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US and other countries. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited. Any software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement.
SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES 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’. Ensure that the system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet and that the plug is easily accessible.
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SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure to do so may result in exposure to hazardous radiation. Refer to the labels on the computer to establish which of the following applies. E.E.C. This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of following European directives: 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC, and is able to bear the CE mark.
Using the CD-ROM drive Using the hard disk The Multimedia Applications The Infra-red Remote Control The Apricot TV/Teletext Application (Optional) The Apricot Message Centre application The Apricot Media Manager Application The Apricot Entertainment Centre Application The Apricot Power Manager Application...
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Board layout Jumper configurations Replacing the CMOS battery System BIOS and Setup Entering setup Control keys If setup runs on its own Opening screen Sub-menu pages Error messages B/12 Technical Information Specifications Physical characteristics Port characteristics MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
I n t r o d u c i n g y o u r C o m p u t e r INTRODUCING YOUR COMPUTER This chapter gives you a quick tour of your Apricot multimedia computer. It details the various features of the computer and contains pictorial guides to help you identify the various parts of the machine.
The infra-red remote control provides you with a familiar user- friendly interface allowing you to switch from one activity to another at the touch of a button. All in all, your MS 530 multimedia system is a “complete” system offering you the very latest in computer technology. Standard Features The standard features of the Apricot MS 530 multimedia system include: •...
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The screen will blank, and some of the computer’s components will slow down. Do not worry! This is meant to happen. Pressing any of the keys on the keyboard or moving the mouse should restart the computer in full power mode. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
5. Built-in microphone 6. Microphone socket 7. Headphone socket 8. Volume control button 9. Menu button 10. Decrement (-) button 11. Increment (+) button 12. LCD control function display 13. 3.5” floppy disk drive 14. CD-ROM drive MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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I n t r o d u c i n g y o u r C o m p u t e r Front View COMPACT POWER MENU Front Control Panel POWER MESSAGE STANDBY COMPACT POWER POWER MESSAGE MENU STANDBY 10 11 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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3. Mouse port 4. Serial port (COM 1) 5. Serial port (COM 2) 6. Parallel/printer port 7. Monitor connection 8. Expansion card slots 9. Audio external connectors 10. Monitor lead (which connects to 7) 11. System fan vents MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
It gives you detailed instructions on how to access and use the various features of the system. Warning Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the first time. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
When the computer is switched on, the LCD displays the horizontal and vertical refresh rates of the monitor. The LCD Control Function Display also has a menu which allows you to alter the following monitor settings: MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Colour Temp Adjusts the level of blue and red colour in the screen image. Degauss This is used to eliminate possible colour shading or impurity. H-Static-Conv Adjusts the horizontal alignment of the red, green and blue beams. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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There is a fault condition, turn the EMERGENCY !!! system off. ALL POWER DOWN ! There is a problem, turn the system off. BEAMLIMIT !!! ALL POWER DOWN MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
‘Remote Status’ window displays the on-line help file. An on-line tutorial is also included in the help file. The infra-red remote operates on two standard AA batteries which are inserted into the remote as shown below: MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
U s i n g t h e S y s t e m D r i v e s USING THE SYSTEM DRIVES This chapter details useful information on the correct operation of the drives fitted to your computer. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
(on the underside). Keep diskettes well away from dust, moisture, magnetic objects, and equipment that generates magnetic fields. Also, avoid extremes of temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. Otherwise, data recorded on the diskette may become corrupted. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Call an authorised maintainer. Write-protecting a diskette A diskette can be write-protected by sliding a small tab towards the edge of the diskette to expose the little hole beneath it (see MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If a fault should occur it is advisable to contact an authorised maintainer. The CD-ROM LED should illuminate to green when the system is powered. When it is active (i.e. busy reading information) it changes to yellow. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Gently push the button again, or push the front of the platter to draw it back into the drive. Removing a compact disc Before attempting to remove a CD, ensure that the drive is not currently active (the drive’s activity indicator should be green). MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
Using the hard disk drive Apricot computers are supplied with one internal or ‘primary’ hard drive designated as drive C: in the system BIOS. The operating system will normally be installed on this drive and it will only have one partition which will have been made active as the bootable disk.
