b
Reference Guide
Mobile Expansion Unit
Document Part Number: 233052-001
August 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 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 August 2001
Document Part Number: 233052-001
Contents
1 Getting Started
Identifying the MEU Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Getting More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
2 Connecting and Disconnecting
Connecting the Computer to the MEU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Disconnecting the Computer from the MEU . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
Connecting External Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9
3 Using the MEU
Turning the System On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Operating External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Inserting and Removing MultiBay Devices. . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Inserting a MultiBay Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
Removing a MultiBay Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4
Following MultiBay Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Inserting and Removing Optical Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Inserting Optical Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Removing Optical Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Using the Stereo Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Reference Guide iii
Contents
A Troubleshooting
Using the World Wide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
Solving Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–2
B Specifications
Regulatory Agency Series Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–1
Index
iv Reference Guide
Getting Started
Identifying the MEU Components
1
Front and Right Side Components
Component Description
1 Lock pin Locks the computer in place when
2 Release plunger Releases the computer from the
3 Expansion connector Connects the computer to
Reference Guide 1–1
it is docked in the MEU.
MEU when the release lever is
pulled.
the MEU.
Getting Started
Front and Right Side Components (Continued)
Component Description
4 Guide rails Align the computer for docking in
the MEU.
5 USB connectors Connect USB devices.
6 AC power connector Connects an external AC adapter.
7 Release lever Releases the computer from
the MEU.
1–2 Reference Guide
Rear and Left Side Components
Getting Started
Component Description
1 PS/2 connectors Connects PS/2 devices.
2 Parallel connector Connects a parallel device.
3 Serial connector Connects a serial device.
4 VGA connector Connects a VGA monitor.
5 MultiBay (with device installed) Holds one MultiBay device.
Reference Guide 1–3
Getting Started
Bottom Components
Component Description
1 MultiBay release latch Releases a device from the
MultiBay when the latch is pushed.
2 MultiBay device grip Provides area to grasp and
remove a device from the MultiBay.
1–4 Reference Guide
Getting More Information
The Notebook Products Reference Library Guide CD, included
with your computer, contains the following additional
information:
■ Hardware Guide, which provides comprehensive information
about your computer.
■ Regulatory and Safety Notices, which provides governmental
agency and safety information about the use of your
computer and this product.
Getting Started
Å
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 the Safety & Comfort Guide on the Notebook Products
Reference Library CD for information on choosing a workspace and
creating a safe and comfortable work environment.
Reference Guide 1–5
Connecting and Disconnecting
Connecting the Computer to the MEU
CAUTION: To prevent a possible loss of data, save all files, close
Ä
all applications, and turn off power to the computer before
connecting to the MEU.
To connect the computer to the MEU:
1. Close the computer display.
2. Align the computer between the MEU guide rails.
2
Reference Guide 2–1
Connecting and Disconnecting
3. Do one of the following:
■ If an optional external battery pack is not attached to the
computer, push the computer toward the expansion connector
until the computer is docked.
2–2 Reference Guide
Ä
Connecting and Disconnecting
■ If an optional external battery pack is attached to the
computer, rotate the battery 1 down into the recess of the
MEU, then push the computer 2 toward the expansion
connector until the computer is docked.
CAUTION: Be sure the battery is fully seated in the MEU recess so
the connectors on the rear of the computer are exposed. Failure to
fully expose the connectors prevents the computer from properly
docking in the MEU.
Reference Guide 2–3
Connecting and Disconnecting
4. Slide the computer display release latch 1 to the right and
open the computer 2.
2–4 Reference Guide
Connecting and Disconnecting
Disconnecting the Computer from the
MEU
CAUTION: To prevent a possible loss of data, save all files, close
Ä
all applications, and turn off power to the computer before
disconnecting from the MEU.
To disconnect the computer from the MEU:
1. Close the computer display.
2. Pull the release lever 1 forward until the computer
disconnects from the MEU 2.
Reference Guide 2–5
Connecting and Disconnecting
3. Do one of the following:
■ If an optional external battery pack is not attached to the
computer, remove the computer by sliding it forward,
then tilting it up and away from the MEU expansion
connector.
