Mitsubishi Electric Apricot LS660, Apricot VS660 Owner's Manual

LS/VS660

Owner’ s Handbook

COMPACT

NATIONAL

ACCREDITATION

OF CERTIFICATION

BODIES

OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APRICOT LS/VS660

Intel and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows ® and Windows ® NT are registered trademarks

of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the

properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and

does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited.
Any software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement.
The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this
agreement. It is against the law to copy any disk supplied for any purpose
other than the purchaser’s personal use.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers.

Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1996. All rights reserved.

Published by:
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham, England
B37 7YS

http://www.apricot.co.uk

Printed in the United Kingdom

CONTENTS

Safety and regulatory notices

General i
Standards ii
Power connection information iii

Power - UK only iv

1 Introducing your computer

System front 1/1
Rear view 1/2
Audio subsystem (option) 1/3
Turning on and booting 1/3
Energy saving feature 1/5
Turning the power off 1/6
Removing panels 1/6
The internal layout 1/9
Electronic Fingerprinting 1/10

2 Using your computer

Using the floppy disk drive 2/1
Optional CD-ROM drive 2/2
Optional PD drive 2/4
Cleaning your drives 2/7

3 Adding new drives

New drive locations 3/1
IDE hard drives 3/1
Fitting front drives/accessories 3/3

4 Expansion cards

Configuring a card 4/1
Installing a card 4/5

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Contents

5 Troubleshooting

Problems when starting 5/1
Troubleshooting checklist 5/5
The system’s disk drives 5/6

6 System motherboard

Principal features 6/1
Jumpers and connections 6/2
System connectors 6/5
Replacing the CMOS battery 6/6
Adding more memory 6/7
Upgrading the processor 6/10

7 System BIOS and setup

Entering setup 7/2
Setup runs on its own 7/2
Control keys 7/3
Main menu screen 7/4
Error messages 7/13

Note down your BIOS settings

7/14

Appendix

Antistatic precautions A1
Cleaning and transporting A2

Fall back password ‘cut out’ page * A3

read the instructions in Chapter 1 and on this page first

*

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

!

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

Electrical

The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed.
The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’. Ensure that the

system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet and that the plug is
easily accessible. The power cord packed with the computer complies with
the safety standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use
only this power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other
equipment.

To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the computer
to rain or moisture and turn off the computer and unplug all power cords
before moving or cleaning the system unit, or removing any system cover.

Battery

This product contains a lithium battery:
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery. If

a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative terminals the
battery may explode.

Replace a discharged configuration (CMOS) battery with one of the same
type. Dispose of the battery in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended instructions and Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble or
incinerate the discharged battery. Keep away from children.

Laser products

Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser Products
(Equipment Classification: Requirements and User's Guide). The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT label is located on the underside of the system unit.

Ergonomic

It will be in high visibility colours and bear the details shown above.
Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure to do so

may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into
account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic
requirements.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

i

External Speakers (where supplied)

Always switch off or disconnect the AC supply before disconnecting any of
the speaker leads, whether audio or power. Disconnect the AC supply
when equipment is not used for a period of time.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove speaker covers.
Connecting the speaker power cord to any other cords or joining cords

together can cause fire and risk of electric shock.

Standards

Safety

This product complies with the European safety standard EN60950 plus
amendments 1, 2, 3 and all European country deviations.

Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)

This product complies with the following European EMC standards:
Emissions EN55022 Class B

Immunity EN50082 Level 2

German Acoustic Noise Regulation

Sound power level is less than 70 dB(A) according to DIN 45635 Part 19
(ISO 7779).

Notes

All interconnecting cables (e.g. Microphone, headphone and speaker) and
communication cables should be less than 2 metres in length. If cable
extensions are used, ensure adequate earth connections are provided and
screened cables are used.

Legalities

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

ii

This equipment complies with the following European Directives:

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC

and where applicable:

Telecommunications Directive 91/263/EEC

CautionCaution

This system complies with the CE marking directive and its strict legal
requirements. Use only Apricot tested and approved parts. Failure to do so may
result in invalidating both the compliance and your warranty. All expansion
cards or upgrade components must carry CE marking.

Thermalcote bonding compound

E

N

L

125V

The thermal bonding compound used between the system processor and its
heatsink can cause skin irritation and stain clothing. Avoid prolonged or
repeated contact with skin. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after
handling. Avoid contact with eyes and inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.