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Copy your data files to floppy disks or, use proprietary software designed to do software backups, such as the one in Windows 95, then keep them in a safe place. Your files may not be very large but they will be impossible to replace once lost. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s THE MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS This chapter details instructions on how to access the software which comes with your computer, further detailed information can be found in the help files which come with the applications.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14+ APRICOT INSIGHT P401 AUG10 14:35:25 Insight into apricot computers Insight into apricot computers B I R M I N G H A M B I R M I N G H A M A LOOK AT NEW PRODUCTS FOR 1996 P403 INTRODUCTION......P402...
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s The Apricot TV/Teletext Application (Optional) The Apricot TV/Teletext application provides full TV with integrated Teletext support. You can access the TV application by pressing the button on the remote control.
‘+’ or ‘-’ buttons on the remote control. The Apricot Message Centre Application The Apricot Message Centre application monitors your incoming messages from the e-mail, fax or telephone systems. The Message Centre LED on the front panel of the machine will flash indicating that you have received a message in the Message Centre.
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s The Apricot Media Manager The Apricot Media Manager application provides an easy way to schedule the automatic launch of other software such as the TV, CD applications.
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T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s Help Month Audio Program Reminder To schedule an event for any time of the day select the icon corresponding to the event you wish to schedule.
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s The Apricot Entertainment Centre Application The Apricot Entertainment Centre provides you with an interface to the games and multimedia programs which came with your system.
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s The Apricot Power Manager Application Intelligent power management features come as standard with your system. These features allow you to leave your system powered 24 hours a day much like your video recorder.
T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s The Radio Application (Optional) The radio application is accessed via the remote control. Press the button to display the remote status window, and then press the HELP coloured button on the remote control corresponding to the radio...
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T h e M u l t i m e d i a A p p l i c a t i o n s Sets the radio to begin playing at the specified time. Increase/decrease the volume. Turns off the sound. Increase/decrease tuner frequency (0.1 MHz).
The only tool required to complete the installation of the upgrades is a small cross-head screwdriver. Warning Never carry out any work inside the computer with AC power applied. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before starting work. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
LPX system cage, refer to Appendix A, “Inside the System Unit”. 3. Compare the current configuration of SIMMs with the configuration for the memory upgrade you intend to install. You MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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SIMM and the metal clips hold both ends of the SIMM firmly in position. Do not use excessive force. 4. If the SIMM will not fit easily, remove it and start again. 5. Repeat these steps for each SIMM you want to install. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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5. Remove the existing cache memory SIMM module (if fitted) by carefully lifting by the edges. It is a tight fit. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
2 Mbytes on board. There are no changes to be made to the system BIOS. The only immediate differences will be apparent when you come to make changes to your video driver settings. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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6. It is vital 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. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
You will need to re-install all the software onto the hard disk. Any programs or documents which you have created will need to be saved on floppy disks and then saved on the ‘upgrade’ hard disk if you require access to them from the hard drive. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Slide the tray forward and lift it out of the system cage. Put it down on a flat anti-static surface. CO MP AC T 6. Unplug the power and signal cables of the current hard disk from the rear of the drive. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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10. Place the upgrade hard disk into the drive bay and secure it with the four screws. 11. Place the hard disk drive and bay into the system unit and secure the drive bay back into the system unit. 5/10 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you do not leave enough air space, the processor may overheat. So, ensure that no obstructions such as cables or expansion cards, intrude upon the open air space shown below: MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/11...
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LPX system cage, refer to Appendix A, “Inside the System Unit”. 3. If the computer was turned on prior to commencing this procedure, wait at least 15 minutes for the processor to cool down before proceeding. 5/12 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Hold the processor by its edges and avoid touching the metal pins. Caution If the processor does not lift easily out of the socket, do not attempt to force it. Wait for the processor to cool down. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/13...
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If the upgrade processor is not big enough to occupy all four rows of holes in the socket it should be positioned centrally (as shown on the previous page). 5/14 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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6. You may need to adjust the Processor Selection and/ or External Clock Speed jumpers on the motherboard. See Appendix A, “Inside the System Unit”, for more information about locating and adjusting motherboard jumper settings. 7. Refit the LPX system cage. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/15...
