Epson 4SLC2-50 User Manual

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or
with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or
consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
ActionNote is a trademark and Epson Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.

General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies,

Copyright © 1993 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California, USA

400275800

EPSON

®

ActionNote

™

User’s Guide

4SLC2-50

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected

Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this

equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’ émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicable s aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans Ie règlement sur le

brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

ii

MODEM FCC INFORMATION

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with FCC rules, Part 68. On the underside of your computer is a
label that contains, among other things, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer
Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment. You must, upon request, provide this
information to your telephone company.

An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this equipment.
This equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring
using a compatible modular jack which is Part 68 compliant. See the installation
instructions for details.

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is useful to determine the quantity of devices you
may connect to your telephone line and still have all of those devices ring when your
telephone number is called. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the REN’s of all devices
connected to one line should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices
you may connect to your line, as determined by the REN, you should contact your local
telephone company to determine the maximum REN for your area.

Should this equipment cause harm to the telephone network, the telephone company shall,
where practical, notify the customer that temporary discontinuance of service may be
required; however, where prior written notice is not practical, the telephone company may
discontinue service forthwith, if such action is reasonable in the circumstances. You will be
informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.

The telephone company may make changes in its communications facilities, equipment,
operation procedures, where such action is reasonable, required in the operation of its
business and is not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of the Federal
Communications Commission. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an

opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service.
Do not attempt to repair or modify this equipment. If defective, return it to the person

from whom it was purchased, who will in turn arrange to return it or to have it repaired
by the manufacturer or his authorized agent. The telephone company may ask that you
disconnect this equipment from the network until the problem has been corrected or until
you are sure that the equipment is not malfunctioning. If equipment is determined to be
malfunctioning, its use shall be discontinued until the problem has been corrected.

This equipment should not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company.
Connection to party line is subject to state tariffs.

WARNING

The connection of a telephone company line to this equipment, other than the one supplied
with the modem, will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device. It is the responsibility
of the user to connect and use only the ferrite-loaded telephone company line supplied
with this modem.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s autority to operate this equipment.

iii

Important Safety Instructions

1.

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

2.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.

3.

Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

4.

Do not spill liquid of any kind on the computer.

5.

Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table.

6.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided
for ventilation; do not block or cover these openings. Do not place
the computer near or over a radiator or heat register.

7.

Operate the computer using the type of power source indicated
on its label.

8.

If you plan to operate the computer in Germany, observe the
following safety precaution:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this computer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.

Beim Anschluß des Computers an die Netzversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem
16 A Überstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.

9.

Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power outlets.
If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your outlet. Avoid using outlets on the same
circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch
on and off.

10.

Do not allow the computer’s power cord to become damaged or
frayed.

iv

11. If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the total
of the ampere ratings of the devices plugged into the extension cord
does not exceed the ampere rating for the extension cord. Also,
make sure the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does
not exceed 15 amperes.

12. Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots.

13. Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not attempt
to service the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

14. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

A. When the power cord or plug is damaged.
B. If liquid has entered the computer.

C. If the computer does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and often requires
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the computer
to normal operation.

D. If the computer has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged.

E. If the computer exhibits a distinct change in performance.

v

Instructions Importances de Sécurité

1.

Lire complètement les instructions qui suivant et les conserver pour
réfénces futures.

2.

Bien suivre tous les avertissements et les instructions indiqués sur
l’ordinateur.

3.

Débrancher l’ordinateur de toute sortie murale avant le nettoyage.
Utiliser un chiffon humide; ne jamais utiliser un nettoyeur liquide
ou une bonbonne aérosol.

4.

Ne jamais renverser un liquide d’aucune sorte sur l’ordinateur.

5.

Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur un chariot, un support, ou une table
instable.

6.

Les évents dans le meubles, à l’arrière et en dessous sent conçus pour
l’aération; on ne doit jamais les bloquer. Ne pas placer l’ordinateur
près d’une source de chaleur directe.

7.

