Page 1 N C R Personal Computer Owner’s Manual...
Page 2 Problems". This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. The NCR Corporation (NCR) is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by NCR.
Page 3 PROGRAM. IN WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT. The Program is o r may be considered by the copyright owner o r licensor of NCR as confidential, proprietary and a trade secret and should be safeguarded by you as such. Title to the Program and copies o f it remains with the copyright owner.
Page 4 1. The repair or replacement of any media not meeting NCR's "Limited Warranty" and which is returned to NCR or an authorized NCR dealer or distributor within the 90-day period, with a copy o f your receipt, or If NCR or its authorized dealer or distributor is unable to deliver replacement media and repair is not practicable or cannot be timely made, you may terminate this License Agreement by returning the Program and your money will be refunded.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
HISTORICAL DATA OWNER’S MANUAL CONTENTS Historical Data INTRODUCTION................1-1 DOCUMENTS................1-1 ADVANCED DOCUM ENTS..........1-2 NEXT S T E P ................1-3 INSTALLATION QUALITY REPORT......... 1-3 HELP US HELP YOU..............1-3 A COMPUTER IS ................1-3 COMPUTER CAPABILITIES..........1-4 COMPUTER ADVANTAGES..........1-4 COMPUTER LIM ITATIONS..........1-4 HISTORICAL DATA AND U SA G ES........1-5 COMPUTER SYSTEM COM PONENTS......1-10 HARDWARE................1-10 Central Processing Unit (C PU ).........
Page 6 HISTORICAL DATA RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND D A T A ..........1-25 Ready — Set — Go R E A D Y ..................2-1 SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION......2-1 UNPACKING................2-2 CONNECTIONS................2-3 COMPUTER COMPONENTS CHECKLIST......2-5 Cabinet..................2-7 Keyboard..................2-7 S oftw are..................2-8 SET....................2-9 POWER-ON PROCEDURE.............2-9 G O ....................2-11 TURN IT O N ................2-11...
Page 7 HISTORICAL DATA Color Display/Graphics Display Board (Fieestanding D isp lay )................3-11 Alpha Controller Board (Internal Display)......3-12 32K/64K Graphics Controller Boards (Internal D isp lay )................3-13 32K Graphics Controller Board Memory Expansion . 3-16 Expanded M e m o ry ............3-17 To Install C h ip s:..............3-18 Main Processor Board M emory.........3-19 Memory Expansion Board...........3-20...
Page 8 HISTORICAL DATA Color/Graphics Display T est..........4-17 Peripherals T e s t ..............4-21 Tape Drive T e s t ..............4-22 Continuous Run of Tests from Main Menu......4-23 Utilities.M enu..............4-23 Add/Delete Test M odules...........4-25 Run All T e s ts ..............4-28 Exit from D iagnostics............4-28 Appendix A Keyboard Functions........
Page 9: Introduction
Welcome to the world of computing on your NCR PERSONAL COMPUTER, and the worldwide family of satisfied NCR customers. You’ve been introduced to your computer with the NCR PAL program and, just for fun, you’ve probably played a few games of BLACKJACK.
Page 10: Advanced Documents
This book describes in detail the procedures for both preventive and corrective maintenance for your NCR Personal Computer and each hardware component. These manuals are available through your authorized NCR dealer or your NCR representative by ordering NCR stock: 1. NCR DOS Programmer’ s Manual — G6B1-0204-0000...
Page 11: Next Step
NCR wants you to be satisfied with the use of your NCR Personal Computer. A major factor in your learning process on the computer is the ease of use of our documentation. NCR spends a great deal of time and money in the'preparation of these publications and we would like to know that it has been worth it.
Page 12: Computer Capabilities
HISTORICAL DATA throughout an entire building, and another can be so small that the entire system fits within a wristwatch. COMPUTER CAPABILITIES A computer can perform only a few basic arithmetic and data handling operations. It can add, subtract, compare one quantity to another, and move or modify data.
Page 13: Historical Data And Usages
HISTORICAL DATA HISTORICAL DATA AND USAGES Mathematicians and other scientists attempted, for centuries, to conceive machines which would speed up, or in some cases make possible, the solution of complex formulas and equations. The Punched Card Herman Hollerith of the United States government Bureau of the Census devised the first punched card and card processing equipment as a means of capturing, sequencing, summarizing and reporting census data around the turn of the Twentieth Century.
Page 14 HISTORICAL DATA Stored Program Concept One of the most critical developments in the modernization of the equipment was the emergence of the idea of a stored program computer. Replaceable programs (sets of instructions) accomplish the definition and control of the machine’s current task in a stored program computer, in contrast to the punched card accounting machine with its replaceable boards or the carriage-style accounting machine with its program bars.
Page 15 Small Computers Every home and small business “personal size” computer, such as your NCR Personal Computer, contains at least one microprocessor as its “heart”. Some personal computers have more than one microprocessor, each performing specific tasks.
Page 16 HISTORICAL DATA 6. Word processing, office automation, electronic mail. Government Governments at all levels — city, county, state, and national-use computers. Many of the pioneering computer installations and some of the world's largest computer installations are in the U.S. Federal Government.
Page 17 HISTORICAL DATA Homes Common uses of the computer in the home are: 1. Education for the whole family, adults as well as children: a. in computer programming b. in other subjects, such as math, for which programmed- instruction diskettes or cartridges were developed 2.
Page 18: Computer System Components
HISTORICAL DATA 3. Exchange information with other users. Another arrangement that is becoming more popular is for a person, whose professional duties can be performed from a computer terminal, e.g., a computer programmer, or a technical writer, to actually work from a home computer which is dialed-up as a terminal from the employer's central computer.
Page 19: Memory
HISTORICAL DATA The execution of the program instructions currently in the computer is also performed in the CPU. The machine-language instructions are loaded into an instruction register and decoded into either specially- wired circuits or unique microcoding to accomplish the steps of that specific instruction.
