Epson Y16499100301 User Manual

EQUlTY™LTUser’s GuideY16499100301

Creating and Using Subdirectories...4-14Creating subdirectories...4-15Changing directories...4-

To operate properly, some programs require the computerto run at 4.77 MHz. Try changing the CPU speed with theswitch above the keyboard. See “Selectin

Appendix CPower-on DiagnosticsThe built-in memory (ROM) of your computer contains aseries of diagnostics programs. These programs are runautomatically

If an I/O or checksum error occurs, you see this message:xxxx0 ROM errorwhere xxxx is the number of the segment of the bad I/OROM on an option card.Cl

If there are faulty RAM chips in your system, you see thismessage:xxxx0 201 -Memory errorKeyboard Controller and Keyboard CheckThe computer checks the

Hard Disk Controller and Hard Disk CheckThe computer next checks the hard disk controller anddrive unit. If a malfunction is found in the hard disk co

Appendix DPerforming System DiagnosticsThis appendix describes how to check the operation of themain unit and peripheral devices of your Equity LT. Yo

After these items are checked, you see a list of the devicesavailable for testing:DEVICE LIST1 - System board2 - Memory3 - Keyboard5 - Video adapter a

To perform the test multiple times, press 2 and Enter. Yousee this prompt:Terminate checking if an error detected (Y/N)?Press Y and Enter to terminate

The program continues after an error in one of thefollowing ways:l It returns to the DEVICE LIST, orl If you are running multiple tests and are not te

NoteThis option does not check expanded memory above the640KB memory limit imposed by MS-DOS.For this check, the program writes specific data intomemo

DPerforming System Diagnostics...Starting System Diagnostics...Selecting a Test...Resumin

Type the number of your keyboard layout and press Enter.You can exit the keyboard test by pressing 0 and Enter.After you select a keyboard layout, the

You can select the individual checks from this menu:VIDEO ADAPTER AND DISPLAY CHECK MENU1 - Video adapter check2 - Attribute check3 - Character set ch

Attribute checkTo check the display attributes of the video adapter, press2 and Enter.Several messages are displayed showing examples of all thepossib

If the characters displayed match the illustration, press Yand then Enter. If you find a problem with the characters onthe screen, press N and Enter t

The same pattern is displayed again; this time the squaresare cyan, white, and magenta, and the background is red.These colors are called Color Set 1.

Screen paging checkTo check the screen paging of your monitor, press 7 andEnter.The video RAM on the video adapter is divided into eightindependent di

Color video checkOption 8, Color video check, displays 16 different screens,each a different color, and a message indicating the color. Thescreens sho

Floppy Disk Drives and Controller CheckUse this option to test the performance of the floppy disk(diskette) drives inside or connected to your compute

When the format is complete, you see these messages (for a720KB diskette):Format complete730112 bytes total disk space730112 bytes available on diskFo

When you finish running the floppy disk drive check, press0 and Enter to return to the OPERATION MENU.Sequential seek checkThis test checks the abilit

EEquity LT Specifications...CPU and Memory...Controllers...Interfaces..

Use only a formatted blank diskette for this test.Any data present may be erased.If using drive A, remove your Reference Disk.Enter Y to start this ch

Run all above checksTo run all the tests on the menu in sequence, press 5 andEnter.When you choose this option, all checks for the diskettedrive(s) an

insert a special loop-back connector into the RS-232C port sothat the computer can check individual pins of the port.Contact your dealer if you need a

Once again, if any data received does nor march the data averify error occurs, and the computer reports the transmittedand received data at the rime o

The pattern looks like this:The text data includes all the characters commonly used byprograms that require foreign languages or graphic characters. I

If you specified to run the hard disk drive check multipletimes, this menu does not display and only the first three testsare performed.Seek checkThis

You do not see a cylinder count during the test. If noerrors occur, the program returns to the menu.If an error is reported, consult your dealer.Error

