PEER-2030 2OMHz 386SX ™ SYSTEM U ser’s Manual
PEER-2030 Personal Computer User’s Manual Edition 1.2 The following does not apply to any country where such provisions are inconsistent with local law: We make no warranties with respect to this documentation eithsr express or implied and provides it “as is”. This includes but is not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Warning Reconfiguring l l To keep the computer from being damaged, NEVER reconfigure the board while the power is ON. If you wish to reconfigure the computer at any time, ensure that the power is turned OFF before changing any hardware settings, such as DIP switches or jumpers.
Contents Chapter 1 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 l-l Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 .............................. 2 Operating System l-2 QuickStart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 l-3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 l-4 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2-l Motherboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80386S X CPU . . . . . . . . . . Math Coprocessor . . . . . . . Chip Insertion . . . . . . . . . . . Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onboard System Memory Size . . . . . ROM BIOS Chips . . . . . . . 2-2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4 K e y b o a r d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4-l Keyboard Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4-2 Getting Acquainted with Your Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . 3 Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Mode Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 QWERTY keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 6 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 -1 Installing Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.25” Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5” Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Entering 20MHz Turbo Mode . . . . . . . . . . Entering 20 MHz Turbo Mode . . . . . . . . . . SoftwareTurbo Switch . . . . . . . . . . . Hardware Turbo Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternate Use of Both Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . 2 . 7 . 9 . 9 9 . 9 .
List of Figures Chapter 1 System Overview Figure 1-1: Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Figure 1-2: System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Figure 1-3: System Unit Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Figure 1-4: Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Figure 1-5: Keylock and Two Security-Lock Keys . . . . . . . . 9 Figure 1-6: ON/OFF Switch in OFF Position . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 Figure 1-7: Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System Figure 2-1 : Motherboard Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 2-2: The Location of W9,80386SX, and 80387SX . . . . . Figure 2-3: Chip Insertion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 2-4: An Example of Three-Pin Jumper Setting . . . . . . Figure 2-5: RAM Banks & Jumpers for Bank Selection . . . . . Figure 2-6: 512KB Total Onboard System Memory . . . . . . . . Figure 2-7: 640KB Total Onboard System Memory . . . . . . . . . Figure 2-8: 1 MB Total Onboard System Memory . . .
Chapter 4 Keyboard Figure 4-1 : Keyboard Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-2: Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-3: Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-4: Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-5: Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-6: QWERTY Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-7: Cursor Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 4-8: Adjustment of Keyboard Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Tables Chapter 1 System Overview Table 1-1 : Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . . .18 Table 1-2: Floppy Disk Specifications . . . . . . Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System Table 2-1 : Math Coprocessor Jumper W9 . . . . . . . Table 2-2: Settings of Jumpers W1 -W6 . . . . . . . Table 2-3: Total Onboard System Memory Size . . . . Table 2-4: Jumper Settings for Different Types of BIOS . . Table 2-5: Power Supply Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . 9 .
About This Manual What’s Inside Here’s what you’ll find in this manual: Chapter 1 — “System Overview”, gets you acquainted with the basic concepts of your system. Chapter 2 — “Setting Up Your System”, shows you how to install or upgrads your system. Chapter 3 — “Operaring Your System”, shows you the MS-DOS functions and the basics of the system setup program. Chapter 4 — “Keyboard”, explains the keyboard’s features, layout and basic functions.
How to Use this Manual For the advanced user If you are an experienced PC user and do not want to upgrade your system now and you want to start using your personal computer as soon as possible, refer to the Quick Start section at the beginning of chapter one. Quick Startwill provide you all the information you need to set up the hardware. For the beginner Chapter 1 gives you the basic information you need to use this system.
Chapter 1 System Overview
System Overview This chapter covers: n n n the system’s features and specifications n how to maintain your computer. the basics of your system control panel features and connectors outside of the Case If you are an experienced user who wants to get to work as soon as possible, the Quick Start section at the beginning of this chapter provides you all the information you need to set up the hardware. If you want to upgrade your hardware later, read Section 2-2: Installation.
1-1 Introduction This manual will guide you through the setup of your computer and provide the information necessary to tailor the system to fit your needs. If you are a novice, you will be able to have your computer up and running with a minimum of fuss. You will also gain valuable hands-on experience by following the easy step-by-step instructions. If you are an advanced user, you will appreciate the affordable power of this system.
1-2 Quick Start If you are an experienced user anxious to start using your computer, observe the figure below to set up your personal computer. You will still want to use this manual later as a reference book. Note: Save all packing materials in case you need to ship or resell your computer in the future.
