DTA: Tech Notes
Tech Notes
Video
I/O
Memory
Hard-Disk Drive Types
Power Sources
BIOS Beep Codes
Documentation and Software
BIOS Beep Codes
Tone Sequence Failure Detected
1 long, 2 short Failing video configuration or invalid external ROM
module that does not checksum to zero
3 short Terminal error
2 short POST error (before boot)
1 short Normal system operation (before boot)
1 long, 3 short VCP checksum, DAC test, analog monitor detection, or
VGA retrace failed
Video
General
LCD
External Video Port
Video Controller
Fast Video
VGA Setup Options
Keyboard Commands for Controlling Display
Video Slide Controls
Text Modes
Graphics Modes
Windows 3.1 Video Driver Update
General
Video BIOS stored in system BIOS ROM
Video BIOS address C0000h to C7FFFh
Controller GD610/620-C VGA LCD/CRT
Standard video memory 256 KB
LCD
Diagonal (viewing area):
NL25 235 mm (9.25 inches)
NL20 217 mm (8.50 inches)
Type FTN, backlit LCD
LCD refresh 70 Hz
Video mode EGA/VGA
Character display 80 x 25
Brightness adjustable
Contrast adjustable
Power consumption 5 W
Maximum resolutions 640 x 480
Dot size 0.27 mm (0.01 inches)
Dot pitch 0.30 mm (0.012 inches)
External Video Port
15-hole, D-type external connector. The computer will drive an external VGA analog monitor at 31.49 kHz.
Maximum resolution: 800 x 600 (external monitor only).
Video Controller
The Cirrus Logic CL-GD610/620 flat panel VGA controller chip set provides the following features:
 Full VGA compatibility at the hardware level including register and data path
Full backwards compatibility with EGA, CGA, MDA, and MGA at the hardware level including register and
data path
Hardware support for I/O address 3C3 (m/b) sleep mechanism
Automatic foreground/background color attribute remapping for maximum contrast
AutoMAP automatically maps 256 colors into 32 shades of gray for CRT-quality gray-scale emulation
Support for screen panning, data compression, and automatic screen centering
Refresh rate up to 110 Hz to provide greater contrast and reduce flicker
Support for 400 or 480 scan-line panels
Support for power conservation modes
Fast Video
System Setup program options for FAST VIDEO BIOS:
OFF = Video BIOS ROM code not shadowed.
ON = The system shadows video BIOS ROM code to E0000.
VGA Setup Options
The Extended BIOS Software Screen provides the VGA Setup categories listed below.
VGA Power-Up Display
LCD Internal display active on boot.
AUTO Display automatically switched to an external display
if attached.
Emulation Mode
CGA Emulates color graphics adapter.
MDA Emulates monochrome display adapter.
EGA Emulates enhanced graphics adapter.
VGA Sets standard virtual graphics array operation.
LCD Display Options
TOP Image appears at the top of the screen.
CENTER Image appears in the center of the screen.
BOTTOM Image appears at the bottom of the screen.
Expand Display
ENABLE The video frame fills the entire screen.
DISABLE The video frame appears reduced on the screen.
Keyboard Commands for Controlling Display
Key Combinations Purpose
<FN-5> Selects global standby mode (screen stays
Global standby blank until any key is pressed or the mouse is
moved).
<FN-7> Normal/reverse Toggles the display of screen text between
regular video mode and reverse video mode (LCD
only).
<FN-8> Toggles the display of screen text between
Maximum contrast normal contrast and enhanced contrast (LCD,
CGA, EGA, and VGA text).
<FN-10> Toggles the video image between an external
Monitor toggle VGA monitor and the computer's built-in
display.
Video Slide Controls
Brightness (slide) You can use the brightness control to lighten or
darken the image on the computer's internal LCD.
Contrast (slide) Use the contrast control to adjust the contrast of the
video image on the computer's internal LCD.
Text Modes
Resolutions Colors Modes
40 x 25 Mono 0h
40 x 25 16 1h
80 x 25 Mono 2h
80 x 25 16 3h
80 x 25 Mono 7h
132 x 25* 2 57h
132 x 25* 16 55h
132 x 43* 2 56h
132 x 43* 16 54h
*External monitor only.
