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Itronix IX250 User Manual

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  • Page 2 This document is printed in the U.S.A. Itronix Corporation reserves the right to revise the manual and make periodic changes to the content without a direct or inferred obligation to Itronix to notify any person of such revision or changes. Itronix Corporation does not assume responsibility for the use of this manual, nor for any patent infringements or other rights or third parties who may use the manual.
  • Page 3 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. • The GoBook (IX250) computer complies with Part 68 of the FCC Rules. On the bottom of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this equipment.
  • Page 4 If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. If advance notice isn’t practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.
  • Page 5 Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5. The GoBook (IX250) computer may be connected to the telephone network using the RJ-11 jack provided. Fax Branding...
  • Page 6 Warnings and Cautions WARNING It is important that only authorized Itronix personnel attempt repairs on Itronix equipment as this might void any maintenance contract with your company. Unauthorized service personnel might be subject to shock hazard on some Itronix equipment if removal of protective covers is attempted.
  • Page 7 Safety Information The following safety symbols are used in this manual to indicate potentially dangerous situations. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING or CAUTION symbol until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Contents Unpacking Your System 2 Features 5 Connecting the AC Adapter 6 Installing the Battery 7 Turning the Computer On and Off 8 Adjusting the Volume 8 LED Activity Indicators 19 LED Power / Radio Indicators 20...
  • Page 9 Restarting the Computer 21 Primary Keys 21 Arrow Keys 23 Function Keys 24 Numeric Keypad 24 Touchpad 24 General Guidelines 26 Scrolling Buttons 27 Connecting an External Keyboard or Mouse 27 Rear Connectors 35 Left Side Connectors 37 Right Side Connectors 38 Registering Your Wireless Modem 40...
  • Page 10 Battery Calibration 50 Monitoring Battery Power 51 Low Battery Alarms 51 Power Saving Modes 52 Suspend Mode 53 Initiating Suspend Mode 54 Power Button Settings 54 When to Replace the Battery 55 Heat Considerations 56 BIOS Setup Menu 58 Starting the BIOS Setup Utility 58 Navigating and Entering Information in BIOS 60...
  • Page 11 PRECAUTIONS 76 Charging Batteries Communicating with Other Devices...
  • Page 12 Selecting the Right Surge Protection 81 Selecting the Right Equipment 82 Internal Hard Drives 85 External PC Card Hard Drives 86 Maintaining Batteries 87 Storing Batteries 87 Maintaining Your Computer 88 Storing Your Computer 90...
  • Page 13 For More Help Applications Cellular Modem 109 Display Hard Disk I/O Ports Keyboard Landline Modems Miscellaneous Mouse PC Cards Wireless Modems...

  • Page 15: Unpacking Your System

    S E C T I O N 1 Getting Started Unpacking Your System 2 Features 5 Connecting the AC Adapter 6 Installing the Battery 7 Turning the Computer On and Off 8 Adjusting the Volume 8...

  • Page 16: Features

    Congratulations on your purchase of the Itronix GoBook computer! Your new GoBook features the most innovative advances in portable computing technology. It combines state-of-the-art ergonomics with a rugged, durable architec- ture to provide you with a notebook computer that is compact, powerful, rugged and easy to use. Designed for a wide range of general, business, and personal productivity applications, the GoBook is an ideal choice for use in the office, or on the road.
  • Page 17 • GoBook User’s Manual You may have additional components or peripherals if you ordered these items separately. Check your packing slip for a complete list of items included in your package. You can use your computer under a wide range of environmental conditions. However, to ensure long use and continued high performance, consider the following factors when setting up your computer: •...
  • Page 18 After opening the package, carefully inspect the contents. If any of the items is missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer. The shipping carton should contain the following: • A GoBook computer • An internal battery • An AC adapter with power cord •...
  • Page 19 approved accessories. If you use items that are not approved for use with this computer, you may cause your com- puter to malfunction, or to emit or receive electro-magnetic radiation in excess of local regulations. For non-propri- etary accessories such as PC Cards or printers, ensure that the accessory functions properly in your computer before making the purchase.

  • Page 20: Connecting The Ac Adapter

    This User’s Manual describes the key elements of your computer. New users can find a simple step-by-step orienta- tion in the Quick Start section of this chapter. The Windows Manual provides an overview of the Windows operating System. Windows Online Help, found on the Start menu, offers extensive Windows assistance.

  • Page 21: Installing The Battery

    3 Connect the AC adapter power cord to an AC outlet. 4 Lift the display to open the LCD. 5 Open the LCD panel to a comfortable viewing angle. 6 Press the power button to turn on the power. Note When the battery is installed, see Installing the Battery below, it starts charging automatically.