1-3 Features • Intel 80386SX-20 microprocessor—32-bit CPU with a 16bit external data bus and a 24-bit external address bus • Intel 80387SX-20 coprocessors optional • Switchable between 10MHz Normal mode and 20MHz Turbo mode by either a software-switch or a hardware switch • Onboard battery backup for the CMOS configuration table and a real-time clock • RAM subsystem of 512Kl3,640KB, 1 MB, 1.
1-4 Specifications • CPU — 80386SX microprocessor, 20MHz • RAM — Subsystem of 512KB, 640KB, 1 MB, 1.5MB, 2MB, 3MB, 4MB and 5MB • ROM — 64KB legal BIOS • Expansion slots — Six 16 bit slots and two 8 bit slots • Disk Drive(s) — Three 5.25” bays and two 3.
1-5 Example of a System Configuration The basic system is pictured below. You may choose peripherals and upgrades for the system as your needs require. Even if your system is different from the one pictured, it should operate in the same basic manner.
1-6 System Unit The system unit may house a motherboard, disk drives, a power supply and an optional expansion cards.
1-7 Control Panel The control panel provides several useful functions which are explained below. You are likely to use the front panel frequently, so let’s start there. figure 14: Front Panel Reset Button The reset button allows you to restart the system without turning the lower off. If you encounter any problems while using unfamiliar software, you can always restart quickly from the RAM test stage by pressing the reset button.
Keylock The keylock enables or disables the keyboard. In the unlock mode the keyboard is activated. In the lock mode the keyboard is disabled to deny unauthorized users access to the computer.
System Power Switch The system power switch is located on the right side of the case toward the rear. Figure 1-6: ON/OFF Switch in OFF Position You should always be certain that the power is turned off before modifying the hardware configuration in any way.
1-8 Rear Panel The rear panel has all the connections that lead from the system unit to external peripherals and the power source. Turn off all power switches before connecting or disconnecting cables/wires! Ensure that cables/wires are attached to the peripheral device first and connect to the outlet unit later. Turn the system unit power switch off before you plug the power cable into an electrical outlet.
Keyboard Connector The keyboard supplied with your system may be plugged into sockets at the back of the case. Plug the keyboard cable into the socket as shown below.
Power Cord Connector The power supply has two receptacles: one supplies power to a monitor; the other connects to the main power source. If your monitor power plug does not fit the system unit’s monitor power outlet, you should plug it into a wall electrical outlet.
Display Port You will also need to connect your monitor to the system unit at a female display port in one of the expansion slots as shown on the previous page. To attach the monitor cable to the display port, plug the cable into the port and screw the cable connector down securely. Your computer gives you a wide range of video options to meet your needs. You have a wide choice of the following video standards.
Power Voltage Setting The system unit can run on either 115V or 230V as indicated in Figure 1-11. The voltage setting switch is located above the monitor power outlet. Refer to Table 1-1 for power cord specifications.
1-9 Other Peripherals To connect other peripherals (printer, modem etc.), refer to your expansion card manuals or peripheral manuals to determine which ports are to be used. Your may consult your dealer for more about the expansion cards available for your system. Typical peripherals are shown as the figure below.
1-10 Disk Drives Your disk drive displays different kinds of composition by installing 5.25” or 3.5” size of floppy or hard disk drives. You can decide the composition according to your need. More information about how to install disk drives may be found in Chapter 6.
Floppy Disks With a floppy disk drive you can format and use double-sided (or single-sided) double-density (or high-density) floppy disks. One double-sided double-density 5.25” floppy disk can store up to 360KB of data. One double-sided high-density 5.25” floppy disk can store up to 1.2MB of data, One standard 3.5” floppy disk can store up to 720KB of data, One high-density 3.5” floppy disk can store up to 1.44MB of data.
Copy Protection You can copy-protect a floppy disk to prevent accidental storage of information or viral infection onto that disk by covering the notch on the side of a 5.25” floppy disk with a write-protect tab or by sliding the small tab on a 3.5” floppy disk to expose the hole. Refer to the figures below for how to copy-protect floppy disks. When a disk is copy-protected, you cannot add new information to it or change any information on it.
Hard Disks Your system is very powerful and versatile. To make full use of all its capabilities, it is best to use a hard disk. A hard disk can raise your efficiency because the hard disk keeps programs and data available at your fingertips. Moreover, your system gives you a wide range of half-high or full-high hard disk(s) of 3.5” or 5.25” to meet your needs.
