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Husky MP2500 Manual

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System Developer's Guide

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  • Page 1 MP2500 USKY System Developer's Guide...
  • Page 2 IBM PC and IBM PC AT are trademarks of IBM Corporation. Any other trademarks used in this guide are acknowledged. Designed, written, illustrated and set by: Ed Phipps at Automatic Manuals, Bognor Regis, England. Part Number P-2230-0000-02 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 3 Approved accessories only may be used with this equipment. In general all cables must be high quality, shielded, correctly terminated and normally restricted to 2 metres length. MP2500 AC Adaptors employ special provisions to avoid radio interference and should not be altered or substituted.
  • Page 4 Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada (NMB-003). DISPOSAL OF NiCd RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES • If the MP2500 is used with rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries, these should be disposed of properly at the end of their life. • Products containing nickel and cadmium require special attention.
  • Page 5 DISPOSAL OF NiMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES • If the MP2500 is used with rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, these should be disposed of properly at the end of their life. • Always take note of any instructions printed on the battery.
  • Page 6 • Avoid liquid spillage, do not connect if suspected damp. • Ensure ventilation is not restricted. • Use only the H MP2500 AC Adaptor. This special adaptor should USKY never be replaced by an alternative unapproved model, as damage may result.
  • Page 7 • Although the AC Adaptor is rated for continuous operation, it is important not to exceed the charging limitations of the battery. Refer to appropriate instructions on charging regime. • Avoid use in dusty or contaminated environments. Husky MP2500 System Developer's Guide...
  • Page 8 (This page intentionally left blank.) viii MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Installing the application ............. 21 5.6.1 Copying the files..............21 5.6.2 Setting up the application............ 21 5.6.3 Running the application............21 5.6.4 Default files shipped with MP2500 ........22 5.6.5 Year 2000 compliance ............23 Issuing the Unit................25 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 10 Using the MP2500 ................27 Turning on and off ..............27 Rebooting ................... 27 The screen.................. 28 7.3.1 Introduction................28 7.3.2 Visibility................29 7.3.3 Moving around the virtual screen ........30 7.3.4 Split screen................31 7.3.5 Inverse video ............... 32 The keyboard................
  • Page 11 File handling ................91 12.4 ED options .................. 92 12.5 Editing screen................94 12.6 Facilities ..................96 12.7 The commands ................99 12.7.1 Control Keys..............100 12.7.2 Function Keys ..............100 12.7.3 Other Keys ................ 101 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 12 Buffering ................121 13.3.2 Data Transmission ............122 13.3.3 Data Reception..............122 13.4 Connecting up................123 13.5 Configuring MP2500 communications........123 13.5.1 Handshaking ..............125 13.5.2 Protocols ................126 13.5.3 Port set-up options ............128 13.6 Configuring IBM communications..........139 13.7...
  • Page 13 14.8 Using MS-DOS applications............. 156 14.9 Using MS-DOS communications packages ......157 14.10 File transfers ................. 157 14.10.1 Exchanging files with an MP2500, FS3 or FS/2 .... 158 14.11 Troubleshooting ..............158 Accessories ................161 15.1 Introduction................161 15.2 Power ..................161 15.3...
  • Page 14 Write string [-] .................. 189 Set graphics font [+]................. 189 Move cursor to graphics co-ordinates [+] ........190 Get cursor position in graphics co-ordinates [+] ......191 Set contrast [+]................. 191 Get/set backlight (option) timeout [+]..........191 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 15 Format drive ..................210 Read drive parameters ..............211 Initialise drive parameters..............211 Read long sector ................211 Write long sector ................212 Seek to cylinder ................212 Alternate reset disk................213 Read test buffer ................213 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 16 Control Resume mode [+]..............237 Control STOP mode [+] ..............237 Power down [+] ................238 Control power down [+] ..............238 Get ROM BIOS version number [+] ..........239 Get serial number [+] ............... 239 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 17 Set 16x16 text font [+] ..............258 Get/set Printer port type ..............259 Select INT 15H mode ..............259 Note that for this function, FS3 and MP2500 are synonymous..259 Duplicated Functions ............... 261 Get/set diskette drive port..............261 Enable/disable temperature override..........
  • Page 18 Comments ................... 283 INT 1AH, Clock Handler [+]............285 Use ...................... 285 Entry ....................285 Exit....................... 285 Comments ................... 285 Get system clock ................286 Set system clock ................286 Get RTC time [+]................287 xviii MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 19 Calculating power usage ............311 32.4.1 Rechargeable batteries ............. 311 32.4.2 Alkaline batteries............... 311 32.5 Using the facilities ..............312 32.5.1 Setting up ................312 32.5.2 Charging NiCd or NiMH batteries........314 32.6 Default charging parameter settings ........314 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 20 E.3 Scan codes ................... 333 Appendix F: Interfacing ................ 339 F.1 9-way D type (Port 1)..............340 Appendix G: MP2500, FS3 and FS/2............ 341 G.1 Hardware and user differences ............ 341 Batteries................... 341 External input voltage (charger input) ..........341 Power and charging times ...............
  • Page 21 HCOM....................345 Ports ....................345 Keyclick ................... 346 Sounder ................... 346 Operating system ................346 RAM backup battery and the MP2500 and FS3 disk....... 346 Memory.................... 348 Disk compression ................348 Peripheral power ................348 G.2 BIOS differences ................349 INT 10H, screen handler ..............
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  • Page 23: Welcome To The Husky Mp2500

    CAUTION: Hazardous voltages inside. Do not attempt to open the MP2500. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Opening the case may damage the seals. Chapter 1: Welcome to the Husky MP2500...

  • Page 24: The Mp2500 System

    It includes MS-DOS on a non-volatile CompactFlash drive, and (for a low power consumption hand-held computer) the hardware architecture is very PC-compatible. This means that MP2500 can run a wide range of software. You can also program the MP2500 using your usual PC-compatible assembler or compiler.

  • Page 25: Options

    1.3 Options The MP2500 may also be fitted with a number of options, to provide a versatile system. These options include: • choice of battery type: alkaline non-rechargeable cells, NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) rechargeable battery stick, or high capacity NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable battery stick •...
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  • Page 27: The Mp2500 Guides

    HCOM utility to transfer USKY Utility Guide MP2500 files between the compatible. This is the MP2500 System Developer’s Guide. Please discard any previous editions of this guide. Always refer to the latest information published by H USKY Chapter 2: The MP2500 Guides...

  • Page 28: The Husky Web Site

    If you already know how to write programs for MS-DOS computers, you need only refer to the MP2500 System Developer’s Guide (this guide) for a description of the extra facilities provided. If you require an introduction to using or programming with standard MS- DOS, there are many standard texts available.

  • Page 29: Using This Guide

    3. Using this Guide 3.1 Structure This guide is divided into four main parts: Part 1: Introduction A brief introduction to the MP2500 and this guide, that you should read first. Details of the commands and operating Part 2: Setting Up procedures which you will need to set up and maintain the MP2500.

  • Page 30: Suggested Reading Approach

    To learn about: See: Chapters 5 and 6. Setting up the MP2500 Using and maintaining the The MP2500 User Leaflet and chapters 7 to 9 of this guide. MP2500 An introduction to MS-DOS, A standard MS-DOS user’s guide. and MS-DOS commands Chapters 10 to 12.

  • Page 31: Conventions

    3.3 Conventions Throughout these guides, a few simple conventions are used to help clarify descriptions. These are mainly used to indicate text to type, as follows. this is text which should be typed exactly as shown. If you prefer, you may type it as the equivalent small letters (d i r).
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  • Page 33: Introduction

    Other differences are more subtle but very useful. For example, if you turn off while using an application, when you turn on again the MP2500 will carry on running the application as if nothing had happened.
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  • Page 35: Setting Up

    5. Setting Up This chapter briefly describes how to set up the MP2500 to run an application. You may also need to refer to Chapter 7 for more details of how to turn on and off, reboot and use the main controls. You will need this information yourself and may need to pass some of it on to the operators using the MP2500 in the field.
  • Page 36 2. FUNCTION KEYS: press to use application functions. 3. POWER KEY: press to turn on or off. 4. HANDSTRAP: on the rear of the unit, this helps you hold the MP2500 securely. 5. DEL/NO KEY: press to delete entries or answer No to a question.

  • Page 37: Fitting Batteries

    Only after the thread is started, use a coin to screw the cap tightly home. If you prefer, you can operate the MP2500 from the MP2500 AC Adaptor when portability is not required, provided that the unit is fitted with rechargeable batteries.

  • Page 38: Turning On

    If the MP2500 has been delivered from the factory, or stored without any batteries for a long period, the internal backup battery will be flat. The MP2500 can still be used (by fitting a main battery or connecting the MP2500 AC Adaptor), but RAM contents may not be retained if the power source is removed.

  • Page 39: Turning On At Other Times

    5.3.2 Turning on at other times Normally, when you turn on the MP2500 will continue with what it was doing when last turned off, as if you had never turned off. This is quite unlike a conventional desktop computer, which reboots each time it is turned on.

  • Page 40: Configuring The Mp2500

    FS3 Standard Power Management (SPM) mode. USKY The MP2500 monitors the battery voltage level, and if this drops below a threshold, it displays low power warning messages and turns off to conserve the remaining power. Charging can be enabled or disabled. If a charger is connected with charging enabled, the batteries will charge at a fixed rate.

  • Page 41: Serial Port

    ED (see Chapter 12) or to create the files on a PC and download them to the MP2500 (see Chapter 14). The MP2500 does not have any special requirements in this area, so simply create files the way you would on any PC. You may however prefer to use a small value for BUFFERS, since the MP2500 disk is fast enough not to need additional buffering.

  • Page 42: Non-Volatile Configuration

    0 resets the keyboard definition to the default (American English). The keyboard redefinition happens immediately and will remain in force until the MP2500 is rebooted. To make the keyboard definition "permanent", add a command to AUTOEXEC.BAT to run I.EXE with the appropriate number.

  • Page 43: Rebooting

    To use an application on the MP2500, copy the application program and data files from the PC to an appropriate directory on the MP2500 C drive. Copy the file by using the supplied communications utilities (HCOM or XL - see Chapter 14) or by using the MSDOS INTERLINK utility (see section 10.5).

  • Page 44: Default Files Shipped With Mp2500

    5.6.4 Default files shipped with MP2500 MP2500 uses non-volatile CompactFlash (CF) as drive C. It is configured as a non-removable hard disk. The following default files are present when the unit is shipped: IO.SYS hidden, system MSDOS.SYS hidden, system AUTOEXEC.BAT COMMAND.COM...

  • Page 45: Year 2000 Compliance

    MP2500 is designed to be compliant with the Year 2000 changeover: • The MP2500 CMOS maintains a century byte. • MP2500 has been tested to confirm correct operation at the year 2000 roll-over, and correct interpretation of leap years. Note: Although the BIOS returns the year value in full, it is the application's responsibility to use the 4-digit value correctly.
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  • Page 47: Issuing The Unit

    ‘lock in’ the user ie to prevent the user exiting the application and deny them access to facilities which they do not need. Before issuing the MP2500, make sure that it is set up correctly and that the application is running.
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  • Page 49: Using The Mp2500

    (see section 7.3.2) and batteries. To turn off, press the P key firmly. You should turn off whenever you are not going to be using the MP2500, even if it’s just for a few minutes, as this will help extend battery life.

  • Page 50: The Screen

    To reboot, press Ctrl+Alt+Del. This displays the ‘Welcome’ screen: Press any of the ‘normal’ keys (such as E) and the MP2500 will perform a normal MS-DOS boot, configuring the system as specified by the CONFIG.SYS file and executing the commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (in the root directory of drive C).

  • Page 51: Visibility

    To adjust the LCD screen for maximum clarity, place it at the angle you will be working, then: • Hold down either S key and press G or H. Release both keys when the display appears clearest. Chapter 7: Using the MP2500...

  • Page 52: Moving Around The Virtual Screen

    (These are the LCD looking keys.) If you are using the user keyboard, use the cursor keys as LCD looking keys. The window will return to its original position as soon as you type something. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 53: Split Screen

    To do this, press the HOT key (WH), and you’ll see a screen like this: The last line of the screen indicates the keys you can use. The current selection (Screen) is highlighted (in reverse). Chapter 7: Using the MP2500...

  • Page 54: Inverse Video

    E and then C to leave the HOT key. 7.3.5 Inverse video The IBM CGA screen (which the MP2500 emulates) can display text with a wide range of attributes, including foreground (text) colour (red/green/blue) and intensity, background colour (red/green/blue) and blinking. These attributes are typically used to highlight options or important messages, or for purely decorative purposes.

  • Page 55: The Keyboard

    7.4 The keyboard 7.4.1 Introduction The keyboard is used for typing and to control the MP2500. Typing is provided by letter keys organised in an alphabetical layout, with separate numeric keypad and cursor key clusters. Symbols and punctuation are provided by SHIFT (S) plus letter keys.

