SX-DX Manual SX-DX Manual Chapter 1: System Overview____________________3 The Central Processing Unit _______________4 Key Components________________________ 5 Unpacking and Component Checklist________7 Software Requirements ___________________8 Chapter 2: Basic Operation _____________________9 User Controls __________________________12 LED Indicators _________________________14 Chapter 3: Data Storage Devices ________________16 Floppy Disk Drives and Diskettes ___________17 IC Cards _______________________________19 Hard Disk Drives _________________________20...
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Standard Settings __________________________56 Preferences Menu __________________________60 VGA Menu _______________________________62 Memory Menu _____________________________64 Power Management _________________________65 Chapter 9: Troubleshooting ________________________69 Basic Precautions ___________________________70 Cleaning the 486 SX/DX-WinBook _____________71 Problem Solving _____________________________73 Appendix A ______________________________________77 2 of 2 file:///C|/test/SX-DX Manual.htm 3/2/99 12:16 PM...
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology. As a result, the 486SX/DX-Winbook is extremely light and more reliable due to the reduction in the number of on-board components. The 486SX/DX-Winbook is IBM AT and MS-DOS compatible and can run most software designed for use on IBM AT systems in an MS-DOS environment including Windows and Windows applications.
The key features of the various CPU’s used in the 486SX/DX-WinBook series are outlined here for your reference, though note that [SX/DX 1-1] the CPU type does not affect the operating procedures which are identical for all models.
This manual contains full instructions for using all the functions of the 486SX/DX-WinBook. Some items in the 486SX/DX-WinBook may vary, such as the hard disk drive type, but all basic functions will be the same. In this section, a brief introduction to the various components in the system are given to give you an overall understanding of the key parts and the names that will be used in this manual to describe them.
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LED indicators for Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock The LCD Display SX/DX All models in the 486SX/DX-WinBook series are available with a choice of monochrome and color LCD displays. The color versions come with a built-in color VGA compatible LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a resolution of 640 pixels (dots) by 480 pixels.
UNPACKING AND COMPONENT CHECKLIST SX/DX UNPACKING AND COMPONENT CHECKLIST SX/DX Your 486SX/DX-WinBook comes in a single carton. When you open this carton for the first tie, check that all the items listed below are present: 1. One 486SX/DX-WinBook computer. 2. One AC adapter and charger.[SX/DX 1-4] 3.
Windows Ver. 3.1 pre-loaded on the hard disk drive. Other configurations may also include certain other software packages. The 486SX/DX-WinBook is compatible with the IBM PC/AT standard and can run most software designed for that standard. Note that all configurations include driver and utility diskettes that are specifically for use with the 486SX/DX-WinBook.
AC power adapter when you use your system for the first time. Connecting the Power Adapter Turn the 486SX/DX-WinBook so you are looking at the rear of the system. Locate the power socket according to the diagram below. Figure 2-1 Locating the Power Adapter Socket Plug the cable attached to the power adapter into this power socket.
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CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION SX/DX Opening the LCD Screen Having connected the power adapter, turn the system so you are looking at the front. Slide the latch on the front of the system to the right, as illustrated below. Figure 2-3 Opening the LCD Screen Raise the LCD screen until it is in the vertical position.
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Fig. 2-5 WinBook-Color/Mono Set Up and Ready Use [SX/DX 2-3] Turning the Power On Locate the Power ON/OFF switch at the rear of the left side of the 486SX/DX-WinBook, as shown in the illustration below. Fig. 2-6 Locating the Power ON/OFF Switch Press the switch and the Power ON LED indictor on the top of your 486SX/DX-WinBook will illuminate.
USER CONTROLS SX/DX USER CONTROLS SX/DX In order to get the most out of your 486SX/DX-WinBook it is essential that you have a good understanding of the controls and indictors on the system. In this section, a detailed explanation of all the controls on your 486SX/DX-WinBook is given and we recommend that you read the whole section through before you start using your system.
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When you press the Suspend switch, the display will become blank and to all intents and purposes your 486SX/DX-WinBook will appear to have been turned off. In this state your system is using a minimum of power. When in suspend mode, the Suspend LED on the LCD screen will illuminate.
THE LED INDICATORS SX/DX THE LED INDICATORS SX/DX On the right side of the LCD screen is a row of seven LED indicators that indicate the status of certain functions. These are detailed below. (From figure 2.7) 4 – Power LED The power LED will be illuminated when your system is turned on, and will remain illuminated until you turn the power off.
