Page 1
SVSTem
m=~REE
OPEAATOR~S
mANUAL
Page 2
Page 3
The
M-THREE
Operator's
Manual
This manual describes the operation
of
and available features on the
M-THREE
range
of
micro
-computers.
For
additional
information
or
technical assistance contact:
LSI Computers
Limited,
Copse
Road, St Johns, Woking, Surrey. GU21 1SX
Telephone: Woking (04862) 23411 Telex: 859592
Page 4
Page 5
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
GENERAL ....................................................................
1-1
1.2 THE
MAIN
CONTROL
UNIT
.......................................
1-1
1.2.1 Disk Drive Control.............................................
1-1
1.2.2 Visual Display Control.......................................
1-2
1.2.3 Peripheral Control.............................................
1-2
1.3 THE KEYBOARD .........................................................
1-2
SECTION 2
INITIAL
OPERATION
2.1
GENERAL ....................................................................
2-1
2.2 SWITCHING
ON
THE M-THREE .................................
2-1
2.3 THE CONTRAST CONTROL .......................................
2-1
2.4
VISUAL
DISPLAY PROMPT .......................................
2-2
2.5 THE DISKETTE ...........................................................
2-2
2.6 DISKETTE
HANDLING
...............................................
2-3
2.7 DISKETTE VENDORS .................................................
2-3
2.8 DISK DRiVES................................................................ 2-4
2.9 LOADING THE M-THREE/100 SERIES ...................... 2-4
2.10 LOADING THE M-THREE/200-300 SERIES ............... 2-4
SECTION 3 KEYBOARD OPERATION
3.1
GENERAL ....................................................................
3-1
3.2 THE 'QWERTY' CLUSTER ..........................................
3-1
Page 6
3.2.1 Control ................ " ............................... ".........
3~
1
3.2.2
Esc
..................................................................
3-1
3.2.3
Caps
Lock ....................................................... '
3-1
3.2.4 Del..................................................................
3-1
3.2.5 Line
Feed
........................................................
3-1
3.2.6 Break ............................................................... 3-2
3.3 THE NUMERIC PAD .................................................. 3-2
3.4 THE SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS .............................. 3-2
SECTION 4
VISUAL
DISPLAY: SOFTWARE CONTROL
4.1
G
EN E RAL
.............. ........................................ ............
4-1
4.2
ESCAPE
SEQUENCES ................................................
4-1
4.2.1
Erase
Screen
....................................................
4-1
4.2.2
Erase
End-Of-Screen ........................................
4-1
4.2.3
Erase
Line .......................................................
4-1
4.2.4
Erase
End-Of-Line ...........................................
4-1
4.2.5 Cursor Up ........................................................
4-1
4.2.6 Cursor Down ...................................................
4-1
4.2.7 Cursor Right ....................................................
4-1
4.2.8 Cursor
left
......................................................
4-'
4.2.9 Cursor Home ...................................................
4-2
4.2.10 Cursor Address ................................................
4-2
4.2.11 Graphics Mode ................................................
4-2
4.2.12 ASCII Mode ....................................................
4-2
4.2.13 Inverse Video Character ..................................
4-2
SECTION 5 THE OPERATING SYSTEM
5.1
GENERAL ..................................................................
5-1
5.2 PROGRAM MODULES ...............................................
5-1
5.3 TRANSIENT PROGRAM
AREA
(TPA) .....................
5-2
5.4 DISK
DRIVE
SELECTION .........................................
5-2
5.5
DATA
STORAGE FILES ............................................
5-3
ii
Page 7
SECTION 6
UTILITY
PROGRAMS
6.1
GENERAL ..................................................................
6-1
6.2 FORMAT ....................................................................
6-1
6.3 VERIFy...................................................................... 6-2
6.4 COPYDISC ..................................................................
6-3
6.5 BACKUP ..................................................................... 6-4
6.6
PROG
(Program) ......................................................... 6-6
6.7
INIT
(Initialise) ........................................................... 6-8
SECTION 7 M-THREE/NET
7.1
GENERAL ..................................................................
7-1
SECTION 8 INTERFACES
8.1
GENERAL ..................................................................
8-1
8.2 RS232 INTERFACE ...................................................
8-1
8.2.1
Rear
Panel
Connections ........... ........................
8-1
8.3 RS232 HANDSHAKE PROTOCOLS .......................... 8-2
8.3.1 Request
To
Send
[RTS] ................................. 8-2
8.3.2 Clear To
Send
[CTS] ................. ........ ............. 8-2
8.3.3 Data Set Ready [DSR] ................................... 8-2
8.3.4 Data Terminal Ready
[DTR]
.......................... 8-2
8.4
PARRALLEL
PRINTER PORT INTERFACE ............ 8-3
8.4.1
Rear
Panel
Connections
..
...... .......... ...... ........... 8-3
8.5 THE GENERAL
PURPOSE
INTERFACE BUS .......... 8-4
8.5.1
Rear
Panel
Connections
..
................................. 8-5
iii
Page 8
SECTION 9 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
9.1
GENERAL ..................................................................
9-1
9.2 DISK
DRIVE
MAINTENANCE ..................................
9-1
9.3
AIR-FILTER
MAINTENANCE ...................................
9-1
9.1.1 Removal..........................................................
9-1
9.1.2 Cleaning ..........................................................
9-1
SECTION 10 FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION
10.1 GENERAL ..................................................................
10-1
10.2
PROCESSOR
..............................................................
10-1
10.3 MEMORY ...................................................................
10-1
10.4
INTEGRAL
DISPLAY MONITOR ...............................
10-1
10.5 KEYBOARD ...............................................................
10-1
10.6 INTERFACES .............................................................
10-1
10.7 DISKETTES ................................................................ 10-2
10.7.1 M-THREE/100
series
...................................... 10-2
10.7.2 M-THREE/200-300
series
............................... 10-3
10.8 MASS STORAGE ........................................................ 10-3
10.8.1 M-THREE/100
series
...................................... 10-3
10.8.2 M-THREE/200
series
...................................... 10-4
10.8.3 M-THREE/300
series
...................................... 10-4
10.9 PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 10-5
10.9.1 Environmental Limits ..................................... 10-5
10.9.2 A.C. Requirements ......................................... 10-5
10.9.3 Power Consumption ........................................ 10-5
10.9.4 Mechanical Dimensions ................................... 10-6
10.9.5 Weight ............................................................ 10-6
iv
Page 9
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
GENERAL
The LSI SYSTEM M-TH REE
is
a compact and versatile desk-top
micro-computer system which
has
the capability
to
undertake
complex tasks in
differing
fields,
e.g.
stock
control,
accounting,
instrumentation
control,
etc.
Several
different
M-THREE models
are
available, enabling the user
to
match the system's intended
function
or
functions
with
an
effecient mass-memory configuration
(see
10.8). These models
all support CP/M, rendering them compatible
with
a wide
range
of
software
packages.
N.B. The complete functional specification
of
all M-THREE systems
can
be
found in Section 10.
Physically all M-TH REE systems separate
into
two
parts:
1)
The Main Control
Unit.
2)
The Keyboard.
1.2
THE
MAIN
CONTROL
UNIT
Apart
from
the internal processing
of
data, the Main Control
Unit
performs some
important
functions which
are
more obvious
to
the
operator:
a)
Disk Drive
control.
b) Visual Display control.
c)
Peripheral control.
1.2.1 Drsk Drive
Control
In order
for
the M-THREE system
to
function
as
a micro-
computer, the Main Control
Unit
must have rapid
access
to
quantities
of
data (which
will
exceed its internal
memory
capacity) and the necessary processing instructions (software) which
will
cause
that
data
to
be
manipulated in a
predetermined manner. The relevant data and software
is
stored on magnetic Disks/Diskettes
(see
2.5) which
can
be
'read'
from,
or
'written'
to,
by
the Main Control
Unit.