  • Page 56: Keyboard Options

    Note: This manual generally assumes that the keyboard is in Mode 1 (default), unless stated otherwise. The following pages show the Mode 1 (default) keyboard layout. For pictures of the Mode 2 (User) keyboard layout, please refer to Appendix E. See also International keyboards, section 5.4.5. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 57: Normal Keys (Default Keyboard Mode)

    7.4.4 Normal keys (default keyboard mode) The keyboard functions like this (in unshifted mode): Ctrl Note that the letter keys type lowercase letters. To type capitals, select CAPS LOCK mode (press WC). Chapter 7: Using the MP2500...

  • Page 58: Shifted Keys (Default Keyboard Mode)

    7.4.5 Shifted keys (default keyboard mode) When used with either of the S (Shift) keys, the main keys function as follows: Note that the numeric keypad is normally unaffected by Shift. H o m e " Ctrl & < > MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 59: Special Keys

    The W key also provides access to a number of control functions, as follows: Press: Shift window left Shift window right Shift window up Shift window down Flip window Increase contrast Decrease contrast Turn backlight on/off WL (if option fitted) Chapter 7: Using the MP2500...

  • Page 60: Using Ms-Dos

    The screen control keys have already been described in section 7.3. The HOT (or status) key is used to display and optionally alter aspects of the MP2500 set-up. When you press this key combination, the screen displays the following information: •...
  • Page 61 The following special MP2500 utilities are also provided as (read-only) files in the C:\ directory: A simple text editor HCOM Versatile file transfer utility UTIL Set time/date Format diskette Configure communications Configure non-volatile options File loader utility with XMODEM protocol built in If you want to use these utilities, you may need to add their directory (C:\) to your DOS search path.

  • Page 62: Emc Legislation

    The maximum system configuration may be limited by local EMC regulations. Consult your system supplier for advice. • The MP2500 must only be used with approved peripherals. • Changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

  • Page 63: Regular Maintenance

    This chapter summarises the main steps that you should take to make sure that the MP2500 continues to provide trouble-free operation. The next chapter describes what to do if problems do arise. 8.1 Routine maintenance and checks The MP2500 needs very little routine maintenance: •...

  • Page 64: Power

    • If fitted, check any straps for signs of wear and replace them if failure is likely, to minimise the risk of the MP2500 being dropped in use. 8.2 Power CAUTION: If you change from rechargeable to non-rechargeable batteries, warn anyone you give the unit to.

  • Page 65: Introduction

    4. The MP2500 AC Adaptor This ability to switch between these power sources provides unrivalled convenience for users. For example, you can power the MP2500 from the AC adaptor while in the office and fit it with rechargeable batteries for use while on the move.

  • Page 66: Using Rechargeable Batteries

    OF THIS MANUAL (page v) AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTATION SUPPLIED WITH THE AC ADAPTOR BEFORE USING IT. We strongly recommend that you use the MP2500 Battery Stick or H USKY approved replacement batteries only. The batteries can be recharged by connecting the supplied AC adaptor.
  • Page 67 MP2500 has simply been stored without being used, it may need recharging after two to three weeks. If you need to use the MP2500 immediately, you can change the batteries or use the MP2500 AC Adaptor. If you change to non-rechargeable batteries, you MUST disable charging;...
  • Page 68 1. Switch off the MP2500. 2. Plug the AC adaptor into the MP2500 9 way D-type connector. Push the plug in until the outer sleeve is flush with the casing. 3. Plug the AC adaptor into the AC outlet.
  • Page 69 This should protect the contents of the memory for 2 to 3 days, but does not allow operation. If the MP2500 may be without power for more than a few days, copy any files that you want to keep to disk.
  • Page 70 (also see section 32.2.1.2): • Run the MP2500 until it displays battery low warnings and then charge it fully. Repeat the discharge/recharge cycle two or three more times. If this does not restore the battery capacity, you should replace them as described in the next section.

  • Page 71: Using Non-Rechargeable Batteries

    Alkaline cells should provide up to 10 hours of operation when running a typical application, and a shelf life of several months when installed in the MP2500. There is no need to remove them during shipment or storage, but remember that their charge will decrease with time.
  • Page 72 RAM and clock will still be preserved by another independent internal battery, for 2 to 3 days at 20°C (68°F). This battery does not allow operation. If the MP2500 may be without power for more than a few days, copy any files that you want to keep to disk first, for added security.

  • Page 73: Using The Ac Adaptor

    4. Plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet and switch on the AC outlet. 5. You can now turn on and use the MP2500 as normal, except that it will not power any peripherals.

  • Page 74: The Power Management System

    MP2500 is switched on and running (except in power save mode). Depending on how much the MP2500 is used, it may take a long time to charge a fully discharged backup battery - as long as 28 days or more.
  • Page 75 WARNING BATTERY LEVEL LOW The MP2500 bleeps to draw attention to the warning, displays it for a few seconds, then restores the original display until the next warning. Warnings are displayed every 10 seconds.
  • Page 76 8.2.5.4 Idle Timeout If the MP2500 is left turned on and not used, to conserve power it will emit a warning bleep and switch off automatically if the keyboard is not touched for 5 minutes (this period may be changed by using the HOT key (see section 11.4.2) or by an application program: see Part 3).

  • Page 77: The Handstrap

    To remove the hand strap: • Turn the MP2500 over and grip the plastic retainer at one end. Pull it up to unclip the plastic clip from the recesses. •...
  • Page 78 Insert the hooks and let go. The strap should snap into place. Press the retainer into the recesses and the job is complete. • Check that the hooks are properly seated (the retainers are flush with the MP2500 case) and that the strap is firm. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 79: The Keyboard Overlay

    8.4 The keyboard overlay The MP2500 is normally shipped with a self-adhesive keyboard overlay fitted, which may be customer-specified or one of the standard layouts. Overlays can be removed and replaced. To remove an overlay: • Insert a fingernail under one corner of the overlay and lift it gently away from the keyboard in that corner.

  • Page 80: Storage

    For extended storage, we recommend you remove the batteries. 8.6 Repairs and upgrades If anything should go wrong with the MP2500, it is covered by a warranty. For the terms and details of this warranty, contact your supplier. Repairs should only be performed by your Authorised Service Agent or .

  • Page 81: Troubleshooting

    MS-DOS, see the MS-DOS Programmer’s Manual. 9.1 Common Problems There are some specific situations that can cause the MP2500 to execute an application incorrectly. The commonest causes are as follows. 9.1.1 Programming errors Applications may include bugs that would crash any computer.

  • Page 82: Operation Outside Specified Temperature Range

    9.1.3 Operation outside specified temperature range The MP2500 is specified for operation in the range -30°C to +60°C (-22°F to +140°F). Operation at low temperatures restricts battery capacity and slows LCD screen response time. 9.1.4 Keyboard operation The standard keyboard has individual moving keys. If the keys seem stiff, they may be fouling the keyboard overlay.

  • Page 83: Diagnosing And Solving Problems

    9.2 Diagnosing and Solving Problems There are two main classes of problem that you might have. The first class consists of problems which the MP2500 reports to you, by displaying an error message, a short description of the problem. For example, Insufficient disk space means that there is not enough space on the disk for an operation.
  • Page 84 Cause - remedy Battery life is This is normally caused by the application preventing shorter than the MP2500 from entering Power Save mode. In our expected experience, this can be overcome - contact the H USKY Support Department or your system supplier for assistance.
  • Page 85 Symptom Cause - remedy Program runs The program has been installed to run automatically, when you typically including command file power up C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT. If you want to use a different program, leave it as described above, or press left S+1 or T+W+C or T+C during the reboot to prevent this.
  • Page 86 An application is not allowing the MP2500 to enter Clock (RTC) Power Save mode. (The BIOS synchronises the two gains over the clocks each time the MP2500 wakes up out of Power DOS clock Save mode.) Report any persistent problems to your system provider.
  • Page 87 Removing and refitting the battery cap will always turn off the unit, but when you turn on again, the MP2500 will usually power up in the application that was running when you turned off. Under normal circumstances the MP2500 should be very reliable, but if you use it for software development, a user program may crash and ‘lock up’...

  • Page 88: Checks

    Note: You should now carry out the checks described in the next section, to make sure that the MP2500 will now operate correctly 9.3 Checks If an application has crashed, it may have corrupted other parts of the system.
  • Page 89 If any of these events occur, check what files are written to by the application and, if you have access to recent copies (backups), delete the current versions and use the backups. If you do not have recent copies, run the application but check the state of the files carefully.
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  • Page 91: The Utilities

    • The BOOT OPTION menu provides configuration of booting and internal drives. See section 0 for details. • ORACLE is a utility that is run on a PC to allow the MP2500 to use its A drive. See section 10.3 for details.

  • Page 92: Using Util

    2. Type: C:\UTIL followed by the switches for the commands to perform. 3. When you press E, UTIL performs the specified commands and then returns to MS-DOS command mode. For details of the command line commands, see section 10.1.7, Command line switches. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 93: Set Time

    UTIL menu, or press C to cancel the changes. Note that the MP2500 adjusts the month length for leap years, but does not adjust for local changes such as Summer/Winter (Daylight Saving) time changes.

  • Page 94: Format Diskette

    10.1.4 Format diskette Use this option to format diskettes for use with the MP2500. As the MP2500 diskette format is entirely standard, you only really need to use this option to create a bootable MP2500 diskette i.e. a diskette with the special MP2500 IO.SYS file on it.

  • Page 95: Communication Port Setup

    9. Press any key other than C to begin formatting. Press C twice to abort. 10.1.5 Communication Port Setup The MP2500 serial communications port (Port 1) is permanently assigned as COM2. Use these options to select and configure H mode USKY communications for COM2, or to restore IBM mode communications.

  • Page 96: Non-Volatile Configuration

    Note that the single MP2500 communication port is COM2 only, but is always referred to as Port 1 on the MP2500. This shows the current configuration of the selected port, and allows you to alter it by using the cursor keys.

  • Page 97: Command Line Switches

    Move the highlight to the field that you want to change, by using the I or J key, then adjust the value by using the G or H key. Press E to accept the changes and return to the main UTIL menu, or press C to cancel the changes.

  • Page 98: The Boot Option Menu

    Note: Certain switches are accepted for compatibility with the H USKY but are otherwise ignored on the MP2500. The switches may be used in any order and in any combination, except that the serial number and oem string commands require the password switch too.

  • Page 99: Booting From A Diskette

    Whilst the unit is booting, there will be a noticeable delay and the display may go dark. 10.2.1 Booting from a diskette If an MP2500 will not boot from its internal drive, you can boot it from a suitable diskette, as follows. To boot from a diskette: 1.
  • Page 100 Utilities Diskette (HUD) in the PC's A drive, or a USKY bootable diskette produced by using the MP2500 UTIL utility's Format diskette option (see section 10.1.4, Format diskette). 3. On the PC, select the A drive, type ORACLE/19200 and press Enter.

  • Page 101: The Oracle Utility

    10.3 The ORACLE utility The ORACLE utility is run on a PC, to allow an MP2500 to access its A drive via a serial cable: Type ORACLE /19200 or ORACLE /19200/COM1: on the PC to connect via the PC's COM1 port.

  • Page 102: Formatting A Compactflash Drive

    USKY To format the CompactFlash drive as a bootable drive: 1. Connect the MP2500 unit's serial port to a serial port on a PC, using a standard "crossed" (null modem) cable. 2. Insert the HUD in the PC's A drive and boot the PC from this diskette.
  • Page 103 6. Select option 4, Floppy disk & configure Compact Flash and press E - this will prompt you for the port being used to connect the diskette drive: 7. Select option 2 to connect to the PC, then press E. 8.

  • Page 104: The Interlink Utility

    "crossed" (null modem) cable. 2. On the desktop PC, run the INTERLINK server: type INTERSVR.EXE and press Enter. 3. On the MP2500 unit, install the INTERLINK driver by adding this line to the CONFIG.SYS file: DEVICE=C:\DOS\INTERLNK.EXE MP2500 System Developer's Guide...
  • Page 105 4. Reboot the MP2500 unit, which will display a list of new drive letters and printer port names that now provide access to resources on the server PC, like this: Microsoft Interlnk version 1.xx Port=COM1 Drive letters redirected: 3 (D: through F:)
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  • Page 107: The Hot Key

    11. The HOT Key This chapter summarises the facilities provided by the MP2500 HOT key, which you can use to check or change certain key aspects of the MP2500 set-up. Particular uses are described in more detail as appropriate elsewhere in this manual.

  • Page 108: Status Information

    E to accept the changes or C to cancel them. 11.3.1 Text font The MP2500 can display text on the LCD in different sizes, e.g. 16x16, 16x12, 8x12, 11x8, 8x8, 8x6 and 6x4 (all sizes in pixels). The smaller characters allow you to display more text at a time, but you will probably find the larger characters easier to read.

