    AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0819                  02-09-93

                          POWER EXEC BATTERY CHARACTIZATION

    Users must characterize the system battery in order for Windows 3.1 Fuel
    Gauge to work.  The status bar and the text in the Power Icon dialog box will
    be "greyed" out when the battery is not characterized.

    To determine if your system battery is characterized:

        - Unplug the AC Adapter
        - From the DOS prompt, strike  simultaneously
        - View the Fuel Gauge at the top of the screen.  If a message appears in
          the gauge "Battery not Characterized", then follow the instructions in
          your On-Line Manual or User's Guide to characterize the battery

    Characterization Procedure:

        - Charge the system battery.  The Battery LED indicators will not be on
          when the system is attached to AC power.
        - Power the system up, and then remove the AC Adapter.  Use  to
          access System Setup.
        - In the Power Management Panel, select Enable for the Characterize
          Battery field.  Read the Help screen to the right of the selection.

    When the battery charge is exhausted, the system automatically falls into
    suspend mode.  When the Power and Battery LED indicators are both flashing,
    attach the AC Adapter and press the Suspend button on the control panel.  The
    characterization is complete.