Page 20: External Memory
HISTORICAL DATA programs are read from external storage into internal memory at the start of the day or the start of the specific run under CPU control. Data files are read from external memory into internal memory as needed. In fact, unless a data file is relatively small, only the portion of the file currently being accessed is read into internal memory.
Page 21 HISTORICAL DATA 1. Disk Drives a. Fixed disk drives use either a single disk, or a stack of disks (a disk “pack”). Each disk is a rigid circle of plastic or aluminum with a metal oxide coating on one or both sides. Removable disks are disks, or disk packs, that can be physically removed from the drive.
Page 22: Input Devices
HISTORICAL DATA 4. You can modify it. New data or current data in modified form can be recorded over previously recorded data when the storage element is attached to, or inserted into, the external memory device. Input Devices Programs and data are read into the computer’s internal memory, under CPU control, through input devices for use in processing.
Page 23: System S Oftw Are
HISTORICAL DATA 1. System — operating systems, run-time interpreters and utilities. 2. Program development — editors, compilers, assemblers, and linkers. 3. Application — payroll, billing, games, word processing, etc. Programs are written in a language called a source language. The file created by entering source language instructions into the computer is referred to as source code.
Page 24: Utility Programs
1. Begin the next program desired. 2. Rename or delete a file. 3. Display the directory (list of contents) of a disk. An example of an operating system is the NCR-DOS. Run-time Interpreter Routines A computer that executes directly from a source code needs a run-time interpreter.
Page 25: Editors
3. Test for read errors. 4. Set a register or other pointer to the beginning address of the record in internal memory. MS-MACRO Assembler, available through your NCR Personal Computer dealer, is an example of this type of software. OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 26: Compilers
English (i.e., BASIC and COBOL), or to use normal mathematical/scientific notation (i.e., FORTRAN and ALGOL). The languages can also be procedure-oriented, i.e., Pascal and PL/1. Your NCR Personal Computer dealer has compilers available for GW- BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, and Pascal. Linkers...
Page 27: Reading, Writing, Presentation Of Data
You can buy many programs directly from independent software development companies. NCR offers a wide variety of applications for your NCR Personal Computer. Any application software marketed by NCR or by independent companies specifically for the NCR Personal Computer may be used.
Page 28 HISTORICAL DATA code used in many computers is EBCDIC which uses B sub» as a data bit and thus has 256 possible unique characters. 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Q p,- „ O FF u p F ure 1.3 Bjnary Representation —...
Page 29: Recording Data In Internal M Em Ory
Recording Data in External Memory Fixed Disks The fixed disk available on the NCR Personal Computer can store over 20,000,000 bytes (20 megabytes, or 20 MB). Since the maximum capacity of each diskette used in your flexible disk drive(s) is 368,640...
Page 30: Flexible D Isk S
There are two industry-standard diskette sizes: 8-inch, and 5-1/4-inch diameter. Your NCR Personal Computer uses the 5-1/4-inch diskette. Let’s examine the characteristics of that diskette: 1. Your computer can record data on one side of the single-sided diskette or on both sides of a double-sided diskette.
Page 31 4. Diskette labels are at the top when the oval opening is at the bottom. A manufacturer-supplied software diskette, such as NCR-DOS and NCR TUTOR, usually has one wide label across the top. Blank diskettes usually have a smaller square or rectangular label at the top left which includes the manufacturer’s name and...
Page 32 HISTORICAL DATA related logical records, such as all customer records, comprises a file. 7. Each sector on the 5-1/4-inch diskette contains 512 bytes. Thus, the maximum storage capacity of a double-sided, double-density diskette is: 512 bytes per sector, times 9 sectors per track, times 40 tracks per side, times 2 sides per disk = 368,640.
Page 33: Relationship Between Hardware, Software, And Data
HISTORICAL DATA Data Block RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND DATA A computer can operate only if the hardware and software work together. Normally, the hardware needs to contain an operating system and an application program to perform a task. Data must be present for productive performance of a task. Data can be a file of customers, inventory, budget information, checks written, or joystick movements directing your spaceship to avoid hazards.
Page 35: Ready - Set - Go
— READY Your NCR Personal Computer is set up. Now you are anxious to get on with it, and to do this you need to know just what equipment you are supposed to have and how it functions. Let’s get READY!
Page 36: Unpacking
Refer to your Getting Started booklet for instructions. 2. If any damage to the computer or peripherals is visible, report it immediately to your dealer or NCR representative. 3. Remove the tabbed inserts in the drives and save these with the boxes (see Figure 2-1).
Page 37: Connections
READY — SET— GO Power Switch Figure 2-2 Power Switch CONNECTIONS Connect your unit in the following sequence: 1. Plug the keyboard cable into the computer at the rear {see Figure 2-3). 2. Plug the power cord into the computer at the rear (see Figure 2-4). 3.
Page 38 READY — SET - GO Figure 2-3 Keyboard Cable Connection OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 39: Computer Components Checklist
READY — SET — GO COMPUTER COMPONENTS CHECKLIST Your NCR PERSONAL COMPUTER PC4i has six different basic models, ail of which have 256KB memory capacity. There are available to you several options; these options and how they interface with your computer, are discussed later. Now, you have one of the...
Page 40 READY — SET— GO 3277-1202 A 12-inch color display with 2 flexible disk drives and 32K graphics controller 3277-1203 A 12-inch color display with 1 flexible disk drive and 1 fixed disk drive and 32K graphics controller Figure 2-5 One Flexible Disk Drive Figure 2-6 Two Flexible Disk Drives OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 41: Cabinet
— READY — SET Cabinet The computer cabinet encloses: 1. A power supply 2. A microprocessor board with: a. 8088-2 microprocessor b. 256 KB random access memory (RAM) c. 16 KB read only memory (ROM) d. RS232C serial interface e. Parallel interface for Centronics type printers f.
