Epson Equity III User Manual
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Epson Equity III User Manual

Epson Equity III User Manual

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EPSON
Equity™ III+
User's Guide
Y 1 2 6 9 9 1 1 2 3 0 0

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  • Page 1 ® EPSON Equity™ III+ User’s Guide Y 1 2 6 9 9 1 1 2 3 0 0...

  • Page 2: Important Notice

    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Seiko Epson Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

  • 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. For non- Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Introduction ........How to Use this Manual ......Setting Up Your System .
  • Page 5 Using a Single Floppy Disk Drive ....Using a Hard Disk Drive ......Installing Option Cards .
  • Page 6 System arrangement ....Front panel ......Backpanel .
  • Page 7 A-9 Main circuit board jumpers ..... . . A-10 Disconnecting disk drive cable from multi-function card . A-11 Removing multi-function card retaining screw ..A-12 Multi-function card jumpers .

  • Page 8: Introduction

    An Epson printer or plotter. You can also use most cards for the IBM® Personal Computer, PC XT™, and PC AT™ on the Equity III+. Check with your Epson dealer from time to time to find out which peripherals and option cards are available.

  • Page 9: How To Use This Manual

    Refer to your software program documentation for information on using the software. Additionally, the Equity III+ supports multiple users and multiple task- ing with the appropriate operating system. Consult your Epson dealer for more information. How to Use this Manual This user’s guide explains how to set up and care for your Equity III+.

  • Page 10: Setting Up Your System

    You’ll also find a registration card with the main unit. Fill this card out now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you update information. Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best protection possible for your computer if you need to move or ship it later.

  • Page 11: Removing The Disk Drive Protector Sheet

    Removing the disk drive protector sheet A cardboard sheet occupies the diskette slot in the floppy disk drive. This sheet is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads. Be sure to remove it before you connect any cables. Turn the latch that covers the disk slot counterclockwise until it is horizontal.

  • Page 12: Arranging The Components

    No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away from any electrical device that generates an electromagnetic field. Even a tele- phone can cause trouble, especially if you keep diskettes right Arranging the Components First decide how you want to arrange the different parts of your system.

  • Page 13: The Front Panel

    The front panel Figure 1-2 identifies the various components on the front panel. P;;;r Ha;;v$sk F l o p p y d i s k lamp LED lamp ~/-!~j Keyboard VOLUME MONITOR cable control SELECT SPEED knob socket Floppy disk drive. The top drive is a floppy disk drive that uses high- density (1.2MB) diskettes.

  • Page 14: The Back Panel

    Key Lock. Use the key to lock the main unit and keyboard. Turn the key clockwise to lock the computer and counterclockwise to unlock it. You can remove the key in either position. (Locking the computer disables button.) RESET button. Press this button to reset the computer. When an operat- RESET ing system is running and the computer is unlocked, you can press the button to reboot the system.

  • Page 15: Connecting The Power Cord

    WARNING: Connect all your peripherals before you plug in the power cable. After you plug in the power cable, always turn off the power switch before you connect or disconnect any peripheral. Voltage switch. Leave this switch at 115V for USA and Canadian use. Slide the switch to the right to select 230V for use in other countries (as necessary).

  • Page 16: Connecting A Video Monitor

    Figure 1-4. Connecting the power cord Connecting a Video Monitor The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the main unit depends on the type of monitor you have. Refer to your monitor manual for detailed instructions or follow the general guidelines below. Note: Your dealer may have installed a video card in your main unit to control your monitor.

  • Page 17: Connecting The Monitor

    Figure 1-5. Connecting the monitor The monitor type must match the video card in the main unit. If you have a color card, you can use one of two connectors: a nine-pin, female D-connector for RGB monitors or an RCA connector for composite video monitors.

  • Page 18: Connecting The Keyboard

    Note: If a monochrome monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plug it into the auxiliary outlet next to the power inlet at the back of the Equity III+ main unit. Set the monitor switch on the front panel of the main unit for the type of monitor you are using.

  • Page 19: Plugging The Keyboard Cable Into The Main Unit

    Plug the other end of the cable into the keyboard socket, as shown in Figure 1-8. Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the way. Figure 1-8. Plugging the keyboard cable into the main unit You can tilt the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bot- tom.

  • Page 20: Connecting A Printer

    DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel interfaces. To connect a printer to the main unit, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, consult your Epson dealer. Once you have a printer cable, follow these steps to connect your printer to the parallel interface on the main unit: Place the printer next to your system.

