Frequently Asked Questions

ADSL MODEM SETUP

How to set up the ADSL modems, PT3808, PT3812, and PT3830?
After plugging the modem in, using the network cable between the pc and the modem, Go into Internet Explorer. Type in http://10.0.0.2 into the address bar to bring up the Password screen. The username is admin; the password is epicrouter. When in the configuration screen, click on wan. All of the settings go on this page. If your modem is 3812, and it’s white, then click on submit on the wan page, to bring up the screen where the setting go. In order to setup your modem properly, you will only need to change or check five settings. There is no need to change anything else. Check that VPI and VCI Are set to 8 and 35 respectively. Check with your service provider what Encapsulation Mode they use, and what username and password they wan you to use. All of these settings need to be entered on the wan page. When they are in, click on submit at the bottom of the page. Then go back down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘save settings’. Click on submit one more time, and your modem will then reboot. The lights will Go off, and it will click. Exit Internet Explorer, and wait for the Wan or ADSL light to come on solid (not flashing). You can then go back into Internet Explorer and browse the web. Please Follow these steps below if you are still having difficulty. STEP 1 USB PORT INSTALLATION 1.Turn on your computer. 2.Connect USB cable to Modem Router and Pc. 3.PC will automatically detect this router as “USB Net Card” 4.PC will automatically detect this router as “USB Net Card” STEP 2 PC’S LAN CARD SETTING 1.Connect RJ45 cable into the modem router LAN port. 2. When computer is on, move cursor to ‘Network Neighbourhood’ 3. Push the right button of mouse; click ‘Properties’. 4.Select the TCP/IP of your LAN card. 5.Click ‘ Properties’. 6.Under ‘IP Address’, select ‘Obtain IP address automatically’. ( The IP Address will be provided by the Modem . e.g: 10.0.0.6) 7. Click ‘OK’, you will be asked to reboot PC. STEP 3 ADSL MODEM ROUTER PARAMETER SETTING 1.Launch the Web Brower (i.e. Internet Explorer …etc) 2. Enter the default IP address http://10.0.0.2 to access this ADSL Modem router. 3. Entry of the user name : admin and password: epicrouter. 4.Click ‘OK’ STEP 4 ROUTER MODE FOR PPPoE/PPPoA 1. Go to the Configuration section, click WAN. Enter VPI, VCI value, Encapsulation, User name, Password ( these data is provided by your ISP); and select “Submit”, then click “Save configuration” and “Save and Reboot” ( For example. If you are using Telstra Broadband, please try to use these inputs VPI = 8, VCI=35, ENCAPSULATION=PPPoA VC-MUX,(or, PPPoA LLC)) . Note: Please wait for about 30 seconds to see ADSL LED stay on solid then try to use the internet.

INSTALL NEW WIRELESS PRODUCTS

NOTEBOOK

How long does the battery of EXCEL notebook can last?
Battery life may very depending on configuration, applications, power management settings and features utilised. When the unit is new the battery can last approximately 1~1.5 hours for G series notebooks (depending on which models) when using Windows without running any other application. After 6 months, the battery may only last for 30 minutes. It is normal as battery is a consumable item. The number of charging affects its life. The more often you charge your battery, the shorter will be its life.

How can I set the DVD to run on both LCD and CRT?
First – Set Bios to LCD + CRT from display option.Secondly – Set TV to PALThirdly-Install SIS utility and set display mode to mirror instead of single.

Why does the machine boot sometimes and does not boot at other times?
Firstly, check if the battery is charged and firmly attached to the notebook or the AC adaptor is connected properly. Hardware failure may also cause the same problem.

Where can I download drivers and BIOS updates?
The file of a driver can be up to 100 MB, so we don’t encourage consumers to down load. As for BIOS, we definitely don’t want any user to update BIOS for any notebook because it can cause the system malfunction by a wrong file or a wrong procedure during the process. As a result, a notebook motherboard may need to be replaced and paid by the user. It is better to send the notebook for our service department to look at it to determine what is the better way to fix the problem.

