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. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
l
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
l
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
l
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
l
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Epson America, Inc., could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil
applicables
brouillage
aux appareils
radio&ctrique 6dictC
numerique
num&riques
n’hnet
par le
pas de bruits
de
Qasse
Ministike
B
prescrites
des Communications du Canada.
radioClectriques
dans le
d&passant les limites
reglement
sur le
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by
or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect,
special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of
incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of 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. Nor is
any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are subject to change
without notice.
TRADEMARKS
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Equity is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright 0 1991 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
Y72399100100
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3.Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
4.
Do not use this product near water.
5.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked
by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
7.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
8.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
9.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that
the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
iii
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in
those compartments to service personnel.
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 or frayed.
B.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C.If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions, since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.
E.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
iv
Contents
Introduction
Optional Equipment
Operating Systems and Other Software
VGA Utilities
How to Use This Manual
Where to Get Help
Chapter
1
Choosing a Location
2
Removing the Protector Card.
3
Connecting a Monitor
Connecting a Printer or Other Device.
4
1
Using the VGA Interface
Using a Display Adapter Card
Using the Parallel Interface
Using the Serial Interface.
......................................
Setting Up Your System
.................................
..................
.............................
..................................
...............................
.......................
.............................
.........................
.....................
.......................
........................
................
2
3
3
4
5
1-1
1-3
1-4
1-4
1-7
1-8
1-8
1-11
5
Connecting the Keyboard
6
Connecting the Mouse
Connecting the Power Cord.
7
8
Turning On the Computer
Turning Off the Computer.
Chapter 2
Automatic Configuration
Starting the Setup Program.
Continuing From an
Moving the
Running the Setup Program
Cursor Block
.............................
.............................
Error Message
...........................
........................
..........................
.......................
...........................
.................
.........................
1-12
1-13
1-15
1-16
1-18
2-2
2-2
2-4
2-5
v
Setting the Display Adapter Type.
Setting the Power-on Password.
Setting the Memory Caching
Setting the Processor Speed
...........................
Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options
Setting the Rea-time Clock.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration
Hard Disk Drive Types
...........................
......................
........................
..........................
...............
..........................
...............
2-6
2-9
2-11
2-12
2-14
2-16
2-19
2-23
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s).
Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces.
Reviewing Your Settings
Leaving the Setup Menu
Chapter
3
Using Your Computer
..............................
..............................
.....................
....................
Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System
Copying the Reference Diskette Files.
Special Keys
on the Keyboard
..........................
Stopping a Command or Program.
Resetting the Computer
Using a Power-on Password
..............................
............................
Changing a Power-on Password
Deleting a Power-on Password
Using Disks and Disk Drives
...........................
...................
......................
....................
.....................
.........
2-25
2-26
2-28
2-30
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-5
3-5
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
How Disks Store Data
Types of Diskette Drives
............................
..........................
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives..
Write-protecting Diskettes
........................
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
Formatting Diskettes
Making Backup Copies
Using a Hard Disk Drive.
vi
.............................
...........................
.........................
............
...............
..................
3-10
3-12
3-14
3-16
3-18
3-19
3-21
3-21
3-22
Chapter 4
Enhancing System Operations
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other
Changing the Processor Speed
Entering Keyboard Commands.
Using the ESPEED Program
Reassigning the Diskette Drives
Using the AFDD Program
Using Your Computer as a Network Server
Using a Password in Network Server Mode
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB.
Using Special VGA Features
Chapter
Removing the Cover
Removing the Subassembly
Replacing the Subassembly
Replacing the Cover
Accessing Internal Components
5
.................................
.................................
...........................
............................
............................
Batch
.........................
....................
.......................
........................
........................
Files.
...............
................
..........
...........
4-1
4-2
4-4
4-5
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12
5-2
5-5
5-8
5-16
Chapter
Changing the Jumper Settings
Moving a Jumper
Installing an Option Card
Removing an Option Card
Adding Memory Modules
Installing Memory Modules
Removing Memory Modules.
