Epson EQUITY II+ User Manual
EQUITY™II+
User's Guide
®
EPSON
®
EPSON
Equity™ II+
User’s Guide
Y16299110300
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Seiko 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.
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 Seiko 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, Seiko Epson Corporation 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 trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp.
Hercules graphic card is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology.
IBM is a registered trademark and AT and XT are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and GW-BASIC are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 0 1988 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
User’s Guide
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
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or 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 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 the 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:
“Television Interference Handbook”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC
ru es,lwhich are designed to provide
20402. Stock No. 004-000-00450-7.
Note: If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or its periph-
eral 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 nonEpson 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.
User’s Guide
iii
iv
User’s Guide
Contents
Introduction
How to Use this Manual
Setting Up Your System
1
Unpacking .....................................
Removing the disk drive protector sheet
Choosing a Location
Arranging the Components
The front panel
The back panel
Connecting the Power Cord
Connecting a Video Monitor
Connecting the Keyboard
Connecting a Printer
Parallel interface
Serial interface
The Equity II+ character set
Turning On the Computer
Safety rules
Turning on the power switch
Initial setup procedure
Initial screen display
2
Using the Equity II+
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
Special Keys on the Equity II+ Keyboard
Selecting Execution Speed
Resetting the Computer
Turning Off the Computer
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Intro-1
Intro-2
1-1
1-1
1-2
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-9
1-11
1-11
1-12
1-13
1-13
1-13
1-14
1-14
1-15
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
3 Using Disks and Disk Drives
How Disks Work
Choosing Diskette Drives for the Equity II+
Drive and diskette incompatibilities
Caring for your Disks and Disk Drives
Protecting your Data
Making backup copies
Write-protecting diskettes
Using Two Diskette Drives
Using a Single Diskette Drive
Using a Hard Disk Drive
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User’s Guide
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3-1
3-1
3-2
3-2
3-3
3-5
3-5
3-5
3-7
3-7
3-7
Installing Option Cards
4
Removing the Cover
Installing an Option Card
Removing an Option Card
Replacing the Cover
Post-installation Setup
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4-1
4-1
4-3
4-7
4-7
4-8
Troubleshooting
5
The Computer Fails to Start Up
The Video Display Does Not Appear
The Computer Does Not Respond
Floppy Disk Problems
Hard Disk Problems
Software Problems
Printer Problems
Option Card Problems
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Appendixes
A
Jumper Settings
Changing a Jumper Setting
Memory Card Jumpers
Main Circuit Board Jumpers
Multi-function Card Jumpers
B
Equity II+ Specifications
CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces
Power Supply
Mass Storage
Keyboard
Environmental Requirements
Physical Characteristics (CPU Only)
Power Requirements
Options
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5-1
5-1
5-1
5-2
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-4
5-4
A-1
A-2
A-2
A-4
A-6
B-1
B-1
B-1
B-1
B-2
B-2
B-3
B-3
B-3
B-3
B-4
C Glossary..
Index
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vi
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C-1
Index-1
User’s Guide
Figures
System arrangement
1-1
Front panel
1-2
Backpanel
1-3
Connecting the power cord
1-4
Connecting the monitor
1-5
Plugging the keyboard cable into the main unit
1-6
Adjusting the keyboard legs
1-7
Connecting the printer cable to the parallel port
1-8
Connecting the printer
1-9
Turning on the power
1-10
Inserting a diskette
2-1
Standard keyboard
2-2
CPU speed switch
2-3
Write-protect notch
3-1
Write-protect switch
3-2
Back and side panel screws
4-1
Sliding back the cover
4-2
Removing the cover
4-3
Optionslots
4-4
16-bit and &bit option cards
4-5
Removing an option slot cover
4-6
Inserting an option card
4-7
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1-4
1-5
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-10
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1-12
1-14
2-1
2-2
2-4
3-6
3-6
4-2
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-4
4-5
4-4
Location of cards
A-1
A-2 Jumper positions
A-3 Removing memory card retaining screw
A-4 Memory card jumpers
A-5 Main circuit board jumpers
A-6
Disconnecting drive drive cable from multi-function card .
