IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it is not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions,
it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential 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:
• reorient the receiving antenna
• relocate the computer with respect to the receiver
• move the computer away from the receiver
• plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver
are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet
prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to Identify and
Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the
United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock,
No. 004-000-0035-4.
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.
TRS-80® CR-S10 Operation Manual
Copyright© 1983 Tandy Corporation,
Forth Worth, Texas 76102, U.S.A. All
Rights Reserved.
Reproduction or use, without express
written permission from Tandy Corporation, of any portion of this manual, is
prohibited. While reasonable efforts
have been taken in the preparation of
this manual to assure its accuracy.
Tandy Corporation assumes no liabil-
ity resulting from any errors or omissions in this manual or from the use
of the information obtained herein.
Contents
Introduction i
1 / Description of the CR-510 1
Front Panel Controls and Indicators 2
Rear Panel Controls 3
2/ Setting up the CR-510 5
Connecting the Card Reader to a TRS-80 Model II or III 5
Loading Cards 5
Baud Rate DIP Switch Settings 7
The CR-510 Diagnostic Self-Test 9
3/ General Information 11
Preparing, Handling, and Maintaining Cards 11
How the Card Reader Works 12
Card Feed Modes 14
Single Feed Operation 14
Demand Feed Operation 14
Continuous Feed Operation 14
Adjusting the CR-510's Feed 14
(leaning the Rubber Roller 15
4/ Using the CR-510 21
Programming the Card Reader 21
CR-510 Command Structure 21
Data Format 21
CR-510 Commands 21
Format Commands 22
CR-510 Communications Overview 28
TRS-80 Input Buffer Management 29
Data Transmission Integrity (Echo On) 29
5/ Using the CR-510 Demonstration Software 31
Running a Demonstration 31
COBOL Card Reader Program 31
How to Run Demonstration Programs Without the "DO" Files 32
Programmer's Guide 33
Program Listings 35
Appendix A/ Hollerith to ASCII Conversions A1
Appendix B/ Card Specifications B1
Appendix C/ Troubleshooting C1
Appendix D/ System and Terminal Mode Tests D1
Appendix E/ Specifications E1
Introduction
Congratulations on selecting the TRS-80 CR-510 Card Reader! With this Card Reader, a TRS-80
Computer, and standard marked or punched cards, you can:
• Automate data compilation.
• Evaluate surveys and polls.
• Correct multiple choice tests.
and more!
The CR-510 Card Reader is designed to connect directly to your TRS-80 Model I/II/III via the
Computer's RS-232C connector.
The Card Reader can be controlled either manually via switches ("hardware") or through your
program ("software") and can read cards that are at least 15.24 cm (6") in length. A General Purpose
Standard Card designed for use with the CR-510 is available (26-1240) and, with the optional 14"
Card Holder, cards up to 35.56 cm (14") in length can be read.
Note that the Card Reader requires a special "driver" routine to communicate with your Computer.
This driver routine must be included in every program you write for the CR-510. (See Chapter 5 of this
manual.) Radio Shack also provides applications software for the CR-510. Instructions for using these
programs are supplied with the individual software packages.
Figure 1. CR-510 Card Reader.
Before doing anything else, carefully unpack the CR-510. Be sure the following accessories are
included in the Card Reader package:
• Card Reader
• Metal Card Catcher
• Card Weight
• Blank Card Packet with 200 General Purpose Cards
• Owner's Manual
• Diagnostic Test Card
• Connection Test Card
• Power Cord
• Vial of Cleanser (for Read Head and Drive Roller cleaning)
• Cloth
Save the box and packing material for future shipping.
This section describes the various connectors, switches, and indicator lights on your CR-510.
Figure 2. CR-510 (Front Panel)
(Note: When you first turn on the Card Reader, all of the Front Panel Lights will come on for about
a second.)
A chart of error conditions associated with these lights appears in Appendix C.
START/STOP Button Press this button to begin card reading. Press a second time to stop
the unit once the current card has been read. Pressing START while in the Single-Feed Mode
causes the unit to read one card. In the Continuous Feed Mode, press START to read cards
in the Hopper.
SELF-TEST Button Press this button to start the Self-Test.
There are two kinds of Self-Tests you can run:
• The Diagnostic Self-Test (described at the end of this section).
