Page 2 FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Page 3 ® EPSON E Q U I T Y ® 3 8 6 S X / 1 6 P L U S User’s Guide...
Page 4 Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Page 5: Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Page 6 13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: A. When the power cord or plug is damaged. B. If liquid has entered the product. C. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
Page 7: Table Of Contents
C o n t e n t s Introduction Optional Equipment ....... Operating Systems and Other Software .
Page 8 Setting the Primary Display Type ..... Setting the Keyboard Test Function ....Setting the Shadow RAM.
Page 9 Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files ... Changing the Processor Speed ..... . . Entering Keyboard Commands.
Page 10 Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory ....... . . Controllers........Interfaces .
Page 11 Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics Starting the Diagnostics Program ..... The Main Menu Screen ......Setting the Run Time Parameters .
Page 12 Appendix D Troubleshooting Identifying Your System ......Error Messages ........The Computer Won’t Start .
Page 13: Introduction
The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS also provides four option slots (three 16-bit and one 8-bit) in which you can install additional devices, such as a modem or a network card.
Page 14: Operating Systems And Other Software
You may want to install an 80387SX, 16 MHz math coprocessor in your computer to speed up mathematical calculations in certain application programs. Check with your authorized Epson dealer for information on optional equipment. Operating Systems and Other Software You probably have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your computer.
Page 15: How To Use This Manual
How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and operate your computer, install options, and run diagnostic checks. Although the illustrations show a computer with a 5Mnch diskette drive, instructions for using a 3%inch drive are included.
Page 16: Where To Get Help
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index. Where to Get Help If you purchased your Epson product in the United States, Epson America provides local customer support and service through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and Service Centers.
Page 17: Setting Up Your System
Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your Equity 386SX/16 PLUS personal computer is easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your system, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the different parts.
Page 18 Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe, convenient location that provides the following: A sturdy desk or table strong enough to support the weight of your system and all of its components. A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your disks, damage the computer’s circuitry, and prevent proper ventilation.
Page 19: Removing The Protector Card
Removing the Protector Card If you have a 5%inch diskette drive, there is a protector card in the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip the latch up to pop the card out part way, as shown below; then pull it out.
Page 20: Connecting A Monitor
Connecting a Monitor The way you connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. If you have a VGA monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with an analog connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port. See “Using the VGA Interface”...
Page 21 4. Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor port (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the plug into the port, as shown below. I I i Caution damaging the connector, take care not to To avoid bend the pins when inserting the plug.
Page 22 6. Plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below. 7. Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet. Setting Up Your System...
Page 23: Using A Display Adapter Card
Using a Display Adapter Card If you are using a non-VGA monitor, you’ll need to install a display adapter (video) card in one of the computer’s option slots before you can connect the monitor. (Your dealer may have already installed the video card for you.) If the video card has not yet been installed, you’ll need to follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to install an option card.
Page 24: Connecting A Printer Or Other Device
To connect your printer and computer, you need an IBM compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which cable you need, check with your Epson dealer. Once you have the right printer cable, follow these steps: 1. Place the printer next to the computer with their backs facing you.
Page 25 2. One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of the parallel interface (marked with a special icon shown in the illustration below). Then plug the connector into the port, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
Page 26 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shown below. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the printer port and push them into place, 4. Plug the printer’s power cord into a three-hole, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
Page 27: Using The Serial Interface
Using the Serial Interface If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral device with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer. The serial port uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a compatible cable.
Page 28: Connecting The Keyboard
Connecting the Keyboard Follow these steps to connect the keyboard: 1. Hold the keyboard cable connector so the indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown below. keyboard connector Caution Although the keyboard and mouse connectors are physically identical, they cannot...
Page 29: Connecting The Mouse
You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. Connecting the Mouse Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible mouse that uses a miniature DIN (6-pin) connector.
Page 30 caution Although the mouse and keyboard connectors are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to insert the mouse plug into the mouse port. Once you have connected a mouse, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS file to enable your computer to use a mouse.
Page 31: Connecting The Power Cord
Connecting the Power Cord Follow these steps to connect the power cord: 1. Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back panel, as shown below. WARNING To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket.
Page 32: Turning On The Computer
Turning On the Computer After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power. But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself: Do not connect or disconnect any cables when the computer’s power is on.
Page 33 4. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on the right side of the front panel, as shown below. The power indicator next to the button lights up. After a few seconds, the computer counts the amount of memory in your computer, and then performs a diagnostic self test.
Page 34: Turning Off The Computer
When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see the following prompt: Press <Del> to start SETUP Do not press any key yet. If MS-DOS has already been installed on your system, you’ll see a prompt to enter the date.
Page 35: Running The Setup Program
Chapter 2 Running the SETUP Program When you use your computer for the first time, you need to run the SETUP program to define how your system is set up. This is a simple procedure which you must do at least once. You may need to run it again later if you change some part of your configuration.
Page 36: Starting The Setup Program
The configuration you define through SETUP is stored in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery, so it will not be erased when you turn off or reset the computer. Whenever you reboot the computer, it checks the settings, and if it discovers a difference between the information in the CMOS RAM and your system’s configuration, it prompts you to run SETUP.
Page 37: Selecting Options
The menu automatically displays the base memory size, the extended memory size, and whether a math coprocessor (numeric processor) is installed. Additionally, the SETUP menu lists the parameters you can change. Selecting Options A solid cursor bar highlights the parameter currently selected. You can scroll through the parameters using the four arrow keys (t,-+, 1‘, 4).
Page 38: Setting The Diskette Drive(S)
Setting the Diskette Drive(s) Your system probably came with one diskette drive installed. You may have added another drive or replaced the existing drive with one of a different size or capacity. The SETUP menu offers five possible selections for your diskette drives (A and B): 3 1.2MB 59Linch Q 360KB 5’/4-inch...
Page 39: Setting The Hard Disk Drive(S)
C and D. If you have only one hard disk drive, select Not installed for drive D. 0 If your computer came with an Epson 40MB hard disk drive (or if you installed this drive yourself), select number 17 for drive C.
Page 40 Hard disk drive types Running the Setup Program...
Page 41 Hard disk drive types (continued) Defining your own drive type If the parameters for your hard disk (listed in its documentation) do not match any of the types listed in the table above, you can define your own type. Follow these steps: 1.