The cylinder number counts down to 0.At the end of the test, you see a table of the results of thetest. For example, for a 20MB hard disk with three b

Error Codes and MessagesTable D-1 lists all the error codes and messages that mayappear during diagnostic checks.Table D-1. Error codes and messagesEr

Error code MessageAlternate serialport1201ERROR DTR DSR, DSR ALWAYS HIGH/LOW1201ERROR RTS CTS, CTS ALWAYS HIGH/LOW1202TIME OUT ERROR1203VERIFY ERRORDo

IntroductionYour Epson® Equity™LT portable computer is a compacthigh-performance system you can use just about anywhere: atthe office, at home, or on

Appendix EEquity LT SpecificationsCPU and Memory16-bit CPUMain memoryROMpPD70116 V30 microprocessor; 4.77 or 10MHz clockrate, switch-selectable20-bit

Clock/calendar/RAMReal-time clock, calendar, and 50-byteCMOS RAM for configuration; batterybackupPower SupplyInternal, rechargeable NiCad battery pack

Physical CharacteristicsDepthWidthHeightWeight12.2” (310 mm)13.6” (345 mm)3.2” (79 mm)Dual diskette drive system:12.6 lb (5.72 kg) with standard LCD13

Appendix FGlossaryApplication programA software program designed to perform a specific task,such as a word processing or spreadsheet program.ASCIIAmer

ByteA sequence or group of eight bits that represents onecharacter.CharacterAnything that can print in a single space on the page orthe screen. Includ

DataInformation stored or processed by a computer.Data disketteA formatted diskette used to store files.Data lengthThe number of bits per character in

Disk driveThe physical device that allows the computer to read fromand write to a disk. A diskette drive has a disk slot intowhich you insert a disket

GW-BASICMicrosoft’s extended version of the Beginner’s All-purposeSymbolic Instruction Code. A programming languagedesigned to be easy to use and unde

Megabyte (MB)A unit used to measure storage space (in a computer’smemory or on a disk). One megabyte equals 1,048,576bytes.MemoryThe area where your c

ParityData signals sent during communications to detect errors intransmitting or receiving data.PartitionTo divide a hard disk drive into separate sec

The Equity LT comes with the MS-DOS operating systemand the GW-BASIC programming language. If you have usedMS-DOS before on another computer, you’ll f

ResetTo reload a computer’s operating system so you can retry atask or begin using a different operating system. Resettingclears RAM.ROMRead Only Memo

SubdirectoryA directory or group of files that branches down fromanother subdirectory or from the root directory.SwitchAn option added to an MS-DOS co

IndexAAC adapter,connecting, 1-5-6, 3-2power cord, 1-2, 1-5using, 1, 3-1 -2, 3-12AC power indicator, 1-6Alternate serial port check,D-19Application pr

Copying,disks, 1-19-22, 3-10, 3-13,4-8-12reference files, 2-5system files, 2-4Country code, 2-4CPU, E-lCPU chip, D-4CPU speed, selecting, 3-5CPU SPEED

Extended character set, 3-9Extension, file, 4-4External diskette drive, 1, 1-8,1-10, 1-14, 2-5FFDISK program, 2-1-2File extension, 4-4Filename, 4-4Flo

Low battery, 3-2, B-3 -4LOW BAT indicator, 3-2-3,B-4MMagnetic surface, disks, 3-9Main memory, 1, 1-21, E-1Mass storage, 3-3, E-2Mass storage LED, 3-3M

RRAM (random access memory),1, 1-17, C-1, E-1RAM checks, C-2Random seek check, D-15Read-only memory (ROM),C-l, E-lRead, verify, D-22Read/write heads,

UUnpacking, 1-1 -2Using AC adapter, 3-1 -2, 3-12Using battery, 3-1 -2Using Equity LT, 3-1Using handle, 1-1 -2VVideo adapter, display check,adapter che

10 Steps to Setting Up the Equity LT1Unpacking7 Connecting the Screen4Charging the Battery5Connecting a Printer6Setting the DIP Switches7Turning On8Lo

Appendix C provides information on the power-ondiagnostics in case your computer has trouble powering up.Appendix D outlines the system diagnostic che

Reader Comment CardMS-DOS 3.3 Reference ManualPlease use this card to evaluate this manual. Your comments and suggestions willhelp us improve our publ

EPSON America, Inc.2780 Lomita Blvd.Torrance CA 90505..qrPLACE : rSTAMP -HERE : y.L1..bl..bd..I..Y...rl...4...

Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemSetting up your Epson Equity LT portable computer iseasy. Just follow the steps in this chapter. They describe howto se

Besides this manual, you should have the following items:l The computerl AC adapter and power cordl An MS-DOS operating system diskette (version 3.20)

2.Use a flat blade screwdriver to lift off the plastic coverthe front of each arm, as shown below. Set the coversaside.on3.There is a plastic insert c

4.Pick up the screen with both hands and insert it into thearms of the computer.5.When the screen is securely seated in both arms, replacethe plastic

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS1. Read all of these instructions and save them for laterreference.2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the

3Connecting the AC AdapterFollow these steps to connect the AC adapter:1.Insert the round end of the adapter cable into the jackmarked AC ADAPTER on t

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a 120 voltelectrical wall outlet.When the adapter is connected to both the computer andan electrical outl

Parallel interfaceThe Equity LT parallel interface is Centronics-compatibleand uses a DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers haveparallel interfaces.To

4. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shownbelow. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side ofthe printer connector and cl

Serial interfaceIf you have a printer or another peripheral with a serialinterface, connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port at the back ofthe computer

NoteIf you plan to connect a color monitor or an external diskettedrive to your computer, do it at this point. For instructions onconnecting the monit

A DIP switch is either on (up) or off (down). To change asetting, use a hard, thin object, such as a small screwdriver.Keyboard DIP switchesTo access

The system functions controlled by these switches are listedin Table l-l and then described below.Table 1-1. Keyboard DIP switch functionsSwitch 1, LC

Back panel DIP switchesThe second set of DIP switches are on the left side of theback panel.The system functions controlled by these switches are list

Switch 2, external drive assignment-If you have connectedan external diskette drive to the computer, this switchdetermines whether MS-DOS and your app

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make surethat the total of the ampere ratings on the products pluggedinto the extension cord do no

lNever turn off your computer while a disk drive light is on.This can destroy data stored on disk or make a whole diskunusable.l Always wait at least

The power indicator above the keyboard lights up, andafter a few seconds, the computer begins to perform an internalself test. This is a diagnostics p

If your screen is the backlit model, you can use thebrightness switch to adjust the intensity of the backlighting. Tomake the backlighting brighter, m

2.Insert the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.When the diskette is all the way in, the release button popsout. (For more instruction

The screen displays the MS-DOS version number andcopyright information, and then the MS-DOS commandprompt:A>This means the operating system is read

3. Type:DISKCOPY A: B:and press Enter. The screen displays these prompts:Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Insert TARGET diskette in drive B:Press any

Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Press any key when ready . . .3. Drive A already contains the diskette you want to copy(the source), so just press a

6.Remove the MS-DOS system diskette from drive A andinsert the copy diskette in the drive. Then press any key.The program copies the remaining files f

and press Enter. The Setup menu displays on the screen:ExitReal-time clockBacklight periodPrimary serial portSecondary serial port1 select function, E

Enter the time in the exact form shown in the box, usingtwo digits for each part; the program automatically insertsthe colons (:). For example, to set

EPSON®Equity™ LTUser’s Guide

of time. The default time period is two minutes. You canchange it to a time between one-half minute to five minutes, inhalf-minute increments. If you

If you are using only the built-in serial port, you need to beconcerned only with the primary serial port-and only then ifyou want to change the defau