Why is it when I turn the machine on it shuts down on its own?
Firstly, the battery may be out of power. Secondly, check your power saving setting to see it you set it too short for the screen goes into sleep mode. Thirdly, check the Suspend Pin, which may be bended or jammed, so screen goes into suspend mode. You can ask a Protac technician to adjust it to make it more sensitive.

Why is the head sink fan so noisy?
Check if the ventilation hole is blocked. Secondly, too much dust accumulated on the fan can make the fan noisy. You may need to send the notebook in for service.

Why does a machine overheat and melt?
Firstly, check that the ventilation hole is not blocked. Secondly, make sure that the notebook is switched off before placing it in its carry bag. You can ask our technical people to update BIOS that can cut off the power when the temperature reaches certain degree.

Does the 731 come with firewire?
No the 731 does not come with firewire. There is a PCMCIA firewire card that can be purchased as option.

Does it support SP/DIF Channel?
Yes, but it needs a SP/DIF cable, this cable may be purchased from leading cable accessories suppliers.

Why is it that CPU 2.4GHz and above with WIN DVD 3.1 does not work in WIN XP?
WIN DVD 3.1 patch file available from the Internet needs to be installed before they can work in WIN XP.

Why a notebook using CPU P4 2.4/533GHz only shows lower speed?
For G731, please check the jumper setting. Jumper 7 and 8 should be in position.

Why is a G732 notebook displaying two CPU speeds under Windows System Property?
For all G series, there is a power saving mode to reduce power consumption when it is running on the battery power (lower CPU speed). It will be running at the full speed when external power adaptor in connected.

Why can’t I run DVD on LCD + CRT with Win DVD 3.1 in Win XP?
It works on Win 2000 but it does not work in WIN XP due to the limitation of WIN DVD software. No software can cope with all applications. On this basis, the only solution is to purchase the Power DVD XP software for your required application.

Why does the machine hang and freeze in Windows?
Firstly, Check the Windows setting, and uninstall some applications that you recently loaded onto the notebook. Secondly, check if you upgrade the memory by using different brand of the modules. If both cases cannot solve the problem, please contact our service department to check if it is hardware failure.

Why my notebook can’t be switched on?
It may be due to the following causes:
1. If the machine is on its own without connecting to any power point, the battery may be running at a very low level for not delivering enough power to turn the machine on.
2. If the machine is connecting to the power point, please check if the AC adaptor is connected properly. If the connection is proper, the problem of your machine may have a faulty motherboard. Please take it back to Protac for repair if still under warranty.

How do I increase the share memory for VGA?
Adjust the setting in BIOS. Please consult with your dealer if you don’t know how to do it.

Why does my G732 laptop say I’m missing the driver for my DVD/CDRW?
Check your DVD playback software to make sure the version is compatible with you Windows operating system. For instance, Win DVD 3.1 is not compatible with Windows XP PRO on the G732. Install a newer version of the software will solve the problem.

Can I upgrade my CD or DVD-Rom to a Combo Drive? (G731/730/732/550) series?
If this is an end user asking, they need to be referred back to the dealer to arrange this for them. If this is a dealer asking, they can purchase an ECOMBO at the current price and do the work by themselves or they pay $75 plus GST labour cost for one of our technicians to do the job for them. Protac will not take back the old optical drive.

I have lost my WINDVD or ECCRT Software for my DVD/ CDRW Driver, how do I get a new copy?
Refer them back to the dealer that they purchased the Notebook from so the dealer can purchase a new copy for them.