Page 42 A broad selection of application software is available to you in the business and the home computer field. Included are: 1. NCR-DOS 2. GW-BASIC 3. USER DIAGNOSTICS 4. NCR PAL and BLACKJACK 5. NCR TUTOR OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 43: Set
Check that the wall outlet is working properly; plug in a lamp that you are sure works. d. If the test is still unsuccessful, call your dealer or NCR representative for advice or to arrange service for the computer. If you purchased a maintenance agreement, follow the instructions you received with that agreement.
Page 44 10. Go to the troubleshooting section in this manual and perform a diagnostics test on your complete system. Make a note of any error messages and notify your dealer or NCR representative if it is something that you are unable to correct (e.g., you failed to turn the drive lever that locks the diskette in operating position).
Page 45: Turn It On
Your NCR-DOS manual gives detailed instructions on how to use DOS commands to operate your computer and your GW-BASIC manual tells you how to prepare your own special programs. The diskettes for both GW-BASIC and NCR-DOS are in the back of the NCR-DOS manual. KEYBOARD FEATURES When you begin to experiment with the keyboard, don’t be afraid to...
Page 46: Keys
Keys The letters, numbers, and symbols on the keys designate the functions they perform while in the NCR-DOS program. You can program the function of the keys in different programs. The experienced user can do this easily in DOS or in many other software programs.
Page 47: Control Keys
You may recognize some of them as being similar to the keys on a typewriter (see Figure 2-9). The following functions are applicable when your computer is running NCR-DOS. Enter ( +1) One function of this key is to move the cursor from one line to the next.
Page 48 — READY SET — GO Figure 2-9 Control Keys This key changes the alpha keyboard between the Caps Lock shifted mode and unshifted mode. Press the Caps Lock key to activate it and any letter printed will be in uppercase. A small keytip light reminds you that Caps Lock is in effect.
Page 49: Typewriter Keys
READY — SET— GO Shift Your keyboard has two Shift keys just like a typewriter keyboard. Either key activates the upper case letters when they are used together. The Shift key also accesses the shifted value of keys according to the program in use. <- The Tab key functions similarly to a typewriter tab -*•...
Page 50: Cursor Keys
READY — S ET— GO Figure 2-10 Typewriter Keys Cursor Keys ♦ This upward-arrow key, inactive in DOS, moves the cursor up one line each time you press it. There are two up-arrow keys on your keyboard, one in the Cursor keypad and one in the Numeric keypad (see Figure 2-11).
Page 51: Numeric K E Y S
— READY — SET Figure 2-11 Cursor Keys The End key, inactive in DOS, moves the cursor to the last character in the current line. You have two End keys on your keyboard, one in the Cursor keypad and one in the Numeric keypad. This key is software dependent.
Page 52: An Ounce Of Prevention
READY— SET— GO Scroll Lock/Break When you press this key and hold down the Ctrl key the command program stops run ning. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 These keys work interchangeably with the typewriter keypad numeric keys to perform numeric data entry. Use the shift key or the Caps Lock key with the numeric key to type the upper characters on these keys.
Page 53: Daily Care
— GO READY — SET 1. Update your backup copies as you change the originals. 2. If you add or change any information in a data file, then store that information on diskette to prevent loss should the computer lose its power and memory. Daily Care Check to see if any magnetized hardware has been moved into the computer environment.
Page 54 READY— S E T — GO Figure 2-14 Housekeeping 1. Turn OFF the unit. 2. Wipe the screen with a soft cloth and an ammonia-based glass cleaner, a very mild detergent solution, or a water dampened cloth. Dry the screen with a soft cloth. 3.
Page 55: Preparations
Chapter 3 OPTIONS INSTALLATION NCR offers a variety of computer equipment available in kit form for the NCR PERSONAL COMPUTER PC4i. The procedures here detail only the major ones available. You receive installation instructions with all purchased options and these instructions should be placed in the back of this section for future reference.
Page 56: Card Rack Assembly Removal
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 2. Grasp the card rack at both sides and carefully pull out two to three inches from the cabinet. (NOTE: The card rack must be pulled away from the cabinet a few inches to allow clearance for the cabinet top.) 3.
Page 57: Cabinet Reassembly
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 3. Grasp the card rack at both sides and carefully pull out the assembly towards the rear. The cables connecting the card rack assembly are long enough to allow the assembly to be withdrawn completely from the cabinet. Figure 3-2 Card Rack Assembly Removal CABINET REASSEMBLY...
Page 58: Main Processor Board (Mpb)
OPTIONS INSTALLATION NOTE: Make sure the cables connecting the assembly to the computer are not crimped. 2. Turn the screw-lock clockwise to secure the rack into position. 3. Install any peripheral device cables to the appropriate connector at the back of the card rack assembly. MAIN PROCESSOR BOARD (MPB) A layout of the MPB illustrates the location of the switches that may require adjustments when an option is installed (see Figure 3-3).
Page 59: Board Installation
OPTIONS INSTALLATION BOARD INSTALLATION Carefully read the instructions in the preparation section at the beginning of this chapter and heed the WARNING and CAUTIONS, then proceed as follows to install a board in your computer: 1. Leave the board in the protective plastic envelope and place it on the working surface beside your computer.
Page 60 OPTIONS INSTALLATION « I Retaining Strip Retaining " N Screw Figure 3-5 Plastic Strip 4. Line up the board with the support bracket and the card guide in the card rack (see Figure 3-6). 5. Push in the board, in a gentle but firm manner, until it is securely plugged into the socket on the MPB.
Page 61 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Figure 3-7 Feature Cable Attachment 7. If the feature you are installing has a cable to be attached to the controller board, then connect it at this time {see Figure 3-7). 8. Bring the connecting plug up to the opening in the grill at the back of the computer and attach the cable to the board.
Page 62: Board Removal
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 9. Replace the plastic retaining strip removed in Step 3. BOARD REMOVAL Carefully read the instructions in the preparation section at the beginning of this chapter and heed the WARNING and CAUTIONS, then proceed as follows to remove a board from your computer: 1.