Page 42: Setting The Primary Display Type
after typing each number. If you enter an invalid Press Enter number, the computer beeps and does not go on to the next parameter. Check your drive documentation and try again. You do not enter a value for automatically based on the other values you have entered. Setting the Primary Display Type This option lets you define the type of adapter you are using in your computer for your primary display device:...
Page 43: Setting The Keyboard Test Function
Q If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting Color 80x25. If you find that the monitor’s resolution is poor, run SETUP again and select Color 40x25. If you have two display adapters of different types, select the setting for the one you want to be your primary display adapter.
Page 44: Setting The Shadow Ram
Your computer can access RAM (random access memory) faster than ROM (read-only memory). The Shadow RAM feature enables the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS to copy the contents of its system BIOS and/or video ROM into RAM so it can perform certain operations faster.
Page 45: Setting The Cpu Clock Speed
Setting the CPU Clock Speed This option lets you set the default speed at which your computer’s processor operates when you turn it on: U High speed (16 MHz) U Low speed (8 MHz) U Auto speed. When it is running at high speed, the front panel is illuminated.
Page 46: Ems Size
Expanded memory can be used by application programs conforming to the Lotus/Intel®/Microsoft® Expanded Memory Specification (LIM EMS). The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS is compatible with version 4.0 of the LIM EMS. Once you have set the expanded memory size with the EMS Size option, you also need to use a memory manager to convert the memory to expanded memory.
Page 47: Setting The Password
For example, with 2MB of memory, you can specify any of the following as expanded memory: tl 0KB 0 256KB Cl 512KB Cl 768KB CL 1024KB CI 1280KB. Setting the Password The SETUP program lets you set an optional password to control who can use your system.
Page 48: Changing Or Deleting A Password
Now type the password you want to use. You can type up to eight characters using the letter or number keys, in upper- or lowercase. For example, you could enter the following: 123aBc! You can use the backspace key to correct mistakes. After you type the password, press Note Be sure to remember the password you enter or write it...
Page 49: Setting The Built-In Interfaces
Setting the Built-in Interfaces This option lets you define how the following built-in interfaces operate: 0 Parallel port (LPT1, LPT2, LPT3) U Serial port (COM1 or COM2) Q Hard disk drive controller (HDC) tl Floppy disk drive controller (FDC). Setting the Parallel Interface The built-in parallel port is set to act as the primary (LPT1).
Page 50: Setting The Serial Interface
Setting the Serial Interface The built-in serial port in your computer is set to act as the primary port (COM1). If you install an option card that provides an additional serial port, that port automatically becomes secondary (COM2). However, if you want the port on the card to be COM1, select If you install a card (or cards) that provide two additional serial ports and you want them to act as the primary and...
Page 51 If you saved your changes, the SETUP program resets your system and the computer runs through its power-on diagnostic tests. If something is wrong, however, you see an error message and a prompt to run SETUP. Follow the instructions on the screen to run SETUP again to correct it.
Page 52 2-18 Running the Setup Program...
Page 53: Using Your Computer
Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer: U Installing MS-DOS or another operating system CI Using special keys on the keyboard Cl Stopping a command or program U Resetting the computer 2 Using a password U Using disks and disk drives.
Page 54: Special Keys On The Keyboard
Special Keys on the Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The special keys are described in the table below. Special key functions Tab It Tab -+I Caps Lock Shift Ctrl tBackspace...
Page 55: Stopping A Command Or Program
Special key functions (continued) Num Lock F1-F12 Print Screen Scroll Lock Pause Break Caps Lock, Num Lock, toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light in the upper right corner of the keyboard is on.
Page 56: Resetting The Computer
These methods may also work in your application program. If not, you may need to reset the computer, as described below. Caution It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command. If you created new data and have not yet stored it, the data will be erased if you turn off the computer.
Page 57: Using A Password
There are two ways to reset the computer: 3 If you are using MS-DOS, hold down press the key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the next method. RESET Press the works even when the computer does not respond to your...
Page 58: Using Disks And Disk Drives
If you do not enter the correct password the first time, press and try again. Enter If you want to change or delete your current password, you must run the SETUP program. See Chapter 2 for instructions. Using Disks and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data.
Page 59 All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides, tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which a disk can store data. A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to pie slices.
Page 60: Types Of Diskette Drives
Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the area where the data is to be written is under the read/write head.
Page 61 0 360KB drive-Use 5%inch, double-sided, double-density, 48 TN, 360KB diskettes. (You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB. With 9 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information, which is approximately 150 pages of text.
Page 62: Caring For Diskettes And Diskette Drives
Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44 MB, 1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using COPY or XCOPY-as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive.
Page 63 Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. Don’t leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat. Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external hard disk drive.
Page 64: Write-Protecting Diskettes
Write-protecting Diskettes You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it and copy data from it, but you cannot store new data on it or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a write-protected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message.
Page 65 On a 3%inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner, shown below. To write-protect a 3%?-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the corner.
Page 66: Using A Single Diskette Drive System
Using a Single Diskette Drive System MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives and displays prompts and messages accordingly. Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as A and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B when you need to perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.
Page 67: Inserting And Removing Diskettes
Inserting and Removing Diskettes If you have a 5%inch diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows: hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below. Slide the diskette into the slot until it is in all the way. Then turn the latch down to lock it in a vertical position.
Page 68 If you have a 3 1/2-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive light is off;...
Page 69: Formatting Diskettes
Formatting Diskettes Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS can write data on it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time. You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new data.
Page 70: Using A Hard Disk Drive
Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages: Q A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes.
Page 71 This protects the hard disk from being damaged if the computer is bumped accidentally. Many hard disk drives, including all Epson drives, automatically park their heads when you turn off the computer. If your hard disk drive does not do this, or if you are not sure that it does, be sure to run HDSIT.
Page 72 You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard. Remove any diskettes and turn off the computer.
Page 73: Enhancing System Operations
Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to enhance the operation of your computer: CI Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files Ci Changing the processor speed Q Using expanded memory beyond 640KB c3 Using the VGA utilities.
Page 74: Changing The Processor Speed
When you install MS-DOS, it creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. To modify the file or replace it with a new one, you can use the COPY or EDLIN command, a text editor, or a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file.
Page 75 There are different types of copy-protected programs. Depending on the type you have, you may or may not want to set the processor to automatic speed. Follow these guidelines: 0 If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to start the program on high speed.