Power connection information

Typical AC plugs

250V

E

L N

250V

E

N L

BS1363A SHUCO NEMA 5-15P SRAF 1962/DB16/87 ASE 1011

U. K. Austria Belgium Taiwan Denmark Switzerland

Finland France Thailand

Italy Germany Japan

Sweden Norway USA

Holland Canada

250V

L

N

E

250V

Procedure

NoteNote

Any ancillary equipment using an AC power supply cable should be earthed.

The power supplies in the computer and the monitor are correct for the
country in which the system is first sold. Do not alter any switch settings
on the rear of the system. If you wish to use the computer in another
country it may not be suitable, contact your supplier or an authorised
Apricot dealer.

♦ Before connecting up any parts of the system, ensure that the AC

supply is switched off or disconnected.

♦ First connect up the keyboard, mouse, monitor signal cable, and

audio cables as appropriate.

♦ Connect up all AC cables. (System to supply, system to monitor, all

related peripherals.) Then switch on or connect the AC supply.

♦ Switch on the monitor first, then the computer followed by the

peripherals, such as printer or speakers.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

iii

Power Cable Connections - UK ONLY

This equipment is supplied with an AC power lead that has a
moulded, non-removable, 3-pin AC plug.

Always replace the fuse with one of the same type and rating which
is BSI or ASTA approved to BS1362.

Always refit the fuse cover, never use the plug with the fuse cover
omitted.

Never substitute a power cord from any other appliance. If you
suspect a fault with the AC power lead, obtain a replacement from
your supplier or authorised maintainer.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

iv

1 FIRST STEPS

COMPACT

5

1

7

6

2

4

3

You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It
provides important basic information to help you in using your
computer. It is the minimum you need to know in order to use
your computer safely and with ease.

System front

1 Energy saving button and LED 5 Available drive bays

2 Front lifting point * 6 Power button

3 Floppy diskette drive 7 System LEDs:

4 Optional CD-ROM drive

-or optional PD drive

*

Not to be used on its own

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/1

Upper - Not used on this model
Middle - Hard disk active
Lower - Power-on

First steps

Rear View

A

1
2

A

A

1

10101

2

3
4

5
6

7

9

8

10

10

11

A

A

15

12
13
14

1 Rear of expansion bay 9 Audio (option), see next page for details
2 VGA port for monitor signal cable 10 Handles to assist during side panel removal
3 Parallel or printer port 11 Security loop for cable or padlock
4 Serial port 2 12 AC power output for monitor
5 Serial port 1 13 AC power input from supply
6 PS/2 port for mouse 14 Protection cover for PSU fan *
7 PS/2 port for keyboard 15 Main side panel locking

8 Dual stacked USB port

Panel fixing screws

A

* DO NOT use to lift system

1/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Security

1

The security case-lock (15), can help prevent unauthorised removal
of the cover, while the security loop, (11) above, can be used for
either alarmed loop cable or anchoring cable.

Audio subsystem (option)

The optional motherboard sound system is a Creative Labs
Vibra16. Audio output from the CD-ROM drive is internally
connected to the Vibra sound system. Details of the internal
connections are given in the motherboard chapter.

There is a built-in amplifier suitable for driving headphones and
passive speakers. Phantom power is provided for microphone types
that require this facility (Electret type). Speakers and microphone
should be 8 Ohm impedance minimum.

First steps

10101

2

1
2
3
4

5

1. Speakers 4. Microphone

2. Line out 5. Joystick/MIDI port

3. Line in

Turning on and booting the computer

Turning the power on

To turn on the computer, press the P
ON LED should come on to show that the system unit is powered.
The monitor has its own power control (see the monitor’s User’s
Guide for details) it may take a few moments to warm up.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/3

button. The POWER-

OWER

First steps

COMPACT

If nothing happens when the P
the system unit and monitor power cords are securely connected
and that the AC power supply is switched on. See also the chapter
on ‘Troubleshooting’.

Power-on self-test

Whenever the computer is turned on, the ‘power-on self test’
(POST) routine checks the actual set-up of the computer against
that recorded in its internal configuration memory.

The boot sequence

Provided that POST succeeds without any serious errors, the
computer looks for its operating system to start it going, that is, it
attempts to boot. By default, the computer will first look for a
floppy system disk, then for a bootable hard disk partition or area.

System disk

A floppy disk bearing at least the rudiments of an operating system. If
the computer detects a disk in the floppy drive, it tries to boot from it.
If it is a non-system disk, the computer will ask you to replace it.

