Mitsubishi Electric Apricot VS Owner's Handbook Manual
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Mitsubishi Electric Apricot VS Owner's Handbook Manual

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OWNER'S HANDBOOK
VS + LS
apricot
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

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  • Page 1 OWNER’S HANDBOOK VS + LS apricot MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...
  • Page 2 Apricot VS and LS Systems Owner’s Handbook MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...
  • Page 3 Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1995 Published by Apricot Computers Limited 3500 Parkside Birmingham Business Park Birmingham B37 7YS MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Printed in the United Kingdom...
  • Page 4 S A F E T Y N O T I C E Safety and Regulatory Notices Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the first time. The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed. The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’.
  • Page 5 S A F E T Y N O T I C E E.E.C. This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of following European directives: 89/836/EEC and 73/23/EEC, and is able to bear the CE mark. U.S.A FCC Class A Warning - this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules.
  • Page 6 PREFACE There are many variants within the Apricot VS and LS range. The basic difference being a Soundblaster 16 bit audio system, integrated into the computer’s motherboard. Some systems also may be supplied for the networking environment and therefore may not have a hard disk fitted. These systems would probably have a network card installed in an available slot.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS THE BEGINNING Connections Turning on and booting Energy saving features Turning the power off Cleaning and transporting THE SYSTEM DRIVES Using the floppy drive Using a CD-ROM drive The Hard disk drive Software backup Copying pre-installed software Using an FTD (tape drive) SYSTEM EXPANSION Configuring a card Installing a card...
  • Page 8 CONTENTS TROUBLESHOOTING Problems when starting Troubleshooting checklist System disk drives Software security THE SYSTEM UNIT Anti-static precautions Opening the system unit The components inside Drive specification Physical characteristics Fitting a new drive SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD General specification Board layout System ports Jumper configurations Replacing CMOS battery SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP...

  • Page 9: The Beginning

    T H E B E G I N N I N G THE BEGINNING. . . You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It provides important basic information to help you in using your computer.

  • Page 10: Turning On And Booting

    T H E B E G I N N I N G Turning on and booting the computer Turning the power on To turn on the computer, press the lower P button. The green OWER POWER ON light should come on to show that the system unit is powered.

  • Page 11: Energy Saving Features

    T H E B E G I N N I N G Energy Saving features If the system is left unattended for more than a predetermined length of time, energy saving features will come into play. The screen will blank, components will slow down, software will still run, but very slowly.

  • Page 12: Cleaning And Transporting

    T H E B E G I N N I N G • You should always turn off any attached peripherals first. However, there is no need to turn off the monitor (if it is powered from the system unit). •...
  • Page 13 T H E B E G I N N I N G • Occasionally wipe the air vents on the rear and sides of the system unit. Dust and fluff can block the vents and limit the airflow. A small, clean, soft brush may be useful. •...
  • Page 14 T H E B E G I N N I N G The mouse The mouse tends to be used heavily and so is susceptible to damage, but a little care should minimise this. Dust and fluff often accumulates in the ball tracking mechanism of the mouse and should be checked for regularly.
  • Page 15 T H E B E G I N N I N G Do not try to move the computer while it is plugged into the AC power supply or with any other cables, network, printer etc., still attached. When lifting and carrying the computer, grip the metal underside of the system unit.

  • Page 16: The System Drives

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S THE SYSTEM DRIVES This chapter contains information about the drives that are currently fitted in your computer, plus some of the optional drives that you may choose to add.

  • Page 17: Using A Cd-Rom Drive

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S 2. Push the disk gently home until it “clicks” into place. The drive button will also move outwards slightly. 3. The system should now be able to access the disk and the information it may contain.
  • Page 18 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S to link the headphone socket via a cable, to your Hi-fi system, and play CDs at higher power. With the appropriate software, a CD-ROM drive can retrieve multimedia data from CD-ROM discs, pictures from Multisession Photo-CD discs and also play commercial audio CDs.

  • Page 19: The Hard Disk Drive

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Note Wait a few seconds for the CD to spin up to full speed before attempting either to play the audio tracks or to read data from it. To remove a compact disc, press the eject button and then lift out the CD.
  • Page 20 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Caution Try not to jar or move the computer while the system is powered up as this could cause irreparable damage to the delicate drive surface. The primary hard drive Your Apricot computer is supplied with one internal or ‘primary’...