Page 76: Entering Keyboard Commands
Entering Keyboard Commands You can change the processor speed by entering one of the commands shown in the following table. Speed setting commands To enter these commands, hold down the key simultaneously and then press the 2, +, Use the + or - key on the numeric keypad or the on the main keyboard.
Page 77: Using The Espeed Program
Using the ESPEED Program ESPEED provides an easy way to change the processor speed if your application program does not recognize the keyboard commands or if you want to include the program command in a batch file. The ESPEED program is provided with your system on the Reference diskette.
Page 78 To display the current CPU speed, type press You see the following: Enter. 16.0 To change the speed when you see this display, press the + or - key; then press The processor speed you set remains in effect until you change it using the ESPEED program again, a keyboard command, or the SETUP program;...
Page 79: Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640Kb
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS comes with 2MB of random access memory. MS-DOS and your application programs that run under MS-DOS use the first 640KB of memory. You can use any memory above 1MB as extended memory (up to 16MB) or expanded memory (up to 24MB).
Page 80: Modifying The Config.sys File
3. Add a command to the CONFIG.SYS file to include the memory manager as a device driver, as described in the next section. The CONFIG.SYS file is used by MS-DOS to set up the computer’s system configuration requirements. Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file (also called an ASCII file), you can use it to add the memory manager to the CONFIG.SYS file.
Page 81 3. Save the file as an ASCII text file. 4. Reset the computer. If you do not have a word processing program capable of saving an ASCII text file, you can modify CONFIG.SYS using the MS-DOS EDLIN or COPY CON command, or a text editor.
Page 82 The M[n] parameter specifies a particular 64KB page frame address for EMM386SX.SYS. The value n must be a number from 1 to 9 to indicate one of the following addresses: 0C0000h 0C4000h 0C8000h 0CC000h 0D0000h 0D4000h 0D8000h 0DC000h 0E0000h * Default setting For example, to specify a page frame address of 0CC000h, add the following command line to your CONFIGSYS file: DEVICE-EMM386SX.SYS...
Page 83: Using The Vga Utilities
EMM386SX.SYS automatically excludes from mapping any addresses that are reserved for use by your system ROM and RAM. If you install an option card, such as a network card, that uses the memory address range C000 through E000, include the X parameter in the DEVICE= command line to exclude this memory range from expanded memory mapping.
Page 84 You can use the VGA utilities (also provided on the Utility diskettes) to take advantage of other special features of your VGA adapter. Even if you do not use any device drivers, you may want to install some of the VGA utilities, such as the following: VGAMODE SETVGA...
Page 85: Installing And Removing Options
Chapter 5 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following: 0 Option cards Q Memory modules Q A math coprocessor. An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function.
Page 86: Removing The Cover
A math coprocessor speeds up the numeric calculations your computer performs when using certain application software. If you purchase a math coprocessor, it is a good idea to ask your dealer to install it for you, because it can be damaged easily.
Page 87 Turn the computer around so you are facing the back panel. The cover is secured by a large screw on the back panel, as shown below. Turn the screw counterclockwise to unlock the cover. The cover is also secured by two latches on the back of the cover near the corners.
Page 88 6. Pull the cover away from the front of the computer to completely remove it. Then set it aside. 7. Before you touch any of the components, touch the inside of the computer’s back panel, as shown below, to ground yourself and avoid an electric shock. WARNING Be sure to ground yourself to the inside back panel of the computer every time you remove the cover.
Page 89: Changing The Jumper Settings
Changing the Jumper Settings If you change your computer’s configuration or need to alter the way it operates, you may need to change a jumper setting inside the computer. A jumper is a small electrical connector that controls one of the computer’s functions.
Page 90: Setting The Jumpers
Setting the Jumpers The illustration below shows the locations of the jumpers on your computer’s main system board. II i II IIll A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. It connects either pin A and the middle pin (position A) or pin B and the middle pin (position B), as shown below.
Page 91 The following table lists the jumper settings and their functions. Main system board jumper settings Disables the built-in VGA display adapter so you can use a display adapter on an option card in your computer as your primary adapter Enables the built-in VGA display adapter Disables the password function Enables the password function A color monitor is installed...
Page 92: Replacing The Battery
If you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps: 1. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the jumpers. See page 5-16 for instructions. 2. Change the jumper settings. 3. Replace any option cards you removed. See “Installing an Option Card”...
Page 93 If necessary, follow the instructions on page 5-2 to remove the computer’s cover. Then follow these steps to replace the battery: 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. The battery is attached to the bottom of the computer case, just behind the front panel, as shown below.
Page 94 The battery is attached to the computer with Velcro? Remove the battery by pulling it up from the bottom of the computer case, as shown below. Then set it aside. Remove the new battery from its package and position it so the Velcro faces down and the cable faces connector CN1.
Page 95 4. Connect the battery cable to connector CN1. battery cable connector 5. Follow the steps on page 5-40 to replace the computer’s cover. Then run the SETUP program to reconfigure your system and reset the time for the real-time clock. See Chapter 2 for instructions.
Page 96: Installing An Option Card
8-bit slot. Each slot can accommodate an option card. You can buy option cards from authorized Epson dealers as well as other vendors. This section explains how to install option cards in your computer. If you need to remove an option card later (to access jumpers, memory modules, or a math coprocessor), see “Removing an Option Card”...
Page 97 Slots 1 through 3 are designed for 16-bit option cards and slot 4 is designed for an 8-bit card. As you can see below, a 16-bit card has an extra connector along the bottom. 16-bit option card Usually it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as long as the card fits in the slot.
Page 98 Follow these steps to install an option card: 1. If you have not already done so, remove the cover from the computer. (See page 5-2 for instructions.) WARNING After you remove the cover, touch the inside back panel of the computer to ground yourself and avoid an electric shock.
Page 99 4. Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumpers on it, if necessary. (Check the option card instructions.) When you handle the card, be careful not to touch any of the components on the circuit board or the gold-edged connectors. If you need to set it down before you install it, place it gently on top of its original packing material with the component side facing up.
Page 100: Removing An Option Card
7. Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw. 8. Follow the instructions at the end of this chapter to replace the cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup,” following that section. Removing an Option Card If you need to remove an option card, follow these steps: 1.
Page 101: Removing The Subassembly
4. If you are removing an option card that controls a mouse, you need to change the setting of jumper J4 on the main system board. If you are removing a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1, J3, and J5.
Page 102 Follow these steps to remove the subassembly: 1. Remove the front panel from the computer by lifting up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you. Then set it aside. 2. If you have a hard disk drive, the drive cable is connected to the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below.
Page 103 Grasp the connector and pull it straight up to remove it from the socket. Do not pull only on the cable. The diskette drive cable is connected to the socket behind the hard disk drive socket; disconnect it in the same manner.
Page 104 5. Raise the front of the subassembly, as shown below. 6. Reach back underneath the subassembly and disconnect the two power supply cables connected to the right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each connector straight up. Do not pull only on the cables. Installing and Removing Options 5-20...
Page 105: Adding Memory Modules
0 Use fast page mode SIMMs that operate at an access speed of 80ns (nanoseconds) or faster. Be sure all the SIMMs operate at the same speed. Q The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS can use any industry standard SIMM; however, you should use Epson SIMM option kits to ensure reliability and compatibility.