Installing a Math Coprocessor
Removing a Math Coprocessor.
Post-installation Setup
Installing and Removing Options
6
.........................
................................
.............................
............................
.............................
..........................
........................
...............................
.......................
......................
6-2
6-4
6-5
6-9
6-10
6-11
6-15
6-19
6-22
6-23
vii
Chapter
7
Installing and Removing Disk Drives
Using the Correct Drive Bay
How
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position.
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position
Installing or Removing a Disk Drive in the
to Use This Chapter
Setting the Jumpers for Two
Changing the Jumper Settings
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate
Installing the Drive
Attaching the Cable to the Bottom of the Subassembly.
Horizontal Position
Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position.
Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position . .
................................
...........................
.............................
....................
Hard Disk Drives
.....................
..............................
........
............
........
.........
......
.....
7-2
7-3
7-4
7-4
7-5
7-7
7-8
7-10
7-12
7-19
7-21
7-23
7-24
7-33
Appendix A Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
Error Messages
The Computer Won’t Start
The Computer Does Not Respond
Password Problems
Removing a Password
Setting a New Password
Keyboard Problems
Monitor Problems
Diskette Problems
Diskette Drive Problems
Hard Disk Problems
Power Supply
Mass Storage
Keyboard
Environmental Requirements
Physical Characteristics
Glossary
Index
.........................................
...........................................
.......................................
.......................................
..........................................
...................................
..........................
...............................
D-1
D-2
D-2
D-3
D-3
D4
D-4
D-5
x
Introduction
The Epson® Equity®’ 386SX/20 PLUS is a high-performance
personal computer which offers exceptional speed and
convenience in a compact design. It includes 2MB of internal
memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter,
built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM®PS/2™
compatible mouse port.
The built-in interfaces allow you to connect most of your
peripheral devices directly to the computer, so you do not have
to install option cards. If you need to install additional devices,
such as a modem or networking card, you can use the four
standard option slots (three 16-bit and one 8-bit) inside the
computer.
Your system can support up to three internal drives: either two
diskette drives and one hard disk drive, or one diskette drive and
two hard disk drives.
The Equity 3865X/20 PLUS offers several other features to
enhance its speed and versatility:
Memory caching. Portions of your system memory are
copied to a high-speed cache buffer so your computer can
access programs and data very quickly.
Shadow RAM. Your system ROM (read-only memory) and
video ROM are copied into the computer’s RAM (random
access memory) to further accelerate system performance.
Super VGA mode. The built-in VGA adapter and VGA
drivers (included) provide graphics resolutions up to
800 x 600 in 16 colors or 640 x 480 in 256 colors on
compatible VGA monitors.
0
Continuous Edge Graphics™
by Edsun™). The built-in CEG chip refines the jagged lines
of images on a CRT screen by giving a standard 640 x 480
VGA screen the effective resolution of 2048 x 2048 and
boosting the palette from 256 to 750,000 colors. When used
with the appropriate application software and device drivers,
this technology gives you a clearer, more accurate
representation of graphics and text.
Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and adding optional devices compatible with the IBM
Personal Computer, PC XT,™ or PC AT™
By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can
(CEG™)
technology (provided
expand the computer’s memory up to 14MB. Memory modules
are efficient because your computer can access memory. on
modules faster than memory on an option card. Also, they
eliminate the need to use an option slot to add memory to your
system. If necessary, you can add additional memory to your
system by using an option card to bring your total memory to
16MB.
You may also want to install the Intel®80387SX (20MHz) math
coprocessor to speed up calculations in certain application
programs.
Check with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options
are available.
2 Introduction
Operating Systems and Other Software
You may have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your
computer. Epson has enhanced MS-DOS by adding two timesaving utilities-HELP and MENU-that make it easier to use.
The HELP program lets you display information about any
MS-DOS command on the screen. MENU provides an easy way
to run many of the MS-DOS commands.