• A quick Self-Test with the Mechanical Feed Test. Place some cards (marked or unmarked)
in the Hopper and press the Self-Test button. All Front Panel lights will come on for
about one second. When the Self-Test is successfully completed, the lights will go off and the
cards will quickly feed through. If the lights remain on, or the cards don't feed through,
perform the Diagnostic Self-Test.
LOAD/ATTENTION Indicator This light indicates that the Computer expects more cards,
but the Hopper is empty. This condition can also be activated through software. A flashing
lamp indicates that an ATN command was sent by the Computer. See Chapter 4 for additional
information.
READY Indicator This indicator illuminates when the START button has been pressed and
the unit is ready to read cards. When it blinks, or lights up along with other indicators, an
error condition exists.
FEED ERROR Indicator When this indicator is illuminated, a mechanical failure of some
kind has occurred.
Power Indicator When the Card Reader is connected to an outlet and the power switch is set
to ON, this indicator will illuminate.
Figure 3. CR-510 (Rear View)
DIP Switches Position the DIP Switches to set the baud rate. The DIP Switches are located
behind the metal plate (see Figure 7 for details). The CR-5l0's baud rate must match the
baud rate of the Computer. (See Setting Up the CR-510 for details.)
RS-232C Connector Connect the CR-510 to the TRS-80 via this connector using the
appropriate interface.
Power ON/OFF Switch To turn the CR-510 power ON, set this switch to ON. (When power
is applied, a unit Self-Test is automatically run.)
Power Cord Connector Plug the AC Power cord included with package into this connector.
Fuse Holder The fuse provides unit overload protection. Replace with a 1 amp slo-blo fuse
for 110 VAC.
Figure 4. Inserting Cards into the Card Hopper
2/ Setting up the CR-510
Connect the Card Reader to a 110 Volt AC outlet or an approved power strip. Always use a 3-prong
grounded outlet.
Connecting the Card Reader to Your Computer
Model II Users
1. Be sure the Card Reader's and Computer's power are Off.
2. Connect one of the DB-25 ends of the Model II RS-232C Cable (26-4408) to the RS-232C
Connector on the CR-510.
3. Connect the other DB-25 end of the cable to either SERIAL CHANNEL A or B on the
Computer. Insert a Terminal Plug into the other SERIAL Connector.
Model III Users
1. Be sure the Card Reader's and Computer's power are Off.
2. Connect one end of the Model III RS-232C Cable (26-1408) to the RS-232C Connector on the
Computer.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the RS-232C Connector on the CR-510.
Loading Cards
Be sure that the stack of cards to be read is packed so that all sides of the stack are even. No cards
should have edges protruding from the stack.
1. Insert the stack of cards (not over 250 regular size cards or 100 long cards at one time) face down
into the Card Hopper. The row of timing marks (black marks along the side of the card) should
be to the left as you face the front panel of the CR-510.
2. The Card Weight (see Figure 5) must be positioned on top of the card stack. The Card Weight slot
must be positioned so that when the Hopper is empty, the slot is positioned over the microswitch at the bottom of the Hopper.
HOPPER
CARD STACK
Figure 5. Card Weight Positioning
3. Attach the Card Catcher. See Figure 6 A.
4. Verify that the metal card retainer is installed in the slots at the rear of the hopper as shown in
Figure 6B.
Figure 6A. Card Catcher
-6-
Setting the DIP Switches
At the rear of the CR-510 are the DIP Switches which let you set the baud rate. The CR-510's baud
rate must match that of the Computer it is connected to. For example, if you have set the baud
rate of a TRS-80 Model III to 4800 baud, you must set the CR-510's DIP Switches to the 4800
baud setting.
There are four numbered DIP switches on the CR-510. The LEFT/RIGHT setting combination of the
four switches determines the baud rate. Use a small screwdriver or a pair of tweezers to position
the switches.
If all of the switches are set to the LEFT, for instance. 50 is the baud rate. If switches 1 and 4 are to
the RIGHT and 2 and 3 are to the LEFT, 2000 is the baud rate, as shown in Figure 7. See Table 1.
Remember! 0= LEFT. 1 = RIGHT.
Figure 6B. Card Retainer Installation
Figure 7. Baud Rate Switch Positions
Diagnostic Self-Test
Once the CR-510 is connected to a power source, you can perform the Self-Test to confirm that it is
operating properly.
