Xircom 1500 User Manual
GSA Operations
Document Number: 401-364
GSA Operations
Model 1500
Action Systems, a division of V&A Incorporated
Las Cruces, New Mexico
GSA Operations
Document Number: 401-364
GSA Operations
Action Systems, a division of V&A Incorporated
480 North 17
th
Street
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
(505) 526-6606
http://www.goaction.com
January 13, 2000
The Action Systems’ “A” case concept and design is protected under the following
United States patents: 5,212,628 , 5,226,540
, 5,442,512 , 5,590,022 .
Copyright © 1998 Action Systems, a division of V&A Incorporated. No part of this manual
may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but
not limited to photocopy, photograph, magnetic or other record, without the prior
agreement and written permission of Action Systems.
WRITTEN BY: ________________________________
Sean Gilliam (Engineering)
TESTED BY: _________________________________
Yadira Cano (Integration and Testing)
APPROVED BY: ________________________________
Jim Mansfield (Quality Assurance)
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Table of Contents
Preface ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Component Overview ........................................................................................................... 8
Case Power Sources............................................................................................................. 9
External A/C Power .............................................................................................. 10
External D/C Power ..............................................................................................11
Internal Battery System ........................................................................................12
D/C-To-A/C Power Inverter ..................................................................................12
Computer Power Sources .................................................................................................. 13
Case Supplied Power ...........................................................................................13
Computer Battery .................................................................................................13
Computer A/C Adapter ......................................................................................... 13
Power Management............................................................................................................. 14
Controls and Indicators ...................................................................................................... 15
External Power Light ............................................................................................15
Case Battery Status Light.....................................................................................15
STORE / POWER Switch.....................................................................................16
CPU Switch ..........................................................................................................16
CAMERA / COM 1 Switch .................................................................................... 17
NONSECURE/STU Switch...................................................................................17
Turning on the System ....................................................................................................... 18
To power up the case ........................................................................................... 18
To power up the computer ...................................................................................18
Operating System ................................................................................................................19
Logging In.............................................................................................................19
Shutting Down ...................................................................................................... 20
Removing PCMCIA Cards.................................................................................... 21
Software................................................................................................................................. 22
Creating a Document ...........................................................................................22
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Retrieving an Existing Document .........................................................................23
Printing .................................................................................................................................. 24
Printer Setup.........................................................................................................24
Printing a Document .............................................................................................26
Imaging .................................................................................................................................. 27
Scanning an Image or a Text Document using the PageScan Scanner..............27
Non-Secure Communication Connections ..................................................................... 31
Connecting to a Phone Line for Non-Secure Connections .................................. 31
Connecting to a Local Area Network (LAN) to Access the Internet ..................... 32
Connecting to the Internet over a Phone Line......................................................33
Non-Secure Data: Sending and Receiving...................................................................... 36
Sending Non-Secure Data ...................................................................................36
Receiving Non-Secure Data ................................................................................. 38
Non-Secure Faxes: Sending and Receiving................................................................... 40
Sending a Non-Secure FAX ................................................................................. 40
Receiving a Non-Secure FAX ..............................................................................43
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 44
Case and Power System ...................................................................................... 44
Computer..............................................................................................................45
Printer ...................................................................................................................46
Scanner ................................................................................................................ 47
Modem/FAX Cards ...............................................................................................48
PCMCIA Cards .....................................................................................................49
Disk Recovery Procedures ................................................................................................ 50
Appendix A: Panel Color Coding...................................................................................... 51
