Epson Apex User Manual

USER'SGUIDE

Here are some of the devices you can use with yourApex by adding an option card:Enhanced graphics monitorTTL monochrome monitorAny serial device, such

Video and Display OptionsColor/graphics Standard—Supports Epson-video cardor IBM-compatible RGBcolor or composite videomonitor; 40-character x 25-line

GlossaryASCIIAmerican Standard Code for InformationInterchange. A standardized coding system forrepresenting characters, such as numbers, letters, and

CharacterAnything that can print in a single space on the pageor the screen. Includes numbers, letters, punctuationmarks, and graphic symbols.CMOSComp

CursorThe highlighted marker that shows your position onthe screen and moves as you enter and delete data.DataInformation stored or processed by a com

DisketteA flat piece of flexible plastic coated with magneticmaterial and used to store data permanently. Alsocalled floppy disk.DOSThe Disk Operating

GW-BASICMicrosoft’s extended version of the Beginner’sAll-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. Aprogramming language designed to be easy to useand under

LEDLight Emitting Diode. An electronic component thatilluminates when electricity passes through it, like theindicator lights on the front panel of th

MS-DOSAn operating system from Microsoft. See DOS,Operating system.Operating systemA collection of programs that allow a computer tocontrol its operat

RAMRandom Accesss Memory, The part of memory that acomputer can both read and write to. The programsyou use are temporarily stored in RAM. All datasto

SectorA contiguous section of a disk track that provides aspace where the computer can store data.Self testThe initial diagnostics procedures a system

After you set up your Apex, see the manuals for yourapplication programs for information on using thesoftware.How to Use This ManualBy reading this ma

G-10Glossary

IndexAAC power inlet, 1-9, 1-18, 1-22,6-2AC power outlet, 1-9, 1-13,6-3Air circulation, 1-3AN key, 2-2Application programs, 4,4-1,4-16, 6-6Arranging c

Composite monitor, 2, 1-11, A-4, B-4Contrast control, monitor, 1-23Cooling fan, main unit, 1-22Coprocessor, 3, B-1DIP switch, A-2, A-3COPY command, 4-

DIR command, 4-14Directories, 4-7current, 4-7listing, 4-14root, 4-7Disk drives,current, 1-26, 4-4DIP switches, A-3, A-5floppy 1, 1-6hard, See Hard di

Display,monitor, See Monitoroptions, B-4EElectrical outlet, 1-4, 1-13, 1-17, 1-18, 1-22, 6-2Electromagnetic interference, 1-4, 3-4End key 2-3Enter key

HHard disk, 4-7Home key 2-3IIBM PC,diskette format, compatibility, 2-9printer cable, 1-15software, 1, 4Input/output ports, 1-8Ins key, 2-3Interfaces,o

LLabels, diskette, 3-5Light, power, 1-7, 1-22, 2-4,6-2Location, 1-3MMagnetic fields, 1-4 ,3-4Magnetic surface of diskette, 3-2Main memory B-1Main unit

RGB, 2, A-4, B-4TTL, 3video card, 1-10video display, 6-3MS-DOS, 3, 1-2, 1-7, 1-23command prompt, 1-26, 4-3, 4-4commands, 4-5exiting, 4-4introducing, 4

OutletAC, 1-9, 1-13auxiliary, 1-9, 1-13grounded, 1-4, 1-22PParallel,cable, 1-15DIP switches, A-3, A-5interface, 1, 1-15, B-1printer port, 1-10, 1-16Pe

RRAM, 1,3, 1-23,2-5Read/write head, 3-2Rear panel, See Back panelRegistration card, 1-2RESET button, 1-7,2-6Resetting the computer, 1-14, 2-5-6ROM, B-

You can refer to the appendixes to find out how to setDIP switches and for hardware specifications. DIPswitches give the computer information about it

System,arrangement, 1-5diskette, 1-2, 1-24,4-3TTab key, 2-2Time, 1-26Timer, B1Troubleshooting, 6-1 – 8Turning off the computer, 1-19, 2-7Turning on th

Quick Guide To Setting Up1Unpacking Your2Choosing aComputerLocation3Arranging the4Connecting theComponentsMonitor5Connecting the6Connecting aKeyboardP

Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemSetting up your Apex by Epson personal computer iseasy. Just follow the nine steps in this chapter andyou’ll be on your

9 An MS-DOS operating system diskette (version3.2) with an MS-DOS manual A GW-BASIC programming language diskette(version 3.2) witha GW-BASIC manual.