Graphics Modes
Resolutions Colors Modes
320 x 200 4 4h
320 x 200 4 5h
320 x 200 16 Dh
320 x 200 256 13h
640 x 200 2 6h
640 x 200 16 Eh
640 x 350 Mono Fh
640 x 350 4/16 10h
640 x 400* 256 5Eh
640 x 480 2 11h
640 x 480 16 12h
800 x 600* 2 59h
800 x 600* 16 58h
*External monitor only.
Windows 3.1 Video Driver Update
These instructions apply only if Windows� 3.1 was purchased from a company other than Dell�.
NOTE: Using the incorrect video driver for Windows 3.1 can cause damage to the notebook computer.
1. Exit Windows and go to MS-DOS� prompt.
Do not start MS-DOS by double clicking on the MS-DOS icon in Program Manager.
2. Change to the directory where Windows is installed.
3. Type setup and press <ENTER>.
4. Using the arrow keys to scroll through the System Information list, select the DISPLAY: option.
5. Using the arrow keys, select the VGA (Version 3.0) option from the list of options available and press
<ENTER>.
Insert the original Windows installation diskettes.
6. Select the ACCEPT CONFIGURATION SHOWN ABOVE option, and press <ENTER> to complete the video driver
change.
Memory
Base Memory
Extended Memory
Shadow Memory (Slush RAM)
EMS Memory
System Setup Options
Cache Wait States
System Management RAM
Cache Memory
Fast BIOS
Fast Video
Expansion Memory
Installing Memory Modules
Base Memory
Standard system memory is 2 MB. The memory is comprised of (4) 1-Mbit x 4, 80-ns, slow refresh (125-ms) DRAMs.
Base memory is permanently installed on the system board.
The 80386 SL memory controller supports 1, 2, 3, or 4 banks of DRAMs in page interleave mode. The controller also supportS interleave access mode.
The BASE MEMORY category in the System Setup program has a fixed value of 640 KB that cannot be changed by the user.
Extended Memory
Any memory above the first megabyte is extended memory unless part of it is designated as expanded memory.
Note: The System Setup program uses the abbreviation K to indicate KB.
Shadow Memory (Slush RAM)
At power-up, the computer begins operation in the ROM space FF0000h. It then reads code from the video and monitor ROM spaces (FC0000h-FDFFFFh) and writes it to the slush RAM at 0C0000h-0CFFFFh and 0F0000h-0FFFFFh. Once the monitor has transferred the code from monitor ROM to slush RAM, the firmware then jumps to slush RAM, write-protects itself, and continues execution from shadow RAM.
Slush RAM is also used to store video display memory during suspend, so the entire video subsystem can be powered down.
EMS Memory
The system has LIM 4.0 EMS hardware support that maps a system address in the 0- to 1-MB range into an EMS address range in the 0- to 8-MB range.
System Setup Options
The EMS MEMORY category lists the amount of extended memory designated as expanded memory. The EXTENDED MEMORY category is automatically adjusted when the EMS MEMORY category is adjusted.
Default setting is 0 KB.
NOTE: When EMS is enabled through the System Setup program, the cache size is reduced to 16 KB.
Reserved Memory
Lists the amount of system memory reserved for use by the computer.
The RESERVED MEMORY category is not user-changeable and has a fixed value of 288 KB.
Cache Wait States
The table lists wait state penalties incurred when a memory access occurs to an address not currently in the cache:
Wait State Penalties
Memory Access Mode Wait States
Page miss, bank miss write or read (4-MB or 8-MB configuration) 0
Page miss, bank hit write (all memory configurations) 2
Page hit, bank hit read or write (all memory configurations) 0
Page miss, bank miss read from idle (all memory configurations) 1
Cache hit (all memory configurations) 0
Effective wait states without cache (4-MB or 8-MB configuration) 1 to 3
System Management RAM
A 64-KB area of RAM that contains the System Management Interrupt (SMI) service handler and its corresponding data.
When an SMI occurs, program execution is transferred to the beginning of the PMRAM (30000h). This 64-KB block resides in the middle of the MS-DOS program space. The 80386 SL memory controller remaps access to 3000h-3FFFFh to A000h-AFFFFh when the system is servicing an SMI to avoid memory conflict.
Cache Memory
64 KB of cache data RAM. The tag RAMs and controller are integrated in the 80386 SL.
The cache data RAM is implemented using (2) 32 KB x 8 bit, 25-ns SRAMs.
Fast BIOS
System Setup Option
ON = Contents of BIOS copied to faster system memory.
