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Epson EQUITY II+ User Manual

Epson equity ii+ pc user manual
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E Q U I T Y ™ I I +
User's Guide
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EPSON

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  • Page 1 E Q U I T Y ™ I I + User's Guide ® EPSON...
  • Page 2 ® EPSON Equity™ II+ User’s Guide Y 1 6 2 9 9 1 1 0 3 0 0...
  • Page 3 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Seiko Epson Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
  • Page 4 Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non- Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.
  • Page 5 User’s Guide...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Introduction ........How to Use this Manual ......Setting Up Your System .
  • Page 7 Installing Option Cards ......Removing the Cover ......Installing an Option Card .
  • Page 8 System arrangement ......Front panel ........Backpanel .
  • Page 9 Monitor/video card compatibility ....Specialkeys ........S%inch drive/diskette compatibility .

  • Page 10: Introduction

    (360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, or 1.44MB) or one hard disk. The Equity II+ comes with both a serial interface and a parallel inter- face. These interfaces let you connect an Epson printer or plotter, or almost any peripheral device you choose.

  • Page 11: How To Use This Manual

    (which is not an option card but installs on the main circuit board). You can also use most cards for the IBM® Personal Computer, PC XT™, and PC AT™ on the Equity II+. Check with your Epson dealer from time to time to find out which peripherals and. option cards are available.
  • Page 12 The last section of this manual describes the diagnostics programs for your Equity II+. You run these diagnostics programs the first time you set up your system and any time you change the configuration of your Equity II+. User’s Guide Intro-3...

  • Page 13: Setting Up Your System

    In addition to these items, you probably bought a compatible video monitor and video card. You’ll also find a registration card with the main unit. Fill this card out now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you update information. User’s Guide...

  • Page 14: Removing The Disk Drive Protector Sheet

    Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best protection possible for your computer if you need to move or ship it later. Removing the disk drive protector sheet A cardboard sheet occupies the diskette slot in the floppy disk drive. This sheet is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads.

  • Page 15: Arranging The Components

    Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to 3-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the main unit, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripherals. The auxiliary power outlet on the rear panel of the Equity II+ reduces the number of wall outlets you need.

  • Page 16: The Front Panel

    If you have special computer furniture or want to customize your setup, you can arrange your system components to suit your own needs. Before you connect the cables, take a look at the front and back panels of the main unit. The front panel Figure 1-2 identifies the various components on the front panel.

  • Page 17: The Back Panel

    Slots for optional disk drives. You can add another floppy disk drive (1.44MB, 1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB) and/or hard disk drive in these slots. All Equity II+ units come with at least one 1.2MB floppy disk drive. Hard disk drive light. A green light indicates that the drive is being accessed.

  • Page 18: Connecting The Power Cord

    WARNING: Connect all your peripherals before you plug in the power cable. After you plug in the power cable, always turn off the power switch before you connect or disconnect any peripheral. Voltage switch. Leave this switch at 115V for USA and Canadian use. Slide the switch to the right to select 230V for use in other countries (as necessary).

  • Page 19: Connecting A Video Monitor

    Figure 1-4. Connecting the power cord Connecting a Video Monitor The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the main unit depends on the type of monitor you have. Refer to your monitor manual for detailed instructions or follow the general guidelines below. Note: Your dealer may have installed a video card in your main unit to control your monitor.

  • Page 20: Connecting The Monitor

    Figure 1-5. Connecting the monitor The monitor type must match the video card in the main unit. If you have a color card, you can use one of two connectors: a nine-pin, female D-connector for RGB monitors or an RCA connector for composite video monitors.

  • Page 21: Connecting The Keyboard

    Plug the monitor’s power cable first into the power inlet on the monitor and then into an electrical outlet. Note: If a monochrome monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plug it into the auxiliary outlet on the back of the Equity II+ main unit.

  • Page 22: Adjusting The Keyboard Legs

    You can tilt the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bot- tom. To adjust the legs, turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown in Figure 1-7. You can adjust the legs to two different positions, or leave them flat.

  • Page 23: Connecting A Printer

    DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel interfaces. To connect a printer to the main unit, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, consult your Epson dealer. Once you have a printer cable, follow these steps to connect your printer to the parallel interface on the main unit: Place the printer next to your system.

  • Page 24: Serial Interface

    Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shown in Figure 1-9. To secure the cable, tighten the squeeze locks at each side of the printer port and push them into the connectors on each side of the cable. Plug the printer’s power cable into an electrical outlet.

  • Page 25: The Equity Ii+ Character Set

    ASCII codes. In most cases, if you try to print these characters on a standard printer, you get italic characters instead. Some Epson printers support the IBM character set (the character set the Equity II+ uses) as a standard feature, and others can be adapted. In addition, some application programs can print the special graphic characters on a standard printer when you use a special printer driver program.