2 Choosing a LocationBefore you set up your Apex, it’s important that youdecide on the right place to locate the computer.Whether you use your Apex a

Appropriate power sources. Static charges can bedamaging. Connect all your equipment to three-prong, 120-volt, grounded outlets. You can plug themonit

3 Arranging the ComponentsFirst things first. Decide how you want to arrange yoursystem components. The most common setup is withthe monitor on top of

Before you begin to connect the cables, take a look atthe front and back panels of the main unit.The front panelOn the front panel you’ll see two flop

POWER light. When this light is red, it means thatthe power is on and the system is running at4.77MHz (megahertz). When this light is green, thesys

User’s Guide

The back panelTake a look at the back panel and find the Apexpower switch, input/output ports, and keyboard cablesocket. This is where you turn on the

Here is some background information on eachcomponent:POWER switch. You turn the main unit ON andOFF with this switch.AC OUTPUT This is the auxiliary p

DIP switches. These switches give the computerinformation about its keyboard, coprocessor status,memory size, video card type, floppy disk drives,and

4Connecting the MonitorNow you can connect your monitor by placing it ontop of or near the Apex main unit. It is easiest toconnect the monitor cable i

2. Next, connect the monitor cable to the connectorat the back of the main unit:3. Then, tightena screwdriver.the screws (if any) on the plug with1-12

4. Finally plug the monitor’s power cable into theAC OUTPUT outlet on the back panel of theApex or into an electrical outlet.If you are using anything

5Connecting the KeyboardIt’s easy to connect the keyboard. Just insert thekeyboard connector into the KEYBOARD socket onthe back panel of your Apex. B

6 Connecting a PrinterYour Apex has a parallel interface to which you caneasily connect a printer or plotter. Epson offers a fillrange of printer prod

2.3.Before you connect the printer, make sure thepower switches on the main unit, the monitor, andthe printer are off.Connect the printer cable to the

4. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer.Secure the cable by pressing together the squeezelocks at each side of the printer port and push

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

7 Connecting the Power CordThe last step before turning on your computer is toinsert the power cord into the AC INPUT connectoron the back panel. To a

8 Turning On the ComputerAt this point, you have successfully set up yoursystem, and you’re almost ready to turn on the powerand start using your Apex

Always wait at least five seconds after you switchthe power off before switching it on again. Turningthe power off and on rapidly can damage thecomput

Be sure to remove both protector sheets before youturn the computer on. Turn the latch that covers thedisk slot until it is horizontal and carefully p

System startupNow you’re ready to turn on your Apex; however, it’sa good idea to turn on the monitor and printer beforeyou turn on the computer.Make o

Initial screen displayAfter the Apex completes its self test, you see amessage telling you how much internal memory isavailable:512KB OKThen the follo

9 Loading MS-DOSBefore you can run a software program designed torun on the MS-DOS operating system, MS-DOS itselfmust be running in the Ape

2. When you can feel that the diskette is all the wayin, turn the latch down until it locks in the verticalposition. For a complete description of ins

5. The next item to appear on your screen is the dateprompt, which appears every time you boot thesystem:Current date is mm/dd/yyEnter new date:At th

Now that you’ve made it to the MS-DOS commandprompt, you should immediately make a working copyof the MS-DOS system diskette, and then store theorigin

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

1-28Setting Up Your System

Chapter 2Using Your ApexOnce you have set up your Apex, you’re ready to takeadvantage of its versatility. In this chapter you’ll learnabout the specia

Take a look at the special keys and their functions:Key NamePurposeFunctionkeys 1-10TabControlShift AlternateBackspaceEnterCaps LockEscapePerform sp