  • Page 109: Inverse Video

    If an application maintains a status, message, or menu line separate from the main work area on the screen, you can tell the MP2500 to display it permanently on the LCD by using the split screen facility. This splits the...

  • Page 110: Keyboard Option

    10.1.5.) 11.4.2 Turnoff timeout This value controls how long the MP2500 will stay turned on, if a user does not press any keys and communications is not active. You can set it to between 2 and 60 minutes, or disable it entirely. The default is 5 minutes.

  • Page 111: Autorepeat

    Use this setting to enable charging when rechargeable batteries are fitted. 11.5.3 Charging type MP2500 supports two different rechargeable battery types, selected by using UTIL - see section 10.1.6 (Non-volatile configuration). Set the charging type to NiCad or NiMH as appropriate if you intend using rechargeable batteries.

  • Page 112: Charging Termination

    11.5.4 Charging termination For a fully discharged battery, the MP2500 requires up to 8.5 hours to charge a NiCd battery and 12 hours to charge a NiMH battery, After charging for 8.5 hours (NiCd) or 12 hours (NiMH), the message Charging Complete will be displayed.

  • Page 113: The Editor

    12. The Editor This chapter describes ED, the MP2500 text editor which is resident on your MP2500. Note: To use many editor facilities, you need access to the Ctrl key. This key is available in the developer (default) keyboard mode, but not the user keyboard mode.

  • Page 114: Ed Options

    The, THE, etc. ED normally stores the E key as CR-LF character pair (ASCII 0DH, 0AH). Use this option to store it as a CR character (ASCII 0DH). MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 115 Option Description /WRAP Lines which are longer than the LCD will normally extend to the right of it, so you must use the cursor keys to view the line ends. Use this option to turn wrapping on, so that text will be formatted to fit in the LCD window.

  • Page 116: Editing Screen

    Column 1 is the left of the virtual screen. Column 255 is the extreme right of the virtual screen. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 117 The bottom line is the Function Line. This shows the commands performed by pressing the function keys F1 to F10. F1 to F10 can be typed by using W1, W2 etc, using W0 for F10. F1 to F4 can also be typed by using the 1, 2, 3 and 4 keys next to the screen.

  • Page 118: Facilities

    Remember that you’re working with a temporary copy of the file: the disk is not updated until you use the SAVE command. This means that you can abandon any changes you have made by leaving ED without saving the file. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 119 Commands are executed by typing certain keypad, function and control keys. These provide the following facilities: Typing mode CHARACTER INSERT Switch between overtype mode (typed characters replace characters at the cursor) and insert mode (typed characters are inserted before text at the cursor) Cursor movement CURSOR KEYS Move up/down/left/right a character/line at a time...
  • Page 120 Exit without saving the file READ FILE Insert another disk file at cursor position DELETE FILE Delete a file DIRECTORY Display a directory listing Printing PRINT SCREEN Print edit area to COM1 VIEW FILE Display overview of file contents MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 121: The Commands

    Settings COMMAND OPTIONS Specify options in ED command (see section 12.4) Change settings from within ED The words in capitals are the command names, which are used to identify the commands throughout this chapter. The keystrokes used to invoke the commands are summarised in section The commands.

  • Page 122: Control Keys

    Ctrl+X Cursor down Ctrl+Y Line delete Ctrl+Z File end 12.7.2 Function Keys The commands performed by the function keys (W1, W2 etc) are as follows. Command 1 or W1 Save file 2 or W2 Exit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 123: Other Keys

    Command 3 or W3 Find 4 or W4 Replace Print screen View file Directory Not used Not used Their functions are also indicated by legends on the bottom line of the screen (the Function Line). 12.7.3 Other Keys A number of other keys also have special effects within ED: Command Character insert Delete left...

  • Page 124: Block Delete

    BLOCK MOVE command. If you attempt to move a block when there is no block defined, you will see the following error message: No block marked... press any key Press any key to carry on. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 125: Block Start/End

    BLOCK START/END Form: Ctrl+KB - BLOCK START Ctrl+KD - BLOCK END BLOCK START and BLOCK END are used to define a block of text so it can be moved, deleted, copied, or written using the other block commands. The extent of the block is shown by reversing the text within it. If you have defined the block start but not the block end, the block end is assumed to be the end of the current line (i.e.

  • Page 126: Character Insert

    (depending on the use of the TAB option; see section 12.4). Even in overtype mode, both keys will insert text if the cursor is at the end of the file. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 127: Cursor Keys

    CURSOR KEYS Form: G or Ctrl+E - CURSOR UP H or Ctrl+X - CURSOR DOWN I or Ctrl+S - CURSOR LEFT J or Ctrl+D - CURSOR RIGHT These keys move the cursor a character or line at a time in the indicated direction.

  • Page 128: Directory

    E. To list only certain files, use wildcards (see your MS-DOS manual). This displays a directory in the following form: Use the Q or R keys to scroll the directory. Press W8 or W2 to return to editing. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 129: Exit

    EXIT Form: 2 or W2 EXIT quits ED. If you have not saved the file since making any changes, it displays the following prompt: Exit editor (Y/N) ? Press N to continue editing. Press Y to leave the editor without saving the file. Note that if you do this, any changes you have made to an existing file will be lost;...

  • Page 130: Line Delete

    LINE START/END Form: Ctrl+QS - LINE START Ctrl+QD - LINE END These keys move the cursor to the beginning or end of the current line. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 131: Page Up/Down

    PAGE UP/DOWN Form: Q or Ctrl+R - PAGE UP R or Ctrl+C - PAGE DOWN These keys are used to scroll the text, a screenful (six lines) at a time. (This is quicker than using G and H.) If the cursor is not on the bottom screen line, PAGE DOWN will put it there. If the cursor is on the bottom line, PAGE DOWN will move the LCD screen six lines nearer the end of the file.

  • Page 132: Replace

    If no match is found, Replace failed... is displayed on the function line and the cursor remains where it was. To halt the search, press C. To search without replacing, use the FIND command. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 133: Save

    SAVE Form: 1 or W1 SAVE saves the text to a disk file. It displays the prompt File name> followed by the filename specified in the ED command or a previous SAVE command. To save the file with this name, just press E. To save it with a different name, edit the displayed name and then press E.
  • Page 134 If you have already used TABs in the file, changing the tab settings will move any TABs which were entered as TAB characters, but will have no effect on TABs which were entered as spaces. (See the description of the TAB command for more details.) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 135: Tab

    Form: Ctrl+I TAB moves the cursor to the next tab stop, making it easier to indent text and lay out tables. Tab stops are normally set every 8 characters ie at column 9, 17, 25, etc, but you can change the spacing by using the SET command.

  • Page 136: View File

    SKIP RIGHT moves the cursor to the start of the next word, while SKIP LEFT moves the cursor to the start of the previous word. These keys provide a quick way to move around text. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 137: Error Messages

    12.8 Error Messages The simplest error message is: beep You have typed an illegal answer to a prompt, or used a command when it is not valid, such as deleting when in BROWSE mode, or typed an unrecognised command, such as Ctrl+B. ED displays error messages on the last line.
  • Page 138 (SET command). Search failed... ED could not find the specified text in the file. Remember that searching starts at the cursor position and the specified text must match exactly. If you MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 139 think the problem may be with capitalisation, use the case-ignore option (SET command). Searching... This is not an error message; it simply indicates that ED is searching for the specified text. Short of memory- save file NOW! There is no room in memory for any more text. If you can, make more room by deleting some text.
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  • Page 141: Introduction To Communications

    Communications facilities are especially important for portable computers, because they often rely on communications to exchange information or programs with remote computer systems. The MP2500 is equipped as standard with a single industry-standard RS232/V24 serial port (Port 1), permanently assigned as COM2. Port 1...

  • Page 142: Communications Packages

    However, the port may also be used to connect to a host computer system, allowing you to use the MP2500 as a portable terminal. An MP2500 can also communicate with another MP2500 or other H...

  • Page 143: Background Information

    This chapter is mainly concerned with setting up and using these MP2500 facilities. For more details of standard IBM PC communications, refer to any standard MS-DOS user's or programmer’s guide. The MP2500 is provided with a built-in file transfer utility called HCOM.COM and an XMODEM file loader called XL.COM.

  • Page 144: Data Transmission

    An application reads data from this receive buffer. If there is sufficient data in the buffer, then it will be returned immediately. If there is insufficient data, the MP2500 will wait for it to arrive (or until a timeout occurs). Reception of data is completely transparent to the application being run.

  • Page 145: Connecting Up

    13.4 Connecting up The MP2500 is provided with one 9-way D-type. You can connect or disconnect at any time: you do not need to power down first. Note: Never try to force a mating connector home. Check that the connector is correctly aligned. If it won’t fit easily, check for orientation or damage.
  • Page 146 Part 3 for details of selecting IBM communications from an application. If you are using an application written especially for the MP2500, it should select and configure communications automatically. In this case, you won’t be required to intervene.

  • Page 147: Handshaking

    Ring Indicator (RI). RI is an input which will turn the MP2500 on. It is often used by an auto-answer modem, to turn the MP2500 on when a call is received so it can process the call.

  • Page 148: Protocols

    If there is no room in the receive buffer, received characters will overwrite previously received characters. (This would normally be prevented by handshaking with the remote system.) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 149 MP2500 transmits an XOFF character (DC3, 13H or Control-S), which should prevent the host sending further characters. When there are only 100 characters left unread in the buffer, the MP2500 sends an XON character (DC1, 11H or Control-Q), which should tell the host to carry on transmitting.

  • Page 150: Port Set-Up Options

    COM2. Notes Setting Result The MP2500 will only transmit data if CTS is active (positive). CTS is tested at the start of each character. If CTS goes inactive part way through transmitting a character, that character will be completed before transmission stops.
  • Page 151 The connected device (usually a modem) can use this signal to tell the MP2500 when it is ready to operate. Setting Result The MP2500 will transmit or receive only while DSR is active (positive). DSR is ignored. To control production of the DTR (Data Terminal Ready) handshake output on COM2, while transmitting or receiving.
  • Page 152 Characters are not echoed. Echoing a non-text file is not recommended. FS3 MODE To select IBM or FS3 (H ) communications. USKY Notes See section 10.1.6 and 13.3 for information on FS3 and IBM communications modes. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 153 LENGTH To set the number of data bits transmitted or expected when receiving. Notes Setting Result Seven data bits Eight data bits Note: If transmitting binary files, set LENGTH to 8. Note that you cannot select 5-bit or 6-bit data lengths from UTIL, although the IBM PC supports these (can be selected by direct programming of the UART).
  • Page 154 NULL To control whether the MP2500 inserts NULL characters (decimal 0, hexadecimal 00H) after each CR, when transmitting. Notes This option is mainly provided for use with printers that take a significant time to perform a Carriage Return operation and don’t have handshaking or...
  • Page 155 PARITY To select the data parity to add to transmitted data, and the data parity checking that will be used to check received data. Fixed parities (Mark and Space) can be selected by directly programming the UART. Notes When transmitting, PARITY has the following significance: Setting Result None...
  • Page 156 (see section 14.11), or be handled by your application (see Part Note that the MP2500 does not support a fixed parity of 1, unlike the IBM PC. This is unlikely to cause problems as fixed parity is very rarely used.
  • Page 157 When the MP2500 is ready to transmit data, it raises RTS to active (positive), then waits for a reply on the CTS line (if enabled) before sending the data in the transmit buffer.
  • Page 158 To filter a particular character from received data. Notes This tells the MP2500 to remove a particular ASCII character from serial input i.e. to receive it normally but not place it in the receive buffer, so the character is never passed to the application.
  • Page 159 SPEED To set the transmit and receive Baud rates (speeds) to suit the connected device. Notes The Baud rates available are: 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400 Note that external devices, the communications channel, or the application may not be able to handle the highest Baud rates.
  • Page 160 If no attempt is made to transmit data, this timeout will not occur. Setting Result No timeout. 1..60 Timeout after 1 to 60 seconds. Note: If an optional protocol is being used which has its own timeouts, disable the TX timeout. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 161: Configuring Ibm Communications

    13.6 Configuring IBM communications Standard IBM communications will be selected by any standard application command that initialises communications. default COM2 configuration is as follows: Speed: 2400 Data bits: Parity: Stop bits: Retry on timeout: (All handshake lines are inactive and interrupts are disabled.) You can alter all these settings from MS-DOS command mode, by using the standard MS-DOS MODE utility.

  • Page 162: Example Communications Set-Up

    13.7.1 Communicating with another MP2500 (or an FS unit with a 9-way D-type) 13.7.1.1 Cable To connect Port 1 on one MP2500 direct to Port 1 on another, you need a simple ‘crossed cable’. For example, assuming they both use 9-way connectors:...