Information on the motherboard jumpers is also provided. Warning Never carry out any work on the equipment with power applied. Always switch off at the mains and remove the power lead from the equipment before starting work. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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These can be arranged into the internal RISER CARD generally as shown in this rear view (the blanking plates have been removed for simplicity of showing the layout). 1/2 ISA 1/2 ISA 1/2 PCI 1/2 PCI FULL ISA AUDIO REAR CONNECTIONS MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
Cards often come with pre-configured or default settings. It is best to rely on these settings as much as possible, and change them only if they conflict with other devices. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Optionally IRQ4 Serial port 1 Optionally IRQ5 Audio (if fitted) IRQ6 Diskette controller IRQ7 Parallel port Optionally IRQ8 Real time clock IRQ9 IRQ10 IRQ11 IRQ12 Mouse IRQ13 Coprocessor IRQ14 Primary ATA/IDE interface IRQ15 Secondary ATA/IDE interface MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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See the notes below the table for further explanation. Default assignment Available? DMA0 DMA1 8-bit Audio Optionally DMA2 Diskette/floppy disk controller DMA3 Enhanced Capabilities Port (default) Optionally DMA4 System DMA5 16-bit Audio Optionally DMA6 DMA7 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Hard disk drive controller 200h-207h Game I/O (disable) 220h-22Fh, 230h-233Fh Sound blaster system 240h-24Fh, 250h-253Fh Alternate Sound blaster system 278h-27Fh Parallel port 2 2B0h-2DFh Alternate VGA 2F8h-2FFh Serial port 2 300h-301Fh Alternate Midi (disable) 330h-331Fh Midi MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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C800h. Since amounts of memory are usually stated as kilobytes rather than in hexadecimal notation, the following conversion table may be helpful: 4 Kbytes = 1000h 8 Kbytes = 2000h 16 Kbytes = 4000h 32 Kbytes = 8000h 64 Kbytes = 10000h 128 Kbytes = 20000h MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you are in any doubt, or come into difficulties you are unable to resolve, contact the supplier of the expansion card or ask your Apricot dealer for advice or assistance. 1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.
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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. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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12. Check to ensure no other cables or connectors have become dislodged and replace the system unit cover. 13. Read the manuals supplied with the card and follow any other installation requirements, such as software etc. 6/10 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
But you must take care when transporting it to avoid damage to its delicate components, particularly the hard disk. Warning Turn of the system unit and unplug the power cord before cleaning or moving the computer. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
2. If the liquid is thin and clear, try unplugging the keyboard, turning it upside down to let the liquid drain out, and drying it for at least 24 hours at room temperature. If the keyboard still won’t work, call your supplier or an authorised maintainer. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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6. Use clear water, or water with a mild detergent, to clean the ball. Then dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth. 7. Put the ball back in its socket and replace the plastic cover. It should click into place. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you plan to use the computer in another country, you must get a power cord that complies with the safety standards of the destination country. For further details, see the “Safety and Regulatory Notices” section at the start of this handbook. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If in doubt. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before consulting your supplier or maintenance provider. Make a note of any of the symptoms, error codes, display messages etc., before calling. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you suspect a blown fuse In the United Kingdom, and some other countries, AC plugs contain fuses. Your Apricot computer is initially supplied with the correct fuse fitted for operation within the UK. If the fuse in the system unit’s AC plug blows when you turn it on, this may be caused by an...
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. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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First of all check the batteries. The LED on the remote control should illuminate to red when any of the remote keys are pressed. Try the batteries in a torch or something similar, replace them if necessary. Check also that the front window is not obscured on MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you encounter problems accessing the hard disk drive, check that the power and signal cables have been connected correctly. Check also, that the permission assigned by the BIOS or the software which you are using allows the intended access. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
2. Set the AC power outlet switch to its Off position. 3. Unplug the power cord from the rear of the system unit. 4. Unscrew the three screws (shown below), and put them safely to one side. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
5. Pull out the LPX cage so as to disconnect the two internal cables. Power Cable Audio Cable 6. Gently pull out the remaining LPX cage. Note: Remember to re-connect the two internal cables before re-fitting the LPX cage. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
4 Floppy disk drive, see Chapter 3 ‘Using the System Drives’. 5 CD-ROM drive, see Chapter 3 ‘Using the System Drives’. 6 Hard disk drive, see Chapter 3 ‘Using the System Drives’. 7 Rear audio sub-board. 8 Riser board, see Chapter 6 ‘Expansion Cards’. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
Clear BIOS settings PL21 Next to outer video upgrade socket, default position link pins 1 and 2. Moving the link to pins 2 and 3 disconnects the battery from the BIOS memory, and will cause all the MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Pin 1 Pentium 150 Soundblaster address IC12 Near CD audio connector. Default position, link rear pins, sets the on-board Soundblaster to address 220h. Removing the link changes the address to 240h. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