Page 106: Installing Memory Modules
Keep in mind that 2MB of memory is already soldered directly on the main system board. SIMM configurations for the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS Bank 1 sockets Bank 2 sockets SIMM1 SIMM2 SIMM3 SIMM4 SIMM5 SIMM6 Total memory...
Page 107 Follow these steps to install SIMM: 1. Remove the computer’s cover. See page 5-2. 2. Remove the subassembly. See page 5-17. 3. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board near the math coprocessor socket, as shown below.
Page 108 4. Install the SIMMs in the sockets closest to the right side of the main system board first. Position each SIMM so the notch on its edge faces the front of the computer and place it on the left side of the tabs at an angle, as shown below.
Page 109: Removing Memory Modules
The SIMM should snap into place between the tabs and the retaining posts. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again. Make sure the SIMM is fully inserted into the socket and that the pins on the retaining posts extend through the holes in both ends.
Page 110 3. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board near the math coprocessor socket, as shown below. math coprocessor socket Installing and Removing Options 5-26 SIMM sockets S I M M 4 a ‘IMM3 SIMM1 SIMM2 SIMM6...
Page 111 4. Remove the SIMMs in the sockets closest to the left side of the main system board first. Use your fingers or two small screwdrivers to pull away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end. Be careful not to pull the tabs too far, or they may break.
Page 112: Installing A Math Coprocessor
Installing a Math Coprocessor Your computer has a socket on the main system board to accommodate an 80387SX, 16 MHz math coprocessor. A math coprocessor speeds up your computer’s numeric calculations and graphic image displays when you are using certain application software. It is best to have your dealer install a math coprocessor for you, since it is a delicate component that can be damaged easily if it is installed incorrectly.
Page 113 4. The math coprocessor socket is located on the front of the main system board near the SIMM sockets, as shown below. math coprocessor socket 5. The math coprocessor socket is hollow and square, and has a notch in the lower left corner, as shown below. notch Installing and Removing Options 5-29...
Page 114 The math coprocessor also has a notch in one corner, marked by a dot, as shown below. notch Align the notched corner of the coprocessor with the notched corner of its socket. The notched sides must be aligned for the coprocessor to operate properly, so be sure its position is correct before you go to the next step.
Page 115: Removing A Math Coprocessor
If the coprocessor does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again, keeping it straight as you insert it. It is completely inserted when the surface of the coprocessor is flush (even) with the surface of the socket. Be sure it is inserted all the way.
Page 116: Replacing The Subassembly
Replacing the Subassembly Follow the steps below to replace the subassembly inside your computer: 1. Notice that there are four mounting slots on the back of the subassembly: two in the upper corners and two in the lower corners. 5-32 Installing and Removing Options...
Page 117 There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer which fit into the openings in the subassembly slots. Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, guiding the top slots on the subassembly into the top tabs on the computer.
Page 118 2. Hold up the front of the subassembly at a slight angle and arrange the ribbon cables so they curve underneath the subassembly and extend out its left side. Then grasp the two power supply cables, labeled P4 and P5. Each connector has six pin holes and a large tab on one side, as shown below.
Page 119 3. Position power supply connector P4 so the large tab on the connector faces the right side of the computer. Beginning with the six pins toward the back of the computer, carefully line up the holes in the connector with the pins in the socket and then push in the connector.
Page 120 5. Carefully lower the front of the subassembly onto the computer. Make sure that all four tabs on the back of the computer are inserted into the slots on the subassembly as you lower it. small tabs Installing and Removing Options 5-36...
Page 121 Guide the tabs on the front of the subassembly over the opening in the front of the computer so the two small tabs sit behind the opening and the large tab with the curved lip sits over the front of the opening. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place.
Page 122 Both the diskette drive and hard disk drive sockets are located on the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below. diskette drive socket hard disk drive socket subassembly - - E l - Both sockets have a notch on one side. Connect the diskette drive cable first.
Page 123 Align the connector with the socket so the tab on the connector lines up with the notch in the socket. Make sure the holes in the connector fit over all the pins in the socket and then push in the connector. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your computer when you...
Page 124: Replacing The Cover
Replacing the Cover Follow these steps to replace the computer’s cover: 1. Facing the back of the computer, hold the cover so that the side with three tabs on the edge faces away from you, as shown below. tabs 2. Insert the three tabs into the three notches in the back of the front panel of the computer.
Page 125: Post-Installation Setup For Memory Cards
3. Lower the back of the cover onto the computer and press down firmly on all edges of the cover to form a tight seal. 4. Turn the large screw on the back panel clockwise to secure the cover to the computer. 5.
Page 126: Post-Installation Setup
Memory Beyond 640KB” in Chapter 4 for instructions. If you install a hard disk drive that has never received a hardware level format (such as some non-Epson hard disk drives), you need to format the disk. Check the manual that came with your drive, and then, if necessary, follow the instructions in Appendix C to format your new hard disk.
Page 127 If you install an optional memory card, use the setup program that comes with it to configure the computer for use with the card. See your memory card manual for instructions. Additionally, you may need to add some commands to your configuration files.
Page 128 5-44 Installing and Removing Options...
Page 129: Appendix A Specifications
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 16-bit CPU System memory Shadow RAM Math coprocessor (optional) Clock/calendar Battery 80386SX microprocessor, 16 MHz system clock speed, 16 MHz or 8 MHz processor speed; user selectable 0 wait state memory access speed at 16 MHz 2MB RAM standard;...
Page 130: Controllers
Controllers Diskette Hard disk Interfaces Monitor Serial Parallel Mouse Keyboard Option slots Speaker Specifications Supports up to two drives in any of four formats: 5Wnch, high-density, 1.2MB; 5?Unch, double-density, 360KB; 3%inch, high-density, 1.44MB; 3?&inch, double-density, 720KB; controller on main system board Supports up to two drives;...
Page 131: Power Supply
Power Supply Type Input ranges Maximum outputs Mass Storage Diskette drives Hard disk drives Other devices 145W, fan-cooled 98 VAC to 132 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz +5 VDC at 18 Amps, +12 VDC at 4.2 Amps -12 VDC at 0.3 Amps, -5 VDC at 0.3 Amps Three half-height drives maximum (one vertical mount and two horizontal...
Page 132: Keyboard
Keyboard Layout Function Environmental Requirements Operating Condition range Temperature 41° to 95°F (5° to 35° C) 20% to 80% Humidity (non- condensing) Altitude -330 to 9900 ft (-100 to 3000 m) (-100 to 3600 m) (-100 to 12000 m) Maximum 68°...
Page 133: System Memory Map
System Memory Map OOOFFFFFFh 000FF0000h Reserved for system board: 64KB 000FE0000h 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 h 000F0000h Reserved for system board: 64KB 000E0000h I/O Expansion ROM: 96KB Reserved 000C8000h 000C0000h 000A0000h Conventional system memory: 640KB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 h System BIOS ROM: 64KB Duplicated from 0F0000h Duplicated from 0E0000h...
Page 134 Specifications...
Page 135: Installing And Removing Disk Drives
Appendix B Installing and Removing Disk Drives This appendix describes how to do the following: Ci Install a hard disk or diskette drive Q Remove a hard disk or diskette drive D Change the hard disk drive jumper settings. Your system can include up to three drives: either two diskette drives and one hard disk drive or one diskette drive and two hard disk drives.
Page 136: Using The Correct Drive Bay
Caution Installing or removing a disk drive is a complicated so you may want procedure, you. If you decide to do it yourself, you must carefully follow all the instructions in this appendix or you could damage your equipment. Using the Correct Drive Bay The upper horizontal drive bay probably contains the diskette drive that came with your system.
Page 137: How To Use This Appendix
