Epson EL 486UC User Manual

EPSON©User’s Guide663This manual is printed on 50% recycled paper, 10% post-consumer content.

Using the built-in interfaces, you can connect most of yourperipheral devices directly to the computer, so you do not haveto install option cards. You

Serial number:Look on the back panel of thecomputer to find the serial number.System BIOS version:Restart your system. You’ll see thesystem BIOS versi

The Computer Will Not StartThe power light is on, but the computer does not startReplace your main operating system diskette and turn on thecomputer a

If you replace the microprocessor, make sure the new processorchip is installed correctly. Also make sure the jumpers are setcorrectly and that pin 1

Keyboard ProblemsThe screen displaysa keyboard error message when youturn on or reset the computer.Make sure the keyboard is securely connected to the

The powerswitch is on but the powerlight is not on.Turn off the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, and turn itback on.If the light still does not com

You may have a defective diskette. Try copying the files fromthe bad diskette to a new diskette.Something is wrong with the data in the filesIf you ar

Hard Disk Drive ProblemsA newly-installed hard disk drive is not working properly orits performance is not what you expect.Make sure you have installe

You have been using your hard disk drive successfully forsome time but notice a redduction in performance.The data on the disk may have become fragmen

Software ProblemsThe application program does not startCheck that you are following the correct procedure for startingthe program and that it is insta

The printer prints garbled information.Check the printer manual for the printer’s correct DIP switch orcontrol panel settings.Also, make sure you have

OptionaI EquipmentYou can easily upgrade your computer by installing additionalmemory and a wide variety of options, as described below.(Installation

Memory Module ProblemsThe memory count displayed by the power-on diagnosticsprogram is incorrect.You may have installed the SIMMs incorrectly. They ma

Extrenal Cache ProblemsThe amount of cache displayed by the power-ondiagnostics program is inconect.You may have installed the external cache chips in

Appendix ASpecificationsCPU and Memory32-bit CPUSystem speedMemoryROMVideo RAMShadow RAMIntel 486SW 25 microprocessor;upgradable to 486SXJ 33,486DW 33

MemoryrelocationCacheSupports relocation of 256KB of memoryfrom A0000h to BFFFFh and D0000h toEFFFFh to extended memory8KB of internal cache (built in

lnterfacesMonitorParallelSerialVGA interface for fixed or multi-frequencymonitor built into system board; 15-pin,D-shell connectorOne standard S-bit p

Mass storage Internal mounts:Two 31/2-inch wide, one-inch high drives;with three or more option cards installed:the power supply supports only oneinte

Physical Characteristicswidth 15.6 inches (396 mm)Depth 14.5 inches (368 mm)Height 4.1 inches (104 mm)Weight15 lb (6.8 kg), without drives or keyboard

Environmental RequirementsVideo Resolutions and Colors* Non-interlaced and interlacedA-6 Specifications

Tested Operating EnvironmentsAlthough your system will run most software applications:the following operating environments have been tested forcompati

Hard Disk Drive TypesA-S Specifications

Math CoprocessorYou automatically install a math coprocessor when youupgrade your system with a DX or DX2 microprocessor,because a math coprocessor is

Hard disk drive types (continued)*Actual formatted size may be slightly different than size on drive label;you cannot change thisvalue.Specifications

Drive Option InformationHard disk drive options for high-capacity, 1-inch IDE drives*Select 1 or none for the precomp value. If neither of these optio

IDEhard disk drive jumpersettings*CS(cable selection) can be jumpered for any configuration. When CSisused, the drive is a master if pin 28 isgrounded

Serial port connector pin assignments (CN4 and CN5)DMA AssignmentsA-12 Specifications

Hardware InterruptsSpecifications A-13

System Memory MapIA-14 Specifications

System l/O Address MapSpecifications A-15

System I/O addressmap (continued)Hex addressAssigned device3A0 - 3AFSDLC, bieynchronous2380 - 3BFMonochrome display andprinteradapter3CO-3CF Enhanced

IndexAAdvanced Chipset Control option,2-7Advanced System Setup option,2-6-7Application programscompatibility, A-7copy protected, 3-6installing, 2-13pr

Configurationcache memory, 2-6, 4-23-24changing, 2-1, 2-12drive, 2-4, 5-20files, 4-30, 6-2SIMM, 2-4,4-10system, 6-lConnectingkeyboard, l-3monitor, l-4

