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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE GUIDE
Compaq Expansion Base
First Edition September 1999
Documentation Part Number 144098-001
Spare Part Number 163487-001
Compaq Computer Corporation
CONTENTS
preface
USING THIS GUIDE
chapter 1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.1 ArmadaStation EM Features ..........................................................................................................1-1
Security Features ...............................................................................................................................1-3
5.8 Top Cover......................................................................................................................................5-12
POWER CORD SET REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................B-1
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................... I-1
iv Contents
preface
USING THIS GUIDE
This Maintenance and Service Guide is a troubleshooting guide that can be used for
reference when servicing the Compaq ArmadaStation EM.
Compaq Computer Corporation reserves the right to make changes to the Compaq
ArmadaStation EM without notice.
Symbols
The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout this guide:
WARNING:Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions in the
!
warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions in the
caution could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.
IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or specific
instructions.
NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points of
information.
Technician Notes
WARNING: Only authorized technicians trained by Compaq should attempt to repair this
!
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: The computer is designed to be electrically grounded. To ensure proper
!
operation, plug the AC power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet only.
CAUTION: To properly ventilate your system, you must provide at least 3 inches
(7.62 cm) of clearance on the front and back of the computer.
Preface v
Serial Number
When requesting information or ordering spare parts, provide the ArmadaStation EM
serial number. The serial number is located on the right side underneath the connector
cover.
Locating Additional Information
The following documentation is available to support the ArmadaStation EM:
■ Compaq ArmadaStation EM documentation set
■ Service training guides
■ Compaq Service Advisories and Bulletins
■ Compaq QuickFind
■ Compaq Service Quick Reference Guide
■ Compaq Internet site at http://www.Compaq.com
vi Preface
chapter
1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.1 ArmadaStation EM Features
The Compaq ArmadaStation EM provides fully integrated desktop capabilities for the
Compaq Armada E and M Series of Personal Computers. The ArmadaStation EM
eliminates the need to disconnect external devices when you remove the computer.
NOTE: The Armada M300 computer requires the Mobile Expansion Unit (MEU) to be
used in the ArmadaStation EM.
Figure 1-1. Compaq ArmadaStation EM
Product Description1-1
The ArmadaStation EM provides two integrated MultiBays, an industry-standard
half-height bay, integrated stereo speakers, computer I/O port replication, motorized
docking, and one full-sized and two half-sized 32-bit PCI slots.
A monitor support cover capable of supporting up to 75 pounds (34 kilograms) also
comes with the ArmadaStation EM. A tower stand is optional.
Security Features
■ U-bolt and cable lock to attach to a fixed object
■ Security latch to prevent removal of MultiBay devices while computer is docked
■ Keylock that disables the automatic eject mechanism to secure the computer to the
base. The keylock also disables the rear panel release latch to prevent access to the
computer manual eject button and PCI slots, and disables the MultiBay release
buttons.
External Connectors
■ Docking connector
■ Serial connector
■ Parallel connector
■ External mouse connector
■ External keyboard connector
■ External CRT connector for resolutions up to 1280 × 1024
■ Stereo speaker/headphones out connector
■ Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors (2)
■ Stereo line-in jack
■ Microphone out jack
■ PCI expansion board connectors (3)
1-2Product Description
1.2 ArmadaStation EM Components
The external components on the front of the ArmadaStation EM are shown in
Figure 1-2 and described in Table 1-2.
Figure 1-2. ArmadaStation EM Front Components
Table 1-2
ArmadaStation EM Front Components
ItemDescriptionFunction
1Alignment guidesAlign the computer onto the ArmadaStation EM.
2Retaining latchSecures the computer to the ArmadaStation EM.
3Docking connectorConnects the computer to the ArmadaStation EM.
4Top MultiBay LightIndicates a drive in the top MultiBay is being accessed.
5Power/suspend lightWhen lit, indicates the ArmadaStation EM is on. When blinking,
6Suspend buttonInitiates and exits Suspend.
7Bottom MultiBay lightWhen lit, indicates a drive in the bottom MultiBay is being
8Top MultiBay release buttonReleases a drive from the top MultiBay.
9Bottom MultiBay release buttonReleases a drive from the bottom MultiBay.
10Bottom MultiBaySupports a removable DVD-ROM drive, CD-ROM drive, diskette
11Top MultiBaySupports a removable DVD-ROM drive, CD-ROM drive, SuperDisk
12Half-height baySupports an optional industry standard half-height device.
