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Apricot MS Owner's Manual

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OWNER'S HANDBOOK
APRICOT MS
apricot
COMPAC
T
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

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  • Page 1 OWNER’S HANDBOOK APRICOT MS apricot COMPAC MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...
  • Page 2 Apricot MS Owner’s Handbook MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...
  • Page 3 Any other trademarks referred to within this document but not listed above are hereby recognised and acknowledged. Apricot Computers Ltd. have a policy of continuous research and development and therefore reserve the right to amend or modify this handbook, or parts thereof that are subject to specification change, without notice.
  • Page 4 S A F E T Y N O T I C E S Safety and Regulatory Notices Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the first time. The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed. The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’.
  • Page 5 S A F E T Y N O T I C E S E.E.C. This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of following European directives: 89/836/EEC and 73/23/EEC, and is able to bear the CE mark. U.S.A FCC Class A Warning - this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    C O N T E N T S CONTENTS THE BEGINNING Connections Turning on and booting up Energy saving features Installing other software Turning the power off Cleaning and transporting THE SYSTEM DRIVES Using the floppy drive Using a CD-ROM drive The Hard disk drive Software backup EXPANSION...
  • Page 7 C O N T E N T S TROUBLESHOOTING Problems when starting Restoring the Software Checklist System disk drives Software security THE SYSTEM UNIT Anti-static precautions Opening the system unit The components inside Drive specification Physical characteristics SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD General specification Board layout External ports/connections Jumper configurations...

  • Page 8: The Beginning

    T H E B E G I N N I N G THE BEGINNING. . . You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It provides important basic information to help you in using your computer.
  • Page 9 T H E B E G I N N I N G Turning on and booting the computer Turning the power on To turn on the computer, press the lower P button. The green OWER POWER ON light should come on to show that the system unit is powered.

  • Page 10: Energy Saving Features

    If you wish to use another, or older monitor it may not be compatible and permanent damage may be caused. Check with your Apricot dealer. Installing other software With a CD-ROM drive in your system it may be a good idea to purchase all software in that format if possible.

  • Page 11: Turning The Power Off

    T H E B E G I N N I N G floppy disks and these would of course have to use the floppy disk drive. Guidance on using either the CD drive, or the floppy drive, is given in chapter 2 ‘The system drives’. The only thing you need to know is the name of the program on the disk that does the work.

  • Page 12: Cleaning And Transporting

    Cleaning and Transporting Your Apricot computer requires little physical maintenance other than occasional cleaning, but you must take care when transporting it to avoid damage to some of its more delicate components, particularly the hard disk.
  • Page 13 T H E B E G I N N I N G • Occasionally clean the removable media drives using a special disk cleaning kit. These are available from many sources. The monitor Occasionally wipe the monitor with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
  • Page 14 T H E B E G I N N I N G Dust and fluff often accumulates in the ball tracking mechanism of the mouse and should be checked for regularly. To clean the mouse: 1. Unplug the mouse, turn it upside down and locate the plastic cover that holds the ball in place.
  • Page 15 T H E B E G I N N I N G When lifting and carrying the computer, grip the metal underside of the system unit. Do not lift the unit by the plastic side trims or the front bezel. Never attempt to use the door as a carrying handle. Never attempt to lift the system unit with a monitor on top.

  • Page 16: The System Drives

    Virtually all software still supplied on floppy disk is now sent out in HD (or 1.44 MB) format from the manufacturer. This is the type of drive fitted to your Apricot computer. This drive will however read the common older type of DS-DD (or 720KB). the immediately obvious physical differences are shown below.
  • Page 17 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Disks should always be kept away from bright sunlight, dust, moisture and any strong magnetic fields, e.g. do not place them on the monitor, printer, or near a telephone. It is common to store them in a lockable “disk-box”, away from the computer itself.

  • Page 18: Using A Cd-Rom Drive

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S 4. The system should now be able to access the disk and the information it may contain. While the system is accessing the disk, the “drive in use” LED should be lit. Pressing the button, when the drive is not in use, will eject the floppy disk.
  • Page 19 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Warning The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes if looked at directly. Do not attempt to remove the drive cover or otherwise disassemble the CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 20: The Hard Disk Drive

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S To remove a compact disc, press the eject button and then lift out the CD. It is best to close the draw, to prevent dust getting in, unless you intend to put in a new CD.
  • Page 21 A secondary hard drive Caution Apricot Computers Limited test many types of hard disks from a wide variety of manufacturers and all of our upgrade parts are fully guaranteed. The quality or compatibility of components supplied from any other source cannot be guaranteed.