Chapter 4 describes how to remove and replace the computer’scover, change jumper settings, and install optional equipmentsuch as microprocessor upgrad

Diskette drive,problems, 6-7protective card, 1-8removing, 5-18types, 5-2, A-4Diskette(s)defective, 6-7formatted, 6-6inserting, 3-2key, 3-6, 6-10label,

Hard disk drive,preformatted, 2-5problems, 6-8removing, 5-13, 5-18SETUP option, 2-5slave, 5-12types, 5-2, A-8-9user-defined, 2-5Heat sink, 4-14, 4-26,

Memory,configuration, 4-10conventional, 2-4extended, 2-4, A-14installing, Intro-3, 4-l0-12insufficient, 6-10modules, see SIMMsproblems, 6-12RAM, Intro

PParallel portconnecting, l-5connector, A-l1jumper, 4-7location, l-3reassigning, 4-7Password, Intro-lproblems, 6-9Supervisor, 2-9, 2-l1, 3-5User, 2-9-

Serial portsconnecting, l-3-6connector, 1-6, A-3, A-12controller, A-3description, Intro-ljumpers, 4-7location, l-3reassigning, 4-7SETUP programadvance

SystemBIOS, Intro-l-2, 2-1, 2-4, 4-5, 6-1-2,A-lboard, 4-5, 4-7, 4-14, 5-5configuration, 2-3, 2-12, 6-lI/O address map, A-15-16identifying, 6-lmemory,

Where to Get HelpIf you purchased your computer in the United States orCanada, EPSON provides customer support and servicethrough a network of Authori

If you need help with any software application program youare using, see the documentation that came with that programfor technical support informatio

ContentsIntroductionVGA Drivers...Optional Equipment ...System Memory...Cache Memory...

Checking System Memory...2-4Setting the Diskette Drive(s)...2-4The Fixed Disk Setup Option...

Replacing the Option Card Connector Board...Adding Video Memory...Installing the Video Chips...Insta

Mouse ProblemsController ProblemsExternal Cache ProblemsAppendix A Specifications6-126-136-13CPU and MemoryControllersInterfacesMass storageKeyboardSE

Read This FirstBefore you set up your EPSON® EL 486UC+ computer, readthis card for guidelines on how to get started. Also keep itaround for future ref

Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemThis chapter briefly describes how to set up your computer. Itincludes the following information:0 Getting started0 Con

0No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your systemtoo close to any electrical device, such as a telephone ortelevision, which generates an ele

Connecting Peripheral DevicesUse the illustration below to locate the ports on the back ofyour system as you connect the keyboard, monitor, printer, a

CautionAlthough the connectors and ports for the mouse andkeyboard are physically identical, they cannot be usedinterchangeably. Be sure to plug the m

4.If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them.5.Plug the monitor’s power cord into the power inlet on theback of the monitor.6.Plug the other

Using the serial portsIf you have a printer, a modem, or a mouse with a serialinterface, you can connect it to one of the serial (RS-232C) portson the

Turning On the ComputerAfter you set up your system, you are ready to turn on thepower. Use the illustration below to identify the features ofyour sys

0Always wait at least 20 seconds after you turn off thepower before you turn it on again to prevent possibledamage to the computer’s electrical circui

If your system is configured to automatically load a program(such as Microsoft Windows or a word processingprogram), you see the first menu or screen

Chapter 2Running the SETUP ProgramYou may need to run the SETUP program the first time you useyour computer. If your system came unconfigured, you nee

4.Install VGA device drivers and utilities. If you have amonitor that supports resolutions over 640 x 480, you’llprobably want to use some of the VGA

Starting the SETUP ProgramWhen you start your computer, it performs some power-ondiagnostics. During these diagnostics, you may see thefollowing messa

SETUP function keys (continued)KeyFunctionF5or-F6 or + orSpacebarF9Selectsthe previousvalueSelectsthe next valueLoadsthe factory default valuesforthe

Setting the Video Display TypeThe Video System option allows you to define the type ofdisplay you are using. If you have a VGA monitor that youconnect

The Fixed Disk Setup OptionThe Fixed Disk Setup options define the types of hard diskdrives you installed in your system. When you select thisoption,

The Advanced System Setup OptionWhen you select this option from the Main Menu, you see theAdvanced System Setup screen. From this screen, you cansele

Your computer can access RAM faster than ROM. The optionson this screen allow your system to copy the contents of itssystem and/ or video ROM into RAM

Setting the Boot OptionsWhen you select Boot Options from the Main Menu, you seethe Boot Options screen. These options allow you to define theboot seq

The Pause on POST errors option allows you to disablethe error message and the message Press <Al> toresume, <F2> to Setup that you see whe

If you enable the Password on boot option, you must enterthe Supervisor or User password each time you turn on thesystem. If you do not enable this op

3.Then delete the Supervisor password the same way.NoteYou must delete the User password before SETUP willallow you to access the Supervisor password.