Appendix B: Secure Switch Matrix................................................................................... 52
Appendix E: Components .................................................................................................. 53
Warranty Information .......................................................................................................... 56
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Table of Figures
Figure 1 "A" Case .........................................................................................................8
Figure 2 "B" Case .........................................................................................................8
Figure 3 External A/C Power Input ............................................................................. 10
Figure 4 External D/C Power Input .............................................................................11
Figure 5 Power Inverter Panel .................................................................................... 12
Figure 6 Controls and Indicators................................................................................. 15
Figure 7 External COM ...............................................................................................17
Figure 8 Power Switch and Indicator ..........................................................................18
Figure 9 Logging in .....................................................................................................19
Figure 10 Shut Down Windows ..................................................................................20
Figure 11 Creating a New Document. ........................................................................22
Figure 12 Retrieving an Existing Document ...............................................................23
Figure 13 Printer connection.......................................................................................24
Figure 14 Printer cover ...............................................................................................24
Figure 15 Printer cartridge .......................................................................................... 25
Figure 16 PageScan Scanner.....................................................................................28
Figure 17 Foto Touch.................................................................................................. 29
Figure 18 OCR Scan................................................................................................... 30
Figure 19 Telephone Connection ...............................................................................31
Figure 20 LAN/Modem Connections...........................................................................31
Figure 21 Welcome Message ..................................................................................... 33
Figure 22 New Connection Setup...............................................................................34
Figure 23 Phone Number ...........................................................................................35
Figure 24 ProComm Plus Indicators ........................................................................... 37
Figure 25 ProComm Send File ...................................................................................38
Figure 26 ProComm Receive Screen .........................................................................39
Figure 27 Selecting the ProComm Plus Printer ..........................................................40
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Figure 28 ProComm Plus – Send Fax ........................................................................41
Figure 29 ProComm Plus Fax Status .........................................................................42
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Preface
The GSA Unit is an integrated computer system in a ruggedized transportable carrying case. It
contains a comprehensive power storage and management system, a laptop computer (with its
own power management capabilities), a printer, and a page scanner. Software is included to
operate and integrate all of this equipment as well as several models of digital camera.
This document describes the features of the GSA Unit and addresses the operation,
troubleshooting, and correction of commonly encountered situations. Because each of the
installed software packages contains many options for individual situations, specific technical
questions should be referred to the included technical manuals.
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Component Overview
The GSA Unit consists of two cases:
• The “A” case (
Figure 1) may contain the laptop computer, the printer, the
scanner, the camera, the power inverter, a STU-III and internally mounted
batteries and power management systems. This case contains the most
frequently used components of the GSA UNIT and will probably be the most
used.
Figure 1 "A" Case
• The “B” case (Figure 2) is a soft case that contains the various telephone and
power adapters, and a small tool kit. The A/C adapters for the various
components of the system (i.e. computer, printer, etc.) may be carried in this
case. This case should be deployed with the GSA Unit.
Figure 2 "B" Case
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Case Power Sources
The GSA Unit can operate from a variety of power sources: external A/C power, external D/C
power, and from internal batteries. When connecting to or disconnecting from an external
power source, you may hear a click from inside the case. This is caused by relays within the
unit and is normal.
CAUTION: THE EQUIPMENT COVERS INSIDE THE GSA UNIT
SHOULD NOT BE OPENED! Hazardous voltages may be present at any time
and there are no field serviceable components inside.
CAUTION: Most power sources and components come with a panel or label
stating their power ranges. If these ranges are exceeded, then there is a very
strong potential to cause irreparable damage to the case and/or component
causing it to malfunction or not to work at all. Therefore do not push these
sources beyond their designated power ranges.
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External A/C Power
The Alternating Current (A/C) connection to the GSA Unit accepts input voltages from 90 to
250 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz, as stated on the External A/C Power panel. Depending on the
components in use, the state of the various batteries in the system, and the current operating
conditions, the system will draw up to one ampere from the source. The system has circuitry
to ensure overloads do not cause damage to the GSA Unit or to the installed components. The
system also contains protection against heat by monitoring the temperature inside the case to
ensure it does not exceed 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
NOTE: When the case exceeds 170 degrees Fahrenheit, the case will shut
itself down. After the case has cooled down, the case will be able to be
turned back on. This downtime depends on how hot the case was when it
finally turned itself off.