Page 63: Monochrome Monitor Adapter Board
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 7. If you plan to save the board for future use, put the board back in the antistatic plastic bag it came in to protect it from dust and static. If you are removing the board temporarily to get at the MPB, set it aside out of the way.
Page 64 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Figure 3-10 Monochrome Display Switch Block This feature board can be used in a system that is already supporting a color display. You must set the switches on the MPB so that the computer starts in the monochrome mode to prevent possible damage to the displays.
Page 65 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Color Disptay/Graphics Display Board (Freestanding Display) You can add a freestanding display when you install the Color/ Graphics Display Adapter board. This adapter is not suitable for connection to the integrated display on your computer. You can use the board with a color display or to enable your external monochrome display to function with graphics software.
Page 66: Alpha Controller Board (Internal Display)
Leave the other switches set as they are. In this position, when you turn on your system the monochrome display is activated. You must use your NCR-DOS mode commands to switch to the color display. If you do not have a monochrome display in your system, change the switches to the appropriate setting (see Figure 3-12).
Page 67: Display
(see Figure 3-15). If you have a monochrome and a color display in your system, the switches must be set for monochrome to prevent possible damage to the display. The NCR-DOS MODE command is used to switch to the color display.
Page 68 OPTIONS INSTALLATION shown in Figure 3-10. Also, you must set the jumper J1 to the correct setting (see Figure 3-16). The SW1 switch settings are: Color/Graphics (40 x 25) 5 OFF and 6 ON Color/Graphics (80 x 25) 5 ON and 6 OFF O O O —...
Page 69 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Note: In some versions of this board there is a slight difference in the design of the jumper. The function is the same, to connect or disconnect " the two pins. Block \ Jumper! Board Light-Pen Connector Jumper J1 Monitor Connector Figure 3-16 Color/Graphics Board Jumper Location...
Page 70: Graphics Controller Board Memory Expansion
OPTIONS INSTALLATION Figure 3-17 Display Connection 32K Graphics Controller Board Memory Expansion The Four chips can be installed on the 32K Controller Graphics Board to increase the memory capacity to 64K graphics memory. You need to remove the controller board to get at the chip sockets. Refer to the cabinet disassembly section in the front of this chapter for instructions to remove the card rack assembly.
Page 71: Expanded M E M O Ry
OPTIONS INSTALLATION Expansion I.C.s Light Pen Expanded Memory You can increase the system memory in two ways: 1. You can add 256KB chips, or 256KB and 64KB chips, on the MPB in the empty slots to bring your memory capacity up to 448 KB, 512 KB, 576 KB, or 640 KB.
Page 72: To Install Chips
OPTIONS INSTALLATION To Install Chips: Carefully read the instructions in the preparation section at the beginning of this chapter and heed the WARNING and CAUTIONS, then proceed to add the chips as follows: 1. Orient the pins correctly, make sure that pin 1 of the new chip is oriented the same as those already installed (see Figure 3-19).
Page 73: Main Processor Board Memory
OPTIONS INSTALLATION The switches in the switch block SWA on the MPB must be set according to the amount of memory present (see Figure 3-20). If you use an expansion board to increase the system memory, you need to set the switches on that board (see Figure 3-22). The settings shown assume that the MPB memory totals 256 KB and the additional memory chips have been installed on an expansion board.
Page 74: Memory Expansion Board
OPTIONS INSTALLATION If you are installing the additional memory to the MPB, you may need to remove boards to get to the chip sockets and switches. Refer to the cabinet removal section for instructions to remove the card rack assembly. Memory Expansion Board If you are adding the memory chips to the expansion board, you need to set the switches on that board (see Figure 3-22).
Page 75 OPTIONS INSTALLATION S w itc h N o. M e m o ry E x p la n a tio n S iz e 64 KB Setting as delivered 128 KB First 64 KB expansion 192 KB Second 64 KB expansion 256 KB Third 64 KB expansion 320 KB...
Page 76: Numeric Coprocessor
OPTIONS INSTALLATION Numeric Coprocessor The Numeric Coprocessor can be installed to the MPB to enhance the arithmetic capabilities of your system. Follow the instructions given in the memory expansion section of this chapter to install the chip (refer to Figure 3-19). Refer to Figure 3-25 for chip location. You need to change the switches for MPB SW1 switch block (see Figure 3-24).
Page 77: Serial And Parallel Ports
OPTIONS INSTALLATION Numeric Coprocessor Chip Socket Location SERIAL AND PARALLEL PORTS The serial and parallel ports are located on the back panel of the card rack assembly, (see Figure 3-26). You use the parallel port with a parallel printer. The serial port is used to connect a serial printer, an RS232C compatible modem for telecommunications, or any other RS232 terminal device.
Page 78: Serial Port
Serial Port The serial port is controlled by switch 3 on SWA (see Figure 3-27). Plug the serial printer connector into the serial port receptacle. Use the NCR-DOS MODE command to enable the port for a serial printer. Switch 3 Explanation...
Page 79: Parallel Port
OPTIONS INSTALLATION S w itc h 3 E x p la n a tio n serial port enabled serial port disabled (Closed) Figure 3-27 Serial Port SWA Switch Settings Parallel Port Plug in the parallel printer connector to the parallel port receptacle. The parallel port (Centronics) is controlled by switch 4 on SWA (see Figure 3-28).
Page 80: External Video Displays
EXTERNAL VIDEO DISPLAYS You may have chosen to install the freestanding video display yourself rather than have the NCR representative install it. In any ease, you need to set the switches on the MPB to the correct configuration and to install an adapter board. Please read all the instructions carefully before beginning the installation.
Page 81 OPTIONS INSTALLATION 2. Install the display adapter board. Refer to the installation instructions in the display kit you chose, and to the board installation instructions in this chapter. 3. Set the appropriate switches (refer to Figure 3-29). 4. Insert the AC cord into a properly grounded outlet. 5.
