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TRIGEM CW4D33E Operation Manual

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4 8 6 X E
OPERATIONS
GUIDE

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Summary of Contents for TRIGEM CW4D33E

  • Page 1 4 8 6 X E OPERATIONS GUIDE...
  • Page 2 GERMAN RFI DECLARATION FOR CLASS B SELF CERTIFICATION Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der TriGem 486XE in ijbereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg 104611984 funk-entstort ist . Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerates angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur ijberprtifung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeraumt.

  • Page 3: Important Notice

    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY TriGem Computer, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual, and shall not be held liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein; nor incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
  • Page 4 TriGem is a registered trademark of TriGem Computer, Inc. AM1 BIOS is a trademark of American Megatrends Inc. IBM, PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, MDA, Monochrome Display Adaptor, EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adaptor, VGA, and Video Graphics Array are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

  • Page 5: Fcc Compliance Statement

    FCC COMPLIANCE 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. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

  • Page 6: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The following instructions pertain to the risk of fire, electric shock or bodily injury. Please read all of these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for later use. Follow all of the instructions and warnings marked on this product or included in this manual.
  • Page 7 If you have to use an extension cord with this computer, make sure that the total amperage rating of all equipment plugged into it does not exceed the amperage rating of the extension cord. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the main AC power outlet does not exceed 15 amps.
  • Page 8 If the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed If liquid has been spilled into the product If the product has been exposed to rain or water If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service S t o p !

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction ........How to Use This Manual .
  • Page 10 Stopping a Command or Program ..... . 3-4 Using Disks and Disk Drives ......3-4 How Disks Store Data .
  • Page 11 Using Floppy Disks Chapter 5 Description ........How Floppy Disks Work .
  • Page 12 Installing Circuit Boards ......7-9 Disk Drive Compartments ......7-13 Internal Hard Disk Drive .
  • Page 13 Advanced ROM Diagnostics Appendix E Introduction ........When to Run Advanced Diagnostics .

  • Page 14: Introduction

    Introduction Your personal computer is powerful, versatile, and high performance system designed as a workstation level. It contains 32.bit EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus architecture and has the capability to transfer data at max. 33MHz/sec. This system has 0486™ microprocessor which contains internal 8KB Cache and also has the external socket to use cache memory upto 256KB.
  • Page 15 And you can run UNIX (above V4.0), XENIX, MS LAN manager, OS/2, Presentation manager, and X window, etc. with this computer. If you use software that executes complex mathematical calculations, you may want to install a 4167 math coprocessor to speed up processing. 2 Introduction...

  • Page 16: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and care for your computer. It also describes how to use your computer and run the Diagnostics program. The instructions in this manual apply to your system, except where otherwise indicated.

  • Page 17: Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System

    Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your personal computer is easy. Just follow the nine steps in this chapter. When you finish setting up your computer, go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to run the Setup program. The Setup program updates the list of equipment installed in the computer and any time options are added or changed.

  • Page 18: Choosing A Location

    Besides this manual, you should have the following: T h e c o m p u t e r a n d p o w e r c o r d T h e K e y b o a r d w i t h a t t a c h e d c a b l e M S - D O S d i s k e t t e s GW-BASIC diskette MS-DOS User’s Guide...
  • Page 19 Appropriate power sources: To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to three-prong, grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripherals. If it has the appropriate power cord, you can plug your monitor into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the computer, reducing the number of wall outlets you need.

  • Page 20: Connecting A Monitor

    Connecting a Monitor The video display monitor is the device used by the computer to communicate with you. Your software will use the screen to display information, such as prompts, text, graphics (charts and pictures), etc. Several types of monitors are available as options. A typical video display system provides a high resolution monochrome (green or amber screen) screen display.
  • Page 21 1. Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. It is easiest to connect the monitor cable if you are facing the back panels of both the monitor and the computer. 2. If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor. (Some monitors come with permanently attached cables.) 3.

  • Page 22: Connecting A Printer, Mouse, Or Modem

    Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem The computer has a parallel interface and two serial interfaces on the back panel, so you can easily connect a printer or other type of device with either type of interface. For example, you can use the parallel port to connect a parallel printer (most printers have a parallel interface).
  • Page 23 —Parallel Printer — —Serial Printer — Figure l-4. Connecting the Printer 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. If the printer has retaining clips on each side of the printer port, squeeze the clips together to secure the cable.

  • Page 24: Using The Serial Interface

    4. Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet. Using the serial Interface If you have a serial printer, modem, mouse, or any other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to one of two serial (RS-232C) ports on the back of the computer. Your computer uses and IBM-compatible, 9-pin, male connector, so be sure you have the proper cable.

  • Page 25: Setting Up The Serial Port For A Printer

    Setting up the serial port for a printer If you are using a serial printer but your software does not support a serial printer, you must do two things before you can print: Set up the data transmission parameters for the serial port. Tell the computer to redirect printer data from the parallel port to the serial port.

  • Page 26: Connecting The Keyboard

    grounded electrical outlet. Connecting the Keyboard Your keyboard has only one cable to connect. This simply plugs into the keyboard connector located at the bottom of the main system unit’s rear panel. This connector is designed to prevent insertion if the pins don’t line up, so it may be necessary to rotate the cable connector until it plugs in easily.

  • Page 27: Adjusting The Keyboard Angle

    Figure 1-7. Connecting the Keyboard Adjusting the Keyboard Angle You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. You lock the legs into a low or high position, or leave them flat.

  • Page 28: Turning On The Computer

    Turning On the Computer Before you turn on your computer, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging the computer or injuring yourself: Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power switch is on. Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on.
  • Page 29 Follow these steps to turn on your system: 1. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer. 2. To turn on the computer, press the power switch. Figure 1-9. Power Switch Setting Up Your System 1-13...
  • Page 30 Th e power indicator on the front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test. This is a series of checks the computer completes each time you turn it on to make sure everything is working correctly. If anything is wrong, an error message appears on the screen.

  • Page 31: The Command Prompt

    This means that the computer is not yet set up for the equipment you have installed and you must run the Setup program, described in Chapter 2. For now, press the Fl key on the upper left comer of the keyboard to acknowledge the message and continue.

  • Page 32: Copying System Diskettes

    Copying System Diskettes Now that you have started your system and loaded MS-DOS, it is important that you make copies of your MS-DOS diskettes right away. Use the copies (called working copies) as they are needed and store the originals in a safe place. Each of the system diskettes is formatted for 36OKB.
  • Page 33 3. Insert the MS-DOS diskette in drive A, as shown below. Hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot into the drive. Figure 1-10. Inserting a Floppy Disk 4. Press any key. The DISKCOPY program copies the contents of the MS-DOS diskette to the computer’s memory, and then you see the following: 5.

  • Page 34: Resetting Your Computer

    6. Press Y so you can make a copy of another MS-DOS diskette. Again, you see the prompt to insert the source diskette. 7. Remove the copy of the MS-DOS diskette which you just made and insert the another MS-DOS diskette into drive A. Then press any key.
  • Page 35 CONTROL-ALT-DEL (Keyboard Reset) Press the CONTROL key and the ALT key at the same time. While holding these keys down, press the DELETE key, then release all three keys. This will reset your computer without running the full self-test diagnostics. RESET Switch Press the RESET button on the front panel.

  • Page 36: Chapter 2 The Cmos Setup Program

    Chapter 2 The CMOS Setup Program Introduction The Setup program keeps a record of the host computer’s system parameters (such as memory amounts, disk drives, video displays, and peripheral devices). Setup resides in the Read Only Memory Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) so that it is available each time the host is turned on.