  • Page 26: Turning On The Power Switch

    Turning on the power switch Now you are ready to turn on your system. It is a good idea to turn on the monitor and any peripheral devices before you turn on the main unit. First, make sure the power cord is plugged into the power inlet on the back panel of the main unit.

  • Page 27: Initial Screen Display

    do it again if you change your system configuration-by adding a disk drive, for example-or to change the system date or time. See the Diagnostics sec- tion at the back of this manual for instructions. Initial screen display After the computer completes its self test, a message tells you how much RAM (random access memory) is available, for example: KB 0K Then the following message displays:...
  • Page 28 Guide 1-16 User’s...

  • Page 29: Using The Equity Ii

    Chapter 2 Using the Equity II+ This chapter covers some basic procedures for using your Equity II+ computer and keyboard. Inserting and Removing Diskettes To insert a diskette into the 1.2MB floppy disk drive, hold it with the label face up and the write-protect notch to the left (so that the read/write slot is away from you).

  • Page 30: Special Keys On The Equity Ii+ Keyboard

    To remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal and the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it properly, such as in a special diskette container. If you have an optional floppy disk drive with a disk drive button, insert the diskette the same way as for a 1.2MB drive (with the label facing up).

  • Page 31: Selecting Execution Speed

    Cancels the current command line or operation. F1 - F 1 2 Perform special functions within application programs. Print Screen Prints the screen display on a line printer. Sys Rq Generates the System Request function. In some applications, controls scrolling. Scroll Lock Suspends current operation.

  • Page 32: Resetting The Computer

    To change the speed, move the See Figure 2-3. When the computer is running at 8 MHz, the power light is orange, and at 12 MHz, the light is green. Resetting the Computer You can reset the computer to load a different operating system or to reload the current operating system.

  • Page 33: Turning Off The Computer

    There are three ways to reset. Because each is more powerful than the last, try them in the order listed here: If you are using MS-DOS, hold down key on the numeric keypad at the right of the keyboard. The screen goes blank for a moment and then MS-DOS reloads.
  • Page 34 User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: Using Disks And Disk Drives

    Using Disks and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and retrieve and use stored data when you like. All Equity II+ systems have at least one floppy disk drive; you may also have a hard disk drive and/or a second floppy disk drive in your system.

  • Page 36: Choosing Diskette Drives For The Equity Ii

    Choosing Diskette Drives for the Equity II+ Your computer has one or more of the following types of drives: 360KB drive-Uses S&inch, double-sided, doubledensity, 360KB disk- ettes. (You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side, 8 or 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 360KB of information.

  • Page 37: Caring For Your Disks And Disk Drives

    Table 3-2. 3Xhch drive/diskette compatibility Diskette types it can read from and write to Drive type 720KB 720KB 1.44MB 720KB, 1.44MB If you have any combination of the above drives (360KB, 1.2MB, 720KB, and 1.44MB), y ou can copy files from one drive to another (using the COPY command) as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive.
  • Page 38 Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette by its protective jacket. On a 3%inch diskette, do not expose the diskette’s surface by sliding the metal plate. Store diskettes properly. When they are not in use, keep diskettes in their protective envelopes and store them in a diskette container.

  • Page 39: Protecting Your Data

    Protecting your Data There are two ways to avoid losing data you store on disk: you can make backup copies and you tan write-protect your diskettes. You need to format new diskettes before you can use them with an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on a diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or disk- ettes that contain data you want to erase.

  • Page 40: Write-Protect Notch

    ‘Write-protect notch Figure 3-1. Write-protect notch On a 3Sinch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-right corner on the back, shown in Figure 3-2. To write-protect this diskette, slide the switch down toward the edge of the diskette so there is a hole where the switch used to be.

  • Page 41: Using Two Diskette Drives

    Using Two Diskette Drives Operating systems usually expect the computer to have at least two physical disk drives. Normally, MS-DOS recognizes drives A and B for two diskette drives, and C for the hard disk drive. A typical way to use a two-drive system is to load MS-DOS from drive A, run your application software from the same drive, and use drive B to store your data files.
  • Page 42 Store your other files on floppy disks. Before you can use an Epson internal hard disk, you must do the follow- ing things to prepare it: Use the Setup program on your reference diskette to prepare your sys- tem for using a hard disk, and then use the Format Hard Disk program to format the hard disk.

  • Page 43: Installing Option Cards

    The video card that controls your monitor occupies the fifth slot. You can buy option cards from Epson as well as other vendors. Multi- function cards, which allow you to add features without using multiple option card slots, are also available. Consult your dealer for more informa- tion.

  • Page 44: Back And Side Panel Screws

    Figure 4-1. Back and side panel screws Turn the main unit around so the front panel faces you. Hold on to the two sides of the cover and carefully pull it straight toward you, away from the back of the computer, as shown in Figure 4-2. The cover fits tightly, so if you have trouble moving it at first, keep pulling it firmly.