  • Page 21: Software Backup

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S • Jumpers and links on the drives • Partitioning and formatting • Existing ribbon cable re-connection and/or extension If you do not feel confident about installing a second hard drive you may wish to have your supplier or an authorised engineer complete this task for you.

  • Page 22: Copying Pre-Installed Software

    T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Copying the pre-installed software A disk imaging utility is included with all pre-installations of DOS/Windows. It can be found within the Apricot group. This allows you to create installation diskettes for DOS, Windows, and the other software, from disk images pre-installed on the hard disk.
  • Page 23 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Inserting a cartridge Remove the cartridge from its plastic holder. Hold the cartridge so that the metal plate faces downwards, as shown below. Slide the cartridge into the drive slot until you feel a slight resistance.
  • Page 24 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S Cleaning the drive You should clean the read/write head and the capstan of the FTD frequently to prevent the accumulation of dust and metallic particles which can accumulate from the coating on the tape.
  • Page 25 T H E S Y S T E M D R I V E S 3. Rub an alcohol-dampened swab against the surface of the capstan using an up and down motion. Gently rotate the capstan and continue rubbing until the entire surface is clean. 4.

  • Page 26: System Expansion

    S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N SYSTEM EXPANSION Your computer can accept various expansion cards or boards. Most are simple to install. You can extend the capabilities of the computer, for example: •...

  • Page 27: Configuring A Card

    S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N Configuring the card Part of the installation procedure for many expansion cards involves setting up or configuring the card so it works correctly in the system.
  • Page 28 S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ) The interrupt request level or IRQ (the two terms are used interchangeably) is the line over which the expansion card sends a signal to get the attention of, or interrupt, the processor.
  • Page 29 S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N Direct memory access (DMA) channel Some hardware devices can use a DMA channel to access system memory without directly burdening the processor. Computers have DMA channels numbered DMA0 to DMA7. The following table lists the DMA channels used by the computer and shows which are available for use by expansion cards.
  • Page 30 S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N I/O ports Default assignment All addresses below 100h are used by the system board for various fixed system components and chipset controller settings. They are unavailable for use. 1F0h-1F7h Hard disk drive controller 200h-207h...

  • Page 31: Installing The Card

    S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N Note Memory addresses are always written in base 16 or hexadecimal notation. Unlike the ten digits of the decimal system (0-9), hexadecimal uses sixteen digits (0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12 and so on up to F=15). Hexadecimal numbers are denoted either by the suffix “h”...
  • Page 32 S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N 1. First decide in which of the available slots you wish to install the card. In general it is easiest to start with the lowest slot and work upwards.
  • Page 33 S Y S T E M E X P A N S I O N 9. Slide the card into the slot ensuring that the card edge connector engages correctly with the socket on the riser board. Do not use excessive force. 10.

  • Page 34: System Upgrades

    SYSTEM UPGRADES SYSTEM UPGRADES Read this chapter before purchasing any memory or processor upgrade and if you are in any doubt, consult your supplier. Then, if having read the relevant instructions, you still do not feel confident about installing the upgrade, you may wish to have your supplier or service organisation install it for you.
  • Page 35 SYSTEM UPGRADES SIMMs must be fitted in pairs and the pair must be identical. Either bank can be used first. The SIMM specification is: 32-Bit, having an access time of 70ns, for a 5V power supply. Parity checking (36-Bit) SIMMs are not necessary.
  • Page 36 SYSTEM UPGRADES Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”. 3. Remove carefully the floppy disk drive module which restricts access to the SIMM sockets (first identifying the way all cables are fitted) by disconnecting the cables, loosening the screws and lifting out.
  • Page 37 SYSTEM UPGRADES 4. If the SIMM will not fit easily, remove it and start again. 5. Repeat these steps for each SIMM you want to install. Note It is not important which pair of SIMM sockets are used first, but it is usual to start with the outer bank (sockets MM1 and MM2).

  • Page 38: Adding Cache Memory

    SYSTEM UPGRADES Adding more cache memory An external or secondary level (L2) cache is a small amount of specialised memory with significantly faster access times than the computer’s system RAM. A controller ensures that it always contains a copy of the most recently accessed areas of RAM, so that the processor is able to read it quickly, without waiting for the slower main memory.
  • Page 39 SYSTEM UPGRADES 3. Identify the cache memory socket see appendix B ‘System Motherboard’, in conjunction with the picture below. 4. To fit or remove a module in the cache socket, you may have to remove any expansion cards that are in the way. (Take note of which way all cables are connected.) Disconnect any cables connected to the cards, remove the screws that secure the cards at the rear of the system unit, then remove the cards from the...