Ä
■ If an optional external battery pack is attached to the
computer, remove the computer by sliding it forward and
lifting it straight up from the MEU.
CAUTION: Do not rotate the battery out of the MEU recess when
disconnecting from the MEU; doing so can damage the connectors
and prevent you from disconnecting properly.
2–6 Reference Guide
Connecting the AC Adapter
The AC Adapter included with your computer connects the MEU
to AC power.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, electric shock, fire, or
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 a cord from the
electrical outlet, grasp the cord by the plug.
Connecting and Disconnecting
Å
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to
the equipment, do not attempt to operate the computer and MEU
with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances. Use the AC Adapter
included with your computer.
Reference Guide 2–7
Connecting and Disconnecting
To connect the AC Adapter:
1. Connect the AC Adapter cable 1 to the AC power connector
on the right side of the MEU.
2. Plug one end of the power cord 2 to the AC Adapter.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord 3 into an electrical
outlet. (Power cords and outlets vary by country.)
In Japan, attach the 3-to-2 prong plug adapter (included with your
✎
computer) to the power cord before connecting to an electrical
outlet.
2–8 Reference Guide
Connecting and Disconnecting
Connecting External Devices
Once the computer is docked in the MEU, you can connect and
use external devices, such as a printer, monitor, keyboard, or
mouse, via the MEU.
To connect an external device:
1. Ensure that the external device is turned off.
2. Plug the device cable into the appropriate connector on
the MEU.
3. Turn on the external device.
Some manufacturers require that you install software drivers
✎
before using the devices. Refer to the documentation included
with these devices for details.
Reference Guide 2–9
Using the MEU
Turning the System On and Off
When the computer and MEU are connected, turn the system on
and off using the power button on the computer.
3
Reference Guide 3–1
Using the MEU
Operating External Devices
To ensure that devices connected to the MEU are working
properly, observe the following guidelines:
■ Before connecting or disconnecting an external device,
ensure that the device and the system are turned off.
■ When restoring power to the system, ensure that all attached
external devices are on, then turn on the computer.
Inserting and Removing MultiBay Devices
The MultiBay supports the following devices:
■ Diskette drive
Ä
✎
■ Optical drive (CD, DVD)
■ Zip drive
■ LS-120 drive
■ Hard drive
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.
You can insert MultiBay devices in the MEU MultiBay before
connecting the computer to the MEU. However, MultiBay
devices that contain writeable media (such as diskettes, optical
discs, and zip discs) should only be inserted or removed when the
computer is off.
3–2 Reference Guide
Inserting a MultiBay Device
If a weight-saver is installed in the MEU MultiBay, you must
remove it before inserting another device. See “Removing a
MultiBay Device” later in this chapter for more information.
To insert a device into the MultBay:
1. Prepare the device for inserting, if necessary, according to the
instructions included with the device.
A hard drive must be installed in an adapter before it can be
✎
inserted in the MultiBay. For more information, refer to the
instructions included with the hard drive.
2. Push the device into the MultiBay until it clicks into place.
Using the MEU
Reference Guide 3–3
Using the MEU
Removing a MultiBay Device
To remove a device from the MultiBay:
1. Close the computer display.
2. Tilt up the front of the MEU 1 and slide the release latch 2.
3. Pull the device 3 from the MultiBay.
3–4 Reference Guide
Following MultiBay Guidelines
Refer to these guidelines when inserting and removing the
following MultiBay devices.
CAUTION: Failure to follow these guidelines may result in
Ä
diminished system performance.
■ Hard drive—Turn off power to the computer before
inserting or removing a hard drive while the computer is
connected to the MEU.
■ Diskette drive—Turn off the system before replacing a
diskette drive with an optical drive.
■ Optical drive (CD, DVD)—Turn off the system before
replacing an optical drive with a diskette drive or LS-120
drive.
Using the MEU
A CD-RW drive can be inserted while the system is on.
However, you must restart the system to enable CD-RW write
capability.
■ Zip drive—Turn off the system before inserting or removing
a zip drive.