Key NamePurpose Numeric Lock Scroll LockPrint ScreenHome, End,Page Down,Insert DeleteChanges the function of the numeric/cursor keys from numeric

Selecting Execution Speed With the Apex you have the flexibility of operating attwo execution speeds: 4.77MHz or 8 MHz. At 8MHz,the Apex simply perfor

Resetting the ComputerThere are a number of ways that you can reset yourApex. You may want to do this if an error occurs andWhen using MS-DOS, you can

Should you need to reset your computer, there arethree different ways to reset the Apex. Because eachone is more powerful than the last, try them in t

Turning Off the ComputerNormally when you are through working with anapplication program, you will save your data and exitthe program. Then, before yo

Chapter 3Using Diskettes and Disk DrivesThe disk drives in your computer serve a veryimportant function; they let you store your work andprograms on r

How Diskettes WorkThe diskettes you insert in your computer’s floppy diskdrives are round pieces of flexible plastic coated withmagnetic material and

ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing Diskettes for the ApexWith the floppy disk drives on the Apex, you must use514-inch, double-sided, double-density 48 TPI (tracksper inch) dis

Caring for Your Diskettes and Disk DrivesTo avoid damaging diskettes, you need to care forthem properly. Following these basic precautions willhelp yo

Store your diskettes properly. When you are notusing them, keep your diskettes in their protectiveenvelopes and store them in a diskette container.Do

Inserting and Removing DiskettesWhen you insert a diskette into a disk drive, hold itwith the label face up and the write-protect notch tothe left (so

When you feel that the diskette is all the way in, turnthe latch down until it locks into the vertical position.This keeps the diskette in place and e

Write-protecting diskettesIt's easy to write-protect a diskette to prevent its datafrom being altered. When a diskette is write-protected,you can

Making backup copiesMany disasters can be avoided by making backupcopies of all your data and system diskettes. Copy alldiskettes that contain program

Chapter 4Using MS-DOS with Your ApexIn this chapter, you’ll learn how to use the MS-DOSoperating system with your Apex by Epson. TheMS-DOS operating s

so that the operating system can accept yourinstructions and make the right connections.Youalready learned how to load MS-DOS in Chapter 1.To communic

How to change the default drive How to start an application program.Starting and Exiting MS-DOSRemember, before you can run an MS-DOSapplication pr

Chapter 3Using Diskettes and Disk Drives . . . . . . . . ...3-1How Diskettes Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-2Choosing Diskettes

Before you end a session with MS-DOS, make sureyou are at the A) prompt. Then it is safe to removeyour diskettes, turn off all peripherals, and finall

Entering MS-DOS CommandsYou can enter an MS-DOS command whenever yousee the A) prompt. This means that you type thecommand name and any necessary para

Storing DataAll your work and programs are stored in files on yourdiskettes. Each file must have a unique filename, sothat you can retrieve it wheneve

Your files are stored in directories. You can createseveral directories, and even subdirectories within adirectory. This is especially useful when wor

Preparing Diskettes for DataYou may have just purchased a brand new box ofdiskettes, but before you can store data on a diskette,the diskette must be

3. After you insert the diskette you want formattedinto drive B, press Enter to start formatting. AsMS-DOS formats the diskette, it displays the heada

Copying DataYou’ll want to copy your data and program files formany reasons. For one, it’s very important to havebackup copies of all your diskettes.Y

5. Insert your diskettes and press any key.6. DISKCOPY checks to see if the destinationdiskette is formatted. If it is not, DISKCOPYformats the disket

Using the COPY commandYou can use the COPY command to copy files inseveral ways. You can:Copy individual files from one diskette to anotheror to the s

Let’s say you want to copy a particular file from thediskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B using thesame name. Type:COPY A: file1. ext B:If

Chapter 6Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...6-1The Computer Fails to Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . ...6-2The Video Di

Listing the Contents of a DisketteYou will often want to see what files are stored on yourdiskettes. For example, before you format a useddiskette and

Changing the Default DriveWhen you see the A) prompt, you know thatMS-DOS is operating from drive A and you can nowenter a command.However, if you wan