OFF = Contents of BIOS resides at FC0000-FFFFFFh.
Fast Video
System Setup Option
ON = Contents of video text buffer are moved into cache memory.
OFF = Contents of video text buffer reside at 0A0000h-0BFFFFh.
Expansion Memory
System memory is expandable from base 2 MB up to a total of 8 MB using 2-MB memory expansion modules. There are 3 memory expansion modules.
Each expansion module consists of (4) 1-Mbit x 4, 80-ns slow refresh DRAMs. No parity support is provided.
Installing Memory Modules
Installation View
Note about graphic: The screen is down for clarity only. The cover extends behind the screen. The screen must be up in order to remove the cover.
To install memory modules, follow these steps:
1. Turn computer off.
2. Remove battery.
3. Ensure that static electricity is discharged.
4. Remove memory expansion cover by gently prying with a flat blade screwdriver.
5. Install memory modules in appropriate connectors:
1 additional module; use connectors CN503 and CN504.
2 additional modules; use connectors CN501 and CN502, CN503 and CN504.
3 additional modules; use connectors CN501 and CN502, CN503 and CN504, and CN505 and CN506.
6. Reinstall cover.
7. Turn on computer and enter System Setup program to verify amount of memory and how it is to be
allocated.
The system setup/BIOS senses and resets memory automatically, although it can be changed in the System Setup program. It is recommended to let the system self-configure the memory.
Hard-Disk Drive Types
Auto drive-type-sensing was implemented in BIOS revision A10.
Drive types for 120 MB and greater were added in BIOS revision A10.
Drive Model Capacity CYL HD SEC Type
60 1024 7 17 19
Conner 2124 120 768 8 39 1
Conner 2084/2088 80 548 8 38 45
Seagate 9077A 60 802 4 39 2
Seagate 9080A 60 823 4 38 3
Seagate 9144A 120 980 15 17 7
Seagate 9096A 80 980 10 17 44
Quantum GO80A 80 991 10 17 10
Quantum GO120A 120 731 13 26 11
Quantum GOS80A 80 966 5 34 13
Quantum GOS160A 160 966 10 34 16
I/O
Serial Port
Memory Ports
Parallel Port
Keyboard and Mouse Port
VGA Connector
Numeric keypad
Modem Port
Password Operation
Serial Port
One built-in RS232D serial port configured as DTE.
System Setup options for internal communication port:
Internal COM A  COM1, COM2, or OFF.
Internal COM B COM1, COM2, or OFF.
Set Internal COM A to COM1 if you are connecting a device to the serial port.
Set Internal COM B to COM2 if you have installed an internal modem; otherwise set to OFF.
Memory Ports
Three sockets located under cover panel located on the top of the system. Each socket will support one 2-MB memory module.
Parallel Port
One built-in "Centronics Style" IBM-compatible parallel port with a 25-pin female, D-type external connector.
System Setup Options for Internal Parallel Port
LPT1 = If a printer is attached to LPT1.
OFF = To conserve power when no printer is attached to LPT1.
Keyboard and Mouse Port
PS/2-compatible 6-pin, mini-DIN keyboard connector. Connector will support an external keyboard, numeric keypad, PS/2-compatible mouse, or a 5-pin keyboard (with special adapter).
VGA Connector
One 15-pin female, D-type external connector for connection to an external VGA monitor.
If an external monitor is connected, the video image appears on the external monitor at boot. To toggle display, use the <FN-F10> key combination.
Numeric keypad
An external keypad can be attached using the keyboard/mouse port located on the right side of the computer.
Modem Port
A proprietary slot located on the left side of the computer is provided for installing an optional data/fax modem. The modem appears to the system as COM2 and is configured in System Setup program. A knock-out must be removed from the cover plate when the modem is installed.
Password Operation
The SYSTEM SECURITY option of the Extended BIOS Software program allows the user to assign a password. The password can contain up to eight characters.
Assign/Change Password
Use the SYSTEM SECURITY option to assign a new password or change an existing password. Password must be entered twice for verification.
To Delete Lost Password:
1. Turn system off.
2. Remove coprocessor socket cover.
3. Move JP1 jumper plug to password disable position located on system board next to the coprocessor
socket.