  • Page 163: Communicating With An Fs Unit Equipped With 12-Way (Circular) Connectors

    13.7.2 Communicating with an FS unit equipped with 12-way (circular) connectors 13.7.2.1 Cable To connect Port 1 on the MP2500 to the FS unit, you need a cable like this, assuming 12-way connectors on the FS unit: FS unit MP2500...

  • Page 164: Communicating With An External Modem

    Configure the two computers as described in section 13.7.1. 13.7.3 Communicating with an external modem 13.7.3.1 Cable Most modems are configured as DCEs, so you can use a cable like this to connect to the MP2500's 9-way connector: Modem MP2500 (25-way)

  • Page 165: Communicating With A Pc (Personal Computer) - Serial Communications

    For example, to suit a typical modem, configure the MP2500 as follows: Option Setting Comments Baud rate: To suit the modem. Protocol: To suit the remote system. Length: Binary data. Parity: To suit the modem. Stop bits: To suit the modem.
  • Page 166 Most PCs are fitted with 9-way D-type sockets, for which you will require a cable like this: PC (9-way MP2500 female or male) (9-way male) 2 ---------- 3 3 ---------- 2 4 ---------- 6 5 ---------- 5 6 ---------- 4 7 ---------- 8 8 ---------- 7 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 167 13.7.4.3 Configuration Configure the MP2500 as follows: Option Setting Comments Baud rate: 9600 As fast as the PC can go. Protocol: None None needed. Length: Binary data. Parity: Even Allows data integrity checking Stop bits: Minimum required to save time.

  • Page 168: Communicating With A Serial Printer

    Printer 3 ---------- 3 5 ---------- 7 If you do this, you must also turn CTS handshaking off on the MP2500 (ie set the CTS option to No, using UTIL). 13.7.5.2 Configuration As the printer is connected by a short cable, you can use the fastest speed available and simple CTS/RTS handshaking.
  • Page 169 • With the 5-wire cable (TxD, RxD, CTS, RTS, 0 ): Set the baud rate, Volt parity, data bits and speed as set on the MP2500, and select the XON/XOFF protocol. • With the simple 3-wire cable (TxD, RxD, 0 ): set CTS to ‘No’...
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  • Page 171: Using Communications

    Connect only approved cables and peripherals to the MP2500. 14.1 Introduction The MP2500 communications port can be used to connect to a very wide range of devices. These fall into two main categories: other computers and computer peripherals. Communications provide a quick and easy way to load programs and data onto the MP2500, and return collected data to other systems for processing.

  • Page 172: Starting Communication

    14.3 Starting communication When you turn the MP2500 on, the serial interface is left turned off to conserve power. When a user program attempts to send or receive data, the MP2500 turns its interface on automatically and waits approximately 2 seconds to allow it to settle down before beginning transmission or reception.
  • Page 173 These commands may be quite sufficient for transferring ASCII (text) files, but are not suitable for transferring binary files. To do this, you must use the MP2500 HCOM utility (see section 14.5) or a communications application (see section 14.9). COM2 is configured as LPT1 automatically, so any command that prints will usually direct its output to COM2.

  • Page 174: Using The Husky File Transfer Utility, Hcom

    You control HCOM from the PC keyboard and can view directories on both the PC and the MP2500, and copy single files or groups of files in either direction. HCOM is described in detail in a separate document, The Husky File Transfer Utility Guide, with extra information in a README file on the HCOM diskette.

  • Page 175: Using The Husky Xmodem Loader, Xl

    MP2500. This will typically be used to update the user’s application automatically. XL is stored on the MP2500 CompactFlash disk. To use it you will also need a third party program on the host which uses the XMODEM protocol. 14.6.1 Using XL •...
  • Page 176 If any error messages are displayed, see section 14.6.3. To cancel the transfer at any time, press C. The data which is currently being received will be discarded and you will be returned to the DOS prompt. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 177: Technical Information

    XL uses COM2 on startup. When the user initiates communications (press E) on the Active MP2500, it sends a POLL to the host, then waits for a configurable period (/Pnn parameter, default 10 seconds) before sending another POLL. If there is no response to 5 POLLs, the download will fail with an error message (see section 14.6.3).

  • Page 178: Using Mp2500 Applications

    MP2500 will restart the download after a configurable delay (/Rnn parameter, default 10 seconds), unless the user presses C first, which returns to DOS. A Passive MP2500 will display the message until the operator presses C; it will not restart the download.

  • Page 179: Using Ms-Dos Communications Packages

    (cables), convenient menu-driven interfaces and automatic operation, including error-handling. Some of these packages are appropriate to use with the MP2500, but because they are written for standard IBM PC hardware, they will not use any of the special facilities provided by MP2500 communications. They also may not work reliably at speeds greater than 9,600 Baud.

  • Page 180: Exchanging Files With An Mp2500, Fs3 Or Fs/2

    14.10.1 Exchanging files with an MP2500, FS3 or FS/2 The FS/2 comms utility COM.COM is not supplied on MP2500 (or on FS3). recommends that files are transferred via a PC, using HCOM (see USKY section 14.5). Alternatively, you could load COM.COM onto the MP2500 - contact your system provider or H for details.
  • Page 181 • Check for component failure. If communications fails because of timeouts, you can increase the periods or disable the timeouts entirely by using the UTIL command or by using similar options in an MP2500 application. Chapter 14: Using Communications...
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  • Page 183: Accessories

    15. Accessories This chapter briefly describes the main accessories developed by H USKY use with the MP2500. For more details, consult the products’ user guides or approach your local distributor or H USKY CAUTION: Connect only approved cables and peripherals to the MP2500.

  • Page 184: Upgrading The Bios And Utilities

    The special MP2500 AC adaptors are the only units which may be used to recharge the NiMH and NiCd batteries while they are installed in the MP2500. The use of an non H -approved AC adaptor or battery USKY eliminator may damage the MP2500 or the batteries and may contravene EMC and safety legislation.

  • Page 185: Introduction

    MP2500. It also provides background information which may be of interest if you wish to use non-standard peripherals. 16.1 Using this part of the guide The information provided in this part of the MP2500 System Developer’s Guide is of four main types: Chapters 16 to 18...

  • Page 186: Conventions

    [–] This is an IBM PC-AT facility (interrupt, device, register, etc) which is not implemented on MP2500. This is an extra MP2500 facility (interrupt, device, register, etc), ie one not implemented on the IBM PC-AT. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 187: Installing Standard Applications

    Check that the application and its data files can fit in the available disk space. Printer: The MP2500 is fitted with a single serial port as standard. Printing is via this serial port.. Certain applications include copy-protection that relies on a specially...

  • Page 188: Problems With Interrupts

    These will not work on MP2500. Such applications are rare, and you may be able to obtain an unprotected version on special request. The MP2500 hardware is to a large extent IBM PC-compatible, so you can even use many ‘badly behaved’ applications too, such as most TSR packages.
  • Page 189 However, there are a few minor areas of limited compatibility that might still affect you: Compatibility issue Comments Periodic NMIs NMIs occur periodically including times when Application software has attempted to disable all interrupts. The NMIs can reduce comms throughput slightly at very high rates.

  • Page 190: Porting The Application

    17.2 Porting the application To use an application, you must load it onto a desktop computer, then use communications to load it onto the MP2500 disk. See Part 2 for details of loading files with communications. To make the best use of disk space, only install those files that are really required for operation.
  • Page 191 Note that if you change the PATH, you should include C:/ on it if you want to continue to provide easy access to COMMAND.COM, UTIL and ED (the text editor). MP2500 provides a slightly unusual environment, so note the following when setting up these files: CONFIG.SYS...

  • Page 192: Testing

    (see Part 2). 17.5 Special considerations 17.5.1 Batteries MP2500 will usually be operated from batteries while in the field. Its sophisticated power monitoring system will help get the maximum trouble- free operating time from a set of batteries.

  • Page 193: Display

    The MP2500 is normally shipped without the batteries fitted when it leaves the factory. Whichever battery type is fitted, if battery power gets very low, MP2500 will shut down automatically, to avoid losing RAM and clock contents. If MP2500 is fitted with rechargeable batteries, you need to select the battery type using the non-volatile configuration option of UTIL and enable the battery charging support.

  • Page 194: Training

    17.5.3 Training If a user is running a standard application on MP2500, their main source of information must be the application’s own guides. However, these may have been written for use on a desktop computer, so users should be made aware of the differences that using MP2500 will make.

  • Page 195: Adapting Applications

    18. Adapting Applications This chapter describes briefly how to adapt applications for which you have the source code so that they will run on MP2500. See Chapter 17 for general background on the operating system, utilities, and special considerations. That chapter also describes how to install standard applications.

  • Page 196: Using Fs/2 Or Fs3 Software

    FS/2 or FS3 should run USKY with little or no changes on the MP2500, unless it relies on any of the facilities which have been deleted within the MP2500, or relies on software timing loops (the MP2500 is considerably slower than the FS3, but about the same speed as the FS/2).

  • Page 197: The Interrupts

    19. The Interrupts This chapter briefly describes the interrupts used on MP2500. The BIOS interrupts are described in detail in Chapters 20 to 30. The hardware interrupts are described in section 31.3. The MS-DOS interrupts are described in the MS-DOS Programmer’s Manual.
  • Page 198 BIOS video parameters 78..7BH Diskette parameters BIOS diskette parameters 7C..7FH Graphics characters Default upper 128 graphics characters 80..9CH MS-DOS services See the MS-DOS ..27H Programmer’s Manual 1C0..1C3H Comms timeout IRET 1C4..1C7H Reserved 1C8..1CBH Power on/off notify IRET MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 199: Bios Interrupts

    The BIOS interrupts are described in numerical order in the following chapters. Many of the extra BIOS interrupts are used to change MP2500’s behaviour, by altering default settings such as the battery type or keyboard layout. These changes are in general preserved until the next cold start. A cold start is produced by a power-up in non-resume mode, or after emergency breakout or loss of all power.
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  • Page 201: Int 05H, Print Screen Contents

    Comments This function is normally used by pressing PrtSc or Shift+PrtSc on PC- compatibles. The main differences on MP2500 are: The function can be invoked with the default (developer) keyboard by pressing WP, or SWP in the user mode. The function will print the whole of the virtual screen (not the LCD window).
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  • Page 203: Int 10H, Screen Handler

    21. INT 10H, Screen Handler Screen control output. Entry AH selects the function required, while other registers are used for parameters, as follows. Cursor co-ordinates are range-checked and ‘clipped’ to keep them within the allowed range (row: 0-24; column: 0-79). Exit On exit, AX is corrupted.
  • Page 204 For example: If a pixel were written with the colour red, it would be displayed as black, but its colour would be read (direct from screen memory or via the appropriate function) as red. MP2500 also provides a number of extended functions to provide easy access to its special features: Set graphics font...

  • Page 205: Set Screen Mode

    25 x 80, mono text, 25 x 80, colour graphics, 320 x 200, palette 0 graphics, 320 x 200, palette 1 graphics, 640 x 200, mono In text modes, MP2500 can display text attributes (including colours) inverse video: description of function 72H.

  • Page 206: Move Cursor

    BH=page DH=row (0..24) Exit DL=column (0..79) BX=cursor pixel column (0..639) CX=cursor pixel row (0..199) (pixel co-ordinates are for bottom left corner of character cell) Description Reads the current cursor position, in text and graphics co-ordinates MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 207: Set Display Page

    [+][-] This function returns the lightpen address, in the IBM BIOS, but MP2500 does not support connection of a lightpen. Set display page Entry AH=05H AL=page Returns nothing Exit Selects the display page, in text modes (0..3). Description Scroll up...

  • Page 208: Scroll Down

    If you have been using the graphics font facilities (see function 60H), the result will only be meaningful if all characters on the screen are the same size as the current font. Write character plus attributes AH=09H Entry AL=character BH=page BL=attribute/colour CX=repeats MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 209: Write Character

    Returns nothing Exit Writes the character specified by AL at the cursor, CX Description times. The cursor does not move. In text modes, BL specifies the text attributes. For the 8x6, 12x8 and 12x16 fonts, selected text attributes will be displayed as a bold font. The default is to display the background and foreground intensity bits as bold, but see function 7BH.

  • Page 210: Read Pixel

    Description Reads the colour of the specified pixel, in graphics modes. Remember that MP2500 can only display two colours (black and white), but supports the full range of pixel colours. For example, if a pixel were written with the colour blue, it would be displayed as black, but its colour would be read back as blue.

  • Page 211: Write String

    AL=mode Exit AH=width (columns) BH=page Returns information about the current screen set-up. Description Write string [-] AH=13H Entry AL=0 BL=attribute BH=page DX=starting cursor position CX=length ES:BP=address of start of string Returns nothing Exit Description Writes a string to the specified position, without moving the cursor.