Bootable hard disk

Most computers with a hard disk containing pre-installed software
arrive set up with a suitable ‘boot partition’. The operating system is
usually already in place or pre-installed on this, the
drive is usually made ‘active’, i.e. the bootable hard disk.

button is pressed, check that

OWER

C:

drive. The C:

1/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Energy Saving features

Energy saving is normally enabled in the Power management
section of the system BIOS. If the system is left unattended for
more than a predetermined time, energy saving features come into
play. The screen will blank, components will slow down, software
will still run, but very slowly. The system is still powered, (the
‘Power-on’ LED will still be lit).

First steps

An additional LED is provided near the
that ‘Low power’ mode is operative.

WarningWarning

The energy saving features built into this computer are designed to be
used with the monitor supplied with the system. If you wish to use
another, or older monitor

damage may be caused

To restart the system, just move the mouse or press a keyboard key.
Everything will return to the exact state in which it was left.

You may instead press the purple button to restore the system. This
button can also be pressed while you are using the system, to
override the time-out and force the system into the low power
mode. The power management section of the system BIOS gives
access to the control settings of the ‘low power’ mode.

it may not

. Check with your Apricot dealer.

purple button

be compatible and

to warn you

permanent

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/5

First steps

Turning the power off

Remember these two simple points:

Close down any applications you are running and save any files

♦

you have altered or created. Data held only in the computer’s
memory

Always exit from, or ‘shut down’ Windows. This procedure

♦

deletes the temporary operational files it creates and will close
down everything in an orderly manner.

You will usually be prompted to save any work you may have
forgotten in any ‘minimised’ applications, for example a spreadsheet
working in the background.

will be lost

when you turn off the computer.

To turn off the computer, simply press the P
the monitor is powered from the system unit, it will be turned off at
the same time. Wait 10 to 20 seconds before turning on again. The
computer may not initialise itself properly if you turn it off and on again
in quick succession.

It may be advantageous on some occasions to use the ‘Energy Saving’
features of the computer. Press the purple button on the front panel to
switch into the standby mode. This will allow you to start up more
quickly when you return to use the system again.

Removing panels

For normal access to the motherboard, only the main side panel
requires removing, but for fitting expansion boards the main side
panel and the top panel both have to be removed. Both side panels
will require removal if any drives are to be fitted into the remaining
drive bays.

WarningWarning

Turn off the computer, along with all peripherals, and unplug all power
cords before removing any panels. Take suitable antistatic precautions
while any of the system panels have been removed.

button again. If

OWER

1/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

First steps

Main panel

1. Unlock the cover with the special key provided. It can be
found on the rear of the system.

2. Release the appropriate panel screws.

3. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.

4. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.

The motherboard and all of its components are now accessible.

CautionCaution

Exercise care with the removed panels as there are metal fixings and
hooks on the inside. These may scratch delicate surfaces.

Top panel

1. First remove the main side panel as detailed above.

2. Remove the top panel retaining screw.

3. Again slide the panel towards the rear of the system.

4. After 2 to 3 cm the panel should be free to lift off.

You can now safely access or fit expansion cards.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/7

First steps

1

10101

2

Other side panel

This panel only needs to be removed for access to the drive bay
fixing screws. No other components can be reached from this side.

1. Remove the two panel securing screws.

2. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.

3. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.

The access window to the drive mounting screws is now clearly
visible. For instructions on fitting drives see the chapter on
upgrading your system.

1/8 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

The internal layout

1

4

5

9

10

7

6

8



3

2

Please note that for clarity, all the internal ribbon and power
connections are not shown.

First steps

1 Power supply 6 Processor socket
2 First hard disk 7 Memory, banks 1 and 2
3 Main drive housing

-CD-ROM at top
4 Floppy diskette drive 9 Expansion riser
5 Motherboard

(see motherboard chapter
for details)

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/9

8 Connections for drive ribbon

cables

10 Audio board

(see page 1/3 for connection
details)

First steps

Electronic Fingerprinting (option)

Electronic Fingerprinting allows information you supply to be
stored in part of the computer’s permanent memory. This is then
displayed every time the computer is switched on. It is intended
that this information includes your name, address and phone
number so that if your computer is stolen it can be traced back to
you.