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8 – Num Lock LED The NUM LOCK LED refers to the NUM LOCK key on the 486SX/DX-WinBook’s keyboard. On a conventional keyboard, this LED is usually situated on the keyboard itself. When illuminated, the NUM LOCK LED indicates that the NUM LOCK key has been pressed, in which case the numerical keypad will be in numeric mode.
CHAPTER 3: DATA STORAGE DEVICES SX/DX INTRODUCTION The data storage devices included on your 486SX./DX-WinBook consist of a 1.44 Megabyte (M) 3.5” floppy disk drive; one hard disk drive (optional); one Type 1/Type 2 IC card slot. It is via the disk drives and IC card slot that you can load different programs to run on your computer, and store the data that you create.
1.44M drive. In order to be able to take advantage of the full 1.44M capacity, high –density diskettes must be used. Such diskettes are marked 2HD. The WinBook may also use 720K floppy disks which are normally labeled DD.
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FLOPPY DISK DRIVES AND DISKETTES SX/DX Fig. 3-2 3.5” Diskette Formatting Diskettes SX/DX When you purchase diskettes they are usually unformatted, and cannot be used until they have been formatted. Some companies also offer pre-formatted diskettes, though if you purchase such diskettes, you must make sure that they are IBM formatted diskettes.
IC cards should be inserted directly into the IC card slot that is situated next to the power switch on the left side of the 486SX/DX-WinBook. When inserted into the unit when the power is on, you will hear two beeps. Two beeps will also be heard when the card is removed.
Hard disk drives are sealed units and are not user serviceable. If used in the normal way the hard disk drive in your 486SX/DX-WinBook should give many years of trouble free life.
The layout, however, is slightly different. If you are familiar with a conventional PC keyboard, you will soon get used to the 486SX/DX-WinBook keyboard. Read through this chapter carefully to make sure you are well acquainted with the special function keys and key combinations.
THE TYPEWRITER KEYS SX/DX THE TYPEWRITER KEYS SX/DX The typewriter keys make up the main block of keys on your keyboard, and it is these keys that you will use the most. As is obvious from the name, these keys are basically the same as found on a standard typewriter, with a few extras especially for computer use.
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THE TYPEWRITER KEYS SX/DX The Tab key functions in the same way as on a typewriter, advancing the cursor to the next tab position. Pressing the Tab key in conjunction with the Shift key will tab to the left. The Backspace Key In MS-DOS and in most software, the Backspace key moves the cursor one space to the left, simultaneously deleting the character to the left of the cursor.
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THE TYPEWRITER KEYS SX/DX The Function keys are labeled F1 to F10 with F1 and F2 keys doubling as F11 and F12. What the function keys do will depend entirely on what software you are using. Each software package may [SX/DX 4-4] or may not allocate a certain function to some or all of the function keys.
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THE NUMERIC KEYPAD The final group of keys on your keyboard is the Numeric Keypad. On a conventional keyboard, the numeric keypad is usually a separate block of keys. On the 486SX/DX-WinBook these keys have been integrated into the main typewriter keys.
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THE TYPEWRITER KEYS SX/DX Fig. 4-4 The Integrated Numeric Keypad NUM LOCK plus the Numeric Keypad The keys in this group have two functions depending on whether the Num Lock Key is toggled On or OFF, and whether the Fn key has been pressed. When Num Lock is toggled on (the Num Lock LED in the control panel will illuminate), the M, J, K, L, U, I, O, 7/&, 8/*, and 9/( keys will function as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 respectively.
WinBook-Color, only two modes are available, CRT and LCD. For the WinBook-Mono, in Auto mode, if an external CRT is connected, the display will automatically switch to the CRT monitor; in LCD mode, the display will appear only on the LCD; in CRT mode, the display will appear only on the CRT;...
COMMON KEY COMBINATIONS SX/DX COMMON KEY COMBINATIONS SX/DX As we have already mentioned, in addition to their individual functions, some keys can be used in combination with other keys to provide special functions. And, as in the case of the Alt and Ctrl keys, some keys only function when pressed in combination with other keys.
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COMMON KEY COMBINATIONS SX/DX terminated you will be returned to the DOS prompt. You will frequently use the special key combinations detailed above as you get accustomed to using MS-DOS and other programs. Please note that we have only explained a few of the most commonly used key combinations here, and for further details you should refer to your MS-DOS user’s manual.
CHAPTER 5. BASIC MS-DOS USAGE CHAPTER 5. BASIC MS-DOS USAGE Introduction If you are a newcomer to computing you may be a total loss as to how to start using your computer. This section is especially for you. Here we explain what MS-DOS is, how it interacts with your computer, and why you need it no matter what software you intend to use.
