Epson Equity I User Manual
®
EPSON
Equity™ I
User’s Guide
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either express or
implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable
for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special or consequential damages. Some states do not
allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion
may not apply to you.
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 Corporation 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 Corporation assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for dam-
ages 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 Epson Corporation.
Equity is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
IBM and IBM-PC are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corp.
MS-DOS and GW-BASIC are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
CP/M and CP/M-86 are registered trademarks of Digital Research Inc.
Copyright © 1985 by Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
Q50185001-0
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installa-
tion. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television recep-
tion, 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 the receiving antenna
l
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver
l
Move the computer away from the receiver
l
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on
different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet
prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“How To Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington
DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Note: If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or its
peripheral devices. To further isolate the problem:
Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a
time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or
its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson
peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your
dealer. For non-Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or
dealer for assistance.
WARNING
This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the
Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with non-certified
peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
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.
. . .
111
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to use this manual
Setting Up Your System
Unpacking
Choosing a Location
Arranging the Components
The Rear Panel
The Front Panel
Removing the disk drive protector sheets
Connecting the Components
Connecting the Video Monitor
Connecting the Keyboard
Special keys
Connecting your Printer
Parallel interface
Serial interface
Using Epson printers with the Equity
special character set
Dip Switches Settings
Dip switch functions
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1
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3
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4
5
6
7
9
11
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12
14
15
15
17
17
18
18
Using your Equity
Powering Up
The initial screen display
Inserting and Removing Disks
Resetting the Computer
Using Disks
How Disks Work
Choosing Floppy Disks for the Equity
Taking Care of your Disk and Disk Drives
Protecting your Data
Write-protecting floppy disks
Making backup copies
Using a Single Floppy Disk Drive
Using a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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29
V
Using Option Cards
5
Installing an Option Card
Removing the cover
Inserting the option card
Removing an access slot cover
Replacing the cover
Removing option cards
Installing Memory Expansion Cards
Using a mouse
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Appendixes
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31
33
35
35
36
36
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A
Troubleshooting
The Computer Fails to Start Up
The Video Display Does Not Appear
The Computer Hangs Up or Freezes
Floppy Disk Problems
Software Problems
Printer Problems
Option Card Problems
Hard Disk Problems
Specifications
B
CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces
Power Supply
Mass Storage
Keyboard
Environmental Requirements
Physical Characteristics (CPU only)
Power Requirements
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A-1
A-1
A-1
A-2
A-2
A-3
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A-4
A-4
B-1
B-1
B-1
B-1
B-2
B-2
B-2
B-2
B-2
B-2
C Glossary
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vi
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C-1
Index-1
Figures
1-1
System arrangement
1-2
Rear panel
1-3
Front panel
Connecting the monitor cable
2-l
Keyboard cable connection
2-2
Adjusting the keyboard legs
2-3
Special keys
2-4
Printer placement
2-5
Printer connection
2-6
Location of DIP switches
2-7
DIP switch functions
2-8
Inserting disks
3-l
4-l
Write-protect notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-l
Back panel screws
5-2
Side screws under plastic inserts
5-3
Removing cover
5-4 Option card installation
5-5
Removing access slot cover
5-6 Memory expansion connector
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vii
Introduction
Your Epson® Equity’” personal computer is a versatile, expandable,
and economical system which offers you a wide variety of choices. Its
flexibility lets you create your own system; first you choose from three
models of the Equity main unit, then you select the accessories you want
to use with it to assemble the configuration that does the most for you.
The Equity main unit (CPU) is available in three configurations:
One floppy disk drive
l
Two floppy disk drives
l
One floppy disk drive and one internal hard disk drive.
l
You also choose which monitor you want to use.
Optional cards and external devices further expand the capabilities
of your Equity. Its built-in serial and parallel interfaces let you connect
virtually any peripheral device you choose. Here are a few of the devices
that you can use with your system:
l Memory expansion card
Mouse and mouse interface card
l
l Monochrome video card
l Monochrome monitor
l Color/graphics video card
RGB color monitor.
l
And you can connect your Equity to any one of
16 Epson printers.
Check with your Epson dealer from time to time to find out which
external devices and option cards are available. You can use most of the
cards designed for the IBM@ personal computer on your Equity.
How to Use this Manual
This user’s guide provides the basic information you need to set up
and care for your Equity. It also describes how to connect optional equipment and start using your operating system. Although this book con-
tains a lot of information, it won’t take you long to set up your system
and get started.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 1 to unpack and set up your sys-
tem. Then connect the various components as Chapter 2 describes.
