStation features a MultiBay. This MultiBay, along with its release latch, is
removable as a unit. The MultiBay is located in the front of the ArmadaStation base
assembly and secured by the drive cages, drive cage shield, and upper case assembly.
The MultiBay supports the same drives that are used in the computer MultiBay and can
be used to charge batteries.
The ArmadaStation MultiBay supports the following devices:
■ CD-ROM drive
■ Second hard drive
■ Second battery pack
■ Diskette drive
Compaq LTE Elite and LTE 5000 hard drives that are configured for use as secondary
drives can be used in the ArmadaStation MultiBay. A hard drive must be inserted in an
Armada 7000 Hard Drive MultiBay Adapter before it can be inserted in a MultiBay.
The system (computer and ArmadaStation) must be turned off when inserting or
removing a hard drive, diskette drive, or CD-ROM drive from the MultiBay. The
system does not have to be turned off when inserting or removing a battery pack.
Half-Height Bay
The ArmadaStation features one standard half-height bay, which is located on the front
of the ArmadaStation. The half-height bay supports any standard half-height drive or a
half-height MultiBay adapter.
The ArmadaStation features a security lock that allows all computer and ArmadaStation
resources (hard drives, diskette drives, CD-ROM drives, PC Cards) to be secured to the
system (computer and ArmadaStation). When the security lock is engaged, the
computer cannot be undocked, and no drives or PC Cards can be removed from the
system.
NOTE: The PC Card security post must first be put in place before the security lock will
prevent PC Cards from being removed from the ArmadaStation.
PC Card Slots
The ArmadaStation has two PC Card slots. The slots support one of the following PC
Card combinations:
■ Two Type I or Type II PC Cards
■ One Type III PC Card in the top slot and a Type I or Type II in the bottom slot. If
a Type III PC Card is inserted in the bottom PC Card slot, no other PC Cards can
be used.
The PC Card slot supports both 5-volt and 3.3-volt PC Cards in accordance with the PC
Card Standard and the Exchangeable Card Architecture (ExCA) Specifications 1.10.
NOTE: Many cards on the market do not comply with PC Card specifications and,
therefore, do not function properly in the computer. To assist in selecting compatible
PC Card devices, Compaq provides a list of third-party cards that have been tested in
Compaq products. To ensure compatibility, select a PC Card from the Compaq PC Card
Solutions List. Call Compaq Reseller Support to have a copy of the list faxed to you.
The only serviceable part of the PC Card slots is the slot door. The rails and connectors
are incorporated into the I/O board.
The modem and Ethernet connectors found on the ArmadaStation vary by region. Refer
to the following table for modem and Ethernet differences:
Table 1-5
ArmadaStation Regional Modem and Ethernet Differences
CountriesModem ConnectorsEthernet Connectors
25-Pin
RJ-11 Jack
North America■■
Latin America■■
Hong Kong■■
Japan■■
Europe■■■
Africa■■■
Middle East■■■
Asia Pacific■■■
Connector
BNC Connector
(10Base2)
RJ-45 Jack
(10BaseT)
PCI and ISA Expansion Boards
The ArmadaStation provides connectors for up to two PCI or ISA expansion boards.
Any combination of two of these expansion boards can be installed in the
ArmadaStation.
The Compaq Armada MiniStation provides fully integrated desktop capabilities for the
Compaq Armada 7000 Family of Personal Computers. The Armada MiniStation
eliminates the need to disconnect external devices when you undock the computer from
the Armada MiniStation.
Figure 1-6.
The Armada MiniStation is available in two models to provide expanded functionality.
The Armada MiniStation E and EX models provide port replication, modem
passthrough, and Ethernet features for the Armada 7000 Family of Personal Computers.
The Armada MiniStation EX model provides one MultiBay device bay, a battery
charging bay, and two PC Card slots.
The ArmadaStation MiniStation EX has two activity lights.
MultiBay Light
The MultiBay light is located on the left side of the Armada MiniStation EX and is
visible from both the top and left sides of the Armada MiniStation EX. This light turns
on when information from a removable drive inserted in the MultiBay is accessed.
Battery Charging Light
The battery charging light is located on the right side of the Armada MiniStation EX
and is visible from both the top and right sides of the Armada MiniStation EX. This
light turns on when a battery is charging in the battery charging bay.
MultiBay
The MultiBay is located on the left side of the Armada MiniStation EX. The MultiBay
supports the same MultiBay devices that are supported in the computer MultiBay and
can be used to charge batteries. The Armada MiniStation EX MultiBay supports the
following devices:
■ CD-ROM drive
■ Second hard drive
■ Second battery pack
■ Diskette drive
Compaq LTE Elite and LTE 5000 hard drives that are configured for use as secondary
drives can be used in the Armada MiniStation EX MultiBay. A hard drive must be
inserted in an Armada 7000 Hard Drive MultiBay Adapter before it can be inserted in a
MultiBay.
The system (computer and Armada MiniStation EX) must be turned off when inserting
or removing a hard drive, diskette drive, or CD-ROM drive from the MultiBay. The
system does not have to be turned off when inserting or removing a battery pack.
Security Lock
The Armada MiniStation EX features a security lock that allows all computer and
Armada MiniStation EX resources (hard drives, diskette drives, and CD-ROM drives)
to be secured to the system (computer and Armada MiniStation EX). When the security
lock is engaged, no drives can be removed from the computer or Armada
MiniStation EX.
NOTE: The Armada MiniStation EX security lock does not secure the computer. A
Kensington lock can be used in the security cable slot to prevent the computer from
being undocked.