A-7 Removing multi-function card retaining screw
A-8 Multi-function card jumpers
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A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-8
vii
Tables
1-1
Monitor/video card compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-1
Specialkeys . . . . . .
3-1
S%inch
3-2
3%inch
A-1 Memory card jumper settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A-2 Main circuit board jumper settings
A-3 Multi-function card jumper settings for parallel port . . . A-6
A-4 Multi-function card jumper settings for serial port . . . . . A-7
drive/diskette compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
drive/diskette compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1-8
2-3
3-2
3-3
A-5
viii
User’s
Guide
Introduction
Your Epson® Equity™ II+ personal computer is a versatile, highperformance system that offers you a wide variety of choices. First you
choose between two models of the Equity II+ main unit, then select the
monitor and peripherals you want to use with it to assemble the configuration that does the most for you.
The Equity II+ main unit is available in these models:
l
One 1.2MB (megabyte) high-density floppy disk drive
l One 1.2MB floppy disk drive and one 40MB internal hard disk drive.
Both
models include 640KB (kilobytes of memory. You can install additional )
drives in your Equity II+ to increase its storage capacity: another floppy disk
drive (360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, or 1.44MB) or one hard disk.
The Equity II+ comes with both a serial interface and a parallel inter-
face. These interfaces let you connect an Epson printer or plotter, or almost
any peripheral device you choose.
You can further expand the capabilities of your Equity II+ by adding
optional cards to which you connect external devices. The Equity II+ has six
option slots in which you can install option cards. (One slot holds the parallel and serial interfaces.)
You
choose
A monitor requires a video card. Here are some monitors and video cards
you can use with the Equity II+:
Monochrome monitor (green or amber) and monochrome video card
RGB (red, green, blue) color monitor and either a CGA (color graphics
adapter) card or an EGA (enhanced graphics adapter) card
RGB enhanced color monitor and a CGA or EGA card
Composite monitor, either color or monochrome, and a CGA card
Monochrome monitor and an EGA card
EGA monitor and an EGA card.
User’s Guide
the type of monitor you want to use with your Equity II+.
Intro-1
You can add memory expansion option cards to increase the amount of
internal memory in your Equity II+, and you can add an 80287 math coprocessor (which is not an option card but installs on the main circuit board).
You can also use most cards for the IBM® Personal Computer,
PC XT™,
from time to time to find out which peripherals and. option cards are
available.
GW-BASIC® progr
another computer, you will find that it works the same on the Equity II+. Be
sure to refer to your Equity MS-DOS manual, however, for descriptions of
the special utility programs added by Epson.
products designed for the IBM PC, PC XT, and PC AT on your Equity II+.
Refer to your software program documentation for information on using the
software.
ing with the appropriate operating system. Consult your Epson dealer for
more information.
and PC AT™ on the Equity II+. Check with your Epson dealer
The Equity II+ comes with the MS-DOS@ operating system and the
amming language. If you have used MS-DOS before on
You may have purchased other software; you can use most software
Additionally, the Equity II+ supports multiple users and multiple task-
How to Use this Manual
This user’s guide explains how to set up and care for your Equity II+. It
also describes how to start using your system and install optional devices.
You may not need to read everything in this book; some sections may
describe a particular option or accessory you do not have.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 1 to set up and turn on your system.
Chapter 2 describes some general operational procedures. Chapter 3
explains how disks and disk drives work and shows how to use them. Chapter 4 describes how to install and remove option cards. If you encounter a
problem, refer to Chapter 5 for troubleshooting guidelines.
Appendix A describes how to change jumper settings inside the main
unit when you install certain optional devices, Appendix B presents the
Equity II+ hardware specifications, and Appendix C is a glossary of computer terms used in this manual. Refer to the glossary whenever you come
across an unfamiliar word.
Intro-2
User’s
Guide
The last section of this manual describes the diagnostics programs for
your Equity II+. You run these diagnostics programs the first time you set up
your system and any time you change the configuration of your Equity II+.