Le fonctionnement de l’ordinateur doit s’effectuer conformément au
type de source d’alimentation indiquée sur l’étiquette.

8.

Lorsqu’on desire utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, on doit observer
les normes sécuritaires qui suivent:

Afin d’assurer une protection adéquate à l’ordinateur contre les
court-circuits et le survoltage, l’installation de l’édifice doit
comprendre un disjoncteur de 16 amp.

9.

On doit brancher tout l’équipement dans une sortie reliée à la masse.
Lorsqu’il est impossible d’insérer la fiche dans la prise, on doit
retenir les services d’un électrician ou remplacer la prise. Ne jamais
utiliser une prise sur le même circuit qu’un appareil à photocopied
ou un système de contrôle d’aéation avec commutation
marche-arrêt.

10.

S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
effrité.

vi

11. Dans le cas où on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur, on
doit s’assurer que la valeur totale d’ampèsres branchés dans le
cordon n’excède en aucun temps les amperes du cordon de rallonge.
La quantité totale des appareils branchés dans la prise murale ne
doit jamais excéder 15 ampères.

12. Ne jamais insérer un objet de quelque sorte que ce soit dans les cavités
de cet appareil.

13. Sauf tel que spécifié dans la notice d’utilisation, on ne doit jamais
tenter d’effectuer une réparation de l’ordinateur. On doit référer le

service de cet appareil à un technician qualifié.

14. Débrancher l’ordinateur de la prise murale et confier le service au

personnel de service qualifié selon les conditions qui suivent:
A. Lorsque le cordon d’alimentation ou la prise sent

endommagés.
B. Lorsqu’un liquide s’est infiltré dans l’ordinateur.
C. Lorsque l’ordinateur refuse de fonctionner normalement

même en suivant les instructions. N’ajuster que les commandes

qui sent énumérées dans les instructions de fonctionnement.

Tout ajustement inadéquat de tout autre contrôle peut

provoquer un dommage et souvent nécessiter des réparations

é1aborées par un technician qualifié afin de remettre l’appareil

en service.

D. Lorsqu’on a échappé l’ordinateur ou que l’on a endommagé le

boîtier.

E. Lorsque l’ordinateur démontre un changement noté au niveau de

sa performance.

vii

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Standard Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Conventions Used in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP THE COMPUTER

Identifying the System Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rear Panel and Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opening the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting the Trackball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Turning On the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 2 USING YOUR COMPUTER

Taking Care of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Backing Up the VGA Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Password Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Typing the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using F11 and F12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Resetting the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changing the CPU Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the LCD Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2
1-2
1-5
1-7
1-9
1-10
1-11

2-2
2-3
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-8
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-10
2-11

ix

Using Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Inserting and Removing Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Write-protecting Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Making Backup Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

Using a Single Diskette Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Using a Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Backing Up the Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Using Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

CHAPTER 3 POWERING THE COMPUTER

Using the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Using the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Replacing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Recharging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Low Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Using the Suspend/Resume Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Using Setup to Conserve Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

CHAPTER 4 CONNECTING OPTIONAL DEVICES

Connecting an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Connecting a Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Connecting a Serial Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Checking the Serial Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Using the EXT KB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Connecting An Optional Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting an External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting the Internal Fax/Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Adding Memory Modules or a Numeric Coprocessor . . . . . . 4-10

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Installing a Memory Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Installing a Numeric Coprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

x

CHAPTER 5 RUNNING SETUP

Starting the Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Changing the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Automatically Configuring Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Saving Your Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Changing the Standard CMOS Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Changing the Advanced CMOS Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Changing the Advanced Chipset Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Changing the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 5-12

Hard Disk Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Hard Disk Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

Auto Interleave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Media Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

CHAPTER 6 USING THE VGA UTILITIES

Microsoft Windows, Version 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Using the VGACONF Utility Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Viewing the Display Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Changing Settings with Select Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Setting the Standby Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Using VGACONF From the Command Line . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING

Identifying Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-2

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3

The Computer Won’t Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3

Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-4

AC Adapter Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-5

The LCD Screen Is Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-6

The External Monitor Screen Is Blank . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

The Computer Locks Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-7

Password Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-8

Diskette Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-9

Diskette Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-10

Hard Disk Problems .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-10

Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-11

xi

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Memory Module Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Trackball or Pointing Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

Numeric Coprocessor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

CMOS Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

APPENDIX B FAX/MODEM

Built-in Command Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When to Issue Built-in Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AT Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dial Modifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MNP Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AT Register Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Option Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MNP Register Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Result Code Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B-3
B-3
B-4
B-6
B-7
B-10
B-11
B-14
B-15

APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS

Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-l

Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-2

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-3

Mass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-3

LCD Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-3

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-3

Physical Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Environmental Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Power Source Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

GLOSSARY

INDEX

xii

Introduction

With your purchase of the Epson® ActionNote™ 4SLC2-50
computer, you have chosen state-of-the-art notebook computing.
The 486SLC2-50 microprocessor chip, designed for portable
computers, provides high-speed performance in a compact,
lightweight, notebook-size form.

Standard Configuration

The ActionNote is a versatile computer supporting a wide range of
applications and hardware. Its standard features include the
following:

4MB or 8MB of RAM (random access memory), expandable to
a maximum of 8MB

640 x 480 VGA (video graphics array), backlit, monochrome
LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, which emulates VGA
color with 32 shades of gray

Internal hard disk drive

Internal 3½-inch, 1.44MB diskette drive

Parallel port for a printer or other parallel device

Two serial ports for serial devices

RJ-11 standard phone jack for an internal modem

Video port for an external color or monochrome VGA monitor

®

Port for a PS/2

Mouse/keyboard adapter for simultaneously attaching an
external PS/2-type keyboard and a pointing device

-compatible pointing device

Introduction

1

Rechargeable battery pack

AC adapter for powering the computer and recharging the
battery pack

Socket for an optional numeric coprocessor

Two processing speeds: high and low (8 MHz)

Suspend mode to save battery power

Carrying case with room for the computer, AC adapter, power
cable, diskettes, and manuals.

Trackball or other pointing device with drivers and utilities

®

MS-DOS

Microsoft

operating system, including diskettes and manuals

®

Windows,™ including diskettes and manuals.

Depending on the configuration you purchased, your computer
may also include the following:

Internal 9600/2400 fax/modem

Internal 14.4/14.4 fax/modem

BitCom

software, including diskettes and manuals.

2 Introduction

®

modem software and WinFax™ LITE fax transmission

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and adding optional devices, including:

Expansion memory module (6MB)

External PS/2-compatible keyboard

Extra battery packs

Adapter for an automobile cigarette lighter

Fax/modem (installed by dealer only).

Where to Get Help

If you purchased your computer in the United States,
Epson America provides local customer support and service
through a nationwide network of Authorized Epson Service
Centers. Epson also provides support services through the Epson
Connection at: 1-800-922-8911.

Call the Epson Connection for the following:

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and
operation of Epson products

Sales of accessories, manuals, or parts for your Epson products

Assistance in On-Site Warranty Service for your Epson
products

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller
or Service Center

Introduction 3

Customer relations

Epson technical information library fax service-also available

directly by calling [phone]

Product literature with technical specifications on current and

new products.

When you call for technical assistance, you need to be able to
identify your system and its configuration, and provide any error
messages to the support staff. See Appendix A for more
information.

If you purchased your computer in the United States, Epson also
provides On-Site Warranty Service. Your ActionNote package
should contain a packet describing the program. If a packet is not
included, call the Epson Connection for information. For your
convenience there is a sticker located on the bottom of your
computer with the number to call for product support and On-Site
Warranty Service.

If you purchased your computer outside the United States, please
contact your Epson dealer or the marketing location nearest you
for customer support and service. International marketing
locations are listed on the inside back cover of this manual.

If you need help with DOS, Windows, or any software application
program you are using, see the documentation that came with the
program for technical support information.

4 Introduction

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to setup and operate your computer
and install options.

You do not need to read everything in this book to use your
computer; see the following chapter summaries to find the sections
you need:

Chapter 1 provides steps for setting up your computer.

Chapter 2 covers basic information about using the computer.

Chapter 3 explains how to power your computer using the AC

adapter and the battery. It also describes ways to conserve battery
power.

Chapter 4 describes how to connect optional devices.
Chapter 5 describes how to run the Setup program; this is

necessary if you want to set a password or you change the
configuration of your computer.

Chapter 6 describes the VGA utilities provided with your system.
Appendix A
Appendix B

modem and summarizes its commands.

provides troubleshooting tips.

provides basic information about the internal

Appendix C contains the specifications for your ActionNote

computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a Glossary and an Index.

Introduction 5

Conventions Used in This Manual

This manual uses the following type conventions to represent
commands:

Example Meaning

Enter Keys you press on the keyboard

Ctrl C

Fn F1 the letter C, or hold down the key marked

C:

\DOS

DISKCOPY A: B:

path \fileneme

COM 1

Keys you press at the same time; hold
down the key marked Ctrl and then press

Fn and then press the F1 key

Text as it appears on the screen

Text that you type exactly as shown

Words printed in lowercase italics
represent optional parameter names;
here you would type the actual path and
filename, such as \WORK\CONTACT

Names of hardware elements

6 Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Computer

This chapter describes how to complete the basic setup of your
ActionNote computer. It covers:

Identifying the system parts

Connecting the AC adapter

Opening the screen

Connecting the trackball

Turning on the computer.

Instructions for installing optional equipment (such as a memory
module or a numeric coprocessor) or connecting external
equipment (such as a monitor or printer) are provided in
Chapter 4.

Caution

When travelling by airplane, be sure to take your computer into
the passenger compartment as carry-on luggage to prevent it
from being stored in an unpressurized storage area.

Setting Up the Computer 1-1

Identifying the System Parts

Before getting started, refer to the illustrations below to identify

the different parts of your computer.

Front View

The main components on the front and right side of the

ActionNote are shown below.

1-2 Setting Up the Computer

LCD screen

Your ActionNote has a backlit, monochrome LCD that supports
VGA resolutions up to 640 x 480 dots in 32 shades of gray.

Suspend/resume switch

Slide this switch to the right to suspend power to the computer
when it is on. This places the computer in a very low power
consumption state. Slide the switch to the left or press shift to
return the computer to its previous state.

Brightness switch

This switch controls the brightness of the LCD screen. Slide
the switch to the right to lighten the screen and to the left to
darken it.

Contrast switch

This switch controls the contrast on the LCD screen. Slide
the switch to the right to increase contrast and to the left to
decrease it.

Keyboard area

This is where you type commands and enter data. For a full
description, see Chapter 2.

Release latches

Slide these latches outward to release the top cover and open the
LCD screen.

Setting Up the Computer 1-3

LEDs

The LEDs (light emitting diodes) on your computer provide
information about its operation,

Power—Indicates the computer is on; either the AC
adapter, battery pack, or automobile adapter is supplying
power to the computer.

Low battery—When flashing, indicates the battery
capacity is less than 20%.

Charging—Indicates the battery is fully charged; blinks
when the AC adapter is connected and charging the
battery.

Suspend mode—Indicates the computer is in Suspend
mode.

Hard disk drive-Indicates the computer is accessing the
hard disk drive.

1-4

Num Lock—Indicates that Num Lock is set on the
keyboard. This activates the embedded numeric keypad
on the keyboard.

Caps Lock—Indicates that Caps Lock is set on the
keyboard.

Scroll Lock—Indicates that Scroll Lock is set on the
keyboard.

Setting Up the Computer

Power button

This button turns the computer on and off.

DC input port

Connect the AC adapter cable here. See page 1-8 for instructions.

Release button

Press this button to eject a diskette from the drive.

Diskette drive

Your computer includes a 3½-inch, 1.44MB diskette drive. For
instructions on using diskettes, see Chapter 2.