  • Page 212: Move Cursor To Graphics Co-Ordinates [+]

    AH=61H Entry CX=col DX=row Returns nothing Exit Moves the cursor to the specified graphics co- Description ordinates, in a graphics mode. The position specified is actually the top left corner of the current character cell. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 213: Get Cursor Position In Graphics Co-Ordinates [+]

    This function is ignored in text modes. Get cursor position in graphics co-ordinates [+] AH=62H Entry CX=col Exit DX=row Description Reads the cursor position in graphics co-ordinates, in a graphics mode. The position returned is actually the top left corner of the current character cell. This function is ignored in text modes.

  • Page 214: Split Display [+]

    This facility can also be controlled by using the HOT key (WH in the default (developer) keyboard mode, SWH in user keyboard mode). Draw ellipse/circle [+] AH=70H Entry DS=data segment of data buffer BX=offset into segment Returns nothing Exit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 215: Draw Line/Box [+]

    Draws an ellipse or circle in graphics modes. The Description graphic is drawn according to the data in the buffer, which is as follows: radius * Y aspect Centre radius * X aspect Byte1: centre X co-ordinate LSB Byte2: centre X co-ordinate MSB Byte3: centre Y co-ordinate Byte4: radius LSB Byte5: radius MSB...

  • Page 216: Select Inverse Video Mechanism [+]

    Select inverse video mechanism [+] Entry AH=72H AL=mechanism Returns nothing Exit Permits use of inverse video to emulate various text Description screen attributes, according to the value of AL: Effect Do not use inverse video. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 217: Select Text Font [+]

    Emulate MDA ie display attribute byte 07H as normal video (white on black background) and 70H as inverse video (black on white background). Use inverse video if background colour other than black. Use inverse video for high intensity text. Use inverse video for text with background intensity greater than foreground intensity.

  • Page 218: Set Lcd Window Position [+]

    Text size can also be changed by using the HOT key (WH in the default (developer) keyboard mode, SWH in user keyboard mode). For more details of these fonts, see Appendix C. Set LCD window position [+] AH=74H Entry DH=row DL=column Returns nothing Exit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 219: Looking Keys [+]

    Moves the LCD screen over the virtual screen to Description position its top left corner at the specified row and column, with row 0, column 0 being the top left corner of the virtual screen and row 25, column 80 being the bottom right corner.

  • Page 220: Turn Backlight (Option) On/Off [+]

    Allow LCD cursor synchronisation Allow power control in hot key Allow hot key Set contrast level to default Switch backlight (option) off Set backlight (option) timeout to 2 minutes Set upper 128 graphics character definitions to BIOS defaults MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 221: Get Contrast And Backlight (Option) State [+]

    Get contrast and backlight (option) state [+] AH=7AH Entry BH=contrast level (1..80H) Exit BL=backlight level (0=off, 1=on) Description Reads the current contrast and backlight (option) states. Set bold attribute mask [+] Entry AH=7BH AL=attribute mask Exit Sets the mask which dictates which text attributes will Description be displayed as bold, for the 8x6, 12x8 and 12x16 text fonts.
  • Page 222 Intensity (Foreground) Red (Foreground) Green (Foreground) Blue (Foreground) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 223: Int 11H, Check System Equipment

    22. INT 11H, Check System Equipment Determines the standard equipment fitted. Entry No parameters are passed. Exit AX is bit-significant, indicating the equipment fitted. A standard MP2500 will return the following: Significance Value on MP2500 Diskette drives 1 (present) Maths co-processor...
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  • Page 225: Int 12H, Check Memory Size

    23. INT 12H, Check Memory Size Reads the amount of main memory. Entry No parameters are passed. Exit AX=main (DOS) memory size, in KByte. This will be in multiples of 32. Comments This function behaves exactly as it does under PC BIOS. Chapter 23: INT 12H, Check Memory Size...
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  • Page 227: Int 13H, Disk Handler

    24. INT 13H, Disk Handler Disk drive control and I/O. MP2500 supports two ATA drives and as standard is supplied fitted with one, an internal CompactFlash device configured as drive C. MP2500 also supports a diskette drive - a H...

  • Page 228: Comments

    Disk controller timeout (not ready) Undefined error Read status failure AX and the flags are corrupted. Comments The MP2500 implements all the standard ATA disk functions: PC Standard BIOS Reset disk system Get disk status Read disk sectors Write disk sectors...

  • Page 229: Reset Disk

    Reset disk Entry AH=00H DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) AH=status Exit CF=error flag Recalibrates the specified hard disk drive's heads and Description the diskette subsystem. Read disk status AH=01H Entry DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) Exit AH=status Returns status of the last disk operation.

  • Page 230: Write Sectors

    Entry AH=04H AL=no. of sectors DH=head no. DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) CH=LSB of cylinder no. CL bits 0..5=sector no. CL bits 6..7=MSB of cylinder no. CF=flag Exit AH=status AL=no. of sectors verified MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 231: Format Disk Cylinder

    If the sector(s) verified correctly, CF=0 and AH=0. If Description the sector(s) did not verify, CF=1 and AH=status byte. Format disk cylinder AH=05H Entry AL=no. of sectors BX=offset of format data buffer CH=LSB of cylinder no. CL bits 0..5=sector no. CL bits 6..7=MSB of cylinder no.

  • Page 232: Format Bad Track

    CH. If the drive formatted correctly, CF=0. If the drive did not format correctly, CF=1 and AH gives the cause. Other information required for formatting is obtained from the appropriate disk parameter table. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 233: Read Drive Parameters

    Read drive parameters AH=08H Entry DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) CF=error flag Exit AH=status CH=LSB of max cylinder no. CL bits 0..5=max number of sectors per track CL bits 6..7=MSB of max cylinder no. DH=max head no. DL=no. of hard disks ES:DI=address of fixed disk parameters table Description Returns information about the specified hard disk.

  • Page 234: Write Long Sector

    CL bits 6..7=MSB of cylinder no. DH=head no. DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) Exit CF=error flag AH=status Positions the disk head specified by DH over the Description cylinder specified by CX, on the drive specified by DL. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 235: Alternate Reset Disk

    Alternate reset disk AH=0DH Entry DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) AH=status Exit CF=error flag Recalibrates the specified disk drive's heads without Description resetting the diskette system. Read test buffer Entry AH=0EH DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) ES:BX=pointer to diagnostic buffer AH=status Exit...

  • Page 236: Test For Drive Ready

    Causes the fixed disk controller to carry out a built-in Description diagnostic test on its internal sector buffer. AH indicates whether or not it passed this test. Controller Drive diagnostic AH=13H Entry DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 237: Controller Internal Diagnostic

    AH=status Exit CF=error flag Causes the fixed disk controller to carry out diagnostic Description tests on the specified drive. AH indicates whether or not it passed this test. Controller internal diagnostic AH=14H Entry DL=80H (drive 0) or 81H (drive 1) Exit AH=status CF=error flag...
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  • Page 239: Int 14H, Serial Port Handler

    Entry AH selects the function required, while other registers are used for parameters, as follows. DX indicates the serial port. As MP2500 is equipped with only one, COM2, DX must be 01H (COM2). Exit Valid only when using IBM mode comms, not when in H mode.

  • Page 240: Comments

    MP2500 BIOS provides identical functions, plus a number of extensions, providing access to additional facilities such as higher speeds and protocols, listed below. The functions marked with an asterisk (*) are ignored by MP2500 but ARE supported by FS3 - see Appendix G for more information. Read communications parameters...

  • Page 241: Initialise Port

    Get extended protocol parameters Reserved Reserved Ignored * Ignored * Reserved Ignored * Ignored * Reserved Control NMI suspend after data reception Control NMI suspend after data transmission Ignored * Ignored * Initialise port AH=00H Entry DX=port, 01H (COM2) AL=parameters Exit AX=status Configures the port specified by DX, according to the...

  • Page 242: Send Character

    Write the character to the port specified by DX. On return, if bit 7 of AH is 0, the character was sent, otherwise indicates reason non- transmission. (To check if the reason was a timeout, you must use the ‘Check status’ function.) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 243: Input Character

    Input character Entry AH=02H DX=port, 01H (COM2) AH=status Exit AL=character Reads a character from the port specified by DX. Description If AH=0, the character has been read correctly and is in AL. Otherwise, AH indicates the reason for failure. Check status Entry AH=03H DX=port, 01H (COM2)

  • Page 244: Read Comms Parameters [+]

    Baud rate 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 38400 (see Note below) Note: 38400 Baud is not recommended for MP2500. Parity None Even Even Stop bits Data bits Read comms parameters [+] AH=1EH Entry DS=segment address of buffer BX=offset address of buffer...
  • Page 245 Port number COM2 Byte 2 Baud rate 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 38400 (see note below) Note: 38400 Baud is not recommended for MP2500. Byte 3 Data bits Byte 4 Parity None Even Chapter 25: INT 14H, Serial Port Handler...
  • Page 246 RTS hold D1,D0=10 RTS true D1,D0=11 ignored Byte 7 Protocol None XON/XOFF Not used (obsolete option) Byte 8 Nulls 0..14H 0..20 Nulls after CR Byte 9 Byte 10 Serig 0..7FH Ignore this character Byte 11 Echo MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 247: Select Comms Parameters [+]

    Byte 12 Transmit timeout 1..3CH 1..60 seconds Byte 13 Receive time-out 1..3CH 1..60 seconds For details of H communications, see Part 2. USKY Select comms parameters [+] Entry AH=20H DS=segment address of buffer BX=offset address of buffer CX=channel number (01H=COM2) AX=0 - OK Exit AX=1 - invalid parameter(s)
  • Page 248 Byte 2 Baud rate 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 38400 (see Note below) Note: 38400 Baud is not recommended for MP2500. Byte 3 Data bits Byte 4 Parity None Even Byte 5 Stop bits Byte 6 Handshake ignored D6=1 DCD enable...
  • Page 249 Byte 7 Protocol None XON/XOFF Not used (obsolete option) Byte 8 Nulls 0..14H 0..20 Nulls after CR Byte 9 Byte 10 Serig 0..7FH Ignore this character Byte 11 Echo Byte 12 Transmit timeout 1..3CH 1..60 seconds Byte 13 Receive time-out 1..3CH 1..60 seconds Chapter 25: INT 14H, Serial Port Handler...

  • Page 250: Extended Control [+]

    TX) DX=port, non 0 (COM2) AH=extended status (see ‘Extended status’, below) Exit Used to control buffering. The commands are selected Description as follows: Contents Resulting Action empties RX buffer empties TX buffer forces transmit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 251: Extended Status [+]

    Extended status [+] Entry AH=22H DX=port, non 0 (COM2) AH=extended status Exit BX=number of characters in input buffer CX=number of characters in output buffer Used to obtain detailed error information from the Description current protocol, including the status of the transmit and receive buffers.

  • Page 252: Control Ri Power Up [+]

    The purpose of this function is to determine how many Description protocols are currently installed in MP2500. It is used by the UTIL comms menu option to determine how many protocols can be chosen from. Get protocol name [+]...

  • Page 253: Get Protocol Handle [+]

    Get protocol handle [+] AH=29H Entry DS:BX=pointer to buffer containing name AH=status (0=pass, FFH=fail) Exit AL=handle Use this function to read the handle for the protocol Description whose name is stored in the buffer pointed to DS:BX. On return, the handle is in AL if AH is 0. Extended protocol menu [+] Entry AH=2AH...

  • Page 254: Control Nmi Suspend After Data Reception [+]

    Returns nothing Exit Use this function to enable or disable a 2 second Description suspension of NMIs after the last data transmission during polled comms. This function is highly specialised and not for general use! MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 255: Int 15H, Bios Extension Functions [+]

    Functions [+] Provides access to additional MP2500-specific BIOS functions. These facilities are as follows. The functions marked with an asterisk (*) are ignored by MP2500 but ARE supported by FS3 - see Appendix G for more information. 60H Reserved 61H Ignored *...
  • Page 256 8CH Get/set power save entry flag 8DH Ignored * 8FH Reserved 90H Ignored * 91H Reserved 92H Reserved 93H Get charging status 94H Reset machine information 95H Get machine information 96H Ignored * 97H Reserved MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 257: Entry

    AFH Enable/disable temperature override Note: The following INT 15H functions are implemented by some AT BIOSes but are not supported by the MP2500 BIOS: 4FH (keyboard intercept), 80H (device open), 81H (device close), 82H (program termination), 83H (set event wait interval), 84H (joystick),...

  • Page 258: Exit

    In the IBM PC-AT and IBM PS/2 BIOS, INT 15 is used to implement a variety of enhancements (functions 80..91H). On the MP2500, many of these functions are used to change the subsequent behaviour of the MP2500; behaviour remains changed until the next cold start, which restores the default (normal) behaviour.