  • Page 22: Adjusting The Volume

    You can operate the computer while the battery is charging, or on external power. • Press the button once, and then give the system time to respond. 1 From the Start menu, click Shut Down. 2 Select the Shut Down from the Shut Down Windows screen, then click OK. If you need to leave the system for a short time, or if you want to conserve battery power, you can suspend the computer by pressing FN + F3, see Section 5 Power Management for additional information.
  • Page 23 Your GoBook computer has a touch screen display. Follow the guidelines below to calibrate the touch screen for optimum use. To calibrate the touch screen click the Start menu, select Programs, UPDD, and then select “Calibrate”, which opens the touch screen calibration program. CAUTION •...
  • Page 24 You can adjust the display brightness for better viewing. Use the following keys to make adjustments: Lighten the display SHIFT Darken the display SHIFT 1 Click the Start button, select Settings, select Control Panel, and double-click the Date / Time icon. 2 From the Date / Time Properties menu, make changes to the Time and Date, and then close this screen by clicking OK.
  • Page 25 If your computer does not operate, try these solutions. • Connect the AC adapter to charge the battery if it is not charged. • If the AC adapter is connected, make sure the electrical outlet you are using works. • Check to make sure the battery is installed and charged properly.

  • Page 27: Restarting The Computer 21

    S E C T I O N 2 Getting .amiliar with Your Computer LED Activity Indicators 19 LED Power / Radio Indicators 20 Restarting the Computer 21 Primary Keys 21 Arrow Keys 23 Function Keys 24 Numeric Keypad 24 Touchpad 24 General Guidelines 26 Scrolling Buttons 27 Connecting an External Keyboard or Mouse 27...
  • Page 28 The GoBook computer is a ruggedized, weather-sealed laptop computer system built for the demanding environment of the mobile worker. Designed for use by mobile workforces, this computer is one of the most practical work tools for collecting, managing, and communicating information in the field. The following pages describe the external and internal features of your GoBook computer.

  • Page 29: Touchpad

    The following diagrams and descriptions provide an overview of your GoBook computer. 1 Touch screen display 2 Touchpad buttons 3 Scrolling button 4 Speakers 5 Power / Radio indicators 6 Touchpad 7 Nitevue™ Keyboard 8 Internal Microphone 9 Activity indicators 10 On / Off power button...
  • Page 30 1 Cooling fan 2 Power jack 3 15-Pin VGA port 4 25-Pin parallel port 5 9-Pin serial port 6 PS2 port 7 RJ-11 modem jack 8 RJ-45 network jack 9 USB port...
  • Page 31 1 PC Card door 2 Microphone jack 3 Audio jack 1 Media bay – CD, DVD, or Floppy disk 2 Radio bay – CRMA (under Media bay) 3 Cooling fan 4 Security slot...
  • Page 32 1 Battery Access Panel 2 Memory / mini-PCI modem / Lan CTO panel 3 RF adapter CTO panel 4 BIOS / Real Time Clock battery CTO panel 5 Cradle contact CTO panel 6 ID / Serial Number label...
  • Page 33 The activity indicators above the keyboard and below the touchpad light up when a particular function of the computer is active. Each indicator is marked with a symbol. Icon Function Description The computer is accessing the hard disk. CD-ROM drive The computer is accessing the CD-ROM, the DVD-ROM, or the Floppy drive.
  • Page 34 The case front LED’s indicate external power, unit ON/OFF, battery status, and radio ON/OFF. These indicators remain active and viewable even when the LCD panel is closed. Icon Light Description Green External power is connected to the unit. LED off External power is not connected to the unit.
  • Page 35 The keyboard on the GoBook computer looks much like the keyboard of a typewriter and operates in almost the same way. While typewriter keys put characters on paper, the keys on the laptop enter characters in the computer and perform certain functions, depending on the application or program. Typing skills are helpful but are not essential because typing short commands or responses is easy.
  • Page 36 ALT GR The ALT GR key, a special function key found on the 89-key international keyboard, when pressed and held, allows you to use characters in the bottom right of a three character key. BACKSPACE The BACKSPACE key, sometimes represented on the keyboard as a left arrow, moves the cursor one position to the left.
  • Page 37 active window to the clipboard. SHIFT The SHIFT key changes the keys A through Z to the UPPER CASE position. When you press an alphabetic key, the character appears as a capital letter. When you press SHIFT with other keys, the characters on the upper part of the keys appear. For example, pressing SHIFT+7 displays an ampersand (&).
  • Page 38 Hold the FN key while pressing the numbered function key. Function key Description FN+F1 Toggles display on/off FN+F2 Toggles between LCD/CRT displays FN+F3 Suspend to RAM/HDD FN+F6 Decreases LCD brightness FN+F7 Increases LCD brightness FN+F8 Decrease volume FN+F9 Increase volume FN+F10 Mutes the audio The numeric keypad is embedded in the keyboard area.
  • Page 39 1 First, place your fingers on the keyboard in the normal typing position. The touchpad is easily accessible by moving either your left or right thumb off the space bar and on to the touchpad. 2 Gently move your thumb across the pressure-sensitive touchpad in the direction you want the cursor to move. The pad detects the change in pressure and moves the cursor in the corresponding direction.
  • Page 40 Adjust the touchpad settings by selecting Settings/Control Panel/Mouse/Buttons. These settings allow you to change the orientation of the touchpad from right-handed to left-handed, and fine-tune the pointer movement and timing of clicks. The Touchpad is a pressure-sensitive device. If not properly cared for, it can be easily damaged. Please take note of the following precautions.
  • Page 41 If you are scrolling through a document, you may find that using the scrolling button is more restful to your hand than holding down a mouse button. The scrolling button is located between the touchpad buttons. Push the top of the button to scroll up in a document or Web page;...
  • Page 42 Your computer may come with a floppy disk drive. The floppy disk drive accepts 3.5-inch floppy disks, and is read and write capable. The CD-ROM drive is a read-only drive. It cannot be used to write data to a recordable compact disk. The CD- ROM drive can read data from CDs, including audio or video CDs.
  • Page 43 1 Make sure the computer is not accessing the media bay drive. 2 Slide the door latches to release the media bay door. 3 Click the “Unplug or Eject” media bay icon on the right side of the taskbar. 4 Grasp the media bay device by the removal ribbon and pull straight out until it is clear from the slot. 5 Cick OK.
  • Page 44 The PC card slot can be used as an interface between your computer and a variety of communications devices, such as network adapters, SCSI adapters, fax/modems, or they can be used to provide additional data storage capacity. Your computer’s PC Card slot supports Type I, II or III PC Cards, 32-bit CardBus cards, and Zoomed Video cards. 1 The top side of a PC Card is usually identified with a label.
  • Page 45 The GoBook has a 15-Pin VGA monitor port to connect your computer to an external monitor. With Windows 98, you may use an external monitor simultaneously with your GoBook’s LCD. You may also use the external monitor only and disable the LCD, or only use the LCD. 1 Locate the 15-pin VGA monitor port on the rear panel of your GoBook and connect the video signal cable from the external monitor to the monitor port.

