User Guide

Power Sources: Dell� Latitude� LM

Power Sources: Latitude LM

AC Adapter

AC Adapter

The AC adapter kit includes 2 cables: the AC adapter cable and an AC power cable.

Running the computer on AC power with any batteries installed charges the batteries (if needed) and maintains their charge.

CAUTION: The AC adapter should be in a ventilated area, such as on a desktop or on the floor, when used to power the computer or charge the battery. Do not use the AC adapter in a poorly ventilated environment, such as inside a carrying case.

Battery

Computer supports 2 lithium ion batteries. The main battery comes standard in the main battery compartment; an optional secondary battery can be installed in the options bay.

Either battery can power the computer by itself. When 2 batteries are installed, the computer draws power from both of them. See also battery operating time.

Recalibrating the battery maintains the accuracy of the main-battery indicator on the status display panel, the charge gauge on the main battery, and the battery status icon. The following message prompts you when it is time to recalibrate the battery:

You must recalibrate the battery to maintain the accuracy of the battery status indicators.

NOTE: You do not have to recalibrate the battery immediately. However, the longer you delay, the less accurate the battery status indicators become. The message appears each time you boot the computer until you have recalibrated the main battery.

To recalibrate the main battery, attach the AC adapter to the computer and leave the computer on. You may continue working while the recalibration process goes on. Or, it may be more convenient to let the battery recalibrate overnight.

During recalibration, the computer completely discharges the main battery. The main-battery activity indicator in the status display panel blinks and the bars on the battery status indicator change to show the changes in the battery’s charge level. When recalibration is completed, the main-battery activity indicator stops blinking and the AC adapter recharges the battery.

Deplete the battery before storing it for long periods. Run the computer until the battery is completely discharged. Set the display brightness to its highest setting to accelerate battery discharge.

The lithium ion battery has a life span of up to 500 full charges if it is charged at normal room temperature.

Factors that affect battery operating time:

Which power conservation features are activated on the computer
Number and type of PC Cards and other devices installed
Kinds of application programs being run

Removing and Installing the Main Battery

Main Battery

Save any files you have open.
If the computer is operating on battery power, preserve the data in one of the following ways:

Connect the computer to AC power.

Install a secondary battery in the options bay.

Place the computer in suspend-to-disk mode by pressing <Fn><a>. Wait until the power/standby indicator turns off, and then continue with step 3.

Remove any installed battery. On the right side of the computer, press down on the battery cover until it unlocks. Then pull the battery straight out of the battery compartment.
Insert the new battery into the battery compartment until you hear it click into place. Then slide the battery cover up fully to secure the battery.
If necessary, resume from suspend-to-disk mode by pressing the power button.

Removing and Installing the Secondary Battery

Secondary Battery

Save any work.

NOTE: The options bay lets the user replace the lithium ion secondary battery without turning off or rebooting the computer. This feature is sometimes called hot swapping. This feature does not work if the computer is using the Microsoft� Windows NT� operating system.

Remove the secondary battery from the options bay by turning the computer over and unlocking the options bay lock. Push the latch forward to unlock the device in the options bay.
With the right side of the computer facing you, hold the latch open while pulling the secondary battery (diskette drive or CD-ROM) straight out.
Insert the secondary battery into the options drive bay.

Charging the Battery

Each time the computer is connected to AC power or a battery is installed in a computer that is connected to AC power, the computer checks the battery's charge. The AC adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains the battery's charge.

There is a battery charge gauge on the main and secondary battery. Press the battery test button (PUSH) and the appropriate indicator lights up for a few seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery.

The AC adapter requires about 3 hours to charge a battery if the computer is off. The battery charges in 4 hours if the computer is on.

NOTE: The battery's built-in circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

For maximum battery performance, charge the battery only at normal room temperature.

Connect the computer to the AC adapter.
Install the main battery and/or a secondary battery in the computer. The battery starts charging immediately. The corresponding battery status indicator blinks while the battery is being charged.

Checking a Battery's Charge Level

Check the charge gauge on the back of the battery before you install the battery.
Click the AC/Battery icon in the PowerPanel toolbar.
If you are using the Microsoft Windows� 95 operating system, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Power icon to open the Power Properties window.
If you are using the Microsoft Windows 3.x operating system, use the Battery Status icon at the bottom of the display to check the battery charge level while the computer is being powered by the battery.