  • Page 37: Using Setup

    Using Setup Immediately after the memory test, you will get the following prompt on the screen depending upon the type of BIOS you have : Hit <DEL> key to get into the Setup Mode Note <DEL > key will get you into the setup mode only when the above message is displayed on the screen.

  • Page 38: Entering Setup

    This means that the SETUP program options have been set at the factory. Since there were no errors detected, the computer tried to load MS-DOS from the floppy disk drive, before you have inserted the MS-DOS main system diskette. For now ignore this message.
  • Page 39 If you hit <DEL> key, you will see a menu like the following. This screen is the SETUP MENU. This lists the parameters you can change with the SETUP program. A solid cursor bar highlights the parameter currently available to be changed. You can use the following key conventions.

  • Page 40: Parameters

    Parameters Date and Time Setup The first entry in the Setup screen is current date. A calendar has been provided for the user to facilitate him in this procedure. Again, simply press the < PgUp> or < PgDn > keys to select the appropriate value for the month, date and year.
  • Page 41 Hard Disk Drive Setup DrivesC: and D: are the hard disk drives in the system. 46 drive types have been defined by TriGem. If for some reason or other your particular drive is not one of the 46 predefined types, simply scroll down to type 47 and enter the following drive specifications: cylinders, heads, WPcom, LZone, and sectors.
  • Page 42 Table 2-1. Hard disk configuration Table The CMOS Setup Program...
  • Page 43 Display Type Setup The next option is primary display selection. The options are as follows: Type of Display Allowed Monochrome Color 40 Color 80 VGA or EGA Not Installed Keyboard Setup The Keyboard Setup is the next option for the user. You may either choose to enable or disable the Keyboard test during Power On Self Test by setting keyboard as “Installed”...
  • Page 44 Emulation Speed You can select the system speed, for example, according to an application software you want to run with your system using this parameter. The options are: 8, 10, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40 Peripheral Setup When you scroll down to this parameter, the following will be displayed on message message.

  • Page 45: Leaving The Setup Program

    Your system provides an on board FDC and it supports two floppy disk drive to your system. If you use another FDC in your system using an expansion Card, you should disable this option. Leaving When you have completed the changes, press the < ESC > key.

  • Page 46: Chapter 3 Using Your Computer

    Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter covers the following basic procedure for using your computer: Using special keys on the keyboard Stopping a command or program Using disks and disk drives. Special Keys on your Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running programs.
  • Page 47 Using Your Computer...
  • Page 48 The Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock keys work as toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding turn light on the top right comer of the keyboard is on. When the function is disabled, the light is off.

  • Page 49: Stopping A Command Or Program

    Stopping a Command or Program You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many application programs provide a command you can use to stop or even cancel (undo) an operation. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands: Hold down the Ctrl key and press C Hold down the Ctrl key and press Break...

  • Page 50: How Disks Store Data

    Care for your diskettes and diskette drives Insert and remove diskettes Write-protect diskettes Make backup copies of your diskettes Use a single diskette drive Use a hard disk drive How Disks Store Data The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made of flexible plastic, coated with magnetic material.
  • Page 51 A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a sector is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette. (See the figure below.) Each track on a 1.2MB diskette has 15 sectors, and each sector holds 5 12 bytes.

  • Page 52: Types Of Diskette Drives

    Types of Diskette Drives Your computer has at least one 1.2MB diskette drive. With this drive, use 5V+inch, double-sided, highdensity, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information, which is approximately 500 pages of text.

  • Page 53: Drive And Diskette Incompatibilities

    Note You must format new diskettes before you can use them with an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on a diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase.

  • Page 54: Caring For Diskettes And Diskette Drives

    Because of these incompatibilities, you should indicate the density and diskette type when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above drives (36OKI3, 1.2MB, 72OKB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive to another —...
  • Page 55 electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. Do not diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external disk drive. Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette by its protective jacket. If you are using a 3’/2-inch diskette, do not slide the metal shutter;...

  • Page 56: Inserting And Removing Diskettes

    Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust. Inserting and Removing Diskettes To insert a diskette into the drive, hold it with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below.
  • Page 57 Close the latch and press R. To remove the diskette, turn the drive latch up until it is horizontal and the edge of the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it in a proper location, such as a diskette container.

  • Page 58: Write-Protecting Diskettes

    warning Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the drive indicator light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer. Write-protecting Diskettes You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered.
  • Page 59 Note Some program diskettes, such as your MS-DOS diskettes, have no notch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered. On a 3 1/2-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-right comer on the back, shown below. To write-protect a 3 1/2-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer.

  • Page 60: Making Backup Copies

    Making Back up Copies It is important to make copies of all your data and system diskettes. Copy all diskettes that contain programs, such as the original MS-DOS diskettes that come with your computer, and use only the copies. Store your original MS-DOS diskettes in a safe place away from your working copies.

  • Page 61: Using The Hard Disk Drive

    drive (A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS automatically prompts you to insert another diskette in the same drive, which it now identifies as drive B. It copies the data from memory to the new diskette. When the copying is complete, MSDOS identifies the drive as drive A again, and you see a prompt to insert the original diskette into drive A.

  • Page 62: Preparing The Hard Disk For Moving

    The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and forth between different programs and data files. However, because it is so easy to add programs and files to your hard disk, you may find yourself trying to organize hundreds of files. MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and subdirectories so they are easier to find and use.
  • Page 63 3. Type the following and press Enter: You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard.

  • Page 64: Using Ms-Dos With Your Computer

    Chapter 4 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer Once you have your computer system “up-and-running,” you may begin to work with MS-DOS. Virtually all application software available for IBM PC/XT and PC/AT-compatible computer systems runs “under” MS-DOS. Therefore, in order to use these programs, you need to learn how to use MS-DOS.

  • Page 65: Inserting Diskettes

    Inserting Diskettes Your MS-DOS software package contains of the following items: (The following diskettes are 5.25” .) One MS-DOS Install Diskettes One MS-DOS Select Diskette Three MS-DOS Operating Diskettes One MS-DOS Shell Diskette The MS-DOS User’s Guide & User’s Reference The MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide Begin the installation procedure by placing the MS-DOS Install diskette in the A drive and turning your computer on.
  • Page 66 To insert a diskette into the drive: Open the drive door If you haven’t already done so, remove the protective cardboard insert from the drive. Gently insert the diskette into the drive entry slot with its label facing up, and the write protect notch to the left. When the diskette is all the way in, close the drive door by turning the door latch handle down.

  • Page 67: Starting Ms-Dos

    Starting MS-DOS To start MS-DOS 4.01 on a floppy disk-based system (that is, one without a hard disk drive), follow these steps given below. For a detailed description of how to start MS-DOS 4.01, consult the Getting Started section in your MS-DOS 4.01 User’s Guide.

  • Page 68: System Prompt

    If your computer has a hard disk drive, and MS-DOS has been installed, simply turn your system on. Your computer will perform its self-test diagnostics and display the DOS Shell menu screen. Notice that the words “Command Prompt” are highlighted by) a solid..

  • Page 69: Cursor

    This is the system prompt. When it is displayed, it means that MS-DOS is waiting for you to tell it what to do. This is done by typing a DOS command, then pressing the ENTER key. Cursor Following the system prompt, you will see a blinking underline ( _ ) character.