A/C electrical power is supplied to the GSA Unit through a standard, three-wire power plug
connected at the back panel of the case (as shown in Figure 3). Connect the other end of the
power cord to a three-prong power source. Using appropriate adapters, the GSA Unit may be
connected to a wide variety of sources. Since it will accept a wide variation in input voltages
and frequency, as described above, the GSA Unit can be safely connected to standard A/C
power sources throughout most of the world. Nonetheless, precautions must be taken to
ensure the power connections are correct. In particular, the GSA Unit is not certified for
direct connection to US military aircraft since power is usually generated at 400 Hz
unless indicated on Input Power Panel.
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Figure 3 External A/C Power Input
The GSA Unit contains circuitry that will automatically reset after an overload, but if the
system fails and does not come back up after approximately 10 minutes, the unit must be
considered in a non-recoverable condition and should be returned to the factory for repair.
GSA Operations
Document Number: 401-364
External D/C Power
The Direct Current (D/C) Power Supply connector is the small, translucent plastic, arrow
shaped connector on the back panel below the A/C power input (as shown in Figure 4). The
acceptable input voltages are 10 to 14 VDC. Nonetheless, precautions must be taken to ensure
the power connections are correct.
NOTE: If the voltages stated on the panel are exceeded, then there is the
potential to harm the components connected to the case, especially the laptop.
Figure 4 External D/C Power Input
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Internal Battery System
Using internal batteries, no external power connections are required. When the GSA Unit is
connected to an external power source, the internal batteries will automatically charge with
power on or off. Fully discharged batteries may require five to ten minutes of charge prior to
laptop and peripheral operation, if the case is being used at the same time that it is charging
(connected to external power). To fully recharge the drained batteries, then they require 8 to
10 hours.
NOTE: All batteries have a limited life expectancy. Depending upon
patterns of use and charging of the case batteries, the GSA unit should be
sent back to the manufacturer every 18 to 36 months for replacement.
D/C-To-A/C Power Inverter
The D/C-to-A/C power inverter connects to the case through the GSA Unit power inverter
connector, which is colored green (shown in
power supply connector labeled Inverter PWR on the green panel. The range of D/C input to
the inverter is between 10 to 15 volts DC at 5 amperes. The inverter can accept any standard,
three-prong plug. The output generated by the inverter is 115 volts A/C.
Figure 5). The D/C plug connects to the D/C
NOTE: The maximum A/C wattage the inverter can safely supply is 30 Watts.
Any more than this has the potential to damage the inverter. Don’t hook your
hairdryer, shaver, or any other high wattage draw items to the inverter!
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Figure 5 Power Inverter Panel
GSA Operations
Document Number: 401-364
Computer Power Sources
Case Supplied Power
Since the GSA Unit is a fully integrated system, this is the preferred operating method. To
operate in this mode, dock the computer, insert the power cable on the docking bar to the
computer’s power input, and flip the CPU switch to the ON position.
Computer Battery
If you do not wish to power the computer through the case’s power supply, then you can use
the computer’s internal battery to power it. To operate in this mode, either undock the
computer or with the computer docked, flip the CPU switch to the OFF position. This
switches the computer to battery operated mode.
To recharge the computer batteries, dock the computer back into the GSA Unit with the CPU
switch in the ON position or plug the computer into a suitable A/C power source with the
supplied A/C power adapter. For the fastest recharge, the computer must be powered off.
Computer A/C Adapter
The computer normally gets its power from either the GSA Unit case or from its internal
batteries. A third way to power the computer is to plug it into an A/C power source, e.g., a
wall outlet. For this purpose, an A/C power adapter specifically designed just for the
computer has been included with the GSA Unit.
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Power Management
Because the GSA Unit is a sophisticated system with multiple potential power sources and
several battery-powered components, optimal Power Management requires operator actions.
When external power, either A/C or D/C, is available, that should be the preferred operating
mode since it will generally provide the longest uninterrupted operation. One of the best
techniques when external power is not available is to take advantage of the power
management features of the laptop computer. Place the CPU switch in the off position. This
cuts off case battery power to the laptop forcing it to run on its own battery, while still
providing power to the peripheral components. When the batteries in the computer become
low with use, the CPU switch can be placed back in the on position until the computer
batteries have been restored.