Extremely importantExtremely important

1. The first time you use the Electronic Fingerprinting application a
unique ‘fall-back’ password will be displayed. This is a 12-digit
number and can be used, in an emergency, if you should forget your
password.
the only time you will ever see it. A page at the back of the manual
is provided for you to note it down. Cut it out and keep it in a safe
place.

2. If you have not yet ‘branded’ your computer it is advisable that you
do so before somebody else gains access to your computer and sets a
branding message and password which could then prevent you
having access to your own computer.

1/10 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

You must therefore make a note of this number

, this is

First steps

NoteNote

You will be able to change any of the items in your branding details by
running the Electronic Fingerprinting application later and entering the
correct password. This would be necessary, for example, if you moved
office or passed the system over to someone else.

After you have entered your details you will be prompted to set a
password. This prevents anybody else from gaining access to your
personal details or changing them. Optionally, for extra security
Electronic Fingerprinting can be set such that this same password is
requested every time the computer is switched on.

Until you have entered your branding details the Electronic
Fingerprinting application will automatically run each time the
system software starts. Thereafter, Electronic Fingerprinting can be
run by selecting its icon which is displayed at the top of the Start
bar menu and entering your password.

Please refer to the on-line help file for further details.

CautionCaution

If you set a

Power On Password

effective and must be entered. It will be requested immediately

in the system BIOS, this will still be

AFTER

the fingerprint password has been verified.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/11

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

COMPACT

Using the floppy disk drive

The floppy disk drive is usually configured in the system BIOS as
drive A:, with a capacity of

Floppy disks should be kept away from bright sunlight, dust,
moisture and any strong magnetic fields. Avoid opening the metal
window on the disk as this exposes the magnetic surface to
contamination which could render the disk useless.

Inserting a floppy disk

1. Insert the disk with the metal window first, with the label side

uppermost into the drive. This will push open the drive door.

1.44 Mbytes.

2. Push the disk gently home until it ‘clicks’ into place. The drive

button will also move outwards slightly. The drive door will
stay open, leaving the disk just visible

3. The system should now be able to access the disk and the

information it may contain. While the system is accessing the disk,
the ‘drive active’ LED, opposite the button, should be lit.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/1

The system drives

COMPACT

2

1

3

4

5

Pressing the drive button will eject the floppy disk, but avoid doing
so while the drive active light is on, as this may cause damage to the
disk or the drive.

Optional CD-ROM drive

A CD-ROM drive has a wide range of uses. The majority of
application and operating system software is currently supplied in
the CD-ROM format only. You require a special drive and disk to
write to CDs.

The drive can retrieve multimedia data from CD-ROM disks and
multi-session Photo-CD disks. It can also play audio CDs.

The CD-ROM LED flashes when the CD-ROM tray is opened,
and when it is active (i.e. busy reading information).

It is important that the computer is not moved while a CD is in the
drive, especially if the CD is being played at the time.

1. Disc drawer 4. Emergency eject hole

2. Headphone jack and volume 5. Eject button

3. Activity light

2/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Inserting a compact disc

The system drives

1. Press the

button on the front of drive.

EJECT

2. Place the CD centrally, printed side up, on the platter.

3. If the platter ejected fully, push the

button again, or

EJECT

gently push the front of the platter, and it will be drawn back
into the drive.

4. Wait a few seconds for the drive to spin up to full speed before

either attempting to play audio tracks or read data from the
disk.

COMPACT

WarningWarning

The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes if
looked at directly. Do not attempt to remove the drive cover or otherwise
disassemble the CD-ROM drive. If a fault occurs, call an authorised
maintainer.

To remove a compact disc, press the eject button and then lift it out
by its edges. It is best to close the drawer, to prevent dust getting in,
unless you intend to put in a new CD.

LS/VS OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/3

The system drives

Care of CDs

Keep CDs well away from dust and moisture, and avoid touching
the surface of the CD. Avoid extremes of temperature and exposure
to direct sunlight as these may cause the disk to warp.

Always store CDs in their original cases wherever possible.
Replacement cases are readily available in record stores. CD storage
racks are useful as you will find the majority of new software is now
supplied in CD format.

Emergency CD removal

COMPACT

To remove a CD manually (for example, during a power failure)
you must first ensure that the computer is turned off. Insert a thin
metal rod (such as an unwound paper clip) into the emergency eject
hole. Push carefully and firmly.

Optional PD drive

This dual purpose drive can be fitted as an option into any system
where both a CD-ROM drive and an efficient re-writable backup
device is needed.

2/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK