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Epson Equity I User Manual

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  • Page 1 ® EPSON ™ Equity User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Epson Corporation No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

  • Page 3: Fcc Compliance Statement

    Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Serial interface ......Using Epson printers with the Equity special character set ......
  • Page 6 Using Option Cards ......Installing an Option Card ..... . . Removing the cover .
  • Page 7 System arrangement ......Rear panel ........Front panel .

  • Page 8: Introduction

    RGB color monitor. And you can connect your Equity to any one of Check with your Epson dealer from time to time to find out which external devices and option cards are available. You can use most of the cards designed for the IBM@ personal computer on your Equity.

  • Page 9: How To Use This Manual

    If you have used MS-DOS before on another computer, you will find that it works the same on your Equity. You may want to refer to your Equity MS-DOS manual, however, for the special menu utilities added by Epson. to unpack and set up your sys-...

  • Page 10: Setting Up Your System

    Epson dealer. You’ll find two registration cards: one with the main unit and one with the keyboard. Fill these cards out now and mail them to Epson. With your registration cards on file, Epson can continue to support your hardware and software.

  • Page 11: Choosing A Location

    Choosing a Location An important part of setting up your Equity is deciding where to locate it. Whether you use your computer at home or in the office, you want to choose a comfortable, convenient location. Before you set up your system, be sure the location you’ve selected provides the following: A large, sturdy desk or table.

  • Page 12: Arranging The Components

    Arranging the Components First decide how you want to arrange the different parts of your sys- tem. The most common setup, shown in Figure is to lay the main l-l, unit flat and set the video monitor on top of it with the keyboard directly in front (leaving enough space to insert disks into the disk drives).

  • Page 13: The Rear Panel

    The Rear Panel Before you connect your system components, take a quick look at the rear panel to familiarize yourself with the locations of the various Equity input/output ports. Figure 1-2 shows where you connect the vari- ous peripheral devices. WARNING: Do not connect the power cord until you have connected all peripheral devices.

  • Page 14: The Front Panel

    Here are brief descriptions of each of the ports: AC outlet. Auxiliary power outlet. Power consumption should not exceed 65 watts. Power cord. Supplies electrical power to the computer. Always turn the power switch OFF before you plug the power cord into an outlet. RS-232C serial port.

  • Page 15: Front Panel

    Disk lock/release button Optional / disk drive slot The front panel components work as follows: Disk lock/release button. Press to lock a diskette in place. Press again to eject it. Disk drive LED lamps. A red light indicates that the drive is being accessed.

  • Page 16: Removing The Disk Drive Protector Sheets

    Removing the disk drive protector sheets A cardboard sheet occupies the disk slot in the floppy-disk drive. This sheet is inserted at the factory to protect the recording heads. Remove the sheet before you connect any cable. Press the button labelled PUSH on the left side of the drive.

  • Page 17: Connecting The Components

    Connecting the Components Once you set up the various components of your system, you need to connect the necessary cables. If you follow the instructions and refer to the figures in this section, you should have no trouble. Connecting the Video Monitor The video monitor should be on top of or near the Equity main unit.

  • Page 18: Connecting The Keyboard

    Figure gives you an idea of how to connect the monitor, Figure 2-1. Connecting the monitor cable 4. When you check the DIP switch settings later in this chapter, be sure they are set correctly for the type of monitor you have. If you have trouble getting a display, check that the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor are set correctly.

  • Page 19: Keyboard Cable Connection

    With the front of the main unit facing you, open the cover at the lower right front corner. Insert the keyboard connector as shown in Figure 2-2. Do not force the connector, but make sure you insert it all the way See that the cable exits to the right of the main unit.

  • Page 20: Special Keys

    Figure 2-3. Adjusting the keyboard legs To disconnect the keyboard, open the cover on the main unit and press down on the retaining clip to release the cable. Lift the tab on the connector, and pull it straight out from the main unit. Special keys The dark gray keys have special functions and are used in various ways by applications programs.