  • Page 45: Installing An Option Card

    You can separate the sides of the cover from the bottom ledge of the computer by pulling them outward slightly, as shown in Figure 4-3. When the back edge of the cover is a few inches away from the back panel, you can lift the cover off.
  • Page 46 Figure 4-4. slots Option 16-bit option car Figure 4-5. 16-bit &bit option cards User’s Guide...

  • Page 47: Removing An Option Slot Cover

    Except for the video card, it does not matter which slot an option card occupies, as long as the card fits in the slot. For example, you can place some 8-bit cards in a 16-bit slot. But if an 8-bit card has an additional skirt along the bottom (which looks like an extra long connector), it must go in an 8-bit slot.

  • Page 48: Inserting An Option Card

    Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumper connections on it if necessary. (For example, a memory expansion card usually contains DIP switches that you need to set. See the option card instructions.) Note: If the option card you are installing requires you to change any of the jumper connections on the Equity II+ main circuit board, memory card, or multi-function card, see Appendix A, “Jumper Settings.”...

  • Page 49: Removing An Option Card

    Once the connector pins are sitting in the connector slot, push the card downward firmly (but carefully) to fully insert it. If the card does not go in smoothly, do not force it-pull it all the way out and try again, keep- ing it straight.

  • Page 50: Post-Installation Setup

    Post-installation Setup After you install an option card (and replace the main unit’s cover and reconnect the power cord and peripherals), you may need to run the Setup program on the reference diskette to update the configuration information. For example, if you add a hard disk, you need to tell the computer that it has the additional drive.

  • Page 51: Troubleshooting

    You can use the suggestions here to solve most problems you may encounter. If the recommended solution does not work, consult an Epson dealer about servicing the computer. WARNING: If you need to turn off the computer for any reason, always wait at least five seconds before you turn it back on.

  • Page 52: The Computer Does Not Respond

    Use the controls on the monitor to turn up the brightness and contrast. Remove any diskettes, then turn off the power switches on the monitor and the main unit. Check that the monitor’s power cable is securely connected to the electrical outlet and that the monitor cable is properly connected to both the monitor and the main unit.

  • Page 53: Hard Disk Problems

    If you have not done so and your hard disk does not function properly, have an autho- rized Epson service center check your hard disk. Never open the air-tight container that encloses the recording disk.

  • Page 54: Printer Problems

    Printer Problems Your printer manual describes methods to solve most printer problems. If your printer does not work correctly right after you install it, make sure the printer has power and is properly connected to the computer. The printer manual tells you how to connect your printer. If you have printing problems, check the printer manual for the printer’s DIP switch settings.

  • Page 55: Jumper Settings

    Jumper Settings This appendix describes how to set the jumpers inside the Equity II+ if you install optional devices that require different jumper settings in the main unit. It is best if your dealer installs the option and makes all the necessary adjustments when you buy it.

  • Page 56: Changing A Jumper Setting

    If you have any doubts, ask your Epson dealer. The procedure for changing a jumper setting is given first, then the jumper functions and locations for each card are described separately. All the instructions assume you have already removed the cover from the main unit.

  • Page 57: A-3 Removing Memory Card Retaining Screw

    EPROM size. You can change the EPROM size jumper if you install a different size of EPROM. In all cases, make sure you need to alter the jumper settings for the option you are installing before you change anything. Table A-l shows the functions for the jumpers on the memory card. Table A-1.

  • Page 58: Main Circuit Board Jumpers

    Lift the card gently out of the computer, taking care not to catch it on any cables inside the computer. Set it on a soft surface, such as a towel, with the component side facing up. Figure A-4 shows the locations of the three jumpers. Refer to Table A-l above to set them as needed.

  • Page 59: A-2 Main Circuit Board Jumper Settings

    Math coprocessor clock speed. If you or your dealer installs an 80287 math coprocessor, you may need to set the jumpers for a different clock speed. The jumpers determine the speed of the coprocessor. As it is easy to damage a math coprocessor, you should have your dealer install it for you.

  • Page 60: Multi-Function Card Jumpers

    Figure A-5. Main circuit board jumpers Multi-function Card Jumpers The jumpers on the multi-function card control the parallel port address and the serial port address. You normally address the parallel and serial ports in the computer as the primary ports (LPT1 and COM1). However, if you install an additional parallel or serial port and want it to be the primary port, you need to change the jumpers on the multi-function card so the built-in port becomes secondary (JPT2 and COM2).

  • Page 61: A-4 Multi-Function Card Jumper Settings For Serial Port

    Table A-4 shows the jumpers on the multi-function card that control the serial port. Table A-4. Multi-function card jumper settings for serial port Jumpert3number Default setting To access the multi-function card jumpers, you need to remove the card from the computer: Unplug the disk drive cable from the card as shown in Figure A-6.