  • Page 70: Case Sensitivity

    formatting a diskette, comparing files on different disks, backing up a hard disk, etc. These commands require one or more of the MS-DOS diskettes. Hard disk system user’s can run any DOS command without diskettes because the programs are stored on the hard disk drive.
  • Page 71 — Fl key Copies one character at a time from the buffer to the command line — F2 key Copies the entire buffer up to the next character you type — F3 key Copies the entire buffer to the command line —...

  • Page 72: Backspace Key

    From time to time, you may make a typing error. This is not usually a problem if you correct the error before you ENTER the command. You can use the BACKSPACE key for this purpose. The BACKSPACE key on your keyboard works just like a backspace key on a regular typewriter: it moves the cursor back one position.

  • Page 73: Default Drive

    Then press the ENTER key. Your computer will respond: Default Drive MS-DOS will only look at one disk drive at a time. Normally, this is the “default” drive. You can tell which disk drive is the current default drive by looking at the system prompt. For example: indicates that the “A”...
  • Page 74 From the A> prompt, try the command: The computer will respond: Press ENTER after you insert the diskette into the drive, then the system prompt will be: If you have a dual floppy disk drive system, the second, or “B” drive is now the system default drive, as indicated by the new system prompt.

  • Page 75: Copying Your Ms-Dos Diskettes

    This feature is intended to allow owners of single drive systems to use application software designed for dual drive systems. Copying Your MS-DOS Diskettes The first important task you must complete with your new system is to make a “backup” copy of your MS-DOS diskettes. To do this, you will need seven blank diskettes.
  • Page 76 To copy your master diskettes, first turn your computer on and boot up MS-DOS. Choose the Command Prompt option from the DOS shell menu. The system prompt will appear. Enter the following command: The following message will be displayed: The ‘SOURCE” diskette is the disk that you will be copying from.
  • Page 77 When the drive indicator light goes out, remove the MS-DOS master diskette from the floppy disk drive. Insert a new, blank diskette into the drive. This is the “TARGET” diskette. Caution Make sure that the target diskette is bland. If there is any previous d a t a o n t h e d i s k e t t e , i t w i l l b e e r a s e d b y t h e D I S K C O P Y r o u t i n e .
  • Page 78 protective jacket. Set it aside for a moment, making sure that you don’t mix it up with the second blank diskette. Put the original “master” MS-DOS main system diskette back into the floppy disk drive, then press the SPACEBAR key. As with the DISKCOPY command, your computer will read the entire contents of the diskette into system memory, and will display: When the computer is finished reading, the drive will turn off,...

  • Page 79: Copying On Dual Drive Systems

    If there is a problem with the backup diskette, or if you put the wrong diskette into the drive by mistake, the computer will respond: If the computer shows compare errors, start the copying procedure over again at the beginning. The backup copy of the MS-DOS diskette must be identical to the original.
  • Page 80 The “SOURCE” diskette is the disk that you will be copying from. The “TARGET” diskette is the one you will be copying to. Put your master MS-DOS diskette in the A drive, and a new, blank diskette in the B drive. Close both drive doors.
  • Page 81 For now, type N. The system prompt will reappear. To compare the backup diskette with the original, you will use the DISKCOMP command. Enter the command at the system prompt: The computer will respond: 4-18 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer...

  • Page 82: Files

    If there is a problem with the backup diskette or if you put the wrong diskette into the drive by mistake, the computer will respond: Compare error on side x, track x After you have confirmed that the backup diskette is a good copy of the master MS-DOS diskette, you may put your master diskette away in a safe place and put the label on the backup diskette.

  • Page 83: Filenames And Extensions

    Program files are files that perform a task. They manipulate the computer and data files in order to achieve a result. MS-DOS is a collection of program files, as are the control programs found in application software. Data files are files that contain the information (data) used by program files.
  • Page 84 Most of the characters and symbols on your keyboard are available for use in filenames. These are: The letters A through Z The numbers 0 through 9 The following symbols: The following are examples of allowable filenames: JANUARY CHAPTER.001 MEMO.APR MAYSALES.%&$ $$SALES.OCT Using MS-DOS With Your Computer...
  • Page 85 These filenames are valid because none of them are too long, and only legal characters have been used. The following are examples of illegal filenames, along 3RDQUARTER.SALES This is too long. MS-DOS will accept this filename, but it will be shortened to fit the size limits. The altered filename would read 3RDQUART.SAL.

  • Page 86: Disk Directories

    CHAPTER.001 CHAPTER.002 CHAPTER.003 and so on. Like MS-DOS commands, filenames and extensions can be entered in either upper or lower case, but are always displayed on the screen in upper case. However, since MS-DOS converts lower case filenames into upper case, it is possible to inadvertently erase an existing file by saving a new file with a lower case name.
  • Page 87 Some of the names and symbols may be different, but the screen should show these five columns, and a similar last line. The information presented by the DIR command is as follows: The filename & extension The file size (in bytes) The date the file was created or last updated The time the file was created or last updated The number of files listed in the directory...

  • Page 88: File Searches

    You can also use the DIR command to search for specific files on a disk. To do this, enter the DIR command in the following format: For instance, if you want to find the directory entry for a file named “MAYSALE!S.RPT” on the diskette in drive A, enter the command: The computer will search the entire directory of the diskette for a file named MAYSALESRFT.

  • Page 89: Multiple Disk Drive Systems

    The DIR command can be used to read the directories of other drives in your system, if any are installed. For instance, to read the directory of the B drive, when you are logged onto drive A, enter the command: The computer will display the directory of the diskette inserted in the B drive.

  • Page 90: Wildcards

    Quite often, when dealing with disk files, you may find yourself looking through directories for a particular file or group of files. MS-DOS has a way to help you sort out those files’ you want without having to read through the entire directory listing. This is through the use of “wildcard”...

  • Page 91: Application Software

    Application Software Now that you know how to make backup copies of your diskettes and how to work with MS-DOS, you can proceed to use application software. Most software packages come with detailed instructions for their set-up and use. These instructions will often ask you to use the information in this chapter to find specific files in the disk directories, or back up the master diskettes provided with each package.

  • Page 92: Chapter 5 Using Floppy Disks

    Chapter 5 Using Floppy Disks Description Your computer works with a large electronic memory array called RAM. This stands for Random Access Memory. Your system’s RAM is actually an array of electronic circuits. As long as the computer is powered up, this circuit array will “remember”...

  • Page 93: How Floppy Disks Work

    Floppy disks, or diskettes, are made from a flexible plastic that is coated with a magnetic oxide. The floppy disk drive encodes this oxide with the data generated by the computer. After you turn your system off, unlike electronic RAM, the encoded oxide retains this data.

  • Page 94: Formatting Diskettes

    Formatting Diskettes When you get a new carton of diskettes, they are not yet ready to be used. First, they must be prepared to accept data. This is called “formatting” the diskette. MS-DOS uses the same formatting method regardless of the computer used.

  • Page 95: The Format Command

    cancel the attempt and will display the following message. < Current drive is no longer valid > Remove the unformatted disk from the drive. The FORMAT Command MS-DOS provides an external command program called FORMAT.COM, that will format your blank diskettes. When running this program, there are options available that allow you to format several different types of diskette.
  • Page 96 The computer will display: The formatting process takes a minute or two. The computer will wait until the formatting process is complete, then display: Press ENTER if you don’t want to have a label of your disk. Then the screen will display the following message. Don’t be concerned if the message displayed is slightly different from this example.