The ArmadaStation MiniStation EX has two PC Card slots. The slots support one of the
following PC Card combinations:
■ Two Type I or Type II PC Cards
■ One Type III PC Card in the top slot and a Type I or Type II in the bottom slot. If a
Type III PC Card is inserted in the bottom PC Card slot, no other PC Cards can be
used.
The PC Card slot supports both 5-volt and 3.3-volt PC Cards in accordance with the PC
Card Standard and the Exchangeable Card Architecture (ExCA) Specifications 1.10.
NOTE: Many cards on the market do not comply with PC Card specifications and,
therefore, do not function properly in the computer. To assist in selecting compatible
PC Card devices, Compaq provides a list of third-party cards that have been tested in
Compaq products. To ensure compatibility, select a PC Card from the Compaq PC Card
Solutions List. Call Compaq Reseller Support to have a copy of the list faxed to you.
Regional Modem and Ethernet Differences
The modem and Ethernet connectors found on the Armada MiniStation E and EX vary
by region.
Table 1-10
Armada MiniStation E and EX Modem and Ethernet Differences
This chapter contains troubleshooting information for the ArmadaStation and Armada
MiniStation. Information on how to identify and correct some common hardware,
memory, and software problems is included. Troubleshooting information is covered on
the following topics:
■Docking and undocking
■Expansion board
■Network
Since symptoms can appear to be similar, carefully match the symptoms of the
computer malfunction against the problem description in the Troubleshooting tables to
avoid a misdiagnosis.
Follow these guidelines when troubleshooting:
■Complete the recommended actions in the order in which they are given.
■When the problem is resolved, stop performing the troubleshooting steps and do not complete the
remaining recommended actions.
■Refer to Chapters 5 and 6 for any recommended removal and replacement procedures.
■If the problem is intermittent, check the ArmadaStation or Armada MiniStation several times to
verify that the problem is solved.
Before Replacing Parts
When troubleshooting a problem, check the following list for possible solutions before
replacing parts:
■Verify that cables are connected properly to the suspected defective parts.
■Verify that all required device drivers are installed.
The following table lists some common docking problems and recommended actions to
take when they occur.
Table 2-1
Solving Docking and Undocking Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
Cannot undock computer.The computer is using
Windows NT and a software
application is running.
Security cable is attached.Unlock security cable.
PC Card cable is attached to
the computer.
The computer will not undock
from the ArmadaStation.
The computer will not undock
from the Armada MiniStation.
The computer is not properly
docked or will not dock.
The ArmadaStation is locked.Unlock the ArmadaStation.
No AC power.Release the computer from the docking
The operating system does
not support undocking while
the computer is on or in
Suspend.
Connectors are tight.Grasp the computer and pull forward while
The Armada MiniStation
docking lever is defective.
The computer is not properly
seated in the docking system.
No AC power.Release the computer from the docking
Exit all applications and turn off the system if
you are using Windows NT. If the computer is
using Windows 95, the system does not need
to be turned off.
CAUTION:
MiniStation docking lever forward. Forcing the
docking lever forward can damage the
locking mechanism.
Remove cable from PC Cards before
undocking.
mechanism by sliding the manual release
lever to the right.
Save all work, exit all applications and turn off
the system before undocking.
pulling forward on the Armada MiniStation
docking lever.
CAUTION:
MiniStation docking lever forward. Forcing the
docking lever forward can damage the
locking mechanism.
Replace the docking lever.
Undock the computer and redock it.
mechanism by sliding the ArmadaStation
manual release lever to the right.
The following table lists some common expansion board problems and recommended
actions to take when they occur.
Table 2-2
Solving Expansion Board Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
Expansion board does not
work.
Expansion board is not
recognized by the system.
Cannot remove hard drive
from ArmadaStation or
Armada MiniStation EX
MultiBay.
Solving Network Problems
Expansion board is not
properly seated.
Appropriate drivers for the
expansion board are not
installed.
ArmadaStation/Armada
MiniStation EX is locked.
Reinstall the expansion board.
Obtain the necessary drivers from the
expansion board manufacturer.
Unlock the ArmadaStation/Armada
MiniStation EX and attempt to remove the
hard drive.
This section provides guidelines for troubleshooting common Ethernet network
problems. Refer to these guidelines when you have determined that the computer is not
communicating with the network when docked in the ArmadaStation or Armada
MiniStation. These guidelines do not discuss the process of debugging the network
cabling.
The following are some common problems to check first. Refer to the table below for
additional problems and solutions.
■Ensure that the cabling is securely attached to the ArmadaStation or Armada MiniStation. A loose
cable is the most common cause of network problems. If the cable is loose, secure it and determine
if the computer can communicate with the network.
■Determine whether the current computer or another computer has communicated with the network
from the ArmadaStation or Armada MiniStation. If so, determine whether anything was added or
changed that could have stopped the network interface from working.
■Run Diagnostics before installing the network drivers to verify that the network interface is
The computer stopped
communicating with the
network after exiting
Suspend.
The computer stopped
communicating with the
network for no apparent
reason.
The computer does not detect
network drivers.
The cable is not securely
connected to the network
connector on the Ethernet.
General network failure.
The files for the network
drivers have been corrupted.
Windows 95: Restart the system by clicking
Start > Shut Down > Restart the Computer.
Windows NT: Click Start > Shut Down. Power
the computer back on.
Ensure that the cable is securely connected to
the ArmadaStation/Armada MiniStation and
the Ethernet network.
Ensure that the network you are connected to
is running and has not experienced problems
that would prevent the connection.
Reinstall the network drivers.
IMPORTANT: If the 100BaseT Ethernet upgrade module has been installed, remove it
before returning the Ethernet module, ArmadaStation, or Armada MiniStation for
replacement.