  • Page 62: A-7 Removing Multi-Function Card Retaining Screw

    Figure A-7. Removing multi-function card retaining screw Remove the card from the slot (pull it straight up) and set it on a soft surface with the components facing up. Figure A-8 shows where the jumpers are located. Change them needed and then reverse the three steps above to reinstall it. Figure A-8.

  • Page 63: Equity Ii+ Specifications

    Equity II+ Specifications CPU and Memory 16-bit CPU Main memory R O M Math coprocessor Controllers Floppy disk Hard disk Interfaces Serial Printer Guide User's Appendix B 80286 microprocessor; 8 or 12 MHz clock- rate, switch-selectable Real address (8086-compatible) and pro- tected virtual address (multi-tasking or multi- user) modes 24-bit address and 16-bit data bus...

  • Page 64: Power Supply

    Interfaces (continued) Option slots Speaker Clock/calendar/ Power Supply Mass Storage Standard Optional Optional Optional Optional Six IBM-compatible input/output expan- sion slots: one occupied by parallel and serial interface and floppy disk controller card; five slots available for options in base configura- tion: three with l6-bit bus and two with 8-bit Internal, programmable Real-time clock, calendar, and 64-byte...

  • Page 65: Keyboard

    Optional Keyboard Layout Function keys Environmental Requirements Temperature Humidity Physical Characteristics (CPU Only) Width, inches (mm) Depth, inches (mm) Height, inches (mm) Weight, pounds (kg) Power Requirements User’s Guide 31/l-inch or 51/&inch, half-height or full- height internal hard disk drive. Detachable, three positions, 101 sculpted keys 58-key QWERTY main keyboard;...

  • Page 66: Options

    Enhanced graphics video card Enhanced graphics monitor (13-inch diagonal) Supports Epson- or IBM-compatible mono- chrome monitor; 80-character x 25-line display; 9 x 14 character block; installs in option slot High-persistence, P-39 phosphor screen; etched surface to reduce glare; 22 MHz video bandwidth;...

  • Page 67: C Glossary

    ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols. An ASCII character occupies one byte of storage. Files transmitted in ASCII code can be used by many different computers, printers, and programs.
  • Page 68 Command An instruction you enter on the keyboard to direct your computer to perform a specific function. Configuration The particular setup of a group of components. For example, a typical system configuration consists of a CPU with two floppy disk drives, con- nected to a monochrome monitor and a printer.
  • Page 69 Disk drive The physical device that allows the computer to read from and write to a disk. A floppy disk drive has a disk slot on the front panel of the main unit into which you insert diskettes. A hard disk is permanently fixed inside the main unit, hidden behind the front panel.
  • Page 70 Hardware Any physical component of a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU. High-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store up to 1.2MB or 1.44MB of data. Input/output port See Port. Interface A physical or software connection used to transmit data between equip- ment or programs.
  • Page 71 Monochrome monitor A monitor that displays in only one color, such as green or amber, as opposed to a color monitor that can display in several colors. Mouse A device used (as an alternative to a keyboard) to control a pointer on the screen and operate a program.
  • Page 72 Random Access Memory. The part of memory that a computer can both read and write to. The programs you use are temporarily stored in RAM. All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off the power. Read To copy data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen.
  • Page 73 System diskette A diskette that contains the operating system. Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a diskette, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the diskette into separate accessible areas. There are 40 tracks on each side of a double-sided, double-density disk- ette and 80 tracks on each side of a double-sided, quad-density or a double-sided, high-density diskette.
  • Page 74 User’s Guide...