The instructions in this appendix describe how to install and remove optional Epson diskette and hard disk drives. All drives sold by Epson for the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS are qualified and recommended for use in this system. Your drive may look a bit different from the one illustrated in this appendix, but you install it the same way.
Page 138: Setting The Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
Setting the Hard Disk Drive jumpers You need to check or change the jumper settings on the hard disk drive if you are installing or removing any hard disk drives. The jumpers tell the computer whether you are using one hard disk drive or two. If you remove one hard disk drive and leave another in your computer, you need to change the jumper settings on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard...
Page 139: Changing The Jumper Settings
Changing the Jumper Settings The hard disk drive jumpers are located on the drive’s circuit board, near the large cable connector. The jumpers on your drive may be in a slightly different location, but you set them the same way. There are four positions for the jumpers on each hard disk drive.
Page 140 The following table lists the jumper settings for all the possible hard disk drive configurations. Jumper One hard positions disk drive X = jumper installed - = no jumper installed To move a jumper from one position to the other, use your fingers, needle-nose pliers, or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently move it to the other position.
Page 141: Installing A Hard Disk In The Vertical Position
If one of your hard disk drives is already installed in the computer, follow the steps under “Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position” on page B-24 to remove it. Then set the jumpers on both drives while they are out of the computer.
Page 142: Removing The Mounting Frames From The Drive
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive Your hard disk drive comes with 5 N-inch mounting frames attached to each side of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Installing and Removing Disk Drives B - 8...
Page 143 On one side, there may also be a plastic guiderail. Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames (and guiderail) from the drive: 1. If necessary, remove the screws securing the plastic guiderail and the metal grounding plate to one of the mounting frames, as shown below.
Page 144: Removing And Attaching The Mounting Plate
Keep the four screws so you can use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. Then set the drive aside with the component side facing up. Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate If you are installing a new hard disk drive in your computer, you need to attach a hard disk drive mounting plate to the drive.
Page 145 2. Remove the screw securing the mounting plate to the computer and set it aside. Then lift up the mounting plate to remove it. retaining screw 3. Turn your hard disk drive so the components are facing up and the connectors at the back of the drive are facing to the right.
Page 146: Installing The Drive
Then place the flat side of the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes on the plate with the four holes on the drive, as shown below. comp 4. Locate the four screws that you removed from the S?Mnch mounting frames and use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive.
Page 147 The connector at one end of the cable has two rows of holes, one of which is blocked with a plug, as shown below. The ribbon cable socket on the back of the drive has two rows of pins. In one of the rows, a pin is missing. ribbon cable connector illi I II...
Page 148 Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector.
Page 149 3. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply in the computer (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labeled P1, P2, and P3; you can use any one. As shown below, the end of the connector has two notched corners.
Page 150 Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. 4. Pick up the hard disk drive and hold it above the vertical mounting area so the mounting plate is facing the subassembly, as shown below. Connectors Notice that there are two tabs facing downward on the bottom of the mounting plate.
Page 151 5. As you lower the drive into the vertical mounting area, guide the ribbon cable underneath the drive. As shown above, fit the tabs on the mounting plate into the slots on the side of the subassembly. Then tilt the drive toward the subassembly and align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the bracket.
Page 152: Connecting The Hard Disk Drive Cables
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Cables Follow these steps to lift up the subassembly and connect the drive cable to the main system board: 1. Remove the front panel from the computer by lifting up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you.
Page 153 3. Raise the front of the subassembly to a slight angle, as shown below. Installing and Removing Disk Drives B-19...
Page 154 4. Use one of your hands to hold up the subassembly or have someone do it for you. With your other hand, grasp the hard disk drive ribbon cable that you tucked beneath the subassembly. Pull the cable under the subassembly all the way to its left side.
Page 155 Guide the tabs on the front of the subassembly over the opening in the front of the computer so that the two small tabs sit behind the opening and the large tab with the curved lip sits over the front. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place.
Page 156 Pick up the hard disk drive cable and notice the connector on the end of the cable. There is a tab on one side of the connector, as shown below. Pull the cable over toward the socket and fold it to align the connector with the socket.
Page 157 7. To replace the front panel, fit the three ridged tabs on its bottom edge into the three notches on the lower edge of the computer, as shown below. 8. Tilt up the front panel until the clips on the top touch the computer.
Page 158: Removing A Hard Disk From The Vertical Position
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. The vertically mounted drive is attached to the right side of the subassembly, as shown below. Installing and Removing Disk Drives B-24...
Page 159 2. Remove the retaining screw securing the hard disk drive mounting plate to the computer and set it aside. 3. Tilt the hard disk drive slightly to the right, away from the subassembly, and lift it out of the vertical mounting area.
Page 160 4. Disconnect the power supply connector from the socket on the back of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Firmly pull the connector straight out of the socket so you do not bend the pins. Do not pull too hard on the cable;...
Page 161: Installing Or Removing A Disk Drive In The Horizontal Position
7. Remove the hard disk drive ribbon cable from its socket on the main system board (near the left side of the subassembly). Store the cable along with the drive. 8. Wrap the hard disk drive in its original packing materials and set it aside.
Page 162: Removing The Subassembly
Removing the Subassembly Follow these steps to remove the subassembly: 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. 2. To remove the front panel, lift up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilt it toward you, as shown below.
Page 163 3. Place the front panel face down and remove the screws securing the slot cover to the panel. Lift out the slot cover, as shown below. Set the front panel, slot cover, and screws aside. 4. The hard disk drive cable is connected to the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below.
Page 164 5. The diskette drive cable is connected to the socket behind the hard disk drive socket; disconnect it in the same manner. 6. The subassembly is the large metal casing enclosing the horizontal drive bays and the power supply, as shown below.
Page 165 7. Lift up the front of the subassembly with your thumbs. Raise it to a slight angle, as shown below. Installing and Removing Disk Drives B-31...
Page 166 8. Reach back underneath the subassembly and disconnect the two power supply cables connected to the right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each of the connectors straight up; do not pull only on the cables. 9.
Page 167: Installing A Disk Drive In The Horizontal Position
5%-inch metal mounting frames are attached to the drive so it fits properly in the drive bay. Epson 3 ‘h-inch drives come with mounting frames already installed. If your drive did not come with frames installed, follow the instructions in the manual that came with it to attach them.
Page 168 2. There are two or three holes on each side of the disk drive. When you insert the drive, align the appropriate round holes in the drive with the two oval holes on each side of the drive bay, as shown below. 3.
Page 169 4. Locate the four retaining screws that came with your disk drive, Insert two screws into the oval holes on each side of the drive bay and tighten them with a screwdriver, as shown below. screws If you are installing a diskette drive, go to step 5. If you are installing a hard disk drive, go to step 6.
Page 170 The interface that protrudes from the back of the drive has gold contacts on both sides. Near one end of the interface, there is a gap to accommodate the plastic divider on the connector. Align the connector with the interface so that the plastic divider on the connector lines up with the gap in the interface, as shown below.
