Epson LT - 286e User Manual

Appendix ADIP Switches and Slide SwitchesSetting the DIP Switches...A-1Accessing the DIP Switches...A-2R

The Computer Locks UpIf the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries, trythe following:1.Wait a few seconds. Some operations take longer tha

If you have trouble copying the entire diskette, some of thesectors may be bad. Try using the COPY command to copyone file at a time. Then repeat the

Appendix ADIP Switches and Slide SwitchesThis appendix describes the DIP switches and slide switches youset to define your system’s configuration. The

Before accessing the DIP switches, make sure the power switchis off and all cables, including the AC adapter, aredisconnected.Accessing the DIP Switch

4. Remove the expansion card cover as shown below. Lift upon the two tabs while you press on the grated squares torelease the cover. Slide the cover a

Because the computer is upside down, the DIP switchesnumbers are upside down and the ON/OFF orientation isreversed. Take care when changing a DIP swit

Switch Setting Function9ON*Selects default EGA configurationOFFSelects EGA configuration;see the CRT/LCD switch settings10ONSelects EGA configuration;

DIP switch settings for video controller (SW1)CRT/LCDSwitch settingsConfiguration78 910Selects MDA (monochromeOFF ONOFFOFFdisplay adapter) to usemonoc

Switch 3--This switch is reserved and must always be set toON.Switch 4-This switch is reserved and must always be set toON.Switch 5-This switch is res

Switch 4-This switch defines the primary display.Set this switch to ON if the primary display is color.Set this switch to OFF if the primary display i

IntroductionYour Epson® Equity™ LT™-286e portable computer is acompact, high-performance system you can use just aboutanywhere: at the office, at home

Replacing the Expansion Card CoverAfter you verify or change your DIP switch settings, you need toreplace the expansion card cover. Follow these steps

4. Lift the cover up into place and slide the release tab up tosecure the cover.5.Slide the handle back into place.4-10DIP Switches and Slide Switches

Setting the Slide SwitchesThe slide switches let you do the following for your LT-286e:ClSelect a CPU clock speed of 12 MHz or 8 MHztlSelect an extern

Clock speed-Slide the CLOCK switch to the left to select aCPU clock speed of 8 MHz. Leave the switch in the rightposition to select a CPU clock speed

Appendix BInstalling OptionsThis appendix describes how you install optional devices onyour LT-286e. You can install an external monitor, an externald

7.Connect the appropriate end of the monitor cable to theport marked RGB VIDEO on the right side of thecomputer, as shown below.RGB VIDEO port8. If th

Connecting an External Diskette DriveYou can connect the optional, 1.2MB, 5 1/4-inch diskette driveto your LT-286e. Follow these steps:1.2.3.4.5.6.Mak

7.Tighten the retaining screws on the connector with ascrewdriver.8.Plug the drive’s power cable into an electrical outlet.When you are ready to use t

-3.Slide the modem card into this slot. Secure the connectoron the modem to the socket inside the slot.4.Snap out the plastic moldings that cover the

3.You slide the RAM card into this slot. Secure the connectoron the RAM card to the socket inside the slot.5. Close the RAM card cover. Press up on th

The 80C286 microprocessor inside your Equity LT-286e canrun at an execution speed of either 12 MHz or 8 MHz.Ordinarily, you’ll want to use the 12 MHz

3.Attach the keyboard adapter to the external keyboard slot.Then attach the connector from the external keyboard tothe adapter.You only need the keybo

An option card must meet certain power supply requirements.The option card cannot draw more than the specified current(Amps):Supply voltage Maximum cu

Follow these steps to install an option card:1.Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables, includingthe AC adapter.2.Remove the expansion slot co

5. Remove the expansion card cover as shown below. Lift upon the two tabs while you press on the grated squares torelease the cover. Slide the cover a

7.Insert the card from the back of the computer. Line up theconnector on the card with the socket inside the expansionslot. Insert the connector direc

9. Turn the computer right side up with the handle facing you.10. Replace the expansion slot cover on the left side of thecomputer. The cover has two

12. Slide the handle back into place.Installing a Math CoprocessorYou can also install a math coprocessor in your LT-286e. If yoursoftware supports a

