Programmer 7500

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Programmer 7500 / MAX_PROGRAMMERS.iso / PROGRAMS / UTILS / HARDWARE / NEWNEAT.ZIP / NEWNEAT1.DOC next >

Wrap

Text File | 1990-03-19 | 80.4 KB | 1,655 lines

Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your Jameco Electronics 286 NEAT[(r)] Motherboard. We realize that you will be anxious to get to work on your new equipment, but we ask that you please read the manual. Look for any additional information that may have come in an addendum. This is only one of many innovative new products available from Jameco Electronics, pioneers in the mail-order electronics industry since 1974. Look for a growing line of quality products in your latest Jameco Electronics annual catalog and seasonal flyers. Description The JE3010 and JE3011 are dual speed, PC/AT compatible motherboards based on the 80286 CPU and the Chips & Technologies NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm]. The JE3010 operates in 8/16MHz (Normal/Turbo) mode, and the JE3011 operates at either 8/16MHz or 10/20MHz (Normal/Turbo) mode. NEAT stands for New Enhanced Advanced Technology. Both motherboards come with the AMI NEAT[(r)] BIOS set which features setup and extended setup routines. Both NEAT[(r)] motherboards can accommodate up to 8 megabytes of on-board RAM. There is also a socket for an optional math co-processor. Features * JE3010 supports up to 16MHz operation * JE3011 supports up to 20MHz operation * Selectable 0 or 1 wait state operation * Fully IBM PC/AT compatible * RAM Page/Interleaving option for 0 wait states * Expandable to 8Mb on-board * IBM PC/XT size mounting holes * Harris 80286 microprocessor * Real-time clock with built-in rechargeable battery * 80287 math coprocessor socket * 8 expansion slots (5 x 16-bit, 3 x 8-bit) Checklist *o* The JE3010 or JE3011 motherboard *o* NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement Glossary Throughout this manual, a variety of common computer terms and abbreviations will be used. For your convenience, a glossary of standard computer terms has been included at the end of this manual. Precautions When working with any circuit board or IC, some precautions need to be observed for the safest installation. Many parts are static sensitive and can be easily damaged by the static electricity built up by a persons body movement. The best way to assure that no damage comes to the equipment is to observe these few precautions: [C1]Plug the computer's power supply into a grounded outlet (Assure that it is turned off.). Ground yourself by using either a grounding wrist strap (Such as the Jameco Electronics Part number WS.) that is connected to the power supply case or by touching the case often. This will dissipate any static charge that you may have built up. [C1]Hold all boards and I.C.s by their edges, not by their connectors or pins. [C1]Make sure that the power supply is turned OFF before installing or removing anything from the computer. Hardware Configuration This section will cover the necessary hardware configurations and information. Diagrams and tables have been provided to clarify proper configuration. Default or recommended settings will appear in italic type. All references to the motherboard will be made as if the board is on a table in front of you, the expansion slots are to the rear, the memory sockets are located on the front left. All pertinent jumpers, connectors and switches are labeled on the motherboard. Please refer to the following diagram. Diagram [PIC JE3010.GMF] J1 Keyboard The keyboard connects to J1 at the rear, right-hand corner of Connector the motherboard. The pin assignments are as follows. *Pin Function Diagram 1 + Clock [PIC KYBRDCON.GMF] 2 + Data 3 Not Used 4 Ground 5 + 5V J2 Battery This jumper block selects either the on-board nickel-cadmium Select (ni-cad) rechargeable battery or an external battery to retain the CMOS SETUP settings. The ni-cad battery should last up to five years under normal conditions. It is not replaceable. Should it fail, use an external battery. If the system is left without power for several weeks, the ni-cad may drain. Leave the system on for 12 hours to recharge it. Set this jumper according to the following table. *Pins Assignments 1-2 closed On-board battery 2-3 closed External Backup battery J3 External This is for connection of an external battery, such as the Battery BATPAC available from Jameco Electronics. When connecting an Connector external battery, ensure the proper setting of J2 Battery Select. Pin assignments for this connector appear below. *Pins Assignments 1 +3 to +6 VDC 2 No Connection 3 Ground 4 Ground J4 Oscillator On the JE3011 there are two crystal clock oscillators to Select generate the system timing clock signals. A 40MHz clock is installed into the socket labeled OSC1 and is activated by having the J4 jumper on position "B" (default on the JE3011). This causes 20MHz operation because the system is timed at 1/2 the rate of the selected oscillator. To achieve 16MHz operation, move the jumper block to "A". A 32MHz oscillator is used in the socket labeled OSC2 On the JE3010 the only crystal clock oscillator is OSC2, the 32MHz oscillator. On the JE3010 the default setting for the jumper block on J4 is position "A". The following table shows the J4 oscillator select jumper settings. *Pins Assignments A closed Select OSC2 (default for JE3010) B closed Select OSC1 (default for JE3011) J6 Reset This is for connection of a reset switch. Most cases have a Switch reset switch on the front panel. When shorted, a system reset will occur. The short should last at least three seconds to allow all circuits to fully reset. J7 Turbo This is for connection of a turbo speed selection switch. Most Switch cases have a Turbo switch on the front panel. When shorted, the system will operate at low speed (8MHz). When open, the system will operate at high speed (16MHz). J8 Speaker This is for connection of a speaker. Depending on the style of Connector connector used, either pins 1 and 2 or 1 and 4 can be used. The speaker must be connected across Signal and +5 volts. Do not connect any speaker lead to the ground pin. *Pins Assignments 1 Signal output 2 +5 volts 3 Ground 4 +5 volts J9 Keylock And This is for connection of a keyboard-lock switch and power LED Power LED. Refer to the table below for proper pin assignments. connectors *Pins Assignments 1 LED Power 2 No Connection 3 Ground 4 Key Clock 5 Ground Turbo LED This is for connection of an LED for indication of the setting Connector of the J7 Turbo Switch. If J7 is open, the LED will light. If J7 is shorted, the LED will be off. Most cases have a Turbo LED indicator on the front panel. *Pins Assignments 1 LED Power 2 Ground SW1 Monitor This jumper block determines the default video mode. When Select using a monochrome monitor either with an MDA, HGA, EGA or VGA, set this to MONO. When using a color composite, RGB or multi-sync monitor with either a CGA, EGA or VGA, set this to COLOR. PS1/PS2 The PS1/PS2 power connectors are for connection of a standard and JP2 switching power supply. Some versions of the JE3010 and JE3011 motherboards have an additional jumper, JP2, on the rear right corner, near the power connections. JP2 allows the JE3010 or JE3011 to be used by either an AT style power supply (JE1032) or an XT-style power supply (JE1030). If you have a version without JP2, connect an AT-style power supply. The type of power supply that you are using can be determined by looking at the second wire in the power harness