4. Turn system on and off.
5. Password has now been erased.
6. Return jumper plug to the password enable position and replace coprocessor cover.
7. Use SYSTEM SECURITY option to assign new password.
Power Sources
AC Adapter
AC Adapter Specifications
Main Batteries
Reserve Battery
Battery Pack Microprocessor
Main Battery Charging
Battery Pack Interface
Battery Pack Specifications
Power Management
Special Power Management Function Keys
Power Management Setup Screen Categories
AC Adapter
The AC-to-DC power adapter supplies DC voltage to the computer's DC-to-DC converter board.
The AC adapter supports one input for charge current control (CTR).
Table 1 lists the triggering voltage levels.
The AC adapter has one 5-pin output connector.
Table 2 lists the pinouts and signals.
Table 1
Charge Current Control Type of Charge Charge Current
11 to 14 VDC Fast charge 1.27 A
5 to 9 VDC Normal charge 0.27 A
0 VDC Trickle charge 80 mA
Table 2
Pin Number Signal
1 Charge voltage
2 System voltage
3 Charge control
4 Ground
5 Ground
The AC adapter has one tricolored LED which indicates the status of the battery.
Assignments for the LED are:
Amber = Battery is charging.
Green = Battery is fully charged.
AC Adapter Specifications
Input voltage 90 to 264 VAC at 48 to 62 Hz
(autoswitchable)
Output to DC-DC converter 22 VDC at 1 A (maximum)
Output to battery:
Fast charge 22 VDC at 1.27 A
Normal charge 22 VDC at 0.27 A
Trickle charge 22 VDC at 0.08 A
Ripple 250 mV p-p (maximum)
Physical:
Width 7.5 cm (2.95 inches)
Depth 15.4 cm (6.06 inches)
Height 4.5 cm (1.77 inches)
Weight 0.6 kg (1.31 lb)
Main Batteries
The battery pack consists of a single unit that is installed through the bottom of the cabinet.
The battery pack contains both the NiCad battery cells and a thermal breaker for surge protection. This circuit breaker automatically resets itself.
Over-charge protection is provided by a timer in the battery pack.
Reserve Battery
Reserve Battery
The reserve battery supplies power to the entire system when in Suspend Mode, and to System Setup memory (CMOS) when no other power is applied.
With no other power applied, the reserve battery will maintain the CMOS data for approximately 5.5 days.
The reserve battery is recharged when power is again applied to the system.
Battery Pack Microprocessor
The battery pack contains a microprocessor that controls the charge rate of the battery depending on its operating state, and the state of the charge LED.
The battery microprocessor is powered only when the computer is plugged into the AC adapter.
If there is a failure of the battery pack microprocessor, the charge circuit defaults to trickle charge.
Main Battery Charging
There are three rates at which the main battery will charge. These rates are explained in the following table:
CTR V Type Rate Time Comments
0 Trickle 80 mA no limit This rate selected if not in standard or fast
charge.
5-9 Standard 0.27 A 10 hours When computer is on, it defaults to standard charge
for first 10 hours, then switches to trickle.
11-14 Fast 1.25 A 2 hours When computer is plugged into the AC adapter, it
will fast charge until delta voltage is detected or
for 2 hours (whichever comes first).
NOTE: Total time to fast charge the main battery from a full discharge is approximately 2 hours, but the system must be OFF or in SUSPEND MODE.
Battery Pack Interface
The battery pack has five contacts. The signals for the five contacts are:
FAST/TRIC Fast charge/trickle charge status output
MAINBAT 14.4 VDC output from pack
DCIN 22.0 VDC input from AC adapter
ERROR Error status from pack
GND Ground
Battery Pack Specifications
Type of cell KR-1700AE
Cell voltage 1.2 V
Capacity rating 1700 mAh
Number of cells 12
Pack voltage 14.4 V
Watts per hour rating 24.48 W/hr
Dimensions:
Width 14.46 cm (5.69 inches)
Length 11.4 cm (4.49 inches)
Height 2.1 cm (0.83 inches)
Weight 0.68 kg (1.5 lb)
Power Management
The Power Management Setup screen is invoked by selecting it from the Extended BIOS Software screen or by pressing the <FN-ESC> key combination.
Special Power Management Function Keys
The following table lists keys and functions that are available when in Power Management Setup Screen:
Keys Function
    
Cursor-control keys to move the highlight to other categories.
<F1> Invokes help information screen.
<F2> Places computer in standby mode.