  • Page 47: Rear Connectors 35

    S E C T I O N 3 Making Connections Rear Connectors 35 Left Side Connectors 37 Right Side Connectors 38...
  • Page 48 Your computer is equipped with a full array of ports and connectors, including standard input/output (I/O) ports for quickly and easily adding peripheral devices such as printers and monitors. Refer to documentation included with individual devices for details on connecting these devices to your computer. Along with the standard ports found on most computers, your computer also includes modem and LAN ports, offering advanced communications technology.
  • Page 49 You will find the serial, parallel, and VGA ports under the port cover at the back of the computer. Connect the DC power cable from the AC adapter to this jack. The 15-pin monitor port can connect your computer to an external monitor.
  • Page 50 Use the 25-pin parallel port to connect your computer to a parallel device such as a printer, or set up a direct connec- tion between two computers. The parallel port supports the faster EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) and ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) specifications, which can be enabled using the BIOS Setup Utility.
  • Page 51 With the built-in Ethernet LAN combo, you can make LAN connections without installing PC cards. Connection speed is 10/100 Mbps. When using the LAN function, wrap your LAN cable around the EMI ferrite suppression box to inhibit electromagnetic interference. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the latest standard for attaching monitors, input devices, scanners, and other devices to a PC.
  • Page 52 Connect a microphone to this jack to record audio. Connect external speakers or a stereo headset to this jack to listen to multimedia. Your computer has a Security Slot that can be used with a standard laptop locking device, such as a Kennsington Lock.