CompuServe On-line SupportIf you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips,specifications, drivers, application notes, tables for DIP switc

The System Summary OptionWhen you select the System Summary option from the MainMenu, the SETUP program displays a summary of theconfiguration setting

Post-SETUP ProceduresAfter you run SETUP for the first time, you may need to installthe operating system on your computer (if it is not alreadyinstall

Chapter 3Using Your ComputerThis chapter briefly describes the following operations:0 Working comfortably0 Inserting and removing diskettes0Stopping a

Place your monitor directly in front of you and sit about anarm’s length away from it. The top of the screen should beslightly below your eye level so

To insert a diskette into a 5.25-inch drive, hold the diskette withthe label facing up and the read/ write slot leading into thedrive. When the disket

Resetting the ComputerOccasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s memorywithout turning it off. You can do this by resetting thecomputer.For ex

If resetting the computer does not solve the problem, you needto turn it off and on again. Remove any diskette(s) from thediskette drive(s), turn off

You must turn off the computer and start over. You can resetthe computer using the RESETbutton but you cannot reset thecomputer by pressing Ctrl Alt a

You can change the processor speed temporarily by enteringone of the following commands from the numeric keypad onyour keyboard :0To select slow speed

Chapter 4lnstaIling and Removing OptionsYou can enhance the performance of your computer by addingoptional equipment such as system, video, or cache m

Important Record lnformationTake a moment to write down some important informationabout your system. You can easily refer to this card if you callfor

Removing the CoverYou need to remove the computer’s cover to install any of theoptions described in this chapter or to install or remove a diskdrive (

6.Grasp the sides of the cover and lift it straight up, as shownbelow:7.Set the cover aside.8.Ground yourself to the computer by touching the metalsur

Replacing the CoverWhen you are ready to replace the computer’s cover, followthese steps:1.Make sure all the internal components are installedproperly

Locating the Internal ComponentsAs you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to theillustration below to locate the different components insi

Changing the Jumper SettingsThe main system board in your computer has a number ofjumpers that control certain functions. These jumpers are presetat t

Use the information in the following tables to change jumpersettings, if necessary.Jumpersettings* Factory setting** You can use MS-DOS to automatical

Edema/cache jumper settings**If you have no external cache installed, the position of these jumpersdoesnot matter.Setting the JumpersIf you need to ch

Setting jumpersTo move a jumper from one position to the other, use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gentlymove it to the de

Installing Memory Modules (SMMs)Your computer comes with 4MB of memory on a SIMM. Byinstalling additional SIMMs, you can increase the amount ofmemory

Use only tin-plated, 32-bit or 36-bit, 72-pin, fast-page modeSIMMs that operate at an access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds) orfaster.Be sure all the SIMM

IMPORTANT NOTICEDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTYEpson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by orwith respect to anything i

5.Push the SIMM into the socket until it is seated firmly in theslot. Then tilt it upright, as shown below, guiding the holeat each end of the SIMM ov

4.Use your fingers or a small screwdriver to carefully pullaway the metal tabs that secure the SIMM at each end, asshown below.5.As you pull away the

lnstalling an Option CardThis section explains how to install option cards in yourcomputer. Your computer has three 16-bit, full-length slots andtwo S

CautionMake sure the power requirements for the option cards youinstall do not exceed the power supply limitations. See youroption card manual(s) for

2.Remove the retaining screw securing the option slot coverto the computer, as shown below. (Keep the screw to securethe option card to the computer.)