What is the maximum CPU speed at my G730/731/732/733/550 Notebook can support?
G730- P4 2.4GHz (400MHz FSB)
G731- P4 2.4GHz (400MHz FSB)
G732- P4 2.6GHz (533MHz FSB)
G733- P4 2.8GHz (533MHz FSB)
G550- P4M 2.4GHz (400MHz FSB)

Does the Notebook warranty start date take effect when the dealer buys the Notebook or from when the consumer buys the Notebook?
Under the Australian law, retailers are responsible for at least 12-month warranty for the products sold to consumers. However, between the manufacturers and Protac, or Protac and Protac’s dealers, there is a business law that both parties agree to trade based on a special agreement or a common practice. Almost all the manufacturers provide fixed terms for warranty from the date that the goods are out of their warehouse. As a matter of fact, in the distribution chain, every trader needs to bear certain risk except the end users. For instance, if Protac keeps stocks for 6 months before we sold the products to a dealer, Protac has to honor the 12-month warranty that it promised to the dealer but couldn’t claim from the manufacturer. It will be the same to dealers unless there is a special agreement between the two companies. There is an example for reference. Most distributors, including us, will mark up 30~50% on top of normal dealer price for the goods sold to Harvey Norman, Dick Smith, or Retravision to cover the potential cost of extended warranty because those mass merchants keep stocks in their shelves for one month or maybe one year. However, there is a trade agreement between the two. It is also a reason why the retail price in Harvey Norman is 30~50% higher than those small computer shops in the corner. As a result, they pay in advance for any potential cost. In order to protect our resellers from suffering a loss, we usually won’t charge dealers if the faulty item is out of warranty within one month, in which we have already borne the extra cost (once again, we won’t get reimbursement from the manufacturers).

Why can’t I return a notebook that has a dead pixel on it?
Notebooks that have less than 7 dead pixels are not considered as faulty units because this is a general industrial standard applied to LCD panel.

Do 731, 732 and 550 works for Linux?
No, they do not. Basically, they are designed for use of Microsoft operating systems.

Why do the Excel Notebooks batteries only have 6 months warranty and the TFT carry 1-year warranty?
It is because the battery is a consumable item. A Li-ion battery generally allows for 300 times of charge. Some users turn on and off from the power point for as many as 10 times a day, which result in shortening of the battery life. Therefore the manufacturer is providing 6-month warranty only. One-year warranty for a TFT panel is also the industrial standard from the panel manufacturers across the board from the USA, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.

TV TUNER

TV 401U TV Box set up
please download the instruction file.

WARRANTY

After replacing this Motherboard, how long will the warranty last for?
If the product replaced is faulty and it’s still under warranty (2 years for ECS M/Bs) you can bring it back for replacement. For the products that is out of warranty will be subject to a service fee, which is depending on the value of the board.

My laptop can’t boot up, I need it for my business. Can I bring it in for repair now and pick it up today?
Protac will try its best to help to repair the notebook in the shortest time. However, some problems may take longer time to identify the and cause longer time to repair. You can bring it in, if it is a minor problem, I will request our technician to do it within today. However, it may not finish it if the problem is complicate. Anyway, we will have it ready as soon as possible for you.

General information in relation to Warranty
Under Australian law, retailers are retailers are responsible for at least 12 months warranty for the product sold to the consumers. However, between the manufacturers and Protac, or Protac and Protac’s dealers, there is a business law that both parties agree to trade based on a special agreement or common practice. Almost all the manufacturers provide fixed terms for warranty from the date the goods are out of their warehouse. As a matter of fact, in the distribution chain, every trader needs to bear certain risks except the end users. For instance, if Protac keeps stocks for 6 months before we sold the products to you, we still have to honor the 12 months warranty that we promised to you but couldn’t be recovered from the manufacturer’s warranty. It will be the same to our dealers unless there is a special agreement between the two companies. There is an example for your reference. Most distributors, including Protac, will mark up 30 – 50% on top of normal dealer prices for the goods sold to Harvey Norman, Dick Smith or Retravision to cover the potential cost of extended warranty because those mass merchants keep stock on their shelves for one month or even maybe on year. However, it is one of the clauses in their trading agreement with their suppliers. It is also a reason why the selling price in Harvey Norman is 30-50% higher than those in small computer shops in the corner. As a result, they pay in advance for any potential costs. In order to protect our resellers from suffering a loss, we usually won’t charge dealers I if the faulty item is out of warranty within one month, in which we have already borne the extra cost (once again, we won’t get reimbursement from the manufacturers).