Chapter 3 tells you how to turn on your Equity and describes some
of the general operational procedures. Chapter 4 contains information
on disks which you should read to gain a general understanding of how
they work, and Chapter 5 explains how to install and remove option
cards.
The appendixes provide additional information on troubleshooting,
hardware specifications, and a glossary of some of the computer terms
this book uses. Refer to the glossary whenever you come across an unfamiliar word. You may even want to glance through it before you start
reading.
You do not need to read everything in this book; some sections
describe a particular option or accessory you may not have.
The Equity comes with the MS-DOS operating system and
GW’“-BASIC.
Although this manual explains how to load your software disks, refer to
the manuals that come with your software applications to learn how to
use them.
If you have used MS-DOS before on another computer, you will find
that it works the same on your Equity. You may want to refer to your
Equity MS-DOS manual, however, for the special menu utilities added
by Epson.
You may have purchased other software as well.
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
It won’t take you long to get your Epson Equity personal computer
up and running. This chapter shows you how to set up the computer and
peripherals and make any necessary adjustments.
Unpacking
When you unpack your Equity, you should find the following items:
The main unit and power cord
The keyboard with cable
An MS-DOS operating system disk with an MS-DOS manual
A GW-BASIC programming language disk with a GW-BASIC
manual
This Equity I User’s Guide.
In addition to these items, you may have purchased one of the following
video monitors:
l
Epson monochrome monitor MBM-2095-E and monochrome video
card
l
Epson RGB color monitor MCM-4035N-E and color/graphics video
card
l
Any other compatible video monitor and appropriate video card.
After you remove the components from their cartons, be sure to
inspect each unit. If anything is missing, looks damaged, or seems
wrong, consult your Epson dealer.
You’ll find two registration cards: one with the main unit and one
with the keyboard. Fill these cards out now and mail them to Epson.
With your registration cards on file, Epson can continue to support your
hardware and software.
Don’t throw away your packing materials. They are designed to provide the best protection possible, and you may need them later, whenever you move or ship your system.
3
Choosing a Location
An important part of setting up your Equity is deciding where to
locate it. Whether you use your computer at home or in the office, you
want to choose a comfortable, convenient location.
Before you set up your system, be sure the location you’ve selected
provides the following:
A large, sturdy desk or table. Make sure the surface you select for
your system is sturdy enough to easily support the weight of all its
components.
A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors
attract static electricity, which can actually erase data from your
disks and cause problems in the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces
also interfere with proper ventilation.
Good air circulation. Air must be able to circulate freely under the
system as well as behind it. Leave several inches behind the computer
clear to allow ventilation.
Moderate environmental conditions. It’s important to protect your
computer from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke.
Avoid direct sunlight or any other type of heat source. Don’t use
your Equity in damp areas-excessive humidity can hinder operation. Dust and smoke are especially damaging to the the magnetic
surfaces of your disks and to the heads in your disk drives (which can
damage the data on your disks).
Appropriate power source. To prevent static charges, connect all
your equipment to 3-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need
one outlet for the computer main unit, one for the video monitor,
and additional outlets for your printer and other peripheral devices.
Freedom from electromagnetic interference. Keep your computer
away from any electrical device that can generate an electromagnetic
field. Surprisingly, even your telephone can cause trouble, especially
if you keep your diskettes right next to it.
Once you’ve found the ideal location for your Equity, you’re ready
to set up your system.
Arranging the Components
First decide how you want to arrange the different parts of your sys-
tem. The most common setup, shown in Figure l-l, is to lay the main
unit flat and set the video monitor on top of it with the keyboard directly
in front (leaving enough space to insert disks into the disk drives).
Figure 1-1. System arrangement
Of course, if you have special computer furniture or want to customize your setup, you can arrange your Equity components to suit your
own particular needs.
5
The Rear Panel
Before you connect your system components, take a quick look at
the rear panel to familiarize yourself with the locations of the various
Equity input/output ports. Figure 1-2 shows where you connect the various peripheral devices.
WARNING: Do not connect the power cord until you have connected
all peripheral devices. Once you connect the power cord,
always check to see that the power switch is OFF whenever
you connect or disconnect any peripheral devices.
AC
\
Power cord
Pareiiel port
\
RS-23k
serial port
Figure 1-2. Rear panel
Option card
access slots
Here are brief descriptions of each of the ports:
AC outlet. Auxiliary power outlet. Power consumption should not
exceed 65 watts.
Power cord. Supplies electrical power to the computer. Always turn
the power switch OFF before you plug the power cord into an outlet.
RS-232C serial port. Allows you to connect an external device with a
serial interface, such as a modem, another computer or a printer
with a serial interface.