  • Page 97: Option Switches

    Option Switches To format 180K-byte single-sided, single-density diskettes in the computer’s high capacity disk drive, enter the FORMAT command using the /1 and /4 option switch: The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon completion, you will see this message: And the following screen will appear if you press ENTER.
  • Page 98 The /4 option switch is used to format 36OK-byte double-sided, doubledensity diskettes in the computer’s high capacity disk drive. To do this enter the command: The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon completion, you will see this message: Press ENTER not to have a label of your disk.
  • Page 99 Formatting a diskette allows you to use it by providing predetermined locations for certain files used by MS-DOS. Once formatted, the disk directory space is created, as well as additional areas reserved for use by MS-DOS. One of these areas is the File Allocation Table, or FAT. This part of the diskette contains a list of all of the files on the disk, and where they are physically stored on the diskette.
  • Page 100 If your system does not have a hard disk drive you would normally boot the system up from the MS-DOS system files. The DISKCOPY command copied these files when you created the backup copy of the master diskette. Sometimes, though, you may want to create a “boot disk” that doesn’t have all of the external DOS commands on it.

  • Page 101: Copying Files

    Enter N to return to the system prompt. Then enter: The directory listing should appear similar to the following: Copying Files If you have a dual drive system, it is easy to copy program and data files from one diskette to another. This involves the internal MS-DOS command, COPY.
  • Page 102 Put the “source” diskette in drive A, and the “target” diskette in drive B. At this time, you may want to check the directories of both diskettes in order to make sure you will not overwrite a file on the target diskette with the same name as the one you want to copy.

  • Page 103: Wildcards

    Note that this time, you were required to enter the source drive letter before the filename. This is because, in this example, drive B is not the default drive, However, since no drive letter was specified for the target drive, MS-DOS copied the file onto the default, or in this case, A drive.
  • Page 104 will copy all files about MAYSALES to the B drive. A final example: will copy all of the files on a diskette in the A drive to the hard disk drive. This command is useful when backing up diskettes containing data files. Using Floppy Disks 5-13...

  • Page 105: Chapter 6 Using Your Hard Disk

    Chapter 6 Using Your Hard Disk Depending on the model, your computer system can be expanded to include an optional hard disk drive. This chapter will give you a basic understanding of its operation and show you how to configure it. Information is also provided on how MS-DOS works with your hard disk drive.

  • Page 106: Care Of Hard Disk Drives

    permanently mounted inside the drive housing. Several hard disk platters are stacked vertically in the drive housing and sealed in a dustproof casing. Second, a hard disk holds much more information than a diskette. The “high-capacity” diskettes used in your computer can only hold a little over one million bytes.

  • Page 107: Preparing Your Hard Disk

    This section assumes that you have a hard disk drive system physically installed in your main system unit. If you haven’t installed your hard disk drive yet, see Chapter 7, “Expanding Your System,” for information how to do this. To begin, boot up your system using your MS-DOS as explained in Chapter 4, “Using MS-DOS.”...

  • Page 108: Changing Your Setup

    it means that MS-DOS can’t “find” the hard disk drive. This is either because the drive controller board has been incorrectly set up, or more likely, the hard disk drive has not yet been partitioned. If the computer correctly executed the C: command, but failed to display a directory, it probably means that the hard disk has been partitioned, but not yet formatted.
  • Page 109 Move the screen cursor bar down to the Hard Disk C parameter. Using the PgUp and PgDn keys, scroll through the options to the disk type number matched with the hard disk you have. If you have a SCSI hard disk drive with your system, you should select “Not Installed”...

  • Page 110: Partitioning Your Hard Disk

    This should match the information provided with your hard disk drive. Other hard disk drives may require a different disk type number. See the instructions provided with your hard disk drive or call your dealer for assistance. After verifying the hard disk drive type number, press the ESC key.
  • Page 111 After loading the FDISK program, the computer will display information on the hard disk drive installed in the system, as follows: Using Your Hard Disk...
  • Page 112 To create a single MS-DOS partition for your entire hard disk drive, select the default option (#l) by pressing ENTER. The Create Primary DOS partition menu appears next: To reserve the entire hard disk for MS-DOS, press ENTER. FDISK now displays the following message: Your Hard Disk Using...

  • Page 113: Formatting Your Hard Disk

    It is common to use FDISK to create an MS-DOS partition that takes up the entire hard disk drive and then make that partition bootable. Now that you have completed these tasks, you can restart your system using your MS-DOS Install diskette.
  • Page 114 The floppy disk drive indicator will come on for a few seconds, while the FORMAT command is loaded into memory. When the light goes out, the computer will display: You should already have made sure that there is no information stored on the hard disk that you want to save.

  • Page 115: Organizing Your Hard Disk

    The /S switch in the FORMAT command caused the active portions of MS-DOS to be loaded onto the system area of the hard disk. At this point you can boot the system from the hard disk. Organizing Your Hard Disk This section provides you with a sample directory structure for use with your hard disk.
  • Page 116 First, you will create several subdirectories. These will be used shortly to contain useful files. Begin by entering the command: The MD command is a short form of MKDIR. This internal DOS command creates a subdirectory under the directory you are currently in.
  • Page 117 Just as MS-DOS commands usually look at the “current” disk drive, they also look at the current directory. Since you can change the current, “l ogged” disk drive, you would expect to be able to change the current, loggeddirectory. You can, using the CD (CHDIR) command.
  • Page 118 Now return to the DOS4 subdirectory by entering the command: Another way of moving through the directory tree quickly involves the use of a similar command: This command will take you directly to the root directory of the current disk drive. This can be useful if you get “lost” in a large directory tree.
  • Page 119 Using the DIR command, run a directory to verify that you have copied the MS-DOS install diskette. Remove the MS-DOS install diskette from drive A and replace it with the MS-DOS Select diskette into the DOS4 subdirectory on the hard disk by entering the command: When the copying process is done, carefully enter the following command : This command will remove the COMMAND.COM file from...

  • Page 120: Backing Up Your Hard Disk

    You have now completed organizing your hard disk and installing the MS-DOS f’l i es into subdirectories. As you can see, the files have been placed in subdirectories according to the type of activity you will doing when using them. As you add application programs to the hard disk, it is a good idea to create subdirectories to store them in, so as to keep different program groups separated.

  • Page 121: How Many Diskettes

    formatting these diskettes. Disk space taken up by the inclusion of the active MS-DOS routines would be wasted with the BACKUP command. When you back up your hard disk using BACKUP, the first thing to do is to format enough blank disks to hold the backed up files.
  • Page 122 identifies these diskettes as a hard disk backup archive. Also put the date on each label and number each diskette. This is very important, since the RESTORE command requires that you use the diskettes in the same order that was used during the BACKUP procedure.

  • Page 123: The Restore Command

    to search the A drive for the BACKUP.COM file. In the second, the C:/DOS4 statement will automatically direct MS- DOS to look in the C:\DOS4 subdirectory for the file. In both examples, the A: portion of the command tells MS- DOS that you want to start the backup routine with the root directory of the hard disk, and store the backup files on diskettes in drive A.
  • Page 124 enter: If a directory listing is displayed, even if there are no entries, it means that your hard disk system is ready to receive files. If the active routines of MS-DOS have been loaded on to the hard disk, you will see the COMMAND.COM file at the beginning of the directory listing.
  • Page 125 First, set the C drive directory to the root directory by entering the command: Now set the system default drive letter back to drive A by entering: The computer will respond by displaying: Make sure your MS-DOS install diskette is inserted into the A drive.