LOADING DOS SX/DX LOADING DOS SX/DX There are basically two ways to load DOS – the first is to load it from a floppy diskette, the second is to load it from a hard disk. Loading DOS from a hard disk is automatic whenever you power on the computer.
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LOADING DOS SX/DX details of this command are contained in the DOS user’s manual. At this stage, the important point is to understand how the letter of the DOS prompt indicates the disk drive currently being addressed. 2 of 2 file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpLOADING_DOS_SXDX.html 3/2/99 12:32 PM...
GENERAL DOS USAGE SX/DX GENERAL DOS USAGE SX/DX As we have explained, DOS controls the flow of information between the various components of your PC. It also provides you with the tools to organize the information on your disk drives and even check whether they are working properly.
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GENERAL DOS USAGE SX/DX Loading Other Programs from DOS When you have booted your computer you will most likely want to load some other program, such as windows, a word processor or database program. By way of a simple example we will load Windows which is contained on the hard disk.
COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX To give you more confidence before you start the daunting task of pursuing your DOS user’s manual, we outline here some of the more common and most basic DOS commands. The operative word here is “outline”.
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COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX manual for details. CLS – Clear Screen To clear the screen so that it is blank except for the DOS prompt, type: C>CLS<ENTER> The screen will be cleared, with only the DOS prompt remaining in the top left hand corner. DEL –...
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COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX ADDRESS.TXT to the C: drive and you want to change the name to OLDADDR.TXT. In this case you would type: A>Copy A:ADDRESS.TXT C:OLDADDR.TXT<Enter> 1File(s) copied The COPY command is one of DOS’s most useful tools and you should consult your DOS user’s manual for full details.
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COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX External Commands FORMAT – The Disk(ette) Formatting Command As we noted in Chapter 3. about the Diskettes and Disk Drives, all diskettes and hard disk drives must be formatted before you can use them. We shall only introduce the formatting of diskettes here, and if you require information on the formatting of hard disk drives then you should refer to your DOS user’s manual since this is a complicated process.
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COMMON DOS COMMANDS SX/DX C>CHKDSK A: 1457664 bytes total disk space 0 bytes in 1 hidden files 1337344 bytes in 69 user files 118272 bytes available on disk 655360 bytes total memory 566192 bytes free The example above shows the information given by the CHKDSK command. It tells you that the disk being checked is a 1.44Mbyte diskette;...
A WORD OF ADVICE ON DOS SX/DX A WORD OF ADVICE ON DOS SX/DX In this chapter we have barely skimmed the surface of DOS and the many commands available. The commands introduced here will soon become second nature to you as you use them every day. Many of the DOS commands not covered here offer other important functions that you will come to need as you become more acquainted with your PC, and as your requirements increase.
NOTES ON RUNNING WINDOWS SX/DX NOTES ON RUNNING WINDOWS SX/DX Windows is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that runs on top of DOS. Your system comes with Windows 3.1 already loaded on the hard disk and correctly setup to allow you to commence using the program immediately.
The 486SX/DX-WinBook supports the connection of a wide range of commonly used devices just as is possible with a conventional desktop PC. Devices include serial and parallel printers;...
THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD PORT - PS/2 MOUSE SX/DX THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD PORT - PS/2 MOUSE SX/DX The external keyboard port is situated on the left side of the rear panel of the 486SX/DX-WinBook. Fig. 6-1 Locating the External Keyboard Port...
The IBM VGA standard is an analog signal, and only an analog monitor will work with the 486SX/DX-WinBook. If you have a multi-frequency [SX/DX 6-2] monitor this probably supports both digital and analog modes. If you wish to connect such a monitor to the 486SX/DX-WinBook you must configure the monitor in analog mode.
[SX/DX 6-3] COM 1 and COM 2 The serial port on your 486SX/DX-WinBook is configured as COM1. The COM2 serial port is used by the built-in trackball. When you connect a device to your 486SX/DX-WinBook, you will have some software to configure and run the device.
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THE SERIAL PORT SX/DX The serial connector on the 486SX/DX-WinBook is a 9-pin male D-connector. A male connector is a connector containing the pins, (a female connector is a connector with pin holes into which the pins on the male connector must be inserted.) D-connector refers to the shape of the connector that has one long side and one short side.
Connecting a Printer If you wish to connect a printer to your 486SX/DX-WinBook first make sure the printer is a parallel printer and not a serial printer. The vast majorities of PC printers are parallel devices and can therefore be connected to the parallel port on your 486SX/DX-WinBook.