Page 82: Flexible Disk Drive
OPTIONS INSTALLATION FLEXIBLE DISK DRIVE This computer operates with a maximum of two integrated drives in the system and Drive A must be a flexible disk drive. The other drive may be either another flexible disk drive or a fixed disk drive. The procedure for installing the flexible disk drive is straightforward.
Page 83 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Snap-Out Escutcheon P la te Front Panel Figure 3-31 Face Plate Removal 4. Install the jumpers. Jumpers are always installed for positions PM and ML (see Figure 3-32). You must position the jumper to designate the address location of the drive in the system: DSO (Drive A), or DS1 (Drive B).
Page 84 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Jumper Strips Figure 3-32 Jumper and Resistor Pack Locations 7. Insert the rear end of the drive unit into the rectangular opening in the front panel. Slide it rearward into the computer opening until the front of the drive is flush with the front computer panel (see Figure 3-33).
Page 85 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Figure 3-33 Drive Installation Figure 3-34 Drive Connectors OWNER S MANUAL 3-31...
Page 86: Fixed Disk Drive
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 11. Attach the other connector of the data cable to the mating connector on the second drive, if you are installing an additional drive. 12. Attach the single connector end of the data cable to the mating connector on the MPB. 13.
Page 87 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Carefully read the instructions in the preparations section at the beginning of this chapter and heed the WARNING and CAUTIONS, then proceed as follows: 1. Remove the top cover; refer to the cabinet disassembly section in the front of this chapter. 2.
Page 88 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Jumper Example: Jumpers 4, 5,6 are cut for Drive DS1 Figure 3-37 Jumper Cuts 5. Insert the rear end of the drive into the rectangular opening in the front panel (see Figure 3-38). Slide it rearward into the computer opening until the front of the drive is flush with the front computer panel.
Page 89 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Figure 3-38 Drive Installation 8. Attach one keyed connector of the 34-conductor controller cable to the mating connector (Jl) on the drive. 9. Attach one keyed connector of the 20-conductor data cable to the mating connector (J2) on the drive. OWNER'S MANU AI 3-35...
Page 90 OPTIONS INSTALLATION 10. Attach the DC power plug to the mating drive receptacle. NOTE: Position the data cable so that the cable will not be crimped when the drive is installed completely (see Figure 3-40). If not previously installed, you must install the controller board for your fixed disk drive.
Page 91: Drive Removal
OPTIONS INSTALLATION 14. Connect the other end connector of the 20-conductor controller cable to the J2 or J3 board position. 2 0 - C onductor 3 4 — C onductor Connector* Connector 0 closed J . oth er 20 MB drive 1 open DRIVE REMOVAL The procedures for removing the flexible disk drive and the fixed disk...
Page 92 OPTIONS INSTALLATION Flexible Disk Data Cable DC Power Plug 3. If you are removing a flexible disk drive disconnect the other end of the ribbon cable from the MPB. Do not disconnect the cable from the MPB, if you are installing a replacement drive. OWNER'S MANUAL 3-38...
Page 93: Computer Tilt And Swivel Mechanism
OPTIONS INSTALLATION If you are removing a fixed disk drive, disconnect the other end of the controller cable from the controller board that is located in the card rack assembly. Do not disconnect the controller cable if you are installing a replacement drive. 4.
Page 94 OPTIONS INSTALLATION 5. Rotate the base plate so that the access holes in the tilt and swivel align with the screw holes in the computer. Figure Position the Tilt and Swivel 3-43 5. Install the four screws to the bottom of the computer and turn clockwise until tight (see Figure 3-44).
Page 95 OPTIONS INSTALLATION OWNER S MANUAL 3-41...
Page 97: Maintenance And Troubleshooting
Chapter 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting MAINTENANCE You can prevent many problems with your computer by daily preventive maintenance steps. Much of preventive maintenance is simple daily housekeeping: 1. Keep the unit free of dust. 2. Turn OFF your computer before connecting or disconnecting the AC power or any peripheral devices to your computer.
Page 98: Relocation
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING b. Wipe the screen with a soft cloth and an ammonia-based glass cleaner, a very mild detergent solution, or a water dampened cloth. Dry the screen with a soft cloth. c. Wipe the cabinet with a cloth slightly dampened by a mild detergent solution, but be careful not to damage the unit by allowing liquid to get inside the cabinet.
Page 99: Fixed Disk Drive
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Fixed Disk Drive CAUTION Follow the instructions on your Diagnostics diskette to prepare your fixed disk for a move. The procedure takes only a minute or two and can prevent possible damage to the head. To operate the Utilities routine from the User DIAGNOSTICS diskette {in the back of the OWNER'S MANUAL): 1.
Page 100 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING > ' T h e NCR P e rs o n a l Computer Page 1 p f 2 D ia g n o s tic S h e ll V e rs io n 1 .0 C o p y rig h t 19B5 NCR C orp.
Page 101: System
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Figure 4-3 Fixed Disk Head Positioned Screen System 1. Turn OFF the power switches on all modules. 2. Disconnect the power cable from the outlet. 3. Disconnect all the cables from the rear of the unit. 4. Wrap the connectors with material such as foam sheets, heavy paper, etc.
Page 102: Radio/Tv Interference
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. The NCR Corporation (NCR) is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by NCR.
Page 103: Troubleshooting
Copy Diagnostics You can use your NCR-DOS program to copy the DIAGNOSTICS program to another flexible diskette. a. Insert your DOS diskette into drive A. b. Turn ON your power switch.
Page 104: Error Messages
3. If the error continues to occur, regularly or intermittently, call your dealer or NCR representative for advice. Or, if you purchased a Maintenance Agreement, follow the instructions in the agreement.