  • Page 21: Serial Interface

    Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shown in Figure 1-11. To secure the cable, tighten the squeeze locks at each side of the printer port and push them into the connectors on each side of the cable.

  • Page 22: Turning On The Computer

    Some Epson printers support the IBM character set (the character set the Equity III+ uses) as a standard feature, and others can be adapted. In addition, some application programs can print the special graphic characters on a standard printer when you use a special printer driver program. Ask your Epson dealer for more information.

  • Page 23: Initial Setup Procedure

    First, make sure the power cord is plugged into the power inlet on the back panel of the main unit. Then plug the power cable into a 3-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet. Turn on the monitor so you can see the messages that appear as your computer starts up.

  • Page 24: Initial Screen Display

    Initial screen display After the computer completes its self test, a message tells you how much RAM (random access memory) is available, for example: 640 KB Then the following message displays: Non-System disk or disk error Replace and strike any key when ready This tells you the computer can now load an operating system from a disk- ette in the top drive.

  • Page 25: Using The Equity Iii

    Using the Equity III+ This chapter covers some basic procedures for using your Equity III+ computer and keyboard. Locking the Computer The key lock on the front panel allows you to disable the keyboard and RESET button and lock the top cover of the main unit for security. This provides a safeguard against someone accessing confidential information or altering your computer’s internal hardware.

  • Page 26: Inserting And Removing Diskettes

    The keys come with an identification tag and an Epson ID card which contains the serial number and an address. If you need replacement keys, send your request to this address. Keep the ID card in a safe place, too;...

  • Page 27: Special Keys On The Equity Iii+ Keyboard

    To remove the diskette, turn the latch counterclockwise until it is hori- zontal and the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it properly, such as in a special diskette con- tainer.

  • Page 28: Special Keys

    Table 2-1. Special keys keys work as toggles Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Caps Lock when you press them. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light on the upper-right corner of the keyboard is on; when the function is dis- abled, the light is off.

  • Page 29: Controlling The Volume

    Controlling the Volume Your Equity III+ has a speaker which enables it to beep when you are using certain application programs. You can control the speaker’s loudness with the VOLUME knob on the front panel. See Figure 2-4. Turn it to the right to make it louder or to the left to make it quieter.

  • Page 30: Resetting The Computer

    When the computer is running at 6 MHz, the LED power light is red. At 8 MHz, the LED is orange, and at 10 MHz, the LED is green. After you change the speed, you need to reset the computer by pressing the RESET button to make the new speed take effect.

  • Page 31: Turning Off The Computer

    Remove any diskettes from the floppy disk drives. Turn off the monitor and any peripheral devices and then turn off the Equity III+ using the power switch on the right side of the main unit. Wait five seconds and then switch the power back on. Turning Off the Computer Before you turn off your computer, save your data, exit the program you are using, and then remove all diskettes from the disk drives.

  • Page 33: Using Disks And Disk Drives

    Using Disks and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and retrieve and use stored data when you like. All Equity III+ systems have at least one floppy disk drive; you may also have a hard disk drive and/or a second floppy disk drive in your system.

  • Page 34: Choosing Diskettes For The Equity Iii

    Choosing Diskettes for the Equity III+ When you buy diskettes, be sure to choose high-quality diskettes with reinforced hub rings. The added reliability is well worth the extra cost. You also need to make sure you buy the proper format type for the drive(s) in your system.

  • Page 35: Drive/Diskette Compatibility

    You can use a double-density diskette in a 1.2MB drive if you format it as a 360KB (or 320KB) diskette in the 1.2MB drive first. (Your MS-DOS or other operating system manual explains how to format a diskette in the density you choose.) After you do this, you can read and write to that diskette only when it is in a 1.2MB drive.

  • Page 36: Caring For Your Disks And Disk Drives

    If you have two drives of different types and want to copy from one diskette to another of the same type, you need to use MS-DOS to change your system’s drive configuration. You do this by inserting the MS-DOS command DRIVER.SYS in a configuration file. See “Device Drivers” in Chapter 7 of your MS-DOS manual for instructions.

  • Page 37: Protecting Your Data

    Do not remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a disk. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data. Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer. If you have a hard disk drive, take these additional precautions: Never turn off the power to the computer when the hard disk drive light is on.

  • Page 38: Write-Protect Notch

    cannot store new data on the diskette or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a write-protected diskette, an error message dis- plays. To write-protect a 514inch diskette, cover the small, rectangular notch shown in Figure 3-1 with an adhesive write-protect tab. Write-protect tabs usually come with new 5Kinch diskettes when you buy them.