  • Page 53: Registering Your Wireless Modem 40

    S E C T I O N 4 If You Have a Wireless Modem Registering Your Wireless Modem 40...
  • Page 54 If your GoBook computer is equipped with a wireless modem, you must first register it with the appropriate network provider. Before using your wireless modem you must sign up for service with a wireless network provider. When you register, you will need to furnish the network provider with your modem ID and the computer’s serial number. This information is printed on a label located on the bottom of your GoBook computer.
  • Page 55 When the computer is booting, you may be asked if you want to make the Sierra Wireless AirCard 300 you primary network interface card. For this procedure, click yes. Run Wireless Expert. NOTE Wireless Expert should start automatically. Call your preferred cellular data provider and tell them the AirCard EID displayed on the first screen. Then follow the on-screen procedures.
  • Page 56 Contact your local area network administrator to setup your computer for your network. Contact your local area network administrator to setup your computer for your network. CAUTION Your modem generates radio frequency (RF) signals. Do not operate the radio modem before you have registered it with a network provider. The network will not accept a signal from an unregistered device.
  • Page 57 The wireless modem is powered on when the modem card is inserted after your SIM card is inserted. The GSM application automatically starts when the modem card is inserted. To stop the application you must stop the card in the system tray using the PC Card icon or W2000 icon and the GSM application will close. Otherwise you can just minimize the application when not in use.
  • Page 58 PC Card (3.3 and 5 volt)”. It can then be re-powered by doing a suspend/resume, boot, or a reboot. The wireless modem is powered after reboot or resume as indicated by the wireless modem LED being solid on. It can be turned off by right clicking on the PC-Card icon in the system task tray, and selecting “Stop Cisco Systems 340 Series Wireless LAN Adpater”.
  • Page 59 The RIM 802D radio will be automatically installed through the Plug and Play feature of the Windows operating system. Once installed the radio can be accessed as COM4. 1 To verify the radio is installed and functioning correctly, a hyperterminal session can be used to access RIM’s built in diagnostic program.
  • Page 60 For more information on how use the builtin diagnostics visit the RIM website at www.rim.net. • Driver comes pre-installed • Driver comes pre-installed Following are the procedures for using your wireless modem. • Run Watcher from the desktop or the Start/Programs/SierraWireless/Aircard3xx menu. •...
  • Page 61 1 Click OK. 2 Click Yes to confirm. 3 Click Yes to restart your computer. • If necessary, activate the Nokia Monitor program running on the task bar and verify that you have at least one bar of signal strength in the upper left hand corner of the Monitor window. •...
  • Page 62 • Go to your preferred LAN applications and run normally. CAUTION While the radio is operating, its antenna must be at least 5 cm from all persons in order to comply with the FCC RF exposure limit. Radio (wireless modem) operators must make sure their radio unit is in compliance with these FCC regulations.

  • Page 63: Battery Calibration

    S E C T I O N 5 Power Management Battery Calibration 50 Monitoring Battery Power 51 Low Battery Alarms 51 Power Saving Modes 52 Suspend Mode 53 Initiating Suspend Mode 54 Power Button Settings 54 When to Replace the Battery 55 Heat Considerations 56...
  • Page 64 The first time you use a battery, you should calibrate it. The calibration process empties and charges the battery. This allows the Windows battery gauge to accurately monitor battery status. To calibrate a battery, follow these steps: 1 Plug in the AC adapter. 2 Restart the computer and when the startup screen appears, press the Del key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

  • Page 65: Low Battery Alarms

    There are two ways to monitor how much power the battery has left. 1 Click Start/Settings/Control Panel/Power Management; then click the Power Meter tab. 2 Moving the cursor to the battery icon on the taskbar is the simplest way to check on battery power status. NOTE If you do not see the battery icon, enable it in Start/Settings/Control Panel/Power Management.

  • Page 66: Suspend Mode

    When you use the AC adapter to connect your GoBook to a power outlet, the internal battery will automatically begin to recharge. While the battery is charging, the Battery Charge LED indicator on the indicator panel will be active. When the battery is fully charged, the Battery Charge LED indicator will turn off. If your computer is turned off, or suspended to RAM, a fully discharged battery will take about 4 hours to recharge.
  • Page 67 There are several possible settings for suspend mode, which can be selected in the Power Management dialog box: You may suspend to RAM, suspend to disk, auto suspend, or disable suspend altogether. In a suspend to RAM, the contents of your computer’s memory are held intact, while practically all the rest of the components in your computer either turn off completely, or reduce power consumption to a minimum.
  • Page 68 There are four ways to initiate suspend mode. The settings can be adjusted in the Power Management dialog box: • The computer will automatically enter suspend mode when not used for a set period of time • Selecting the Stand by button in the Shut Down Windows dialog box •...
  • Page 69 Over time, the battery’s capacity gradually decreases. We recommend that you replace your battery when you notice that it begins to store significantly less charge. Change the main battery pack as follows: 1 Turn off the computer. 2 Close the display and turn the computer over. 3 Push in the latches on the battery door (1) while lifting the battery out of the compartment.
  • Page 70 The computer’s processor has been specially designed to consume little power, and generates very little heat. However, working in a hot environment, or working for long periods may raise the temperature. Your computer takes the following steps to lower temperature: 1 The cooling fan is turned on.