  • Page 75: Index

    AC inlet, 1-6, 5-1 AC outlet, 1-6 Adjusting keyboard legs, 1-10 Application program, 2-4, 5-4 ASCII codes, 1-13 Asynchronous, B-1 Auxiliary power outlet, 1-3, 1-6, 1-9 BACKUP program, 3-7 Backup copies, 1-15, 3-5, 3-7 Booting MS-DOS, 1-15 See also Resetting Brightness control, monitor, 1-14, 5-2 Cable, keyboard, 1-9...
  • Page 76 Disk drive, caring for, 3-3 compatibility, 3-2 -3, 5-3 floppy, Intro-l, 1-4, 2-1, 3-1 -7, B-l, B-2 hard, Intro-l, 1-5, 3-1, 3-7, B-1, B-3 inserting diskettes, 2-1 optional, 1-4, B-2 problems, 5-2 -3 single diskette, 3-7 Diskette, backing up, 3-5, 3-7 care and handling, 3-3 choosing, 3-2 compatibility, 3-2 -3, 5-3...
  • Page 77 Initial screen display, 1-15 Initial setup procedure, 1-14 -15 Inlet, AC, 1-5 -6, 5-1 Input/output slots, 1-5, B-2 Inserting diskette, 2-1 Installing option cards, 1-7, 4-1-8 Interface, clock/calendar/RAM, B-2 option slots, B-2 parallel, 1-6, 1-11, B-1 serial, 1-6, 1-12, B-1 speaker, B-2 Internal memory.
  • Page 78 MS-DOS, booting, 1-15 operating system, Intro-2, 1-1, 1-15 preparing hard disk, 3-7 -8 system diskette, 1-1, 1-15 Multi-function card, location, A-l jumpers, A-6 removing, A-7 Multi-tasking, Intro-2, B-l Multi-user, Intro-2, B-1 Operating system, diskette, 1-1 loading, 1-15 Optional disk drive slot, 1-5 Option card, access slots, 1-6 connector(s), 4-3, 4-5...
  • Page 79 SELECT program, 3-8 Self test, internal, 1-15 Serial, cable, 1-12 controller card, 4-1, 4-3, A-l, A-6 interface, 1-6, 1-12, B-1 port, 1-6, 1-12, A-6 -8 printer, 1-12 RS-232C port, 1-12, B-1 SETMODE command, 1-12 Setup, program, 3-8, 4-8, A-5 Setup, post-installation, 4-8 Setup procedure, initial, 1-14 Single diskette drive, using, 3-7 Single-sided diskettes, 3-2...
  • Page 80 Diagnostics This section describes the diagnostics programs you use the first time you set up your system and any time you make changes to it.
  • Page 81 Diagnostics...
  • Page 82 Introduction ..Starting the Diagnostics ......The Power-on Self Test ......The OPERATION MENU .
  • Page 83 Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check ... Color graphics adapter check ....Attribute check .
  • Page 84 Error Codes and Messages ....Types of Hard Disk Drives ....Power-on Diagnostics .
  • Page 85 Diagnostics...

  • Page 86: Introduction

    This special section of your manual describes how to initialize your Epson® system after it is assembled, and how to test the condition of your computer and peripherals. To set up and test your system, you use a group of programs called diag- nostics on the reference diskette.

  • Page 87: Starting The Diagnostics

    ROMBIOS SYSTAT These commands are easy to use. The ROMBIOS command displays the ROM BIOS version number for your computer. When you type ROMBIOS and press ROM BIOS Version 2.00 The SYSTAT command displays the system information you supply when you run the Setup program. After you run Setup, you can type SYSTAT and press Enter...

  • Page 88: The Operation Menu

    The OPERATION MENU After the power-on self test completes successfully, the diagnostics pro- grams start. Depending on the exact system you purchased, these programs and certain screen displays may vary. A typical OPERATION MENU looks like this: OPERATION MENU 1 - Setup 2 - Format hard disk - Format diskette 4 - System diagnostics...

  • Page 89: Diagnostics And Ms-Dos Commands

    If you have run a diagnostics program, you see this selection: pl - Exit and reset In this case, when you press 0 and selecting this option, remove the reference diskette from drive A and insert your startup diskette so the system can boot normally. To boot from your hard disk, be sure to remove the diskette from drive A.

  • Page 90: Setting Up The System

    Setting Up the System This chapter describes how to use the Setup program to make changes to the list of equipment maintained by the computer. You can select Setup from the OPERATION MENU, or you can execute the MS-DOS SETUP command.

  • Page 91: Changing The Amount Of Memory

    You can exit a submenu in one of the following ways: To exit the submenu without making any changes, press t until the cursor block returns to the main menu, or cancels any changes you just made to the configuration. To set your changes, press 1 to highlight press When you exit Setup, the computer writes the changes to...
  • Page 92 Note: If memory on an option board overlaps the computer’s main memory, you must disable that part of memory-either on the option board or on the built-in memory board. To reduce the amount of main memory, you must use the Main option (of this program) and also change a jumper on the built-in memory board.

  • Page 93: Using A Different Type Of Display

    Using a Different Type of Display Use the Display option if you change the monitor or video card you are using with your computer. The Display setting in CMOS RAM controls the amount of memory used for storing the image on your monitor screen. Note: Make sure that the monitor switch on the front panel or the DIP switch inside the main unit is set correctly for the type of monitor...

  • Page 94: Adding An 80287 Coprocessor

    If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting Color/graph 80. If resolution is poor, run Setup again and select Color/graph 40. If you have any other combination of monitor and video card, consult the documentation supplied with your video card.

  • Page 95: Changing Disk Drives

    Changing Disk Drives Use the Mass storage option if you install an additional floppy or hard disk drive, or if you remove an existing drive and replace it with another type. Follow these steps: On the main menu, press 1 to move the cursor to Mass storage and press You see a menu like this: Enter.

  • Page 96: Setting The Real-Time Clock

    Setting the Real-time Clock If your system has a real-time clock, it automatically keeps track of the time and date. This kind of clock is backed up by a battery so it keeps running even while the computer is turned off. The MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands, as well packages, display the time and date held in the clock, but they cannot make permanent changes to the time and date settings.
  • Page 97 To set the date, move the cursor to Enter the date in the exact form shown in the box, using two digits for the month and the day; the program automatically inserts the dashes. When the date is correct, press computer beeps, and the date does not change.