  • Page 21: Connecting Your Printer

    Parallel interface The parallel connector on the Equity is a Centronics compatible con- nector but uses a DB-25 on many other computers. Most Epson printers have a parallel interface. socket, the same type as the serial port RS-232C...

  • Page 22: Printer Placement

    To connect your printer to a parallel interface: Place the printer in a convenient location next to your system so that the power and data cables do not interfere with the paper. See Figure 2-5. Figure 2-5. Printer placement Before connecting any cables, make sure the power switches to both the main unit and the monitor are switched OFF.

  • Page 23: Serial Interface

    ASCII codes. In most cases, if you try to print these characters on a standard printer, you get italic charac- ters instead. Many Epson printers support the IBM character set (like those used on the Equity) as a standard feature, and other printers can be adapted.

  • Page 24: Location Of Dip Switches

    DIP Switch Settings When you first turn on your system, it checks the DIP switch settings to determine the memory size, the monitor type, the number of floppy disk drives, and the built-in interfaces being used. Your dealer should have set these switches for you. However, read the descriptions carefully and make sure the switches are set to meet your system requirements.

  • Page 25: Dip Switches Settings

    DIP switch functions Inside the DIP switch cover is a label that identifies each of the DIP switches and shows the different ways they can be set (see Figure 2-8). The paragraphs below describe the various possible settings for your DIP switches.
  • Page 26 If you are not sure how much memory your computer has, set these switches after you turn the computer ON for the first time. The initial messages on the screen tell you the memory size. You can then set the switches accordingly.

  • Page 27: Using Your Equity

    Troubleshooting section, or if you wish to install an math coprocessor, consult your Epson dealer. Always turn off the power, disconnect the main power cord, and wait for a few minutes before removing the cover from the computer (to install or remove option cards only).

  • Page 28: The Initial Screen Display

    As the system performs its self-test, you see a message similar to the one: ROM Rev. X.Xx mm/dd/yy Copyright (c) Epson Corporation 1985 All Rights Reserved When the computer has tested the memory circuits, you see a mes- sage telling you how much RAM is available:...

  • Page 29: Inserting And Removing Disks

    To load an operating system, turn on the computer, then insert the system disk you want to use, as described below. Refer to the appropri- ate operating system manual for details on how to use the system. Note: It is good practice to use a backup copy of the system disk for daily use and keep the original in a safe place.

  • Page 30: Resetting The Computer

    Resetting the Computer You may occasionally need to reset the computer, either to load a different operating system, or because a program has failed and the com- puter does not respond to your keyboard commands. However, reset- ting the computer causes all data in memory to be lost, so if you have a problem, you should reset the computer only as a last resort.

  • Page 31: Using Disks

    The disk drives in your computer let you store your work and pro- grams on removable floppy disks for future use. All Equity systems have at least one floppy disk drive; others may also have a hard disk drive, either built-in or as an external unit. The disk you insert in the floppy disk drive is a round piece of flexible plastic covered with a magnetic coating.

  • Page 32: Choosing Floppy Disks For The Equity

    Because the data is stored magnetically, you can read it, write to it, and erase it many times like a magnetic tape. The tracks on a disk are arranged so any item of data can be reached very quickly. Although the processes involved in controlling the disk drives are complex, you do not need to worry about them because the disk operating system looks after all the details.

  • Page 33: Protecting Your Data

    Be careful when you place labels on your disks. Attach labels firmly but gently, and only along the top of the disk (next to the manufac- tuer’s label). Avoid placing several labels on top of one other. They may prevent the disk from spinning freely in the disk drive. It is best to write on the label before placing it on the disk.

  • Page 34: Write-Protecting Floppy Disks

    Write-protecting floppy disks The right edge of a floppy disk has a small, rectangular notch as shown in Figure 4-1. If this notch is not covered, you can write new data to the disk. If it is covered with an adhesive write-protect tab, you can read data on the disk but you can not write new information to it or delete any files.

