Magma Host Card, EC54 Installation Manual

Host Card

Installation Guide

ExpressCard/54 Module

Model: EC54

Copyright © 2006 Mobility Electronics, Inc.

This publication is protected by Federal Copyright Law, with all rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated, transmitted or
transcribed, in any form or by any means manual, electric, electronic,
electro-magnetic, mechanical, optical or otherwise, in whole or in part
without prior written consent from Mobility Electronics, Inc.

Limitation of Liability

Information presented by Mobility in this manual is believed to be
accurate and reliable. However, Mobility assumes no responsibility for
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise to any rights of
Mobility.

Product specifications and prices are subject to change without notice.

Trademark References

Trademarks and registered trademarks are proprietary to their
respective manufacturers.

MAGMA

Table of Contents i

Table of Contents

PREFACE............................................................................................... I

What’s in this Guide ................................................................................ i

Advisories ...............................................................................................ii

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................... 1

General Specifications ........................................................................... 1

Pre-Installation Information .................................................................... 2

Parts List ................................................................................................ 2

CHAPTER 2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ...................................... 3

Windows ................................................................................................ 3

MacOS X................................................................................................ 5

Linux RedHat 9 ...................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 3 HARDWARE INSTALLATION ..................................... 6

CHAPTER 4 VERIFY INSTALLATION.............................................. 8

Using the Windows Device Manager ..................................................... 8

CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... 10

Identifying the Problem ........................................................................ 10

Device Manager Shows a Bang........................................................... 11

Upgrade BIOS............................................................................................. 12

Mobility eCard Patch................................................................................... 13

Computer Can’t Find the PCI Expansion System................................. 14

Windows Error Codes .......................................................................... 15

Uninstall the Mobility eCard Driver ....................................................... 16

Uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch ....................................................... 17

CHAPTER 6 HOW TO GET MORE HELP....................................... 18

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ..................................................... 18

Contacting Technical Support .............................................................. 18

Magma Debug Utility................................................................................... 19

PCIScope Software Utility........................................................................... 20

Returning Merchandise to Mobility ....................................................... 22

MAGMA

ii Table of Contents

APPENDIX A COMPLIANCE ..........................................................23

FCC...................................................................................................... 23

Industry Canada ...................................................................................23

CE ........................................................................................................23

MAGMA

Preface i

Preface

What’s in this Guide

This Host Card Installation Guide is designed to accompany a Magma
Expansion Chassis User Guide. This guide provides easy instructions to
install your host card, verify the installation was completed correctly,
and troubleshoot the installation, if necessary. The corresponding
Expansion Chassis User Guide provides similar information for your
Magma expansion chassis.

This manual is divided into the following parts:

Chapter 1: Provides General Specifications and Parts List.

Chapter 2: Explains Mobility Software Installation.

Chapter 3: Briefly explains ExpressCard module installation.

Chapter 4: Explains how to verify a successful installation.

Chapter 5: Provides troubleshooting assistance.

Chapter 6: Explains where to get technical support.

MAGMA

ii Preface

Advisories

Five types of advisories are used throughout this manual to provide
helpful information, or to alert you to the potential for hardware damage
or personal injury. They are Note, Important, Caution, Warning, and

Danger. The following is an example of each type of advisory.

NOTE

Used to amplify or explain a comment related to procedural steps
or text.

IMPORTANT

Used to indicate an important piece of information or special “tip”
to help you

CAUTION

Used to indicate and prevent the following procedure or step from
causing damage to the equipment.

WARNING

Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing
injury.

DANGER or STOP

Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing
serious injury or significant data loss.

Disclaimer: We have attempted to identify most situations that may
pose a danger, warning, or caution condition in this manual. However,
Mobility Electronics, Inc. does not claim to have covered all situations
that might require the use of a Caution, Warning, or Danger indicator.

MAGMA

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Introduction

General Specifications

The Magma EC54 is the ExpressCard/54 connection to various Magma
PCI Expansion Systems.

The ExpressCard™ standard was developed to carry forward the
benefits of ‘plug-in’ I/O cards to the next generation of personal
computing devices.

MAGMA

2 Chapter 1 Introduction

Pre-Installation Information

Before using the Magma expansion chassis you should perform the
following steps:

• Inventory the shipping carton contents for all of the required parts

• Gather all of the necessary tools required for installation

• Read this manual

Parts List

The following parts are provided:

Qty Item

1 ExpressCard/54 Module
1 Software CDROM
1 Installation Guide (this document)

MAGMA

Chapter 2 Getting Started 3

Chapter 2 Software Installation

Windows

A driver is required for Windows XP installation. Before attempting to
install anything on a Windows XP system, you should ensure that you
have set a new Restore Point. See your Windows XP manual to learn
how to set a new Restore Point. You should ensure that all data files are
closed and that you have a current backup.