This 'reading' and
'writing'
is
achieved
by
controlling
the
1-1
Page 10
Disk Drives
into
which the Disks/Diskettes
are
placed or
permanently held.
1.2.2 Visual Display control
The Visual Display
is
the most important operator aid in
the system.
It
is
the
means
by
which the Main Control
Unit
communicates
with
the operator; a software control-
led
'window'
into
the computer. The Visual Display,
coupled
with
system familiarity (keyboard and software
protocols etc.), will enable two-way communication
between the operator and the M-THREE system.
The display
area
of
the
screen
can
contain a maximum
of
24 I
ines,
each
one having up
to
80 characters in
it
(1,920
characters in all).
Each
of
these
characters
can
be
any
one
of
the symbols shown in appendices A and
B.
Any
Further explanation
as
to
the behaviour
of
the
Visual Display at this
point
would
be
fruitless
as
it
is
entirely software dependant.
1.2.3 Peripheral Control
The M-THREE
has
the
ability
to
control
devices
external
to
its own immediate system.
These
devices,
whatever
they
may
actually
be,
come under the heading 'Peripherals'.
The most common peripheral
is
a printer, which will
be
needed
if
the system
is
being
used
for anything that
requires a printed
output
(hard-copy).
1.3
THE KEYBOARD
The Keyboard enables the operator
to
load data and instructions
into
the Main Control Unit. The actrual 'language'
used
for
this
is
entirely
dependant on the system control software (Operating System) in
use
at the time,
but
most software interacts
with
the operator by using the
Visual Display
for
'prompt-messages' and thereby
enhances
the
necessary
two-way communication.
1-2
Page 11
SECTION 2
INITIAL
OPERATION
2.1
GENERAL
I t
is
assu
med
that
the M-T H R E E
has
been
unpacked and
is
ready
to
be
installed and switched on.
2.2 SWITCHING ON THE M-THREE
2.2.1 CHECK
THAT
THE
VOLTAGE
LABEL
ON
THE REAR
OF THE M-THREE INDICATES THE CORRECT MAINS
SUPPLY
(see
Fig. 2/1).
2.2.2 Plug the appropriate
end
of
the mains
lead
provided
into
the Mains Supply connector on the rear
of
the M-THREE.
2.2.3 Plug the M-THREE's mains plug
into
a functional mains
socket.
2.2.4 Ensure that a minimum distance
of
3"
is
left
clear at the
rear
of
the M-T H R E E in order
for
its cooli
ng
system
to
function effectively.
2.2.5
Plug
the
lead
from the keyboard securely
into
the
connector on the
front
of
the M-THREE
(see
Fig. 2/2a,
b,
or c as
applicable) keeping the
excess
lead
in the
recess
provided in the keyboard's
base.
2.2.6 Insert the supplied 'switch-on' key
into
the keyswitch
on
the
front
of
the Main Control
Unit
and turn
it
clockwise.
2.2.7 The following will occur:
a)
A high pitched 'peep' will
be
heard.
b)
The cooling fan will
be
heard.
c)
The Disk Drive motors will
be
heard.
d)
The
red
indicator on the left-hand Disk Drive (Disk
Drive A)
will
illuminate.
2.3 THE CONTRAST CONTROL
To
allow
for
differing ambient lighting conditions, a Contrast control
has
been
provided
at
the
front
of
the Main Control
Unit
(see
Fig.
2/2a,
b,
or c). This control should
be
adjusted by the operator
to
suit his/her requirements.
N.B. The brightness
of
the display
is
present during manufacture
for
optimum operating conditions
and
therefore no provision
has
been
made
for
user
adjustment.
2-1
Page 12
2.4
VISUAL
DISPLAY PROMPT
At
this point, according
to
which lVI-THREE System
is
being opera-
ted, either a flashing
'block'
(the Cursor),
or
the
message
"Diskette Expected in Selected Drive."
with
a flashing Cursor at
its right-hand end, will appear in the top left-hand corner
of
the
Visual Display.* Either way, any keyboard operation will
have
no
effect on the display.
A 'Diskette'
is
required.
* I f the
screen
is
blank, adjust the Contrast control at the
front
of
the Main Control
Unit
(see
Fig. 2/2a, b, c).
If
the
screen
is
still
blank,
or
extraneous data
is
present, switch the system
off
and wait
at least 15
seconds
before repeating the Switch-On procedure.
If
either
of
these
conditions persist, switch the system
off
and call
the manufactu rer
for
service
assistance.
2.5 THE DISKETTE
As
previously mentioned, rapid
access
to
large
amounts
of
data
and
complex software
is
essential
for
a micro-computer
to
function.
The media which
is
most suited
to
this sort
of
storage and
access
is
a magnetic disk. There
are
three types
of
magnetic disk
or
diskette
used
on the various M-THREE systems; the Mini-Floppy Diskette
(51/4"),
the Floppy Diskette
(8"),
the Winchester Disk.
Both types
of
diskette
have
a 'write-protect'
facility
whereby a
protected diskette
can
be
read
from
but
not
written to.
On
the
5
1/4"
diskette this protection
is
achieved by placing the
appropriate 'sticker' (normally supplied with the diskettes) over
the Write Protect slot
(see
Fig. 2/3b), however, on the
8"
diskette
the sticker must
be
removed from the slot
(see
Fig. 2/3a).
Each
of
the M-TH
REE
systems
needs
a Diskette
of
the appropriate
size
(diskettes
are
not
interchangeable)
to
be
placed
into
its left-
hand Disk Drive in order
to
bring the system
into
operation. This
Diskette must
have
Operating System software on
it,
making
it
a
'System Diskette'.
N.B.
As
the Winchester Disc
is
a rigid disc and permanently
encased
in its drive mechanism,
it
cannot
be
loaded and therefore
is
always
a right-hand Disc Drive.
2-2
Page 13
...
--------
...
Air
Filter
e
ect==Ja
e~e
e~e
Winchester e
'"----,f----'e
a / / / a
Only
L-
_____
~..c.~
/-+
/----;,t---......L.:.
/-1+---
/-1-'--------
/+---'
Mains
Vo/~
~
~.~
~
Fuse. Label
Input
PORT3
PORT2
PORn
FIG 2/1
Page 14
MAIN
CONTROL
UN/TIM-THREE
/100
SERIES)
VISUAL DISPLAY
MAINS
ON
DISKETTE
'A'
DISK DRIVE fI'
DISKETTE'B'
\
\SWITCH
\OADING
GATE
I
/LOADING
GATE
\ \
\
/
\
~
7
- -
\~
~
©
\
II
j
I
1
L
D
/
~-I
II~II
/
I
/
I
/
L,,,
L,~
ioo~,
CONTROL
CONNECTOR
FIG
2/2a
Page 15
MAIN
CONTROL
UNIT 1M-THREE 1200SERIES)
MAINS
ON
\S~Trn
D
LOADING SLOT
COVER
FIG 2/2b
DISK
ORIVE'B'
DISKETTE'B'
EJECT BUTTON
LOADING
SLOT
----COVER
Page 16
MAIN
CONTROL
UNlTlM-THREE/300
SERIES)
VISUAL DISPLAY
MAINS
ON
DISKETTE
A'
DISC
DRIVE)1'
WINCHESTER
DISK DRIVE
\
\SWITCH
\JECTBUTTON
\
/14-2
OR8·4
M,Byte)
DRIVE 'c:
\ \
\
\ /
,\
\
\~
p \
I~
~
l
D
:::J
~/-·I
I
II~II
J
/
L",
L"
CONTROL
CONNECTOR
FIG 2/2c
Page 17
INDEX
/HOLE
WRITE
PROTECT
I/D
READ
WRITE
LABELS
SLOT
8
INCH.