  • Page 98: Formatting A Hard Disk

    Formatting a Hard Disk This chapter describes how you use diagnostics to check or format a hard disk drive after installation. You can also use the MS-DOS command HDFMTALL. Formatting a hard disk destroys all data on the hard disk, in all partitions, so use this program with extreme care.

  • Page 99: Conditional Format (Normal)

    The first two options format a hard disk. Normally you use option 1, Conditional format (Normal). This option automatically locates any tracks that are flagged by the manufacturer and marks them so that they are never used. Option 2, Unconditional format, locates any tracks that are flagged as bad, and then allows you to edit the list of bad tracks.
  • Page 100 The program starts to starting from the innermost cylinder of the disk. During the scan, you see the number of the cylinder the program is currently checking. For example, if you have a hard disk, the first messages you see are: Format Hard Disk Scanning for flagged bad tracks...
  • Page 101 If you continue with formatting, you see: Format started. Current cylinder is xxxx When formatting is complete, any bad tracks are flagged, and you see a series of messages like these: Format finished. Flagging bad tracks... Cylinder is xxxx, head is yy Format completed.

  • Page 102: Unconditional Format

    Unconditional Format Use this option to format your hard disk when you want to enter the list of bad tracks before formatting begins. The main difference between unconditional and conditional formatting is the way in which bad tracks are identified. With the unconditional format, you must enter the list of bad tracks before formatting begins.

  • Page 103: Destructive Surface Analysis

    Some of the messages change if the table is full or empty. However, the way that you add a bad track or make a correction is the same. To add a bad track, follow these steps: Press You see this prompt: Enter cylinder number (1 - xxxx): Type the number of the cylinder containing the missing bad track, and press...
  • Page 104 WARNING: If any errors occur during this check, all data on the track that produces the error is destroyed. For this reason, if you think that an unflagged bad track is causing trouble, first run option 4, Non-destructive surface analysis, to check the disk surface. This test operates by a complex process of writing, reading, and verifying information on every track of the hard disk, except for tracks that are already flagged as bad tracks.

  • Page 105: Non-Destructive Surface Analysis

    To flag the error tracks as bad, press Y and the tracks as they are flagged. You see these messages: bad tracks... Flagging Cylinder is 237, head is 2 Press ENTER Press to return to the HARD DISK FORMAT MENU. Enter Non-destructive Surface Analysis The Non-destructive surface analysis is slightly simpler than the...

  • Page 106: Formatting A Diskette

    Formatting a Diskette This chapter briefly describes how, you format a diskette. Normally, you format a diskette using the MS-DOS FORMAT command. However, if you are running diagnostics and decide to test your floppy drives (which requires a formatted diskette), you can select option 3, Format diskette, from the OPERATION MENU.
  • Page 107 If drive A is a 1.2MB drive and you format a double-density diskette, you see this warning message: WARNING! This disk is not suitable for testing a 360, KB drive. Press Enter to the menu. to return For a complete description of the FORMAT command, refer to the MS-DOS manual.

  • Page 108: Performing System Diagnostics

    Performing System Diagnostics This chapter describes how to check the operation of the main unit and peripheral devices of your system. You check these devices using System diagnostics, option Always run diagnostics after adding or removing optional devices, or if you are unsure whether a device is performing correctly.

  • Page 109: Using The System Diagnostics Program

    Using the System Diagnostics Program When you start the System diagnostics, the The setting of the monitor switch (for monochrome or color) The positions of the internal jumpers The peripheral devices that are connected to the system. After these items are checked, you see a list of the devices available for testing.

  • Page 110: Modifying The Device List

    Modifying the DEVICE LIST If an installed device is missing from the DEVICE LIST, it is important that you add it to the list and test it carefully. In response to this prompt: Is the DEVICE LIST correct (Y/N)? press followed by Enter.

  • Page 111: Selecting A Test

    Type the number of the item you wish to add and press as many devices as necessary. When the DEVICE LIST is complete, press 0 followed by Enter. Note: Even if you have both monochrome and color monitor video cards installed, you can only test the monitor that is currently selected.

  • Page 112: Resuming From An Error

    reliability testing of essential functions only; in most cases, running a test only once is sufficient. To perform the test once, press submenu of more detailed tests for the device you are checking. To perform the test multiple times, press 2 and prompt: Terminate checking if an error detected (Y/N)? Press Y and...

  • Page 113: System Board Check

    If an error occurs, make a copy or a printout of the error code and message, and contact your dealer or Epson for customer service. Attempting to correct system board errors yourself may violate your warranty agree- ment.

  • Page 114: Keyboard Check

    000640 KB 0K If an error occurs, make a copy or a printout of the error code and message, and contact your dealer or Epson for customer service. Attempting to correct memory errors yourself may violate your warranty agreement. Note:...