STOP

Before installing drivers, you should ensure that you have a current
system backup of all of your important data.

Failure to follow these instructions exactly could result in a system
lock-up and potential loss of data.

Be alert

Be careful

Be protected

You must also disable your anti-virus software before continuing.

For best success when installing the Magma driver:

 Have a current system backup or restore point

 Reboot and Shut down each time you are prompted

 Be logged in as ‘System Administrator’

 Follow the installation instructions provided in this guide

You must be logged in as ‘System Administrator’ while installing the
Magma expansion chassis. You must remain logged in as ‘System
Administrator’ until installation is complete.

Install Driver

Insert the Magma CD in your computer. The CD should automatically
start and display a page for Magma drivers and utilities. If the security
settings on your computer do not allow CDs to automatically start,
double-click on the ‘My Computer’ icon and then double-click on the
CD icon. Next, double-click on the “start.htm” file to open your web
browser and display the menus.

Click on the Install Mobility eCard Driver link.

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4 Chapter 2 Getting Started

The setup program will prepare the necessary files and present the
following window to start the driver installation.

Click Next to continue and review the licensing agreement.

Review the licensing agreement. If you agree, click Yes to continue. If
you do not agree, click No to exit.

MAGMA

Chapter 2 Getting Started 5

It is recommended that you click “No, I will restart my computer
later.”, and then click Finish.

MacOS X

This product is not compatible with Apple Computer products.

Linux RedHat 9

It is presently undetermined if any special configuration is required for
proper operation, or if it will work correctly “out of the box.”

MAGMA

6 Chapter 3 Hardware Installation

Chapter 3 Hardware Installation

It is recommended that you refer to the separate Expansion Chassis
User’s Guide included with your product for complete system installation
information. The following installation instruction briefly explains
connection to the computer only.

NOTE

The Magma EC54 can only be used in systems that support
ExpressCard/54 modules. This card will not fit in ExpressCard/34
only slots.

1. Power down your laptop computer. Use the procedures for
shutting down your operating system and shutting off power to
your system provided in your owner’s manual or system
documentation.

2. Using the captive thumbscrews on the cable, attach one end of
the PCI expansion cable to the Magma EC54 and the other
end to the connector on the back of the expansion chassis. No
tools are required to attach the PCI expansion cable.

3. Insert the Magma EC54 with the logo side up, into the
ExpressCard/54 slot. Gently push the card until it is firmly
seated. Be sure to check your laptop’s User Manual for the
correct location of your ExpressCard slot, which may have a
“spring-loaded” catch or a “push-button” for removing the card.
Ensure you are not trying to insert the card into a PCMCIA slot,
which is not compatible with ExpressCard modules.

MAGMA

Chapter 3 Hardware Installation 7

NOTE

If your laptop’s ExpressCard slot is the “spring-loaded” kind, be sure
that your ExpressCard/54 card is inserted correctly. It is very easy for
this style slot to partially release a card if touched slightly.

4. Following the instructions in the Expansion Chassis User’s
Guide, you must apply power to the Magma expansion chassis
BEFORE

you power up your computer.

For more information on using ExpressCard modules, please refer to
your computer’s user manual or system documentation.

STOP

DO NOT TURN ON THE MAGMA EXPANSION CHASSIS UNTIL
YOU HAVE SHUT DOWN YOUR LAPTOP COMPLETELY! It can
cause a system lockup and loss of any unsaved data.

MAGMA

8 Chapter 4 Verify Installation

Chapter 4 Verify Installation

To verify a successful installation, use the ‘My Computer’ icon on your
desktop or on the Start Menu.

Right-click and select ‘Manage.’

Using the Windows Device Manager

Select ‘Device Manager’ from the items in the left side of the Computer
Management Window. Then click on the View Menu and select View
Devices by Connection.

To see if your installation is completed:

 Click on the ‘+’ sign to the left of the ACPI (BIOS) to open it.

This is typically found at the top of the Device Manager
Window.

MAGMA

Chapter 4 Verify Installation 9

 Click on the ‘+’ sign to the left of the PCI Bus to see all PCI

Bus connections.