FIG 2/3a
WRITE
PROTECT
INDEX
HOLE
READ
WRITE
SLOT
SINGH.
FIG 2/3b
Page 18
Page 19
2.6
DISKETTE
HANDLING
The Diskette
is
a delicate object on which
is
stored invaluable
data and therefore must
be
treated
with
the
following
appropriate
respect:
2.6.1
DO
NOT
expose the Diskette
to
abrupt
changes
in temp-
erature or
humidity.
2.6.2
DO
NOT
expose the Diskette
to
excessive heat
or
sunlight.
2.6.3
DO
NOT allow magnets or magnetised objects near the
Diskette.
2.6.4
DO
NOT
place heavy objects on the Diskette.
2.6.5
DO
NOT
bend or
fold
the Diskette.
2.6.6
DO
NOT
spill anything on the Diskette.
2.6.7
DO
NOT
use
a Diskette which
has
been
contaminated
with
spi
lIage.
2.6.8 DO
NOT
attempt
to
clean a Diskette.
2.6.9 DO NOT overlay the identification labels. Always place
them in the correct position on the Diskette.
2.6.10
DO
NOT write on the Diskette's labels
with
a ball-point
or pencil.
Use
only
a fibre-tip.
2.6.11
DO
NOT touch the surface
of
the Diskette.
Keep
your
fingers away
from
the Read/Write Slot.
2.6.12
DO
NOT
leave
Diskettes lying about. Store them properly.
2.7
QUALIFIED
VENDORS OF DISKETTES FOR M-THREE
DISK
DRIVES
Disk
Shugart
Maxell
Verbatim
C8
Wabash
IBM
Drives type no.
type no.
equiv. equiv. equiv.
SA800 SA102
FD1-XD
NO
YES
YES
SA850
SA150
FD2-256D
NO
NO
YES
SA400
SA104
I
MD1
YES
NO
NO
SA450
SA154
MD2-D
NO
NO
NO
2-3
Page 20
2.S
DISK DRIVES
SA800
=
8"
single-sided Disk Drive (M-TH REE/200-320-340)
SAS50
=
8"
double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/250-325-345)
SA400
= 5
1/4"
single-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/100)
SA410
=
51/4"
single-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/110)
SA450
= 5
1/4"
double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/150)
SA460
==
51/4"
double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/160)
2.9 LOADING THE M-THREE/100 SERIES
(51/4"
Disk Drives)
If
the Mini-Floppy Diskette
to
be
loaded
is
the
first
after the system
has
been
switched on, the Visual Display should
be
blank except
for
a flashing Cursor in its top left-hand corner.
The Mini-Floppy Diskette should
be
loaded
as
follows:
2.9.1
If
the Disk Drive's loading slot
is
blocked by the Loading
Gate, pull the gate open from its left-hand side.
(see
Fig.
2/2a)
2.9.2 Hold the Mini-Floppy Diskette
as
shown in Fig. 2/4.
2.9.3 Slide the Mini-Floppy Diskette
into
the loading slot and
push
its
rear
edge
until
it
is
all the way in.
2.9.4
Close
the Loading Gate by pulling
it
across
from right
to
left.
The M-THREE
is
now under the control
of
the software on the
'System Diskette'. This software
is
known
as
the 'Control Program'
or
'Operating System'. The standard Operating System
for
all
M-THREE's
is
CP/M
(see
section 5), however,
if
another Operating
System
is
to
be
used
then the appropriate handbook should now
be
consulted.
2.10
LOADING
THE M-THREE/200-300 SERIES
(S"
Disk Drives)
If
the Floppy Diskette
to
be
loaded
is
the first after the system
has
been
switched on, the Visual Display should
be
blank except
for
the
message
"Diskette Expected
in
Selected Drive."
with
a flashing
Cursor at its right-hand end.
-
The Floppy Diskette should
be
loaded
as
follows:
2.10.1
If
the Disk Drive's loading slot
is
closed,
press
the illuminated indicator's back plate. The loading slot's cover should
now spring open.
(see
Fig. 2/2b
or
c)
2-4
Page 21
2.10.2 Hold the Diskette
as
shown in Fig. 2/4.
2.10.3 Slide the Diskette
into
the slot and push
it
in
by
its rear
edge
until
a small
'click'
is
heard and the Diskette
is
held.
2.10.4 Pull the loading slot cover across
until
it
latches shut.
The M-TH R E E
is
now
under the control
of
the software on the
'System Diskette'. This software
is
known
as
the
'Control
Program'
or
'Operating System'. The standard Operating System
for
all
M-THREEs
is
CP/M
(see
section 5), however,
if
another Operating
System
is
to
be
used
then the appropriate handbook should
now
be
consulted.
2-5
Page 22
FIG
2/4
Page 23
SECTION 3
KEYBOARD
OPERATION
3.1
GENERAL
If,
like most people,
your
experience
of
keyboards
has
been
hitherto
limited
to
typewriters,
or
is
in fact non-existent, there
is
need
for
explanation.
As
can
be
seen
from
Fig. 3/1 (or the
real
thing), there
are
many
more keys on the keyboard than the
average
typewriter. These keys
fall
into
three main groups:
j)
The
'QWERTY'
Cluster.
ii) The Numeric
Pad.
iii) The Special Function Keys.
3.2
THE
'QWERTY'
CLUSTER
This section
of
the keyboard
is
very similar
to
a normal
typewriter
with
the exception that
it
contains the
following
additional keys:
3.2.1 CONTROL:-
When
this key
is
held down during the
depression
of
any
of
the 'alpha-keys' (the 26 alphabet
keys) or the
@,
[,
\,
] , A and _ keys, 32 separate 'control
codes' will
be
produced.
These
codes
can
be
assigned
to
functions
as
dictated by the resident software. .
3.2.2
ESC
(escape):- This key always generates the Control -
'['
code and
can
be
assigned
a function
as
required.
3.2.3
CAPS
LOCK (capitals lock):- This key
is
an
alternate
action locking key
(press
once and
it
stays down;
press
again
and
it
comes back up).
When
it
is
in the
'down'
position, the alpha-keys
will
only
generate capital codes
(upper-case) .
3.2.4 DEL (delete):- This key
is
used
to
delete the individual
character immediately preceding the Cursor. According
to
the resident software the required character
will
either
disappear from,
or
be
repeated on, the Visual Display,
either way
it
will
be
considered by the system
to
have
been
erased.
3.2.5 LINE FEED:- This key always generates the Control-J
code and
can
be
assigned
a function
as
required. A normal
LINE FEED function
raises
the contents
of
the Visual
Display up one line (scroll up).
3-1
Page 24
3.2.6 BREAK:- This
is
a Special Function key in that
it
generates
a code outside
of
the ASCII
range.
When
the
Main Control
Unit
receives
this code, the appropriate
function (which will
be
dependant on the resident soft-
ware)
will
be
executed.
3.3 THE NUMERIC PAD
The Numeric
Pad
is
an
l1-way
key cluster
to
the right
of
the
'OWE
RTY'
Cluster.
These
keys
will
cause
the
same
ASCII
codes
to
be
generated
as
the numeric keys within the 'OWE RTY' Cluster
but
are
separated
from
it
to
facilitate fast data entry. In addition, the
'5'
key
of
the Numeric
Pad
has a raised
'pip'
in its centre
to
allow
'touch-keying'.
3.4 THE SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS
These
keys
are
make up from the 12-way keypad
to
the right
of
the
Numeric
Pad
and the row
of
24 keys
at
the
top
of
the keyboard.
The function
of
each
of
these
keys,
as
with
the BREAK key in the
'QWERTY' Cluster,
is
entirely software dependant
and
can
be
assigned
the required code or code
sequence
with
the
utility
soft-
ware program
PROG
(see
6.6).