Page 171 6. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that you removed from the drive in the vertical mounting position. Follow the instructions below to attach the connector on the end of this cable to the drive that will be mounted vertically.
Page 172 Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector.
Page 173 8. Looking at the subassembly, locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labeled P1, P2, and P3; you can use any one. As shown below, the end of the connector has two notched corners.
Page 174 Position the power supply cable connector so that the notched corners on the connector line up with the notched corners of the power supply socket on your drive. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. notched corners Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins,...
Page 175: Replacing The Drive On The Subassembly
Replacing the Drive on the Subassembly This section describes how to reinstall your hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position. The following illustrations show the subassembly installed inside the computer with the front panel attached. However, if your subassembly is out of the computer you can install the drive in the manner described below.
Page 176 2. Lower the drive into the computer, fitting the tabs on the mounting plate into the slots on the side of the subassembly, as shown below. Guide the ribbon cable underneath the drive as you lower it. 3. Tilt the drive toward the subassembly and align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the bracket.
Page 177: Removing A Disk Drive From The Horizontal Position
Removing a Disk Drive from the Horizontal Position The figures in this section show a diskette drive in the lower horizontal drive bay, but you can use the same instructions to remove a hard disk drive from the lower bay or to remove a diskette drive from the upper bay.
Page 178 power supply cable 3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the drive to the drive bay. There are two screws on each side, as shown below. screws Installing and Removing Disk Drives B - 4 4...
Page 179 4. Grasp the disk drive from the front of the drive bay, pull it completely out, and set it aside. 5. If you have removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in your system, make sure you have set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive.
Page 180: Replacing The Subassembly
Replacing the Subassembly Follow the steps below to replace the subassembly inside y o u r c o m p u t e r : 1. Notice that there are four mounting slots on the back of the subassembly: two in the upper corners and two in the lower corners.
Page 181 There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer which fit into the openings in the subassembly slots. Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, fitting the top tabs in the computer into the openings in the top slots on the subassembly.
Page 182 3. Reach under the subassembly and grasp the two main system board power supply cables, labeled P4 and P5. Each connector has six pin holes and a large tab on one side, as shown below. There is one 12-pin power supply socket on the right side of the main system board (toward the back) that holds both of the power supply connectors, as shown below.
Page 183 4. Position power supply connector P4 so the large tab on the connector faces the right side of the computer. Beginning with the six pins toward the back of the computer, carefully line up the holes in the connector with the pins in the socket. Make sure the holes fit over all six pins and then push in the connector.
Page 184 6. Carefully lower the front of the subassembly onto the computer. Make sure that all four tabs on the back of the computer are inserted into the slots on the subassembly as you lower it. small tabs Installing and Removing Disk Drives B-50...
Page 185 Guide the tabs on the front of the subassembly over the opening in the front of the computer so the two small tabs sit behind the opening and the large tab with the curved lip sits over the front of the opening. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place.
Page 186 8. Both the diskette drive and hard disk drive sockets are located on the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below. diskette drive socket hard disk drive socket subassembly Both sockets have a notch on one side. The hard disk drive socket is a bit longer than the diskette drive socket.
Page 187 Connect the diskette drive ribbon cable first. As shown below, there is a tab on one side of the connector. diskette drive connector diskette drive socket Align the connector with the socket so that the tab on the connector lines up with the notch in the socket. Make sure the holes in the connector fit over all the pins in the socket and then push in the connector.
Page 188 10. To replace the front panel, fit the three ridged tabs on its bottom edge into the three notches on the lower edge of the computer, as shown below. 11. Tilt up the front panel until the clips on the top of the panel touch the computer.
Page 189: Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics
If an error occurs during a test, note the error message and contact your Epson dealer. Your dealer may be able to solve the problem; if not, see “Where to Get Help” in the Introduction for technical support information.
Page 190: Starting The Diagnostics Program
Starting the Diagnostics Program To start the diagnostics program, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A and turn on or reset the computer. 2. When you see the following prompt, press the Press <Del> to start SETUP 3.
Page 191 When you select a test category from the option line at the top of the menu, you see a submenu of the available diagnostic tests. For example, the submenu for the System board category appears when you first see the main menu because the System board option is selected.
Page 192: Setting The Run Time Parameters
Setting the Run Time Parameters The tests you select will run in the following manner unless you change the run time parameters: 0 Each test is performed one time (passbound) tl The program waits if an error occurs D No errors are recorded to the printer, disk, or other device.
Page 193: Error Logging
Press if you want the diagnostics program to Enter continue when an error occurs. The next option is: Error logging (Y/N) ? N Press Y and to record the errors that may occur during Enter the test. See “Error Logging,” below, for details. Press if you do not want to create the log.
Page 194 If you selected Passbound testing, you see this prompt: No. of passes : 00001 Specify the number of times (from 1 to 65535) you want the program to run the test(s). Or press number to select the default of one pass. You can use the backspace key to make corrections.
Page 195 Log errors If you select this submenu: Floppy disk Floppy disk B: Hard disk C: Hard disk D: (You do not see drive D unless you have a second hard disk drive.) Press .L or ? to highlight the disk on which you want to log the error messages and press creates a file called ERROR.LOG in the current directory of the specified disk drive.
Page 196: Selecting Diagnostic Tests
Selecting Diagnostic Tests To start a single test, press + or t to highlight the test category on the main menu. Then press 3. or ‘? to highlight the particular test in the submenu and press When a test has been completed, you see this prompt: Press <Enter>...
Page 197 You can stop testing at any time and return to the main menu by holding down completes the current test before it stops. You must enter certain parameters to run the hard disk and diskette drive tests. If you use program prompts you for the parameters immediately.
Page 198: Running The Tests
Running the Tests The table below lists all of the available System diagnostic tests and refers you to other sections in this chapter for additional information, if necessary. System diagnostic tests Component Tests System Basic functionality board CPU protected mode Processor speed Coprocessor DMA controller...
Page 199 System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Tests Hard disk Hard disk format Media analysis drives Performance Seek Read/verify Check test cylinder Force bad tracks Floppy disk Diskette format drives Drive speed Random read/write Sequential read/write Disk change line Keyboard Controller Scan/ASCII code Keyboard clock line Keyboard data line Video...
Page 200: Memory Diagnostics
System diagnostic tests (continued) Video 640 x 350 graphics* (continued) 640 x 480 graphics* Printer adapter Misc. Comm. adapter * Test appears only if you have installed a color monitor. Memory Diagnostics If you have relocated any memory addresses, you must change the addresses to their original locations before running the memory tests or they will not work properly.
Page 201: Hard Disk Parameters
Format Media analysis Force bad tracks Before performing any destructive test, the program displays the following messages: W A R N I N G All data on hard disk you have specified may be lost... Do you still want to continue (Y/N)? Press Y and Enter the operation.
Page 202 Disk drive identifier The program displays this prompt for the disk drive identifier: Disk drive (C/D) ? C If only one hard disk is connected to the computer, the program assumes it is drive C and does not display this prompt.