Drive light

This light is on when the computer is accessing the diskette drive.

Rear Panel and Left Side

The components on the rear panel and left side of the computer
are shown below.

Setting Up the Computer

1-5

Battery compartment cover

Turn the computer upside down and open this cover to access the
battery pack. The rechargeable NiCad battery pack powers your
computer when the AC adapter is not connected. For a full
description, see Chapter 3.

External VGA port (VIDEO)

You can connect a VGA monochrome or color monitor to this port.
The ActionNote can display information on both the LCD screen
and an external monitor at the same time.

Parallel port (PRINTER)

You can connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to this port.
See Chapter 4 for instructions.

Serial port (COM 1)

This port supports a serial (RS-232C) device. See Chapter 4 for
more information.

Serial port (COM 2)

This port supports a serial (RS-232C) device. See Chapter 4 for
more information. Note that when the internal fax/modem is
installed, this port is disabled.

Phone jack (LINE)

Use this standard RJ-11 jack to connect a phone line when the
internal fax/modem is installed.

1-6 Setting Up the Computer

External keyboard port (EXT KB)

Use this port to connect any PS/2-compatible pointing device. This
port also supports a mouse/keyboard adapter for attaching both

an external PS/2-type keyboard and a pointing device at the same

time. See Chapter 4 for instructions on installing optional devices.

Connecting the AC Adapter

The AC adapter is designed to be used in most countries, as it can
operate in the ranges 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-sensing).

Caution

Use only the AC adapter (model number AP-3S25) supplied
with the computer.

If you are using the adapter in a country other than the one where
you purchased your ActionNote, make sure you have the correct
power cable for the electrical socket. See the power cable
specifications in Appendix C for details.

You may need to connect the AC adapter to charge the battery
before you use it for the first time. (See Chapter 3 for complete
instructions on powering the computer with the AC adapter
and/or the battery.)

Setting Up the Computer 1-7

Follow these steps to connect the adapter to the computer:

1. Connect the AC adapter plug to the DC input port on the right
side of the computer.

2. Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.

3. Connect the other end of the power cable to a grounded
(earthed) electrical outlet.

1-8 Setting Up the Computer

Opening the Screen

Follow these steps to open the LCD screen:

1. Place the computer on a level surface.

2. Turn the computer so its front is facing you.

3. Slide the release latches on the front sides of the computer
toward the sides and lift up the screen.

Setting Up the Computer 1-9

Connecting the Trackball

Your computer package includes a trackball, which you connect to
the

EXT KB

You can attach the trackball to the right or left side of your
keyboard or LCD screen; you can also configure it as left- or
right-handed. If you attach it to the right side of your keyboard,

make sure there is not a diskette in the diskette drive. Also, you

will not be able to access the diskette drive while the trackball is
attached. See the trackball manual for instructions on changing its
configuration and attaching it to your computer.

port on the left side of the computer.

Before you can use an optional device like the trackball, you must

install special software, called a device driver. The device driver
allows the operating system and your application software to
recognize the device. The device driver and utilities for the

trackball have already been installed on your hard disk so the
ActionNote will recognize the trackball as soon as you turn it on.

To use the trackball, or any other pointing device attached to the

EXT KB port, you must enable the PS/2 Mouse Support Option

in the ADVANCED CMOS SETUP portion of the Setup program.

This option has been enabled for you, but if you want more

information on the Setup program, see Chapter 5.

1-10 Setting Up the Computer

For information on using the trackball, or if you would like to
know more about its device driver and utilities, see the

documentation that came with it.

Turning On the Computer

When you first use the ActionNote, the battery may not be
charged; so make sure the AC adapter is connected when you turn
it on for the first time.

Before you turn on the computer, first connect and turn on any
external devices you will be using—such as a printer, monitor, or
pointing device. (See Chapter 4 for information about installing
optional devices.) Then press the power button on the top of the
computer to turn it on.

Setting Up the Computer 1-11