  • Page 39: Using A Single Floppy Disk Drive

    Store your other files on floppy disks. Before you can use the Epson internal hard disk, you must do the follow- ing things to prepare it: Use the Setup program on your diagnostics diskette to prepare your system for using a hard disk, and then use the Format Hard Disk pro- gram to format the hard disk.
  • Page 40 Partition the hard disk to run the MS-DOS operating system using the MS-DOS program FDISK. Format the MS-DOS partition with the MS-DOS program SELECT. Copy the MS-DOS utility programs to the hard disk using SELECT For instructions on running the diagnostics program, see your Diagnos- tics manual.

  • Page 41: Installing Option Cards

    The card (or cards) that controls your monitor occupies an additional slot (or slots). You can buy option cards from Epson as well as other vendors. Multi- function cards that allow you to add features without using multiple option card slots are also available.

  • Page 42: Sliding Back The Cover

    Turn the main unit around so the front panel faces you. Hold on to the two sides of the cover and carefully pull it straight toward you, away from the back of the computer, as shown in Figure 4-2, until it is about an inch past the power switch.

  • Page 43: Installing An Option Card

    Figure 4-3. Removing the cover Installing an Option Card Figure 4-4 shows the nine option slots in the Equity III+ (two of which are occupied). Figure 4-4. Option slots...
  • Page 44 Slot 8 contains the parallel and serial interface and floppy disk controller card, and slot 9 contains the hard disk controller card. The video card must be installed in slot 7. Slots 1, 7, and 8 are designed for 8-bit option cards and the other six--slots 2 through 6 and 9-are designed for 16-bit option cards.

  • Page 45: Removing An Option Slot Cover

    Figure 4-6. Removing an option slot cover Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumper connections on it if necessary. (For example, a memory expansion card usually contains DIP switches that you need to set. See the option card instructions.) Note: If the option card you are installing requires you to change any of the jumper connections on the Equity III+ main circuit board, memory...

  • Page 46: Removing An Option Card

    Figure 4-7. Inserting an option card Once the connector pins are sitting in the connector slot, push the card downward firmly (but carefully) to fully insert it. If the card does not go in smoothly, do not force it-pull it all the way out and try again, keep- ing it straight.

  • Page 47: Replacing The Cover

    Replacing the Cover After you install (or remove) an option card, follow these steps to replace the main unit’s cover: With the front of the computer facing you, position the cover on the computer as shown in Figure 4-8. Figure 4-8. Replacing the cover Pull the sides outward slightly and guide the curved edge on the bottom of the cover underneath the ledge on the bottom of the computer.

  • Page 48: Post-Installation Setup

    Post-installation Setup After you install an option card (and replace the main unit’s cover and reconnect the power cord and peripherals), you may need to run the Setup program on the diagnostics diskette to update the configuration informa- tion. For example, if you add a hard disk, you need to tell the computer that it has the additional drive.

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    You can use the suggestions here to solve most problems you may encounter. If the recommended solution does not work, consult an Epson dealer about servicing the computer. WARNING: If you need to turn off the computer for any reason, always wait at least five seconds before you turn it back on.

  • Page 50: The Video Display Does Not Appear

    The Video Display Does Not Appear If the computer starts up but no image appears on the screen, follow these steps to solve the problem: Check to see that the power indicator on the video monitor is lit. If it is not, turn off the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, then turn the power back on.

  • Page 51: Floppy Disk Problems

    Floppy Disk Problems If you have trouble with a diskette, check the following questions: Is the diskette damaged? Copy the diskette and repeat the operation that caused the problem using the copy. (If you have trouble copying the entire diskette, some of the sectors may be bad. Try to copy single files with the Copy command.) If the operation works using the copy, the original diskette is probably damaged.

  • Page 52: Hard Disk Problems

    If you have not done so and your hard disk does not function properly, have an autho- rized Epson service center check your hard disk. Never open the air-tight container that encloses the recording disk.

  • Page 53: Option Card Problems

    Option Card Problems If you install an option card and get unexpected results, check the following: Is the option card installed correctly? Did you follow the setup and operation procedures in the option card instructions? Did you set any necessary DIP switches or jumpers on the option card? See your option card instructions.

  • Page 54: Jumper Settings

    The jumpers on these cards are preset at the factory in default positions. Do not change any of them unless you are sure the option card you are installing requires different settings. If you have any doubts, ask your Epson dealer. Appendix A...

