Compaq N400c - Evo Notebook - PIII 700 MHz, Evo n400c PC Reference Manual

b

Reference Guide

Mobile Expansion Unit

Part Number: 225837-001

April 2001

This guide provides information on installing and operating the
Mobile Expansion Unit with your computer as well as tips on
solving common problems.

© 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation

Compaq, the Compaq logo, Armada Registered in U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office.

All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective companies.

Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is”
without warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The
warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express limited
warranty statements accompanying such products.

Nothing herein should

be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

Reference Guide
First Edition (April 2001)
Part Number: 225837-001

Contents

1 Getting Started

Identifying the Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Security Cable Slot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7

Security Selection Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8

Packing Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9

Information and Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9

2 Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Connecting the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1

Disconnecting the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

Docking and Undocking to a Docking Base . . . . . . . . . . 2–4

Turning Equipment On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4

Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5

Connecting External Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7

Operating External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7

3 Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

Installing or Removing MultiBay Devices . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Following MultiBay Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Using an Optical Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4

Ejecting a CD Manually. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4

Using the Stereo Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6

Reference Guide iii

Contents

A Troubleshooting

Using the World Wide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1

Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1

B Specifications

Regulatory Agency Series Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–1

Index

iv Reference Guide

Getting Started

The Mobile Expansion Unit (MEU) features two MultiBays.
Each MultiBay supports one of the following devices:

Diskette drive

■

CD drive

■

DVD drive

■

Zip drive

■

Battery pack

■

Hard drive

■

1

External desktop devices such as a printer, external monitor,
external keyboard, or mouse can be attached to the rear panel of
the MEU. To expand your desktop capabilities, you can dock the
computer with the MEU to an optional Armada docking base.

Reference Guide 1–1

Getting Started

Identifying the Components

This section identifies the components on the MEU.

Front and right side components

Front and Right Side Components

Component Description

1 Computer tabs Secures the computer to the MEU.

2 Expansion connector Connects the computer to the

MEU.

3 Microphone jack Connects a single sound channel

microphone.

4 Speaker/headphone jack Connects stereo speakers,

headphone, headset, or television
audio.

5 Right acoustic port Enhances bass sound.

6 Stereo speaker Produces sound for multimedia

files and system warning beeps.

1–2 Reference Guide

Getting Started

Front and Right Side Components

Component Description

7 Security cable slot Allows an optional security cable to

8 Docking release button Releases the MEU from the

9 MultiBays (2) Each supports a CD or DVD drive,

(Continued)

be attached to the MEU.

computer by pressing the right side
button.

Zip drive, second battery pack, or
second hard drive.

Reference Guide 1–3

Getting Started

Rear and left side components

Rear and Left Side Components

Component Function

1 Parallel connector Connects a parallel device.

2 Docking connector Connects to an optional docking

base.

3 Serial connector Connects a serial device. The

computer serial port is disabled
when the computer is connected to
the MEU.

4 External monitor connector Connects an external monitor or

overhead projector.

5 USB connector (2) Connects USB devices.

6 Keyboard connector Connects a full-size keyboard.

7 Mouse connector Connects an external pointing

1–4 Reference Guide

device.

Getting Started

Rear and Left Side Components

Component Function

8 AC power connector Connects an external AC adapter.

9 Left acoustic port Enhances bass sound.

: Stereo speaker Produces sound for multimedia

(Continued)

files and system warning beeps.

Reference Guide 1–5

Getting Started

Bottom components

Bottom Components

Component Function

1 Left MultiBay release latch Ejects a MultiBay device by sliding

the latch to the right.

2 Right MultiBay release latch Ejects a MultiBay device by sliding

the latch to the left.

3 Docking restraint recess Secures the computer/MEU

system in place when docked to an
optional Compaq docking base.

4 Security selection switch Prevents the removal of the

computer from the MEU while the
system (computer and MEU) is
docked in a docking base.

1–6 Reference Guide

Security Cable Slot

The security cable slot protects the system from theft. Use a
security cable, purchased from a Compaq authorized reseller, and
loop it around a secured object. Pull the lock through the cable
loop and insert the cable into the slot on the MEU. If the cable has
a key, use it to lock and unlock the cable.