  • Page 71: Bios Setup Menu

    S E C T I O N 6 Customizing Your Bios Settings BIOS Setup Menu 58 Starting the BIOS Setup Utility 58 Navigating and Entering Information in BIOS 60...
  • Page 72 This chapter explains how to use the Setup Utility to modify the BIOS settings. The Setup Utility displays and allows modification of the GoBook components and the configuration of devices that are connected to it. This information is used to test and initialize components at start-up time and to make sure everything runs properly when the system is operating.
  • Page 73 The Setup Utility main menu has five main submenu options: Standard CMOS Setup, Advanced CMOS Setup, Power Management Setup, and Peripheral Setup, Auto-Detect Hard Disks, Change User Password and Change Supervisor Password . Save Settings and Exit, and Exit Without Saving are used to exit the Setup Utility. AMIBIOS HIFLEX SETUP UTILITY - VERSION 1.23 AMIBIOS HIFLEX SETUP UTILITY - VERSION 1.23 AMIBIOS HIFLEX SETUP UTILITY - VERSION 1.23...
  • Page 74 Use the following keys to move between fields and to enter information: Function Starts the BIOS utility after turning on the computer. Exits any submenu. If you wish to exit the BIOS utility without saving changes, go to the main menu, then press Esc. Up, down arrow keys Moves among selections.
  • Page 75 The Standard CMOS Setup page of the Setup Utility has a list of fields that describe the basic configuration of your computer. CMOS is simply a type of random access memory, or RAM, used to store the basic configuration of the computer.
  • Page 76 .ield Setting .unction System Time Use these fields to set the time and date. The time is displayed in 24- hour format. The date can be set from January 1, 1901 to December 31, 2099. The values set in these two fields take effect immediately. Floppy Drive A Not Installed Indicates if a floppy disk drive or LS-120 is installed.
  • Page 77 Size Displays the hard disk capacity. Cylinders Displays the number of cylinders on the hard disk drive. Heads Displays the number of heads per cylinder on the hard disk drive. LBA Mode LBA (Logical Block Addressing) mode is used to support IDE hard disks larger than 504 MB. LBA support is required for compatibility with the FAT32 system.
  • Page 78 AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP (C) 2000 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights Reserved BootUp Sequence C:, A:, CDROM C:, A:, CDROM C:, A:, CDROM...
  • Page 79 .ield Setting .unction Bootup Sequence C; A; CDROM Use this field to set the devices from which the system should boot in order of priority. The default value is A; C; CDROM, which means that the computer will attempt to boot from the floppy drive first, then the hard disk, then, the CD-ROM.
  • Page 80 This section of the BIOS manages power settings in operating systems other than Windows 98 or above, or operating systems using ACPI power management. In Windows 98 or above, power management is controlled through the Power Management window in My Computer, and BIOS power management settings have NO effect. In other operating systems that use ACPI power management, BIOS settings likewise have no effect.
  • Page 81 .ield Setting .unction Geyserville Geyserville Optimized Speed enables the system Optimized Speed to reduce the CPU speed when the battery is in use to conserve power. Battery Use this setting when the current CPU is not compatible with Geyserville Optimized Speed Technology. The computer will utilize Geyserville Optimized Speed Technology when the battery is in use.
  • Page 82 Settings on this page allow you to change port configurations. AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP AMIBIOS SETUP - PERIPHERAL SETUP - PERIPHERAL SETUP - PERIPHERAL SETUP - PERIPHERAL SETUP - PERIPHERAL SETUP (C) 2000 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights Reserved Available Options: Available Options: Auto...
  • Page 83 .ield Setting .unction COM 1 Port Auto COM 1 is assigned to the serial port located at the rear of your GoBook. Set this field to Auto to enable the system to automatically assign an I/O address and interrupt to the port. Disabled Disables COM 1.
  • Page 84 Field Setting Function LPT Extended Mode Standard This field makes the parallel port comply with one of the different kinds of parallel communications: Standard, Extended Capabilities Port (ECP), and Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP). Standard allows data output only. ECP are EPP are bi-directional modes, allowing both data input and output.
  • Page 85 A supervisor password must be set before a lower-level user password can be set. After selecting Change Supervisor Password, press Enter. You will be prompted for the new password, and then again to verify it. Type in six or fewer keystrokes.
  • Page 86 Select this option to save changes to the field values, and restart the computer using the new values. (Pressing F10 from any of the menu screens also allows you to save settings and exit.) Select this option to discard any changes you have made to the field values, and restart the computer using the old values.
  • Page 87 S E C T I O N 7 Optional Equipment and Accessories PRECAUTIONS 76 Charging Batteries Communicating with Other Devices Selecting the Right Surge Protection 81 Selecting the Right Equipment 82...
  • Page 88 The Vehicle Adapter is an optional device that supplies power from the vehicle battery to operate the computer and charge the battery installed in the unit. It typically connects to the vehicle battery using the cigarette lighter socket. To prevent possible damage to the battery, the system will not allow the battery to charge at extreme temperatures. Be aware of the following charging characteristics, especially if the computer is left unattended in a closed vehicle.
  • Page 89 The vehicle cradle is a vehicle-based docking station designed to safely secure the computer in the vehicle. A standard key lock located on the front of the cradle locks the computer onto the cradle for security purposes. You can use the vehicle cradle to: •...
  • Page 90 • There are no user-replaceable parts within the vehicle cradle, so do not open the cradle case. The vehicle cradle is internally protected. It resets automatically if there is a power fault. • Do not use the vehicle cradle to charge the computer battery overnight. Turn off the vehicle cradle at the end of each work day to prevent draining the voltage in your vehicle’s battery below starting levels.
  • Page 91 Important • A temperature of -20ºC to +60ºC (-4ºF to +140ºF) is recommended when charging batteries with the vehicle cradle. Batteries may not charge successfully outside this temperature range. • If you charge your battery daily, rely on the gas gauge reading to determine battery capacity.
  • Page 92 An external RF antenna also can be connected to the cradle using the TNC RF connector on the back. FCC regula- tions require that users of vehicle-mounted antennas must use only antennas authorized for use with the GoBook in order to meet FCC RF exposure limits. Please contact your organizations’s help desk for a list of approved vehicle- mounted antennas.
  • Page 93 Side View Front View The contact pins on the vehicle cradle are exposed to contamination and stress when the computer is installed and removed from the cradle during normal daily operation. The pins were designed to be cleaned or replaced as required.
  • Page 94 3 Clean the pin with electrical contact cleaner and reinstall it into the cradle contact assembly. If a pin is bent or cannot be cleaned, contact your support desk to obtain a replacement pin. Note Pin 8 on RF units is an RF connector and is not user replaceable. Contact your support desk for information about replacing this RF connector.
  • Page 95 Consider the level of quality you need when selecting a surge suppressor. This depends on factors such as surge environment, the type of equipment to be protected, and the quality of the electrical wiring and service. Surge environment refers to the damage potential from electrical surges in a particular geographical area. A high quality suppressor should be used if there is frequent lightening activity in the area and the location service is fed by overhead utility poles.
  • Page 96 There are a number of companies that sell quality surge suppressors such as Sutton Designs, APC, and Panamax. When you are looking for a surge suppressor, consider these things. • Expect to pay at least $50 for a good quality surge suppressor. •...