1-11 Keyboard Your keyboard has a set of function keys, cursor keys and a numeric keypad. The figure below shows a typical keyboard. Refer to Chapter 4 for a more detailed description of the keyboard.
1-12 Maintaining Your Equipment Read and follow carefully all the instructions and warnings in this manual and on these products! • Only use a damp cloth to clean your system unit and monitor case. Do not use detergents! • Position your system unit, monitor and cables/wires away from direct sunlight, moisture, dust, oil, and thoroughfares. • Do not submit your equipment to harsh jarring. • Ensure that all ventilation outlets are always free from obstruction.
Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System
Setting Up Your System In this chapter you will learn about: • • how to assemble a knocked-down system how to upgrade your system Setting up a system is easy and takes only a short time. If your dealer has set up your system for you, you can skip this chapter. With the system set up you are now ready to load your application software and begin work. This chapter covers topics you are less likely to need to know right away.
2-1 Motherboard The motherboard contains an Intel® 80386SX-20 processor, a 80387SX math coprocessor socket, BIOS chips and expansion slots. These parts of your system that you can see and touch are called hardware. Below is an illustration of the board layout.
80386SX CPU Your system uses an Intel 80386SX-20 microprocessor running at 20MHz. The 80386SX has a number of features that enable a substantial leap in processing power and capability over the 80286 standard used in AT-type microcomputers. The 80386SX has superior extended memory support and will execute the new 32-bit programs of the future.
Math Coprocessor f you process numeric data, a math coprocessor will make your work more efficient. An optional 80387SX-20 coprocessor can be installed in socket U42 to accelerate processing of calculation-intensive applications. Jumper W9 is used to enable or disable the 80387SX math coprocessor. Remember that you must make sure the dotted end of the chip is lined up with the notched end of the socket. Refer to the illustrations below and on the next page to install the Intel 80387SX-20.
Figure 2-2 .
Chip lnsertion Remember that when insetting chips, you must make sure that the notched or the dotted end of the chip is lined up with the notched end of the socket. Gently push the chip into the socket, and be careful not to bend the pins.
Jumper A jumper is a kind of switch which uses a plastic cap with a metal interior to connect (short) two pins. If a jumper needs to be left open, you should save the cap for future use by covering only one pin of a jumper. This has no effect on the function of the board while it keeps the cap handy. The illustration below shows the side and top views of a three-pin jumper in which pins two and three are shorted.
Onboard System Memory Size Jumpers W1- W6 are used to set the RAM size you want on the mainboard. The DIP and SIMM DRAM banks can contain from 512KB, 640KB, 1 MB, 1.5MB, 2MB, 3MB, 4MB to 5MB by means of setting jumpers W1 - W6. Refer to Figure 2-5 below for the location of jumpers W1 - W6 and the RAM banks.
Following figures show the configuration for total onboard system memory. Table 2-2: Settings of Jumpers W1- W6 Before setting up RAM configuration in BIOS, you must refer to the following table to set the watt state and the page-interleave mode. Particularly, you cannot set both 0 wait state and disabled pageinterleave mode in Turbo mode; otherwise your system cannot operate normally, even cannot display the screen.
Figure 2-6: 512KB Total Onboard System Memory 10 Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System
Figure 2-7: 640 KB Total Onboard System Memory Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System 11
Figure 2-8: 1 MB Total Onboard System Memory 12 Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System
Figure 2-9: 1.
Figure 2-11: 2MB Total Onboard System Memory (B) 14 Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System
Figure 2-12: 3MB Total Onboard System Memory Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System 15
Figure 2-13: 4MB Total Onboard System Memory 16 Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System
Figure 2-14: 5MB Total Onboard System Memory Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System 17
ROM BIOS Chips Jumper W7 is used to select the type of BIOS chips. BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. BIOS controls the real-time clock, disk drives and the computer’s peripheral equipment. Refer to the Figure 2-l 5 for the location of jumper W7 and BIOS chips. For selection and installation of the ROM BIOS chips, refer to the table below and the figure on the next page.
Figure 2-15: Installing ROM If you are not sure what BIOS chips you have, you may need to consult your dealer for the right chips.
2-2 Installation The time may come when you want to upgrade your system. To do so, you may need to remove the cover of the unit. This is easily accomplished with the following tools: a small flat-blade screwdriver and a small Philips screwdriver. Be sure that the power to the system is switched OFF before you open the case.