The battery has an average life of 3-5 years. If you have to reconfigure the computer every time you turn it on, the battery has discharged and needs replacing. The battery is a 3 volt lithium type (CR2032 or equivalent). MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
11. Dispose of the old battery according to the makers instructions. When you turn on the computer you will have to run the BIOS Setup utility to re-enter the hardware configuration. If in any doubt refer to Appendix B, “System BIOS and Setup”. A/10 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
BIOS and check or alter the configuration via its setup utility. Caution The BIOS has been set in our factory for the optimum system performance and operation. It is not advisable to alter any settings under normal use. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
To toggle values or settings. The enter key, to select the highlighted item. Numbers, used in places where values are to be entered. Used when required, similar to numbers. Restores the original settings that you entered with. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
If you are unable to resolve any problem, do not alter too many settings, but make a note of them and any error messages that appeared on the screen and call your Apricot dealer or authorised maintainer. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
(possibly blank) state. CAUTION-- Some of the settings may have been altered during factory build or test. Exit setup Ends the session and starts the system POST again. You will be asked to save any new settings. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
Mouse This tells the system that a mouse is connected to the mouse port. The mouse is then detected by the POST. You should not normally change this setting. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Default setting: Compatible Date and Time This is to enable a change to the Real Time Clock (RTC) on the system motherboard. This RTC is normally maintained by the motherboard battery when the system is switched off. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Or Change’, a box will appear asking you to press ENTER to confirm deletion of the existing password, effectively choosing ‘no password’. If you make any mistakes, press ‘Esc’ to return to the main menu and start again. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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If ON, the keyboard number lock is enabled when the system boots and the right hand section of the keyboard is numbers only. Keyboard speed (The default is FAST) This sets the speed at which a pressed key will repeat. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Any settings changed here, if incorrect, may cause the system to halt or may cause your software to malfunction. A warning to this effect appears on the screen as you enter this item from the menu. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Each resource can be set to either Available or Not available. 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. B/10 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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MUST be registered in the BIOS. Power Management NOTE Read also the information in the Help topics within the Apricot Power Management program in Windows before attempting any changes. The adjustable settings available here will be dependent upon your system configuration.
No more memory >1MB available 1805 Hardware problem Checksum error or 0 size option ROM 1962 Excessive password attempts No bootable device 2400 Base memory error Display adapter failed; using alternate 2462 External cache failure Video configuration B/12 MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n TECHNICAL INFORMATION This appendix provides some technical information about the computer. More detailed information can be obtained from your supplier. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
Capacity One 1.6” drive (Limitation of fitting one hard disk only to system). Expansion Riser board The riser board fitted supports the expansion of 5 cards: one full length and two half length two half length MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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+12 Vdc +10% Ripple +5 V: 100 mVp-p +12V: 200 mVp-p Current (max) +5 V: 1000 mA +12 V: 1500 mA Reliability MTBF 100,000 power -on hours Laser Type GaAIAs semiconductor Wavelength 780 nm Output power 0.6 nW MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
The power cord supplied with the system complies with the safety standards applicable to the country in which it was originally sold. You should consult an Apricot dealer before using the system in another country . MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n Port Characteristics Serial port 9-way male D-type (COM1/COM2) 10101 Function Data carrier detect Receive data Transmit data Data terminal ready Signal ground Data set ready Request to send Clear to send Ring indicate MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Data bit 3 Data bit 4 Data bit 5 Data bit 6 Data bit 7 - ACK BUSY SLCT - AUTO FEED - ERROR - INIT - SLCT IN Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Reserved Digital G DDC Data Hsync Hsync Hsync Vsync Vsync Vsync Reserved No pin DDC Clock Red Rtn, Green Rtn, Blue Rtn = Analog grounds Digital G = Digital ground for sync returns and self test. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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Reserved The voltages and signals are the same for both connectors. Although the keyboard and mouse ports are physically and electrically compatible, neither the keyboard nor the mouse will operate if plugged into the other’s socket. MS 530 OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
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APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH 3500 PARKSIDE TRAVELLERS LANE GOTHAER STRASSE 8 BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK HATFIELD POSTFACH 1548 BIRMINGHAM B37 7YS HERTFORDSHIRE AL10 8XB 40835 RATINGEN UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM DEUTSCHLAND MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC...
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