  • Page 97: Maintenance And Storage

    S E C T I O N 8 Maintenance and Storage Internal Hard Drives 85 External PC Card Hard Drives 86 Maintaining Batteries 87 Storing Batteries 87 Maintaining Your Computer 88 Storing Your Computer 90...
  • Page 98 The GoBook is ruggedized and weather resistant. Handle it with the normal care required by any sophisticated electronic equipment, and the computer will provide reliable service even under harsh field conditions. Follow the guidelines below to care for your unit. CAUTION Always use an approved stylus.
  • Page 99 There are two hard drive options for the GoBook: a shock-mounted 2.5-inch hard drive and a PC Card Type III hard drive. All hard drives contain media for data storage in the form of a rotating disk, read/write head(s), a motor, and electronics for interfacing and control.
  • Page 100 • Maintain the environmental seal of the computer by keeping all the external access doors closed and latched. Also avoid exposing the unit to extreme temperatures or moisture when the doors are open. • Periodically backup or archive important files and data. Each PC Card hard drive manufacturer provides specific guidelines for the care and handling of the product.
  • Page 101 Follow these guidelines to maintain performance of Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. • Avoid exposing batteries to extremely hot or cold temperatures for long periods. To prevent possible damage to the battery, the GoBook does not allow the battery to charge if the internal temperature of the battery gets too low (<...
  • Page 102 Follow these guidelines to help maintain the condition and performance of your computer. • Turn off the computer when you are not using it. • Charge the batteries daily or whenever their capacity is low. • Operate the computer within the recommended temperature ranges of -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F). Periodically inspect the computer and accessories for wear, damage, or loose or missing parts.
  • Page 103 Display Periodically inspect the display to make sure the contrast and brightness functions are operating properly and that all pixels are operational. To clean the display assembly, use the same cleaning solution and procedure described earlier for the outside case. In some cases, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to remove streaks or smears.
  • Page 104 Make sure the PC Card connector is operating properly by reading from or writing to a PC Card. Cradle Contacts The cradle contacts on the bottom of the computer may get dirty with daily use. Pins can be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. You can store the GoBook for approximately 7 - 10 days without losing data as long as the battery is fully charged to begin with.