  • Page 22: Software Backup

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S DriveSpace It is possible, as an alternative to the expense of fitting a second HDD, to use disk utility software such as DriveSpace within Windows 95, which increases the usable capacity of your HDD. It can double the usable size of the drive using software compression technology.

  • Page 23: System Expansion

    SYSTEM EXPANSION SYSTEM EXPANSION Your computer can accept various Expansion cards or boards. Most are simple to install with the benefit of the ‘Plug and Play’ features, explained in the guide to Windows 95. (Look out for the ‘Plug and Play’...

  • Page 24: Configuring A Card

    SYSTEM EXPANSION Configuring the card Part of the installation procedure for many expansion cards involves setting up or configuring the card so it works correctly in the system. To configure, you assign values to various settings on the card, which enable the card to communicate with the computer. The chosen settings MUST be registered in the BIOS see appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’...
  • Page 25 SYSTEM EXPANSION ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ) The interrupt request level or IRQ (the two terms are used interchangeably) is the line over which the expansion card sends a signal to get the attention of, or interrupt, the processor. Many of these are reserved for components on the computer’s motherboard.
  • Page 26 SYSTEM EXPANSION Direct memory access (DMA) channel Some hardware devices can use a DMA channel to access system memory without directly burdening the processor. Computers have DMA channels numbered DMA0 to DMA7. The following table lists the DMA channels used by the computer and shows which are available for use by expansion cards.
  • Page 27 SYSTEM EXPANSION I/O ports Default assignment All addresses below 100h are used by the system board for various fixed system components and chipset controller settings. They are unavailable for use. 1F0h-1F7h Hard disk drive controller 200h-207h Game I/O 278h-27Fh Parallel port 2 2B0h-2DFh Alternate VGA 2F8h-2FFh...

  • Page 28: Installing The Card

    SYSTEM EXPANSION Note Memory addresses are always written in base 16 or hexadecimal notation. Unlike the ten digits of the decimal system (0-9), hexadecimal uses sixteen digits (0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12 and so on up to F=15). Hexadecimal numbers are denoted either by the suffix “h”...
  • Page 29 SYSTEM EXPANSION 3. At the rear of the system unit are metal blanking plates, one for each expansion card slot. Opposite the blanking plates, at the front of the system unit, there are card guides. These ensure that the front edge of a full-length card is supported securely. 4.
  • Page 30 Installing expansion cards can be one of the most difficult operations you may ever perform within your computer. If you are in any doubt, or come into difficulties you are unable to resolve, contact the supplier of the expansion board or ask your Apricot dealer for advice or assistance.

  • Page 31: Memory Upgrades

    Caution Apricot Computers Ltd have extensively tested many combinations of memory and all of our upgrade parts are guaranteed. The quality or compatibility of components obtained from any other source cannot be guaranteed.
  • Page 32 MEMORY UPGRADES Either bank can be used first. A normal specification of 32-Bit SIMMs having an access time of 70ns for a 5V power supply applies. Parity checking (36-Bit) SIMMs are not necessary. The Electronic Data Output (EDO) type SIMMs are fully supported and will give enhanced performance, more noticeably if L2 cache is low or not fitted.
  • Page 33 MEMORY UPGRADES Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”. 3. Remove carefully the floppy disk drive module which restricts access to the SIMM sockets (first identifying the way all cables are fitted) by disconnecting the cables, loosening the screws and lifting out.
  • Page 34 MEMORY UPGRADES 3. Pushing gently on its top corners, stand the SIMM upright in the socket until the pegs of the socket engage the holes on the SIMM and the metal clips hold both ends of the SIMM firmly in position.