Getting Started

Using the security cable slot

The security cable slot cannot be used with a Kensington lock

✎

Reference Guide 1–7

unless the security selection switch is in the locked position.

Getting Started

Security Selection Switch

The security selection switch on the bottom of the MEU prevents
the removal of the computer from the MEU while the system
(computer and MEU) is docked in an optional docking base.

To engage the lock:

1. Ensure that the computer and MEU are connected.

2. Slide the security selection switch to the locked position.

Using the security selection switch

3. Dock the computer and MEU in a docking base (refer to the
installation guide that ships with the docking base for
docking instructions).

To disengage the lock, eject the computer and MEU from the
docking base. Slide the security selection switch to the unlocked
position.

1–8 Reference Guide

Packing Box Contents

Before you begin, ensure that you have removed everything from
the packing box. In addition to this guide, you should have the
following items in the packing box:

MEU with a diskette drive and an optical drive (CD or DVD)

■

in the MultiBays

MultiBay weight saver

■

Warranty and service information

■

Information and Updates

For additional information, refer to the Notebook Products
Reference Library Guide CD, included with the computer, for the:

Getting Started

Å

Hardware Guide, which provides comprehensive information

■

on your computer.

Regulatory and Safety Notices guide, which provides

■

governmental agency and safety information on the use of
this product.

Visit the Compaq Web site at

http://www.compaq.com

for product

news and software updates.

WARNING: Misuse of your personal computer or failure to establish a
safe and comfortable workstation may result in discomfort or serious
injury. Refer to your
choosing a workspace and creating a safe and comfortable work
environment.

Safety & Comfort

guide for more information on

Reference Guide 1–9

Connecting and Disconnecting

Connecting the Computer

To connect the computer to the Mobile Expansion Unit:

1. Close the computer display.

2. Align the slots on the front of the computer with the
computer tabs on the MEU
expansion connector

and snap into place.

2

. Lower the computer onto the

1

2

the Computer

Connecting the computer to the Mobile Expansion Unit

Reference Guide 2–1

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Firmly press down on the rear of the computer to ensure the

✎

computer and the MEU are connected.

3. Slide the display release latch
computer

2

.

to the right and open the

1

Opening the computer display

2–2 Reference Guide

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Disconnecting the Computer

To disconnect the computer from the MEU:

1. Close the computer display.

2. Press the docking release button

to disconnect the

1

computer from the MEU.

3. Lift the back of the computer to remove it from the MEU

4. Pull the computer away from the MEU tabs

3

.

2

.

Disconnecting the computer from the Mobile Expansion Unit

Reference Guide 2–3

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Docking and Undocking to a Docking Base

Your computer must be attached to the MEU before the system
(computer and Mobile Expansion Unit) can be docked to a
docking base. Docking the system to the docking base provides a
desktop workstation. Consult the docking base installation guide
or your Compaq authorized dealer for more information about
docking and undocking.

The computer and MEU cannot be docked to a docking base if an

✎

optional, high-capacity, external battery pack is attached to the
computer.

Turning Equipment On and Off

When the computer and MEU are connected, turn the system on
and off using the power button on the computer.

If the computer and the MEU are docked to a docking base,
follow the instructions in the docking base installation guide for
turning equipment on and off.

If a second battery pack or a second hard drive is in the MEU
MultiBay, turn off the computer before disconnecting it from the
MEU.

2–4 Reference Guide

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Connecting the AC Adapter

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, electric shock, fire, or

Å

Å

damage to your equipment:

Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding

■

plug is an important safety feature.
Plug the equipment into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet

■

that is easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect power from the equipment by unplugging the power

■

cord from the electrical outlet.
Do not place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them

■

so that no one can accidentally step on or trip over them.
Do not pull on a cord or cable. When unplugging from the

■

electrical outlet, grasp the cord by the plug.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to
the equipment, do not attempt to operate the computer and Mobile
Expansion Unit with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.

Reference Guide 2–5

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Use the AC adapter that ships with your computer. To connect the
AC adapter:

1. Connect the AC adapter to the power connector on the left
side of the MEU

1

.

2. Connect the power cord to the AC adapter

2

3. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet

.

3

.