Page 105: A Typical Diagnostics Run-Through
Page 1 p f 2 D ia g n o s tic S h e ll V e rs io n 1 .0 C o p y rig h t 19B5 NCR C o rp. MAIN MENU A v a lla b le T e s ts...
Page 106: Memory Test
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING diagnostics program, or you can make a specific selection to run the test of your choice (see Figure 4-5). You can use the FI key to ask for an Explanation of Tests screen to explain the meaning of the choices (see Figure 4-6).
Page 107: Controllers Test (Circuit Devices)
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING C o p y rig h t 1965 NCR C orp. The NCR P e rson al Computer HENDRY I n s t a lle d Meaory = m RAH PATTERN PASSED ___ RAH ADDRESS PASSED ___ RAH PARITY...
Page 108 Figure 4-10 will be displayed. — The NCR P e rs o n a l C o aputer C o p y rljjh t 10B5 NCR C o rp , CONTROLLERS...
Page 109: Keyboard Test
If the keys do not correspond then the program signals a keyboard error. The NCR P e rs o n a l Computer C o p y rig h t 1985 NCR Corp. KEYBOARD...
Page 110: Flexible Disk Drive Test
(see Figure 4-14). C o p y rig h t 19BS NCR C o rp . f l e x ib l e d is k d r iv e...
Page 111 (see Figure 4-15). If any of the drives fail the test, one or more of the error messages shown in Figure 4-16 is displayed. Tha NCR P a rs o n s l Computer C o p y rig h t 1905 NCR C orp. FIXED DISK DRIVE ___ FIXED DISK CONTROLLER...
Page 112: Monochrome Display Test
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING FIXED ( d a le ) I t i a e ) KARO 0 1 SK CONTROLLER BOARD ERROR FIXED ( d a t e ) l t i » e l HARD DISK NOT READY ERROR FIXED ( d a t e ] [ t i n e ]...
Page 113: Color/Graphics Display T Est
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ___ CRT, MONO PASSED IS THE CURSOR A SOLID BLOCK AND POSITIONED HERE? (Y/N ) ___ CRT RAM PASSED .CRT ATTRIBUTES ( S e v e r a l l i n e s , e ach d e m o n s t r a tin g one o r a c o m b in a tio n o f a t t r i b u t e s such S6 n o rm a l v id e o , in v e r s e v id e o , u n d e r l i n i n g , b l i n k i n g...
Page 114 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ___ CRT, COIOR/GRAPHICS PASSEO Figure 4-19 CRT Color Test Screen .CRT RAH (A p a tte r n o f a l l c h a r a c te r s which can ba generated is b r i e f l y d is p la y e d on th e s c re e n .) Figure 4-20 CRT RAM Test Screen...
Page 115 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ___ SCHOLL TEST ThBBB U n as shou ld s c r o l l f r o * b o t to * to lo p ( T h is U n a «111 s t a r t a t the b o tto a o f th e pege and i c r o l l to the to p o f th e page.
Page 116 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING J5RAPH1CS 320X200 ~ COLOR SET 01 W W W W W W W W N W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W N W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W : W NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNW NNNNNNNYW NNW NNNNW NNNNNNW W W W W W W W W N W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W N W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W...
Page 117: Peripherals Test
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING G R A P H I C S 4 0 x 2 5 [A p a t te r n o f a l l c h a r a c te r s a h lc h can ba generated la b r l a f l y d is p la y e d on th e s c r e e n .1 Figure 4-27 40 by 25 Graphics Test Screen After the graphics portion of the test, a message is displayed on the...
Page 118: Tape Drive Test
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Tha NCR P i r u n t L C oaputar C o p y rig h t 19BS NCR C orp. PERIPHERALS ___ SERIAL PORT PASSED . ___ PARALLEL PORT PASSED <F2> T a r a ln a ta Tate Noflula...
Page 119: Continuous Run Of Tests From Main Menu
MAINTENANCE ÄND TROUBLESHOOTING Th« NCR P a rs o n « l C o aputsr C o p y rig h t 1985 NCR C orp. TAPE DRIVE TAPE REAO/NRIT6/CONTRO L PA8SB) Figure 4-31 Tape Drive Test Screen Figure 4-32 Tape Drive Error Message...
Page 120 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Th« NCR Parson« L Computer Pag« 1 o f 1 C o p y rig h t 1985 NCR C o rp . LTTILITIE8 A va l Lab ia S e le c tio n s I n i t i a l i z e P lie d D1«k...
Page 121: Add/Delete Test Modules
Th« NCR P a rto n « L C oaputar C o p y rig h t 1985 NCfl C o rp.
Page 122 ~ "\ The NCR P e rs o n a l C o aputer C o p y rig h t 1986 NCR C o rp , AOO/DELETE TESTS A v a ila b le S e le c tio n s...
Page 123 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING C o p y rig h t 19B5 NCR C o rp. Th« NCR P a rto n a l C o aputar ADD TESTS S e le c tio n nuaber on Main Manu; __ (o th a ra w i l l ba a d ju s te d ) Nona to appear on nenu a a L e c tio n : ________ ______ - —______ _...
Page 124: Run All Tests
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Pag« 1 o f The NCR PersonaL Computer C o p y rig h t 1BB5 NCR Corp, DELETE TESTS A v e lla b L e S e le c tio n s Maaory C e n tro LLora ( C i r c u i t D a v ie s s )
Page 125: Appendix A Keyboard Functions
Appendix A Keyboard Functions OWNER'S MANUAL...
Page 126 F u n c tio n K e y s P ro g ra m C u r s o r F u n c tio n M o v e m e n t N u m e ric K eys T y p e w rite r K eys l - ------------- 1...
Page 127 KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS KEY FUNCTION CHART Function Notes Key/Name Used to escape from the structure of a program Escape t k u Used to move cursor to tab positions h ] 1 Used to access alternate functions of keys Control 1 ED Used to access "shifted”...