  • Page 126: Chapter 7 Expanding Your System

    Chapter 7 Expanding Your System As you get more familiar with your computer system, you will probably want to add hardware to it. This can include additional disk drives, printers, modems, etc. This chapter addresses the installation of some of the most common devices.
  • Page 127 Your computer is designed to communicate with peripherals by way of the connectors on the rear panel of the main system unit. The connectors are called “ports,” and allow information to be sent back and forth between the system CPU and a peripheral device.

  • Page 128: Serialports

    Serial Ports There are two basic kinds of general purpose I/O (Input/Output) port. One kind is a ‘ serial” port, where data bits are sent one at a time along a single wire, in series. Additional wires are used to send control signals between the transmitting and receiving devices.

  • Page 129: Parallel Ports

    standard “Centronics-compatible” parallel printer port interface. MS-DOS uses the label “LPTl” (Line Printer #1) for the first parallel port. Additional parallel ports can be added to your computer through the use of multi-function boards. These ports would be labeled LPT2, LPT3, etc. Connecting Printers Most, but not all, printers use the Centronics-compatible parallel port.

  • Page 130: Connecting External Disk Drives

    modems can communicate directly with the system, CPU through your computer’s internal circuitry. The telephone line is plugged into a socket located on the rear panel of the modem. External modems connect to your computer’s RS-232C serial port. Connectors are provided on the modem itself for attachment to the phone system.

  • Page 131: System Expansion & Upgrades

    System Expansion And Upgrades This section deals with the addition of expansion boards and products to your computer’s main system unit. Although most expansion products are provided with detailed instructions for their installation and use, it is recommended that you read through this section in order to familiarize yourself with some of the basic principles of expanding your computer.

  • Page 132: Opening And Closing The Cabinet

    Opening and Closing the Cabinet The procedure for opening the main system unit cabinet is as follows: Unplug the video monitor AC power and signal cables from their rear panel sockets. Set the monitor safely aside. Unplug the keyboard and set it aside. Unscrew the screws on the rear panel of the unit and set them aside.
  • Page 133 Later, to close the unit, follow these steps in order: Make sure all the system and expansion boards are properly seated in their connectors, and have had their mounting screws tightened down. Make sure all the internal cables have been properly connected and arranged neatly.

  • Page 134: Installing Circuit Boards

    Reconnect the keyboard to its connector on the rear panel of the main system unit. Place the video monitor on top of the main system unit and connect the AC power and signal cables to their correct sockets on the rear panel. Reconnect any peripheral device to their rear panel I/O port connectors.
  • Page 135 Warning! Most computer circuit boards have “static sensitive” components on them. These parts can be damaged by static electricity, which can be generated by rubbing your hand across the exposed metal parts on the board. To avoid this damage, always handle circuit boards by their edges, being careful to avoid contact with the exposed edge connectors and parts.
  • Page 136 Figure 7-2. Installing the Circuit Boards 7-11 Expanding Your System...
  • Page 137 do, make a note of their correct locations and orientations for later reattachment. Unscrew the retaining screw for the slot guard, and set it aside. Mount the expansion board into the slot by gently sliding the board into the slot. If the board is long enough to reach the card guide mounted on the front panel support flange, slide the board down the center groove of the guide.

  • Page 138: Disk Drive Compartments

    INCORRECT ELECTRICAL RESTRICTIONS Figure 7-3. Installing the Option card in an Expansion slot Check the board’s alignment to make sure it is straight and level. If necessary, move the board slightly to align the hole in the top of the mounting bracket over the screw hole in the main system unit’s rear panel flange.
  • Page 139 documentation provided. Then, remove the main system unit cover as described previously. Select the drive compartment where you will install the expansion device. Remove the blank front panel from the selected compartment by removing the mounting screws. Slide the expansion device into the compartment along the side rails of the drive cage until it is all the way in.

  • Page 140: Internal Hard Disk Drive

    Internal Hard Disk Drive If you are to mount the internal hard disk drive inside the main system unit case, follow the steps below: Remove the cover from the main system unit, as described previously. Remove mounting plate by unscrewing the hold down screws.
  • Page 141 Slide the hard disk drive which is installed with the guide rails into one of two openings provided in the mounting frame. Figure 7-5. Mounting the internal hard disk drive Replace the hold down screws. Connect the hard disk drive controller cables to the drive. 7-16 Expanding Your System...
  • Page 142 Figure 7-6. Connecting the cables Replace the main system unit cover. If you want to install the HDD to the other drive compartment exists in the center of the front side, follow the steps below. Remove the cover from the main system unit, as described above.
  • Page 143 Figure 7-7. Remove the drive compartment case Slide the Hard disk drive into the drive case and screw the hold down screws like the following. 7 - 1 8 8 E xpanding Your System...
  • Page 144 Figure 7-8. Slide the HDD to the drive case Replace the drive case with the hard disk drive to the system front side and screw the hold down screws. Connect the hard disk drive controller cables to the drive. Replace the main unit cover.
  • Page 145 Figure 7-9. Mounting the hard disk drive To remove a hard disk drive, perform the installation procedures in reverse. After adding or removing disk drives, run setup and configure for the new disk drive. 7-20 Expanding Your System...

  • Page 146: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications Computer System Operating Temperature : 41° to 95°F (5” to 35°C) Storage Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Humidity Compatibility Power Supply : 238W Keyboard System MotherBoard Firmware Operating System support Bus Interface : -5° to 140°F (-15° to 60°C) : 20% to 80% (no condensation) : 10% to 90% (no condensation) : IBM PC/AT...

  • Page 147: Cpulogic

    Expansion Slots Dynamic RAM (with parity) Floppy Disk Drive support I/O Ports Audio Support Real Time Clock CPU Logic Main Central Processor IC : 486-33” Microprocessor Math Coprocessor IC (optional) A-2 Specifications : 2ea B-bit (62 pin ISA only connector) 6ea 32-bit (198 pin EISA connector) : BM-bytes, expandable 64M-bytes...

  • Page 148: System Memory

    System Memory Data Interface Cache Module Subsystem (option) Note There are two sockets on You should use the cache memory chip of the equal size on them when you are to use 12SKB or 256X3 of cache memory. BIOS ROM CMOS RAM EXTENDED CMOS SRAM : BK-byte : 64-bit memory access...

  • Page 149: System I/O

    System I/O DMA Channels: 7 8, 16, 32-bit operations available Address space - 4GB Programmable Timers: 5 Vectored Interrupt Levels: 16 Max DMA Transfer Rate: 33MB/sec System Timing System Clock Speed: 33MHz (CPU speed) Clock Cycle Time: 30ns (33MHz) I/O Address Map A-4 Specifications...
  • Page 150 Specijkations A - 5...
  • Page 151 A-6 Specifications...

  • Page 152: Appendix B System Motherboard

    Appendix B System MotherBoard Figure B-l. System Motherboard This appendix provides configuration and interface information for this board. You may skip this appendix if you are not installing expansion products that require changing the motherboard’s configuration settings. System Mother Board B-1...