User’s Guide
Intro-3
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Setting up your Epson Equity II+ personal computer is easy. Just follow
the steps in this chapter- You’ll find a quick guide to these steps on the inside
back cover.
Unpacking
1
As you remove your system components from their cartons, be sure
to inspect each piece. If anything is missing or looks damaged, consult your
Epson dealer.
Once you have unpacked your Equity II+ computer components and
documentation, you should have this manual and the following items:
l The main unit and power cord.
l The keyboard with detachable cable.
l
A startup diskette that contains the MS-DOS operating system (version
3.3) and the commands used to identify your basic system configuration.
l
Two operating diskettes both of which provide the MS-DOS commands
used for daily operation. Operating diskette 1 contains the individual
commands; Operating diskette 2 contains menus you can use to access
many of the same commands. This diskette also provides the MS-DOS
Help utility and the GW-BASIC programming language.
l A reference diskette that contains a special group of programs called
diagnostics. You use these programs the first time you set up your system
and any time you make changes to it. This diskette also contains several
MS-DOS commands to provide system information or perform
advanced MS-DOS operations.
l An MS-DOS manual and a GW-BASIC manual.
In addition to these items, you probably bought a compatible video
monitor and video card.
You’ll also find a registration card with the main unit. Fill this card out
now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can
send you update information.
User’s Guide
1-1
Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best protection
possible for your computer if you need to move or ship it later.
Removing the disk drive protector sheet
A cardboard sheet occupies the diskette slot in the floppy disk drive.
This sheet is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads. Be sure
to remove it before you connect any cables. Turn up the latch that covers the
disk slot until it is horizontal. Carefully pull out the sheet. (If you have an
optional drive with a push button, press the disk drive button to release the
protector sheet.)
Save the protector sheet and reinsert it whenever you move the
computer, even if you just move it to another part of the room. If you don’t
plan to use your computer for a week or more, such as when you go on
vacation, reinsert the protector sheet to help prevent dust from entering the
disk drive.
Choosing a Location
2
Whether you use your computer at home or in the office, you need to find a
comfortable, convenient location where it can run properly.
before you set up your new system, choose an appropriate place.
Choose a location that provides the following:
A large, sturdy desk or table. Make sure it can easily support the weight
of your system, including all its components.
A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract
static electricity, which erases data on your disks and can damage the
computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also prevent proper ventilation.
Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under the system
as well as behind it. Leave several inches of space around the computer
to allow ventilation.
Moderate environmental conditions. You need to 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. because you can’t risk losing data
stored on disk, do not expose your computer to dust and smoke, which
can damage disks and disk drives.
1-2
User’s
Guide
l
Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges, connect all your
equipment to 3-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need one outlet for
the main unit, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer
and any other peripherals. The auxiliary power outlet on the rear panel
of the Equity II+ reduces the number of wall outlets you need.
l No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away from any
electrical device that generates an electromagnetic field. Even a telephone can cause trouble, especially if you keep diskettes right next to it.
Arranging the Components
3
system. Figure 1-1 shows a typical setup.
First decide how you want to arrange the different parts of your
User’s Guide
Figure 1-1. System
arrangement
1-3
If you have special computer furniture or want to customize your setup,
you can arrange your system components to suit your own needs.
Before you connect the cables, take a look at the front and back panels
of the main unit.
The front panel
Figure 1-2 identifies the various components on the front panel. To view
the keyboard socket and control switches, gently press in each cover on the
lower left side of the front panel. This releases the cover and you can gently
pull it down to view the switches.
Floppy disk drive Disk lock/
Floppy disk
drive slots
Figure 1-2. Front panel
l
POWER switch. Use this switch to turn the Equity II+ on or off.
l Floppy disk drive. The top drive is a floppy disk drive that uses high-
density (1.2MB) diskettes.
l
Disk lock/release latch. To lock a diskette in place, turn this latch down
until it is vertical. To release a diskette, turn it up until it is horizontal.
l Floppy disk drive light. A red light indicates that the drive is being
accessed. To avoid losing data, never remove a diskette or turn off the
computer’s power when this light is on.