After a couple of hours on case battery power, the GSA Unit internal batteries are no longer
able to fully charge the computer batteries and/or provide power to the peripherals. At this
point, the GSA Unit should be connected to external power or data should be saved to disk
and preparations made to power down the system.
The GSA Unit peripherals can consume quite a bit of power, even when just idling.
Therefore, if you anticipate operating for an extended period on the batteries, turn off any
peripherals you are not using.
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Controls and Indicators
The GSA Unit control panel holds two lights and four operator accessible switches, all with
internal lights (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 Controls and Indicators
External Power Light
This light, labeled EXT PWR and located between the STORE/POWER switch and the
CPU switch, is illuminated red whenever the GSA Unit is connected to external power. The
case batteries will be recharging when this light is on.
Case Battery Status Light
This light, labeled CASE BATTERY and located between the CAMERA/COM 1 switch
and the NONSECURE/STU switch, is green when there is plenty of power remaining in the
case's internal batteries and red when the power in the batteries is low (an alarm will also
sound).
NOTE: When the alarm sounds, immediately start to shut the system down.
There is at least five minutes until the case's power is unable to support the
system. This should be enough time to save all unsaved work before the system
shuts down. However the laptop will continue to function normally, depending
upon its battery’s charge capacity.
NOTE: Switching the power switch to STORE can turn off the alarm. This also
stops all components not powered by their own power supply.
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STORE / POWER Switch
In the STORE position, the computer and peripherals are disconnected from A/C and D/C
power. This should be the position of the switch when the unit is to be stored for more than
one day.
NOTE: Since the internal GSA Unit case batteries and battery charging system
are always connected to external power through the STORE or POWER
position, during long periods of storage the GSA Unit batteries can be
periodically “topped off” by applying power to the GSA Unit for a few hours.
In the POWER position, the GSA Unit peripherals (except the laptop) are powered by the
case. The computer needs both the POWER and CPU switches to be in the ON position to
operate. The normal operation should have the POWER and CPU switches on
(illuminated) with the NONSECURE/STU switch in the NONSECURE position.
CPU Switch
With the CPU power plug properly inserted and the CPU and POWER switches on, the GSA
Unit case provides power to the laptop computer and the light internal to the switch is
illuminated. With the CPU switch in the off position, the laptop computer operates on its
internal batteries.
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CAMERA / COM 1 Switch
NOTE: In either position, the CAMERA/COM1 switch only works when the
NONSECURE/STU switch is in the NONSECURE position. When the
NONSECURE/STU switch is in the STU position, both COM1 and
CAMERA ports are disabled.
In the CAMERA position, the serial port of the computer is connected to the orange serial
port on the inside panel of the case.
In the COM 1 position, the serial port of the computer is connected to the 9-pin COM 1
connector (DB9) on the back panel of the case (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 External COM
NONSECURE/STU Switch
When the NONSECURE/STU switch is in the STU position (the LED in the switch lights
up red), all data passes through the STU-III. In this position, the STU-III can be used in all
modes: Non-Secure Voice, Secure Voice, and Secure Data.
When the NONSECURE/STU switch is in the NONSECURE position (the LED in the
switch is not lit up), all non-secure communication connections (LAN and COM1) are
connected. Data sent or received in this mode will be only in Non-Secure mode.
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Turning on the System
CAUTION: Before beginning a computer session, running a full Disk
Recovery is highly recommended to reset the entire system, especially if this is
the first session of a new series of operating sessions (see page 50).
To power up the case
• Locate the switch labeled STORE/POWER.
• Position the switch to the POWER position.
Power will now be provided to all devices in the case except the computer.
To power up the computer
• Ensure the STORE/POWER switch is in the POWER position and then turn
on the switch labeled CPU.
• Press the display release on the front of the computer and lift the display panel.
• Press and hold the Power Switch on the side of the laptop until the Power
Indicator light illuminates (as shown in Figure 8).
Figure 8 Power Switch and Indicator
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