Page 203: Save And Exit
Mark bad tracks (Y/N) ? N You do not need to enter a bad track list for the hard disk that comes with the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS. Press necessary, and then press If you press Y and then...
Page 204: Hard Disk Format
The Hard disk format program performs a low-level format on your hard disk. If your computer came with a factory- installed hard disk or if you have installed an optional Epson hard disk, it has already been formatted for you.
Page 205: Media Analysis
You may want to reformat a hard disk if you have a serious problem with the drive. However, before formatting a disk with data on it, try every other recovery procedure described in your MS-DOS Reference Manual. Then back up all the data on the disk before you begin.
Page 206: Performance Test
Performance Test This test checks the performance of your hard disk by determining the data transfer rate and track-to-track seek time based on the transfer size, the seek count, and the amount of data transferred. The program measures the data transfer rate in kilobytes per second.
Page 207: Check Test Cylinder
Check Test Cylinder This test checks the test cylinder, which is the last cylinder on the hard disk. You should perform this test if you receive a hard disk error when you boot the system. Force Bad Tracks Use this test to mark bad tracks on the hard disk without formatting it.
Page 208: Floppy Disk Diagnostics
The controller displays one of the following messages when an error occurs during a diagnostics procedure: Address mark not found Attachment failed to respond Bad ECC on disk read Bad sector flag detected Controller has failed Drive activity failed ECC corrected data error Requested sector not found Reset failed Seek operation failed...
Page 209: Performing The Tests
Performing the Tests The Diskette format test checks the format capability of the diskette drive and its controller. In order to run the test, you need a blank diskette that has been formatted using the MS-DOS FORMAT command and that is not write-protected. When the program prompts you to insert a diskette, insert the newly formatted one.
Page 210: Floppy Disk Error Messages
Note Be sure to insert a blank diskette that has been formatted using the MS-DOS FORMAT command before you run the Diskette format test. Then use that diskette when you run any of the other destructive tests. Check that you have inserted the correct diskette before you enter Y at the Proceed prompt.
Page 211: Miscellaneous Diagnostics
You may see the following message if you attempt to run the Change line test on a drive that does not support a change line, such as a 360KB or 720KB drive: Change line not available The controller displays one of these messages when an error occurs during a diagnostics procedure: Bad address mark Bad CRC error...
Page 212: Communication Adapter Test
Before running the test, be sure that the printer is on-line, paper is loaded, and all connections are secure, or you may see one of the following error messages: Error - Printer out of paper Error - Printer not selected Error - Printer interface Error - Time out on printer Communication Adapter Test...
Page 213: Exiting System Diagnostics
If you see one of the following errors, there may be a problem with the controller or the test cable: Error - Break detected Error - Framing error Error - Overrun error Error - Parity error Error - Time out! Check to make sure that the test connector is securely connected to the port.
Page 214 C-26 Performing System Diagnostics...
Page 215: Appendix D Troubleshooting
Appendix D Troubleshooting You should not encounter any difficulties as you set up and use your computer, but if anything out of the ordinary happens, refer to this appendix. You can correct most problems by adjusting a cable connection, repeating a software procedure, or resetting the computer.
Page 216: Error Messages
3. When the computer performs a memory test, the version number of your system ROM BIOS appears at the bottom of the screen. Quickly write down the version number. If you do not have enough time to write down the entire number, press When you see key.
Page 217: The Computer Won't Start
The Computer Won’t Start If your computer does not start when you turn on the power, check the following: Is the power light on? If not, remove any diskettes and turn off the power. Check that the power cord is securely connected to both the AC inlet on the back panel and an electrical outlet.
Page 218: The Computer Does Not Respond
MS-DOS prompt after five minutes, press the button and try again. If that doesn’t work, insert the Reference diskette in drive A and press the If the computer still does not boot, contact your Epson dealer. 3. Did you enter the correct password? See “Password Problems,”...
Page 219: Password Problems
7. If your computer still does not respond, you can reset it using the Ctrl Alt Del “Resetting Your Computer” in Chapter 3 for more information. 8. If resetting the computer does not work, turn it off and wait at least five seconds. If you do not have a hard disk drive, insert the Startup or Reference diskette in drive A.
Page 220: Accessing Your Current Password
Accessing Your Current Pass word If you have forgotten your current password and cannot use your computer, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer and follow the instructions under “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 5 to disable the password function by setting jumper J2 to position A. 2.
Page 221: Keyboard Problems
If you did not set a new password, you do not see the Enter Password system immediately. Keyboard Problems If you are having trouble with the keyboard, check the following: 1. If the screen displays a keyboard error when you turn on or reset the computer, make sure the keyboard is securely connected to its port.
Page 222: Monitor Problems
Monitor Problems For monitor problems, check the following: 1. If there is no display on the screen, check that the monitor’s power switch is on and that the power light on the monitor is lit. If the power light is on but you still do not see anything on the screen, check the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls.
Page 223: Diskette Problems
Note If your application program requires a monitor that supports graphics but you have a monochrome monitor, the results will be unpredictable. 8. If you installed a display adapter card in your computer, and you want to use that adapter as your primary display adapter, you need to change the setting of jumper J1 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA adapter.
Page 224 3. If reinserting the diskette does not solve the problem and you have access to another diskette drive of the same type, place the diskette in the other drive and repeat the operation. If this works, the trouble may be in your diskette drive.
Page 225: Diskette Drive Problems
If you see one of these messages, make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the drive. On a 5 %-inch diskette drive, make sure the drive latch is closed. Try the operation again. If the problem persists, try removing the diskette and reinserting it.
Page 226: Hard Disk Problems
4. If you are still having trouble with the drive, run the Floppy disk system diagnostic tests, described in Appendix C. If the diagnostics program indicates an error, consult your Epson dealer. 5. If the diskette drive is making loud or unusual noises, contact your Epson dealer.
Page 227: Installing The Drive
Also check the jumper settings on your drive to make sure they are set correctly. 3. If you installed a non-Epson hard disk drive, was it physically formatted by the manufacturer? A blank, new hard disk must be formatted (or initialized) before you can partition it and install an operating system on it.
Page 228: Preparing The Drive
Preparing the Drive Before you can store data on a new hard disk (which has already been physically formatted), you must do the following to prepare it for use: 1. Run the SETUP program to define your hard disk as part of the computer’s configuration.
Page 229: Software Problems
If you still have trouble with your hard disk, you can back up your data and physically reformat the disk. Then you’ll need to reinstall MS-DOS and copy your files back onto the disk. See “Hard Disk Format” in Appendix C and your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.
Page 230: Printer Problems
4. An application program can occasionally lock the computer, making it unresponsive to the keyboard. If your computer does not respond when you type on the keyboard, you can reset it. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3. 5. If resetting the computer does not help, turn off your system, wait five seconds, and then turn it back on.
Page 231: Option Card Problems
If it does not, you may need to change the internal setting of the computer’s parallel port for a parallel printer (or serial port for a serial printer). To do this, use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command. See your printer manual and the MS-DOS Reference Manual for more details.
Page 232: Mouse Problems
3. Did you set the necessary jumpers on the main system board? See Chapter 5 for more information. 4. Did you run the SETUP program to update your configuration after installing the card? See Chapter 2. 5. If you used the option card to add an external device to your computer, did you use the proper cable to connect the device to the card’s connector on the back panel? 6.