What is the process I need to follow in order to return my notebook for warranty?
An RA form will need to be faxed/e-mailed to the end user, or they can retrieve it from the website www.protac.com.au. This needs to be completed thoroughly and returned with the notebook to the local service center.

WLB-2203

How can I use other ADSL modem router via WLB-2203?
Please connect your own ADSL modem router in the LAN port of WLB-2203 , and it can work an Ethernet Hub

Can I use the WLB-2203 as a wireless router only since I have the ADSL modem already?
Please connect your ADSL router in the LAN port and disable the DHCP server in the configuration pages, the WLB-2203 will work as a wireless router only.

EXCEL gPC

Why we go for EXCEL gPC?
EXCEL gPC is environmental friendly system preloaded with gOS and OpenOffice.org 2.2. It takes less power as compared with conventional computer systems. The VIA 1.5GHz CPU only requires heat-sink to cool its temperature down and does not require fan at all. Hence, it consumes power of only 30% of other brands of processors but deliver fast enough performance to handle everyday’s works.

What is gOS?
gOS is Google-focused operating system. It derives from LINUX and designed by the company called Good OS Company based in USA. It is the same OS that has been used in ASUS EeePC system and it is Windows XP compatible.

gOS is a new, friendly OS designed to just work out of the box with Google applications online. With a beautiful user interface, it provides everything you need to browse the web, e-mail, chat, play music and movies, create and edit documents using Google and other software.

How is gPC comparing with EeePC while both are retailed for $499?
EeePC is good and convenience for its mobility. However, the spec is really too low. 900MHz Celeron CPU, 7” display, 4GB HDD and 512MB are making the machine incapable to run on Windows. While gPC users can later on migrant to Windows OS thanks to the 1GB of DDR2 DRAM and 160G HDD. EeePC is also lack of optical drive while gPC is offering a powerful Super Multi DVD burner that reads and writes on CD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW and DVD RAM.

gPC and EeePC are both using Linus OS and Open Office, so the way of operation is very similar. If so many consumers have accepted the concept of EeePC, there is no reason why they can’t accept gPC. Dealer who are currently selling gPC will find it very easy to sell gPC because everything on gPC is more reasonable and practical for consumers.

How OpenOffice.org 2.2 application software works?
It works almost identical to Windows Office application software on the word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database. It is very easy to use. Users are able to create and modify all document files to work and swap with any Windows based PC without a problem.

What things are included in EXCEL gPC system?
EXCEL gPC system is a complete set of desktop computer system including a 16” LCD widescreen monitor, stylish speaker, keyboard and optical mouse with preinstalled gOS and OpenOffice.org 2.2 application software. Unlike some other brands who only sell you the system barebones that do not include monitor, speaker, keyboard, mouse, OS and application software.

How EXCEL gPC system’s performance?
It works a very fairly speed when browsing the net and other applications. It is as good as you work under MS Windows and MS Office environment.

Which market sectors that EXCEL gPC system is good for?
gPC is good on both business and home markets. It is good for corporate, government and school market sectors that usually do not require any fancy applications or for gaming purpose. EXCEL gPC then on cost-performance aspect is the most economical solution to meet business requirements. It is the best solution for organisations that are concerning the environment and would like to help to reduce global warming by adopting energy-saving products.

EXCEL gPC is also very suitable as families’ second or third PC for kids and elder people. It is fast enough for web browsing, Internet shopping and doing home works. With its 16” LCD monitor, EXCEL gPC deliver vivid image for still and motion pictures while only occupies a very tiny space no matter at home or in the office.