P8. An AT-style power supply has a red wire here, supplying +5VDC. An XT-style power supply has no wire here. Refer to the following diagrams. [PIC ATPOWERN.GMF] AT-style [PIC XTPOWERN.GMF] XT-style JP2 should come from the factory with pins 2 and 3 jumpered, selecting an AT-style power supply. If you use the JE3010 or JE3011 with an XT-style power supply, pins 1 and 2 of JP2 should be jumpered. Math Co- The JE3010 and JE3011 can accommodate an IIT (Integrated processor Information Technology Inc.) 2C87-12.5 math coprocessor for increased math processing power. The addition of the 2C87-12.5 can greatly enhance applications involving large and complex calculations such as spreadsheets, graphics and CADD. This optional coprocessor is available from Jameco Electronics. Before installing it, read the precautions at the beginning of this manual. Ensure that the notch is oriented the same as the socket at the far right-hand side of the motherboard and insert the 2C87-12.5 into U22 (the math coprocessor socket). Memory The JE3010 and JE3011 can accommodate a variety of RAM types. Both motherboards can hold a maximum of 8Mb on-board and must have at least a minimum of 512Kb. This section describes complete memory configuration for these motherboards, and the methods used by these motherboards to increase memory access time. Page / The JE3010 and JE3011 incorporate a memory accessing scheme Interleave called "Page/Interleave". This method is available when two or Mode four banks of RAM are installed in the motherboard. This can allow slower RAM (i.e. 150 or 120ns) to operate in the JE3010 or JE3011. With interleaving, all even word addresses are mapped to one bank, and all odd word addresses are mapped to the other bank. Sequential RAM accesses alternate between the two banks. Typically this results in a 50% access ratio per bank allowing the CPU to obtain data at twice the speed as would be possible when non-interleaved. Paged mode RAM access time is shorter than normal RAM access time. Since paged mode is active at the same time as the interleaving mode, apparent RAM access time is increased even further. Paged/Interleaved mode can be enabled in the extended setup program by setting register 6B (bit 7) to a 1. Shadow RAM In all IBM software compatible computers, the addresses from 640K to 1024K are reserved for all BIOS ROMs and ROMs of I/O devices (system BIOS, display adapter BIOS, etc.). In a computer system with more than 640K RAM, the memory addressed from 640K to 1024K would normally be wasted. The JE3010 and JE3011 have the ability to copy the contents of the BIOS ROMs into unused RAM, disable the BIOS ROMs and run the BIOS routines from RAM. Since this RAM is addressed at the same location as the original BIOS, the operation of the BIOS program does not effect any software which may access the BIOS routines directly. This process is referred to as "shadowing." The main advantage to the shadow feature is the increase in performance. Most ROMs operate with speeds of only 200-400ns. Since these boards typically operate with memory faster than 100ns (JE3010) or 80ns (JE3011) , these shadowed ROMs will experience a 200-400% increase in performance. If shadow RAM is enabled during the Extended Setup procedure, the following events will take place after a reset or power on: 1) After the POST, the AMI BIOS looks at the Extended Setup parameters and finds that you have shadow features enabled. 2) It looks at the BIOS locations you have chosen to shadow. 3) It then takes each BIOS (at the locations selected) and copies their complete contents into RAM addressed at the same location. 4) The BIOS ROMs are then disabled. The BIOS operations are now executed from shadow RAM. NOTE: The "shadow" feature cannot be enabled when the 384Kb of memory between 640K and 1024K has been assigned as extended memory. Types There are several different types of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), this section is designed to clear the confusion. There are two basic types of DRAM devices used on these motherboards. DIP DRAM DIP DRAM chips are referred to by their generic number. This number begins with either a 41 or a 51. DRAM chips that are in the Kilobyte range start with 41. If they exceed 1024Kb (1Mb), they begin with 51. The rest of the number describes the amount of memory the device will provide. For example, a 41256 is a 256Kb x 1 DRAM chip, while a 514256 is 256Kb x 4. This number begins with 51 because the chip totals 1Mb. A 511000 provides 1Mb x 1 of DRAM. It takes nine 256Kb x 1 DRAMs to get 256Kb, just as it takes nine 1Mb x 1 DRAMs to get 1Mb. Following is a diagram that depicts these combinations. [PIC DRAMID.GMF] After the number, a dash is usually present. The number following the dash provides information on the access or refresh time of the memory device. This should also be a consideration when selecting memory. If zero wait state operation is desired and you plan to fill only bank 0, use DRAM chips with an access time of 80ns or faster for the JE3010, use chips with an access time of 60ns or faster for the JE3011. Otherwise use 120ns for the JE3010 or 100ns for the JE3011 for one wait state operation. If both banks are going to be used, interleaving will effectively divide the refresh time in half. This will allow the use of 150ns chips on the JE3010 and 120ns chips on the JE3011. This option will emulate 75ns (JE3010) and 60ns (JE3011) chips at 0 wait states. Memory The DRAM ID number is usually modified by the manufacturer in Mfgrs some way. The following table lists some suitable examples. *Manufacturer 511000 41256 NEC D421000C D41256 Fujitsu MB81C1000 MB81256 Hitachi M5M41000AP HM50256 Mitsubishi M5M4C1000P M5M4256 OKI MSM411000 MSM41256 Samsung KMY1C1000 KM41256 Texas Inst. TMS4C1024 TMS4256 Toshiba TC511000P TMM41256 SIPP DRAM These modules contain the equivalent of nine 256Kb x 1 or nine 1Mb x 1 DIP DRAMs. The memory is installed on a single inline pin package that fits into a special socket on the motherboard or memory card. These SIPP sockets are universal. For example, 256Kb, 1Mb or 4Mb SIPPs can fit into any SIPP socket. Placement The memory on the JE3010 and JE3011 is arranged in four banks labeled 0 through 3. Banks 0 and 1 hold eighteen DIP DRAM chips each, Banks 2 and 3 hold two SIPPs each. The following table lists all the acceptable RAM sizes and RAM placements for each valid memory configuration when J10-J15 are all on pins 1 and 2 (normal mode). NOTE: Banks 0 and 1 can hold any of three size DIP DRAM chips, however if 1Mb DIP DRAMs are to be used in Bank 0, 1Mb DIP DRAMs must be used in Bank 1 (if Bank 1 is used). Banks 2 and 3 must contain the same size SIPPs (if both banks are used). Normal *TOTAL DIP DRAM DIP DRAM SIPP DRAM SIPP DRAM RAM BANK #0 BANK #1 BANK #2 BANK #3 512K 18 x 41256 [--] [--] [--] [dagger] 640K 18 x 41256 18 x 4164 [--] [--] [dagger] 1024K 18 x 41256 18 x 41256 [--] [--] [double 1024K 18 x 41256 [--] [--] 2 x 256K [double SIPP 1152K 18 x 41256 18 x 4164 2 x 256K [--] [double SIPP 1536K 18 x 41256 18 x 41256 2 x 256K [--] SIPP 1536K 18 x 41256 [--] 2 x 256K 2 x 256K SIPP SIPP 1664K 18 x 41256 18 x 4164 2 x 256K 2 x 256K SIPP SIPP 2048K 18 x 41256 18 x 41256 2 x 256K 2 x 256K SIPP SIPP 2048K 18 x 511000 [--] [--] [--] 3072K 18 x 41256 18 x 41256 2 x 1M SIPP [--] 4096K 18 x 511000 18 x 511000 [--] [--] 4096K 18 x 511000 [--] [--] 2 x 1M SIPP 5120K 18 x 41256 18 x 41256 2 x 1M SIPP 2 x 1M SIPP 6144K 18 x 511000 18 x 511000 2 x 1M SIPP [--] 8192K 18 x 511000 18 x 511000 2 x 1M SIPP 2 x 