2-3 Connection to Power Supply If your power supply has not been attached to your motherboard, you may need to attach the power supply cable to the mainboard at connector J9, which is beside the power supply on the motherboard. There are some cables on the power supply. Be sure the four black wires of the power supply cables are located at the middle of the power connectors. Refer to the figure below. Pin 1 is numbered in the picture for your convenience.
The pinouts for the connectors at J9 are as follows: Table 2-5: Power Supply Pinouts 22 Chapter 2: Setting Up Your System
Chapter 3 Operating Your System
Operating Your System In this chapter you will learn: n a few MS-DOS functions n the basics of the system setup program The software that your system will use falls into two categories. First there is the operating system, the language that tells the system what to do. The operating system in this computer uses is Microsoft Corporation’s MS-DOS, the world’s most widely used operating system for PC/XT/ATs. Next, there is the application software what you use for work and play.
3-1 An Introduction to DOS DOS stands for Disk Operating System. This is a set of commands used to control the operations of a computer and its peripheral components. DOS makes it easy for you to use applications and create and manage files on your computer. DOS also lets you use devices with the computer. Loading DOS Loading DOS means to copy all the DOS programs into the computer’s electronic memory. You should follow the instructions below to start DOS.
3-2 DOS Operations Following is a brief explanation of a few DOS functions. If you want a detailed explanation of all the DOS commands, refer to your DOS user manual. Starting MS-DOS If you are using a hard disk with DOS already installed, the computer will “boot” or start itself. If you are using a floppy disk drive, insert the DOS system disk in drive “A” and switch on your computer.
Formatting Disk You must format a floppy disk before it can be used. Formatting high-density disk: To format a high-density disk, type the following at the drive prompt: C>Format A: After your disk has been formatted, you will see the following prompt: Format another diskette (Y/N)? Press if you do have nothing else to be formatted.
Backing up your Diskettes and Files In order not to lose your files through disk damage or accidental deletion it is important to back up all your files and diskettes regularly. Backing up a diskette on a two-floppy disk drive system: At the A> prompt type the following A> diskcopy a: b: Press and respond to the prompts on your screen. Backing up a diskette on a single floppy disk drive system: At the A> prompt type the followingA> diskcopy Press and respond to the prompts on your screen.
Deleting your Diskettes and Files You may want to erase diskettes or unnecessary files to make room for other data. Erasing a diskette: To erase a whole directory of files, type the following at the drive prompt: A > d e l * Ž* All the files in the open directory are now erased. Deleting a file: To delete a single file, type the following at the drive prompt: A>del filename.
Finding Out What is on Your Disk If you want to find out what files are on a disk, you can list its directory by using the
command. If you want to display the directory of the disk in drive A, you would use the following command: DIR A: After you hit the enter key, all the file information will display on the screen. If you use the command without a drive letter, MS-DOS lists the directory of the disk in the default drive. There are three ways to stop the screen from scrolling.3-3 Hard Disk Drive Format A hard disk must be formatted before it can be read from or written to. If your hard disk requires this, you should carry out the following steps: S t e p 1 — Preformat The preformat utility is supplied by the system BIOS. You can press key quickly just after the RAM test to enter the SETUP program. Choosing item 2 from the initial screen to preformat hard disk. See Figure 3-1. Step 2 — Partition This process creates DOS partitioning on a preformatted hard disk drive.
Step 3 — Format The DOS command “Format”verifies the media and moves the system file onto the hard disk drive. The command should be keyed in as: A> FORMAT C:/S if you have two partition, you have to format D in DOS prompt. The command should be keyed in as: A> FORMAT D: If you want to use the partition 1 (drive C) to start DOS, you have to specify the /S option when formatting the disk. You can use this system disk to boot your system later.
3-4 Helpful Hints The following may save you some time or help you as you use your computer. Ž Make copies of your diskettes regularly. Ž To make sure that a command works, you should: - Check your typing (make sure you don’t confuse \ with /). - Have the correct diskette in the drive. - Check the contents of the diskette with the DIR command. - Specify the correct diskette drive. - Remember to include the colon (:) when specifying the name of a drive.
3-5 System Setup Program A system setup program is included in your BIOS on the motherboard. The setup program is used to key in the configuration you want for your system. Specifically, you can set the date, time, base memory, expansion memory, number of floppy and hard disk drives and display configuration as well as get information on hard disk types. Your system BIOS is fully compatible with IBM BIOS.
Entering the Setup Program There are two ways to enter the setup program: by pressing or by pressing . 1.