 Click the ‘+’ sign to the left of the line containing the words

“Express Root” or something similar. You should now see the
PCI Standard PCI-to-PCI bridge immediately below it.

When installed correctly, you will see two “PCI-to-PCI bridges” below
your system’s PCI Express Root Port.

If everything is OK, then the Mobility eCard Driver installation is
complete and you can proceed to the separate Expansion Chassis
User’s Guide for help installing 3rd Party PCI Cards.

If the installation was unsuccessful you may see a small yellow
(bang) in front of the PCI to PCI Bridge, or it may not be visible at all. In
either case, proceed to

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting for installation

problems.

If any of these devices are not displayed as shown above, you should
shut down your system (laptop first, then the expansion chassis) and
reconnect the cables and the Magma EC54 to ensure that you have a
solid connection. Restart the Magma expansion chassis, followed by the
laptop. Next, try to verify the installation again, as shown above. If you
are still having problems, review

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting before

contacting Mobility Technical Support at [phone].

MAGMA

10 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Identifying the Problem

The ExpressCard to PCI Expansion System is correctly displayed as a
“PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge”. When connected and functioning
correctly, this Expansion System will be displayed as follows:

If the above Device Manager image is not what you are seeing when
you verify your installation, you may want to try the following
troubleshooting steps to help you locate and resolve your installation
issues – without having to call Technical Support.

If you have trouble with the Magma expansion system, you must identify
the problem before you can fix it. First, verify that all cards are inserted
correctly and securely in the correct slot and that all cables are
connected properly. For information about your particular expansion
chassis, refer to the separate Expansion Chassis User’s Guide

.

Always remember to power On and Off correctly when rechecking and
testing your installation.

This chapter is divided into the following sections:



Device Manager Shows a Bang



Computer Can’t Find the PCI Expansion System



Windows Error Codes



Uninstall the Mobility eCard Driver



Uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch

MAGMA

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 11

Device Manager Shows a Bang

If the PCI to PCI Bridge is visible, but contains a (bang) in front of it,
it has a problem that must be fixed.

To identify the problem, right-click on the
line, and select “Properties” from the pop­up menu.

Look for the “Error Code” in the box in the center of the Properties
Window and then go to the following

Windows Error Code section for

information on how to resolve this issue.

Refer to the

Windows Error Code section for information about error

codes.

CAUTION

Do NOT click on the Driver tab and attempt to reinstall the driver.
This will not help resolve the issue and may even complicate the
problem.

MAGMA

12 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

If the PCI to PCI Bridge is visible, but contains two (2) lines with a
(bang) in front of them, your laptop may require a BIOS update or the
Mobility eCard Patch. Refer to the next sections Upgrade BIOS and
Mobility eCard Patch for additional information.

IMPORTANT

If the PCI-to-PCI Bridge seems OK and does not show any
problems, but a different device on the PCI Bus now shows a
problem where none previously existed, you may also need a
System BIOS update. Either update your BIOS or install the
Mobility eCard Patch found under Utilities on the CD.

Upgrade BIOS

Because the ExpressCard specification is fairly new, some BIOS do not
handle ExpressCard module configuration perfectly.

As a result, the BIOS on some computers may cause conflicts with
other platform devices when using ExpressCard modules. It could even
prevent the system from booting when the Magma expansion system is
attached.

You should visit your laptop manufacturer’s website to determine if a
newer BIOS is available for your computer. Laptop manufacturers will
provide instructions required to install the new BIOS on your computer.
Contact your laptop manufacturer for help with BIOS related questions.

DANGER

BIOS upgrades should ONLY be installed by experienced personnel.
Always follow upgrade instructions exactly. Always have a good
backup before attempting a BIOS upgrade. A failed upgrade can
disable your laptop.

MAGMA

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 13

Mobility eCard Patch

If a BIOS update did not resolve the problem, you should try the Mobility
eCard Patch. The patch is available from a link in the Utilities section of
the CD included with your Magma EC54.

IMPORTANT

After installing the Mobility eCard Patch, you must always start
your laptop without the Magma EC54 in the ExpressCard slot.
After the BIOS loads, the boot process will stop and display a
message prompting you to insert the Magma EC54 and then
press <Enter> to continue loading Windows. The necessary
resources to allow the Magma EC54 to function properly should
now have been assigned.

As your computer boots up, it will pause briefly to allow you to insert the
ExpressCard/54 module before continuing. The following screen shows
what your boot screen will typically look like.

Simply insert the Magma EC54 module and press any key to
continue.