  • Page 115: Monochrome Display Adapter And Crt Check

    You can find diagrams of all the international keyboard layouts in the MS-DOS manual. If any key is incorrect, press code and message, or print them out, and contact your dealer or Epson for customer service. Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check...

  • Page 116: Monochrome Adapter Check

    6 - Run all above checks 0 - Exit Enter selection number: If an error occurs during or print them out. Then contact your dealer or Epson for customer message, service. Monochrome adapter check To check the monochrome adapter, press...

  • Page 117: Character Set Check

    If the display attributes are not correct, adjust the brightness and contrast on your display monitor. If they are still incorrect, press Enter. Character set check To check your character set, press 3 and then fonts that are included in the internal character generator display on your screen.

  • Page 118: Synccheck

    Sync check This test is provided for service purposes only. If you accidentally select this option, press any key to end the test. Run all above checks To run all the tests on the menu in sequence, press 6 and When you choose this option, all checks for the monochrome adapter and CRT are performed automatically in sequential order.

  • Page 119: Color Graphics Adapter Check

    If an error occurs during any of these tests, record the error code and message, or print them out. Then contact your dealer or Epson for customer service. Color graphics adapter check To check the color graphics adapter, press The computer checks the video RAM (display memory) on the display adapter by writing test data to memory, and then reading it back and com- paring it to the written data.

  • Page 120: 40-Column Character Set Check

    After checking the Is the display correct (Y/N)? If the characters match the illustration, press Y and then problem with the characters on the screen, press error message. 40-column character set check To check your 40-column character set, press 4 and then character fonts that are included in the internal character generator display on your screen.

  • Page 121: 320X200 Graphics Mode Check

    320x200 graphics mode check To check your 320x200 graphics mode, press 5 and then The screen displays three colored squares-light green, brown, and red-against a cyan background. These four colors are Color Set 0. If they are correct, press Y and then The same pattern displays again;...

  • Page 122: Screen Paging Check

    Screen paging check To check the screen paging of your monitor, press 7 and The video RAM on the color graphics adapter is divided into eight independent display pages. This test checks the eight pages by first filling all eight with a number corresponding to the page, and then displaying each page in turn.

  • Page 123: Color Video Check

    If you do not have a light pen attached, press press Y and You see this prompt: Enter. PLACE LIGHT PEN ON CENTER OF WHITE BLOCK Touch the center of the white block on the screen with the light pen. When the light pen is correctly positioned, the block moves to another part of the screen for a second test.

  • Page 124: Run All Above Checks

    Run all above checks To run all the tests on the menu in sequence, press When you choose this option, all checks for the color adapter and CRT are performed automatically in sequential order. Although you do not start each test, you must still supply the appropriate responses to progress from one test to the next.

  • Page 125: Sequential Seek Check

    Before any checks are performed, the program determines the number of floppy disk drives installed in your drive, you see this prompt each time you select a test: Check which drive (A/B)? Press and then If any errors occur, record the error code and message and contact your dealer.

  • Page 126: Speedcheck

    If you have only one floppy disk drive, you see a prompt to remove the diagnostics diskette and insert a blank diskette before running the test. You see these messages: Use only a formatted blank diskette for this test. Any data present may be erased. If using drive A, remove Enter Y to start this check.

  • Page 127: Run All Above Checks

    Select option 5 from the menu to start this test. First the program checks the selected drive type; if the drive is a 360KB drive, you see these messages: Drive is a 360KB drive. DISK CHANGE is not allowed with this type of drive. Press ENTER to return to the menu.

  • Page 128: Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check

    Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check Use this option to test the operation of the primary parallel printer port. To perform the test, you must insert a special loop-back connector into the parallel port so that the computer can check individual pins of the port. Contact your dealer if you need a loop-back connector.
  • Page 129 When you select option 11 from the DEVICE LIST, you see these prompts: Attach loop-back connector to serial port. Enter Y to start this check when connector is attached, or Enter N to return to the menu. Insert the loop-back connector. Then press Y and Enter to start the check. First, the computer checks the serial port control lines to see that they are able to change from high to low and vice versa.

  • Page 130: Alternate Serial Port Check

    Alternate Serial Port Check Use this option to test the functions of an additional serial communica- tions (RS-232C) port. To perform the test you must insert a special loop-back connector into the alternate serial port so that the computer can check individual pins of the port.

  • Page 131: Hard Disk Drives And Controller Check

    The bit-image data is sent to the printer using a command (ESCK) compatible with Epson and IBM® printers. If this pattern is printed correctly, you can use the MS-DOS GRAPHICS program to print out copies of graphics screens.

  • Page 132: Seekcheck

    Seek check This test checks the ability of the read/write heads to locate any part of the hard disk. This action by a read/write head is called a seek. During this test, each head seeks each cylinder of the disk in sequence, starting from the center.