3.Lift off the motherboard cover.4.Notice the outline for the math coprocessor on themotherboard.5. Make sure the notch on the math coprocessor lines

Appendix CSpecificationsMain UnitCPU8OC286microprocessor, 8 MHzor12 MHzclock speed; switch selectableMain memory1MB (640KB standard and 384KBextended)

ModemInternal modem slot; 34-pin maleconnectorClock/calendarReal-time clock and calendar with batterybackupKeyboard84 sculpted keys; LCD indicator ico

LIAn additional battery packClAn additional AC adapterCLAn adapter for an external, Epson keyboardCI Carrying case.Your Equity LT-286e comes with MS-D

CRT mode supports ECD (enhanced colordisplay), monochrome display, colordisplay, and multisync-compatible CRTsExternal RGB monitor supported (EGA-comp

Environmental RequirementsTemperatureOperating: 41° to 95° F (5° to 35°C)HumidityNon-operating: -4° to 122° (-20° to60°C)Operating: 20% to 80% (non-co

-Glossary80C286A CMOS integrated circuit, or chip; the central processing unit(CPU) of your Equity LT-286e. The CMOS type chip provideslow power consu

AsynchronousA method of data transmission in which one device sends dataone bit at a time to another device. This method allows fordelays of any lengt

-Baud rateA measure of data transmission speed. Usually equivalent to bitsper second.BitA binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of information acom

CMOSComplementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method ofmaking low power, integrated circuits (chips).CMOS RAMA special type of low-power memory in yo

Command promptThe characters MS-DOS displays to indicate it is loaded andready to receive instructions. The MS-DOS command promptordinarily displays t

CRTCathode Ray Tube. A type of video display. A color monitor ora TV screen is an example of a CRT.CRT connectorThe socket on the side of your Equity

DataThe information a computer stores or processes.Data disketteA formatted diskette you use to store data files.Data fileThis term usually refers to

DeviceA piece of equipment that is part of a computer system andperforms a specific task. Examples include your hard disk,diskette drive, monitor, and

You can use any application program designed for the IBMPersonal Computer, PC XT™ or PC AT on your EquityLT-286e.How To Use This ManualThis manual exp

DOSShort for MS-DOS. The Disk Operating System that controlsthe computer’s input and output functions. See Operatingsystem.Double-densityA type of dis

Expansion slotA particular kind of connector that can accommodate anoption card. You can use the expansion slot in your EquityLT-286e, for example, to

Floppy diskSee Diskette.FormatTo prepare a new disk (or erase an old one) so that it can storeinformation. Formatting a disk divides it into tracks an

Hidden fileA file whose name is not listed by the DIR command. MS-DOSstores two hidden files in the root directory of your hard disk.Some application

Main unitThe part of the computer that houses the central processingunit, random access memory, disk drives, and other supportingcircuitry.MDAMonochro

ModemA device that allows a computer to send or receive data over atelephone line.MonitorThe screen of a CRT.MotherboardThe main circuit board of your

Operating systemA collection of programs that allows a computer to control allof its operations. The operating system determines howprograms run on th

PathnameThe list of directories the operating system must search throughto locate a file. For example, the pathname for a file namedCONTRACT.TXT that

ReadTo copy data from one area to another. For example, when youopen a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data fromthe disk and displays

RS-232CA standard serial interface. You can easily connect anRS-232C-compatible device to your Equity LT-286e.SectorA contiguous section of a disk tra

Appendix C lists the Equity LT-286e hardware specifications.At the back of the manual is a glossary of computer terms.Where To Get HelpCustomer suppor

Status indicator barA built-in LCD indicator panel that shows how you are usingthe computer.Stop bitA signal sent in serial communications to mark the

TPITracks Per Inch. A measure of the density with which data canbe stored on a diskette.TrackA circular region on a diskette, which is divided into se

IndexAAC adapter, 3, 1-3, 1-14, 2-24-25,4-2connecting, 1-10 -12disconnecting, 1-12using, 2-1 -2AC wall outlet, 1-13APPEND command, 3-11Application pro

CONFIG.SYS file, 1-22Contrast, 4-3adjusting, 1-16lever, 1-16Control key,Ctrl Alt Del, 2-27Ctrl Break, 2-27Ctrl C, 2-27COPY command, 3-13, 3-17, 3-20,3