2. Pressing to Enter the Setup Program If you want to set up special functions provided by BIOS or reconfigure your system, you will need to enter the setup program. After starting your computer, press the key quickly before the RAM test finishes. If you miss the chance to do so, reset your system and repeat the above procedures to enter the setup program.
Running the Setup Program The menu of the setup program highlights the selected command. You can use the up < # > and down < $ > arrows to select the desired item. Pressing the enter key < 8 > confirms your selection or enters the next screen. If the option on the screen does not match your configuration, you have two ways to make modifications.
1. Setting Up System Configuration If you choose item 1 from the screen on the previous page to configure your system, the following will appear: Figure 3-2: “Set Up System Configuration "Screen Once you have entered all appropriate information and exited by choosing item 9, you will be asked to confirm that the configuration data are correct. If at a later date you alter the configuration of your system, you will need to go through the program again and make the appropriate changes.
2. Preformatting Hard Disk If you want to preformat your hard disks, reenter the setup program by pressing , and select item 2 on the initial screen.
3. Setting Up Built-in Utilities Three system utilities, a calculator, a hard disk park, and a timer, are in your system BIOS. These utilities are enabled by the setup program. Note that these utilities can be used in the SO-column text display mode only. The calculator and the hard disk park can be used if you press , , and <5> (on the key pad). Pressing will exit these Utilities. The following is the figure for the calculator. CALCULATOR V1.
4. Setting Up Password Selecting item 4 in the initial setup menu will lead you to set up a system password. A password can deny unauthorized users access to the computer. You can key in a password with a maximum of seven alphanumeric units, You may press to see the present password status. 5. Setting Up User-Defined Hard Disk Type If none of the drive types (1-47) match the fixed disk drive specifications you have, select item 5 in the setup menu to set a user-defined hard disk type. 6.
Chapter 4 Keyboard
Keyboard In this chapter you will learn: n n the basics of your keyboard and its functions how to adjust your keyboard angles A computer keyboard sends messages from you to the computer.
4-1 Keyboard Layout Currently several of keyboard styles are available for PC/AT/XT compatible computers. The most popular are the PC keyboard, the PC/AT keyboard, and the enhanced keyboard. Figure 4-1 below illustrates the basic layout of a typical enhanced keyboard.
4-2 Getting Acquainted with Your Keyboard Before you begin using your computer, you should become familiar with some keyboard functions. Your keyboard is divided into six sections. Refer to the previous page for the layout. The following gives an explanation of these keys. Function Keys These are located on the left or at the top of the keyboard. Function keys have specially defined uses preassigned by the software you use. They are used independently or in combination with other keys.
Keys Function Turns on and off the numeric mode on the numeric keypad. Used for division operations. Used for multiplication operations. Used for subtraction operations. Activating Num Lock makes 7 operative. Home returns cursor to the beginning of the line it is on. Activating Num Lock makes 8 operative. Otherwise the up cursor key is active. Activating Num Lock makes 9 operative. Otherwise page up is active. Used for addition operations. Activating Num Lock makes 4 operative.
Mode Indicator Lights In addition to the character, number and control keys, every keyboard has three lights that indicate the typing mode. These lights and their functions are explained as follows: Figure 4-4: lndicator Lights Caps Lock When this light is on, characters are in uppercase mode. Num Lock When this light is off, the cursor-control function of the numeric keypad is disabled and the numeric mode is activated. Scroll Lock When this light is on, text can be scrolled without moving the cursor.
Special Keys Below are some special keys on your keyboard. Figure 4-5: Special Keys Check out the above key functions in the table below and in Table 4-1.
QWERTY Keys These are the same keys which are used on a typewriter. Figure 4-6: QWERTY Keys Table 4-3: Functions of Special QWERTY Keys.
Cursor Keys These keys move the cursor in the indicated direction. Figure 4-7: Cursor Keys Key Combinations The keys shown below have special functions when pressed simultaneously. Keys Function I There three keys reset the system so that the machine is at the RAM test stage.
4-3 Keyboard Tilt Adjustment Under the rear of the keyboard are two small legs that can be pulled out or pushed in to change the keyboard angles to suit you.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting In this chapter you will learn about: n n the basics of how to solve software/hardware problems when to get technical help for your computer Your computer has been designed to last for years of optimum performance. But if some problems do occur, more likely than not you will be able to solve them by referring to this chapter. No matter whether you are a new or experienced user, you should become familiar with the material in this chapter.