Note
MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with
your computer. You can run practically any operating system
compatible with MS-DOS, OS/2, Unix® or XENIX®. See the
documentation that came with your operating system to
install and run it on your computer.
You can use virtually any application program designed for the
IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your
Equity 386SX/20 PLUS. You may also use powerful software,
such as Microsoft® Windows/386.
VGA Utilities
Epson has provided special VGA utilities and device drivers
that you can use with certain standard VGA and multifrequency monitors. With these drivers, you can use super
VGA features such as 16-color graphics mode resolutions up to
800 x 600, 256-color resolutions up to 640 x 480, and
132-column text mode. See your VGA Utilities booklet for
complete information.
Epson also provides special device drivers that let you take
advantage of the Edsun CEG technology. These drivers instruct
specific applications to recognize the extra colors and higher
resolutions made available by CEG. See your CEG Utilities
booklet for instructions.
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and operate your
computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks. The
illustrations show a computer with a 51/4-inch diskette drive, but
instructions for using a 3½-inch drive are also included.
Note
Although this manual provides tips for using MS-DOS, it
does not explain how to use an operating system. See your
operating system manuals for comprehensive instructions on
installing and using the operating system.
You do not need to read everything in this book; see the
following chapter summaries.
Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting
up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations
showing the different parts of your computer; refer to these as
you set up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define
your computer’s configuration. Do this before you use your
computer. You may need to do it again later if you change the
configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for important operating
procedures, such as using and caring for disks and disk drives.
Chapter 4 describes specialized features you can use to enhance
your system’s performance.
Chapter 5 contains instructions for removing the cover and
subassembly and then replacing the subassembly and cover.
Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and contains instructions for setting jumpers and
installing options.
Chapter 7 explains how to install and remove a hard disk or
diskette drive.
Appendix
Appendix B describes how to perform a hardware-level format
on a hard disk. You need to do this only if you have installed a
new hard disk that has never received this low-level format, or if
you are having serious problems with the disk
Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic checks. If you are
having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to
run some of these.
Appendix D gives the computer’s technical specifications.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
A contains troubleshooting tips.
Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided
by a network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care
Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides
product information and support to its dealers and Customer
Care Centers.
Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you
purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If the people
there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain
it through our toll-free dealer support program. Epson is
confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance
you need.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at
(213) 782-2600 for the the location of your nearest Epson dealer
or the nearest Customer Care Center. To locate or purchase
accessories or supplies, contact your nearest Epson dealer.
Introduction 5
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Setting up your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS personal computer is
easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up
your computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover
foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the
different parts.
Note
The illustrations in this manual show the computer with a
1
51/4-inch
drive instead, and you need additional instructions, see
Chapter 3.
Choosing a Location
diskette drive. If your system has a 3
i/z-inch
diskette
Setting Up Your System
1-1
Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe,
convenient location that provides the following:
0
A large, sturdy surface. The desk or table should be strong
enough to support the weight of your system and all of its
components. Select a location that allows plenty of space so
you can work comfortably.
P
A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted
floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your
disks and damage the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also
prevent proper ventilation.
P
Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under
the system and behind it. Leave several inches of space
around the computer.
P
Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer
from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke.
Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat. High
humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area.
P
Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,
connect all your equipment to 120-volt grounded outlets.
You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor,
and additional outlets for a printer and any other
peripherals.
0
No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away
from any electrical device, such as a telephone, which
generates an electromagnetic field.
1-2Setting Up Your System
2
Removing the Protector Card
If you have a 5
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, then pull it out, as shown below.
l/+inch
diskette drive, there is a protector card in
(If you have a second
the protector card from that drive as well.)
Save the protector card. If you transport your computer, you may
want to insert the card into your diskette drive prior to shipping.
This will protect the read/write heads during transportation.
Y/4-inch
diskette drive, be sure to remove
Setting Up Your System
1-3
Connecting a Monitor
3
The procedure you use to 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” below. If you have any
other type of monitor, see "Using a Display Adapter Card”
below.