  • Page 133: Head Select Check

    If this analysis shows no other problems with the disk, follow these steps: Back up all the files on your hard disk. Re-format the disk using option 2, Format hard disk, on the OPERATION MENU. Re-create the MS-DOS partition with FDISK and format it with SELECT.

  • Page 134: Read, Verify Check

    Read, verify check This test reads and verifies data from all tracks of the disk, checking each cylinder and using both heads. Select option 5 from the menu to start this test. The program displays the number of each cylinder it finds. For example, with a hard disk, the first message you see is: Current cylinder is The cylinder number counts down to 0.
  • Page 135 Diagnostics...

  • Page 136: Moving The Hard Disk

    Moving the Hard Disk This chapter describes the procedure you use when you plan to move your computer. Even if you are moving the computer only a short distance, use option 5, Prepare hard disk for moving, to prevent damage to the hard disk.
  • Page 137 Diagnostics...

  • Page 138: Error Codes And Messages

    Error Codes and Messages This appendix lists all the error codes and messages that may appear during diagnostics checks. Table A-1. Error a&s and messages Error code 5ysE b0ard Me;gY Key3~,a~ Monochrome display adapter and CRT Color graphics adapter and CRT Diagnostics Appendix A Message...
  • Page 139 Table A-l. Error codes and messages (continued) Error code Floppy disk drives and controller Math coprocessor (80287) Parallel port Serial port (RS-232C) 1101 1102 1103 Alternate serial port 1201 1201 Dot-matrix printer 1401 Hard disk drives and controller 1701 1702 1703 1704 1705...

  • Page 140: Types Of Hard Disk Drives

    Types of Hard Disk Drives This appendix lists the numbers you need to identify a hard disk drive. Refer to this table and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct number for the type of drive you are installing. You use this drive type number when you run the Setup program after installing a hard disk drive.
  • Page 141 Diagnostics...

  • Page 142: Power-On Diagnostics

    Power-on Diagnostics The built-in memory (ROM) of your computer contains a series of diag- nostics programs. These programs are run automatically by the system every time you turn on the power. The diagnostics programs check the internal devices such as ROM, RAM, keyboard controller, timer, video controller, floppy disk driver, and hard disk controller.

  • Page 143: Clock And Cmos Ram Check

    where x is a number from 1 to 8 that represents the specific LSI circuit in error which the is found. Your service dealer needs this information to find and correct the problem. If an I/O or checksum error occurs, you see this message: xxxx0 where xxxx is the number of the segment of the bad I/O ROM.

  • Page 144: Keyboard Controller And Keyboard Check

    first 64KB area, an error message displays and the computer halts with no further information. If there are faulty RAM chips in your system, you see one of these messages: 202-Memory address error 203-Memory address error If an I/O or parity error occurs, you see one of these messages: Parity check 1 Parity check 2 The program also displays the number of the segment causing the problem.

  • Page 145: Optional Ram Check

    Optional RAM Check If any additional memory (expansion RAM) is installed, the computer then checks that RAM for any malfunction. Floppy Disk Drive Seek Check The computer checks its floppy disk drives by searching the read/write heads for any malfunction. If any seek errors are found, you see this message: 601-Diskette error If this error occurs, confirm that the system diskette is inserted into drive A.
  • Page 146 This index references items in the Diagnostics section of your manual. Adapter, Color graphics, 4-11 Monochrome display, 4-8 Alternate serial port check, 4-23 Analysis, hard disk, Destructive surface, 2-6 Non-destructive surface, 2-8 Attribute check, Monochrome adapter, 4-9 Color graphics adapter, 4-12 Bad tracks, hard disk, 2-2-8 Board checks, system, 4-6 Change disk drives, 1-6...
  • Page 147 FDISK, 4-26 Flagged tracks, 2-2 Floppy disk, Controller check, 4-17 Disk change check, 4-19 Drive check, 4-17, C-4 Formatting, 3-1 Random seek check, 4-18 Sequential seek check, 4-18 Speed check, 4-19 Write, read check, 4-18 Format, Diskette, 3-1 Hard disk, 2-1 FORMAT command, Intro-4 Graphics mode check, 1-5, 4-14 Hard disk,...
  • Page 148 Paging, screen check, 4-15 Parallel port check, 4-21 Power-on diagnostics (self test), Intro-2, C-l -4 Printer interface check, 4-21 Printer, dot-matrix, 4-23 Program, setup, Intro-l, 1-1 RAM, Checks, C-2, C-4 Video, 4-9, 4-15 Random seek check, 4-18 Read, verify, 4-27 Real-time clock, setting, 1-7 Resume from error, Power-on diagnostics, C-l...

  • Page 149: Connecting The Power Cord

    Steps to Setting Up the Equity II+ Unpacking Your Computer Arranging the Components Connecting a Video Monitor Connecting a Printer Choosing a Location Connecting the Power Cord Connecting the Keyboard Turning On the Computer...
  • Page 150 E Q U I T Y ™ l I + ® EPSON...

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