13Monitor support cover recessSupports the front leg of the monitor support cover.
14Stereo speakers (2)Produce stereo sound.
indicates the ArmadaStation EM is in Suspend.
accessed or a battery pack in the bottom MultiBay is charging or
waiting to be charged. When blinking, indicates a battery pack in
the bottom MultiBay has reached a low battery condition.
drive, SuperDisk LS-120 drive, hard drive, or extra battery pack.
LS-120 drive, or hard drive.
Product Description1-3
Components on the right side of the ArmadaStation EM are shown in Figure 1-3 and
described in Table 1-3.
Figure 1-3. ArmadaStation EM Right Side Components
Table 1-3
ArmadaStation EM Right Side Components
ItemDescriptionFunction
1Computer eject buttonDisconnects the computer from the ArmadaStation EM docking
2Volume control switchAdjusts or mutes the volume of the stereo speakers or audio
3Stereo speaker/headphone jack Connects stereo speakers, headphones, or a headset.
4Stereo line-in jackConnects a CD player, tuner, or tape deck. The sound plays in
5Microphone jackConnects a single sound channel microphone. The sound plays
6USB connectors (2)Connect universal serial bus (USB) devices.
7KeylockLocks the computer to the ArmadaStation EM and disables the
8Power buttonTurns the system (ArmadaStation EM and computer) on and off.
9PCI card slotsArea for the installation of expansion boards.
connector.
equipment. To mute, press between the - and + symbols.
stereo from both ArmadaStation EM speakers.
from both ArmadaStation EM speakers.
automatic docking mechanism.
1-4Product Description
The components on the rear panel of the ArmadaStation EM are shown in Figure 1-4
and described in Table 1-4.
Figure 1-4. ArmadaStation EM Rear Panel Components
Table 1-4
ArmadaStation EM Rear Panel Components
ItemDescriptionFunction
1Keyboard connectorConnects an external keyboard.
2Mouse connectorConnects an external mouse.
3Serial connectorConnects a serial device such as a serial printer or mouse.
4Parallel connectorConnects a parallel device such as a parallel printer.
5External monitor connectorConnects an external monitor.
6Rear panel release latchReleases the rear panel.
7Voltage switch labelShows the voltage selections.
8Power connectorAccepts a power cord.
9Voltage select switchSets the voltage for the country where the ArmadaStation EM is
10Security cable slotAttaches an optional security cable lock to secure the
11U-boltAttaches an optional heavy-duty cable and lock to secure the
12Monitor latch slotAttaches the monitor support cover rear latch.
being used.
ArmadaStation EM to fixed object.
ArmadaStation EM to a fixed object.
Product Description1-5
Activity Lights
The ArmadaStation EM has three activity lights.
Top and Bottom MultiBay Activity Lights
The top and bottom MultiBay activity lights are located on the front/right corner of the
ArmadaStation EM. These lights turn on when information from a removable drive
inserted in the ArmadaStation EM MultiBays is accessed.
Power/Suspend Light
The power/suspend light is located on the front/right corner of the ArmadaStation EM.
This light turns on when the system (computer and ArmadaStation EM) is turned on;
this light blinks when the system is placed in Suspend.
MultiBays
The ArmadaStation EM features two MultiBays. The MultiBays support the same
drives that are used in the E and M Series computer MultiBay, including hard drives
(installed into a MultiBay hard drive adapter), CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives,
diskette drives (bottom MultiBay only), and SuperDisk LS-120 drives. The bottom
MultiBay can also be used to charge MultiBay battery packs.
The ArmadaStation EM MultiBays support the following devices:
The system (computer and ArmadaStation EM) 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.
1-6Product Description
Half-Height Bay
The ArmadaStation EM features one standard half-height bay, which is located on the
front of the ArmadaStation EM. The half-height bay supports any standard half-height
drive or a half-height MultiBay adapter.
Security Lock
The ArmadaStation EM features a security lock that allows all computer and
ArmadaStation EM resources (hard drives, diskette drives, CD-ROM drives, PCI
expansion boards) to be secured to the system (computer and ArmadaStation EM).
When the security lock is engaged, the computer cannot be undocked, and no drives or
PCI expansion boards can be removed from the system.
PCI Expansion Boards
The ArmadaStation EM provides connectors for up to three PCI expansion boards (one
full-sized and two half-sized 32-bit PCI slots).