  • Page 105: Error Messages

    APPENDIX A Error Messages...
  • Page 106 The following are possible error and warning messages you may encounter while operating the GoBook computer. The messages in this section are listed alphabetically. Error and warning messages are generated by several different sources including: • Power On Self Test (POST) •...
  • Page 107 BIOS ROM bad checksum An expansion card has a bad ROM checksum. The expansion card may need to be replaced. Contact your supervisor or your organization’s help desk. -Disk not found -FATAL: CMOS RAM test failed -FATAL: DMA controller faulty -FATAL: Faulty DMA page registers -FATAL: Faulty refresh circuit -FATAL: Interrupt controller failed...
  • Page 108 Floppy disk fault - insert valid boot disk and press any key If no floppy drive is present, run the System Configuration Utility (SCU) and disable the floppy disk controller. (See Section 5, “Customizing Settings,” for more information about the SCU.) Gate A20 failure Hardware failure.
  • Page 109 -Memory failure at AAAAAAAA, read XX expected YY Restart the computer by pressing both mouse buttons for at least ten seconds and then releasing the buttons. If the problem persists, contact your organization’s help desk. No boot device available — press to retry boot Reboot the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.
  • Page 110 Shutdown failure Reboot the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL. If the message persists, contact your supervisor or your organization’s help desk. Unexpected interrupt in protected mode Reboot the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL. If the message persists, contact your supervisor or your organization’s help desk.
  • Page 111 -WARNING: Floppy controller failed -WARNING: Floppy disk track 0 failed Restart the computer by pressing both mouse buttons for at least ten seconds and then releasing the buttons. If the problem persists, contact your organization’s help desk. WARNING: Floppy information invalid - run SCU Run the System Configuration Utility (SCU) to set the system configuration.
  • Page 112 xxxxxh Option ROM checksum failure where xxxxxh is the starting address of the option An expansion board contains a defective ROM. Try restarting the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL. If the problem persists, the expansion board may need to be replaced. Report this error to your supervisor or your organization’s help desk.
  • Page 113 Invalid media type reading drive D Abort, Retry, Fail? The PC memory card may not be formatted. Press A to abort, then format the card using the MS-DOS Format command, or from Windows using the Format Disk command. Invalid drive specification You tried to access a drive that does not exist.
  • Page 114 Windows messages are typically self-explanatory. See Appendix B Troubleshooting, for more information. Both MS-DOS and Windows applications may display messages if a warning or error condition occurs. Refer to the online Help or other documentation for the application that generated the message.
  • Page 115 APPENDIX B Troubleshooting For More Help Applications Cellular Modem 109 Display Hard Disk I/O Ports Keyboard Landline Modems Miscellaneous Mouse PC Cards Radio Modems...
  • Page 116 This section is designed to help you determine and fix problems you might encounter while operating the GoBook computer. Try the following things in order: • First look through the categories in this section for a solution. • If you don’t find a solution for your situation here, try one of the resources listed below. •...
  • Page 117 Solutions to some common problems are listed on the following pages under these categories: • Applications • Batteries • Display • Hard Disk • I/O Ports • Keyboard • Landline Modem • Miscellaneous • Mouse • PC Cards • Pen/Touch screen •...
  • Page 118 My application locks up, acts strangely, or produces a General Protection Fault (GPF) error • If you’ve tried to resolve the problem other ways and your application still doesn’t respond, you may need to restart your computer as described below. To reboot your computer, press CTRL+ALT+DEL.
  • Page 119 …Applications Communications programs such as HyperTerminal, Procomm Plus, or Speaker Phone don’t seem to work or they lock Windows • When you first try to use HyperTerminal or similar application, the system responds with a message asking if you want to install the modem. Answer “Yes” to this question and follow the instructions on the screen to install it.
  • Page 120 external power. • If the battery is new or has been stored for a week or more, follow this procedure: 1 Make sure the computer is turned off. 2 Open the battery door and remove the battery. 3 Connect the AC adapter to the computer and an AC wall outlet, and then turn on the computer by pressing the Power button.
  • Page 121 The batteries take much longer than five hours to charge • Under moderate temperatures, about 21°C (70ºF), the computer’s battery takes 4 to 5 hours to completely charge. Under extremely cold or hot temperatures, however, the battery can take up to 16 hours to fully charge.
  • Page 122 The gas gauge reads “full,” but the indicator light is still On • If you charge your battery daily, rely on the gas gauge reading to determine battery capacity. The charge mode may have switched from Fast to Slow because the battery became too hot. The charging process is trying to put a little more capacity into the battery;...
  • Page 123 • Over time as your battery ages, the maximum capacity that it can hold naturally decreases, and even the best maintained batteries eventually need to be retired. Consider replacing your battery if you are not getting the usage you need from it. The Sierra Watcher utility has a run time error when starting or when trying to setup the cellular modem •...
  • Page 124 The underlined, inverse, and hypertext characters are difficult to read on the screen • Change the color scheme. From the Start Menu select Settings, Control Panel, choose Display, and then click the Appearance tab to make changes to the color scheme. •...
  • Page 125 The hard disk will not spin up so the computer can’t boot up • This occurs if the unit is exposed to extreme low temperatures. This is not a hardware failure associated with the hard disk. Allow the computer to warm to room temperature. I can’t save files because the disk is full •...
  • Page 126 Something unexpected happens when I press a key • You may have pressed a key combination that performs a Windows function. Make sure you are pressing the correct keys for the application you are running. I can’t tell if I’m in NUM LOCK mode •...