MAGMA

14 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Computer Can’t Find the PCI Expansion System

If the expansion system is not visible in your Windows Device Manager
you should to turn off your computer (first) and then the Magma
expansion chassis (second) and test all cords and cables to ensure you
have everything connected correctly. If everything seems to be
connected correctly, and you are sure you have applied power correctly
(power up expansion chassis first and then the computer), then try
these additional troubleshooting steps:

 Double-check the Magma EC54 to ensure it is in an

ExpressCard slot and inserted correctly. Be careful, some
ExpressCard slots are “spring-loaded” and can easily partially
eject the ExpressCard module without your knowledge.

 Check to make sure you haven’t accidentally inserted the

Magma EC54 into your laptop’s PCMCIA or CardBus slot.

 Double-check the expansion cable to ensure it is connected

correctly at both ends. Try another cable, if you have one.

 If the expansion system is still not visible after trying all of the

above steps, go to

Chapter 6 How to Get More Help.

MAGMA

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 15

Windows Error Codes

If you are having a problem with one of your devices, and the Device
status box shows a Windows Error Code, refer to the following list of
error codes for guidance:

Error Code Description/Action

10

This code indicates that there is a problem with the 3

rd

Party PCI Card driver.

If necessary, contact the PCI Card’s manufacturer for updated
PNP compatible drivers. If all else fails, contact Mobility
Technical Support for further assistance.

On the Bridge: If you receive error code 12 on the first PCI to
PCI Bridge, call Mobility Technical Support.

12

On the PCI Card

: This usually means the memory, I/O, or
prefetch is more than has been allocated. Call Mobility
Technical Support.

28

(PCI Card)

The driver for the PCI Card is not installed on your system.
Reinstall the PCI Card driver following the manufacturer’s
instructions. If that fails to fix the problem, call the card
manufacturer for new drivers.

1

The PCI host card or expansion chassis are not working
correctly. Reinstall the PCI host card into the computer’s PCI
slot and recheck all cable connections. If the error code
remains, try another PCI slot. If you still have the error, call
Mobility Technical Support.

Other Codes

For all other error codes, call:

On the PCI to PCI Bridge:

Mobility Technical Support

On the PCI Card:

Card Manufacturer’s Technical Support,
after first verifying that the Magma expansion system is
installed properly.

If you are still having problems, contact Mobility Technical Support for
more help.

MAGMA

16 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Uninstall the Mobility eCard Driver

If you need to uninstall, or reinstall, the Mobility eCard Driver, go to the
Windows Control Panel and double-click on the Add/Remove Programs
icon.

Select the Mobility eCard Driver and then click on Change/Remove.

Click on the OK button to finish removing the driver.

MAGMA

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 17

The final step is to reboot your system by clicking on the Finish button.

Refer to installation instructions in

Chapter 2 Software Installation for

help reinstalling the Mobility eCard Driver.

Uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch

To uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch, insert the driver CD in your
computer. The CD should automatically start and display a home page
for Magma drivers and utilities. If the security settings on your computer
do not allow CDs to automatically start, browse to the CD and double­click on the “start.htm” file to open your web browser and display the
menus.

Next, click on the Uninstall Mobility eCard Patch link under Utilities to
start uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch.

NOTE

Uninstalling the Mobility eCard Driver will also automatically
uninstall the Mobility eCard Patch.

However, uninstalling the eCard Patch from the menu selection on
the CD will NOT uninstall the Mobility eCard Driver.

MAGMA

18 Chapter 6 How toGet More Help

Chapter 6 How to Get More Help

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can visit the Magma Technical Support FAQ pages on the Internet
at:

www.magma.com/support/

Contacting Technical Support

Our support department can be reached by fax at [phone] or by
phone at [phone]. Support is available Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT. When contacting Magma Technical Support,
please be sure to include the following information:

1) Name

2) Company Name

3) Phone Number

4) Fax Number

5) Email Address

6) Model Number

7) Serial Number

8) Computer Make

9) Computer Model

10) Operating System and Version

11) Make/Model of PCI cards in expansion chassis

12) Detailed description of the problem

You can also visit our web site at:

www.magma.com/support/

For a quick response, use the Technical Support and RMA Request
Form available in the Support Section of the website. Simply complete
the form with all required information. Please make sure that your
problem description is sufficiently detailed to help us understand your
problem.

For example:

Don’t say “Won’t boot up.” Do say “Tried all the

steps in the Troubleshooting Section and it still won’t boot up.”