  • Page 35: Using A Single Floppy Disk Drive

    Using a Hard Disk Drive The internal hard disk which comes with certain configurations of the Epson Equity has a capacity of 20 megabytes-about 20 million char- acters. This is equivalent to around 60 floppy disks. Using the hard disk greatly reduces the number of floppy disks you need and eliminates much of the disk-swapping you have to do.
  • Page 36 Epson’s, follow the preparation instructions provided with your hard disk. Before you can use the Epson internal hard disk, you must do four things to prepare it: Format the entire hard disk with the MS-DOS program HDFMTALL.

  • Page 37: Using Option Cards

    Option cards are available from Epson and several other vendors. In addition, multifunction boards (available from other vendors) allow you to add other features without using additional slots.

  • Page 38: Back Panel Screws

    The back panel is secured with three screws as shown in Figure Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver, and put them to one Figure 5-1. Back panel screws The top cover is secured by two screws on each side of the computer as shown in Figure 5-2.

  • Page 39: Inserting The Option Card

    Figure 5-3 shows how to tilt the cover up slightly and move it away from the main unit. Set the cover aside for now. Figure 5-3. Removing cover Inserting the option card Most option cards can be placed into any of the three option slots. Some cards may need to be installed in a specific slot.

  • Page 40: Option Card Installation

    Grip the card firmly by the top corners and position it as shown. The contact pins should be pointing down and the components should be facing toward the inside of the main unit. Slide the card into the slot as shown in Figure 5-4, placing the tab at the bottom of the retaining bracket into the corresponding notch at the back of the computer.

  • Page 41: Removing An Access Slot Cover

    Removing an access slot cover If the option card has an external device connection, such as your video monitor, remove the access slot cover that corresponds to the posi- tion of the option card. Hold the back panel of the computer with the inside facing you. The individual access slot covers are held in position by a tab at the bot- tom and a clip at the top.

  • Page 42: Removing Option Cards

    If you have an Equity with 256K of memory, you can add extra memory in two ways. A number of option cards are available to expand the memory up to 640K, and a special Epson memory expansion card is available from your Epson dealer to expand memory to 512K without...

  • Page 43: Memory Expansion Connector

    You install a memory option card the same way you install other option cards. Installing an option card is described at the beginning of this chapter. The procedure to install the Epson 256K expansion card is as follows: Remove the main unit cover as described earlier in this chapter.

  • Page 44: Using A Mouse

    During periods of frequent use, clean the roller on the mouse about every two weeks. To clean the roller on an Epson mouse, turn it over and remove the roller cover by pushing it to the side and lifting it out. For another mouse, turn it over and remove the roller cover by turning it counterclockwise.

  • Page 45: A Troubleshooting

    Most of the minor difficulties you might encounter can be resolved by one of the suggestions below. If none of these solve the problem, consult an Epson dealer about servicing the computer. WARNING: If the computer has to be turned OFF for any reason, always wait at least 5 seconds before switching it back ON.

  • Page 46: The Computer Hangs Up Or Freezes

    Check to see that the power indicator on the monitor is lit. If it is not, turn the power OFF, wait 5 seconds, then turn the power back ON. Wait to see if the display screen appears. Remove any disks, then turn the monitor and main unit power switches OFF.

  • Page 47: Software Problems

    Is the disk write-protected? A write-protect tab may be placed over the notch on the side of the disk. Think twice before removing it. It might be a new disk, but it might also be a disk with information you do not want to change or lose.

  • Page 48: Option Card Problems

    However, if the hard disk does not function properly, have it checked immediately by an authorized Epson service center. The recording disk is enclosed in an air-tight container that you should never open.

  • Page 49: B Specifications

    CPU and Memory 8088 microprocessor, 4.77 MHz clockrate %-bit CPU 256k or 512k; expandable to 640k Main memory R O M Controllers IBM compatible monochrome and color/graph- Video/Graphic ics controller Double-density floppy disk controller Disk Programmable DMA controller with 4 chan- D M A nels-two main systems (one for refreshing and one for floppy disk controller), two available for...

  • Page 50: Power Supply

    Power Supply Switching type, fan-cooled, +5VDC, + 12 Mass Storage Single/Dual 51/4-in. floppy disks, double-sided, double-density, multiple format 360K per disk Optional 5% in. hard disk, 20 MegaBytes Capacity Keyboard Detachable, two positions, 83 sculpted keys 56-key QWERTY main keyboard, 17-key Layout numeric pad, 10 function keys x 3 levels (nor- mal/shift/alternate), user definable...