5-1 Command Problems Often what appears to be a big problem is in fact just a matter of a small Oversight. Before taking your computer to the shop for major surgery, check the following items: ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ 2 Make sure that all devices (computer and peripherals) have power and are turned on. If you encounter a problem while you are working, stop what you are doing immediately. On paper, make notes of what is happening. List the actions you have taken and the responses from the computer.
¨ Are you using a startup disk? ¨ Is your disk formatted? ¨ Is the system configuration correct? ¨ Are all the external and internal connectors are connected well? ¨ Make sure that you are running software compatible with your display port, because some softwares program can only run on the MGA display mode. ¨ Is the power fuse burned out? If you have gone through the above checklist and your system still does not function properly, check the following pages.
5-2 System Error Messages Basically there are three levels of system error messages that you might see displayed on your computer. These are related to the software you use. The following are the ones most commonly encountered. Software error messages are a result of: Ž Software lockup; the application becomes stuck and the cursor will not move. When this happens, remove your application program from the disk drive (unless a hard disk is used) and reboot your computer.
Examples of System Error Messages System crash The cursor cannot be moved and does not respond to the keyboard. This could indicate a software crash. Mark where you are in your document. Reboot your system and reload your software. Scroll the cursor to where you last saved your data. Retype the information up to where the cursor could not be moved. Enter the rest of the data. If the cursor continues to function normally, the problem was probably caused by accidently pressing the wrong key.
5-3 System BIOS Error Messages ROM BIOS Checksum Error - Indicates an invalid ROM BIOS failure. 8254 Error - Indicates an 8254 timer controller failure. 8237 Error - Indicates an 8237 DMA controller failure. 74612 Error - Indicates a 74612 page register failure. 8259 Error - Indicates an 8259 interrupt controller failure. 8742 Error - Indicates an 8742 controller failure. Check Battery - Indicates a system backup battery disconnection or power loss.
Keyboard Error User Check - Indicates the disconnection of the keyboard from the system or a keyboard device failure. Parity Error but Segment not Found, Press any Key to Continue - Indicates that the NMI circuit has detected a RAM parity error. System Memory Mismatch, Run SETUP - Indicates a mismatch of memory size in the CMOS RAM and onboard. You need to run the setup program. Display Card Mismatch, Run SETUP - Indicates a mismatch of a record in the CMOS RAM and onboard.
Appendix
Appendix This chapter provides: n n n technical information jumper settings in your system information on moving your computer This manual is not a technical reference manual; however,this chapter provides some technical information about your system. If you need more information, you can go to a technical library or bookstore to find technical reference books.
6-1 Installing Disk Drives Three 5.25” floppy/hard disk drives and two 3.5” floppy/hard disk drives may be installed in the system unit. Installation of a hard disk is essentially the same as that for a floppy disk. You may at sometime want to add to or exchange your floppy or hard disk drives. Follow the instructions below to do so. Be certain to refer to the manuals for both the disk drive and the controller card for any additional specific information regarding them that may be of importance. 5.
• Screw the disk drive to the disk drive bay as shown below: Figure 6-2: Screwing the 5.25” Disk Drives • Next, connect the floppy/hard disk controller cable and one of the four cables from the power supply. The power cable is simple to connect: simply plug it in to the correct adapter. The shape of the plug ensures that no mistakes will be made. See the figures on the following pages.
Figure 6-3: Connecting a Floppy Disk Drive Figure 6-4: Connecting a Floppy Disk Drive to an FDC Card 4 Chapter 6: Appendix
Figure 6-5: Connecting a Hard Disk Drive Figure 6-6: Connecting a Hard Disk Drive to an HOC Card Chapter 6: Appendix 5
• One edge of the ribbon cable is marked with a color line. This specific line side of the connector should be at pin 1 when attached to the card. Pin 1 is clearly marked on the card. See the figure below: Figure 6-7: Cables for Disk Drives Follow the same procedure for any additional drives you want to install. Removal To remove a drive, just reverse the procedure described above. Disconnect the cables, undo the screws and slide the drive out.
3.5” Disk Drives The installation of a 3.5” disk drive is similar to that for a 5.25” disk drive. Follow the steps below: • Fasten the drive to the bracket as follows: Figure 6-8: installing a 3.5” Disk Drive Ž Place the disk drive inside the bay and fasten the bracket to the chassis. Refer to the figure on the next page.