1M SIPP [dagger] With less than 1024K installed, shadow RAM functions are not accessible. For this reason, a minimum memory configuration of 1024K (1Meg) is recommended. [double dagger] For proper use of expanded memory (EMS), at least 1536K (1.5Meg) of RAM should be installed. Remapping The JE3010 and JE3011 can be configured to use SIPPs only (i.e. no DIP DRAM chips). In order to do this Banks 2 and 3 must be remapped to act as Banks 0 and 1. This is done by setting the jumper blocks accross pins 2 and 3 of J10-J15. The jumper blocks are normally set accross pins 1 and 2 of J10-J15 (default settings). The following table lists the acceptable RAM sizes and RAM placement for each valid remapped memory configuration. Remapped *TOTAL DIP DRAM DIP DRAM SIPP DRAM SIPP DRAM RAM BANK #0 BANK #1 BANK #2 BANK #3 512K [--] [--] 2 x 256K [--] [dagger] SIPP 640K [--] 18 x 4164 2 x 256K [--] [dagger] SIPP 1024K [--] [--] 2 x 256K 2 x 256K [double SIPP SIPP 2048K [--] [--] 2 x 1M SIPP [--] 4096K [--] [--] 2 x 1M SIPP 2 x 1M SIPP [dagger] With less than 1024K installed, shadow RAM functions are not accessible. For this reason, a minimum memory configuration of 1024K (1Meg) is recommended. [double dagger] For proper use of expanded memory (EMS), at least 1536K (1.5Meg) of RAM should be installed. DIP DRAM When installing DIP DRAM chips into the motherboard sockets, Installation there are several considerations. Ensure that the notch on the chips align with all other devices on the motherboard as illustrated below. [PIC RSKT.GMF] It is recommended that a DIP insertion tool such as the Jameco Electronics' Part #IEK, be used for installing chips. Gently start each chip in its socket by setting one side of the chip in the socket first, then the other side (taking care to orient it the correct direction). Check to see that all of its pins are properly started in the holes before seating it fully. NOTE: Once all the chips are inserted, inspect them closely for bent pins. They may be sticking away from the chips or tucked underneath. Correct any problems you may find them. SIPP When installing SIPPs into the motherboard sockets, ensure that Installation pin 1 is positioned properly and that it aligns with the directional arrowhead printed on the motherboard near the SIPP socket. Refer to the following diagram for proper orientation of SIPPs. [PIC SIPPRSKT.GMF] Gently place each SIPP in its socket by pushing the pins into their respective sockets. NOTE: After installing each SIPP, inspect it closely for bent pins. They may be sticking away from the chips. Installation This section will assist you in mounting the JE3010 or JE3011 and preparing it for operation. Information is provided for Jameco Electronics' and IBM's cases. If you have another type of case, read this section and apply the information contained here to your application. Case At this point your motherboard should now have its memory installed. When installing the JE3010 or JE3011 in a case, observe the following precautions: * If installing the JE3010 or JE3011 in a case which had a different motherboard in it, there may have been metal standoffs used previously to attach the old motherboard to the case. Make sure ALL of them line up with the holes provided in the JE3010 or JE3011 motherboard. Any standoffs that do not line up must be removed or the motherboard will short out. * Some cases include both types of standoffs. The metal standoffs are there to screw the motherboard to the case and to provide more support for plugging in the expansion cards. With the JE2014 case, notice that there are two threaded holes in the front and two in the rear, use only the threaded holes that are on the right side. There are NO matching holes provided in the JE3010 or JE3011 motherboard for the threaded holes on the left. The holes in the JE3010 or JE3011 motherboard that do match the threaded holes are hole #8 and hole #2. Refer to the JE3010/JE3011 diagram earlier in this manual. * All screws that are screwed into the metal standoffs require insulated washers to prevent them from touching nearby traces on the top of the motherboard. You must install insulated washers or the motherboard may short out. JE2019 Screw the metal standoffs into the bottom of the case. Install JE2011 plastic standoffs into holes #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 in the JE2012 motherboard that match the slots in the case. Refer to the diagram of the JE3010/JE3011 for the location of these holes. The JE2011 vertical case uses the same holes. Place the motherboard into the case. Start with the motherboard all the way to the left. Then slide it to the right carefully so that all plastic standoffs go into their respective slots in the bottom of the case. It should slide right until the center holes that match with the metal standoffs (#2 & #8) line up. Install a washer on the appropriate screw and start the threads into both metal standoffs, then tighten both securely. Insulated washers are necessary on the top side of the motherboard (they are not necessary on the bottom side). See the following diagram. [PIC ATSTAND.GMF] IBM PC/AT When installing the JE3010 or JE3011 in an IBM PC/AT case, it may short-circuit against the oversized motherboard mounting planes. Be certain to use insulating washers or insulating electrical tape where needed to isolate the motherboard from these mounting planes. Use the original mounting hardware to secure the motherboard to the case. Panel The JE3010 and JE3011 have a number of jumpers and connectors that are provided to allow the connection of turbo-mode switches, LED indicators, reset switches, etc. For convenience, most of these are arranged in the center front portion of the motherboard. On some cases, there are three LEDs on the front panel of the case. One labeled "POWER", one labeled "TURBO" and one labeled "DISC". When the computer is assembled and running, the "POWER" LED will indicate that the power is on; the "TURBO" LED will indicate whether the computer is running at the low speed (LED is off) or the high speed (LED is on); the "DISC" LED will indicate when the hard drive is in being accessed. All 16-bit hard drive controller cards have a "DISC" LED connection. These cards are usually designed to have the hard drive selected at all times (meaning the light on the hard drive will always be on) so that the computer-to-drive access time is faster. The computer no longer has to wait for the time it takes for the controller card to access the hard drive. Since the light on the hard drive is on all the time, manufacturers of these controller cards provide an LED connection so that you may connect it to a "DISC" LED on the front panel of the case. NOTE: LEDs are polarized. This means that if the two wires from the LED are connected backwards, the LED will not light. No damage will occur if they are accidentally connected backwards. Hard Reset Find the pair of pins labeled J6. When these pins are shorted Switch together the computer is forced into a hard reset. The short should last at least three seconds to allow all circuits to fully reset. A hard-reset is the same as if you had turned the power switch off and then on again. If your case has a hard reset switch, connect its wires to these pins. The reset switch must be a momentary (normally open) SPST switch. If no hard reset switch is used, leave both pairs of pins open (not jumpered). Speed Jumper Find the pair of pins labeled J7. This can be used as a jumper to select the clock speed upon power-up or as a connector for a