The cursor block is on the Baud rate option. To changethe speed of communication, press Enter. The screen displaysthe following:110 bps150 bps300 bps6

Leaving the Setup programWhen you finish using the Setup program, press t until thecursor block is on Exit and press Enter. The screen displays alist

Chapter 2Preparing a Hard Disk for UseIf you have the hard disk model Equity LT, follow theinstructions in this chapter to prepare it before using it

Then you can use the COPY command to copy files fromthe reference diskette to the hard disk.All of these procedures are described in this chapter.Note

6.Press Y to use the entire hard disk for MS-DOS and pressEnter. The screen displays the following message andprompt:System will now restartInsert DOS

Note001 and US are the country code and keyboard code,respectively, for the United States. If you want to substituteother codes, see your MS-DOS manua

When all the files are copied, the A> prompt redisplays.The SELECT procedure is complete.NoteThe SELECT procedure described above copies all the fi

Turn off the computer, wait at least five seconds, and thenturn it back on. After the computer completes the power-onself test, the screen displays th

IMPORTANT NOTICEDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTYSeiko Epson Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either express orimplied, by or with respect to

Chapter 3Using the Equity LTThis chapter covers some basic procedures for using yourEquity LT computer.Using the AC AdapterThe Equity LT can be powere

You need to recharge the battery at these times:lBefore you use the computer for the first timel If the battery has not been used for a long timel If

LED IndicatorsAbove the keyboard on the right side are seven LED (lightemitting diode) indicators that provide information about thecomputer’s operati

Opening and Closing the ScreenWhen you are not using the computer or you want tomove it, turn it off and then close the screen, as shown below,so it l

Using the HandleThe Equity LT has a convenient carrying handle. To usethe handle, pull it out from the bottom of the computer asshown below.Be sure th

When the computer is running at 4.77 MHz, the powerLED is orange. At 10 MHz, the light is green.Resetting the ComputerYou can reset the computer to re

3.Turn off any peripheral devices and then turn off theEquity LT. Wait five seconds and then switch the powerback on.Caring for the Backlit ScreenIf y

Table 3-1. Special keysKeyn--nCaps LockShiftCtrlAlt4-EnterInsDelHome, End,‘;“Uk Pgpn,+Num LockEscF1 - F10PrtscSys ReqScroll LockBreakPurposeMoves the

The Equity LT Character SetThe Equity LT uses an extended character set that assignsgraphics and international characters to some ASCII codes. Insome

stores the data you enter as magnetic patterns on these circulartracks.A small read/write head in the disk drive interprets themagnetic patterns. When

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTFOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installedand used properly, that is, in

You need to format new diskettes before you can use themwith an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on adiskette and prepares it to recei

lNever wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.lStore diskettes properly in their plastic cases.If your computer has a hard disk, take these

Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.To remove a diskette, press the release button to releasethe diskette. When it pops out o

The write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-rightcorner on the back, shown in the figure below. To write-protect the diskette, slide the s

Turning Off the ComputerBefore you turn off your computer, save your data, exit theprogram you are using, and then remove all diskettes from thedisk d

Chapter 4Using MS-DOS With the Equity LTYour Equity LT comes with version 3.2 of MS-DOS, thedisk operating system by Microsoft? In this chapter, you’l

l Enter an MS-DOS commandl Store datalChange the default drivelFormat a diskette for storing datalCopy an entire diskette or selected fileslList the c

Now you see the MS-DOS command prompt, which tellsyou that MS-DOS is loaded and indicates the current drivefollowed by a greater-than symbol:A>If M

If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it,you see this message:Bad command or file nameThen MS-DOS re-displays the command prompt so y

as its name, size, location, and the date and time you lastupdated the file.If you do not create any other directories on your diskette,you will alway

User’s Guide

Formatting DiskettesBefore you can store data on a new diskette, the diskettemust be formatted. Formatting prepares the diskette soMS-DOS can write to