The 24 Special Function keys
at
the
top
of
the keyboard
are
each
capable
of
generating
two
separate
codes
or
code
sequences;
one
code,
or
code
sequence,
for
a normal key depression and one when
the key
is
depressed
in conjunction
with
the
Shift
key.
N.B. Although all
of
the keys on the keyboard
are
'Typematic'
(they will 'repeat'
if
they
are
held down
for
more than 0.5
secs.),
there
is
a REPEAT key which,
if
depressed
with any character key,
will
cause
it
to
repeat immediately
at
approximately 3 times a
second.
For specific keyboard operations,
see
either The Operating System
section
(5)
or
the appropriate Operating System handbook.
3-2
Page 25
7 8 9
SEND
SEND SEND
LINE
FORE PAGE
4
5
6
PAGE
t
PAGE
FWD
BACK
1
2 3
.-
HOME
---.
0
SET
•
CLEAR
TAB
TAB
FIG 3/1
Page 26
SECTION 4
VISUAL
DISPLAY:
SOFTWARE CONTROL
4.1
GENERAL
Under normal circumstances the Visual Display
will
be
under the
control
of
the M-THREE's
monitor
firmware. However,
it
is
possible
for
software
to
manipulate certain display functions
e.g.
absolute
Cursor positioning and partial line erasure etc., by the
use
of
escape
sequences.
4.2 ESCAPE SEQUENCES
4.2.1
Erase
Screen (ESC
E)
Erase
all data
from
the
screen
and position the cursor at
the
'HOME'
position.
4.2.2
Erase
End-Of-Screen (ESC J)
The contents
of
the display
from
the current cursor
position
to
the end
of
screen
will
be
cleared. The cursor
position
will
not
be
affected.
4.2.3
Erase
Line (ESC X)
The
row
of
the current cursor position
is
cleared
and
the
cursor
is
moved
to
the
first
column.
4.2.4
Erase
End-Of-Line (ESC K)
The contents
of
the display
from
the current cursor
position
to
the end
of
line
will
be
cleared. The cursor
position will
not
be
affected.
4.2.5 Cursor
Up
(ESC A)
The cursor will move up one row non-destructively.
If
the cursor
is
in the
top
row
of
the screen,
it
will
wrap
around
to
the last row.
4.2.6 Cursor Down (ESC B)
The cursor
will
move down one
row
non-destructively.
If
the cursor
is
in the last
row
of
the screen,
it
will
wrap
around
to
the
first
row.
4.2.7 Cursor Right (ESC
C)
The cursor will move right one column non-destructively.
If
the cursor
is
in the last column,
it
will
wrap around
to
the
first
column
of
the
same
row.
4.2.8 Cursor
Left
(ESC D)
The cursor
will
move
left
one column non-destructively.
If
the cursor
is
in the
first
column,
it
will wrap around
to
the last column
of
the
same
row.
4-1
Page 27
4.2.9 Cursor Home (ESC H)
The cursor
is
positioned in the
first
row
and the
first
column non-destructively.
4.2.10
Cu
rsor Address (ESC
Y)
This code forms the
function
of
direct
cursor addressing.
The
next
two
characters
following
ESC Y will
be
treated
as
the
V-X
co-ordinates on the display screen. Refer
to
Appendix C
for
explanation
of
these co-ordinates.
EXAMPLE:
Cursor
to
bottom
left
of
screen -
ESC
Y 37H 20H
Cursor
to
bottom
right
of
screen -
ESC
Y 37H
6FH
4.2.11 Graphics Mode (ESC
F)
Subsequent
entry
of
lower-case
alpha,'
,{,!
,}
,- and 'DE
L'
key codes
will
produce one
of
32 graphics symbols
(see
appendix B).
4.2.12 ASCII Mode (ESC G)
All
subsequent characters
will
be
displayed
as
normal.
4.2.13 Inverse Video Character (ESC
R)
All
subsequent characters received
will
be
displayed
reverse
video
until
the
next
ESC R is
received.
N.B. From switch-on the Cursor's behaviour
will
default
to
that
described in 4.2.5
to
4.2.10, however, certain characteristics
of
its
movement and physical appearance
can
be
altered by the initialise
program
(INIT):
see
6.7.
4-2
Page 28
SECTION 5
THE
OPERATING
SYSTEM
N.B. This section
is
only a preliminary
introduction
to
CP/M and
is
in
no
way intended
as
a substitute
for
the
official
and more complete
CP/M manuals.
5.1
GENERAL
As previously mentioned, when
an
M-THREE system
is
switched on
it
will
not
function
until
a 'system diskette'
(a
diskette
with
Operating System software on
it)
is
loaded
into
its left-hand Disk
Drive.
The Operating System on the disk
is
a collection
of
inter-related
system management programs which, when loaded, overlays the
system's dynamic
RAM
with
a memory mapped
control
program.
The standard Operating System
for
the M-THREE range
is
CP/M.
This Operating System maps
out
the memory
into
the
following
areas:
a)
An
area
for
each
of
the main system management program
modules.
b)
An
area
reserved
for
system data.
c)
An
area
reserved
for
user programs and data. (TPA)
5.2 PROGRAM
MODULES
There are three main system management program modules
within
CP/M, these are:
a)
Console Command Processor
(CCP)
b)
Basic Disk Operating System (BOOS)
c)
Basic
Input/Output
System (BIOS)
When
an
M-TH R E E
has
had
its system diskette loaded, the
CCP
module provides a
message
confirming
that
the Operating System in
use
is
CP/M and a
'prompt'
(A>j.
5-1
Page 29
"'(his
prompt
shows
that
Disk Drive A
has
been
selected
(see
5.4) and
an
operator
input
is
required,
as
follows:
CP/M Version
*.*
56K Version
@.@
A>
(*. * Operating System version number)
(@.@
M-THREE implementation version numberl
(56K
see
5.3)
The
CCP
module, which provides
an
interface between the operator
and the system, thereafter interprets recognisable keyboard entries
and initiates the appropriate program
within
the
BOOS
moduie.
These
keyboard entries must either
be
made at the correct time,
i.e. when 'prompted', or
be
of
a special kind which
will
cause
the
present activities
of
the M-THREE
to
be
interrupted,
e.g.
Control-C.
for
more specific information regarding the actual CP/M commands,
consult the CP/M manual available
from
Digital
Research.
When
the
BOOS
module
is
'called'
by
CCP,
it
will execute the
required program or programs internally.
If,
however, during the
execution
of
such
a program,
access
to
external data
is
required,
BOOS
will
in turn 'call' the BIOS module.
The B lOS module controls and communicates
with,
all hardware:
the keyboard, the visual display, the disk drives and, via the
input/
output
ports, all system peripherals. BIOS also controls
an
area
of
dynamic RAM reserved
for
system data; storing data retrieved
from
diskettes and supplying
BOOS
with
the relevant data on request.
5.3
TRANSIENT PROGRAM AREA (TPA)
When
any diskette-based program
is
to
be
executed
or
edited,
it
is
first
loaded
into
the TPA. This
is
an
area
of
dynamic RAM which
is
reserved
for
user programs and data; its
size
being proportional
to
the total capacity
of
the system's dynamic RAM.
5.4 DISK
DRIVE
SELECTION
The left-hand disk drive on all M-THREE systems
is
always
designated
'A'
whilst the right-hand drive will
be
'B'
if
it
is a 'Floppy'
drive (either 5
1/4"
or 8"1, or
'C'
if
it
is
a Winchester drive (either
5M
byte
or
10M byte).
When
an
M-THREE system
is
first
switched on, drive A (the left-
hand drive)
will
automatically
be
selected and therefore the
prompt
5-2
Page 30
A>
is
displayed
(see
5.2).
If
the other disk drive
is
to
be
used, its
selection
can
be
achieved
by
adopting the
following
procedure:
a)
Key in the drive's designated letter
(B
orC).
b) Key in a colon (:).
c)
Depress
the RETURN key.
