Epson EQUITY 386SX-16 PLUS User Manual

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. 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:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

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 the manufacturer 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 limites applicables aux appareils

reglement

sur le brouillage

numerlque

n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques

radioelectrique &licte

numitriques

de Classe B prescrites dans le

depassant

par le

MinistGre

des

les

Communications du Canada

EPSON

EQUITY® 386SX/16 PLUS

User’s Guide

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.

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.

Y705991013

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

1. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

2. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use

3. a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.

Do not use this product near water.

4. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are

provided for ventilation; these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.

This product should be operated from the type of power

7. source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power

8. outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

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.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through the

cabinet slots. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not

attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

iii

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

When the power cord or plug is damaged.

If liquid has entered the product.

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.

If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Introduction

Optional Equipment Operating Systems and Other Software VGA Utilities

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How to Use This Manual. Where to Get Help.

Chapter 1

1 Choosing a Location 2 Removing the Protector Card

3 Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface. Using a Display Adapter Card.

4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface.

Using the Serial Interface 5 Connecting the Keyboard 6 Connecting the Mouse 7 Connecting the Power Cord 8 Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

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Setting Up Your System

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2 3 3 4

1-1

1-3 1-4 1-4 1-7 1-8 1-8 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-15 1-16 1-18

Chapter 2

Starting the SETUP Program

Selecting Options Setting the Date and Time. Setting the Diskette Drive(s) Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s).

Hard Disk Drive Types

Running the SETUP Program

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2-2 2-3 2-3

2-4

2-5

Vii

Setting the Primary Display Type Setting the Keyboard Test Function Setting the Shadow RAM.

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Setting the CPU Clock Speed EMS Size

Setting the Password

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Changing or Deleting a Password.

Setting the Built-in Interfaces

Setting the Parallel Interface. Setting the Serial Interface

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Setting the Disk Drive Controllers

Saving Your Settings

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2-8 2-9 2-10 2-11

2-12 2-13 2-14 2-15 2-15 2-16 2-16

2-17

Chapter 3

Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System

Special Keys on the Keyboard Stopping a Command or Program Resetting the Computer Using a Password. Using Disks and Disk Drives

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

Using Your Computer

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3-1

3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-6 3-8 3-10 3-12 3-14 3-15 3-17 3-17

3-18

Viii

Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files Changing the Processor Speed

Entering Keyboard Commands. Using the ESPEED Program.

Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB.

Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File.

Using the VGA Utilities.

Chapter 5

Removing the Cover Changing the Jumper Settings

Setting the Jumpers. Replacing the Battery Installing an Option Card Removing an Option Card Removing the Subassembly. Adding Memory Modules

Installing Memory Modules

Removing Memory Modules. Installing a Math Coprocessor Removing a Math Coprocessor Replacing the Subassembly Replacing the Cover Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards Post-installation Setup.

Installing and Removing Options

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4-1

4-2 4-4 4-5 4-7 4-8 4-11

5-2

5-5 5-6 5-8 5-12 5-16 5-17 5-21 5-22 5-25 5-28 5-31 5-32 5-40 5-41 5-42

Appendix A

Specifications

CPU and Memory Controllers. Interfaces

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Power Supply Mass Storage

Keyboard

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Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics. System Memory Map.

Appendix B

Using the Correct Drive Bay How to Use This Appendix Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers

Setting the Jumpers for Two Hard Disk Drives. Changing the Jumper Settings

Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position

Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive. Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate Installing the Drive. Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Cables.

Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position.

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Installing and Removing Disk Drives

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Installing or Removing a Disk Drive in the

Horizontal Position. Removing the Subassembly Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position Replacing the Drive on the Subassembly

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Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position. Replacing the Subassembly.

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A-1 A-2 A-2 A-3 A-3 A-4

A-4 A-4 A-5

B-2

B-3 B-4 B-4 B-5 B-7 B-8 B-10 B-12 B-18 B-24

B-27 B-28 B-33 B-41 B-43 B-46

Appendix C

Performing System Diagnostics

Starting the Diagnostics Program

The Main Menu Screen

Setting the Run Time Parameters

Error Logging.

Selecting Diagnostic Tests

Selecting Multiple Tests

Running the Tests

Memory Diagnostics

Hard Disk Diagnostics

Hard Disk Parameters Hard Disk Format Media Analysis Performance Test.

Seek Test Read/Verify Test

Check Test Cylinder

Force Bad Tracks

Hard Disk Error Messages

Floppy Disk Diagnostics

Performing the Tests Floppy Disk Error Messages.

Miscellaneous Diagnostics.

Printer Adapter Test Communication Adapter Test.

Exiting System Diagnostics

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C-2 C-2

C-4 C-6 C-8 C-8 C-10

C-12 C-12 C-13 C-16 C-17 C-18

C-18 C-18 C-19 C-19 C-19 C-20

C-21 C-22 C-23 C-23 C-24 C-25

Appendix D

Troubleshooting

Identifying Your System Error Messages

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The Computer Won’t Start The Computer Does Not Respond Password Problems

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Accessing Your Current Password. Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems Diskette Problems Diskette Drive Problems Hard Disk Problems.

Installing the Drive

Preparing the Drive.

Accessing Data on the Drive.