  • Page 55: Changing A Jumper Setting

    The procedure for changing a jumper setting is given first, then the jumper functions and locations for each card are described separately. All the instructions assume you have already removed the cover from the main unit. For instructions on removing the cover, replacing the cover, and installing and removing option cards, see Chapter 4.

  • Page 56: Removing Memory Card Retaining Screw

    In all cases, make sure you need to alter the jumper settings for the option you are installing before you change anything. Table A-l shows the functions for the jumpers on the memory card. Table A-1. Memory card jumper settings Jumper number * Default setting To access the memory card jumpers, you need to remove the card from...

  • Page 57: Main Circuit Board Jumpers

    Figure A-4 shows the locations of the seven jumpers. Refer to Table A-l above to set them as needed. Figure A-4. Memory card jumpers When you finish setting the jumpers, replace the memory card in the computer and secure it with the retaining screw. Main Circuit Board Jumpers The jumpers on the main circuit board control the following functions: CPU clock.

  • Page 58: Main Circuit Board Jumper Settings

    Number of wait states for EPROM. If necessary, you can change the number of wait states (1 or 2) used by the EPROM. Please consult your dealer for assistance. Number of wait states for 16-bit device access. If necessary, you can change the number of wait states (1, 2, 3, or 4) required by the 16-bit optional devices.

  • Page 59: Removing Circuit Board Screws

    Figure A-5. Removing circuit board screws The small circuit board (on the front of the computer), which contains the power and hard disk LEDs, is connected to the hard disk controller card by a black and red twisted cable. Unplug the connector from the hard disk controller card-the connector is labeled CN6 on the card- as shown in Figure A-6, and lay the cable to one side.

  • Page 60: Removing Circuit Board

    Pull the white levers on the front of the circuit board apart to maneuver the board slightly away from the computer, about 1/2 inch. See Figure A-7. Be careful not to strain any connecting cables. Figure A-7. Removing circuit board Locate the connector marked CN6 at the back right corner of the circuit board.

  • Page 61: Main Circuit Board Jumpers

    6. Pull the circuit board out two inches more. Locate the connector marked CN3 on the front right corner of the circuit board (see Figure A-8 above) and carefully unplug it. Remove the main circuit board completely from the computer. Figure A-9 shows the locations of jumpers 2 and 3.

  • Page 62: Multi-Function Card Jumpers

    Continue sliding the board into the computer until it is just 1/2 inch short of being in all the way. Reconnect the connector marked CN6 on the back right corner of the main circuit board. Slide the board the rest of the way in. Make sure no cables or loose connectors are blocking its path.

  • Page 63: Multi-Function Card Jumper Settings For Serial Port

    Table A-4. Multi-function card jumper settings for serial port Jumper6number * Default setting To access the multi-function card jumpers, you need to remove the card from the computer: Unplug the disk drive cable from the card as shown in Figure A-10. Pull it straight up and out, then lay it to one side.

  • Page 64: Removing Multi-Function Card Retaining Screw

    Figure A-11. Removing multi-function card retaining screw Remove the card from the slot (pull it straight up) and set it on a soft surface with the components facing up. Figure A-12 shows where the jumpers are located. Change them as needed and then reverse the three steps above to reinstall it.

  • Page 65: Equity Iii+ Specifications

    Equity III+ Specifications CPU and Memory 16-bit CPU Main memory Math coprocessor Controllers Floppy disk Hard disk Interfaces Serial Printer Appendix B 80286 microprocessor, 6,8, or 12 MHz clock- rate, switch-selectable Real address (8086-compatible) and pro- tected virtual address (multi-tasking or multi- user) modes 24-bit address and 16-bit data bus 640KB RAM on memory card;...

  • Page 66: Power Supply

    Interfaces (continued) Option slots Speaker Clock/calendar/ Power Supply Mass Storage Standard Optional Optional Optional Optional Nine IBM-compatible input/output expansion slots: one occupied by hard disk controller card and another occupied by parallel and serial interface and floppy disk controller card; seven slots available for options in base configuration: five with 16-bit bus and two with 8-bit bus Internal, with volume control...

  • Page 67: Keyboard

    Mass Storage (continued) Optional Keyboard Layout Function keys Environmental Requirements Temperature Humidity Physical Characteristics (CPU Only) Width, inches (mm) Depth, inches (mm) Height, inches (mm) Weight, pounds (kg) Power Requirements 5Gnch, half-height or full-height internal hard disk drive; 40MB storage capacity (for- matted) Detachable, three positions, 101 sculpted keys...