This procedure should
be
repeated when reselecting drive A. For a
full description
of
drive procedures
see
CP/M manual.
5.5
DATA
STORAGE
FILES
All
of
the data stored on a disc
or
diskette
is
separated
into
'files',
irrespective
if
what
kind
of
information
these files contain
(programs, program data, documentation, etc.). Each
file
has
its own
unique name and
can
therefore
be
handled
by
CP/M
as
a separate
entity.
The complete filename consists
of
two
parts separated
by
a
full-stop.
The
first
part
of
the filename
can
be
up
to
any eight alpha-numeric
characters and
is
usuallv chosen bv the fi Ie's creator
to
be
a
pseudonym
for
the file's contents.
The second part
of
the
fi
lename
is
restricted
to
three alpha-numeric
characters which should
conform
to
the CP/M standard
for
the file's
type, i.e. DOC
for
documentation files. For a
full
description
of
the
CP/M recommendations, consult a suitable CP/M manual.
As
an
example
of
the filename structure, the CP/M file
that
contained the documentation
for
this manual
was
titled
M30PMAN
1.
DOC. This stands
for
M3 OPerator's MANual
issue
1 and
it
is
a
DOCumentation file.
The
maximum
number
of
files allowable per disk
or
diskette
is
as
follows:
64
Per
single-sided 5
1/4"
diskette
128
Per
double-sided 5 1
/4"
diskette
128
Per
single-sided
8"
diskette
256
Per
double-sided
8"
diskette
512
Per
Winchester disk
5-3
Page 31
Page 32
SECTION 6
UTILITY
PROGRAMS
6.1
GENERAL
The software described in this section
is
only
intended
to
aid system
operation,
e.g.
diskette
formatting,
diskette verifying, system para-
meter initialisation, etc.
All
of
these programs are CP/M
based
and
will
not
function
if
another operating system
is
being used.
This section introduces both the presently available M-THREE
utility
software and some
that
will
be
available in the near future.
6.2
FORMAT
This program
is
used
in order
to
form
the
'soft
sectors' and 'headers'
on blank diskettes.
N.B.
FORMATTING
A
DISKETTE
WILL
CORRUPT
ANY
PREVIOUSLY
STORED
DATA.
To
Format a diskette, proceed
as
follows:
a)
I nsert a diskette
with
the FOR
MAT
program on
it
into
one
disk drive and the diskette
to
be
formatted
into
the other.
b)
Select the disk drive which contains the diskette
with
FORMAT
on
it.
c)
Key in
FORMAT.
d) Depress the RETURN key.
A
'menu'
will
appear on the screen
as
follows:
FORMAT
DISC Ver
*.*
Options:
"A" = Format
disc in Drive
A:
"B"
= Format disc in Drive B:
"w" = Format
Winchester Disc:
"E" = Exit
to
CP/M on Drive
A:
Enter Selection:
(*. * = appropriate version nu mber)
6-1
Page 33
e)
Enter selection
as
prompted and depress the RETU
RN
key.
When
the diskette
formatting
is
complete, a
'Format
completed'
message
will
be
displayed and the
'menu'
will reappear.
If
another
diskette
is
to
be
formatted
then remove the
formatted
diskette and
replace
it
with
another blank diskette before making a
further
selec-
tion.
To
'exit'
from
FORMAT,
key in E
as
prompted and then
depress the
RETURN
key.
6.3
VERIFY
When a diskette
has
been
'formatted'
this program
is
used
to
check
the diskette's read/write capability. This
is
achieved
by
writing
a
known
pattern
onto
each
track in
turn,
reading back the contents
of
the track and comparing
it
with
the original pattern.
If
no errors
are
detected, the diskette
is
deemed 'good'.
Newly
formatted
diskettes must always
by
'verified' before they are
first
used.
N.B.
VERIFYING
A
DISKETTE
WILL
CORRUPT
ANY
PREVIOUSLY
STORED
DATA.
To
Verify
a diskette, proceed
as
follows:
a)
Insert a diskette
with
the
VERIFY
program on
it
into
disk
drive A.
b)
Select disk drive
A,
if
necessary.
c)
Key in
VERIFY.
d) Depress the
RETURN
key.
A
'menu'
will
appear on the screen
as
follows:
VERIFY
DISK
VERSION
*.*
OPTIONS:
A -
VERIFY
THE
DISK
IN
DRIVE
A
B -
VERIFY
THE
DISK
IN
DRIVE
B
E -
EXIT
TO CP/M ON
DRIVE
A
ENTER
SELECTION:
(*. * = appropriate version number)
6-2
Page 34
e)
Remove the diskette
with
the
VERI
FY
program on it.
t)
I nsert the diskette
to
be
verified
into
the required disk drive.
g)
Enter selection
as
prompted and depress the
RETURN
key.
As
each
track on the diskette
is
bing verified its number
is
displayed
(e.g.
OOH
- 4CH
for
8"
diskettes).
If
an
error
is
detected, the track
and sector number
is
displayed along
with
the error-type; READ,
WRITE
or
COMPARE.
When the diskette verification
is
complete, a
'VERIFY
COMPLETED'
message
and either a 'NO
VERIFY
ERRORS WERE
DETECTED'
or
'VERIFY
ERRORS WERE
DETECTED'
message
will
be
displayed. These
will
be
followed
by
the 'menu'.
If
another
diskette
is
to
be
verified then remove the verified diskette and
replace
it
with
another blank diskette before making a
further
selection.
To
'exit'
from
VERIFY,
replace the diskette
with
VERIFY
on
it
onto
drive A
(if
necessary), key in E
as
prompted and then
depress the RETURN key.
6.4 COPYDISC
This program enables the operator
to
copy the Operating System
track (or tracks)
only,
the data tracks
only,
or
all tracks
from
a
system diskette
to a formatted
and verified diskette.
To
use
the Copydisc program, proceed
as
follows:
a)
Insert a diskette
with
the COPYDISC program on
It
Into
either disk drive
(if
this diskette contains the source material
then insert
it
into
drive A).
b)
Select the disk drive which contains the diskette
with
COPYDISC on it.
c)
Key in COPYDISC.
d)
Depress
the
RETURN
key.
6-3
Page 35
A
'menu'
will
appear on the screen
as
follows:
OPTIONS:
"A"
= Copy all Tracks
"0"
= Copy Operating System Track(s)
"F"
= Copy all Data Tracks
"E" = Exit
to
CP/M
(I
nsert System Disc in Drive A
first)
Put Source in Drive
A,
Destination in Drive B and enter
Selection:
(*.
* = appropriate version number)
e)
If
the COPYDISC diskette also contains the source material
and
is
therefore
in
disk drive
A,
then insert the destination
diskette
into
drive B, otherwise, insert the diskettes
as
instructed
by
the 'menu'.
f) Enter selection
as
prompted and depress the RETURN key.
As
each
track on the diskette
is
being copied its number
is
displayed
(e.g.
OOH
- 4CH
for
8"
diskettes).
When the copying
is
complete, either a 'Copy Complete: no error(s)
were detected'
or
a
'Copy
Complete: error(s) were detected'
will
be
displayed. These
will
be
followed
by
the 'menu'.
If
COPYDISC
is
to
be
used
again, insert the appropriate diskettes
as
instructed in the 'menu'.
To
'exit'
from
COPYDISC, key in E
as
prompted and then depress the
RETURN
key.
6.5
BACKUP
This program
is
intended
to
'backup' all,
or
selected files
from
a
Winchester disk
onto
several
floppy
diskettes, in
case
the original
file
or
files are corrupted during
use.
Although,
when copying
from
a Winchester disk, the backup diskette
is
usually blank
(formatted
and verified
but
containing
no
files), any
diskette
with
files already on
it
can
be
used,
as
the existing files
will
not
be
over-written. In
addition
to
this,
if
there
is
insufficient
storage
space
for a file
to
be
completely stored on one diskette,
it
is
split
and stored on
two
(or more
if
the
file
is
very large).
6-4
Page 36
To
Backup a diskette proceed
as
follows:
a)
Insert a diskette
with
the BACKUP program on
it
into
disk
drive A. '
b)
Select disk drive A.
c)
Key in BACKUP.
d)
Depress
the RETURN key.
A 'menu' will appear on the
screen
as
follows:
BACKUP DISK VERSION
*.*
OPTIONS:
B - BACKUP WHOLE WINCHESTER
E -
EXIT
TO CP/M
ON
DRIVE
A
P - RESTORE SELECTED FILES
ON
TO WINCHESTER
R -RESTORE
ALL
FI
LES
ON
TO WINCHESTER
S - BACKUP SELECTED FILES FROM WINCHESTER
ENTER SELECTION:
(*. * = appropriate version number)
e)
Unless
the diskette
with
BACKUP on
it
is
to
be
copied
from
or to, remove
it
from the system and replace
it
with
the
appropriate diskette.
f)
Enter selection
as
prompted and
depress
the RETURN key.
If
option
B
is
selected, the
prompt
messages
'REMEMBER TO
NUMBER THE DISKETTES
AS
THEY
ARE
FILLED
UP' and
'INSERT DISK
NO.1
IN
DRIVE
A,
AND
PRESS
SPACE WHEN
READY'
will appear. Thereafter, proceed
as
prompted.
If
option S is
selected, the
prompt
message
'ENTER AMBIGUOUS
FI
LE
NAME'
will
appear. Enter filename
as
prompted,
depress
the
RETURN key and proceed
as
for
option
B.
If
option
R
is
selected, the
prompt
messages
'REMEMBER TO
INSERT THE DISKETTES IN THE CORRECT
ORDER'
and
'INSERT
DISK
NO.1
IN
DRIVE
A,
AND
PRESS
SPACE WHEN
READY'
will appear. Thereafter, proceed
as
prompted.
6-5
Page 37
If
option P is
selected, the
prompt
message
'ENTER
AMBIGUOUS
FILE
NAME'
will
appear. Enter filename
as
prompted,
depress the
RETURN
key and proceed
as
for
option
R.
When the diskette
is
in place and the
Space
bar
has
been
depressed,
the filename
of
the file being copied
will
be
listed below the
prompt
messages.
If
the backup diskette
that
is
being copied
to
runs
out
of
storage
space
before a
file
has
been
completely copied (options B
or
S),
the operator
will
be
prompted
to
exchange the
full
diskette
with
a
'blank'
one. The program
will
then
copy
the remainder
of
the file
onto
the newly inserted diskette.
In the event
of
a file
corruption
on the source disk, the Backup
program
will
be
used
to
restore the original
information
to
the
Winchester disk (options P
or
R). The operator
will
be
prompted
when
to
insert
each
backup diskette in
turn
if
more than one
is
required. Care must
be
taken
to
load the backup diskettes in the
correct order
so
that
files which
have
been
split
are
reloaded
properly.
6.6 PROG (Program)
As mentioned in 3.4, the keyboard's
function
keys
can
be
program-
med
to
generate any desired code,
or
code sequence, when they are
depressed. This programming
is
handled
by
PROG.
N.B. There are
208 (DOH) codes available
to
the
function
keys and
although
they
do
not
have
to
be
shared equally, a complex sequence
for
one key
will
deprive the remainder.
To
use
the PROG program, proceed
as
follows:
a)
Insert a diskette
with
the PROG program on
it
into
either
disk drive.
b) Select the disk drive which contains the diskette
with
PROG
on it.
c)
Key in PROG.
d) Depress the
RETURN
key.
6-6
Page 38
Once the PROG program
is
loaded
some
explanitory notes
are
displayed and the operator
is
given a chioce
of
the
following
options:
Option
"R"
This selection
will
enable the operator
to
call up a key
function
table file which
has
already
been
created using
PROG. The operator
will
then
be
given a
further
option
choice
(see
Programming Completion).
Option
"\"
If
the operator wishes
to
change some
or
all
of
the present
key functions,
but
is
unsure
how
this
is
achieved, this
option
will
provide the necessary
infromation.
Option
"P"
This selection
will
cause
the program
to
proceed
directly
into
the key
function
programming mode.
Option
"E"
As
stated in
option
table, this selection
will
cause
the
M-THREE
to
exit
from
PROG and revert back
to
CP/M
control.
Programming Completion
When
programming
is
complete or a key
function
table
file
has
been
called up,
further
options
will
be
offered
as
follows:
Option
A
This
option
allows the altered key functions
to
be
given a
filename which
can
be
called up when required
(see
Option
"R").
Option
B
This
option
will
overwrite the existing key
function
table
with
the one just programmed. Key functions overwritten
in this manner
will
remain
so
until
the machine
is
either
switched
off
and on
again
or
reset
(a
'cold-boot').
Option
C
When
this selection
is
made, Track a (the Operating
System Track)
of
the diskette
in
drive A
is
altered
so
that
the key
function
table just programmed
will
overlay the
keyboard every
time
the diskette in drive A
is
used
to
'boot'
the system.
N.B. Track a
of
the diskette in drive A
will
always
be
altered when
option C is
selected, irrespective
of
which drive the PROG program
is
being run from.
6-7
Page 39
6.7
INIT
(Initialise)
This program
is
used
to
set up
the
system's parameters, e.g.
Tx/Rx
baud rate, word length, cursor personality etc.
6-8
Page 40
SECTION 7
M-THREE/NET
7.1
GENERAL
For
users
who require their M-TH
REE
systems
to
incorporate a
networking capability
for
inter-system communication,
please
contact the address below
for
information
on the hardware and
software options presently available:
LSI Computers
Ltd.,
Copse
Road,
St. Johns,
Woking,
Surrey. GU21 1SX
Tel. Woking (04862) 23411 Telex: 859592
7-1
Page 41
Page 42
SECTION 8
INTERFACES
8.1
GENERAL
The M-THREE
has
two
standard interfaces and
an
optional
third.
These interfaces and
their
respective rear panel connectors
are
as
follows:
a)
The RS232 and 20m A Current Loop interfaces which are
accessible via a 25-way D-type connector marked 'RS232'.
(PORT
1)
b)
A Parallel Printer interface which
is
accessible via a 36-way
'Delta' socket marked
'PRINTER'.
(PORT
2)
c)
An
optional General Purpose Interface
Bus
(GPIB) which
is
accessible via a 25-way
'D-type'
plug marked
'GPIB'
when
fitted.
(PO
RT
3)
8.2 RS232
INTERFACE
This interface
is
intended
for
serial communication between suitable
printers
(e.g.
daisy wheels), remote terminals and other computers.
The normal 'handshake' signals
are
incorporated
for
use
if
required.
8.2.1 Rear
Panel
Connections (25-way D-type Socket)
Pin No.
Signal
1
Protective Ground (Chassis)
2
Transmitted Data
(From
M-THREE)
3
R~ceived
Data
4
Request
To
Send [RTS]
5
Clear
To
Send [CTS]
(From
M-TH REE)
6
Data Set Ready [DSR]
(From
M-THREE)
7
Signal Ground
17
Current Loop
Tx+
18
Current Loop
CL
20
Data.Terminal Ready
[DTR]
23
Current Loop Rx-
24
Current Loop Tx-
25
Current Loop Rx+
The
minimum
RS232 interface requirement
from
this connector
is
a
standard 3-wire interface on Pins
2,3
and 7 (Pins 4 and 5 [RTS +
CTS] must
be
connected together).
8-1
Page 43
8.3 RS232
'HANDSHAKE'
PROTOCOLS
These Handshake signals
are
used
for
communication between the
M-TH REE
(DeE)
and a local Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)
e.g. a VDU.