1. Be sure the unit is ON.
2. Set the Card Reader DIP Switches to 9600 baud.
1 = LEFT
2= RIGHT
3= RIGHT
4= RIGHT
3. Place the Diagnostic Test Card (Figure 8) face down into the Card Reader Hopper.
4. Press the SELF-TEST and START STOP Buttons simultaneously.
5. For the unit to pass the test, all Card Reader Front Panel lights (except power) will go off. A flashing
lamp indicates a malfunction.
Figure 8. Inserting the Diagnostic Test Card
Card Left
Card Right
Card Must Be Placed Face
Down in the Card Reader Hopper
Figure 9. Card Reader Diagnostic Test Card
Card Trailing Edge
3/ General Information
Thus chapter will provide information on using card readers in general and the CR-510 in particular. This
includes hints on marked or punched card characteristics and maintenance.
It also provides two test features that confirm the reliability of your CR-510 system.
Preparing, Handling and Maintaining Cards
Using card readers requires that you become familiar with the characteristics of cards and how to
take care of them. For the Card Reader to read cards successfully, cards must be marked or
punched properly and stored in a safe place. The equipment must be properly maintained and
adjusted when necessary.
Marking and Punching the Cards
The CR-510 can be used to read "marked" or "punched" cards. However, there are a few "rules" that
should be followed to effectively use the Card Reader.
Marked Cards For the Card Reader to read cards accurately, be sure that they are marked correctly.
To mark a given "chad" (chads are the boxed-in areas on the card), fill the chad in completely.
For example, note the following chad marks:
Most acceptable Least acceptable
Card marking may be done via any medium that will produce clear and legible marks that exhibit a
maximum reflectance of 20%. To make sure that your cards are read, it is recommended that you
use a #2 pencil.
For optimum accuracy, each marked card must be completely filled.
Punched Cards The Card Reader also reads punched cards. Cards must be punched (and designed)
to produce holes that conform to standard punch equipment and USA standard X3.21-1967.
Storing and Handling the Cards
The Card Reader requires that cards be flat, otherwise the cards will jam up in the machine. Cards
are subject to wear and tear when they are used a number of times. We recommend you not use
the same card more than seven times. You can eliminate some slight distortions in the cards by lightly
fanning the card deck.
The most common cause of card feed problems is "card warp." You can prevent this problem by
handling the cards gently and storing them correctly. Cards should always be stored flat. Cartons of
cards should be stored upright, off the floor, and not more than three cartons high. Keep the cards
away from areas which may change temperature or humidity conditions abruptly, such as windows, air
ducts, and radiators.
Card Stock
Card stock will conform to American National Standard ANSI X3. 11-1969 requirements, except
for the following:
• A corner cut cannot be located on the timing mark side of the card.
• The length of the card can vary from 6 to 14 inches.
Most 9 pt. card stock will meet this requirement.
-11-
Card Reflectance
Cards shall have a minimum reflectance of 70% (measurements must be made at the near infra-red
end of the spectrum).
Printing Ink
Card Body Ink may be any color (Sinclair and Valentine J6893 Red etc.) and it must maintain
a minimum reflectance of 70%.
Timing Marks Ink must be non-reflective (PMS Black, etc.) and maintain a maximum reflectance
of 20%.
Timing Marks
The Card Reader will read cards that have data aligned with the timing marks. Timing marks are
positioned along the left side of the card (see Figure 10). For optimum chad-scan, the marks must be
centered on the chad column and should be as wide as the chad boundaries.
Timing Mark Height — 0.120 ± 0.025 inches
Timing Mark Width Widths may vary from 0.024 to 0.25 inches. Best results are obtained when the
timing mark width and the chad width are approximately the same.
Space Between Timing Marks must be a minimum of 0.070 inches.
First Timing Mark Location — 1st mark must be 0.077 inch (minimum) from the leading edge of
the card.
Chad Location
The Chads (each row) must be centered at 0.25 inch intervals across the card from card edge to edge
as shown in Figure 9.
The center of chad 12 and chad 9 must be 0.25 of an inch from the card edge.
Tolerance is ± .005 inches unless specified. This card and specifications are designed for reading
during the timing marks.
How the Card Reader Works
The Card Reader reads the data by reflecting light from a lamp off of the cards and onto a series
of photoelectric cells. The unit reads one column at a time, translates the data into a format (specified
through software), and stores the data in a buffer.
When the card has been read, the data is sent byte-by-byte out the Serial I /O Port of the CR-510 into
the Serial I/O Port of your computer.