Using the VGA Interface
Follow these steps to connect your VGA monitor to the VGA
port on the computer:
1.
Make sure your monitor is turned off.
2.
Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. For easy
access, turn the monitor and computer around so the backs
of both components are facing you.
3.If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.
(Your monitor may have a permanently attached cable.)
1-4Setting Up Your System
4.
Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and
position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor
interface (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the
plug into the port (the connector should fit in easily when
properly oriented), as shown below.
retaining screws
Caution
To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend
the
pins
5.
If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by hand
when inserting the plug.
or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
Setting Up Your System
1-5
6.
If necessary, plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s
power inlet, as shown below.
.
Q
II J,
II
I
-
1-6
7.
Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical
outlet.
Setting Up Your System
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 6 to install it. But first, check the
following table to make sure your display adapter card and
monitor are properly matched.
When you are installing the video card, check to make sure any
switches or jumpers on the card are set properly. For example,
you may need to change a switch setting to select color or
monochrome. See the documentation that came with your
monitor or video card for instructions.
Setting Up Your System
1-7
Note
If you install an EGA or VGA display adapter card or if you
install another type of card that you want to be the primary
display adapter, you must set jumper J2 on the main system
board to disable the built-in VGA interface.
If you install one or more cards, you also may need to set
jumper J1 to tell the computer the type of monitor you are
using: monochrome or color. If you have two types of cards,
set the jumper to indicate which one is your primary monitor
type. See Chapter 6 for instructions on changing jumper
settings.
Once you have installed your video card, return to this section
to connect your monitor to the computer. If your monitor came
with its own manual, follow the instructions there. Otherwise,
you can follow the steps in ‘Using the VGA Interface” above;
just insert your monitor connector into the video card port
instead of the built-in VGA port.
Connecting a Printer or Other Device
4
Your computer has both parallel and serial interfaces. To
connect a printer or other peripheral device to one of these
interfaces, follow the instructions below. Of course, Epson offers
a full range of printers; ask your dealer for more information.
Using the Parallel Interface
The parallel interface on your computer is Centronics®
compatible and uses a DB-25S connector.
To connect your printer and computer, you need an IBM
compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you
need, check with your Epson dealer.
1-8Setting Up Your System
Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps:
1.
Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels
of both components facing you.
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). Then
insert 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.
!
i
retaining screws
Setting Up Your System
1-9
3.
Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown
below. TOsecure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of
the printer port and push them into place.
clips
4.
Plug the printer’s power cord into a 120-volt, grounded
electrical outlet.
1-10
Setting Up Your System
Using the Serial Interface
If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral 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. To connect a serial device, follow the same
steps as above for connecting a parallel device but insert the
connector into the serial port, marked with a special icon, as
shown below.
/
serial port
Note
You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it functions
properly. If you are using the port for a serial printer, you need
to redirect printer output to the serial port instead of the
parallel port. To do this, you can use the MS-DOS MODE
or SETMODE command or the MENU utility. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.
Setting Up Your System
1-11
Connecting the Keyboard
5
Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:
1.
Hold the keyboard cable connector so the arrow indicator
on the housing faces up. Insert the plug into the appropriate
socket, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown below.
I
’ ”
” w?r-T
,,
’
1-12
keyboard connector
arrow indicator
Caution
Although the keyboard and mouse connectors are
physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Be sure to insert the keyboard plug into the keyboard
socket.
Setting Up Your System
You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the
2.
bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over
and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown
below.
6
Connecting the Mouse
Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible
mouse that uses a miniature DIN (6-pin) connector. If you have
purchased a mouse with this type of connector (or adapter), you
can connect it to the built-in port on your computer.
If you purchased a mouse with a serial connector, you can
connect it to the built-in serial port on your computer.
If you have another kind of mouse that requires a different
interface port, you need to install an option card to provide the
interface.
To connect a mouse to the built-in mouse port, hold the mouse
plug so it is oriented properly with the computer socket. Insert
the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a mouse icon,
as shown in the following illustration.
Setting Up Your System
1-13
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