CONNECTING THE OPTIONAL DOCKING STATION SX/DX An external docking station is available as an option for your 486SX/DX-WinBook. The docking station includes its own power supply and has space for interface cards just as in a conventional PC. The docking station will also allow the use of additional disk drives.
OTHER AVAILABLE OPTIONS SX/DX OTHER AVAILABLE OPTIONS SX/DX Note that the following options are also available for the 486SX/DX-WinBook, but these options are NOT ones the user can install, they must be installed by an authorized dealer. For further information, please call your dealer.
When you have access to AC power you should normally use the AC adapter provided with your 486SX/DX-WinBook in order to save the battery for use when power is not available. The supplied AC adapter can be plugged into any power source from 90 volts to 240 volts since it is auto-adjustable.
USING THE BATTERY SX/DX USING THE BATTERY SX/DX The 486SX/DX-WinBook can also be run off the battery supplied, so you can use your system even when no AC power is available. The battery is inserted into the battery cavity in the 486SX/DX-WinBook that is accessed by removing the battery cover.
Due to the advanced design of the charger circuit, the battery in the 486SX/DX-WinBook will fully charge in 1 to 1.5 hours no matter whether you are using the computer or not.
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CHARGING THE BATTERY SX/DX C>POWER And the system will print the power management status. For more information on the program, see the user’s manual or type HELP POWER at the DOS prompt. [SX/DX 7-4] 2 of 2 file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpCHARGING_THE_BATTERY_SXDX.html 3/2/99 12:50 PM...
CHAPTER 8: BIOS SETUP PROGRAM SX/DX CHAPTER 8: BIOS SETUP PROGRAM SX/DX One of the components on the mainboard inside your 486SX/DX-WinBook is the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). This consists of firmware (software burned into hardware) which handles basic routines.
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CHAPTER 8: BIOS SETUP PROGRAM SX/DX Memory Allows you disable/enable Shadow RAM and cache memory. Power Management Allows you to set up the power management features to ensure maximum power saving when running off the battery. Defaults Allows you to restore default settings. Exit Allows you to save your settings and exit the BIOS setup program.
COM port as COM1/COM3 or COM2/COM4. COM Port A refers to the external serial port on your 486SX/DX-WinBook. You may configure this port as COM1 or COM3 with a choice of two I/O ports for each setting. Note that settings are available for COM Port B but we recommend leaving it on COM2 as the installed software has been pre-configured using these default settings.
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Diskette Drive Use the Diskette Drive item to define the floppy disk drive type. By default the 486SX/DX-WinBook is set for a 1.44MB A: drive and no B: drive. You will only need to adjust this setting if you add an external floppy drive via the expansion dock.
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STANDARD SETTINGS SX/DX Fig. 8-5 The Default Floppy Disk Drive Settings Hard Disk 1 The Hard Disk 1 item will be automatically preset according to the disk drive type installed. Normally you will select Auto and the BIOS will automatically detect which drive type is connected. This is the default setting and will be applicable for most drive types.
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STANDARD SETTINGS SX/DX The 486SX/DX-WinBook only supports one hard disk drive so the Hard Disk 2 item should always be set as None. Video Display The Video Display item should be set as VGA Display to take full advantage of the 486SX/DX-WinBook’s VGA compatible LCD display.
PREFERENCE MENU SX/DX PREFERENCE MENU SX/DX The items in the Preferences menu allow you to make certain basic setting according to your particular requirements. When an item is enabled, a check mark will appear alongside the item. To disable a selected item, highlight that item and press <...
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The system does not support this feature, so no check mark should appear next to this item. Modular Clock This refers to a hardware feature in the WinBook that automatically stops clocks to sections of the computer, which are not in use. In computer systems, stopping clocks to unused devices dramatically reduces the power consumption of these devices and prolongs battery life.
VGA MENU SX/DX VGA MENU SX/DX The items in this menu are used to control the LCD display. The VGA menu is shown below. Each option is detailed below. Fig. 8-9 The VGA Menu Display Mode Select Both if you wish to be able to view the LCD and an external monitor at the same time (this option is available for monochrome models only).
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VGA MENU SX/DX This item should be enabled to display full screens in text mode and DOS. Some DOS programs may not work correctly in this mode and may be displayed incorrectly. For these programs, either disable this mode in setup or use < Ctrl> < Alt> F8 to temporarily change this. 2 of 2 file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpVGA_MENU_SXDX.html 3/2/99 12:52 PM...