■ LS-120 drive—Turn off the system before replacing an
LS-120 drive with an optical drive.
Reference Guide 3–5
Using the MEU
Inserting and Removing Optical Discs
Inserting Optical Discs
To place an optical disc (CD, CD-RW, or DVD) into an optical
drive:
1. Press the release button on the optical drive to open the tray.
2. Pull the tray until it is fully extended.
3. Place the disc on the tray, label side up.
4. Push the tray into the drive. The optical drive clicks when it is
fully closed.
Removing Optical Discs
To eject an optical disc from an optical drive:
■ Press the release button on the drive tray
■ Eject the disc using software on your computer
Manually Removing an Optical Disc
Occasionally, certain application or operating system software
may disable the drive tray release button to prevent accidental
damage to the disc.
When you cannot eject the optical disc using the release button or
your computer software, use the following procedure to manually
eject an optical disc.
3–6 Reference Guide
Ä
Using the MEU
CAUTION: Before beginning this procedure, turn off power to your
system and connected devices.
1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the manual eject hole and
push firmly.
2. When the eject mechanism releases, pull out the tray until it
is fully extended.
3. Remove the optical disc.
4. Push the tray into the drive. The tray clicks into place when it
is fully closed.
Reference Guide 3–7
Using the MEU
Using the Stereo Speakers
In addition to the computer speakers, the MEU comes with stereo
speakers. When the computer is attached to the MEU, the system
audio plays through the MEU speakers.
Pressing the Fn+F5 hotkeys on the computer keyboard brings up
✎
an application that allows you to control the volume.
3–8 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 diagnostics. Have the following
information available when you call:
■ The computer and MEU
■ Serial numbers for the computer and MEU
■ Purchase date on invoice
■ Conditions under which the problem occurred
■ Error messages that have occurred
■ Hardware configuration
■ Hardware and software you are using
Reference Guide A–1
Troubleshooting
■ Type of printer connected
■ Printed information from Compaq Diagnostics or a list of the
devices and error messages received
■ Configuration settings, including contents of the system files
Solving Common Problems
The following tables list possible problems, the possible cause of
each problem, and the recommended solutions.
Computer Connection Problems and Solutions
Problem Possible Cause Solution
The computer is not
properly connected to
the MEU.
The computer is not
securely attached to the
expansion connector.
The optional extended
battery pack is not fully
seated in the MEU
recess.
Ensure the computer is
securely attached to the
expansion connector.
Rotate the battery pack
out of the MEU recess,
then reconnect the
computer as shown in
Chapter 2.
A–2 Reference Guide
Computer Disconnection Problems and Solutions
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Troubleshooting
The computer will not
disconnect.
The connectors may be
jammed.
The optional extended
battery pack is jammed
between the MEU
recess and the
expansion connector.
Apply additional
pressure when
removing the computer
from the MEU as shown
in Chapter 2.
Applying
Ä
excessive force
may damage
connector pins.
Push down on the
battery pack to reseat it
in the MEU recess, then
disconnect the
computer as shown in
Chapter 2.
Reference Guide A–3
Troubleshooting
External Device Problems and Solutions
Problem Possible Cause Solution
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.
The device was
connected while the
system power was on.
Optical Drive Problems and Solutions
■ Ensure that all
signal cables are
securely connected
to the device and
the system.
■ Ensure that all
power cords are
securely connected
to the computer
and an electrical
outlet.
Turn off the computer,
turn on the device, then
restart the computer.
Problem Possible Cause Solution
The system cannot read
the optical disc.
A–4 Reference Guide
The optical disc is not
properly seated in the
drive.
The optical disc is
upside down.
The optical disc may be
dirty or scratched.
Eject the disc, reseat
the disc in the drive tray,
then close the drive tray.
Eject the disc, turn it
over, then close the
drive tray.
Replace the disc.
Optical Drive Problems and Solutions (Continued)
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Troubleshooting
The system cannot
eject the optical disc.
The optical disc is not
properly seated in the
drive tray.
Turn off the computer,
then manually eject the
disc as shown in
Chapter 3.