1-4
User's Guide
Slots for optional disk drives. You can add another floppy disk drive
(1.44MB, 1.2MB, 720KB,
slots. All Equity II+ units come with at least one 1.2MB floppy disk
drive.
Hard disk drive light. A green light indicates that the drive is being
accessed. To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer’s power
when this light is on.
Power light. When the light is on, the power is on. The light is orange if
the CPU (central processing unit) speed is 8 MHz and green for 12 MHz.
or 360KB) and/or hard disk drive in these
RESET
ing system is running and the computer is unlocked, you can press the
RESET
CPU SPEED
slide it to the left to run at 8 MHz and slide it to the right to run at 12
MHz.
MONITOR SELECT
monochrome monitor or to the right if you are using a color monitor.
Keyboard cable socket. Plug in the keyboard cable here.
button. Press this button to reset the computer. When an operat-
button to reboot the system.
switch. Use this switch to select the CPU’s execution speed:
switch. Slide this switch to the left if you are using a
The back panel
Now look at the back panel to identify the input/output ports. Figure
1-3 shows where you connect your peripherals.
Voltage switch
6 5'
User’s Guide
Parallel
port
Figure 1-3. Back panel
Serial
port
Option card
access
slots
1-5
WARNING: Connect all your peripherals before you plug in the
power cable. After you plug in the power cable,
always turn off the power switch before you connect
or disconnect any peripheral.
Voltage switch. Leave this switch at 115V for USA and Canadian use.
Slide the switch to the right to select 230V for use in other countries (as
necessary).
AC OUTLET Auxiliary power outlet. You can plug some monitors
(and other types of peripherals) into the main unit here, instead of a wall
outlet. The main unit’s power switch controls the monitor or peripheral
connected to this outlet.
AC INLET Plug the power cord into the main unit here. Be sure the
power switch is off when you plug the power cord into an outlet.
Parallel port. Lets you connect a peripheral with a parallel interface, such as
a printer or a plotter.
Serial port. Allows you to connect a peripheral with a serial interface, such
as a modem, another computer, or a printer.
Option card access slots. The Equity II+ has six slots to hold up to six
option cards. Option cards allow your computer to control your peripherals
or enhance your computer’s performance. One option card slot holds the
parallel and serial interfaces as well as the floppy disk controller. If your
Equity II+ has a hard disk, a hard disk controller card occupies another
option slot. You also need to use one or more slots for the video card(s) you
purchased for your monitor. You can use the other slots to install additional
options, such as a memory expansion card.
Connecting the Power Cord
4
back panel, as shown in Figure 1-4. To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug
this end into the main unit before plugging the other end into the wall socket.
For now, do not plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
1-6
Insert the power cord into the AC power inlet on the left side of the
User’s Guide
Figure 1-4. Connecting the power cord
Connecting a Video Monitor
5
depends on the type of monitor you have. Refer to your monitor manual for
detailed instructions or follow the general guidelines below.
Note:
1.
2.
3.
The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the main unit
Your dealer may have installed a video card in your main unit to control
your monitor. If not, you need to install it before you can connect your
monitor. See Chapter 4 for instructions on how to remove the main
unit’s cover and install an option card.
Place your monitor on top of or near the Equity II+ main unit. It is
easiest to connect the monitor cable if the backs of the monitor and
main unit face you.
If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor. (Some monitors
come with permanently attached cables.)
Connect the appropriate end of the monitor cable to your monochrome
or color/graphics card connector at the back of the main unit, as shown
in Figure 1-5. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them with a screwdriver.
User’s Guide
1-7
Figure 1-5. Connecting the
The monitor type must match the video card in the main unit. If you
have a color card, you can use one of two connectors: a nine-pin, female
D-connector for RGB monitors or an RCA connector for composite
video monitors. Consult Table l-l to make sure your card and monitor
match.
monitor
Table 1-1. Monitor/video
Monitor
Monochrome
Color or enhanced
color
Composite-color
or monochrome
Note: Be sure to set the switches on the video card to match your monitor.