  • Page 259: Control Resume Mode [+]

    This is ‘resume mode’. If resume mode is disabled, when MP2500 is turned on it will display the ‘Welcome’ screen and boot MS-DOS. This is a cold start and will re-enable resume mode automatically (and set all other settings to their defaults).

  • Page 260: Power Down [+]

    Exit Description If power down is allowed (see function 69H), this turns MP2500 off. When MP2500 powers up, it will either return to the application (if in resume mode) or boot MS-DOS (if not in resume mode). If power down is not allowed, the function will return immediately.

  • Page 261: Get Rom Bios Version Number [+]

    Description will read the number from the unit’s ROM, which is the same on every MP2500 and not very useful. However, you can store a different serial number in RAM and make this function read the RAM version instead, by using function 72H.
  • Page 262 Error on COM2 Data received on COM1 Data received on COM2 RTC alarm RI received – not supported on MP2500 ** Or power down is imminent due to an idle timeout or low power warnings. (Events are enabled by using function 6EH.)

  • Page 263: Enable/Trap Event [+]

    Enable/trap event [+] Entry AH=6EH AL=software interrupt no. BH=event number BL=enable mask AH=0 (success) Exit The events mechanism provides an easy way to detect Description important events such as the RTC alarm going off or special keys being pressed. Use this function to enable or disable an event, or to trap the event.

  • Page 264: Acknowledge Event [+]

    Control sound [+] Entry AH=70H AL=0 (disable) or non-0 (enable) Registers unchanged Exit Use this function to control (enable or disable) ALL Description sound output, whether instigated by an application or BIOS. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 265: Redirect Serial Number [+]

    AH=0 (success) Exit Description By default, each MP2500 has the same 6-digit serial number stored in ROM, but serial numbers can be stored in the RAM. These can then be used to identify the unit which a program is running on (eg for copy- protection purposes).

  • Page 266: Set Contrast Power Up State [+]

    BX defines the conditions. If bit 0 is 0, MP2500 will not enter power save; if bit 0 is 1, power save is enabled but individual causes can be inhibited by setting bits 1 to 3. Default is 11H.

  • Page 267: Select Serial Port For Redirected Printing [+]

    Selects which serial port to redirect printing to from the parallel port. The default, restored by a cold start, is to use COM2. This function only allows selection of COM2 on the Note standard MP2500. Invoke HOT key [+] Entry AH=7AH AH=00 always returned.

  • Page 268: Control Hot Key [+]

    CF=00 always returned. The HOT key allows users to examine and change Description various aspects of MP2500’s set-up. Use this function to prevent access to these facilities. By default, access is enabled. This default is restored by a cold start.

  • Page 269: Override Low Power Turn Off [+]

    By default, power down is enabled. This default is restored by a cold start. On MP2500, low power warnings are issued if the battery voltage falls below a fixed threshold. Sound output [+] Entry...
  • Page 270 1174.700 1909 349.230 1244.523 1802 369.998 1318.500 1701 392.000 1396.900 1605 415.307 1479.503 1515 440.000 1568.000 For example, to sound middle C for 0.5 seconds, set DX to 1274 decimal and BX to 2548 decimal. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 271: Control Screen Synchronisation [+]

    Exit If get, AL=0 (COM2) If set, nothing is returned Description This function is ignored on MP2500 as there is no Fischer connector, the diskette drive can only be connected via COM2 (the serial port). Get/set screen attribute table [+]...

  • Page 272: Control Power Input [+]

    Note that this function has no effect in graphics modes, since there are no text attributes in graphics modes. Control power input [+] Entry AH=8AH AL=0 (disable) or non 0 (enable) SI=1234H (password) DI=5678H (password) AH=00H (success) or 0FFH (failure) Exit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 273: Get/Set Power Save Entry Flag [+]

    Description the AC adaptor. When power input is disabled, the AC adaptor will not charge batteries or supply power to MP2500. This should be used if Alkaline batteries are fitted. 1. For this function to operate correctly you must also Notes: set SI and DI as indicated.

  • Page 274: Get Charging Status [+]

    BL=0 (standard MP2500 charging) CH=0 (normal current) or non 0 (trickle) CL=7FH (standard MP2500 charging) Use this function to check the charging status. Description *Note that MP2500 does not support boost charging. Reset machine information [+] AH=94H Entry AH=0 (success) non 0 (failure)

  • Page 275: Get Machine Information [+]

    - reserved Description Use this function to read the machine information listed above, to keep a check on how the MP2500 has been used. You should use function 94H to initialise the information before providing the machine to a user, and can also use it to reset the information at later times if you wish.
  • Page 276 So the definition for A in this example is: start +041H = 00001110 start +141H = 00010001 start +241H = 00010001 start +341H = 00010001 start +441H = 00011111 start +541H = 00010001 start +641H = 00010001 start +741H = 00000000 MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 277: Get Unit Serial Number [+]

    1..16 (max): serial number AH=0FFH and CF=1 (failure) and buffer is unchanged Description Use this function to read the MP2500’s unit serial number into the specified buffer. The unit serial number is the same as shown on the unit’s label.

  • Page 278: Get Customer Id [+]

    Use this function to read the customer id from the Description MP2500’s EPROM, into the specified buffer. This id can be programmed for you or by using a special utility. Contact your supplier for details. The function will fail if the customer id has not been set.

  • Page 279: Set 11X8 Text Font [+]

    If the optional backlight is fitted, use this function to Description change or check how the backlight timeout is handled, according to the contents of AL. If AL=0 that after the backlight timeout, when the user presses a key the backlight will turn on again.

  • Page 280: Set 16X16 Text Font [+]

    The application should select the default font again before exiting, as the next application will probably overwrite the custom font table, producing a scrambled display on the LCD. The default, restored on a cold start, is to disable the custom font. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 281: Get/Set Printer Port Type

    Use this function to set or check which type of port to Description use for printing via LPT1: on the standard MP2500, the only port that can be used is the serial port, COM2. The default is to use the serial port, COM2. No other printer port types can be selected.
  • Page 282 Indicate port 92 a20 gate support Get AT config parameters AT only mode: Func Route Description Indicate port 92 a20 gate support 00H- Obsolete cassette functions -03H 80H- Various AT functions -89H Device busy Interrupt complete Get AT config parameters MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 283: Duplicated Functions

    If set, nothing is returned This function selects which port to use as the diskette Description drive serial port. On the standard MP2500, there is only one serial port - Port1 (COM2). Chapter 26: INT 15H, BIOS Extension Functions [+]...

  • Page 284: Enable/Disable Temperature Override

    AL=0 (disable) or non-0 (enable) Returns nothing Exit Description The MP2500 will normally prevent charging and fast discharge outside the range 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F nominal), as a safety measure. Use this function to enable or disable this temperature override.

  • Page 285: Int 16H, Keyboard Handler

    Get shift status Get extended status Set key repeat Get extended shift status The MP2500 BIOS provides these functions and also supports a number of extensions, providing access to the following facilities: Set temporary shift Control shift keys Control Ctrl-Alt-Del...

  • Page 286: Get Key

    Entry ZF=flag Exit AX=character Description Checks if there are any characters in the keyboard buffer. If there is a character, ZF=0 and its ASCII code is returned in AX. If there is no character, ZF=1. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 287: Get Shift Status

    This function does not remove the character from the Note: buffer. Get shift status AH=02H Entry AL=status Exit Checks the status of the modifier keys and returns the Description result as separate bits in AL, as follows: Significance D7=1 INS mode D6=1 CAPS LOCK mode D5=1...

  • Page 288: Write To Buffer

    AL=0 (success) or AL=1 (failed, buffer full). Inserts a 16-bit key token in the keyboard input buffer, Description exactly as if the user had pressed the corresponding key. Scan codes and ASCII codes are summarised in Appendix E. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 289: Extended Get Key

    Extended get key Entry AH=10H Exit AL=ASCII code AH=scan code This function is exactly the same as function 00H. Description Scan codes and ASCII codes are summarised in Appendix E. Extended get status AH=11H Entry ZF=flag Exit AL=ASCII code AH=scan code Description Checks if there are any characters in the keyboard buffer.

  • Page 290: Set Temporary Shift [+]

    Returns nothing Exit Sets the shift status as indicated by AL: Description D4=1 Scroll lock on D5=1 Num lock on D6=1 Caps lock on The user can override the shift status by pressing the appropriate keys. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 291: Control Shift Keys [+]

    Control shift keys [+] AH=21H Entry AL=keys to control BL=shift state required Returns nothing Exit Description Disables shift keys and sets them to a specified state. The user cannot override the state of disabled keys. In both AL and BL, individual bits correspond to different keys, as follows: Caps Lock (WC) Num Lock...

  • Page 292: Control Emergency Breakout [+]

    Exit If the user presses the X and P keys while turning on, Description MP2500 will usually reboot even if it is locked into a program. This is the emergency breakout mechanism. Use this function to disable emergency breakout, to prevent a user breaking out of an application.

  • Page 293: Redefine Key Codes [+]

    If an application locks up with both emergency Note: breakout and Ctrl+Alt+Del disabled, hold down both S keys and press P for at least 5 seconds to produce a hard reset. If this does not work, the unit may be faulty: contact your system supplier for assistance.

  • Page 294: Control Keyclick [+]

    The rate (in characters per seconds) is given by BL: Rate Rate Rate BL Rate 30.0 15.0 26.7 13.3 24.0 12.0 21.8 10.9 20.0 10.0 18.5 17.1 16.0 The delay before a key repeats is set by BH: MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 295: Control Key Repeat [+]

    Delay 250mSec 500mSec 750mSec 000mSec 4..FFH Reserved Control key repeat [+] Entry AH=2AH AL=0 (disable) or 1 (enable) Returns nothing Exit Controls the keyboard autorepeat facility. Description The default is for keys to repeat. This default is restored by a cold start. Redefine key scan codes [+] AH=2BH Entry...

  • Page 296: Redefine Paw Key Codes [+]

    The standard key matrix is restored on a cold start. You can also restore the default keyboard by using function 25H. Control Break keys [+] AH=2DH Entry AL=mask BX=0708H CX=0910H DX=1112H AL=0 (success) or AL=FFH (failed) Exit MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 297: Select Keyboard [+]

    You can use this function to disable the Break keys Description and so prevent users breaking out of an application. AL is bit-significant, as follows: Effect D0=0 Ignore Ctrl-C D0=1 Normal Ctrl-C action D1=0 Ignore Ctrl-Break (Ctrl+WC) D1=1 Normal Ctrl-Break action Normal operation of the Break keys is restored by a cold start.

  • Page 298: Clear Keyboard Buffer [+]

    Allow emergency breakout Reset all shifts Reset all shift locks Select default (developer) keyboard mode Clear keyboard buffer [+] Entry AH=31H AL=0 (success) Exit Use this function to remove any pending keystrokes Description from the keyboard buffer. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 299: Select Keyclick Sound [+]

    Select keyclick sound [+] Entry AH=32H AL=0 (click) or non-0 (beep) AL=0 (success) Exit Use this function to change the keyclick sound made Description when a key is pressed. The beep sound (produced if AL is non-0) is easier to hear in noisy environments. The default sound, restored on a cold start, is a low- volume click.
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  • Page 301: Int 17H, Printer Control

    28. INT 17H, Printer Control The MP2500 does not have a parallel printer port - all printer access will be directed via the BIOS to COM2. The MP2500 supports the standard printer services Printer output and status. Entry AH selects the function required and DX selects the printer number, as shown.

  • Page 302: Comments

    Get printer status The MP2500 BIOS provides identical functions, but note that only one printer is supported (LPT1). On MP2500, this is redirected to COM2 and printing becomes subject to the configuration of COM2: handshaking, speed, timeouts, data bits, etc.

  • Page 303: Get Printer Status

    Get printer status Entry AH=02H DX=printer number (0) AH=status Exit Returns the current printer status in AH. Description Chapter 28: INT 17H, Printer Control...
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  • Page 305: Int 19H, Reboot

    TSR programs “hook” the Interrupt vectors. Hence using the INT 19H function may result in the unit crashing. Note: The MP2500 BIOS includes a boot menu that can be used to change how the system boots (e.g. if the operating system is not present on drive C) and can also be booted from a suitable diskette on a PC.
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  • Page 307: Int 1Ah, Clock Handler [+]

    Comments IBM PC BIOS provides two functions: Get system clock Set system clock The MP2500 BIOS provides identical functions and four extra IBM PC-AT BIOS compatible functions to use the RTC: Get RTC time Set RTC time Get RTC date Set RTC date It also provides four more functions to take advantage of the RTC’s alarm...

  • Page 308: Get System Clock

    It will also power MP2500 up if it is powered down when the alarm goes off, providing convenient automatic operation in applications such as data logging. Note that when the system clock is set, the MP2500 BIOS also sets the RTC clock, and vice versa. Get system clock...