EEGA,configuration, A-4 -5, A-7video mode, 2, 1-1, A-l, A-6Electrical outlet, 2-1Enhanced color display, A-4Enter DOS command, MENU,3-28Environmental

IInstall diskette, inserting, 1-21 -22Installation program, 1-22Internalcommands, 3-4diskette drive, 1-1, A-5, A-7.See also Diskette drivekeyboard, 2-

OOn-line information, 3-25Operating system, 3, 1-22, 3-1commands, 3-24See also MS-DOSOption,card, installing, B-7 -13slot, C-1Optionaldevices, B-1vide

Shell program, 3, 2-26, 3-9using, 3-24Shock indicator, 1-4Slide switches, 2, 1-1, 2-3, 2-7, A-1setting, 4-1, A-11 -12SMARTDRV.SYS, 2-24Source,diskette

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Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemSetting up your Epson Equity LT-286e portable computer is easy.Just follow the steps in this chapter. They describe how

brightness levercontrast leverinternal diskette drive/handlePortdiskettedrive porthard disk drivestatus indicator barexpansion slot coverhandle

If your system does not match this configuration, you need tochange the appropriate switches as described in Appendix Abefore you begin. If you plan t

In addition to this manual, you should have the following items:Cl The main unit5 The battery packLl The AC adapter5 The power cordLlThe hard disk dri

Follow these steps to install the hard disk drive:1.Unwrap the hard disk drive.2.Face the front of the computer and hold the hard disk drivewith the P

Epson® Equity™ LT-286eUser’s Guide CorrectionsPlease note that your Epson Equity LT-286e provides support for an80287 math coprocessor. Pages 2,1-17,

4. Keep the hard disk drive level and lower it straight downinto the hard disk drive slot. If you lower either side first,the connectors do not fit in

3Connecting a PrinterThe Equity LT-286e has both parallel and serial interfaces(ports). You can easily connect a printer or plotter that haseither typ

3.Press down on the release tab to open the computer’sinterface cover, as shown below.4.One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shaped maleconnec

5.Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shownin the following illustration. To secure the cable, squeezethe clips at each side of the p

Using the Serial InterfaceIf you have a printer or other peripheral device that uses a serialinterface, connect it to the serial interface labeled RS-

4Connecting the AC AdapterFollow these steps to connect the AC adapter:1.Make sure the computer’s power switch (located on theright side of the comput

4.Slide this box up into the slots on the connector on theback panel of the computer. Press the connector box upuntil it snaps into place.Be sure to r

When you are not using the AC adapter, replace the safetycover that protects the connector.WARNINGDo not connect or disconnect the AC adapter when the

Connecting the Power CordFollow these steps to connect the power cord:1.Connect the power cord to the adapter’s input socket.2.Plug the other end of t

6Starting the SystemAfter you complete steps 1 through 5, you’re ready to turn onthe power and start using your Equity LT-286e computer. Readthese saf

EPSON®EQUlTYTMLTTM-286eUser’s Guide

To turn on your computer, follow these steps:1.Turn on any peripheral devices, such as a printer, anexternal diskette drive, or a color monitor.2.Turn

Adjusting Screen Contrast and BrightnessIf you cannot see text on the screen clearly, use the levers onthe right side of the screen to adjust the scre

7Running the SETUP ProgramWhen you turn on your computer for the first time, run theSETUP program to define how your computer is set up. This is asimp

Starting the SETUP ProgramAfter the self test completes, you see this prompt:Press <DEL> key to run SETUP utility.To start the SETUP program, fo

5. The SETUP program now displays the type of display youare using and the current screen width. You cannot changethese definitions; the computer auto

The screen shows you these values to enter for diskettedrives:(1) = 1.2 MB, 5 1/4" diskette drive(2) = 720 KB, 3 1/2" diskette drive(3) = 1.