4.Hold the card along the top corners and guide it into theconnector, as shown below. (If you are installing afull-length card, insert the front edge

Removing an Option CardYou may need to remove an option card to access componentson the main system board-to change a jumper setting, forexample. You

2.Remove the two retaining screws securing the option cardconnector board to the back of the computer, as shownbelow.3.Pull the board straight up and

Replacing the Option Card Connector BoardIf you removed the option card connector board, follow thesesteps to replace it. Refer to the option card con

Adding Video MemoryYour computer comes with 512KB of video memory solderedonto the main system board. You can increase your videomemory to 1MB by inst

Important Safety InstructionsRead all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Followall warnings and instructions marked on the compu

CautionTo avoid generating static electricity and damaging thememory chips, ground yourself by touching the metalsurface on the inside of the computer

5.Gently press the chip halfway into the socket (to make sureit is correctly aligned). If the chip goes in at an angle,remove it with a chip puller or

Cache memory configurationsInstalling the Cache ChipsFollow these steps:1.Locate the external cache memory sockets on the mainsystem board, shown on p

4.5.6.Position one of the cache chips over the first socket as shownbelow, aligning the pins on the chip with the holes in thesocket. Make sure the sm

10. Run SETUP to enable the External Cache option andcheck that the System shadow and Video shadowoptions are enabled. You select these options from t

Microprocessor upgrade stepsReplacing the Processor ChipBe sure to remove the option card connector board before youfollow the steps below to replace

3.If you use a chip puller, position the puller between theprocessor chip and the socket.You can also use a small, flat-edged screwdriver instead of a

6.7.8.9.10Position the processor chip over the socket, aligning thenotched edge of the chip (marked with a dot) with pin 1 onthe socket, as shown belo

post-installation ProceduresAfter you install or remove options such as memory modulesor a microprocessor, you must run SETUP to update thecomputer’s

Chapter 5Installing and Removing DrivesThis chapter describes how to install and remove optionaldrives in your computer. You can use these instruction

Importantes instructions de sécuritéLire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les conserver pour lesconsulter en cas de besoin. Observer soigne

lnstalling a Hard Disk Drive in the lnternaI Drive BayYour computer may have a hard disk drive already installed inthe internal drive bay. If not, you

Removing the Mounting FamesIf there are mounting frames attached to your hard disk drive,you need to remove them before you can install the drive.Foll

Connecting the Hard Disk Drive CablesTo connect the hard disk drive to the computer, you need toconnect two cables: the hard disk drive ribbon cable a

2.Locate the hard disk drive connector on the system board.pin 1Position the system board connector on the cable so that thered wire aligns with pin 1

Connecting the drive and power cables to the driveFollow the steps below to connect the hard disk drive ribboncable and a power supply cable to the dr

5.Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from thepower supply. (They have multi-colored wires and a plasticconnector on the end .)6.Position

Installing the Hard Disk Below the Mounting BracketIf you have a l-inch tall hard disk drive, you can install it belowthe hard disk drive mounting bra

4.Align the hard disk drive so that the cables lead toward thediskette drive bays and the four screw holes on the base ofthe drive are above the four

6.Lower the mounting bracket over the hard disk drive,making sure that the slots in the mounting bracket fit overthe tabs on the base of the computer.

Installing the Hard Disk On the Mounting BracketYou can install a hard disk drive on top of the mountingbracket rather than under it. Refer to the ill

lntroductionYour new EPSON® computer offers the following features:000000000000Intel® 486SW 25 MHz, 486DW 33 MHz, 486DX2/ 50, or486DX2/ 66 MHz micropr

5.Secure the bracket to the drive with four screwsNoteIf you plan to install two hard disk drives, you must useflat-head screws to secure the second d

Removing a Hard Disk Drive From the InternalDrive BayTo remove a hard disk drive, reverse the installation stepsoutlined above. Then disconnect the ha

Installing a Drive in the Upper External Drive BayYour system comes with a 3.5-inch diskette drive installed inthe lower externally accessible drive b

Keep the faceplate in a safe place in case you remove a drivelater (or you are installing a drive that you don’t need toaccess).2.Remove any brackets

4.Align the slots at the side of the drive bay with the mountingholes in the drive. Then secure both sides of the drive to thedrive bay using the reta

2.If you are installing a drive with a card-edge connector, makesure you align the key-way (the plastic divider) with thegap in the drive connector, a

4.Align the notched corners of the power supply connectorwith the notched corners of the drive’s power supplyconnector (such as the one shown below).

3.Reach behind the drive and gently push it to the front of thebay; then pull it out of the slot.4.Once you have removed the drive, replace the facepl

3. Locate the multi-colored power supply cable with the smallconnector. This cable is attached to the system board ratherthan the power supply.4. Posi

Chapter 6TroubleshootingIf you have any problems as you set up and use yourcomputer, refer to this chapter. You can correct most problemsby adjusting