Figure 6-9: Screwing the 3.5” Disk Drives Connect the power cable and the hard disk controller cables. Note that there is only one possible way to connect the power cable and hard disk cables owing to the shape of the connectors, so it is impossible to make a mistake. The two hard disk controller cables are of different sizes: the red wires on the cables should be connected so that they are toward the central portion of the case. Removal To remove a 3.5” disk drive, reverse the procedure described above.
6-2 Entering 20MHz Turbo Mode The main advantage of your mainboard over ordinary PC/AT mainboards is its dual clock system. This innovation makes it possible for your computer to operate at either of two clock speeds: 10MHz or 20MHz. Entering 20MHz Turbo Mode Your system supports both a software and hardware switch to toggle between 10MHz and 20MHz (Turbo) modes. The two switches are set up using jumper J3 and are mutually exclusive.
6-3 Software Your system supports shadow RAM and Expanded Memory System (EMS) to increase the system memory capability. Note that If you have more than one megabyte memory, you may enable or disable the 384K memory as shadow RAM. The 384K is always allocated at the same address for shadow RAM, even if you disable the shadow RAM. Important: You can only enter the setup program by pressing when the power is just switched on. You may reset the system to enter the setup program, too.
• Insert the EMS driver diskette into drive A and enter a: . • Enter this command: INSTALL You will see the following screen. • The next screen will be as below if you continue setup. Indicate the path name where NEMM.SYS is to be located. If you want the program to create a directory with the default name (NEMS) on your hard drive, press the key.
• A screen like the following will appear. Indicate two parameters for EMS-page register I/O base address and frame start address. • Choose the correct configuration as you desire, then press to complete setup. You will get a warning if you give an incorrect response. For example, if you give D000H as your frame start segment, and shadow RAM in the same area, the following message will appear.
• If the installation is complete, the following will appear: • Reboot your system. The screen will look like this: DTK NEAT Expanded Memory Manager Ver. 1.10 1990 (C) Copyright Datatech Enterprise Co.,Ltd All Rights Reserved # 11060790 User specified PAGE PORT = 208H User specified PAGE FRAME = D000H Test Expanded Memory Page 128 There are 128 PAGE S for EMS. NEMM.SYS has been installed.
6-4 Quick Reference for Jumper Settings W1 - W6 — Bank Selection 1 & 2 shorted — One or two RAM banks 2 & 3 shorted —Three or four RAM banks W7 — ROM Selection 1& 2 shorted — 27256 chip selected 2 & 3 shorted — 27128 chip selected W8 — Pipeline 1 & 2 shorted — Pipeline disable 2 & 3 shorted — Pipeline enable W9 — 80387SX 1 & 2 shorted — Coprocessor enable 2 & 3 shorted — Coprocessor disable W11 — Power Good Selection 1 & 2 shorted — Onboard 2 & 3 shorted — External W12 — Display Mode 1 & 2 shorted — Mono 2
J1 — CPU Frequency indicator J2 — Keylock & Power LED J3 — Turbo Switch J4 — Speaker J5 — Turbo LED J6 — Hardware Reset J7 — External Battery Connector J8 — Keyboard Connector J9 — Power Connector Chapter 6: Appendix 15
6-5 Moving Your Computer and Peripherals Your personal computer and its peripheral components are highly sensitive machines that can be damaged easily through bad shipping and handling. We recommend that you take the following steps before moving the equipment to another location. Short Move An example of this is moving from one location to another in the same building.
6-6 Technical information Microprocessor The 80386SX is a high-performance microprocessor with a 16-bit external data path, up to 16 megabytes of directly addressable physical memory and up to 64 terabytes of virtual memory space. The operating speed of the 80386SX chip is 10MHz in Normal mode and 20MHz in Turbo mode. The 80386SX operates in two modes: protected virtual address mode and real address mode.
Real Address Mode In real mode the 386SX microprocessor operates as a very fast 8086, but with a 32-bit extension if desired. Real mode is required primarily to set up the processor for protected mode operation. The segmentation unit shifts the selector left four bits and adds the result to the effective address to form the linear address. This linear address is limited to 1 megabyte. In addition, real mode has no paging capability.
The 8254-2 timer/counter is treated by system programs as an arrangement of four programmable external I/O ports. Three are treated as counters; the fourth is a control register for mode programming. System interrupts Si xteen levels of system interrupts are provided by the 80386SX NMI and two 8259A interrupt controller chips.