speed (TURBO) switch. This switch should be a push-on, push-off type SPST switch. Upon power-up or reset, the system clock speed will be determined by the J7 setting. If open (not jumpered) the JE3010 will boot at the turbo speed of 16MHz. If the pins are shorted by a jumper or closed switch, the JE3010 will boot at the slow speed of 8MHz. If you are not using a hardware speed-select switch, set the jumper as you prefer. The computer will of course boot faster at 16MHz. If you have the JE2010 tower case, you will notice that it's turbo switch has a three wire connector. You should connect the side of the three socket connector to the motherboard that has the white and red wires. As above, the white wire goes to the left. Speaker Find the connector pins labeled J8. This is for the connection of a speaker. Slip the case's speaker wire connector onto the pins. Polarity is not important. Key Lock and Find the 5-pin connector labeled J9. A key lock switch can be Power Lights attached here that will disable the keyboard. This will not stop the computer from functioning, but no signal will be received from the keyboard when the key lock is open. This is a convenient security measure that permits you to leave your desk without worrying about anyone tampering with your program while you're away. Key lock switches are an integral part of most AT-style cases. They can also be purchased separately from Jameco Electronics as part number KS-1B. The key lock switch should be a SPST on-off switch. Turbo Light Find the pair of connector pins labeled TURBO LED. Connect the wires from the TURBO LED to this connector. Remember that LEDs are polarized devices! The anode lead of each LED should be connected to the right-hand pin of each pair; the cathode lead, to the left-hand pin. If the LED wires are color-coded black and red, the black wire is the cathode and should go to the left. If they are color-coded white and another color, the white wire should go to the left. If the LEDs do not light when the computer is powered up and/or switched into turbo mode, simply reverse the appropriate LED's connector on the pins. Connecting them backwards will not cause any damage to them or the motherboard; they just will not light up. Power We recommend a power rating of 200 watts. Jameco Electronics Supply sells a 200 watt power supply number JE1032. Plug in the power supply connectors. Always double check these connectors for proper connection of input voltages. Improper connection can result in damage to the motherboard and all other peripherals. The standard AT power supply line colors and voltages are shown previously in this manual under the heading PS1/PS2 Power Connectors and JP2. WARNING: CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY INCORRECTLY MAY CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE! Make sure the three red wires face the front and the four black wires are next to each other in the center. Make sure power is turned off before connecting the power supply. Make sure the 110VAC/220VAC switch on the power supply is set correctly. Keyboard At the back of the motherboard you will find the circular 5-pin DIN keyboard connector. The JE3010 will work with IBM PC/AT keyboards, but will not work with IBM PC or PC/XT keyboards. Many keyboards on the market can work with both the PC/AT and PC/XT computers. Jameco Electronics offers keyboards that will switch for operation on either a PC/AT or a PC/XT. Necessary If you have a Jameco Electronics computer kit, kit assembly Peripherals instructions came with it, so you need not read the rest of this installation section. Follow the kit instructions to continue assembling the kit (cards, drives, power supply, keyboard, etc), then after you have the computer kit completed, read the section in this manual on Power Up. If you do not have a Jameco kit, continue reading the rest of this section. If the computer case you have permits, loosen the screws that hold the back panel to the case. This will allow all expansion cards to be freely plugged into the motherboard slots completely, without any of the securing brackets blocking the way. After all cards are inserted, secure all cards to the back panel, then last tighten the screws that secures the back panel to the case. Floppy Drives Configure and install your floppy drive(s) and cable as per the floppy drive manual. Plug in the floppy drive controller. Follow it's manual and set any DIP switches and/or jumpers. Hard Drives If applicable, configure and install your hard drive(s) and cable as per the hard drive manual. Plug in the hard drive controller. Follow it's manual for DIP switch and/or jumper settings for the card. If applicable, plug in the DISC light from the case to the hard disk drive controller card. Display Plug in your display adapter into any convenient open slot. Follow it's manual and set any DIP switches and/or jumpers. Plug in the monitor cable. Other Cards Install any other cards and accessories at this time. Follow their manuals and set any DIP switches and/or jumpers. AC Power Plug in all AC power. It is a good idea to plug all AC power into a filtered and surge/spike protected extension outlet so that there are no unreliable AC connections. Do not use 3-prong to 2-prong AC adapters! They may allow two units to be plugged in opposite directions, which is a shock hazard. If your AC wall outlets are the old two-prong type, you should still use a filtered multi-outlet strip that has 3-prong outlets to plug in all computer AC cords, then use only ONE 3-to-2 prong adapter for the multi-outlet strip's AC cord. Case Assembly Carefully examine your work. Make certain again that all drives are securely installed, and that the cables are routed neatly where they will not be abraded by the case cover. Gently tilt the entire computer case from side to side to ensure that there are no loose screws or other bits of hardware in the case. Inspect the top side of the motherboard for other loose hardware that may have accidentally dropped. When you are completely satisfied with the installation, close the computer lid or replace its cover. Connect all external peripherals. Place the monitor and keyboard in a comfortable position in front of the you. Operation Disk Operating The Disk Operating System (DOS) controls most aspects of your System computer's operation. DOS is necessary for use of your computer system and is available from Jameco Electronics and most software stores. Several versions of DOS are available: PC-DOS by IBM, DR DOS by Digital Research. While both should operate your system, DR DOS contains several enhancements not found in the other. These include built-in help, an extended debugger and the ability to handle hard disk partitions of any size. Avoid versions of MS-DOS marketed through other companies. Customizations to many versions of MS-DOS make it unsuitable for use in the JE3010 or JE3011. If you use programs that run in BASIC, be aware that PC-DOS contains a version of BASIC that only works with genuine IBM equipment. TrueBASIC differs slightly from Microsoft's GW-BASIC, but offers full programming support. Of course, BASIC can be purchased separately from companies like Microsoft (Quick BASIC) and Borland (Turbo BASIC). The recommended DOS version at the time of this writing is 3.3. We recommend using DOS 3.3 to maintain full compatibility with new hardware and software products. Our motherboards can be purchased along with DR DOS 3.41 as an added option. All of our 286 kits include DR DOS 3.41. While a new version of DOS (4.0) has been released, many bugs and anomalies remain to be worked out. These include problems with EMS and the way in which DOS 4.0 formats hard disk drives (it is incompatible with older versions and will not run standard utilities like Norton Utilities). As with any new software package, you should wait until all the bugs have been worked out before converting. NOTE: DOS must be loaded before software can be run. Power Up Turn on the computer's monitor and any other peripherals. Turn on the computer itself. Adjust front and rear controls of the monitor as necessary. Insert a DOS boot diskette into floppy disk drive A: and close the door lever. Power On Self The AMI BIOS performs various diagnostic tests at the time the Test (POST) system is powered up. Whenever an error is encountered during these tests, either you will hear a few short beeps or see an error display on your monitor. If the error occurs before the display device is initialized, the system reports the error numerically by sounding a number of tones equal to the error number. Once the display is initialized, (i.e. Interrupt or Device Errors) errors are displayed on the monitor. If the error is FATAL, then the system halts after reporting the FATAL error. If the error is NON-FATAL, the process continues after reporting the error. NOTE: If you received three beeps, the most common cause is an incorrectly seated RAM chip. Beep Errors *1 RAM refresh failure Fatal (Sounded) 2 Parity circuit failure Fatal 3 Base 64Kb RAM failure Fatal 4 System timer failure Fatal 5 Processor failure Fatal 6 Keyboard controller - Gate A20 error Fatal 7 Virtual memory exception error Fatal 8 Display memory r/w test failure Non-Fatal 9 ROM BIOS checksum failure Fatal Interrupt 10 Channel 2 of timer not functional Fatal Errors 11 Stray interrupt sensed in controller Fatal (Displayed) 12 Interrupt controller #2 not functional Fatal Device Errors 13 Keyboard error Non-Fatal (Displayed) 14 Keyboard/Interface error Non-Fatal 15 CMOS battery state low Non-Fatal 16 CMOS system options not set Non-Fatal 17 CMOS checksum failure Non-Fatal 18 CMOS memory size mismatch Non-Fatal 19 CMOS system time and date not set Non-Fatal 20 CMOS display configuration mismatch Non-Fatal 21 Display setting not proper Non-Fatal 22 Keyboard is locked Non-Fatal 23 Floppy disk controller failure Non-Fatal 24 Hard disk unit 0 error Non-Fatal 25 Hard disk unit 1 error Non-Fatal 26 Hard disk unit 0 failure Non-Fatal 27 Hard disk unit 1 failure Non-Fatal 28 Hard disk unit 1 is not defined in CMOS Non-Fatal 29 Cache memory bad Non-Fatal BIOS Code On all versions of the AMI BIOS, the copyright notice and version code appear at the BOTTOM of the screen so that other BIOS notices (i.e. JE1055's EGA BIOS) do not overwrite it. A sample code appears below: *ENET-5030-033089-K8* Please have revision and error code information handy when contacting Jameco Electronics for support. Speed Select The JE3010 and the JE3011 can be switched between the turbo and normal clock speeds in two ways. Keyboard speed switching: press [Key: Ctrl][Key: Alt] [Key: Gray -] (simultaneously) for low speed operation, press [Key: Ctrl][Key: Alt][Key: Gray +] (simultaniously) for high speed operation. NOTE: All grey keys are located on the numeric keypad. "TURBO" switch speed switching: push in (switch is closed) for low speed operation; leave out (switch is open) for high speed operation. NOTE: In some instances software (games, etc.) may require a speed that is close to the original IBM-PC speed. Even 8MHz would be too fast. If the BUS CLOCK (register 62H, bits 1 and 0) in the Advanced NEAT[(r)] Setup set to CLK2IN/2, you can make the JE3010 or JE3011 run at 4MHz using both methods of speed switching. Set both the keyboard and turbo switch methods to low speed operation. The JE3010 or JE3011 operating at 4MHz is equivalent to an IBM-PC running from 5 to 7MHz depending on the Extended Setup configuration (wait states, interleaving, etc.). Wait State The JE3010 and JE3011 can be switched between the 0 wait states Select and 1 wait states in two ways. For keyboard wait state switching, press: [Key: Ctrl][Key: Alt][Key: Right Shift][Key: Gray -] (simultaneously) for one wait state operation. [Key: Ctrl][Key: Alt][Key: Right Shift][Key: Gray +] (simultaneously) for zero wait state operation. NOTE: All grey keys are located on the numeric keypad. The other way is to set register 6BH bit 5 in the Advanced NEAT [(r)] CHIPSet[tm] register setup. Refer to the NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement. NOTE: For the JE3010 80ns or faster RAM is required for 0 wait state operation. If the interleaving feature is enabled, 150ns or faster RAM can be used. For the JE3011 60ns or faster RAM is required for 0 wait state operation. If interleaving feature is enabled, 120ns or faster RAM can be used. Extended CMOS Setup The NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] offers many new features and options. To invoke and configure these, familiarize yourself with the Extended CMOS Setup. CMOS Reset It is conceivable that certain parameters may be selected that would prevent the computer system from booting. For example, setting the RAM wait state operation faster than the chips themselves can operate. In a case like this, the computer may refuse to boot, showing no signs of activity. To recover from this state, execute the following steps: [C1] Turn on the computer [C1] Wait 20 seconds [C1] Press and hold down the [Key: ] key [C1] Press the reset button for at least 3 seconds and release. [C1] When the memory test starts, release the [Key: ] key. This procedure will reinitialize the Extended CMOS settings to their default values. Of course, you will have to run both the Extended CMOS Setup and possibly the CMOS Setup again to set the proper values. Memory Types The JE3010 and JE3011 can utilize their RAM in four different configurations: base, shadow, extended and expanded (EMS). As more memory is added to the JE3010 or JE3011, up to its maximum of eight megabytes, the flexibility of your RAM configuration increases also. The amount of memory configurations you may select to have at the same time depends on the amount of RAM installed on the motherboard. If only 1024K (1Meg) is installed on the JE3010 or JE3011, you have two choices on how to use the 384K of memory that is above the 640K base. The 384K may be used for shadow RAM or the 384K may be used as Extended memory. It cannot be set for both. There is an option in the advanced setup that allows you to relocate the 384K of RAM so that it is located at a starting address of 1Meg (see register 6BH, bit 6). Refer to the NEAT [(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement. If you have more than 1Meg of RAM, DO NOT use this option. If you do, the 384K of RAM will be mapped on top of other RAM. If 1.5Meg or more is in your system, you can enable EMS memory. Base The memory addresses from 0K to 640K comprise the base memory of the system. This is the memory that DOS manages and is sometimes referred to as "conventional memory". Modern applications software often requires the full amount of base memory, 640K. While virtually any utility will run in base memory, you will find that 640K is precious little space to operate with. Until this barrier is overcome by a replacement for DOS (i.e. OS/2), you will want to run as many utilities as possible in either extended or expanded memory to save your base memory for applications software. Extended The memory addresses above 1024K are referred to