  • Page 35: Adding Cache Memory

    MEMORY UPGRADES 3. The SIMMs are of the correct type It may be necessary to refit the original memory SIMMs to check if there is a problem with your new SIMMs. If in any doubt contact your supplier. Adding more cache memory An external or secondary level (L2) cache is a small amount of specialised memory with significantly faster access times than the computer’s system RAM.
  • Page 36 MEMORY UPGRADES Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”. 3. Identify the cache memory socket see appendix B ‘System Motherboard’, in conjunction with the picture below. 4.

  • Page 37: Adding Video Memory

    MEMORY UPGRADES 8. Refit and secure the system unit cover, reconnect the system and switch on. 9. Check the BIOS sign-on message to see the new value of cache memory is displayed. Adding more video memory Video memory is memory reserved for use by the on-board EVGA controller.
  • Page 38 MEMORY UPGRADES to touch the metal pins. These memory chips are particularly static sensitive. Handle with extreme caution. 6. It is extremely important that the chips are fitted the right way round. Each chip has a notch at one end or small bevel at one corner, corresponding to the notch or bevel on the socket corner.

  • Page 39: The Device Drivers

    This Apricot computer is supplied fitted with on board audio in the form of a Soundblaster 16 bit sound system. There is also a Quad speed CD-ROM drive, the audio ouitput of which is internally wired to the sounblaster system.
  • Page 40 M U L T I M E D I A DISC DRAWER COM PAC HEADPHONE JACK BUSY EMERGENCY EJECT AND HEADPHONE LEVEL INDICATOR EJECT HOLE BUTTON This causes the drive tray to open in order to place a CD into the drive.

  • Page 41: The Sound Connections

    M U L T I M E D I A software titles designed to read and edit images from the standard Photo CD formats. The word ‘Multisession’ is often used to describe Photo CDs. It simply means that some of the photographs were recorded on the CD at different times or in separate ‘sessions’.

  • Page 42: Troubleshooting

    If you suspect a blown fuse In the United Kingdom, and some other countries, AC plugs contain fuses. Your Apricot computer is initially supplied with the correct fuse fitted for operation within the UK. If the fuse in the system unit’s AC plug blows when you turn it on, this may be caused by an...
  • Page 43 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 4. If the replacement fuse blows, call your supplier or maintenance provider. 5. If the replacement fuse does not blow, reconnect one peripheral at a time and switch it on. Repeat this step for each peripheral in turn.

  • Page 44: Restoring The Software

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G floppy, in which case remove it, or replace it with one that is. If the message persists there may be a fault with the HDD, in which case, check the BIOS settings are correct.
  • Page 45 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Power Check that the AC power supply is switched on, and that the fuse in the AC plug (if any) has not blown. If the system still does not seem to be getting power, obtain another power cord from your supplier.

  • Page 46: Software Security

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G The system’s disk drives Refer also to the chapter on using the ‘system drives’. Floppy disk drives If you have problems accessing a diskette or floppy disk, check that it is inserted correctly, that it has been correctly formatted, that is not write-protected, and that the permissions assigned by the BIOS allow the intended access.
  • Page 47 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G source, e.g. ‘a friend gave me this great program’, be especially on your guard. The supplier may not be aware of the potential problem. Illegal copying of programs has led to vast distribution of the many common types of virus.

  • Page 48: The System Unit

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N THE SYSTEM UNIT This appendix provides instructions regarding access to the inside of the system unit for the purposes of maintaining or upgrading the system, plus some of the general system/drives specifications.

  • Page 49: Opening The System Unit

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O M A T I O N an earthed wrist strap and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea to use an ionizer or humidifier to remove static from the air. •...

  • Page 50: The Components Inside

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N 5. Slide the top cover rearwards slightly, then lift it off. Refitting the cover is simply the reverse of removal. Take effective anti-static precautions while the top cover is off.

  • Page 51: Drive Specification

    ATA-PI (on main board) Mode 2 Burst mode 8.3Mb/s (max.) 4Mb/s typical Speed Quadruple 600Kb/s Mode 1 Access time 220 ms average 410 ms full stroke Cache Built in 256Kb Power Connector Standard 4 pin Loading 26W (max. at tray open/close)

  • Page 52: Physical Characteristics

    50 to 60 Hz Warning The power cord supplied with the system complies with the safety standards applicable to the country in which it was originally sold. You should consult an Apricot dealer before using the system in another country .