Page 128 Cursor Up □ Moves cursor down one line 2 key is activated when number each stroke (Inactive in lock is toggled. Cursor NCR-DOS) Down 0 key is activated when number Activates and deactivates lock is toggled. "Insert Mode". nsert Displays previous page ot text...
Page 129: Technical Data
Appendix B Technical Data NCR PC Model 41 — Technical Specifications Height Width Depth SIZE Computer: 141/2" 18" 16" Keyboard: 1.75 inches 20.88 inches 7.88 inches WEIGHT Computer: 50 lbs. Keyboard: 4 1/2 lbs. Nominal Voltage: 120 volts AC Range 104 to 127 volts AC Frequency: 59/60.6 Hz...
Page 130 TECHNICAL DATA M a in P r o c e s s o r B o a rd Central 8088-2 Microprocessor Processing Unit RAM/Expansion 256 KB (standard); up to 640 KB total optional 16 K byte BIOS included EPROM 1 parallel printer port (Centronics) Ports 1 RS232C serial port 1 keyboard port...
Page 131 TECHNICAL DATA Expansion Slot Connections Function Function - I / O CHECK Ground + DATA 7 + RESET I/O + DATA 6 + DATA 5 + IRQ2 + DATA 4 —5V + DATA 3 + DRQ2 + DATA 2 -1 2 V + DATA 1 —...
Page 132 TECHNICAL DATA BIOS Connection Interrupt Function Divide by zero Single step Non-maskable interrupt Break point instruction Overflow Print screen Reserved Reserved Timer, 182 ticks per second Keyboard Reserved Reserved for communications Reserved for communications Fixed disk (XT) Diskette Reserved for printer Video I/O Equipment check (configuration) Memory check (configuration)
Page 133 TECHNICAL DATA Flexible Diskette Connector Keyboard Signal Signal Direction Ground + Clock Bidirectional — + Data Bidirectional Ground -R e s e t Output In Use Ground Ground + 5 Volts Drive Select 3 Ground Index/Selector Ground Drive Select 0 Ground Drive Select 1 Ground...
Page 134 TECHNICAL DATA Parallel Interface Signal Direction D-SUB^I2,J6 1,18,1 -S T R O B E Output 2,16.3 + DATAO Output 3,14.5 + DATA1 Output 4,12,7 + DATA2 Output 5.10,9 + DATA3 Output 6, 9,11 + DATA4 Output 7, 8,13 + DATA5 Output 8, 7.15 + DATA6...
Page 135: Appendix C System Switch Settings
Appendix C System Switch Settings System Switch Settings Function MPB Memory 256 K to 640 K Monochrome Graphics (40x25) Graphics (80x25) Numeric Coprocessor Installed Numeric Coprocessor Not Installed Function System Board Memory 64Kx1 64Kx1 64Kxt 64Kx1 256Kx1 64Kx1 64Kx1 256Kx1 256Kx1 256Kx1 256Kx1 64Kx1 64Kx1 Serial Port Enabled Serial Port Disabled...
Page 136 SYSTEM SWITCH SETTINGS Switch No. Memory Explanation Size 64 KB Setting as delivered First 64 KB expansion 128 KB 192 KB Second 64 KB expansion 256 KB Third 64 KB expansion Fourth 64 KB expansion 320 KB 384 KB Fifth 64 KB expansion Expansion Memory Board Switch Settings ■...
Page 137 SYSTEM SWITCH SETTINGS Numeric Co-Processor (Closed) installed Graphics (40x25) (Closed) Monochrome, Mono/Graphics (80x25) OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 138 SYSTEM SWITCH SETTINGS MPB Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 BankS No. 1 No. 2 64 K 64 K 64 K 64 K 256 K 256 K 64 K 64 K 256 K 64 K 64 K 256 K 256 K ,1, A 4, f S e 0 0 0 0...
Page 139: Glossary
Glossary ABORTED Ended abnormally before completion, such as a function that is interrupted before completion. ACOUSTIC COUPLER A modem that converts the data to be transmitted into a sequence of different tones; sent via a conventional telephone handset to a receiving modem;...
Page 140 GLOSSARY ASCII American National Standard Code for Information Interchange. The standard code, using a coded character set consisting of 7-bit coded characters (8 bits including parity check), used for information interchange among data processing systems, data communication systems, and associated equipment. The ASCII set consists of control characters and graphic characters.
Page 141 GLOSSARY BASIC 1. Acronym for the programming language Beginner’s All purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. BASIC uses common English words and is relatively easy to use. 2. The computer program which translates statements made in BASIC programming language into instructions to the computer.
Page 142 GLOSSARY CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT) An electronic vacuum tube with a screen, such as a television picture tube, upon which information may be displayed. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) The central processor or the computer system contains the internal memory unit (memory), the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and the input/output control unit (I/O Control).
Page 143 GLOSSARY COMPUTER A device capable of accepting data in the form of facts and figures, applying prescribed processes to the data and supplying the results of these processes as meaningful information. This device usually consists of input and output devices, storage, arithmetic and logic units, and a control unit.
Page 144 GLOSSARY DATA Any information — letters, numbers, symbols — which is input to, or output from, the computer for storage or manipulation. DATA BASE A collection of data fundamental to an enterprise. DEBUG To detect, to trace, and to eliminate mistakes in computer programs or in other software.
Page 145 GLOSSARY EDIT To prepare data for a later operation. Editing may include the rearrangement or the addition of data, the deletion of unwanted data, format control, code conversion, and the application of standard processes such as zero suppression. ELECTRONICS Pertaining to the application of that branch of science which deals with the motion, emission and behavior of currents of free electrons, especially in vacuum, gas or phototubes and special conductors or semiconductors.
Page 146 FORMATTED DISKETTE A diskette on which track and sector control information has been written by a particular computer system, i.e., NCR-DOS, but which contains no data. FORTRAN An acronym for FORmula TRANslator. A high level program...