Starting Your Application ProgramNow that you have MS-DOS loaded, you can startusing your application program. Remove yourMS-DOS diskette from drive A

Chapter 5Installing Option CardsYou can use your Apex in many additional ways byadding to its present configuration with option cards.Option cards are

Removing the CoverTo remove the cover, you’ll need a phillips-headscrew driver. Follow these steps:1. If your monitor is on top of the computer,discon

3. Now tilt the cover up slightly from the backpush it away from you and the main unit.and4. Set the cover aside for now.Installing Option Cards5-3

Inserting the Option CardNow that the cover is off, you can place the optioncard in either of the two remaining option slots. Eventhough option cards

3.4.When you handle the card, be careful not to touchany of the contacts on the circuit board, especiallyalong the gold edge connections. If you need

5.6.Once you have the connector pins sitting in theconnector slot, push down firmly (but carefully) tofully insert the card. If you feel that the conn

Replacing the CoverWith the installation of your option card completed,you have only to replace the cover of the main unit:1. With the back of the mai

IntroductionYour ApexTM by Epson® personal computer comes with512KB (kilobytes) of internal memory and two floppydisk drives, and is compatible with a

Post-installation SetupWith the option card in place, your Apex may need afew adjustments to accommodate it’s new configuration.If you have already re

Removing Option CardsIf you find that you need to remove an option card,first turn off the computer and unplug the power cord,then detach any cable co

5-10Installing Option Cards

Chapter 6TroubleshootingYou should not encounter any serious difficulties asyou set up and use your Apex. But if anything out ofthe ordinary happens,

The Computer Fails to Start UpIf your computer does not start up when you turn onthe power switch, follow these steps to find a solution:1. First, che

The Video Display Does Not AppearIf your computer starts up (the power indiator on themain unit is on) but you don’t see any images on thescreen, foll

The Computer Locks UpIf you’re working on your computer and it locks upand does not respond to the keyboard, try thefollowing:1. Wait a few seconds. R

Floppy Disk ProblemsIf you have trouble with one of your diskettes, answerthe following questions to see if they apply to theproblem:1.2.3.Is the disk

Software Problems If you are having trouble with a software program,check the following possible problems and solutions:1. The software program does

Printer ProblemsYour printer manual describes methods to solve mostof your printer problems. However, if your printer doesnot work correctly right aft

Your Apex comes with a built-in parallel interface thatlets you connect an Epson printer or plotter, or anyother parallel printer. (Parallel refers to

Option Card ProblemsIf you install an option card and get unexpectedresults, check the following:1.2.3.4.5.Is the option card installed correctly? Rec

AppendixASetting the DIP SwitchesThe DIP switches on the Apex are set to provide yourcomputer with information about its configuration.Each time you t

These switches have been preset for you by themanufacturer. However, read this appendix so you willbe familiar with the DIP switch settings and able t

Table A-1. DIP switchesSwitchOptions12 345 6 78910Keyboard typeStandard*ONCoprocessorNot installed*ON8087InstalledOFFMemory size256KBON ON512KB*OFFON6

Switches 3 and 4 (Memory size)–indicate how muchbuilt-in memory is available. You only change theseswitches if you install a memory card and you want

Switches 7 and 8 (FloPpy disk drives)-indicate howmany floppy disk drives are installed in your Apex.These switches are very important and should be s

If you install two option cards with parallel ports,you must designate one as the primary port andthe other as the secondary port. In this case, you

Appendix BSpecificationsMain Unit16-bit CPUMain memoryCoprocessor8088 microprocessor;4.77MHz or 8MHz clockrate;push-button selectable512KB; expandable

Speaker interfaceInternal, controlled by timer/counterOption slotsThree IBM PC-compatible,8-bit, input-output expansionslots (one used by video card)K

Power SupplySwitching type,Output voltage:fan-cooled-5 VDC, +5 VDC,-12 VDC, + 12VDCAuxiliary AC (80 watt)Power Requirements:115/230 VACPower Rating:80