Video
card
Monochrome or
enhanced graphics
Color graphics or
enhanced graphics
Color graphics
1-8
card compatibility
output type
9-pin output
(TTL compatible)
9-pin RGB output
RCA-type jack
User’s Guide
Plug the monitor’s power cable first into the power inlet on the monitor
4.
and then into an electrical outlet.
Note: If a monochrome monitor has the proper type of plug, you can
plug it into the auxiliary outlet on the back of the Equity II+
main unit.
5.
Set the monitor switch on the front panel of the main unit for the type of
monitor you are using. (See Figure 1-2.) Slide the switch to the left for a
monochrome monitor or to the right for a color monitor.
Connecting the Keyboard
6
1.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the keyboard socket, as shown in Figure
Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:
Open the cover on the lower left corner on the front panel of the main
unit. Press in to release the cover; then gently pull down the cover.
1-6. Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the way
Figure 1-6. Plugging the keyboard cable into the
main
unit
User’s Guide
1-9
You can tilt the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. To adjust the legs, turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until
it locks into place, as shown in Figure 1-7. You can adjust the legs to two
different positions, or leave them flat.
1-10
Figure 1-7. Adjusting the keyboard legs
User’s Guide
Connecting a Printer
7
connect a printer or plotter that has either type of interface-just follow the
instructions below. Epson offers a full range of printer products. Consult
your dealer for more information.
The Equity II+ has both parallel and serial interfaces. You can easily
Parallel interface
The Equity II+ parallel interface is Centronics®-compatible and uses a
DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel interfaces.
To connect a printer to the main unit, you need an IBM-compatible
printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, consult your Epson
dealer. Once you have a printer cable, follow these steps to connect your
printer to the parallel interface on the main unit:
1.
Place the printer next to your system.
2.
Before you connect the printer, be sure the power switches on both the
main unit and the monitor are off.
3.
Connect the appropriate end of the printer cable to the parallel port on
the back panel of the main unit, as shown in Figure 1-8. If the plug has
retaining screws, tighten them with a small screwdriver.
Figure 1-8. Connecting the printer cable to the
User’s Guide 1-11
parallel port
.4.
Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shown in Figure 1-9.
To secure the cable, tighten the squeeze locks at each side of the printer
port and push them into the connectors on each side of the cable.
Figure 1-9.
5.
Plug the printer’s power cable into an electrical outlet.
Connecting the
printer
Serial interface
If you have a printer (or another peripheral such as a modem) with a
serial interface, connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port at the back of the
main unit. The Equity II-+ uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have an
AT-compatible cable (or an adapting cable that converts the 9-pin output to
the standard 25-pin output). To connect a serial device, follow the same steps
above for connecting a parallel device.
You need to ensure the serial port is set up so it functions properly. If you
are using the port for a serial printer, you must also redirect printer output to
the serial instead of the parallel port. Use the MS-DOS SETMODE program
(or the MODE command) to make these changes. See your MS-DOS man-
ual for instructions,
1-12
User’s Guide
The Equity II+ character set
The Equity II+ uses a special character set that assigns graphics and
international characters to some of the ASCII codes. In most cases, if you try
to print these characters on a standard printer, you get italic characters
instead. Some Epson printers support the IBM character set (the character
set the Equity II+ uses) as a standard feature, and others can be adapted. In
addition, some application programs can print the special graphic characters
on a standard printer when you use a special printer driver program. Ask
your Epson dealer for more information.
Turning On the Computer
8
start using your Equity II+ computer. But before you turn it on, read the
following safety rules.
After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power and
Safety rules
Follow these rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or
injuring yourself:
Never turn the computer on or off with a protector sheet in the disk drive.
Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove the
top cover to install and remove option cards. If there is a hardware
problem you cannot solve after reading Chapter 5 on troubleshooting,
or if you want to install an optional 80287 math coprocessor, consult
your Epson dealer.
Always turn off the power, disconnect the computer’s power cord, and
wait a few minutes before you remove the computer’s cover.
Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power switch is on.
Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This
can destroy data stored on disk or make a whole disk unusable.
Always wait at least five seconds after you switch the power off before
you switch it on again. Turning the power off and on rapidly can damage
the computer’s circuitry.
Do not leave a beverage on top of or next to your system or any of its
components. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your components.
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Turning on the power switch
Now you are ready to turn on your system. It is a good idea to turn on
the monitor and any peripheral devices before you turn on the main unit.
First, make sure the power cord is plugged into the power inlet on the
back panel of the main unit. Then plug the power cable into a 3-prong,
120-volt, grounded electrical outlet. Turn on the monitor so you can see the
messages that appear as your computer starts up. If you have a printer or
other peripheral device, turn it on next.
You can turn on your computer with or without a system diskette in the
top disk drive. For now, leave the drive empty. To turn on the computer,
press in the power switch on the front panel of the main unit, as shown in
Figure 1-10. The power indicator on the front panel lights up and the cooling
fan inside the main unit starts. After a few seconds, the computer begins to
perform an internal self test.
Figure 1-10. Turning on the power
If you cannot see the screen display clearly, use the controls on your
monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen
are clear and bright. If the display is not stable, check your monitor’s horizontal and vertical hold controls.
Initial setup procedure
If this is the first time your Equity II+ has been used, you need to use the
diagnostics programs on the reference diskette to perform an initial setup.
This is a simple procedure that you must do at least once. You may need to
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User’s Guide
do it again if you change your system configuration-by adding a disk drive,
for example-or to change the system date or time. See the Diagnostics sec-
tion at the back of this manual for instructions.
Initial screen display
After the computer completes its self test, a message tells you how much
RAM (random access memory) is available, for example:
640
KB 0K
Then the following message displays:
Non-System disk or diskerror
Replace and strike any key when ready
This tells you the computer can now load an operating system from a diskette in the top drive. The Equity II+ needs a disk operating system (DOS) to
function. It comes with MS-DOS version 3.3. If you want to use another
operating system, consult your dealer.
To load an operating system, insert the system diskette you want to use
(see “Inserting and Removing Diskettes” in Chapter 2). Refer to your
MS-DOS (or other operating system) manual for details on how to use the
system.
Note: Use only a backup copy of the system diskette for daily use and keep
the original in a safe place. See your MS-DOS manual to find out
how to make a backup copy.
If your system has a hard disk, you need to prepare it before you can run
an operating system on it. Refer to “Using a Hard Disk Drive” in Chapter 3
and to your MS-DOS(or other operating system) manual for instructions on
how to prepare a hard disk for use.
If your hard disk has been properly prepared and set up to automatically
boot MS-DOS, the message above does not appear. Instead, the operating
system loads when you turn on the computer. The date and time prompts
display and then the system prompt:
c>
This indicates the hard disk has been assigned as drive C.
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User’s Guide
Chapter 2
Using the Equity II+
This chapter covers some basic procedures for using your Equity II+
computer and keyboard.
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
To insert a diskette into the 1.2MB floppy disk drive, hold it with the
label face up and the write-protect notch to the left (so that the read/write
slot is away from you). Then slide it into the disk drive as shown in Figure
2-1. When the diskette is all the way in, turn the latch down until it locks
into the vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and enables the
read/write heads in the disk drive to access the diskette.
User’s Guide
Figure 2-1. Inserting a diskette
2-1
To remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal and the
diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective
envelope, and store it properly, such as in a special diskette container.
If you have an optional floppy disk drive with a disk drive button, insert
the diskette the same way as for a 1.2MB drive (with the label facing up).
‘When it is all the way in, press the disk drive button to lock it in place. To
remove the diskette, press the button to release it and pull it out of the drive.
WARNING: Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer
while the drive indicator light is on. You could lose
data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you
turn off the computer.
Special Keys on the Equity II+ Keyboard
Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running application programs. Figure 2-2 shows the standard
Equity II+ keyboard, and Table 2-1 describes the special keys.
2-2
Figure 2-2.
Standard keyboard
User’s
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