Page 147 GLOSSARY HARDWARE Physical equipment used in data processing. Contrast with software. HEAD A device that reads, records, or erases data on a storage medium, e.g., a small electromagnet used to read, write, or erase data on a magnetic disk. HEXADECIMAL DIGIT A whole number in the hexadecimal numeral system (based on a radix of 16).
Page 148 GLOSSARY INTERFACE A common boundary between two or more electronic devices or software programs which enables them to transfer information. INTERRUPT A suspension of a process, such as the execution of a computer program, caused by an event external to that process, and performed in such a way that the process can be resumed.
Page 149 GLOSSARY LOGGING-ON Giving the computer (particularly if it is a part of a larger system) information such as your name and a password in order to be able to use the system. LOOP A sequence of instructions in a program that can be executed repetitively until certain specified conditions are satisfied.
Page 150 GLOSSARY adapter) to acoustic signals for transmission over a telephone line and converts (demodulates) incoming acoustic signals to serial ized digital signals. OPERATING SYSTEM An organized collection of software that controls the overall operations of a computer. The operating system does many basic operations which were performed by hardware in older machines, or which are common to many programs.
Page 151: Parity Checking
GLOSSAflV' considers valid all characters moved between units, memory registers, or memories whose total number of ON bits is odd. PARITY BIT The extra bit that computer hardware adds to a character or group of characters prior to moving the character between units, memory registers, or memories.
Page 152 GLOSSARY PL/1 A high level programming language designed to process both scientific and business applications. The PL/1 language contains many of the best features of FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL and other languages as well as a number of facilities not available in previous languages.
Page 153 GLOSSARY RESET (1) To return computer components to a specified static state. (2) To place a binary cell into the zero state. RESPONSE TIME The time it takes the computer system to react to a given input. It is the interval between an event and the system’s response to the event.
Page 154 GLOSSARY SCROLL To roll lines up or down a CRT screen to review text or information. Most screens display only 25 lines at a time, so scrolling is useful in viewing large files of information. SECTOR One of the peripheral elements into which each track of a disk surface is divided.
Page 155 GLOSSARY receiving devices on a communication line. Synchronous trans mission reduces overhead, compared with asynchronous trans mission, by eliminating the need to send individual start and stop bits for each character transmitted. SYSTEMS PROGRAMS Computer programs that provide a particular service to the user; for example, compilers, assemblers, operating systems, soft- merge programs, linkage editor programs, graphic support programs, etc.
Page 156 GLOSSARY VARIABLE A quantity that can assume any of a given set of values. VERIFY (1) To determine whether a data processing operation has been accomplished accurately; e.g., to check the results of keypunch ing. (2) To check data validity. WORD A group of bits, or bytes considered as an entity and capable of being stored in one storage location.
Page 157: Index
Index Adding alpha controller board 3-12 color graphics display 3-11, 3-13 communication devices 3-23 expansion boards 3-20 external displays 3-26 fixed disk drive 3-32 fixed disk drive controller 3-36 flexible disk drive 3-28 graphics controller board 3-13 main processor board 3-3 memory expansion chips 3-17 monochrome display 3-9, 3-12 numeric coprocessor 3-22...
Page 159 fixed disk drive 3-35 flexible disk drive 3-30, 3-31 option cable attachment 3-8 shielded 3-1 terminating resistor pack 3-30 video display 3-13, 3-15, 3-27 Cabinet disassembly 3-1 Central processing unit (CPU) 1-10,1-11 COBOL 1-18 Code ASCII 1-19,1-21 EBCDIC 1-20 Codes, types 1-15,1-19 Color graphics adapter board 3-11 Communication devices 1-9,1-10 Compilers 1-18...
Page 160 INDEX EBCDIC 1-20 Editors 1-17 Expansion boards 3-20 Expansion slot connections table B-3 Files, data 1-14, 1-16 Fixed disks 1-21, 3-32 Flexible disks 1-22, 3-28 FORTRAN 1-18 Function keys 2-12 Function of keys 2-12 GW-BASIC 1-1, 1-2,1-18, 2-8 Hardware definition 1-10 interrupts B-4 keyboard 2-7, 2-11, 2-12 models 2-5...
Page 161 1-11, 1-21,1-24, 2-7, 3-17 Microprocessor 1-6,1-7, 2-7 Model numbers, list of 2-5 Monochrome adapter board 3-9 Monochrome display 2-7 Moving your computer 4-2 NCR-DOS 1-1, 1-2, 2-8 Numeric keys 2-17 Pascal 1-18 Pin assignments, tables B-3, B-6 Pixels 3-11 PL/1 1-18...
Page 162 INDEX Programs application 2-11 definition of 1-18 start-up 2-11 Random access memory (RAM) 1-11, 2-7 Read only memory (ROM) 1-11, 2-7 Relocating your computer 4-2 Removing cover 3-1 Run all tests 4-23, 4-28 Running application software 2-11 Running diagnostics 4-9 Selecting a site 2-1 Setting switches C-l Software...
Page 163 peripherals 4-21 power-on 2-9 printer 4-21 tape drive 4-22 Tests, run all 4-28 Troubleshooting 4-7 Turning on your computer 2-9 Typewriter keys 2-15 Unpacking your computer 2-2 Utility programs 4-3, 4-23 Write-protect notch 1-22...
Page 165 Chapter Number:_________________________________________________ Page No.: Description___________________________________________________________________ Do You Have Any Recommendations For Ways In Which This Manual Can Be Improved? Company. Address: NOTE: This Is Not An Order Form. Orders For Additional Publications Must Be Placed Through Your NCR Office. Thanks Date:...
Page 166 IN TH E U N IT E D STATES BUSINESS REPLY CARD FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 2 LIBERTY. SC POSTAGE W ILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NCR CORPORATION Personal Computer Division Quality Assurance Manager 1150 Anderson Drive Liberty, SC 29657...
Page 167 □ BEJ N C R Corporation Dayton, Ohio 45479 150-0000952...

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