  • Page 153: Hardware Settings

    Hardware Settings This system provides the programs to set the system configuration. The program “EISA Configuration Utility” can be used whenever you change the system hardware settings. If you want to do the followings, run the “EISA Configuration Utility” program and change the configuration settings. Install the EISA board on your system Change the memory configuration Set the 82485 cache controller to select optional cache...
  • Page 154 82485 Cache Controller 486™ microprocessor on this motherboard contains 8K byte cache memory. And this system also provides the optional sockets of cache memory chips for more efficient use. There are two sockets which can be installed the cache memory chip on the system motherboard. You should install the cache memory chips of equal size on them when use two cache memory chips.
  • Page 155 Use SIMMs that operate at 80ns (nanosecond) or slower access speed. Be sure all the SIMMs operate at the same speed. Use the correct SIMM configuration to add the amount of memory you want. See the table B-2. Once you have the SIMMs you need, you or your dealer can install them in your computer.

  • Page 156: Connectors

    You can operate this system at both 25MHz and 33MHz by EISA bus controller. If you’d like to change this system speed, run the “EISA Configuration Utility” program provided with this system. Connectors The system motherboard is provided with a number of connectors for communication with other parts of the computer system.
  • Page 157 I/O Expansion slot - CN20 - CN27 The system board contains eight expansion slots comprised of two basic types as follows: Two 8-bit ISA slots for PC/XT boards Six 32-bit EISA slots for EISA boards, PC/AT and PC/XT boards You should install only the ISA board on two 8-bit ISA slots. But it is possible to install both the EISA and ISA board on six 32 bit EISA slots.
  • Page 158 Parallel Port — CNB Connector CN9 on the system board provides a standard Centronics 25pin parallel interface Power Connector — CN2 The system board requires four DC voltage: + 12V, — 12V, +5V, and -5V. The power connector respectively supply power to the system board and to the six expansion slots.

  • Page 159: Appendix C Video Monitor Systems

    Appendix C Video Monitor Systems There are many video display systems available for use with your computer system. This appendix will provide a brief description of the most common video system types, and discuss their applications. Monitor System Resolution The main difference between video monitor system types is their screen resolution.
  • Page 160 The personal computer industry has established several video controller resolution and color standards. Some of these are described below. Hercules Graphics Compatible (HGC): HGC boards have become the video controller-of-choice for basic personal computer video display monitor systems. Providing dot resolutions up to 720X350, HGC boards display good quality text and graphics, while using shading to accommodate color software.
  • Page 161 The maximum screen resolutions of the different video standards is summarized below, along with their color and graphics features: H G C : maximum dot resolution: 720x350 maximum text display: 80 columns 25 lines colors: monochrome green or amber C G A : dot resolution: 640x200 maximum text display:...

  • Page 162: Monitor Types

    Monitor Types There are many different types of video monitor available. Some of the major ones are described below. Composite Video: With a 300~200 resolution, this type of monitor is usually used with home computers. They are not recommended for use with your system. TTL Monochrome: These monitors provide up to 1000~350 resolution, with either a green or amber colored screen.
  • Page 163 useful in applications that need good-looking graphics, or higher resolution text, though they are limited in the number of colors that can be displayed at a given time. If you are going to be using software that requires color, but not high resolution graphics, you should use an RGB video display monitor, connected to a CGA video controller board.

  • Page 164: Appendix D Connector Pinouts

    Appendix D Connector Pinouts I/O Ports RS-232C Serial port (9-pin subminiature “D” connector): Connector Pinouts D-1...
  • Page 165 Centronics-compatible parallel printer port (25-pin subminiature “D” connector): D-2 Connector Pinouts...

  • Page 166: Expansion Slot Connectors

    Keyboard port (6-pin mini “DIN” connector) Power Supply Connector (12-pin post header) Expansion Slot Connectors Your computer comes with industry standard 62 pin IBM compatible expansion slots and 198 pin EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) slots. There are six EISA (198-pin) and two 62 pin IBM XT expansion slot connectors mounted on the mother board.
  • Page 167 For six EISA slot connectors, you also can use ISA board as well as EISA board. But you can use only ISA board on two ISA slot connectors. D-4 Connector Pinouts...
  • Page 168 Expansion Slot Connector Pinouts 198 PIN ASSIGNMENT (EISA slot connector) Note EISA bus connectors construct of 2 layers and the pins marked “ < HIGH > ” are the first layer and “ < LOW > ” are the second. When you use ISA bus board on the 198 pin EISA slots, it will connect with the first layer only.
  • Page 169 D-6 Connector Pinouts...
  • Page 170 Connector Pinouts...
  • Page 171 D-8 Connector Pinouts...
  • Page 172 Connector Pinouts D-9...

  • Page 173: Appendix E Advanced Rom Diagnostics

    Appendix E Advanced ROM Diagnostics Introduction In addition to the POST diagnostics which are performed during power-up, the ROM BIOS also has an advanced diagnostics program which can perform specialized tests on each of the following when instructed: Hard disk drive(s) Floppy diskette drive(s) K e y b o a r d Video adapter board and monitor...

  • Page 174: Starting Advanced Rom Diagnostics

    Starting Advanced ROM Diagnostics To access the Advanced ROM BIOS Diagnostics, perform the following: Advanced ROM Diagnostics...
  • Page 175 The following screen should appear: Figure E-l. Starting Advanced ROM Diagnostics The screen is divided into six (6) sections. From top to bottom, these are: The Signature Line. This line includes the title of the program, the copyright, the name of the company which designed the program, the date, and the time in military format.

  • Page 176: Advanced Rom Diagnostics Tests

    The Diagnostics Options Window. Options Line is the Diagnostics Options Window for that option. The test options available in each Diagnostics Options Window are addressed in the following pages under the appropriate diagnostics heading (Hard Disk, Floppy Disk, Keyboard, Video, and Miscellaneous). The configuration of the system in the Devices Present section of the...

  • Page 177: Hard Disk Diagnostics

    Hard Disk Diagnostics The following tests can be performed on your hard disk(s): 1) Hard Disk Format, 2) Auto Interleave, 3) Media Analysis, 4) Performance Test, 5) Seek Test, 6) Read/Verify Test, 7) Check Test Cylinder Test, 8) Force Bad Tracks. Error Messages There are two types of error messages that can be generated as a result of performing the Hard Disk tests.
  • Page 178 Diagnostics Generated Error Messages This error message is generated by the Performance Test procedure which requires at least 128KB of RAM space. So, if your system board has less than 128KB of available RAM space, you cannot use this function. Controller Generated Error Messages The controller generated error messages encountered while performing any of the hard disk functions are displayed in a...
  • Page 179 The Hard Disk Format Test Warning! The Hard Disk Format Test is a destructive operation. Back up the hard disk(s) on which this routine will be performed before actually performing the operation. Note This test is not valid for a SCSI drive. Use the Hard Disk Format Test to 1) integrate a new hard disk to the system, or 2) reformat a used hard disk which has developed some bad patches as a result of aging or poor...
  • Page 180 The box on the left contains a series of questions (fields) which must be answered before performing the Hard Disk Format Test. The answers are entered to the right of the question mark. The first question will already be answered for you as long as a value has been previously entered at the CMOS Setup screen.

  • Page 181: Disk Drive Type

    Disk Drive Type After entering the appropriate response (if it hasn’t already been entered) the default value (1, if the drive was not entered during the CMOS Setup) for “Disk Drive Type” will appear to the right of the “?" following the “Disk Drive Type” field. The cursor blinks to the right of the “?,"...
  • Page 182 These 47 different drive types are identified by the following characteristics: This is the number designation for a drive with certain identification parameters. This is the number of cylinders found in the specified drive type. This is the number of heads found in the specified drive type.