Parallel printer port. Allows you to connect an external device that
uses a parallel interface, such as a printer or plotter.
Option card access slots. The Equity has space for three option cards
(which control your peripherals). One of these slots is always occupied by either your monochrome or color/graphics video card. You
can use the other two to add special devices such as a mouse card or
hard disk controller. You do not need to use any of the option slots to
add extra memory.
The Front Panel
Now take a look at the front panel. The components on the front
panel are shown in Figure 1-3 with the covers open to reveal the switches
and the keyboard cable socket. To open each cover, press down gently
on the small handle.
Disk lock/release button
Disk drive
LED lamps
Power LED lamp
Optional
disk drive RESET
slot
/
/
button
\ \
DIP switches
Keyboard
cable socket
Figure 1-3. Front panel
The front panel components work as follows:
Disk lock/release button. Press to lock a diskette in place. Press
again to eject it.
Disk drive LED lamps. A red light indicates that the drive is being
accessed.
Slot for optional disk drives, You can insert a second floppy disk
drive or a hard disk drive in this optional slot. All Equity units come
with at least one floppy disk drive. The main unit above is shown
with a second floppy disk drive.
Power LED lamp. A red light indicates the power is ON.
Power switch. Turns the main unit ON and OFF.
Keyboard cable socket. The keyboard plugs into the main unit here.
RESET button. Resets the main unit. When an operating system disk
is in the top drive, you can press the reset button to start it.
DIP switches. These tell the computer its memory size, monitor
type, number of floppy disk drives, and interface types. You set them
to match your system requirements.
Removing the disk drive protector sheets
A cardboard sheet occupies the disk slot in the floppy-disk drive.
This sheet is inserted at the factory to protect the recording heads.
Remove the sheet before you connect any cable. Press the button
labelled PUSH on the left side of the drive. The button pops out when
you press it, along with the edge of the protector sheet. Carefully pull out
this sheet.
Save the protector sheet and reinsert it whenever you move the computer, even if you are just moving it to another part of the room. If you
are not going to use your computer for a week or more, such as when
you go on vacation, reinsert the protector sheet to help keep dust from
entering the disk drive.
Chapter 2
Connecting the Components
Once you set up the various components of your system, you need
to connect the necessary cables. If you follow the instructions and refer
to the figures in this section, you should have no trouble.
Connecting the Video Monitor
The video monitor should be on top of or near the Equity main unit.
It is easier to connect the cable if the back of the monitor and the main
unit are facing you. This may not be possible, however, if your system is
set up on computer furniture.
The exact procedure for connecting your monitor depends on the
model you have. Refer to your monitor manual for detailed instructions.
Here are some basic guidelines for connecting your video monitor to the
Equity main unit:
1. If necessary, connect the video monitor cable to your monitor. Some
cables are permanently attached to the monitor at one end.
2. Connect the appropriate end of the video monitor cable to your
monochrome or color/graphics card connector at the back of the
main unit. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them with a screw
driver.
The monitor type must match the video card in the main unit. If you
have a color card, there are two types of connectors provided-a
nine-pin female D-connector for RGB monitors and an RCA connector for composite video monitors.
3. Plug the monitor power cable into an electrical outlet.
Note: Many monochrome monitors can be plugged into the auxil-
iary outlet at the back of the main unit provided the plug fits
into the outlet and the monitor’s power consumption does not
exceed 65 watts.
11
Figure
2-l
gives you an idea of how to connect the monitor,
Figure 2-1. Connecting the monitor cable
4. When you check the DIP switch settings later in this chapter, be sure
they are set correctly for the type of monitor you have.
5. If you have trouble getting a display, check that the brightness and
contrast controls on the monitor are set correctly. Monitors usually
have their own power switch. Make sure it is ON.
Connecting the Keyboard
Once your Equity main unit and video monitor are connected, you
can connect the keyboard. The keyboard cable is coiled like a telephone
cord with the connector on one end.
12
With the front of the main unit facing you, open the cover at the lower
right front corner. Insert the keyboard connector as shown in Figure 2-2.
Do not force the connector, but make sure you insert it all the way See
that the cable exits to the right of the main unit. Gently push the cable
into the retaining clip, and close the cover.
Figure 2-2. Keyboard cable connection
You can use the keyboard at different angles such as laying it flat on a
desk or placing it on your lap. You can also tilt the keyboard by adjusting
the legs on the bottom. Adjust the keyboard legs by turning the keyboard over, reaching under the lip and lifting each of the legs upward
until they lock into place. See Figure
2-3.
13
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