  • Page 51: C Glossary

    ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard way of assigning numerical codes to characters and control codes. The character set on the Equity is based on the US ASCII code system, with the addition of a large number of international and graphics characters. Backup copy A copy of a disk or file kept in case your working copy is damaged.
  • Page 52 The unit inside a microcomputer that processes data and performs calculations. Device A piece of equipment forming part of a computer system such as disk drives, monitor, printer and so on. DIP switch One switch on a set of small switches (on the front panel of the com- puter) which give the system information about itself.
  • Page 53 Operating system A set of software routines which control the way programs run on a computer, and supervise all input and output to and from the system. Parallel A method of organizing communications between two pieces of computer equipment in which the signals that make up each character are sent simultaneously.
  • Page 54 Software The programs you run on your computer. System disk A disk containing the files which make up the operating system for the computer.

  • Page 55: Index

    AC outlet 7 Alt 15, 24 Air circulation 4 Application programs 24 ARCHIVE utility 30 Arranging components 5 ASCII C-l Auto-dial modems 31 Auxiliary outlet 7, 11 Back panel screws 32 Backup copies 23, 30, C-1 daily 23 making 27-28 Baud rate C-1 Backspace key 15 Bit C-1...
  • Page 56 Controllers Control/Timer B-1 Disk B-1 DMA B-1 Interrupt B-1 Printer I/O B-1 Serial I/O B-1 Video/Graphic B-1 Cooling fan, main unit 22 Copying files 29 Cover, main unit 31-33, 35-36 CP/M-86 22 CPU B-1, C-2 Ctrl Alt Del 24 Ctrl key 15, 24 Cursor 15 Data 26-27, 30 DB-25 16...
  • Page 57 DU 28 Electromagnetic interference 4 Enter key 15 Environmental conditions 4 Environmental requirements humidity B-2 temperature B-2 Epson printers 1 Equity cable connections 11-18 components, arranging the 5 disk drive See Disk drive disk See Disk electromagnetic interference 4 environmental conditions 4...
  • Page 58 Floppy disk drive 21, 26, 29 problems A-2 Format floppy disk 23 hard disk 30 Formatting C-2 Front panel, Equity 7-8 GW-BASIC 15 Hard copy C-2 Hard disk drive 21-22, 25, 36 care of 27 internal 29-30 partition 30 problems A-4 Hardware C-2 HDFMTALL 30 HDFORMAT 30...
  • Page 59 5 brightness and contrast A-1 cable A-2 color, RGB 1, 3 connecting the 11-12 display 12, 21, 24, A-1 Epson 3 external device connector 35 monochrome 1, 3 power switch A-2 video card 1, 3 video 3, 5 MS-DOS 1, 15, 17, 22-24, 27-30...
  • Page 60 installing 31-34 long 34 metal cover plate 33 panel, back 31-32, 35-36 problems A-4 retaining bracket 34 retaining screw 33-34 removing 26 slots 33 washer 33-34 Outlet 17, 31, A-1-A-2 AC 6-7 Auxiliary 7, 11 grounded 4 Packing materials 3 Parallel C-3 cable 16 interface 1, 7, 15-16, 20...
  • Page 61 RAM 22, C-3 Read-write head 25-27 Rear panel, Equity 6-7 Registration cards 3 Reset button 8, 24 Resetting the computer 8, 24, C-3 Retaining screws 17 ROM B-1, C-3 RS-232C serial port 7, 15, C-3 Screws back panel 32 retaining 33 top cover 32, 36 Self-diagnostic test, Equity internal 22 Serial C-3...

  • Page 62: Limited Warranty

    Epson Service Center and bring the product securely packaged in its original container or an equivalent, along with proof of the date of original purchase, to your Epson Dealer or to an authorized Epson Service Center. Epson America, Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace on an exchange basis the defective unit, without charge for parts or labor.

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