  • Page 183: Interleave Factor

    Interleave Factor After pressing <ENTER> at the “Disk Drive type” field, the cursor will blink below either the default value or the previous value entered for the “Interleave (l-16)” field. The default value is the previous value determined by Auto Interleave. Type the desired value and press <...
  • Page 184 Mark Bad Tracks Advanced ROM Diagnostics E-12...
  • Page 185 The Bad Track Edit Menu With the block cursor highlighting “Add an entry,” press < ENTER >. This will cause another box to appear below the Bad Track Edit Menu. This box asks you to enter the track number for the entry you wish to add. When the box first appears, either the default (0) value or the previous value entered will appear.
  • Page 186 The Enter New Track # and Head # box will appear with the current track # (Cyl.) value entered in the field to the right of “Enter New Track #.” Type in a new value (if desired) at the blinking cursor, and press “Enter New Head #.”...
  • Page 187 Start Cylinder Number See Figure E-2. Enter the cylinder number where you want the formatting to begin. The default value is ‘0’. End Cylinder Number See Figure E-2. Enter the cylinder number where you want the formatting to end. The default value is the last cylinder in the drive. Start Head Number See Figure E-2.
  • Page 188 After you enter ‘Y’, the Activity box appears on the right side of the screen. “Format” portion of the Activity box, the specified cylinders, Status heads, and sectors are displayed sequentially as they are formatted. Advanced ROM Diagnostics E-16 highlighted in the Activity box. In...
  • Page 189 Auto Interleave Routine Note This test is not valid for a SCSI drive, Run the Auto Interleave Routine to optimize hard disk performance. This routine actually occurs in two separate steps. First, the BIOS will calculate the optimum interleave value through trial and error by measuring the transfer rate for four different interleave values.
  • Page 190 If you want to change a response to one or both of these fields before running the test, enter “N” at the “Proceed” field. This will return the cursor to the Disk Drive Type field unless the Disk Drive ID (CD) h as not been previously entered at the CMOS Setup screen.
  • Page 191 Entering “N” returns you to the Auto Interleave Routine Information Box. Entering “Y” causes the following information boxes to appear: 1) Auto Interleave Detection, 2) Bad Track List, and 3) Activity. In the Auto Interleave Detection box, the transfer rate is calculated for up to four (4) different interleave factors.
  • Page 192 Media Analysis Test The Media Analysis Test performs a series of tests to locate bad patches. Even though you may have a list of bad patches from the manufacturer, this will not list any new bad patches which may have developed as a result of aging or poor handling. This test locates all bad tracks on the hard disk and lists them in the Bad Track List box.
  • Page 193 To run the Media Analysis Test: At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Media Analysis.” Press < ENTER >. Fill in the appropriate response for each of the following fields in the Hard Disk Surface Analysis information box: Advanced ROM Diagnostics E-21...
  • Page 194 Each of these fields are described earlier in this section under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.” When you have filled the first seven fields with an appropriate response, enter “Y” in the Proceed field. The following WARNING message will appear: The Bad Track List with all current entries, and the Activity box will also appear at this time.
  • Page 195 Hard Disk Performance Test Note Before performing the Hard Disk Performance Test, optimize the Interleave factor. See Auto Interleave Routine earlier in this section for instructions. The Performance Test determines the Data Transfer Rate and the Track to Track Seek time based on transfer size, seek count and data transferred.
  • Page 196 E-24 Advanced ROM Diagnostics...

  • Page 197: Seek Test

    Seek Test The Seek Test determines the seek capability of the hard disk on the specified cylinder and head range. First, a sequential seek is performed, followed by a random seek. Any errors occurring during this test are displayed. To perform a Seek Test: At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Seek Test.”...
  • Page 198 Hard Disk Read/Verify lest This test performs sequential and random read and verify operations on the cylinder and head range specified in the Hard Disk Read/Verify Test Information box. To perform the Hard Disk Read/Verify Test: At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Hard Disk Read/Verify Test.”...
  • Page 199 Each of these fields are described earlier in this section under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.” When you have filled the first six fields with an appropriate response, enter “Y” in the Proceed field. This will cause the Activity box to appear on the right side of the screen. As the test is performed, the cylinder numbers, head numbers, and sector numbers are first displayed sequentially to the specified range, then randomly displayed.
  • Page 200 Check Test Cylinder Test The last cylinder on the hard disk is the test cylinder. This cylinder should be tested if a C:Drive or D:Drive error occurs during the POST. A Read/Verify test is performed on all sectors in the test cylinder. This test should pass in at least one sector.
  • Page 201 At the Hard Disk menu, highlight “Check Test Cyl.” using the bar cursor. Then, press Hard Disk Test Cylinder Test box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses. These responses are addressed earlier in this tab under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.”...
  • Page 202 E-31 Advanced ROM Diagnostics...
  • Page 203 Force Bad Tracks Routine Figure E-12 The force Bad Tracks Routine N o t e This routine is not valid for SCSI drives. This operation allows you to define a set of tracks as faulty before performing a low level format. This routine accomplishes the same objective as the Hard Disk Format Test, serving as a short cut routine for marking bad tracks before formatting the disk.

  • Page 204: Floppy Diagnostics

    Hard Disk Test Cylinder Test box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses. These responses are addressed earlier in this section under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.”...
  • Page 205 E-33 Advanced ROM Diagnostics...

  • Page 206: Error Messages

    Error Messages Error messages can either be ROM Diagnostics generated, or controller generated. The error messages encountered while performing any of the diskette functions are displayed in a window with 2 lines: ROM Diagnostics Generated Error Messages This error message is generated while running the “Disk change line test”...
  • Page 207 Diskette WRITE PROTECTED (Write protect error) MEDIA CHANGE error (Media type not found) BAD DMA error (DMA overrun on operation) Record Not Found (Requested sector not found) BAD Address Mark (Address mark not found) Floppy Diskette Format Test Advanced ROM Diagnostics E-35...
  • Page 208 Diskette Format Test: perform a Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu, “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor.

  • Page 209: Drive Speed Test

    Entering: “Y” at the "Proceed” field causes the Activity box to appear on the right side of the screen. “Fomat” is highlighted in the upper half of the box. This flashes while the test is in progress to indicate that this function is being performed. In the lower half of this box, the status line displays the number of the cylinders, the number of the heads, and the number of the sectors in sequence as they are formatted.
  • Page 210 To perform a Drive Speed Test: Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu. “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor.
  • Page 211 After inserting a formatted diskette in the drive, and pressing the message box will contain the following < ENTER>, message: At the bottom of the Activity box, the message “Wait for 2 minutes” will appear briefly as the test begins. The test will record a LOWER limit, and an UPPER limit during this time period.
  • Page 212 Warning! This test is a destructive data on the diskette required to perform these tests will be destroyed. ‘When performing these operations, be certain that the formatted diskettes required for these tests does not contain valuable information which cannot be recovered from the hard disk or from another diskette.
  • Page 213 Disk Menu, “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor. Use the down arrow key to highlight “Random Read/Write Test.” Press < ENTER>. That causes the Diskette format box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses.
  • Page 214 < ENTER >, the message box will contain the following message: In the upper portion of the activity box, “Read,” “Write,” and “Verify” will flash in sequence as these operations are performed. In the Status portion of the Activity box, the cylinder numbers, head numbers, and sector numbers will be read, written, and verified.
  • Page 215 To perform the Sequential Read/Write Test: Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu, “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor.
  • Page 216 Figure E-17. The Sequential Read/Write Test Entering “Y” causes two information boxes to appear: 1) a message box on the left side of the screen, and 2) the Activity box on the right side of the screen. The message box contains the following message: E-44 Advanced ROM Diagnostics...