8.3.1 Request
To
Send [RTS] (25-way RS232 SKT.
Pin
4)
This
input
to
the M-TH
REE
goes
'high' when the DTE
is
ready
for
data transmission.
8.3.2 Clear
To
Send [CTS] (25-way RS232 SKT. Pin
5)
This
is
output
from
the M-THREE
as a 'high'
level when
it
is
ready
to
receive data and in response
to
an
RTS.
8.3.3 Data Set Ready [DSR] (25-way RS232 SKT. Pin
6)
This
is
output
from
the M-TH REE
as
a 'high' level when
it
has
attempted
to
establish a communications
link
with
a
remote DeE
(e.g.
another M-THREE).
It
does
not
necessarily indicate
that
a communications
link
actually
exists between the local and remote DeE's, just the status
of
the local
DeE
when
it
has
completed all
of
the
timing
functions and generated the necessary answer tones.
8.3.4 Data Terminal Ready
[DTR]
(25-way RS232 SKT.
Pin
20)
This
input
to
the M-TH
REE
goes
'high'
when the DTE
is
ready
to
transmit data. This level must remain 'high' in
order
to
maintain a communications
link
between the local
and remote DeE's.
If
the signal
goes
'low'
the
link
will
be
aborted.
8-2
Page 44
8.4
PARALLEL
PRINTER PORT
INTERFACE
The Parallel Printer Port provides
an
interface
to
any Centronics
compatible parallel printer.
8.4.1 Rear
Panel
Connections
A standard 36 way, female Delta connector
is
provided on
the rear panel
for
connection
to
a Centronics type printer.
Pin connections
are
listed below:
PIN No.
SIGNAL
1
*DATA
STROBE
2
DATA
1
3
DATA
2
4
DATA
3
5
DATA
4
6
DATA
5
7
DATA
6
8
DATA
7
9
DATA
8
10
* ACKN
LG
(Acknowledge)
11
BUSY
12
PE
(Paper Empty)
13
SECT
14 OV
16
OV
19
*DATA
STROBE RETURN
20
DATA
1
RETURN
21
DATA
2 RETURN
22
DATA
3
RETURN
23
DATA
4 RETURN
24
DATA
5
RETURN
25
DATA
6
RETURN
26
DATA
7 RETURN
27
DATA
8 RETURN
28
ACKNLG
RETURN
29 BUSY RETURN
30
*INPUT
PRIME RETURN
31
*INPUT
PRIME
32
*FAULT
* Denotes negative true.
8-3
Page 45
8.5
THE
GENERAL
PURPOSE
INTERFACE
BUS (GPIB)
The GPIB interface
is
normally
used
as
an
instrumentation
bus
i.e.
for
A.T.E.
work
and transfers byte-serial (bit-parallel) data
to
and
from
suitably equipped peripherals. This interface
can
cope
with
up
to
15 such peripherals over a total cable length
of
15 metres.
The 16 signal lines that comprise this
bus
are
as
follows:
a}
8 Data lines
for
the 8-bit parallel data.
b)
3 Data Byte Control lines :-
i)
Data Valid
[DAV]
)
ii} Ready For Data
[NRFD]
*)
All
signals negative
iii) Data Accepted
[NDAC]
* ) true.
*The
prefix
'N'
indicates
an
inhibiting signal.
c)
5 General Interface Management lines:-
i)
Attention
[ATN]
)
i
i)
I nterface Clear [I FC]
)
iii)
Service Request [SRQ]
)
All
signals negative
iv)
Remote Enable
[REN]
)
true.
v)
End-Or-Identify
[EOI]
)
8-4
Page 46
Rear Panel Connections
The GPIB
is
fully
compatible
with
the IEC 625-1 standard and
electrically compatible
with
IEEE 488 standard. The pin
connections
are
listed below:
PIN No.
SIGNAL
1
0101
2
0102
3
0103
4
0104
5
REN
6
EIO
7
DAV
8
NRFD
9
NDAC
10
IFC
11
SRO
12
ATN
13
SHIELD
14
0105
15
0106
16
0107
17
0108
18
REN
RETURN
19
EIO
RETURN
20
DAV
RETURN
21
NFRD
RETURN
22
NDAC RETURN
I
23
IFC
RETURN
24
SRO
RETURN
25
ATN
RETURN
8-5
Page 47
Page 48
SECTION 9 PREVENTIVE
MAINTEANCE
9.1
GENERAL
There
are
two
possible
pieces
of
equipment in
an
M-THREE system
that
will
need
preventive maintenance:
a)
The Disk Drives in all M-THREE systems.
b)
The Air-Filter in the M-THREE/300
series.
9.2 DISK
DRIVE
MAINTENANCE
The inherent machanical and electronic complexity
of
disk drives
prohibits
user
maintenance and therefore
it
is
recommended that
with
normal
use,
the disk drives
are
serviced annually by
an
lSI
or authorised service enginneer.
9.3
AIR-FilTER
MAINTENANCE
(M-THREE/300 SERIES)
The
Air-Filter
should
be
visually checked after every 2-3 months
of
continual operation. More frequent checks
will
be
necessary
if
the
system
is
being operated in
an
adverse
environment
e.g.
in close
proximity
to
excessive
smoke or dust.
The Air-Filter
is
located on the rear panel
of
the M-THREE directly
behind the Disk Drives.
9.3.1 Removal
Detach the complete Air-Filter assembly from the rear
of
the M-THREE by removing the
four
retaining
screws.
The
Air-Filter
can
then
be
pushed
out
of
its housing
for
inspec-
tion
and
cleaning
if
necessary.
9.3.2 Cleaning
a)
Flush the loose
dirt
from the
filter
with a
steam
of
warm
water.
b)
Place
the
filter
in a warm solution
of
low
foam domestic
detergent.
c)
Rinse
well in clean water.
d)
Shake
and
allow
to
drip-dry.
e)
Re-install the Air-Filter assembly.
9-1
Page 49
Page 50
SECTION 10
fUNCTIONAL
SPECifiCATION
10.1
GENERAL
The following information
is
valid
for
all M-THREE systems unless
otherwise stated:
10.2 PROCESSOR:
Z80 (2.5Mhz 8-bit)
10.3
MEMORY:
64K
Bytes Dynamic RAM
2K
Bytes Bootstrap Loader PROM
*
2K
Bytes Winchester Drive Handler PROM
* M-THREE/300
series
systems
only
10.4
INTEGRALDISPLAY
MONITOR:
24 Rows
of
80 Characters -
7
x 10 cell,
5
x 7 character,
5
x 9
with
true descenders.