  • Page 40: Adding Video Memory

    SYSTEM UPGRADES Adding more video memory Video memory is memory reserved for use by the on-board EVGA controller. More video memory provides more colours and/or higher resolutions (provided that your monitor can cope). The on board video section of your computer has 1 Mbyte of video memory, which is more than adequate for normal use.

  • Page 41: Upgrading The Processor

    SYSTEM UPGRADES 6. It is extremely important that the chips are fitted the right way round. Each chip has a notch at one end or small bevel at one corner, corresponding to the notch or bevel on the socket corner. These must be aligned as shown. 7.
  • Page 42 SYSTEM UPGRADES Removing and fitting a processor To remove the existing processor: 1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. 2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit cover. Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”.
  • Page 43 SYSTEM UPGRADES 6. Lift the processor out of the socket and place it on an anti-static surface outside the system unit. Hold the processor by its edges and avoid touching the metal pins. Warning If the processor does not lift easily out of the socket, do not attempt to force it. If the system was in use just before starting this procedure, the processor will be hot, wait 15 minutes for it to cool down.
  • Page 44 SYSTEM UPGRADES Caution If the processor is misaligned it will not go into the socket, and any attempt to force it will damage the processor, or the socket, or both. 5. Move the securing lever to the locked position. Apply just enough pressure to overcome the resistance offered by the lever.

  • Page 45: The Device Drivers

    M U L T I M E D I A MULTIMEDIA This chapter is designed to give you basic information on a few of the multimedia features that you could choose to have fitted to your computer. It is a catch-all term that covers audio, CD-ROM, communications, education, fax, games, Internet, modem, movies, networking, photo-editing, publishing, radio, scanners, television, voice-mail and more, as it is an area under continuous development.

  • Page 46: The Cd-Rom Drive

    M U L T I M E D I A The CD-ROM drive The basic operation of the CD-ROM drive is described in the chapter ‘System drives’. There are few controls for the CD-ROM drive, the most important being on the bottom right - the ‘open drive’ or eject button.

  • Page 47: The Sound Connections

    M U L T I M E D I A The sound connections (if supplied) 10101 Rear audio connections 1. Joystick/MIDI port. 2. Microphone socket. 3. Line IN socket. 4. Line OUT socket. 5. Speakers jack socket. Microphone The input circuitry will accept most of the popular types of mono microphone that are available.

  • Page 48: Troubleshooting

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter offers advice if you suspect a fault with your computer. If in doubt Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before consulting your supplier or maintenance provider.
  • Page 49 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Power-on self-test Whenever the computer is switched on, the POST routine tests various hardware components, including memory, and compares the actual configuration of the computer with that recorded in configuration (CMOS) memory.

  • Page 50: Troubleshooting Checklist

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Troubleshooting checklist If you encounter a problem with the computer the following sections suggest checks to make before you alert your dealer, authorised maintainer or support organisation. The checks listed cover the causes of common problems.

  • Page 51: System Disk Drives

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Video If you have fitted a new video controller card and subsequently encounter problems, try disabling the built in EVGA video controller by removing the jumper on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard layout diagram in Appendix B, ‘System Motherboard’, to locate PL22 with the EVGA controller jumper.

  • Page 52: Software Security

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Check also that the disk is not badly scratched or dirty. Clean them carefully, wiping them with a clean, lint free cloth, slightly moistened if necessary. Clean from the centre outwards. Always store CD-ROMs in hard cases and handle them by the edges only wherever possible.
  • Page 53 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G • Write protect your floppy disks. • Perform regular backups of your data. • Always be aware of what other people might be doing when they have open access to your computer.

  • Page 54: The System Unit

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

  • Page 55: Opening The System Unit

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

  • Page 56: The Components Inside

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

  • Page 57: Drive Specification

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O M A T I O N Drive Specification summary (removable media only) Floppy disk drive Manufacturer Mitsubishi MF355F-450MP Interface 34 Pin connector Power Connector 4 pin miniature Loading 1.5W during read/write 100mW during standby...