4.When the diskette is completely formatted, you seemessages such as these (for a 720KB diskette):Format complete730112 bytes total disk space730112 b

Copying DataIt’s very important to have backup copies of the files youcreate on your diskettes or hard disk. You can copy data andprogram files severa

and press Enter. MS-DOS prompts you to insert yourdiskettes:Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Insert TARGET diskette in drive B:Press any key when rea

MS-DOS displays these messages:Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Press any key when ready . . .4. If the MS-DOS diskette is in drive A, remove it. The

6.When the copy is completed, you see this message:Copy another diskette (Y/N)?Your diskette has now been copied and you can eithermake another copy o

5.Remove the diskette from drive B and insert the blankdiskette in the drive.DISKCOPY checks to see if the new diskette is formatted.If it is not, DIS

l If an existing file on the target diskette has the same nameas the file you are copying from the source diskette, thecopy replaces the file on the t

Listing the Contents of a DisketteYou will often want to see which files are stored on yourdiskettes or hard disk. For example, before you format a us

l Copying from one subdirectory to another.Each subdirectory has a name, and any file in anysubdirectory can be identified and accessed using a pathna

ContentsIntroduction...1How to Use This Manual...21Setting Up Your System...1-11Unpacking..

Press F6. Then type the following and press Enter at the endof each line:COPY CON:\ MEMOS \ MEMO1This is the first memo.Press F6.Now you have one file

Type DIR and press Enter to show that you are now in theLETTERS subdirectory. You should see the following:<DIR>LETTER1<DIR>Now you can us

subdirectories just as you have to specify the drive or log ontoa different drive to access files on different disks.Copying from one subdirectory to

MS-DOS Commands and the Equity LTYour MS-DOS manual describes all the commands on theMS-DOS diskette that you can use on the Equity LT. Threecommands

Appendix AOptions and MaintenanceThis appendix describes how to connect a color monitor tothe computer and how to replace the backlit screen element.

If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them with ascrewdriver.5.If necessary, plug the monitor’s power cable first into thepower inlet on the monit

Set the switch tops aside in a safe place.3.Use the screwdriver to remove the plastic cover on each ofthe arms that hold the screen, as shown below.4.

5.Turn the screen over and lay it on a flat surface (such as atable) so you are looking at the back. Locate the smallplastic screw cover on each side

8. Carefully lift off the front cover of the screen as shownbelow and set it aside.9.On either side of the screen is a screen latch mechanism(shown be

10. Also on the right side, near the top, is a connector thatconnects the power supply to the screen. Unplug it asshown below.nnector11. Carefully lif

3Using the Equity LT...3-1Using the AC Adapter...3-1Using the Battery...3-1LE

12. Grasp the tan-colored tab from which you unplugged theconnector and carefully pull it out of the screen. Thisremoves the electroluminescent elemen

16.Replace the latch mechanism you removed in step 9. Becareful to seat it properly, as shown below. Also be surethe one on the left side is properly

Turning Off the Hard DiskTo avoid drive access problems, it is best to leave the harddisk switch on at all times. However, if you are using thecompute

When you load MS-DOS from the hard disk, the operatingsystem is copied to the computer’s memory; however, all theMS-DOS programs remain only on drive

4.After you log on to drive A, you can turn off the harddisk.5.Continue using the application program, working ondrive A.6. When you want to save your

Appendix BTroubleshootingYou should not encounter any serious difficulties as you setup and use your Equity LT. But if anything out of theordinary hap

2.If the power light still does not come on, turn off thepower switch. Check to see that the AC adapter is securelyconnected to both the computer and

3. Remove any diskettes, then turn off the power switches onthe monitor and the main unit. Check that the monitor’spower cable is securely connected t

1. Turn off the computer.2.Connect the AC adapter to the computer and to anelectrical outlet and let the battery charge for at least 12hours.3. Discon

to see what files the diskette contains; it may containinformation you do not want to change or lose. (Chapter 4describes how to display a directory.)