  • Page 309: Get Rtc Time [+]

    Get RTC time [+] AH=02H Entry CH=hour Exit CL=min DH=second CF=0 (RTC operating) or CF=1 (RTC not operating) Description If the RTC is operating, CF=0 and CH, CL and DH indicate the time, as BCD digits. If CF=1, the RTC is not operating correctly because it has become corrupted (eg has had invalid data written to it).

  • Page 310: Get Rtc Date [+]

    Set RTC alarm [+] AH=06H Entry CH=hour CL=minute DH=second CF=0 (RTC operating) or CF=1 (RTC not operating) Exit Sets the RTC alarm to the time specified by CH, CL Description and DH (interpreted as BCD digits). MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 311: Disable Rtc Alarm [+]

    Exit This function disables the RTC alarm so it does not Description operate ie does not power up MP2500 or cause the alarm event. The default is for the alarm to be enabled. This default is restored on a cold start.

  • Page 312: Set System Clock Source [+]

    The time can be read from the DOS system clock (tick) or from the RTC; use this function to change the source. The default, which is restored on a cold start, is to read the time from the RTC, as this is more accurate. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 313: Hardware

    31. Hardware This chapter describes the MP2500 hardware in sufficient detail to enable you to write programs to control the hardware directly, if you should need to. It will also help you anticipate or diagnose any problems with using software produced for a standard IBM PC-compatible.

  • Page 314: Memory Maps

    00000H (DOS RAM) 31.2.2 Physical memory map The physical memory map includes all MP2500’s memory-mapped components, including options such as communications and memory expansion modules. Access to these facilities is provided automatically, as and when required, so you do not need information about the physical memory map to use or program MP2500.

  • Page 315: I/O Addresses

    31.2.3 I/O addresses An IBM PC only uses I/O addresses 0-3FFH, and these are implemented similarly on MP2500. MP2500 also uses other I/O address, but applications MUST NOT use these! The following tables summarise the I/O operations that can occur on an IBM PC, and indicates those areas which are not fully compatible on MP2500.
  • Page 316 YES (no effect on IBM) Read YES (no effect on IBM) Write NO (ignored) Read YES (no effect on IBM) Write NO (ignored) Diskette Controller Address Operation Context Compatible? NO (ignored) NO (ignored) NO (ignored) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 317: Hardware Interrupts

    31.4 Device details As already mentioned, to be considered IBM PC-compatible, a computer must use the same devices, or emulate them. MP2500 mainly takes the first option. The main exception is the CGA display system, as the devices used in the IBM PC could not be used to produce a convenient portable design.

  • Page 318: Cga And 6845 Emulation (Display)

    The CGA RAM is 16 KByte from B8000H to BFFFFH. It is largely standard, and will not be described further here, other than to remind you that on MP2500, there is no display ‘snow’ problem, so programs need not wait for the vertical retrace period before accessing the CGA RAM. (The only non- standard aspect is that the 00H attribute byte (invisible) is not implemented.)
  • Page 319 31.4.1.2 6845 registers The 6845 CRT controller is the core of the CGA. It has 19 internal registers, which are accessed by writing the internal register number to the 6845 index register, then reading or writing the 6845 data register. The 6845 internal registers are implemented as follows: Register Access...
  • Page 320 Select B&W Select graphics Select 80x25 text 31.4.1.4 Colour select register The colour select register is not implemented, as MP2500’s display is only monochrome. 31.4.1.5 Status register The status register is a read-only register which returns the adaptor’s status by setting individual bits as follows:...
  • Page 321 The clear lightpen latch and reset lightpen latch registers are not implemented. 31.4.1.7 Character set The MP2500 BIOS provides the full IBM character set in both text and graphics modes. The IBM PC BIOS only provides the full set in text modes; in graphics modes, characters 00H..7FH only are defined.
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  • Page 323: Using Power Handling

    The RTC alarm going off • Plugging in the AC adaptor • Performing a hard reset (SSP) Note that RI (Ring Indicator) is not available on a standard MP2500, and cannot be used to power up the unit. Chapter 32: Using Power Handling...
  • Page 324 The power-up key is P. This key cannot be disabled or redefined; if there is any power in the batteries, it will always turn MP2500 on (although MP2500 may turn off again immediately, for example if the battery power is below the low power level).

  • Page 325: Power-Down

    32.1.1.4 RTC alarm The RTC alarm is set by using INT 1AH, function 6. When the RTC time matches the RTC alarm time, it will turn MP2500 on. You can disable the alarm by using INT 1AH function 07H. The easiest way to check if the alarm has caused the power up is to enable the alarm event (using INT 15H function 6EH) before power down, then check the event details on power up, using INT 15H function 6DH.
  • Page 326 The power down function (INT 15H function 68H) can be used to turn off MP2500. Use it, for example, to save power when a task is complete or to wait for the RTC alarm or an incoming call to turn it on (see section 32.1.1).

  • Page 327: Power Monitoring And Charging

    If the main batteries are removed or fail (ie the voltage falls below 2.6V- 2.7V), or the AC adaptor is turned off whilst batteries are below this level, MP2500 will immediately turn off regardless of the current activities, and will not turn on again until main power is restored.

  • Page 328: Saving Power

    32.3 Saving power IMPORTANT To make the best use of its battery capacity, MP2500 conserves power in a variety of ways, some obvious, some not so obvious. Most of these mechanisms are entirely automatic and have very little impact on users.

  • Page 329: Power Modes

    STOP mode, once an application has started communications (ie used INT 14H function 1 or 2). If you think that there still might be problems, you can force MP2500 to use HALT mode instead of STOP mode, by using INT 15H function 67H. This will make sure that no interrupts are missed, but uses a little more power.

  • Page 330: Timeouts

    These are: • The keyboard idle timeout. This turns MP2500 off if the keyboard is not touched for the timeout period and communications is not active (ensure the buffers are empty). To change or disable this timeout, use INT 15H function 63H.

  • Page 331: Switchable Devices

    32.3.3 Switchable devices There are several devices which consume significant power, that you can control from programs. You should keep their use to a minimum: • The backlight option. Use INT 10H function 65H to set a timeout and INT 10H function 78H to turn it on and off. •...

  • Page 332: Other Situations To Look Out For

    BIOS to spend as much time as possible in STOP mode. One way to achieve this is to use the RTC alarm to schedule the tasks at regular intervals rather than allowing them to be ongoing during idle time. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 333: Calculating Power Usage

    As a rough guide, for an MP2500 unit in an executing state (see the table above), a set of Alkaline batteries can be assumed to have the following usable capacities: 20°C...

  • Page 334: Using The Facilities

    32.5 Using the facilities 32.5.1 Setting up MP2500 allows you to use a range of power sources and provides a wide range of user and programming facilities related to their use. This section provides a few simple guidelines on setting up units to use either Alkaline or rechargeable batteries, which should provide a basis for your procedures.
  • Page 335 32.5.1.2 Using NiCd or NiMH batteries If the users are competent, familiarise them with the instructions in Part 2 on recharging batteries and using the HOT key, and provide them with AC adaptors. If the units will be used by non-technical operators exclusively with NiCd or NiMH batteries, set each one up as follows: •...

  • Page 336: Charging Nicd Or Nimh Batteries

    Another method would be to build recharging facilities into each application or into a separate utility, but protect them by a password, which you only provide to responsible individuals. 32.6 Default charging parameter settings Note: On a new MP2500, the initial default values will be configured as follows: Description Default...

  • Page 337: Appendix A: Specification

    Appendix A: Specification WPI H . reserves the right to alter the specification or USKY OMPUTERS conditions of any product or service without prior notice. A.1 Physical Construction Impact-resistant plastic moulding. Finish Durable and chemical-resistant textured surface. Size 242mm x 132mm x 44mm (9.5 ins x 5.2 ins x 1.7 ins) maximum, excluding feet and connectors.

  • Page 338: Programming

    Configuration The COM port provides the usual IBM PC port facilities, but additional facilities may be selected under software control, including: Baud rate 110 to 19,200 Baud asynchronous. Note: 38,400 Baud not recommended for MP2500. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 339: Screen

    Buffering Independent 256 byte buffers for Tx and Rx, interrupt- driven for efficiency. Protocols XON/XOFF protocol provided as standard for flow control. Handshaking RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, all selectable by software. A.5 Screen Text modes In text modes, 25 x 40 or 25 x 80 characters on the virtual screen, default 8 x 40 visible at a time in the LCD window (maximum 10 x 60).

  • Page 340: Clock/Calendar

    CAUTION: Do not fit Lithium batteries under any circum- stances. Operating life Operating life depends on the MP2500 configuration, the application, and usage. Alkaline batteries are only recommended for light duty applications, and are not suited to low temperature applications.

  • Page 341: Charger Input

    Important Note: "indefinitely", so data should always be written to disk before storing the MP2500 for any length of time. A.10 Charger Input Voltage 7.0 to 9.7 Volts requirement Note: MP2500 can tolerate up to 18 Volts without damage, but will not operate above 9.7 Volts.
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  • Page 343: Appendix B: Operating Environment

    (by changing from blue to pink). B.3 Waterproofing and Dustproofing The MP2500 is designed to resist the ingress of water and dust, to standard IP65 (BS 5490). Factory pressure testing assures that leaks do not occur. Sealing characteristics can be impaired by non H...

  • Page 344: Storage Conditions

    If water is trapped in the connector, blow it out when convenient. B.4 Storage Conditions A possible risk with long term storage is battery leakage, which can cause very serious damage to the MP2500. Use only H NiCd or NiMH sticks, USKY or the highest quality Alkaline batteries.

  • Page 345: Electromagnetic Compatibility

    B.7 Resistance to Pressure and Elevation The MP2500 is designed to resist low pressure levels that would result from transportation in an unpressurised aircraft (equivalent to 15,000 ft; 4,500 m) or operating at high elevations (10,000 ft; 3,000 m).
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  • Page 347: Appendix C: Character Set

    Appendix C: Character Set The MP2500 provides five different character sets, based on grids of 8x6, 8x8, 9x7, 11x8 and 6x4. Each set is based on the extended IBM PC character set and includes all 256 characters (ASCII codes 0 to 255): Note that ASCII 0 (NUL), 32 (space) and 255 are all blank.
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  • Page 349: Appendix D: Hexadecimal To Decimal Conversion

    Appendix D: Hexadecimal to Decimal Conversion Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex 00 32 20 64 40 96 60 128 80 160 A0 192 C0 224 E0 01 33 21 65 41 97 61 129 81 161 A1 193 C1 225 E1 02 34 22 66 42 98 62 130 82 162 A2 194 C2 226 E2 03 35 23 67 43 99 63 131 83 163 A3 195 C3 227 E3 04 36 24 68 44 100 64 132 84 164 A4 196 C4 228 E4...
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  • Page 351: Appendix E: Keyboards

    Appendix E: Keyboards The keyboards shown in this appendix refer to the standard MP2500 English layout - typically used for UK, USA, and by many other countries. Note: H also supplies Scandanavian character-set keyboards, and USKY some special layouts. If you have a keyboard other than the English layout,...
  • Page 352 PgDn keys (but not ¦ § Note this is the keyboard mode indicated by the legends on the key tops. [Note also that on the Scandinavian keyboard layout, the alpha key legends are differently arranged.] MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 353 This is the developer’s mode keyboard when used with Shift (S) either key, with the numeric keypad shift function disabled: The user keyboard differs in the same three keys as described above. Applications may however redefine H o m e any of the keys by using extended "...

  • Page 354: Key Matrix Codes

    E.2 Key matrix codes The MP2500 keyboard can be reprogrammed at a low level, by changing the key code assigned to each physical key, using INT 16H function 24H, so you can reprogram any key on the keyboard (other than P) to act as any other key.

  • Page 355: Scan Codes

    ASCII part of all scan codes is entirely PC-compatible, but the key token part for some of the shifted key symbols is non-standard. Note that the special MP2500 keys (P and W) and key sequences that are used to control the MP2500 (such as the HOT key and LCD flip keys) generate extra key codes that are not generated by keys on an IBM keyboard.
  • Page 356 1F00 1F13 1F53 2064 2000 2004 2044 2166 2100 2106 2146 2267 2200 2207 2247 2368 2300 2308 2348 246A 2400 240A 244A 256B 2500 250B 254B 266C 2600 260C 264C 273B ignore ignore 273A MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 357 Normal Ctrl Shift Code token token token token lock 2827 ignore ignore 2822 2960 ignore ignore 297E Left S ignore ignore ignore (shift) 2B5C ignore 2B1C 2B7C 2C7A 2C00 2C1A 2C5A 2D78 2D00 2D18 2D58 2E63 2E00 2E03 2E43 2F76 2F00 2F16 2F56...
  • Page 358 4E2B Keypad Keypad 4F00 ignore 7500 4F31 1/¶ (End) 5000 ignore ignore 5032 Keypad Keypad 5100 ignore 7600 5133 Keypad 5200 ignore ignore 5230 0/± (insert) Keypad 5300 ignore ignore 532E ./µ (delete) MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...
  • Page 359 Key tokens described as ’ignore’ are actually returned with bit 7 set, which causes them to be ignored. The following key codes are non-standard. They can be used in INT 16H function 24H, to reprogram the extra MP2500 keys and reprogram keys to perform non-standard actions: Code Action š...
  • Page 360 Shift window up (WG) Reserved Toggle backlight option (WL) Reserved Reserved Decrease contrast (WX) Increase contrast (WE) No action ie ignore key **When the contrast reaches maximum, this key will start again from minimum contrast. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 361: Appendix F: Interfacing

    Appendix F: Interfacing Port 1 (RS232) PgUp PgDn Appendix F: Interfacing:...