  • Page 58: Physical Characteristics

    T E C N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Physical Characteristics (system unit) Weight and dimensions Height Depth Width Component Weight 120 mm 400 mm 435 mm System unit 10-11 Kg* 40 mm 205 mm 488 mm...

  • Page 59: Fitting A New Drive

    T e c h n i c a l I n f o m a t i o n Fitting a new drive Follow the instructions as regards removing the system cover, as detailed earlier in this chapter. Observe anti-static precautions at all times when the system’s cover is removed.
  • Page 60 T E C N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N • Slide the new drive into this casing and secure it with its own screws, two per side. • Looking inside the system, you will observe a steel blanking plate which must be removed.

  • Page 61: System Motherboard

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD This appendix details the specification and settings for the main processor board fitted inside your computer. Normally the vast majority of jumper settings should never be changed.
  • Page 62 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Audio On board Creative Labs 16 Bit. Yamaha OPL3 synthesiser. Drives Floppy drives Support for 720 Kb, 1.2 Mb (3-Mode), 1.44 Mb at 3.5 in. 1.2 Mb at 5.25in.

  • Page 63: Board Layout

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Parallel Com 2 Com 1 Video Mouse Key/Bd Board layout Front audio connection SIMMs sockets 3, 4 SIMMs sockets 1, 2 Floppy ribbon connector CD ribbon connector HDD ribbon connector...

  • Page 64: System Ports

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N System Ports (external connections) Serial communications COM 1, COM 2 9 way Male D-type connector 10101 1. Data carrier detect 2.

  • Page 65: Monitor Port

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Keybord and Mouse ports 6 pin miniature DIN connector Both of the connections have the same voltages and signals. 1. Data 2.

  • Page 66: Jumper Configurations

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Jumper configurations There are very few jumpers that will ever need changing, most of them have been factory set for your system and its needs, but for completeness, the details are given here.
  • Page 67 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N VESA option PL22 A single jumper may be the only one fitted, at the end nearest PL21. Only needs to be removed if fitting a new high feature ‘plug in’...

  • Page 68: Replacing Cmos Battery

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N PL24, PL28 PL28 Pin1 PL24 Pin1 This range of pins is not for jumpers, but is used to connect various features around the system case to the motherboard.
  • Page 69 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N To replace the battery 1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. 2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit cover.

  • Page 70: System Bios And Set-Up

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP When the system is switched on, the POST does its job depending upon the information it finds in the BIOS and sets up the computer to boot into operation.

  • Page 71: Set-Up Starts On Its Own

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N ↑ and ↓ Scroll through a menu list. ←and→ To toggle values or settings. ↵ The enter key, to select the highlighted item. Numbers, used in places where values are to be entered.

  • Page 72: Opening Screen

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

  • Page 73: Sub-Menu Pages

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Sub-menu pages System summary This page cannot be edited, but gives a summary of the system main settings. Changes made in other pages will be reflected here. Make a note of the information on this page before you progress any further or make any changes.
  • Page 74 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Floppy disk drives This is available purely to change the mode of the floppy drive. The drive supplied and fitted is a 3.5inch 1.44 Mbyte. This setting, if changed, could prevent software access to the fitted drive.
  • Page 75 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N System time Using the left and right arrow keys to move around, you then use either the number keys to insert new figures or the + and - keys to increase/decrease the existing number.
  • Page 76 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Delete User password Use this to clear or remove the existing password, without replacing it with a new one. You may be asked for confirmation or to enter the old password.
  • Page 77 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Diskette-less Operation If this option is Disabled, POST will report a fault or any absence of the floppy drive and halt the boot process, if Enabled, POST will bypass the floppy test and continue, providing another boot device is available e.g.
  • Page 78 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Cache Control A simple two line screen allows you to either enable or disable the L2 cache memory (external to the processor). The default setting is Enabled, and should not normally be changed.
  • Page 79 T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N If shown as available, it is assumed by the system not to be in use by any ISA card or device and therefore will be made available for the PCI auto-configure process.

  • Page 80: Error Messages

    T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N Error Messages Code Cause Code Cause Timer tick interrupt failure Keyboard clock line failure Timer 2 test failure Keyboard data line failure Diskette controller failure Keyboard stuck key failure System board memory parity interrupt...
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