--If you need to make corrections to the settings, press N andEnter. SETUP returns to the date and time prompts, andyou can make corrections to your s

2.Now press Y and Enter in response to the SETUP programprompt:Are these options correct (Y/N)?The system reboots with the new setup information. Yous

--Chapter 2Using the Equity LT-286eThis chapter describes some basic procedures for using yourcomputer.Using the AC AdapterThe Equity LT-286e can be p

WARNINGKeep the AC adapter at least six inches away from yourcomputer and any disks. Do not connect or disconnect theAC adapter when the computer is t

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

Remember the following when you are charging the battery:LIUse only the AC adapter that comes with the EquityLT-286e. Using a different adapter can da

To maximize the charge time your battery supplies, completelydischarge and then recharge the battery from time to time. Todo this, follow these steps:

4.Align the two metal connectors on the battery pack withthe slots on the back of the computer, as shown below.5. Pull the battery pack up until it sn

4.While pulling the release tabs (on each side of the batterypack) toward you, press down on the battery pack. Slide thebattery pack down and off the

Status Indicator BarThe status indicator bar above the keyboard providesinformation about the computer’s operation.clEXT.FD12 MHZIndicates when you ar

Indicates when you can use the LCDdisplay; blinks when the display is instandby mode.SCRLIndicates when the internal keyboard is inScroll Lock mode; d

Opening and Closing the ScreenWhen you are not using the computer or you want to move it,turn it off and close the screen, as shown below. Be sure the

NoteAlways set the computer in a flat, horizontal position beforeopening it.If you close the screen while the computer is running, you heara warning b

Selecting Execution SpeedThe Equity LT-286e can operate at two execution speeds:8 MHz and 12 MHz. At the higher speed, the computerperforms all tasks

Defining LCD OptionsThe SETLCD utility defines certain options for your LCDscreen:0The backlight period-You can turn off backlighting on theLCD screen

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if it is not installedand used properly, that

where XX can be any value from 1 to 60. Then press Enter.For example, to turn off the screen’s backlighting after twominutes, type:SETLCD /2and press

LCD Adjustment OptionsAfter you load the SETLCD program (by typing SETLCD/xx and pressing Enter), you see these messages:Follow these steps to change

Reverse video modeThe reverse video function lets you display text on the LCDscreen in normal or reverse mode. In normal mode, the LCDdisplays white c

The Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock keys work astoggles; press them once to turn on a function and again to turnit off. When a function is on, th

KeyPurposeCaps LockInsDelEnter JtHome, End,PgUp, PgDnt-+.LtSys ReqChanges the letter keys from lowercase touppercase; changes back to lowercase whenpr

How Diskettes WorkThe diskettes you use are flexible plastic, coated with amagnetic material and enclosed in a protective plastic case.Information is

Because of their size difference, you cannot use a 3 ‘/z-inchdiskette in a 5 ‘/.+-inch drive or vice versa. If you have both typesof drives, however,

ClKeep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember,diskettes store data magnetically; strong magnetic fields canscramble that data.) Do not set you

Inserting and Removing DiskettesTo insert a diskette into the drive, hold it with the label facingup and the arrow on the left side pointing into the

Making Backup CopiesCopy all diskettes that contain programs. After you make yourcopies, store the originals in a safe place away from yourworking dis

iv

To remove the write protection, move the switch up toward thecenter of the diskette to cover the opening.Using the Hard Disk DriveUnlike a diskette, a

0Never remove the hard disk unit when the computer’spower is on.0Never attempt to open the hard disk unit. The disk itself isenclosed in an airtight c

Turning Off the Hard DiskIf you are running the computer on its battery and you do notneed to use the hard disk, you can use the HDDPSAVE utilityto tu

Q Install the appropriate keyboard information for the countryin which you’re using your computerQAllow you to start the MS-DOS Shell program.These in

-Resetting the ComputerYou can reset the computer to reload the operating system or torestart a program. You may also need to do this if an error occu

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 3Using MS-DOS With Your ComputerYour Equity LT-286e comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS.MS-DOS manages the routine work of your computer system

LIUsing the MS-DOS Shell programCIUsing the Epson HELP utilityCIUsing the Epson MENU utility0Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT fileKi Starting an application prog

The C> prompt that appears when you load MS-DOS from thehard disk tells you that drive C, your hard disk, is the currentdrive (also called the defa

The MS-DOS Command FormatTo enter an MS-DOS command, you need to type thecommand in the correct format. The MS-DOS commandformat consists of the comma