Page 233: Memory Module Problems
Memory Module Problems If you added extra memory to your system by installing SIMMs and that memory is not operating properly, check the following: 1, If the memory count displayed by the power-on diagnostics program is incorrect, you or your dealer may not have installed the SIMMs correctly.
Page 234: Math Coprocessor Problems
Math Coprocessor Problems If your math coprocessor does not seem to be operating properly, check the following: 1. Run the SETUP program and check to make sure that the math coprocessor is listed as Installed on the SETUP display. If it is listed as Not installed, dealer may have installed the coprocessor incorrectly.
Page 235: Glossary
Glossary Address A number or name that identifies the location where information is stored in a computer’s memory. Analog monitor A monitor that generates, responds to, or acts upon analog data. Analog data is transmitted by varying the voltage levels in a continuous current.
Page 236 Automatic speed The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically from high speed (16 MHz) to low speed (8 MHz) when accessing a diskette drive. Backup An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that is created in the event your working copy is damaged or lost.
Page 237 A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character. Color Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can generate up to 25 lines of text with 80 characters on each line, monochrome graphics at 640 x 200 resolution, or four- color graphics at 320 x 200 resolution.
Page 238 Configuration The particular setup of a group of components. A typical system configuration consists of a computer with one diskette drive and one hard disk drive connected to a monitor and a printer. Control code A command (generated when you hold down another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function.
Page 239 Cylinders The vertical alignment of tracks in a hard disk that can be lined up under one read/write head. The number of tracks on a disk is equal to the number of cylinders times the number of heads. Data Information such as text or graphics stored or processed by a computer.
Page 240 A display adapter card controls the way the monitor displays text and graphics. (In the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS, a VGA display adapter is built into the system board.) Also known as Video card.
Page 241 Disk Operating System. A commonly used operating system that controls the computer’s input and output functions. See also Operating system. Double-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the standard-density format. A 5%-inch double- density diskette can store 360KB of data.
Page 242 file A group of related pieces of information called records, or entries, stored together on a disk. Text files consist of words and sentences. Program files consist of codes and are used by computers to interpret and carry out instructions. Filename A name up to eight characters long that MS-DOS uses to identify a file.
Page 243 High-density A type of format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 5’/-inch high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 3?4.-inch high-density diskette can store 1.44MB of data. Input/output (l/O) port See Port. interface A physical or software connection used to transmit data between equipment or programs.
Page 244 Megahertz (MHz) A unit used to measure oscillation frequency (of a computer’s internal timing clock). A megahertz is one million cycles per second. The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS operates at 16 MHz or 8 MHz. Memory The area where your computer stores data. Memory contents are stored permanently (in ROM) or temporarily (in RAM).
Page 245 Memory on card The additional memory on an option card installed in the computer. Multi-mode Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can display monochrome text and color graphics on the screen. Microprocessor A small version of a CPU contained on one semiconductor chip.
Page 246 The number and cursor control keys grouped to the right of the keyboard. Operating speed The speed at which the central processing unit can execute commands. The Equity 386SX/16 PLUS can run at 16 MHz or 8 MHz. Operating system A collection of programs (such as MS-DOS, OS/2, or UNIX) that manages a computer’s operations.
Page 247 Parity A method used to verify the accuracy of data transmissions by adding a bit that makes the total of the byte odd for odd parity or even for even parity. Partition (1) The area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system;...
Page 248 Processor speed See Operating speed. Program A file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Prompt A message the screen displays to request information or tell you what action you need to perform next. See also Command prompt.
Page 249 Reset To reload a computer’s operating system so you can retry a task or begin using a different operating system. Resetting erases all information in RAM. Red Green Blue. A type of color monitor. Read Only Memory. A portion of memory that can only be read and cannot be used for temporary storage.
Page 250 Shadow RAM The feature provided by the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS that enables the computer to copy the system ROM BIOS and video ROM into the RAM area of memory to speed up processing. SIMM See Memory module. Software The programs that enable your computer to perform the tasks and functions you indicate.
Page 251 Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a disk, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the disk into separate accessible areas. Video Graphics Array. A type of high-resolution display adapter. The VGA adapter built into the system board of your computer can display 16-color graphics at resolutions up to 800 x 600 on a compatible VGA monitor.
Page 252 Glossary...
Page 253 Index AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-1 -2 Auto speed, 2-11, 4-2 -3 Backing up data, from diskettes, 3-10, 3-17 on hard disk, 3-17-18 with BACKUP, 3-17 with DISKCOPY, 3-17 BACKUP, 3-17 Base memory, 2-3, 2-10, 4-7, A-5 Batch files, 4-1 -2 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-1-2 Battery, cable, 5-9-12 problems, D-19...
Page 254 EGA card, see Video cards EMM386SX.SYS, 4-7-11 EMS size, 2-12-13, 4-7 Enhanced graphics adapter, see Video cards Environmental requirements, Epson Consumer Resource Center number, Intro-4 Error logging, C-6 -7 Error messages, 2-2, 2-17, D-2, D-19 system diagnostics, C-7, C-19 -20, C22 -23, C-25...
Page 255 Files, AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-1 -2 backing up, 3-17-18 batch, 4-1 -2 CONFIGSYS, 1-14, 4-7-11 copying, 3-17-18 EMM386SX.SYS, 4-7-11 ESPEED, 4-5 HDSIT, 3-19-20 Floppy disk drive, see Diskette drive Floppy disks, see Diskettes FORMAT, 3-17, C-21 -22 Formatting, diskettes, 3-17, C-21 -22 hard disk, 3-18, C-16 -17, D-13 -14 physical, C-16 -17,...
Page 256 LIM 4.0 EMS, 4-7 Loading MS-DOS, 3-14-15 Location, choosing for computer, 1-1 -2 Low speed, 2-11, 4-2-6 Low-level format, see Physical formatting Map, system memory, A-5 Mass storage, A-3 Master drive, B-4, B-6 Math coprocessor, configuring, 2-3 installing, 5-2, 5-28 -31 problems, D-20 removing, 5-31 specification, A-1...
Page 257 Options, installing, 5-1 -43, B-1 -54 OS/2, Intro-2, 3-1 Packing materials, 5-15 Parallel, cable, 1-8 -10 interface, 1-8 -10, 2-15, A-2 port, 1-8 -10, 2-15 port test, C-23 -24 Partitions on hard disk, 3-18, C-16, D-14 Password, changing, 2-14 deleting, 2-14 disabling, D-5 -7 entering, 3-6 jumper, 5-5 -8, D-6...
Page 258 SETUP program, EMS size, 2-12-13 error message, 2-2, 2-17 hard disk drive type(s), 2-5 -8 keyboard test function, 2-9 leaving the program, 2-16-17 math coprocessor, 2-3 memory, 2-3, 2-10, 2-12-13 parallel interface, 2-15 password, 2-13-14 primary display type, 2-8-9 processor speed, 2-11 real-time clock, 2-3 running, 1-18, 2-1-17, 5-41-42 saving settings, 2-16 -l7...
Page 259 Video car&, MDA, 1-7, 2%-9 MGA, 1-7, 2-8-9 problems, D-5, D- 17-18 removing, 5-16-17 setting display type, 2-8-9 tests, C-11 -12 VGA, 2-8 -9 Video diagnostics, C-l 1-12 Video graphics array (VGA), built-in port, see VGA port card, see Video cards Video monitors, see Monitors Video ROM, 2-10 Windows, 2-12, 4-7...
Page 260 TURBO speed hard disk light access light RESET button diskette release latch power inlet VGA monitor port keyboard port diskette drive power button hard disk or power light diskette drive slot option card slots parallel port -serial port...
Page 261 EPSON®...

Epson EQUITY 386SX/16 PLUS User Manual

Introduction

Chapter 1 Setting up Your System

Chapter 2 Running the SETUP Program

Chapter 3 Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System

Using Your Computer

Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

Installing and Removing Options

Chapter 5

Appendix A Specifications

Installing and Removing Disk Drives

Appendix B

Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics

Appendix D Troubleshooting

Glossary

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Epson EQUITY 386SX/16 PLUS

Summary of Contents for Epson EQUITY 386SX/16 PLUS

Table of Contents