as extended memory. While the 80286 CPU is able to use this memory, DOS and most other PC applications that were designed for the 8088 CPU only can address within 1024K. Therefore, most applications are unable to take advantage of extended memory. Some examples of programs that can utilize extended memory are: VDISK, VCACHE, Framework II and AutoCAD. The JE3010 and JE3011 take any memory left, if any is not used for EMS (Expanded Memory Specification), and use it for Extended memory with the starting address beginning at 1024K. If you have installed only 1024K (1Meg) on the JE3010 or JE3011, you can use the 384K of memory that is above the 640K base for Extended memory. To select Extended memory, you will have to use the relocate feature in the advanced setup register 6BH, bit 6. If you have more than 1Meg DO NOT use this option. NOTE: The "memory relocating" feature cannot be enabled when the "shadow" feature is used. Expanded Expanded memory as utilized in the JE3010 and JE3011 conforms (EMS) to the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification version 4.0 (LIM EMS 4.0). Expanded memory is not addressed as part of the system RAM. Instead, it is partitioned from the rest of the RAM and is accessed in pages by programs that support LIM EMS 4.0. It should be noted that LIM EMS 4.0 is downward-compatible with older LIM EMS specifications (i.e. LIM EMS 3.2). RAM that is partitioned for EMS is removed from the available extended memory, reducing the total RAM displayed at POST. The interface between applications software and EMS is a software driver that is provided on diskette with your motherboard. Some examples of programs that can utilize expanded memory are: Lotus 1-2-3 v2.01, Freelance Plus v3.0, Manuscript; Microsoft File, Word, Works; Ashton-Tate dBase III/IV, Framework II; Software Publishing Corp. Professional File; Borland Sidekick Plus and AutoCAD. Alternate While there are a variety of non-DOS operating systems (i.e. Operating Xenix, PC/MOS, etc.) which will not be discussed, there are Systems some alternate operating environments that overlay DOS giving the user additional functionality. These include Microsoft's Windows/286 and Quarterdeck's DesqView. These operating systems load from DOS and assume control of your system allowing advanced windowing, applications control and memory management features. Both Windows/286 and DesqView utilize base, extended and expanded memory for optimum performance. Follow the recommendations of the software manufacturer for configuring your memory to achieve maximum performance. Typically, this calls for a small amount of extended memory and as much expanded memory as possible. Entering Reset or power up the system. The system performs diagnostics Extended Setup of the system and displays the size of the memory being tested. NOTE: The memory test can be bypassed by pressing the [Key: ] key. This option would be useful when the memory on the system is quite large. It is recommended that you let the system complete the memory test. Immediately after the memory test, the following prompt will appear on the screen: Press <DEL> key to run SETUP/EXTD-SET Press the [Key: ] key to get into the Setup Mode. The [Key: ] key will get you into the setup mode only when the above message is present on the screen. The following message will appear in the center of the screen: EXIT FOR BOOT RUN CMOS SETUP RUN XCMOS SETUP Use the arrow keys and highlight "RUN XCMOS SETUP" and press [Key: Enter]. The Extended Setup screen appears as follows: NEAT CHIPSET SETUP PROGRAM MAIN MENU EASY NEAT CHIPSET REGISTER SETUP ADVANCED NEAT CHIPSET REGISTER SETUP ENABLE/DISABLE VIDEO & MAIN BIOS SHADOW WRITE CMOS REGISTERS AND EXIT DO NOT WRITE CMOS REGISTERS AND EXIT Easy NEAT[(r)] Highlight "EASY NEAT CHIPSET REGISTER SETUP" and press Register Setup [Key: Enter]. The system will warn you that improper setup may prevent the computer from operating. Refer to the section at the beginning of this chapter on CMOS reset. Press [Key: Enter] to continue. Next, the display will change to an informative display of the most commonly used NEAT[(r)] registers. Use [Key: ] [Key: ][Key: ][Key: ] to move the highlight bar. Use [Key: ] or [Key: ] to change parameters. [PB] Memory Configuration Bank Enabled/Disabled RAM Type Waitstate ---- ---------------- --------- --------- 0 XXXXXXX XXXXX 1 WAIT STATE 1 XXXXXXX XXXXX 1 WAIT STATE 2 XXXXXXX XXXXX 1 WAIT STATE 3 XXXXXXX XXXXX 1 WAIT STATE Clock Sources Selected Processor Clock Bus Clock DMA Clock --------------- --------- --------- CLK2IN CLK2IN/2 SCLK/2 Shadow RAM/Interleave BIOS Shadow Video Shadow Memory F0000H,64K C0000H,16K C4000H,16K Interleave ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- DISABLED DISABLED DISABLED ENABLED Memory For the JE3010 in non-interleaved operation, 80ns or faster RAM is required for 0 wait state access. In interleaved operation, 150ns or faster RAM is all that is required for the JE3010. For the JE3011 in non-interleaved operation, 60ns or faster RAM is required for 0 wait state access. In interleaved operation, 120ns or faster RAM is all that is required for the JE3011. Set the number of wait states appropriately. Clock Sources The default values should be used for all but the most advanced installation. For additional information on changing the clock sources, consult the NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement. The processor clock for the JE3010 is 32MHz and the processor clock for the JE3011 is 40MHz. The Bus Clock runs at CLK2IN/2 which is always 1/2 of the processor clock and is the actual frequency of the system. The AT clock is always fixed at 8MHz for both motherboards. BIOS/Video Enabling these options will greatly enhance your system Shadow performance. If video problems are encountered, disable video shadow and try again. Memory This feature can only be enabled if you have two or four banks Interleave of memory filled with the same size RAM. This option is not valid if you have only one or three banks of RAM or if your banks contain mixed size memory (i.e. 256K and 64K). When you are done, press [Key: ]. Advanced NEAT This option allows you to control additional features of the [(r)] Register NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm]. These features are not necessary for Setup normal operation of the motherboard and require a certain degree of computer knowledge to utilize. For complete information, please refer to the NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement. Video/Main This option can be set from the Easy NEAT[(r)] Register Setup. BIOS Shadow For more information, please refer to the NEAT[(r)] CHIPSet[tm] Supplement. Write CMOS To save all parameters and reboot, highlight this option and Registers and press [Key: Enter]. Exit Do Not Change To discard all changes and reboot, highlight this option and CMOS and Exit press [Key: Enter]. CMOS Setup Utility The JE3010 and JE3011, like all IBM PC/AT style computers, stores hardware configuration information in CMOS. Whenever the configuration changes, the values stored in CMOS must be updated. Many software packages rely on the validity of the information stored there. Setup Options Immediately after the memory test, the following prompt will appear on the screen: Press <DEL> key to run SETUP/EXTD-SET Press the [Key: ] key to get into the Setup Mode. NOTE: The [Key: ] key will get you into the setup mode only when the above message is present on the screen. When you press [Key: ], the following message appears: EXIT FOR BOOT