There is no power to the
MEU.
■ Turn on power to
the system, then
eject the disc.
■ Manually eject the
disc as shown in
Chapter 3.
MultiBay Problems and Solutions
Problem Possible Cause Solution
A MultiBay device is not
recognized as part of
the system.
The device is not
properly inserted in the
MultiBay.
Remove the device,
then reinsert it as shown
in Chapter 3.
The device was
inserted while the
system power was on.
Restart the computer
while the device is in the
MultiBay.
Reference Guide A–5
Specifications
This product is a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. For more information, refer to the Regulatory and
Safety Notices on the Notebook Products Reference Library CD
included with your computer.
Regulatory Agency Series Numbers
Regulatory agency series numbers are used for product
identification. Each approved product displays the assigned
agency series number. To ensure continued safe and reliable
operation, use the MEU only with the products listed below.
B
Product Agency Series Number
Computer PP2120
AC Adapter PPP003, PPP005
External Battery PP2121
This product is designed for IT power systems in Norway with
✎
phase-to-phase voltage not exceeding 240 VRMs.
Reference Guide B–1
Index
A
AC Adapter
connecting
power connector
series number
2–7
1–2
B–1
B
battery pack
connecting computer to MEU
2–2
disconnecting computer from
MEU
series number
troubleshooting A–2
bottom components
2–6
B–1
1–4
C
cautions
battery placement
CD removal 3–7
connector pin damage
data loss situations
electrical safety 3–2
CD/DVD ROM drives
inserting discs
installing 3–2, 3–5
troubleshooting
Compaq Diagnostics
Compaq Support Forum A–1
2–3, 2–6
A–3
2–1
3–6
A–4
A–1
Compaq Web site
components
connecting components
AC Adapter
computer to MEU
external devices
connections, troubleshooting
D
data loss caution 2–1
diagnostics tests
disconnecting computer from
MEU
procedure
troubleshooting
diskette drive, installing
documentation resources
DVD ROM drives
inserting discs
installing 3–2, 3–5
troubleshooting
1–1
1–5
2–7
2–1
2–9
A–2
A–1
2–5
A–3
3–2, 3–5
1–5
3–6
A–4
E
ejecting CD manually 3–6
electrical discharge
electrical safety
expansion connector
external battery pack
connecting computer to MEU
2–2
3–2
2–7
1–1
Reference Guide Index–1
Index
disconnecting computer from
MEU
series number
troubleshooting
external devices
connecting
operating
troubleshooting A–4
2–6
B–1
A–2
2–9
3–2
F
front components 1–1
G
grounding procedures 3–2
guide rails
1–2
H
hard drives, installing 3–2, 3–3,
3–5
I
installing MultiBay devices 3–2
K
keyboards, connecting 2–9
L
left side components 1–3
lock pin
LS-120 drives, installing
1–1
3–2, 3–5
M
manually removing optical discs
3–6
monitors, connecting 2–9
MultiBay devices
installing
location 1–3
troubleshooting
3–2
A–5
O
opening computer 2–4
optical drives
inserting discs
installing
troubleshooting
3–2, 3–6
3–2, 3–5
A–4
P
parallel connector 1–3
power components
AC Adapter
AC connectors
turning computer on/off
printers, connecting
PS/2 connectors
2–7
1–2
3–1
2–9
1–3
R
rear components 1–3
regulatory agency series numbers
B–1
release lever
release plunger
removing MultiBay devices
right side components
1–2
1–1
3–2
1–1
S
safety issues
electrical
work environment
security cable slot
serial connector
software drivers for external
devices
speakers
specifications
stereo speakers 3–8
2–7
1–5
1–5
1–3
2–9
3–8
B–1
Index–2 Reference Guide
Index
T
technical support A–1
troubleshooting
turning on/off computer
A–1
U
USB connectors 1–2
V
VGA connector 1–3
3–1
W
warnings
computer misuse
electrical safety
Web sites, Compaq
1–5
2–7
1–5
Z
Zip drives, installing 3–2, 3–5
Reference Guide Index–3
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