Product Description1-7
chapter
2
TROUBLESHOOTING
This chapter contains troubleshooting information for the Compaq ArmadaStation EM.
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
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 Chapter 5 for any recommended removal and replacement procedures.
■ If the problem is intermittent, check the ArmadaStation EM 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.
Troubleshooting2-1
Problems and Solutions
Table 2-1
Solving Docking and Undocking Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
The computer will not undock
from the ArmadaStation EM.
The computer is not properly
docked or will not dock.
The operating system (such as
Windows NT) does
not support undocking while
the computer is on or in
Suspend.
Security cable is attached.Unlock security cable.
The ArmadaStation EM is
locked.
No AC power.Release the computer from the docking
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.
Unlock the ArmadaStation EM.
mechanism by sliding the manual release
lever to the right.
Undock the computer and redock it.
mechanism by sliding the ArmadaStation EM
manual release lever to the right.
Table 2-2
Solving Expansion Board Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
Expansion board does not
work.
Expansion board is not
recognized by the system.
Expansion board is not
properly seated.
Appropriate drivers for the
expansion board are not
installed.
Reinstall the expansion board.
Obtain the necessary drivers from the
expansion board manufacturer.
2-2Troubleshooting
Table 2-3
Solving External Keyboard Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
External keyboard does not
work.
External keyboard may not be
securely connected.
Make sure the external keyboard is securely
connected to the keyboard connector.
Table 2-4
Solving External Mouse Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
External mouse does not
work.
External mouse may not be
securely connected.
Mouse driver is not loaded.Load mouse driver.
External mouse was connected
after the system was turned on.
Make sure the external mouse cord is
securely connected to the mouse connector.
Turn off system power, and turn on system
again.
Table 2-5
Solving Expansion Device Installation Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
A new device connected to
the ArmadaStation EM is not
recognized as part of the
computer system.
Cable(s) of the new external
device are loose, or the power
cables are unplugged.
Power switch of the new
external device is not turned on.
Device is not plug and play.For Windows 95 or Windows 98:
Ensure that all cables are properly and
securely connected.
Turn off the computer, turn on the external
device, then turn on the computer to integrate
the device with the computer system.
Double-click the Add New Hardware icon in
Control Panel for help installing the device.
You can also use Computer Setup to install a
new device. Choose Tools, Adding a Legacy
Device, and follow onscreen instructions.
Troubleshooting2-3
Table 2-6
Solving External Monitor Problems
ProblemProbable CauseRecommended Action(s)
Screen is blank.Screen save was initiated after
Computer screen is blank and
the image is on the external
monitor.
Display on the external
monitor is distorted.
Garbled characters on the
computer screen or flashing
computer display when
connected to an external
monitor.
External monitor screen is
distorted.
Computer display and external
monitor display do not display
image simultaneously.
the Power Management screen
timeout (period of inactivity).
You have another screen saving
utility installed.
Suspend was initiated.Press the suspend button to exit Suspend.
The image is on the computer
display.
Power to the monitor is turned
off.
Image was switched to the
external monitor.
Incorrect display device drivers
are installed or incorrect
resolution is set.
Toggled to internal computer
from an external monitor that is
using higher resolution than the
computer supports.
Energy Star Monitor is selected
on the Power Management
menu, and the external monitor
is not Energy Star compliant.
Image was switched using the
Fn+F4 hotkeys.
Press any key or click the mouse.
Press any key or click the mouse.
Press the Fn+F4 hotkeys to switch the
image from the computer display to the
external monitor.
Turn on the monitor.
Press the Fn+F4 hotkeys to switch the
image to the computer screen.
Select Start→ Settings→ Control Panel→
Display icon, and set the display type and
resolution for the external monitor.
Restart the system. If simultaneous display is
desired, use the VGA resolution the computer
supports.
Press any key or move the mouse to restore
the image on the screen. If the image remains
distorted, turn the monitor off, then back on.
Clear the Energy Star Monitor setting
checkbox.
Press the
the three display possibilities until
simultaneous display occurs.
Fn+F4 hotkeys to toggle through
2-4Troubleshooting
chapter
3
ILLUSTRATED PARTS CATALOG
This chapter provides an illustrated parts breakdown and a reference for spare part
numbers for the Compaq ArmadaStation EM.
3.1 Serial Number Location
When ordering parts or requesting information, provide the ArmadaStation EM serial
number located on the right side of the expansion base (Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1. Compaq ArmadaStation EM Serial Number Location