<F5> Changes setting to previous value.
Change setting to its next available value.
<F8> Places computer in suspend mode.
<F9> Sets all configuration parameters to default value.
<F10> Saves any configuration changes.
<ENTER> Selects new value for category.
Power Management Setup Screen Categories
Power Button Category
ON/OFF Power button functions as a conventional power on/off
switch.
SUSP/RES Power button functions as a suspend/resume switch.
Warning Beeps Category
ON Computer sounds warning beeps when it enters suspend
mode.
OFF Disables warning beep feature.
Modem Resume Category
ON Computer resumes operation from the suspend mode
immediately upon receipt of a message via the modem.
OFF Operation is not resumed when the modem receives a
message.
Alarm Resume Category
ENABLE Computer resumes normal operation at a certain time
after it enters suspend mode (enter time in 24-hour
format within brackets).
DISABLE Computer stays in suspend mode until the suspend/resume
switch is pressed.
Power Management Category
ON All power conservation features become active after the
computer has been idle for specified period of time.
OFF Power conservation features cannot enter active states.
Standby Category
1 MIN Enters standby mode in specified period of time after
the end of operation (time values range from 1 to 120
minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of global standby mode.
NOTE: Standby mode is only valid when operating computer on battery power. Standby mode is not available when running on AC power.
Auto Suspend Category
1 MIN Enters suspend mode in specified period of time after
the end of operation (time values range from 1 to 17
minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of suspend mode.
Panel Backlight Category
1 MIN Activates panel backlight power conservation mode in
specified period of time after the end of operation
(time values range from 1 to 17 minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of panel backlight power
conservation mode.
Fixed Disk Category
1 MIN Activates hard-disk drive power conservation mode in
specified period of time after the end of operation
(time values range from 1 to 17 minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of hard-disk drive power
conservation mode.
Serial Port Category
1 MIN Activates power conservation mode for an attached
serial device in a specified period of time after the
device's last activity (time values range from 1 to
17 minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of power conservation mode of an
attached serial device.
Modem Port Category
1 MIN Activates the power conservation mode for the
internal modem in a specified period of time after
the modem's last activity (time values range from 1
to 17 minutes).
MANUAL No time activation of modem conservation power mode.
Documentation and Software
VGA Utilities
User Documentation
Utilities Diskette
VGA Utilities
Dell VGA Utilities on Software Support Diskette
Filename Function
pmext.sys The MS-DOS power management clock driver
mmsl.sys Expanded memory manager driver
install.exe Utility and VGA driver installation program
acad.lif AutoCAD device interfaces (ADI) drivers
gem3.lif GEM Version 3.0 and 3.1 extended graphics drivers
lotus.lif Lotus� 1-2-3 Version 2.x extended graphics drivers
win3.lif Microsoft Windows 3.0 extended graphics drivers
User Documentation
Document Set Manuals
User's Guide
Other
Read Me First Card
Dear Michael Card
Utilities Diskette
The Software Support Diskette shipped with the computer contains the following utilities and drivers:
Filename Description
pmext.sys MS-DOS PM clock driver
mmsl.sys Expanded memory manager
vga800.drv Windows 3.0 800 x 600 driver
vga720.drv Windows 3.0 720 x 540 driver
vga640.drv Windows 3.0 640 x 480 driver
w221600.drv Windows 286 version2.11 800 x 600 driver
w221540.drv Windows 286 version 2.11 720 x 540 driver
w221480.drv Windows 286 version 2.11 640 x 480 driver
w231600.drv Windows 386 version 2.11 800 x 600 driver
w321540.drv Windows 386 version 2.11 720 x 540 driver
w321480.drv Windows 386 version 2.11 640 x 480 driver
r4v1480.exe AutoCAD and AutoShade 1.X 800 x 600 driver
r4v1540.exe AutoCAD and AutoShade 1.X 720 x 540 driver
r4v1600.exe AutoCAD and AutoShade 1.X 640 x 480 driver
acadp4010.exp AutoShade 2.0 driver
sdfv600.vga Ventura Publisher 800 x 600 x 16 driver
sdfv540.vga Ventura Publisher 720 x 540 x 16 driver
sdfv480.vga Ventura Publisher 640 x 480 x 16 driver
l100x30.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l100x50.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l100x60.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l100x75.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l132x30.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l132x50.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
l100x60.drv Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony driver
| 