  • Page 127 The modem doesn’t work • Make sure a modem is installed. Locate the “Config” string label on the bottom of the GoBook computer; a modem is not installed if the seventh digit is Z. • When you first try to use HyperTerminal or similar application, the system responds with a message asking if you want to install the modem.
  • Page 128 The modem doesn’t dial a number Check these things: • If you are running a program in MS-DOS, make sure the modem is turned on using MODEM ON before you run the application. MODEM OFF will power off the modem to conserve power when the modem is not in use.
  • Page 129 …Landline Modems • If you are using an external modem, make sure the cables are attached correctly. • If you are using an internal modem, make sure the modem is installed. Check with your organization to determine if your computer has an optional internal modem installed. •...
  • Page 130 …Landline Modems Communications programs such as HyperTerminal, Procomm Plus, or Speaker Phone don’t seem to work or they lock Windows • If you are using the internal modem, be sure to specify COM3 as the communications port. • Verify with your company that your computer has an internal modem installed. •...
  • Page 131 Attempting to use the speaker phone without a modem installed causes Windows to lock up • This can also happen if the IRQ settings in Windows under Control Panel, Ports don’t match those in the SCU. Verify IRQ settings and that the modem option is installed. Locate the “Config” string label on the bottom of the GoBook computer;...
  • Page 132 • The battery contacts may be dirty. Turn off the computer, remove the battery, and clean the contacts. The speaker volume is too high or too low • Increase the volume by pressing FN+F9; decrease the volume by pressing FN+F8. The computer won’t turn on •...
  • Page 133 The computer enters suspend mode too quickly • When there is no activity for a period of time, the computer turns off or enters suspend mode. To extend this time, use the Power Management program and enter a new time. The computer doesn’t automatically suspend •...
  • Page 134 I receive an “out of memory” error message • Too many applications may be running at the same time. Close applications you don’t need. • Run MS-DOS applications in full screen rather than a window. Press ALT+ENTER to toggle between full screen and window mode.
  • Page 135 I have difficulty double-clicking the mouse fast enough • From the Start Menu, select Settings, Control Panel, and then choose Mouse. The Buttons tab contains the setting for the double-click speed. I can’t see the mouse pointer • The mouse pointer may be off the screen. Move the mouse until it reappears on the screen. •...
  • Page 136 The system does not recognize the PC Card CD-ROM when it is inserted into the PC Card socket • There is a delay of 10 to 15 seconds before the CD-ROM drive is recognized. • Drivers may not be installed. Contact your organization’s help desk for assistance. The computer locks up when I remove the PC card •...
  • Page 137 When I try to use the stylus on my touch screen, nothing happens • If you cannot select objects accurately with the stylus, you may need to recalibrate the touch screen. To calibrate the touch screen 1 From the Start Menu, select Programs, UPDD, and then choose Calibrate. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen to calibrate the touch screen.
  • Page 138 6 Check to make sure the radio indicator light is on. The following messages appear in order: “Network Contact Lost” (or something similar as it starts up) “Network Contacted” If you receive the first message and not the second, your unit is probably not registered. See Section 4 If You Have a Wireless Modem, for more information, or contact your company’s help desk for assistance.
  • Page 139 3 Select Option 5 This allows you to “single step” through each startup command. 4 Respond “N” to each prompt EXCEPT the following: “Process your startup device drivers (CONFIG.SYS)” “DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS” “DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS” 5 From the DOS prompt, enter C:\CD XCTOOLS. 6 Enter RFGXM.
  • Page 140 ..Wireless Modems Radio application cannot find radio modem • Make sure the IRQ setting for COM4 is set correctly in the SCU. Many DOS applications assume this to be IRQ 3 rather than the default of IRQ 10. See Section 6 Customizing Your Bios Settings. •...
  • Page 141 APPENDIX C Glossary AC adapter The standard charging device shipped with the mobile computer that supplies power from an AC wall outlet to operate the computer and charge the battery installed in the unit. antenna If you have a radio modem installed in your computer, this device sends and receives radio waves for this modem.
  • Page 142 Battery Status application A separate program that displays information about the current state of the battery. By default, this program runs automatically when you run Windows. bit The smallest unit of computer data (binary digit). deep cycle discharge A user-initiated charging method that completely discharges Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries before charging them again.
  • Page 143 indicator lights The small lights located between the display and the keyboard that blink or remain on or off to indicate activity on the system. They include an On/Off light, an External Power light, a Disk Activity light, and a Radio On/Off light. keyboard The keyboard is weather sealed and designed with 93 percent standard key spacing.
  • Page 144 online help A help utility available on-screen while you are using an application. operating system A set of programs that manage the overall operation of the computer. parallel port A port that can be used to connect a printer. PC card A self-contained, credit card-sized device that can be used to store programs, data, or to expand the capabilities of your computer.
  • Page 145 software System, utility, or application programs expressed in a computer-readable language. Software programs tell the hardware components what to do. speaker Located on the bottom of the computer, the speaker provides sound for the unit. Speaker Phone application The Speaker Phone application is a separate program that allows you to dial a number and talk with another person over telephone lines.
  • Page 146 Video Graphics Array (VGA) Video graphics technology that supports up to 256 colors and a graphics resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. video port This port can be used to connect an external monitor.
  • Page 147 Index...
  • Page 153 Itronix Corporation P.O. Box 179 Spokane, WA 99210-0179 www.itronix.com 77-0100-001...

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