  • Page 68: Options

    Multiple graphics video card Enhanced graphics video card Supports Epson- or IBM-compatible mono- chrome monitor; 80-character x 25-line display; 9 x 14 character block; installs in op- tion slot High-persistence, P-39 phosphor screen; etched surface to reduce glare; 22 MHz video bandwidth;...

  • Page 69: Glossary

    ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols, An ASCII character occupies one byte of storage. Files transmitted in ASCII code can be used by many different computers, printers, and programs.
  • Page 70 Command An instruction you enter on the keyboard to direct your computer to perform a specific function. Configuration The particular setup of a group of components. For example, a CPU with two floppy disk drives, connected to a monochrome monitor and a printer is a typical system configuration.

  • Page 71: Disk Drive

    Disk drive The physical device which allows the computer to read from and write to a disk. A floppy disk drive has a disk slot on the front panel of the main unit into which you insert diskettes. A hard disk is permanently fixed inside the main unit, hidden behind the front panel.

  • Page 72: Main Unit

    Hardware Any physical component of a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU. High-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store up to 1.2MB of data. Input/output port See Port. Interface A physical or software connection used to transmit data between equip- ment or programs.

  • Page 73: Monochrome Monitor

    Monochrome monitor A monitor that displays in only one color, such as green or amber, as opposed to a color monitor which can display in several colors. Mouse A device used (as an alternative to a keyboard) to control a pointer on the screen and operate a program.
  • Page 74 Quad-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the double-density format. A double-sided quad-density diskette for the Equity III+ has a storage capacity of 720KB. Random Accesss Memory. The part of memory that a computer can both read and write to.
  • Page 75 Software The programs that enable your computer to perform the tasks and func- tions you indicate. System diskette A diskette that contains the operating system. Tracks Addressable concentric circles on a diskette, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the diskette into separate accessible areas. There are 40 tracks on each side of a double-sided, double-density disk- ette and 80 tracks on each side of a double-sided, quad-density or a double-sided, high-density diskette.

  • Page 76: Index

    AC inlet, 1-5 -6, 5-1 AC outlet, 1-5-6 Adjusting keyboard legs, 1-10 Application program, 1-13, 2-1, 2-5 Arranging components, 1-3 ASCII codes, 1-12 Asynchronous, B-1, C-1 Auto-boot MS-DOS, 1-15 Auxiliary power outlet, 1-2, 1-6, 1-9 Back panel, 1-5 Back panel screws, 4-2 BACKUP program, 3-7 Backup copies, 1-15, 3-5, 3-7 Booting MS-DOS, 1-15...
  • Page 77 Data diskette, copying, 3-5, 5-3 Data, protecting, 3-5 DB-9P, 1-12, B-l DB-25S, 1-11, B-1 D connector, 1-8, 1-11 Diagnostics diskette, 1-1, 3-7, 4-8, DIP switches, 4-5, 5-4 -5 Disabling keyboard, 2-1 DISKCOPY, 3-5 Disk drive, caring for, 3-4 -5 compatibility, 3-2 -4, 5-3 floppy, 1-4, 2-2, 3-1, B-l hard, 1-4, 3-1, 3-7, B-l inserting diskettes into, 2-2...
  • Page 78 Head, read/write, 1-2, 3-1, 3-4 High-density diskettes, 3-2 -3, 5-3, ID card, 2-2 Identification tag, 2-2 Initial screen display, 1-15 Initial setup procedure, 1-14 Inlet, AC, 1-5, 5-1 Input/output port, 1-5, B-2 Inserting diskette, 2-2 Installing option card, 4-1 -6 Installing video card, 1-7, 4-1 -6 Interface, clock/calendar/RAM, B-2...
  • Page 79 Monochrome, monitor, l-l, 1-7-8, B-4 video card, l-l, 1-8, B-4 Moving computer, 1-1 -2 MS-DOS, booting, 1-15 copying, 3-8 operating system, l-l, 1-15 preparing hard disk, 1-15, 3-7-8 system diskette, 1-5, 1-15, 3-5 Multi-function card, location, A-1 jumpers, A-9 removing, A-10 Multi-tasking, B-1 Multi-user, B-1 Operating system,...
  • Page 80 Removing option card, 4-6 Replacing cover, 4-7 RESET button, 1-5, 2-6 Resetting computer, 2-6, 5-4 Retaining screw, option card, 4-4 RGB color monitor, 1-8, B-4 RS-232C serial port, 1-12, B-1 Safety rules, 1-13 SELECT program, 3-8 Self test, internal, 1-14 Serial, cable, 1-12 controller card, 1-6, 4-1, 4-4,...

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