User's Manual

General Dynamics Itronix 72-0139-001
GD2000 User Guide
Optional Equipment and Accessories
Vehicle Power Adapter
The Vehicle Power 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.
The GD2000 vehicle power adapter is intended to provide a
convenient, temporary power source for powering and charg-
ing the computer in a vehicle. It is not designed for continuous
operation due to the nature of the electrical connection. For
additional information on permanent installation of the vehicle
power adapter please contact your support representative.
CAUTION The vehicle adapter is only designed for tempo-
rary use. Use the optional vehicle dock to power and secure
the GD2000 for frequent or long term vehicle installations.
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 com-
puter is left unattended in a closed vehicle.
Temperature Charging Activity
<5°C (<41°F) Battery will not charge
>50°C (<122°F) Battery will not charge
To connect the vehicle adapter
1. Insert the vehicle adapter’s power cord into the power port on
the back of the computer.
2. Insert the cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette
lighter socket, turning it slightly to make a good connection.
The power light illuminates to indicate that current is reaching
the vehicle adapter. When you connect the vehicle adapter, it
automatically begins charging the computer’s battery. At mod-
erate temperatures, around 20°C (68ºF), the battery will be fully
charged in approximately four to five hours. However, as the
battery temperature approaches the ends of its temperature
range (5°C/41°F to 50°C/122°F), it will take longer to charge the
battery.
CAUTION Avoid exposing batteries to extremely hot or cold
temperatures for long periods. To prevent possible damage to
the battery, the GD2000 notebook does not allow the battery to
charge if the internal temperature of the battery gets too low (<
5°C or < 41°F) or too high (> 50°C or > 122°F).
Vehicle Adapter Recommendations
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Connect the GD2000 to the vehicle power adapter as needed;
disconnect when charging is complete or the unit is not in use.
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Allow the GD2000 to power on and run from the internal battery
periodically during the day.
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Regularly inspect the vehicle power adapter for loose or missing
parts and replace or correct as necessary.
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When not using the vehicle power adapter, disconnect it from
the vehicle power port (12V source) receptacle and the GD2000.
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If the fuse in the vehicle power adapter repeatedly fails (opens)
there may be a problem with the vehicle power supply or the
adapter itself. Please contact your support representative for
further information and assistance.
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When replacing the vehicle power adapter fuse, use a replace-
ment fuse of the same type and rating.
IMPORTANT
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Refer to Battery Tips for charging temperature and other rec-
ommendations.
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If you charge your battery daily, rely on the gas gauge reading
to determine battery capacity. The gas gauge may show that the
battery is full, but charging continues. This happens because the
charging process is trying to put a little more capacity into the
battery. External power can be removed at this time since the
battery is virtually full.
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If your battery is new or has not been used for several weeks,
rely on the indicator light to determine when the battery is fully
charged. The gas gauge is unreliable in these cases; it may read
100%, when the actual capacity is only 10%.
Surge Protection
A large number of computer and high technology equip ment
damage is directly related to AC power and telephone line
problems. These problems can include surges, spikes, noise,
interference, and weather-related issue that may cause glitches,
hang-ups, crashes, performance slow downs, and computer
down time. It is recommended that you use a quality surge
protector with your computer and any attached peripherals.