MEMORY MENU SX/DX MEMORY MENU SX/DX Select the Memory menu item and the Memory menu will appear as shown below. This menu allows you to enable shadow RAM and the cache, as detailed below. Fig. 8-10 The Memory Menu [SX/DX 8-10] Shadow System BIOS Shadowing is a function whereby the contents of the BIOS are copied into memory at boot up.
POWER MANAGEMENT SX/DX The Power Management menu allows you to take advantage of the advanced power saving features designed into your 486SX/DX-WinBook computer. Select this item and the following display will appear. Fig. 8-11 The Power Management Screen [SX/DX 8-11] The screen is divided into three areas, Controls, System Options, and Devices.
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POWER MANAGEMENT SX/DX Select Power Savings in the Control Menu. Select Always to have the power saving functions enabled at all times, including when running off AC power. Select Battery to enable the power saving functions only when running an alarm off the battery. Select Disable to turn off the power saving options.
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POWER MANAGEMENT SX/DX This item is similar to CPU Standby, except that it applies to all the sub-systems in the computer. Set the time of non-activity after which the computer will enter Global Standby mode. For example, if you select 2 minutes, if you do not input any data with the keyboard of mouse for two minutes, the computer will enter Global Standby mode.
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< Enter> [SX/DX 8-15] and the settings will be saved into the CMOS memory in your 486SX/DX-WinBook. These settings will be used each time you turn on your computer and you will not need to use the setup program again unless you make some changes in your configuration.
CHAPTER 9: TROUBLE-SHOOTING SX/DX CHAPTER 9: TROUBLESHOOTING SX/DX Your 486SX/DX-WinBook computer was designed to be transported around and provide trouble free service for a long time. Nevertheless, certain basic precautions should be taken to ensure that the system remains in good working order. In this chapter, we make some recommendations as to how to achieve the most reliable performance for the longest possible time, and how to solve some of the problems that you may encounter.
Do not place the 486SX/DX-WinBook near to any heat source or subject it to extreme temperature changes. The recommended operating environment for the WinBook is 50º F to 95º F (10º C to 35º C). [SX/DX 9-1] 1 of 1 file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpBASIC_PRECAUTIONS_SXDX.html...
CLEANING THE 486SX/DX-WINBOOK SX/DX CLEANING THE 486SX/DX-WINBOOK SX/DX You may use a slightly damp cloth to clean the plastic shell of the system. Take great care that no liquid enters between any of the seams of the shell or into any of the connectors.
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CLEANING THE 486SX/DX-WINBOOK SX/DX file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpCLEANING_THE_486SXDXWINBOOK_SXDX.html Figure 9-1 Cleaning the Trackball 2 of 2 3/2/99 12:56 PM...
If running from the power adapter, check that the adapter is correctly plugged into both the AC outlet and the 486SX/DX-WinBook, and that there is power in the power outlet. The power LED on the power adapter should be on. When running on the battery, check that the battery is correctly installed. Check also that the battery is not totally discharged.
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You should also check to be sure the BIOS has been configured for LCD in the Setup utility. To quickly check whether the WinBook has been configured for the external monitor only, press < Ctrl> < Alt> F10 that will toggle from external monitor to internal display. If this was the problem then you must set the BIOS correctly by pressing <...
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If this command indicates that the Power Management driver is not loaded, you should check to see if this file was loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file on the hard disk. Your WinBook is shipped with this function enabled to prolong battery life. For more information, type HELP POWER at the DOS prompt.
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PROBLEM SOLVING SX/DX What do I need to do to get the PCMCIA slot to work? Please refer to the additional documentation on using PCMCIA cards with your WinBook. [SX/DX 9-8] 4 of 4 file:///C|/test/HtmlHelp/TechhelpPROBLEM_SOLVING_SXDX.html 3/2/99 12:56 PM...
APPENDIX A: CONNECTOR PINOUTS SX/DX APPENDIX A: CONNECTOR PINOUTS SX/DX For your reference, we list here the pin signals of the external connectors on the 486SX/DX-WinBook user’s manual. It is not necessary to use this information to connect peripherals, as all connectors conform to the industry standards.
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APPENDIX A: CONNECTOR PINOUTS SX/DX 4. Data Terminal Ready 5. Signal Ground 6. Data Set Ready 7. Request to Send 8. Clear to Send 9. Ring Indicator EXTERNAL PARALLEL PORT CONNECTOR Pin No. Signal 1 Strobe 2-9 Data 0-7 10 Ack- 11 Busy 12 PE 13 SLCT...
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