  • Page 217: Disk Change Line Test

    After inserting a formatted diskette in the drive, and pressing < ENTER >, the message box will contain the following message: In the upper portion of the Activity box, “Write,” and “Verify” will flash in sequence as these operations are performed.
  • Page 218 Figure E-18. The Disk Change Line Test To perform Test: the Disk Change Line Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu, “Diskette format”...
  • Page 219 The response for the first field depends upon the response given in the CMOS Setup screen. If the response entered by the user at the CMOS Setup screen was “A,” this field will automatically display “A.” If the response entered by the user at the CMOS Setup screen was “B,”...

  • Page 220: Keyboard Diagnostics

    In the upper portion of the Activity box, “Verify” will be highlighted. In the Status portion of the Activity box, the cylinder number will display “0, ” the head number will display “0,” and the sector number will display has been completed, press menu.
  • Page 221 V i d e o D i a g n o s t i c s The range of video tests available depends upon the type of display adapter card installed in the system. The following tests are available for both monochrome color display adapters and monitors: Figure E-19.
  • Page 222 These tests are available for systems with a color display card and color monitor: Test results for all diagnostics functions except the Sync Test are displayed on the screen. To perform any of these visual tests: Highlight “Video” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys.

  • Page 223: Miscellaneous Diagnostics

    Miscellaneous Diagnostics These include the following tests: 1) Printer Port Test, and 2) Serial Communication Port Test. Printer Adapter Test This test writes a pattern on the printer. The results are observed here. If the printer does not write, then the test has failed.
  • Page 224 Figure E-20. The Printer Adapter Test Serial Communication Adapter Test This test requires a special RS-232 Turn-Around Connector plugged into the port. It must be jumpered as follows: TXD & RXD (2 & 3) shorted RTS &. CTS (4 & 5) shorted DSR DTR (6 &...
  • Page 225 Error Messages Error—Time out! Error-Break Error Framing error Error Parity error Error—Overrun error If a time out error occurs during the send and receive portions, this indicates a problem with the communication adapter controller. To perform the Serial Communication Port Test: Highlight “Miscellaneous”...
  • Page 226 The message box in the middle of the Screen displays: This test will run for about 2 minutes. Press <ENTER> to return to the main menu when the test is completed. Figure E-21. Serial Communication Adapter Test E-54 Advanced ROM Diagnostics...

  • Page 227: Eisa Configuration Utility

    Appendix F EISA Configuration Utility The EISA Configuration Utility is used to configure EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) computer systems. EISA systems and adaptor cards are much more complex and flexible than the older ISA designs. Using DIP switches and jumpers to configure EISA cards would be much too complex.

  • Page 228: Main Menu

    You can use the available key conventions listed on the bottom line of the main menu or mouse to select each parameter. Main Menu The main menu has five choices. To select a choice, use the cursor keys to move the menu bar to the choice, and then press <...

  • Page 229: File Menu

    or manually, check syntax of CFG files, or write configuration information into CMOS memory. For more information see Configuration Menu. Display/Print Display or print any information related to a configuration that has been saved. For more information, see Display/Print. Help Context sensitive help, for more information see Using Help.
  • Page 230 Two options are available from the file menu: Copy Copies CFG files from diskettes into the working COPY directory. The default source and destination path can be overridden, as well as the *.CFG filespec. Backup Makes a backup copy of CMS and INF files (which contain a saved configuration).
  • Page 231 File Copy allows CFG Files to be copied from diskettes into the current directory. You may override the source and destination to copy files between any two drives/directories. Configuration will be easier if all CFG files are in the default directory. When prompted, insert the diskette in the specified drive.
  • Page 232 If the source and destination are the same diskette drive, you may choose for diskette changing. to pause Backup Configuration To run the “Back Up”, select the item on the main menu then you can see the following message. F-6 EISA Configuration Utility...

  • Page 233: Extended Cmos Memory

    Select “Yes”. Backup allow you to make a backup copy of your configuration. This is done by copying the configuration storage files to a diskette. These two files are the CMS File and the INF File. If more than one pair of CMS/INF files are in the current directory, you will be asked to choose which one to backup.

  • Page 234: Configuration Menu

    To run the “Configure”, select the item on the main menu then you can see the following message. Three options are available from the configure menu: Check CFG File Runs a syntax check on one or more CFG files and reports any errors.
  • Page 235 Write Ext CMOS This option will copy the contents of a CMS File into this system’s Extended CMOS Memory which is maintained by the battery when the system is turned off. Doing this will erase any previous configuration information stored in Extended CMOS Memory.
  • Page 236 Automatic vs. Manual: Selecting “Automatic” will cause the configuration utility to ask you only a few essential questions. In automatic mode a default configuration will be produced. Selecting “Manual” allows access to advanced features such as function choice selection and resource allocation editing. The “Add Board”...
  • Page 237 Which CMS File to modify: If “Modify Old Con iguration” is selected, you must tell the utility which CMS file contains the saved configuration data. There are three options here. 1. Use default CMS name The utility searches for a CMS file matching the name of the system board.
  • Page 238 Modify Configuration Menu There are four options available from this menu: Edit Functions/Resources Choosing this option allows advanced configuration editing. You may change function choice settings and resource allocation settings. Add a Board Allows one or more boards to be added to the current configuration.
  • Page 239 Done with Configuration Select this option when you are done editing, adding, and removing boards. The CMS File and INF File will be saved at this time. If you are configuring in “Local Mode” the system’s Extended CMOS Memory will be updated also. Configuration Editing Select the “Edit Functions/Resources”...
  • Page 240 This menu contains a list of all functions for TriGem EISA 486/33 System board. Each function has a choice setting and may have one or more resource blocks. To change a function’s choice setting, select one of the long horizontal bars on the screen.
  • Page 241 Video Board, option If you select “Video Board Option”, the function select screen will display like the following. This menu shows the choice settings available for a function. The current setting is indicated by a mark beside that setting. You may change the current setting by selecting a different choice.
  • Page 242 2. Cache Memory Option You can use 64KB or 128KB Cache memory with the system. If you’d like to change the default setting of Cache memory size, select “Cache memory Option” on the Board Function menu. Select the Cache memory size according to the one installed on the system.
  • Page 243 If you select “RAM Size Option”, the function will display like the following. In case you expand the RAM by installing SIMM on the main board, select the proper item according it’s size. select screen EISA Configuration Utility F - l 7...

  • Page 244: Displayprint

    The Display/Print menu has three groups of options. First select which information you want to display (several types of information can be selected at one time). Next select the information source (“All Boards:’ or “Selected Boards”). If you choose “Selected Boards,” you will be presented with a menu of boards.

  • Page 245: Cfg Files

    The help window includes a menu with five choices. To select a choice, use the cursor keys to move the menu bar to the desired choice and then press < Enter >. If you are using a mouse; you may select a menu choice by moving the mouse to the desired choice and pressing any button on the mouse.

  • Page 246: Duplicate Files

    ‘When copying a CFG file into a directory, TriGem EISA Configuration Utility checks to see if the file already exists. If the file is already present, you are given the opportunity to copy the file, but store it under a different name. The new name will be determined by the industry standard procedure for duplicate CFG files.

  • Page 247: Inffile

    The INF file contains detailed information about a configuration such as switch and jumper settings, software statements, connection statements, and resource allocation. The INF file is used by the “Display/Print” command to recall information on a saved configuration. Each INF file should have a corresponding CMS file.

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