Upper/Lower
Case
Characters
Reverse
Video
Blinking Cursor
10.5
KEYBOARD:
Standard 'QWE
RTY'
cluster
Numeric
Pad
31
Special Function Keys
Cursor Keys
10.6
INTERfACES:
Centronics Parallel Printer Port
RS232
and
20mA
Current Loop Serial Port
General Purpose Interface
Bus
(GPI
B)
- (optional)
[Tal kerf Listener/Controller]
10-1
Page 51
10.7 DISKETTES
10.7.1
M-THREE/l00
series
M-TH REE/1
00-
M-THREE/11O -
M-THREE/150 -
M-TH
REE/160-
5
1/4"
Single Sided, Double Density
35 Tracks
5 Sectors/Track
1 K bytes
of
Data Storage/Sector
Total Formatted Capacity:
175K
bytes
CP/M requirement:
10K
bytes
5
1/4"
Single Sided, Quad. Density
80 Tracks
5 Sectors/Track
1 K bytes
of
Data Storage/Sector
Total Formatted Capacity:
400K
bytes
CP/M requirement:
10K
bytes
5
1/4"
Double Sided, Double Density
35 Tracks/Side
5 Sectors/Track
1 K bytes
of
Data Storage/Sector
Total Formatted Capacity:
350K
bytes
CP/M requirement:
10K
bytes
5
1/4"
Double Sided, Quad. Density
80 Tracks/Side
5 Sectors/Track
Total Formatted Capacity:
800K
bytes
CP/M requirement:
10K
bytes
10-2
Page 52
10.7.2 M-THREE/200-300
series
(Floppy
Drives only)
M-TH REE/200-320-340 -
8"
Single Sided, Double Density
77
Tracks
8 Sectors/Track
1 K bytes
of
Data Storage/Sector
Total Formatted Capacity:
616K
bytes
CP/M requirement:
8K
bytes
M-THREE/250-325-345 -
8"
Double Sided, Double Density
77
Tracks/Side
8 Sectors/Track
1 K bytes
of
Data Storage/Sector
Total Formatted Capacity: 1.2M bytes
CP/M requirement:
8K
bytes
10.8 MASS STORAGE:
10.8.1
M-THREE/100
series
-
M-THREE/100 -
M-THREE/110 -
M-THREE/150 -
2 x 5
1/4"
Mini-Floppy Drives
Double Density
Single Sided
Total Formatted Capacity:
350K
bytes
2 x 5
1/4"
Mini-Floppy Drives
Quad. Density
Single Sided
Total Formatted Capacity:
800K
bytes
2 x 5
1/4"
Mini-Floppy Drives
Double Density
Double Sided
Total Formatted Capacity: 700K bytes
10-3
Page 53
M-THREE/160 -
2 x 5
1/4"
Mini-Floppy Drives
Quad. Density
Double Sided
Total Formatted Capacity: 1.6M bytes
10.8.2 M-THREE/200
series
M-THREE/200 -
M-TH REE/250 -
2
x
8"
Floppy Drives
Double Density
Single Sided
Total Formatted Capacity:
102M
bytes
2
x
8"
Floppy Drives
Double Density
Double Sided
Total Formatted Capacity: 2.4M bytes
10.8.3 M·THREE/300
series
M-TH REE/320 -
M-THREE/325 -
1
x
8"
Floppy Drive
Double Density
Single Sided
Formatted Capacity:
600K
bytes
1 x Winchester Drive
Single Platter
Formatted Capacity: 4.2M bytes
Total Formatted Capacity: 4.8M bytes
1
x
8"
Floppy Drive
Double Density
Double Sided
Formatted Capacity: 1.2M bytes
1 x Winchester Drive
Single Platter
Formatted Capacity: 4.2M bytes
Total Formatted Capacity: 5.4M bytes
10-4
Page 54
M-THREE/340
-
M-TH REE/345 -
1 x
8"
Floppy
Drive
Double Density
Single Sided
Formatted Capacity:
600K
bytes
1 x Winchester Drive
Double Platter
Formatted Capacity: 8.4M bytes
Total Formatted Capacity: 9M bytes
1 x
8"
Floppy
Drive
Double Density
Double Sided
Formatted Capacity: 1.2M bytes
1 x Winchester Drive
Double Platter
Formatted Capacity: 8.4M bytes
Total Formatted Capacity' 9.6M bytes
10.9
PHYSICAL
SPECIFICATIONS:
10.9.1 Environmental
Limits
Ambient
Temperature
Operating 10C
to
30C (50F
to
86F)
Storage
-22C
to
47C (7.6F
to
117F)
Relative
Humidity
Operating
20%
to
80% (no condensation)
Storage 1 %
to
95%
10.9.2 A.C. Requirements
Voltage 200
to
253V
A.C.
Frequency 50
Hz
+/-
0.5
Hz
10.9.3 Power Consumption
M-THREE/100
series:
90
Watts
M-TH R E E/200 series: 144 Watts
M-THREE/300
series: 264 Watts
10-5
Page 55
10.9.4 Mechanical Dimensions (Refer
to
Figure 10/1)
Main Control
Unit:
Width
Max. Height
Depth
Keyboard:
Width
Max. Height
Depth
10.9.5 Weight (Main Control
Unit
+ Keyboard)
642mm (25
1/4")
350mm
(143/4")
464mm (18
1/4")
642mm (25
1/4")
64mm ( 2
1/2")
219mm ( 8
1/2")
M-THREE/l00
series
27Kg (60
Ibs)
M-THREE/200
series
35Kg (77
Ibs)
M-THREE/320
series
39Kg (86
Ibs)
10-6
Page 56
FIG 10/1
Page 57
Page 58
APPENDIX
'A'
~
0 1
2 3
I..
5
6
7
LSD
0000
0001
0010
0011
0100
0101
0110
0111
0
0000
NUL
OLE
5P
0
(Q)
P
"-
P
1 0001
SOH
OC1
I
1 A
Q
Q
q
2
0010
STX
DC2
"
2
B
R
b r
3
0011
ETX
OC3
£.
3 C
S
C
5
4 0100
EOT
OCI..
1J
I..
0
T d
t
5 0101
ENQ
NAK
% 5 E
U
e u
6
0110
ACK
SYN
&
6
F
V f v
7
0111
BEL
ETB
,
7
G W
9
w
8 1000
BS
CAN
(
8
H
X
h
x
9
1001
HT
EM
)
9
I
Y
I
Y
A
1010
LT
SUB
;;-
J Z
i
z
B
1011
VT
ESC
+
;
K
I
k
(
C
1100
FF
FS
-<
L
"
I
I
,
I
0
1101
CR
GS -
=
M
J
m
)
E
1110
50
RS
.
>
N
A
n
~
F
1111
51
US
/
?
0
(Pf.LJ
-
0
.......
.....
Page 59
Page 60
APPENDIX
'8'
"-
+
p
t
a
-
q
-
b
===
r
-+
c
-
-
-
s
+-
d
===
===
t
I-
e
u
-1
-
f
v
i.
-
9
iiiiiiiiiiii!
-
w
T
-
h
x
I
" I
-
y
<
-
j
--.J
z
>
-
k
--,
{
7r
I
I
I
=1=
I
m
L
}
=#=
n
+
r-v
•
0
t
(9..;'~)
•
... , ..
-:-
..
..
. '
. . .
Page 61
Page 62
APPENDIX C
Line Number
v.
Address Code
Line
Address Line
Address
Line
Address
No.
Code
No.
Code
No.
Code
1
20H
9
28H
17
30H
2
21H
10
29H
18
31H
3
22H
11
2AH
19
32H
4
23H
12 2BH
20
33H
5
24H
13
2CH
21
34H
6
25H
14 2DH
22
35H
7
26H
15 2EH
23
36H
8
27H
16
2FH
24
37H
Column Number
v.
Address Code
Column Address
Column Address
Column Address
No.
Code
No.
Code No.
Code
1
20H
28
3BH
55
56H
2
21H
29
3CH
56
57H
3
22H
30
3DH
57
58H
4
23H
31
3EH
58
59H
5
24H
32
3FH
59
5AH
6
25H
33
40H
60 5BH
7 26H
34
41H
61
5CH
8
27H 35
42H
62
5DH
9
28H
36
43H
63
5EH
10
29H
37
44H
64
5FH
11
2AH
38
45H
65
60H
12
2BH
39
46H
66
61H
13
2CH
40
47H
67
62H
14
2DH
41
48H
68
63H
15
2EH
42 49H
69 64H
16
2FH
43
4AH
70
65H
17
30H
44 4BH
71
66H
18
31H
45
4CH
72 67H
19
32H
46
4DH
73
68H
20
33H 47 4EH
74
69H
21
34H 48
4FH
75
6AH
22
35H
49
50H
76 6BH
23
36H
50
51H
77 6CH
24
37H
51
52H
78
6DH
25
38H
52
53H
79 6EH
26
39H
53
54H
80 6FH
27
3AH
54
55H
Page 63
Page 64
..
Loading...