For faster diagnosis of your problem, please run the two utility programs
described in the following sections and include the diagnostic files they
generate with your email.

MAGMA

Chapter 6 How to Get More Help 19

Magma Debug Utility

Occasionally, Mobility Technical Support may request Windows users to
produce and email a Magma debug log file to help them resolve your
problem. This file should be emailed to

[e-mail]. This file

should have a “.log” file extension. To create the *.log file, follow these
instructions:

1. Locate a file called dbgview.exe on the Magma CDROM.

2. Double-click on the file dbgview.exe

3. While the dbgview screen is open, locate and double-click on
a file called dump.exe on the Magma CDROM.

4. Switch back to the dbgview screen, which is now filled with
data.

5. Save this file and email to

[e-mail] upon request.

Include your Name and
the Date the log was
created in the file
name. Then email it to
Technical Support.

Use the “Save As Type” drop-down arrow to select a file type of
(*.LOG).

MAGMA

20 Chapter 6 How toGet More Help

PCIScope Software Utility

PCIScope is a powerful tool for Windows users. It was designed by a

Germany company called APSoft. This software utility is a valuable
resource to explore, examine and debug the PCI subsystem of your
computer. It was made to fit the requirements of the most demanding
users, especially engineers, programmers, and system administrators,
and to integrate all advanced functions and tools into one product.
Please visit

www.tssc.de for more information about the capabilities of

PCIScope and other utilities offered by APSoft.

An evaluation version of PCIScope is available for download at

www.tssc.de. (You can purchase an inexpensive license from APSoft

for use beyond the evaluation period.)

PCIScope has proven to be extremely useful when verifying and
debugging configurations involving the Magma PCI Expansion Systems
under any Windows platform.

PCIScope can provide information to you and our Technical Support
Group such as PCI Bus Numbering, Resource Allocation, and other
information that may prove useful when debugging expansion chassis
or PCI card problems.

If you are experiencing problems setting up your system, you should run
PCIScope before contacting the Mobility Technical Support Group.

With the Magma expansion chassis powered up and connected to your
computer, load and launch the PCIScope application. The PCIScope
Program will be installed on your computer and a window similar to the
one shown below will appear. (The example was taken from a Compaq
Armada 7400)

MAGMA

Chapter 6 How to Get More Help 21

You should save this data as a file on your computer. Please include
your name and date as part of the file name with an extension of “.bpd.”
Then email this file to

[e-mail] if you are experiencing

configuration problems.

MAGMA

22 Chapter 6 How toGet More Help

Returning Merchandise to Mobility

If factory service is required, a Service Representative will give you a
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Put this number and
your return address on the shipping label when you return the item(s)
for service. Mobility will return any product that is not accompanied
by an RMA number. Please note that Mobility WILL NOT accept COD
packages, so be sure to return the product freight and duties-paid.

Ship the well-packaged product to the address below:

MAGMA RETURNS DEPT.
RMA # ________
9918 Via Pasar
San Diego, CA 92126
USA

It is not required, though highly recommended, that you keep the
packaging from the original shipment of your Magma product. However,
if you return a product to Magma for warranty repair/ replacement or
take advantage of the 30-day money back guarantee, you will need to
package the product in a manner similar to the manner in which it was
received from our plant. Magma cannot be responsible for any physical
damage to the product or component pieces of the product (such as the
host or expansion interfaces for PCI expansion chassis) that are
damaged due to inadequate packing. Physical damage sustained in
such a situation will be repaired at the owner’s expense in accordance
with Out of Warranty Procedures. Please, protect your investment, a bit
more padding in a good box will go a long way to insuring the device is
returned to use in the same condition you shipped it in. Please call for
an RMA number first.

MAGMA

Appendix A Compliance 23

APPENDIX A Compliance

FCC

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

NOTE

The assembler of a personal computer system may be required to
test the system and/or make necessary modifications if a system is
found to cause harmful interferences or to be noncompliant with the
appropriate standards for its intended use.

Industry Canada

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numériqué de la classe A est conformé à la norme NMB­003 du Canada

CE

The product(s) described in this manual complies with all
applicable European Union (CE) directives. Mobility will not retest or
recertify systems or components that have been reconfigured by
customers.

MAGMA

24 Appendix A Compliance

Manual P/N 09-09904-01 Rev A

Mobility California, Inc.

PCI Expansion Products

9918 Via Pasar, San Diego, CA 92126, USA

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail] • www.magma.com