RUN CMOS SETUP RUN XCMOS SETUP Use the arrow keys and highlight "RUN CMOS SETUP" and press [Key: ]. The Extended Setup screen appears as follows: Entering Setup Use [Key: ][Key: ][Key: ][Key: ] to move the highlight bar. Use [Key: ] or [Key: ] to change parameters. The Setup screen will display a window at the bottom left describing each option. Setting the Date (mn/date/year): Date and Time The date is displayed at the cursor. For your convenience, a graphic month is displayed at the bottom right portion of the setup screen. The current day will be flashing. To this question you can change the date. If the current date is correct, move the cursor to the next position. The next question on the screen is: Time (hour/min/sec): The time is displayed at the cursor. To this question you can change the time. If the current time is correct, move the cursor to the next position. Floppy Disk Floppy drive A: Drive Types Floppy drive B: A floppy disk drive type or "Not connected" is displayed at the cursor. To these questions you can change the floppy type to any of four drive types. If the current drive A: is correct, move the cursor to the next position, drive B:, and change it if necessary. Hard Disk Cyln Hd Wpcom Lzone Sec Size Drive Types Harddisk C: type: x xxxx xx xxxx xxxx xx xxmb Harddisk D: type: x xxxx xx xxxx xxxx xx xxmb A hard disk drive type or "Not connected" is displayed at the cursor. To these questions you can change the hard disk drive type to any of 47 drive types. As you change the drive types, you can see the current drive information that is as to each drive type. Drive types 1 through 23 are the same as the original IBM AT lists them. Types 24 through 46 are additional popular drives added by AMI (NEAT[(r)] BIOS manufacturer), and last, drive type 47 is an open drive type. If you have a drive type with parameters that do not match any of the existing 46 drive types, you may select drive type 47. Type 47 allows you to enter your own custom drive parameters. If you enter incorrect parameters, your drive may not work properly. NOTE: Certain hard disk drive controller cards and formatting software may set the drive types differently to suit their own requirements. If the current drive C: type is correct, move the cursor to the next position, drive D:, and change it if necessary. Primary This option allows you to change the primary display type. Display Choices are: Monochrome, Color 40x25, Color 80x25, VGA or EGA, or Not Installed. Keyboard This option allows you to enable or disable the keyboard test at boot. Many users have requested this option for certain applications where the computer is required be turned on and able to boot without a keyboard connected. If this option is enabled, a keyboard error will result when there is a defective keyboard, an incorrectly configured switching keyboard (XT/AT switching type), or if the keyboard is disconnected. If you have a keyboard, we recommend that you leave this option enabled. Scratch RAM If required, the BIOS will use 256K of RAM. Setting this to option the default of 1 will cause the BIOS to use the BIOS stack area at 0030:0000. Setting this to a 2 will cause the BIOS to use 256K of RAM reducing the BASE memory size by 1Kb. System The top right portion of the setup screen displays system information memory information and if a math coprocessor is installed. The "Ext." memory is extended memory only. Any expanded (EMS) memory that was enabled will not be displayed here. Base memory size is .......... 640 Kb Ext. Memory size is .......... 1024 Kb Numeric processor ............ Absent Exit Setup and If you are certain that all the information entered up to this Save point is correct, press [Key: ]. You will be asked if you want to write the data into CMOS and exit. If you press [Key: Y] and [Key: Enter], the system will reboot with the new values. If you press [Key: N], you will be given the opportunity to run the Setup again. Obtaining Assistance Jameco Electronics carefully selects and tests all products. However, even the best tested and documented products can still cause an occasional problem. If difficulty is experienced in either assembly or operation of your equipment, recheck cable connections and configuration settings against this document and any other addenda that may have been included. If you have exhausted all other options and are still encountering difficulty, refer to the appropriate section below for assistance. Technical If you have exhausted all other options and are still Support encountering difficulty, our Technical Support Staff is available between 7am and 5pm, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. When calling, please have the equipment in question handy, along with the manual revision, customer and order numbers. If appropriate, please write down DIP switch settings and error or diagnostic messages may have been received. The technicians need all of this information to fully assist you. The phone number is (415) 592-9990 and the technical FAX number is (415) 592-9075, Customer Discrepancies in shipment, returns, exchanges and refunds are Service handled by our Customer Service Department. They are also available between 7am and 5pm, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Their number is (415) 592-8121. Foreign If you are located outside the United States, you may find it Customers more convenient to contact us by either FAX or Telex, both available 24 hours a day. Inquiries should be marked to the attention of either Customer Service or Technical Support. Our FAX numbers are (415) 592-2503 and (415) 595-2664. Our Telex number is 176043, answerback: Jameco Blmt. Corrections If you run across any errors or omissions in this manual or the manual does not explain something thoroughly enough, please write to us and let us know. Feedback from our customers provides for consistently high quality now, and in the future. Please reference the document and revision numbers as well as the printing date (located on the cover of all Jameco Electronics documentation) when writing so that corrections can be made as easily as possible. Address correspondence to: JAMECO ELECTRONICS 1355 Shoreway Road Belmont, CA 94002 ATTN: Technical Support Glossary This glossary includes the most commonly used terms in our manuals. It should not be considered an absolute source of definitions. Analog Class of devices whose output varies continuously, as opposed to digital, whose output varies in steps. See DIGITAL, JOYSTICK and MONITOR. BIOS Basic Input/Output System. Normally stored in ROM, BIOS routines provide the basic "housekeeping" chores for the system. The CPU relies on the BIOS to provide information on interfacing to the various types of hardware. Bit Abbreviation for binary digit. A bit is the smallest part of information in a binary notation system. A bit is either a one (1) or a zero (0). Boot Taken from the phrase "pull up by the bootstraps". To bring a device to a desired state through its own actions. See COLD BOOT and WARM BOOT. Bus Group of conductors over which digital information is transmitted. In a computer, the bus allows communication between the different subsystems (CPU, memory, I/O, etc...) Byte A byte is the smallest addressable unit in a computer memory system. A byte is comprised of eight bits (binary digits). CGA Color Graphics Adapter. Provides RGB video at 320 x 200, 4 colors from a palette of 16. Cold Boot Causing the CPU to re-initialize by interrupting it's source of power. This is accomplished by turning the power off