Owner`s manual

Installation Page 2-7
AM-6060 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev. 00
Static Electricity and Grounding
One of the greatest enemies of computers, terminals, and printers is static electricity. The chief villain is
climate: dry winds and dry seasons. If you have problems on dry and windy days when humidity is low,
static electricity could be your problem. You should also be aware that both carpets and the plastic mats
often used under desks are a prime source of static electricity.
If possible, you should place your computer in an uncarpeted area. If you must place it in a carpeted area,
you should treat the area with anti-static spray on a regular basis. Several of the anti-static sprays on the
market can be of considerable help. Also, using an air conditioner that controls humidity can greatly
reduce a static electricity problem.
If problems occur when equipment near the computer is turned on—for example, if your computer stops
functioning when someone uses the photocopier—improper grounding could be your problem. We
recommend a low impedance power conditioner to filter out these power problems. Alpha Microsystems
can provide the approved power conditioner type. Ask your VAR for further details.
POWER AND CABLE CONNECTIONS
Before selecting a site for your computer, determine if the area where you want to place the computer
has adequately regulated AC power. If you request it, many power companies will install test equipment
to determine if there is a need for additional line regulation. You can also test line voltages using a high
speed line transient recorder. If, over several days of testing, the line voltage varies more than 10 percent
from the rated line voltage, you may need to install a power conditioner and a new dedicated AC power
circuit. Alpha Micro computers require a properly grounded power outlet for the system to run correctly.
All peripherals (such as terminals) connected via serial cables should also have properly grounded
outlets.
A "transient free," or smooth and consistent, power source and a properly installed earth ground can
significantly improve the reliability of your computer. While the computer is in use, it is important to
maintain a constant line voltage free of power surges, fluctuations and impulses. Ideally, a separate
power circuit should be available for use only by the computer. However, if this is not possible, you may
need a line conditioner capable of suppressing transients or spikes to eliminate power surges and noise.
Be sure the power rating for the power lines the computer will be connected to is adequate for your
computer or any future systems you may be planning to install. In North America, a standard 15 Amp,
115 Volt grounded connector-type outlet is required for the CPU chassis. In some other countries, the
requirement is a 230 Volt AC power source.
The maximum power requirements for the computer are:
•
115 Volt AC at 5 Amps, or
•
230 Volt AC at 3 Amps
Additional outlets are required for each I/O chassis and/or peripheral connected to the computer. Alpha
Micro computers come with a standard six-foot power cord. If this is not long enough, be sure any
extension cords used are rated for the full 15 Amps—otherwise, the full voltage will not reach your
computer. This can affect the efficient operation of your computer.