ContentsIntroductionHow To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Where To Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Entering MS-DOS CommandsYou can enter an MS-DOS command when you see theMS-DOS command prompt. Type the command name and anynecessary parameters and d

The name can be up to eight characters in length. It is a goodidea to choose a name that describes the contents of the file.You can use any characters

-When you format your hard disk, MS-DOS creates a singledirectory for the disk. This directory is called the root directory.Because the hard disk has

On your own hard disk, you can create a subdirectory structurethat is more complex than this one. Or you may prefer to keepthings simple. Organize you

Q Changing directoriesLlCopying from one directory to anotherc3 Deleting a directory.You may also want to read about Shell, an MS-DOS programthat make

To list the files in a different directory on the current drive,type the pathname of that directory. For example, to list thecontents of the LEDGER su

Because this pathname does not begin with a backslash,MS-DOS starts in the current directory (PERSONAL), movesto the subdirectory LETTERS, then finds

The screen displays a list of files in the root directory, alongwith the names of any subdirectories of the root directory:LEDGER <DIR>9-14-89 1

To change from any directory to its parent directory (thedirectory of which it is a subdirectory), type the following andpress Enter:CD . .The two per

Deleting a DirectoryIf you no longer need a directory, you can remove it with theRMDIR command (which can be abbreviated RD). Beforeremoving a directo

Defining LCD Options...2-12Backlight Period...2-12LCD Adjustment Options...

Formatting a 1.44 MB DisketteTo format a 1.44MB diskette, follow these steps:1.If necessary, log onto drive C. If you are not in the directorycontaini

At this point, you can format another diskette by pressing Yand Enter, or return to the MS-DOS command prompt bypressing N and Enter.Formatting a 720K

4.Enter up to 11 characters for the volume label to be storedon the diskette and press Enter. FORMAT displays thesemessages:730112 bytes total disk sp

NoteThe MENU utility makes it easy to perform these functions.See the section on MENU later in this chapter. You can alsouse the MS-DOS XCOPY command

4. Insert the diskette you want to copy from (your sourcediskette) in the diskette drive and press any key.DISKCOPY copies the contents of the diskett

Using COPYThe COPY command lets you copy files in several ways:CICopy individual files from a diskette or the hard disk toanother diskette or hard dis

If you want to copy this file from the diskette in drive A to thehard disk but want to change the name of the copy fromREPORT to FACTS, type this comm

To copy all files on the diskette in drive A to the currentdirectory on the hard disk, type the following and press Enter:COPY A:*.* C:To copy all fil

ClThe BACKUP command can perform incremental backups.That is, you can copy only those files that changed sincethe last time you used the BACKUP comman

Deleting DataTo delete a file, type DEL and then the full name (including theextension, if any) of the file you wish to delete. For example, todelete

Formatting Diskettes...3-14Formatting a 1.44MB Diskette...3-15Formatting a 720KB Diskette...

Using HELPThe Epson HELP utility provides on-line information about theMS-DOS commands and programs. You can use HELP in eitherof two ways:LlTo displa

To bypass the HELP menu and display information about aspecific command, follow these steps:1.At the command prompt, type HELP and the name of theMS-D

Using MENUYour Equity LT-286e comes with an Epson utility calledMENU. This program gives you access to several utilities thatperform the functions of

MENU Utility OptionsThe MENU utility offers five options:File UtilitiesLets you back up and restore files, replacefiles, compare files, change file at

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT FileYou may find that there are some commands you need to runevery time you turn on your computer.To run a command or a series o

Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT FileYou can create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file with any program thatlets you store a text-only file (also called an ASCII text file)

Starting an Application ProgramAny time you see the MS-DOS command prompt (for example,A> or C>), you can start using an application program. Ju

Chapter 4TroubleshootingYou should not encounter any difficulties as you set up and useyour Equity LT-286e. You can correct most problems byadjusting

WARNINGWhen you turn off the computer, always wait at least fiveseconds before turning it back on. You can damage yourcomputer if you turn it off and

4. If you still do not see an image on the screen, contact yourEpson dealer.The Monitor Screen Is BlankIf you are using an external color monitor and