and on, or pressing the reset button (if you have one). Composite A video signal containing both picture and sync information. Video Signal Commonly used by VCRs and video games that have an RCA type jack. Composite video is seldom used with PC-style computer systems. CPU Central Processing Unit. The CPU is integrated circuit chip. In PC and PC/XT machines, the CPU is an Intel 8088 or 8086. In PC/AT machines, the CPU is an Intel 80286. In 386 machines, the CPU is an Intel 80386. Cylinder Refers to a set of tracks in a multiple surface disk drive which have corresponding locations and track numbers. For example, track 1 of surface 0, track 1 of surface 1, track 1 of surface 2, and track 1 of surface 3 combine to make cylinder 1. Daisy Chain Describes similar devices connected along a single cable. Often, daisy chain cables contain "flipped" wires that differentiate one device from another on the cable. Digital Class of devices which operate in discrete increments (i.e., on-off or pulses). This is the most common form of signal in a personal computer. DIP Dual Inline Package. Describes integrated circuits, cables, connectors, etc. that utilize a dual row of pins layout. DIP Switch Usually a set of four or eight small switches that are set either on or off. DOS Disk Operating System. DOS is responsible for the management of the computer and its software. In addition to standard DOS commands, many other utilities are often included. The most popular versions of DOS for PC's are PC-DOS by IBM, MS-DOS by Microsoft, and DR-DOS by Digital Research. EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter. Provides RGB video at 640 x 350, 16 colors from a palette of 64. Usually capable of emulating CGA and HGA. ESDI Enhanced Small Device Interface. Heads A device used to read and write information on magnetic disks. Serves as the read/write element in disk drives. HGA Hercules Graphics Adapter. Provides TTL video at 720 x 348 in 2 intensities (monochrome). Interface Circuitry and/or software which allows communication between two or more devices. Interleave In a computer, to assign successive storage location numbers to physically separated storage locations in a memory bank. This serves to reduce access time. Joystick Positioning device with a handle which can be moved forward, backward, left, right or any angular combination of these directions. The movements of the joystick can be interpreted through the analog I/O port to provide input to the computer. Jumper A rectangular piece of metal in a plastic casing, usually black, that fits over two pins to make an electrical connection between them. Jumper Block Two or more pins side by side protruding from a circuit board that can be electrically connected with a jumper. These are used to configure the circuit for different conditions. KiloByte (Kb) One Kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes. LED Light-Emitting Diode. A polarized device typically used to identify utilization of devices within the system. Logical Drive DOS assigns one or more logical drives to each physical drive and assigns them a unique alphabetic designator. Drive A: can be a floppy drive, drive B: can be a RAM disk, drive C: can be the first half of a hard disk drive, drive D: can be the second half of a hard disk drive, etc. MDA Monochrome Display Adapter. Provides TTL output, 80 x 25 text only, 2 intensities (monochrome). MegaByte (Mb) One Megabyte is equal to 1024 Kilobytes. Memory The equipment and media used to hold machine-language information in electrical or magnetic form. MFM Modified Frequency Modulation. Data encoding method used on most standard hard disk systems (M8425 and M3085). Using this method, each cylinder is divided into 17 sectors of 512 bytes each. Monitor Output device used to display both alphanumeric characters and non-text graphics. TTL monitors require digital input and use 9-pin connectors. Analog monitors require a continuous input and use 15-pin connectors. Multi-Scan Refers to video displays capable of handling a variety of input Multi-Sync frequency signals. Normally can accommodate both TTL and Analog signals. Parallel A type of interface in which all bits of data are transferred simultaneously, using a separate data line for each bit. Usually used for a printer. Physical Drive This is the actual drive itself. A floppy disk drive itself would be considered one physical drive. RAM Random Access Memory. This is a temporary storage area that can be written to, or read from. RAM is the part of memory that the computer uses to store programs and data while the system is running. Programs are loaded into RAM from disk drives or from ROM where the CPU can access them. Once power is turned off to the system, the RAM contents are lost. Every time a program is used, it must be re-loaded into RAM. RAM Disk A RAM Disk emulates a disk drive in the RAM area. RAM Disks are used for temporary storage because information can be accessed faster from RAM than it can from a physical disk drive. The information on a RAM disk is erased when the power is turned off. RLL Run-length-limited. A denser data encoding scheme for hard drives which squeezes more sectors onto each track. Because of the higher density, only RLL rated drives should be used (M8438 and M8450). ROM Read Only Memory. This is memory that cannot be changed. When power is turned off and back on, the data is not lost. Generally used for BIOS. SCSI Small Communications Systems Interface. Sector The smallest contiguous storage area on a magnetic disk. Serial Mode of transmission where data is transmitted along a single conductor, one bit at a time. Serial transmission requires more time than parallel. Most commonly used with a MODEM or a MOUSE. SETUP This is a program (which can be stored in the BIOS ROM or on a disk) that is necessary to configure the parameters needed by the motherboard. Usually found only on AT or 386 style computers. These parameters tell the motherboard upon boot-up the following information: time, date, drive types, monitor type, memory amount and type. SIMM Single Inline Memory Module. A compact expansion board containing RAM. SIMM normally refers to a memory module with a card edge connector. SIPP Single Inline Pin Package memory module. A compact expansion board containing RAM. SIPP normally refers to a memory module with protruding pins. Terminator Terminating resistor pack. Used in disk drives to filter out line noise and terminate a data cable. Consists of a row of 220 to 330 ohm resistors molded together. This is usually installed in a socket. It is removed from all drives except the disk drive at the end of a DAISY CHAIN cable, and the drive at the beginning of the SCSI drive cable. Tracks In a disk drive, data is arranged in concentric paths on the magnetic surface of the disk. These paths are called tracks. VGA Video Graphics Array. Provides many RGB or Analog modes up to 640 x 480. Can display 256 colors from a palette of 262,000. Usually can emulate EGA, CGA and HGA. Wait State A wait state is implemented to provide a delay sufficient enough to suspend the access time to the various RAM and I/O devices connected to the system buss. This allows older I/O cards and slower memory devices to operate within the higher speeds offered by various motherboards. Warm Boot To reset the computer without removing power. The CPU is told to re-boot itself. The procedure to invoke this is: Press and hold the [Key: Ctrl] key down. Press and hold the [Key: Alt] key down. Press the [Key: ] key down. Release all three.