Software Problems Printer Problems Option Card Problems. Mouse Problems Memory Module Problems Battery Problems Math Coprocessor Problems

Glossary

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D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4 D-5 D-6 D-7

D-8 D-9 D-11 D-12 D-13 D-14 D-14 D-15 D-16 D-17 D-18 D-19 D-19 D-20

Index

Xii

Introduction

The Epson® Equity® 386SX/16 PLUS is a high-performance personal computer which offers exceptional speed and

convenience in a compact design. Your 16 MHz, 80386SX system 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. These interfaces allow you to

connect most of your peripheral devices directly to the

computer, so you do not have to install option cards. 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.

Your computer 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.

Additionally, your system offers shadow RAM to speed up processing by moving the ROM BIOS and the video ROM into the RAM area of memory. This allows the computer to

access and display information faster.

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional memory and adding just about any optional device that is compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, PC XT,™ or PC AT.™

By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can expand the computer’s memory up to 24MB. The first

16MB can be used as either extended or expanded memory;

any memory above 16MB can be used only as expanded.

Introduction 1

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. However, you can run any operating system compatible with MS-DOS, OS/2, UNIX® or XENIX®. If you use another operating system, refer to the documentation that came with it 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/16 PLUS.

VGA Utilities

Epson has included special VGA device drivers and utilities that you can use with your built-in VGA adapter. With these

utilities, you can take advantage of extended VGA features such as 16-color graphics mode resolutions up to 800 x 600 and 132-column text mode. The VGA device drivers and utilities are described in the VGA Utilities booklet that came with your system.

2 Introduction

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 diskette drive, instructions for using a included.

3%inch

Note This manual covers basic operating instructions for using your computer but does not explain how

to use MS-DOS See your MS-DOS manual on installing and using the

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 identifying 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.

5Mnch

drive are

e instructions

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 describes some of the options you can use in your computer and contains instructions for removing the cover, setting jumpers, replacing the battery, and installing options.

Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the

computer.

Appendix B describes how to install and remove disk drives.

Introduction 3

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic tests you can run to diagnose hardware problems.

Appendix D contains troubleshooting tips. 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.

Epson also provides the following support services through the Epson Consumer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or Service Center

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,

and operation of Epson products

CI 0

Introduction

Epson technical information library fax service

Product literature with technical specifications on our

current and new products

Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and

accessories for your Epson product

Customer Relations.

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.

Note

The illustrations in this manual show the computer with a

5¼-inch diskette drive. If your system has a diskette drive instead, and you need instructions for using

it, see Chapter 3.

3½-inch

Choosing a Location

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:

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. Good air circulation. Leave several inches of space around

the computer so air can move freely.

Moderate environmental conditions. Select a cool, dry

area and protect your computer from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat.

Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to three-hole, 120-volt

grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer,

one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripheral devices.

No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your system too close to any electrical device, such as a telephone, which generates an electromagnetic field.

1-2

Setting Up Your System

Removing the Protector Card

If you have a 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.

(If you have a second 5 X-inch diskette drive, be sure to

remove the protector card from it.)

5%inch

diskette drive, there is a protector card

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 the

shipping process.

Setting Up Your System

1-3

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” below. If you have any other type

of monitor, see “Using a Display Adapter Card” on page 1-7.

Using the VGA Interface

Follow these steps to connect your VGA monitor to the VGA

port on the computer:

Make sure your monitor is turned off.

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.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.

(Your monitor may have a permanently attached cable.)

1-4

Setting Up Your System

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.

retaining screws

Caution

To avoid

damaging the connector, take care not to

bend the pins when inserting the plug.

If the connector has retaining screws, be sure to tighten them.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

Plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical

outlet.

1-6

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 5 to install an option card.

But first, check the following table to make sure your display

adapter card and monitor are properly matched.

Monitor/video card compatibility

Monitor

I- ~~~~

Monochrome

Color or EGA

* EGA cards support only EGA monitors.

Video card

Monochrome display adapter (MDA)

Multi-mode graphics adapter (MCA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) Hercules® graphics card

Color graphics adapter (CGA)

Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA)*

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.

Note

If you install a display adapter card, you must set jumper

J1 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA

interface so that your card can operate as the primary display adapter. You may also need to set jumper J3 to indicate whether a color or monochrome monitor is installed. See Chapter 5 for instructions on changing jumper settings.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

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

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.

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 cable you need, check with your Epson dealer.

Once you have the right printer cable, follow these steps:

Place the printer next to the computer with their backs

facing you.

1-8

Setting Up Your System

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.

retaining screws

Setting Up Your System

1-9

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,

Plug the printer’s power cord into a three-hole, 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 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. 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.

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. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

1-11

Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

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.

1-12

keyboard connector

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 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.

If your mouse has this type of connector, you can connect it to the built-in port on your computer. If you have a mouse that requires a different interface port, you can connect it to the built-in serial port or 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

caution

mouse connector

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. See your MS-DOS Reference

Manual and the manual that came with your mouse for

instructions.

Note

If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device connected to a port on an option card in your computer, you can disable the built-in mouse connector by changing the setting of jumper J4. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

1-14

Setting Up Your System

+ 231 hidden pages

Epson EQUITY 386SX-16 PLUS User Manual

Contents

Optional Equipment

Operating Systems and Other Software

VGA Utilities

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Choosing a Location

Removing the Protector Card

Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface

Using a Display Adapter Card

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Connecting the Keyboard

Connecting the Mouse