  • Page 53: System Motherboard

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD This appendix details the specification and settings for the main processor board fitted inside your computer. Normally the vast majority of jumper settings should never be changed.
  • Page 54 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Audio On board Creative Labs 16 Bit. Drives Floppy drives Support for 720 Kb, 1.2 Mb (3-Mode), 1.44 Mb at 3.5 in. 1.2 Mb at 5.25in.

  • Page 55: Board Layout

    T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n Parallel Com 2 Com 1 Video Mouse Key/Bd Board layout Front audio connection SIMMs sockets 3, 4 SIMMs sockets 1, 2 Floppy ribbon connector CD ribbon connector HDD ribbon connector...
  • Page 56 T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n System Ports (external connections) Serial communications COM 1, COM 2 9 way Male D-type connector 10101 1. Data carrier detect 2.

  • Page 57: Monitor Port

    T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n Keybord and Mouse ports 6 pin miniature DIN connector Both of the connections have the same voltages and signals. 1. Data 2.

  • Page 58: Jumper Configurations

    T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n Jumper configurations There are very few jumpers that will ever need changing, most of them have been factory set for your system and its needs, but for completeness, the details are given here.
  • Page 59 T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n Clear BIOS settings PL21 Next to outer video upgrade socket, default position link pins 1 and 2. Moving the link to pins 2 and 3 disconnects the battery from the BIOS memory, and will cause all the user settings to be lost.

  • Page 60: Replacing Cmos Battery

    T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n PL24, PL28 PL28 Pin1 PL24 Pin1 This range of pins is not for jumpers, but is used to connect various features around the system case to the motherboard.
  • Page 61 T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n The battery is a 3 volt lithium type (CR2032 or equivalent) typically used in calculators, watches and other small, battery-powered electronic items. To replace the battery 1.

  • Page 62: System Bios And Set-Up

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP When the system is switched on, the POST does its job depending upon the information it finds in the BIOS and sets up the computer to boot into operation.
  • Page 63 ISA interrupts etc. If you are unable to resolve any problem, do not alter too many settings, but make a note of them and any error messages that appeared on the screen and call your Apricot dealer or authorised maintainer.

  • Page 64: Opening Screen

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Opening screen On entering the set-up utility a main menu screen appears. If there is an associated sub-menu, or a further sub-menu available, then the listed options have a preceding bullet, as shown below: •...

  • Page 65: Sub-Menu Pages

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Sub-menu pages System summary This page cannot be edited, but gives a summary of the system main settings. Changes made in other pages will be reflected here. Make a note of the information on this page before you progress any further or make any changes.
  • Page 66 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Floppy disk drives This is available purely to change the mode of the floppy drive. The drive supplied and fitted is a 3.5inch 1.44 Mbyte. This setting, if changed, could prevent software access to the fitted drive.
  • Page 67 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N System time Using the left and right arrow keys to move around, you then use either the number keys to insert new figures or the + and - keys to increase/decrease the existing number.
  • Page 68 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Delete User password Use this to clear or remove the existing password, without replacing it with a new one. You may be asked for confirmation or to enter the old password.
  • Page 69 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Diskette-less Operation If this option is Disabled, POST will report a fault or any absence of the floppy drive and halt the boot process, if Enabled, POST will bypass the floppy test and continue, providing another boot device is available e.g.
  • Page 70 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Cache Control A simple two line screen allows you to either enable or disable the L2 cache memory (external to the processor). The default setting is Enabled, and should not normally be changed.
  • Page 71 The energy saving features built into this computer are designed to be used with the monitor supplied with the system. If you wish to use another, or older monitor it may not be compatible and permanent damage may be caused. Check with your Apricot dealer. C/10...

  • Page 72: Error Messages

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Error Messages Code Cause Code Cause Timer tick interrupt failure Keyboard clock line failure Timer 2 test failure Keyboard data line failure Diskette controller failure Keyboard stuck key failure System board memory parity interrupt...
  • Page 73 APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH 3500 PARKSIDE TRAVELLERS LANE GOTHAER STRASSE 8 BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK HATFIELD POSTFACH 1548 BIRMINGHAM B37 7YS HERTFORDSHIRE AL10 8XB 40835 RATINGEN UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM DEUTSCHLAND MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...

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