Commands and echoed data are sent from your computer to the CR-510. You can instruct the Card
Reader to transmit its current "status" along with the card data that is transmitted. The status is
a two-byte ASCII string consisting of a status code followed by a comma.
If needed, you may instruct the Card Reader to expect an "echo" of the data it transmits to the
computer. With this option, you can verify that what was received by your Computer was what was
sent by the Card Reader.
Note: Your driver must echo the data back to the unit. (See Data Transmission Integrity.)
-12-
Figure 10. Card Specifications Chart
-13-
Card Feed Modes
The CR-510 can read cards in one of three modes:
• Single Feed
• Demand Feed
• Continuous Feed.
How to select these modes is outlined below.
Single Feed Mode
In this mode, the CR-510 reads a single card every time you press the START/STOP button. The
READY lamp will illuminate, indicating that the CR-510 is ready to read a card. Press the START/
STOP button to read a card. If the Card Hopper is empty, the LOAD ATTENTION Indicator
will illuminate.
Demand Feed Mode
One card is read each time a PIK command is received from the Computer. The START/STOP
Button must be pressed once to initiate the first read operation.
Note: If a card jam occurs during a read operation and status is disabled, the FEED ERROR
Indicator will illuminate and no data will be sent. (The complete card must be read before data is
sent.) The jammed card must be placed back at the bottom of the deck. (Removing the card deck will
cause the LOAD ATTENTION Illuminator to light up.) Pressing the START/STOP button will
resume the feed operation.
If a card jam occurs during a read operation and status is enabled, a status feed error will be sent to
the TRS-80 Computer (the data will be a reverse slash indicating invalid data). The jammed card
must be placed back at the bottom of the deck. Pressing the START/STOP Button will resume the
feed operation.
Continuous Feed Operation
All of the cards in the Card Hopper will be read when the START/STOP Button is pressed.
Note: If the Card Hopper is emptied during the continuous feed operation, the unit will stop feed
operations and the LOAD ATTENTION Indicator will illuminate. Press the START/STOP Button
(after cards have been placed in the Hopper) to resume the continuous feed operation.
Adjusting the CR-510's Feed
If you notice that the Card Reader is either accepting more than one card at a time or rejecting all
cards, chances are that a simple adjustment of the "stripper plate" will solve this problem. You can
adjust it yourself.
To do this, all you need is a Phillips screwdriver and two blank General Purpose Cards. Use the
following instructions to adjust the Card Reader:
1. Make sure the Card Reader's power is OFF.
2. Loosen the two screws that hold the stripper plate.
3. Take the two disposable cards and position them under the stripper plate. Push the stripper plate
against the top card until it is as tight as you can get it. Then, retighten the screws.
4. Remove the cards (the top one might tear) and dispose of them if they have been damaged.
-14-
Figure 11. CR-510 Stripper Plate
Cleaning the Rubber Roller
Another condition that can inhibit the proper reading and feeding of cards is when the rubber roller
(Figure 12) becomes contaminated by the graphite residue from previous card readings. We
recommend periodic cleaning of the roller to insure proper frictional contact between cards and the
roller. Also, by regularly cleaning the rubber roller, you can avoid the transfer of graphite from
the roller to the next set of cards.
-15-
Figure 12. Cleaning the Rubber Roller
Figure 13. Screw Locations
-16-
Included in the CR-510 package is a small vial of cleansing detergent and a soft cloth. These are
specifically for cleaning the rubber roller and the read head assembly.
1. When cleaning the rubber roller, make sure that the unit is turned off and the power line is
disconnected or unplugged.
2. Spray a small quantity of cleansing detergent onto the cloth.
3. With one hand, hold the cloth against the rubber roller. With the other hand turn the roller so
that you are able to clean the entire area. Do not let any moisture from the cloth seep into
the unit.
Note: Should you run out of the provided cleaner, you can use a liquid glass cleaner as a substitute.
DO NOT use solvent-based cleaners or any cleaner that may leave a residue on the read head. Do
not use full strength alcohol or ammonia.
Read Head Cleaning and Drive Lubrication
The read head assembly should be cleaned and the drive bearings lubricated after 500 hours of
operation. To clean the read head and lubricate the bearings, perform the following steps:
1. Disconnect the I/O cable and the power cord from the rear of the unit. Remove the card weight,
cards, and card catcher.
2. Remove the six screws that secure the housing to the bottom of the Card Reader as shown in
Figure 13.
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