Connecting the AC Adapter

2–6 Reference Guide

Connecting and Disconnecting the Computer

Connecting External Devices

To connect devices to the MEU:

1. Turn off power to the computer, MEU, and all devices.

2. Connect external devices to the connectors on the MEU rear
panel and turn on power to all devices.

To complete the device connections, some manufacturers require

✎

that you install software drivers. Refer to the documentation
included with the device for details.

Operating External Devices

To ensure that devices connected to the MEU are activated, refer
to the following guidelines:

When adding a device to or removing a device from the

■

MEU, turn off power to the computer, MEU, and applicable
devices before connecting or disconnecting.

When the computer is connected to the MEU, ensure all

■

attached devices are turned on, then turn on power to the
computer.

Reference Guide 2–7

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

Installing or Removing MultiBay Devices

The MultiBays support any combination of the following devices:

Diskette drive

■

CD drive

■

DVD drive

■

Zip drive

■

Battery pack

■

Hard drive

■

3

Ä

✎

CAUTION: Static electricity can damage electronic components.
Before beginning these procedures, make sure you are grounded
(discharged of static electricity) by briefly touching a grounded,
unpainted metal object or surface.

MultiBay devices can be inserted into an MEU MultiBay before
connecting the computer to the MEU. However, MultiBay
devices with writeable media, such as diskette drives, CD-RW,
and Zip drives, can only be inserted into or removed from a
MultiBay when the computer power is turned off.

To install a MultiBay device, slide the device into a MultiBay
until it clicks into place.

To remove a MultiBay device, tilt up the front of the MEU, slide
the appropriate release latch to eject the device and pull it from
the MultiBay.

Reference Guide 3–1

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

For used battery pack recycling requirements, refer to the

Regulatory and Safety Notices guide contained on the Notebook
Products Reference Library CD included with your computer.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury or damage to the battery

Å

pack, do not crush, puncture, or incinerate the battery pack or short
the metal contacts. Do not attempt to open or service the battery
pack.

Following MultiBay Guidelines

Before inserting or removing a MultiBay device, refer to the
following guidlines for your operating system:

Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, or

■

Windows NT 4.0:

If the system (computer, MEU, and optional docking

❏

base) is turned on with only one diskette drive or
SuperDisk LS-120 drive installed in a MultiBay, only one
additional diskette drive or SuperDisk LS-120 drive can
be inserted into the other MultiBay while the system is
turned on.

Turn off the system before inserting or removing a hard

❏

drive to and from a MultiBay.

A SuperDisk LS-120 drive that has been inserted into a

❏

MultiBay while the system is turned on cannot be used to
format a SuperDisk LS-120 disk.

3–2 Reference Guide

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me operating system:

■

MultiBay devices cannot be inserted into or removed

❏

from a MultiBay when the system is turned on unless
appropriate Compaq drivers and utilities are installed.
These drivers and utilities are available if you are running
an operating system preinstalled by Compaq. If you are
not running a preinstalled operating system, information
on these drivers and utilities is available in the Compaq
Operating Systems Installation white paper on the
Compaq Web site at

http://www.compaq.com

Windows NT 4.0 operating system:

■

An optical drive (CD or DVD) cannot be replaced with a

❏

diskette drive or SuperDisk LS-120 drive while the
system is turned on.

Turn off the system before inserting or removing a Zip

❏

drive into or from a MultiBay.

Replacing a SuperDisk LS-120, Zip, or diskette drive

❏

with an optical drive while the system is turned on results
in diminished system performance.

A CD-RW drive can be inserted into a MultiBay while

❏

the system is turned on. However, the system must be
restarted to enable the write capability.

MultiBay devices in the left MultiBay should not be

❏

replaced while the system is turned on. Replacing the left
MultiBay device while the system is turned on results in
the drive letter reassignment for the right MultiBay
device.

A diskette or SuperDisk LS-120 drive cannot be removed

❏

from a MultiBay and replaced by an optical drive while
the system is turned on unless a SuperDisk LS-120, Zip,
or diskette drive is already installed in the other
MultiBay.

Reference Guide 3–3

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

If the computer is attached to the MEU and an optional

■

docking base is not being used, the following guidelines
apply for all operating systems:

Operating the system with an optical drive or hard drive

❏

in one MultiBay and a SuperDisk LS-120, Zip, or
diskette drive in the other MultiBay results in diminished
system performance.

If you are operating the system with an optical drive in

❏

each MultiBay or an optical drive in one MultiBay and a
hard drive in the other MultiBay, you cannot replace the
optical drive or the hard drive with a SuperDisk LS-120,
Zip, or diskette drive while the system is turned on.

Using an Optical Drive

To place a CD disc into an optical drive (CD or DVD), follow
these steps:

1. Press the media tray release button on the drive to open the
tray.

2. Gently pull the tray until it is fully extended.

3. Place a CD disc on the tray, label side up.

4. Push the media tray back into the drive to close the tray. The
optical drive clicks when it is fully closed.

Ejecting a CD Manually

If you are unable to eject a CD disc from an optical drive by
pressing the release button or by using your CD software, refer to
the following instructions to manually eject the CD disc.

Certain applications or operating system software may disable the

✎

eject button to prevent accidental damage to the disc. If the eject
button is disabled by the application software, it will not operate.

3–4 Reference Guide

Ä

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

CAUTION: Before beginning this procedure, turn off the power to
your equipment and remove the battery pack.

To eject a CD disc manually:

1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the manual eject hole and
push firmly.

Manually ejecting a CD disc

2. When the eject mechanism is released, slowly pull the media
tray out from the drive until it is fully extended, then remove
the CD disc.

Reference Guide 3–5

Using the Mobile Expansion Unit

Using the Stereo Speakers

In addition to the computer speakers, the MEU comes with dual
stereo speakers and acoustic ports. When the computer is attached
to the MEU, the system audio is played through the MEU
speakers.

If the computer and MEU are docked to a docking base that is
connected to external speakers, the MEU stereo speakers are
bypassed and the audio is played through the external speakers.

✎

Volume is adjusted by pressing the
computer keyboard. Volume can also be adjusted using the
volume control buttons on the front of the computer.

Fn+F5

hot keys on the

3–6 Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

Using the World Wide Web

Support services are available on the Internet through the
Compaq Support Forum. You can either browse the postings as a
guest, or register as a user and submit your own questions.
Compaq responds to questions within one business day.

To access the Compaq Support Forum, go to the Compaq Web
site at

Preparing to Call Technical Support

http://www.compaq.com

.

A

If you cannot solve a problem using the troubleshooting tips in
this section, you may need to call technical support. To receive
the fastest possible solution when you call, run Compaq
Diagnostics. Refer to your computer documentation for
information on running Compaq Diagnostics. Have the following
information available when you call:

The computer

■

Serial number

■

Purchase date on invoice

■

Conditions under which the problem occurred

■

Error messages that have occurred

■

Hardware configuration

■

Hardware and software you are using

■

Type of printer connected

■

Reference Guide A–1

Troubleshooting

Printed information from Compaq Diagnostics or a list of the

■

devices and error messages received

Configuration settings, including contents of the system files

■

The following tables list possible problems, the possible cause of
each problem, and the recommended solutions:

Connection Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution

The computer is not
properly connected to
the MEU.

The computer is not
properly seated on the
expansion connector
posts.

Ensure the computer is
properly connected to
the expansion
connector tabs.

Disconnection Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution

The computer will not
disconnect.

The connectors may be
jammed.

The security selection
switch may be in the
locked position.

Apply additional
pressure when lifting the
computer from the
MEU.

Slide the security
selection switch to the
unlocked position. See
the “Security Selection
Switch” section in
Chapter 1 for more
information.

A–2 Reference Guide

External Device Connection Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Troubleshooting

A new device is not
recognized as part of
the computer system.

The signal cable or
power cord of the new
device is loose or
disconnected.

More than one optional
device has the same
interrupt request (IRQ)
setting.

The device may have
been inserted while
power was on.

Ensure that all

■

cables are properly
and securely
connected.

Ensure that all

■

power cords are
properly and
securely plugged
into an electrical
outlet.

Correct the IRQ settings
for optional devices that
are conflicting.

Turn the computer Off,
then insert the new
device. Turn on external
devices with power
switches. Restart the
system.

Reference Guide A–3

Troubleshooting

Optical Drive Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution

The system cannot read
the optical disc.

The system cannot
eject the optical disc.

The optical disc (CD or
DVD) is not properly
seated in the drive.

The optical disc has
been loaded upside
down.

The optical disc may be
dirty or scratched.

Optical disc is not
properly loaded in the
drive.

Eject the disc, press
down on the disc firmly
to correctly set in the
drive, then reload.

Eject the disc, turn it
over, then reload.

Load another disc.

Turn off the computer
and insert a
straightened paper clip
into the manual eject
hole and press firmly.
Slowly pull the tray out
from the drive until the
tray is fully extended,
then remove the disc.

(See the “Ejecting a CD
Manually,” section in
Chapter 3 for detailed
instructions.)

A–4 Reference Guide

There is no power to the
Mobile Expansion Unit.

Use the preceding
procedure to manually
eject the optical disc.

(See the “Ejecting a CD
Manually,” section in
Chapter 3 for detailed
instructions.)

Specifications

This product is a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. For more Class B information, refer to the Regulatory

and Safety Notices guide on the Notebook Products Reference
Library CD included with your computer.

Regulatory Agency Series Numbers

Regulatory agencies worldwide use agency series numbers for
product identification. Each approved product displays the
assigned agency series number. To ensure continued safe and
reliable operation, use the computer only with the products listed
below:

B

Agency Series Numbers

Product Agency Series Number

Computer PP2070

Battery Pack

Primary battery pack
Optional external battery pack
MultiBay battery pack in Mobile

Expansion Unit

AC Adapter PPP005D, PPP005L, and PPP005N

Mobile Expansion Unit PP2075

Automobile Adapter 401043

Reference Guide B–1

PP2071A
PP2051A and PP2051B
PP1001C

Specifications

Agency Series Numbers

Product Agency Series Number

Aircraft Adapter 386504

Modem J07M040.00

Network Interface Card (NIC) U98M010 and U98M008

(Continued)

This product is designed for IT power systems in Norway with

✎

Mobile Expansion Unit

Dimensions

phase-to-phase voltage not exceeding 240 VRMs.

Height 0.8 in./20.6 mm

Depth 9.25 in./235 mm

Width 11.81 in./300 mm

Weight 2.6 lb./1.2 kg

Rated Input Voltage 100-120/220-240 VAC

Rated Input Frequency 50-60 Hz

Rated Input Current 2.7 A

B–2 Reference Guide

Index

A

AC adapter, connecting 2–5
AC power

connector

2–6

cord

acoustic port

1–5, 2–6

1–2, 1–5

B

bottom components 1–6

C

cautions

1–2

3–5

2–3

3–1

2–2

3–4

2–1

2–7

2–5

A–2

CD removal

electrical safety
CD, manually ejecting
components
computer

disconnecting

display, opening

1–2, 2–1

tabs
connecting external devices
connecting the AC adapter
connecting the computer
connection troubleshooting

D

disconnection troubleshooting

A–2

docking

connector

release button

restraint recess

to a docking base

1–4

1–3, 2–3

1–6

2–4

E

ejecting a CD manually 3–4
equipment

2–4

2–7

2–4

2–7

1–2

1–4

turning off

turning on
expansion connector
external devices

connecting

operating
external monitor connector

F

front components 1–2

H

headphone jack 1–2

I

installing MultiBay devices 3–1

K

keyboard connector 1–4

L

left side components 1–4

M

microphone jack 1–2
mouse connector
MultiBay

devices, installing

guidelines

release latch

1–3

3–2

1–6

1–4

3–1

Reference Guide 1–1

Index

O

operating external devices 2–7
optical drive

3–4

P

parallel connector 1–4

R

rear components 1–4
regulatory agency series numbers

B–1

right side components

1–2

S

security cable slot 1–3, 1–7
security selection switch

A–2
serial connector
speaker jack
specifications
stereo speakers

1–4

1–2

B–1

1–2, 1–5, 3–6

1–6, 1–8

T

tabs 1–2
troubleshooting

A–1

U

undocking 2–4
universal serial bus (USB)

connector

W

warnings

battery pack safety
computer misuse
electrical safety

1–4

2–5

3–2

1–9

,

1–2 Reference Guide