  • Page 362: 9-Way D Type (Port 1)

    Logic 0: > +5.0V Logic 1: < -5.0V Absolute maximum voltage inputs +/- 25V. INPUTS RS232 Logic 0: +2.4V maximum Logic 1: +0.8V minimum Input pins present an impedance of between 3 and 7 Kohm. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 363: Appendix G: Mp2500, Fs3 And Fs/2

    MP2500 and FS3 can support both NiCd and NiMH rechargeable batteries; FS/2 only supports NiCds. Due to higher peak power requirements, MP2500 and FS3 are less suited to use with Alkaline batteries (especially at low temperatures). MP2500 and FS3 are shipped without any main batteries installed, so the...

  • Page 364: Power And Charging Times

    120 (17h) 70 FS/2 Note 1: From BIOS 1.02 the charging rates on MP2500 were increased as shown. Also “charging complete” messages were added as follows – after 8.5 hours for NiCd and 12 hours for NiMH batteries. (The charge times in the table are maximums.

  • Page 365: Rapid Discharge

    Note 3: SPM charging rate of 270mA for NiMH applies to FS3 BIOS version 1.08 or higher, and the NiMH maintenance charge is zero. The charging temperature range is fixed on the MP2500 and FS3 at 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F nominal); on the FS/2 the range is software- configurable.

  • Page 366: Execution Speed

    FS3, but slightly faster than FS/2 (which also runs at 8MHz). However, the display update processing time on MP2500 is 50% longer than on FS/2, so overall program execution may be slower than on FS/2.

  • Page 367: Interrupt-Driven Polled Comms

    FS/2 automatically detects when to use interrupt-driven polled comms (in the comms emulation). For maximum throughput, MP2500 and FS3 do not, but can be instructed to use interrupt-driven polled comms by using INT 14H function 33H, so that programs that disable interrupts and poll the UARTs can still be used.

  • Page 368: Keyclick

    • The MP2500 RAM backup battery will only support the RAM for 12 to 18 hours (less if not in its fully charged state); the FS3 RAM backup battery...
  • Page 369 RAM for typically 2 to 3 days (less if not in its fully charged state). All MP2500 and FS3 applications must therefore be written such that data is frequently saved to disk, as a matter of good practice for data integrity.

  • Page 370: Memory

    8088-class processor. Unlike FS/2 which contains SRAM, the DRAM memory in MP2500 and FS3 is not used for disk purposes but for program execution. MP2500 and FS3 use CompactFlash for disk storage. MP2500 and FS3 can address 64MB directly and execute both real mode and protect mode code, due to their 80386sx-class processor;...

  • Page 371: Bios Differences

    MP2500/FS3 and FS/2. INT 10H, screen handler Function 75H, zoom mode: not supported on MP2500 or FS3. MP2500 and FS3 support all the FS/2 screen features, including all text and graphics fonts. INT 13H, disk services FS3 implements all INT 13H hard disk for drive C (CompactFlash drive) and an optional ATA PC Card drive.

  • Page 372: Int 16H, Keyboard Services

    (compensation is automatic instead). A3H, allow access to overlapping PC-AT INT15 functions INT 16H, Keyboard services INT 32H, key sound, click or beep: this function is provided by MP2500 and FS3, but not by FS/2 INT 17H, Printer services FS3 can optionally be supplied with a parallel printer port, MP2500 and FS/2 cannot.

  • Page 373: Porting Fs/2 Applications

    G.3 Porting FS/2 Applications There are two main problems when porting an FS/2 application to MP2500 or FS3: 1. FS/2 compatibility: It has not been possible to implement all the FS/2 features on the MP2500 or FS3. An application that relies on an unsupported FS/2 function may cause problems.
  • Page 374 UARTs in native mode for speed - this is neither needed nor supported on MP2500 or FS3. The FS/2 private system RAM has been retained in full on MP2500 and FS3, with all FS/2 locations still valid, so that code that relies on in-depth knowledge of these locations will still function.

  • Page 375: Porting Fs3 Applications To Mp2500

    G.3 Porting FS3 applications to MP2500 Hardware differences The MP2500 hardware is a subset of the FS3 hardware. The essential differences between FS3 and a standard MP2500 are as follows: • Execution speed 8MHz • Single serial port (COM2) •...
  • Page 376 (The BIOS automatically compensates for the system keyclick, beep and INT 15H function 82H sound output functions.) The MP2500 operating system has been subtly modified to allow use with a single serial port: • HCOM defaults to use COM2 •...

  • Page 377: Ignored Int 14H Functions

    INT 15H, 9CH* FPM functions (FPM) INT 15H, A2H Set printer port type Functions marked with an asterisk (*) are ignored by the MP2500 BIOS - they are described briefly below. The other functions are implemented by the MP2500 BIOS, but with modifications - see Part 3 for details.
  • Page 378 AL=control (0=force high, 1=force low) Returns nothing Exit Comment On the FS3, use this function to force the COM1 Tx bit high or low. On the standard MP2500, there is no COM1 port to control. Control COM1 input buffering AH=33H Entry...

  • Page 379: Ignored Int 15H Functions

    On the standard MP2500, there is no infra red interface. Ignored INT 15H functions The following FS3 INT 15H functions are ignored by the MP2500 BIOS: Get power level (APM) Set low power threshold (APM) Authorise charging (APM)
  • Page 380 Exit Comment On the FS3, this function reads the power level in APM mode. On the MP2500, there is no APM mode and the battery level is not monitored, so this function will always return 7FH. Set low power threshold (APM)
  • Page 381 AL=level (0..64H) AH=status Exit Comment On the FS3, this function sets the battery level in APM mode. On the MP2500 there is no APM mode, so this function has no effect. Get diskette power level Entry AH=73H AL=drive (0=A:, 1=B:)
  • Page 382 On the FS3, this function controls how the unit handles a battery change (whether or not it prompts the user) in APM mode. On the MP2500, there is no APM mode so this function has no effect. Get/set battery type (APM)
  • Page 383 Returns nothing Comment Use this function on FS3 to handle battery changes from within an application, in APM mode. There is no APM mode on MP2500, so the function is ignored. Get/set power management mode AH=89H Entry AL=0 (get) or 1 (set)
  • Page 384 AL=0 (allowed) or non 0 (prevented), if get Comment On the FS3, use this function to get or set boost charging in SPM mode. On the MP2500, there is no boost charging, so this function is ignored. Set power out mark/space duration...
  • Page 385 AL=FPM function number Varies Exit Comment On the FS3, use this function to access a range of functions for FPM mode. On the MP2500, there is no FPM mode, so these functions are ignored. Appendix G: MP2500, FS3 and FS/2:...

  • Page 386: Power Save Features

    FS3 continuously in full running mode, and not allowing it to use power save modes. The same problem may affect MP2500, but to a much less extent. If held in running mode the FS3 draws a continuous 320mA and this equates to 5 hours with a 1600mAh NiCd battery pack.

  • Page 387: Power Saving Features

    Power Saving Features The MP2500 and FS3 BIOS contain a number of features to help reduce the amount of power consumed by the unit and greatly extend the battery life. The three categories given in section 33.1.4 are shown again below:...

  • Page 388: Using The Bios Automatic Power Saving Features

    The application should also set up both the idle time-out (automatic power off) and the backlight time-out during initialisation by using INT15H function AX=6301h, BX=0 (disable) to E10h seconds (see Chapter 26) and INT10H function AX=6501h, BX=0 (disable) to 12Ch seconds (see Chapter 21) respectively. MP2500 System Developer's Guide USKY...

  • Page 389: Communications And The Bios Automatic Power Saving Features

    Communications and the BIOS automatic power saving features Any access to the MP2500 (or FS3) serial communications port(s) will cause the BIOS to use HALT mode rather than STOP mode. Although this will result in lower ongoing power usage it will keep the processor active in order to be prepared to receive incoming interrupts and consequently prevent time-outs from being used correctly.

  • Page 390: Using Idle Time

    Conclusion Power saving is an essential part of programming for the MP2500 and can often be a complicated issue. As such it deserves great attention during the application design phase and should never be neglected. If you require...

  • Page 391: Appendix H: Technical Notes

    At the time of going to press, the following relevant Technical Notes are available. Please contact your system provider or WPI H USKY ECHNOLOGY for an up-to-date list. Note# Issue# Title BIOS Powersave Features. Sounder Volume. FS and MP2500 Batteries. Appendix H: Technical Notes:...
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  • Page 393 42 AC adaptor fast discharge, 47 connecting, 46 main batteries, 15 using to charge batteries, 45 maximising rechargeable battery using to power the MP2500, 51 life, 47 Accessories, 161 memory effect, 47 Adapting applications monitoring, 18 fine tuning, 173...
  • Page 394 get customer id, 256 INT 1AH, 285 get event details, 239 BIOS revisions, 341 get idle timeout, 236 BIOS upgrades, 162 get machine information, 253 Boot Option menu, 76 get power save entry flag, 251 Booting, 16, 21, 27 get printer port type, 249, 259, and the system files, 19 261, 262 Boot Option menu, 76...
  • Page 395 RTC alarm, 288 selecting the mode, 73 set RTC date, 288 starting communication, 150 set RTC time, 287 using MP2500 applications, 156 set system clock, 286 using MS-DOS applications, 156 set system clock source, 290 using MS-DOS comms packages,...
  • Page 396 IBM communications, 139 get disk type, 215 initialise drive parameters, 211 idle timeout, 88 keyboard, 88 read drive parameters, 211 MP2500 communications, 73, 123 read long sector, 211 MS-DOS, 19 read sectors, 207 operation, 18 read test buffer, 213 power, 89...
  • Page 397 browse mode, 93 keys, 100 case sensitivity, 92 LINE DELETE, 108 changing option settings, 111 LINE END, 108 command keys, 100 LINE START, 108 command options, 92 PAGE DOWN, 109 control keys, 100 PAGE UP, 109 default path, 91 PRINT SCREEN, 109 error messages, 115 READ FILE, 109 facilities summary, 96...
  • Page 398 CompactFlash drive, 80 configuring, 139 Formatting drive C, 66 selecting, 73 FS/2 and MP2500 compatibility, 341 IBM compatibility, 29, 165, 175, FS3 and MP2500 compatibility, 341 Function keys, 37 Idle timeout, 54 Installing applications Guarantee, 58 - introduction, 165 compatibility, 165...
  • Page 399 the LCD, 28 extended get status, 267 the screen, 28 get key, 264 this guide, 7 get key repeat, 272 using communications, 149 get shift status, 265 UTIL, 69 get status, 264 Inverse video, 32, 87 redefine key codes, 271 redefine PAW key codes, 274 Keyboard redefine scan codes, 273...
  • Page 400 29, 30 window, 30 Leap years, 71 Operating temperature range, 60, Logical memory, 292 Options, 161 Looking after MP2500, 41 ORACLE utility, 79 Looking after the LCD, 28, 30 Looking keys, 30 PAW key, 37 Low power PC-DOS, 173...
  • Page 401 power management modes, 52, can't power up, 61 can't quit application, 62 power save mechanism, 54 communications error messages, power sources, 43 power-off timeouts, 308 ED error messages, 115 setting up, 312 error messages, 61 sources, 43 LCD blank, 61 usage calculations, 311 program errors, 59 using an AC adaptor, 51...
  • Page 402 Replacing NiCds, 47 write character as TTY, 188 Replacing rechargeable batteries, 48 write pixel, 187 Reset, 27 write string, 189 Reversed text, 32 Screen synchronisation, 249 Routine maintenance, 41 Screen window, 29 RS232, 119 automatic movement, 29 RTC, 17 moving, 30 size, 28 Screen, 28 splitting, 31...
  • Page 403 - summary, 38 Status information, 86 Boot Option menu, 76 Status key, 38 FLASHBAK (FLASH EPROM), Status line, 31 Storing MP2500, 58, 322 FLSHBIOS (BIOS update loader), Synchronising scrolling, 87 System editor, 91 HCOM (file transfer), 152 System files, 19, 21 HOT key (misc.

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