ROM Subsystem The ROM subsystem has a 32K by 16-bit arrangement consisting of two 32K by 8-bit ROM/EPROM modules. The odd and even address codes reside in separate modules. The top of the first megabyte and the bottom of the last megabyte address space is assigned to ROM (hex OF0000 and hex FF0000). Parity checking is not done on ROM. BIOS has been provided in this subsystem. RAM Subsystem The RAM subsystem starts at address hex 000000 of the 16M address space.
Direct Memory Access Eight DMA channels are supported by the system. Two Intel 8237-5 DMA controller chips (four channels in each chip) are used to provide eight DMA channels. The DMA channels are assigned as follows: Table 6-5: DMA Channels DMA Channel Channels 0 through 3 are contained in DMA controller 1. Transfers of 8-bit data, 8-bit I/O adapters and 8-bit or 16-bit system memory are supported by these channels.
The addresses for the page register are as follows: Page Register I/O Hex Address DMA Channel 0 0087 DMA Channel 1 0083 DMA Channel 2 0081 DMA Channel 3 0082 DMA Channel 5 0088 DMA Channel 6 0089 DMA Channel 7 008A Refresh 008F Table 6-6: I/O Hex Address Address generation for the DMA channels is as follows: Table 6-7: DMA Channel 3 Through 0 Note: To generate the addressing signal “byte high enable” (BHE), invert address line AO.
I/O Channel Slots The I/O channel supports: • Refresh of system memory from channel or microprocessors • Selection of data accesses (either 8- or 16-bit) • Interrupts • 24-bit memory addresses (16MB) • I/O wait-state generation • I/O address space hex 100 to hex 3FF • Open-bus structure (allowing multiple micro-processors to share the system’s resources, including memory) • DMA channels The pinouts of the expansion bus I/O channels are shown as below and on the next page.
D C Figure 6-11: 36-Pin Expansion Bus I/O Channels Math Coprocessor Control The math coprocessor functions as an I/O device through I/O port addresses hex 0F8, 0FA and 0FC. The microprocessor sends OP codes and operands to I/O ports. The microprocessor also receives and stores results through the same I/O ports. The “busy” signal sent by the processor forces the microprocessor to wait until the coprocessor is finished executing.
Chapter 7 Glossary
Glossary Some of the terms you will come across frequently in this manual are defined here. add-on card - This card connects through expansion slots to the motherboard. Also known as an adapter, an expansion card or an interface card, this is used to increase the capabilities of your computer. address - This is a value that is given to specific memory locations so that data can be read or written, Make sure that devices do not have the same address.
BIOS - This stands for Basic Input Output System, BIOS controls the real-time clock and disk drives as well as the computer’s peripheral equipment. bit - This is a binary data digit, either 1 or 0. 1 or 0 represents a single unit of data. boot - This means to turn on the power switch and load the operating system (DOS) into the computer so that it is ready to accept software applications. bus - This is a set of lines that transmit signals/information between the components within the computer.
data - Any kind of information. However, this word is generally used to describe computer-related information. debug - A method for correcting computer errors. default - This is an existing setting in a computer. DIP - This is an acronym for Dual In-line Package, which is a method for packaging integrated circuits. directory - A directory works like a desk drawer to keep files. It contains not only your files but also the information on the size of the file and the dates they were created and updated.
driver - A program that lets a peripheral device and a computer function harmoniously; a hard disk driver controls exchanges between a hard disk and a computer. expansion slot - This is a slots in which adapters and/or cards can be housed. file - A file is a collection of related information/data you store on a diskette or a hard disk drive. filename - Each file on a disk has a name. This name has two parts: a filename and an extension. In DOS, filenames are from one to eight characters long.
interface - A means for electronic machines to communicate. Interface also means to communicate with a computer and its peripheral components. kilobyte (KB) - A single data unit that is composed of 1024 bytes. math coprocessor - A math coprocessor lets you do arithmetic and calculations more efficient. megabyte (MB) - A single data unit that is composed of 1,048,576 bytes. memory address - A hexadecimal or decimal value given to a memory location.
ns - Nanoseconds. This is a unit of time measurement for processing speed. operating system - This is software that controls the execution of programs. output - Any information or bits of data that are channeled from one electronic device to another. partition - A disk drive can be divided into several logical sections or partitions, each of which becomes a logical device with a drive letter. peripheral - Output devices which are driven by the computer.
ROM - Read Only Memory. This is data that is stored on an IC in the computer. RS-232 - RS232 is a standardized communications interface between data communication equipment and your computer. setup - This section guides you through the preparations you’ll need to make before operating your computer. If this is your first computer, you’re advised to read this section carefully.
