AMSTRAD MegaPC User manual

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DEVON COMPUTERS (EXETER) LTD.
THE WHITE HOUSE
39 TOTNES ROAD
PAICNTON TQ4 SLA
Tel:- (STD 0803) 526303
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Introduction
This PC is based on the Amstrad PC7386SX computer, using an 80386sx
processor. It has 1Mb of RAM (expandable on-board to 16Mb), and a
VGA controller capable of 640 x 480 resolution with 16 colours.
In addition to these standard PC functions, the PC also supports the
extended sound features of the Adiib sound synthesizer, and has a built-in
dual analog joystick port.
Butit is the last major feature which makes this machine unique in the PC
world. That is the ability to play not only PC-based games, but also the
highly successful arcade-based games in the Sega 16-Bit Mega Drive
cartridge format. Thatmakes yours a very MegaPCH
System Overview
Inside your MegaPC total system carton you will find three other
packages:
1. MegaPC System Unit
2. MegaPC 14* VGA Colour Monitor
3. Keyboard •
If any Item ismissing, please contact your dealer. , .
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MegaPC System Carton
When you unpack the system unit, you should find the foilowing items
inside:
* A MegaPC System Unit
* on analog joystick
* a
Mega Drive game control pad
* a mouse
* this user instruction manual!
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MegaPC MonitorCart
Inside this carton you will find thi
* c 14* colour VGA Duel Sync
* an Instruction booi<let

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Keyboard Carton
In this carton you wili find:
* a PS/2 style keyboard
+ a PC7386SX user manual
* three DOS 5.0 diskettes
* a DOS 5.0 manual
* Counterpoint disk and manual
* an AC mains cord
* your guarantee and registration cards
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System Description
The MegaPC system consists of two different sub-systems, each with its
own processor. The PC is based around on 80386sx and the Mega Drive
around a68000. Only one system is enabled at any one time, depending
on the position of the sliding front panel of the machine, ie.
* When the door is to the left exposing the floppy disk drive, the
machine is In PC mode:
When the door is positioned to the right and the cartridge slot
exposed the Mega Drive Is ready for activation.
CD
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System Connections and Parts Descriptions
1 PC Analog Joystick Port
2 Stereo Heodphone Socket
3 Cartridge slot
4 Megadrive Controller #1
5 Megadrive Controller #2
6 Megadrive reset
7 Megadrive volume
8 PC soundcard volume
You will probably need to refer to the PC7386SX user manual for
instructions on how to connect up the different elements of your MegaPC
system, before you are able to setup and initialise the PC. See Chapter
3 of the PC7386SX User Manual (in the keyboard carton).
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PC Operation Mode
Operation in this mode is exactly as for a normal PC and is described fuity
in the PC7386SX user manuai. The oniy part of the hardware not
described in the PC manual relates to the extra PC sound- system and
games port facilities.
PC Sound System
The range of sounds available from the PC's own internal speaker is
without o doubt very limited. Your MegaPC, though, has abuilt-in digital
FM sound synthesizer (Adiib soundcard compatible) which allows you
access to a whole new dimension in Pt) generated music and sound
effects.
The speakers for listening to the sounds produced by your MegaPC are
built Into your monitor, so there's no need for any trailing wires or loose
speakers. If you need a little more privacy, there is a headphone socket
at the rear of the machine for you to use. This will disable the monitor
speakers. The synthesizer sound volume is controlled by the slider at the
front of the machine. The PC speaker has its own independent volume
control.
Joystick/Games Port
The 15-way D-Type connector accepts any of the wide range of industry
standard analog joysticks currently available, The joystick supplied with
your machine Is precise and smooth In action, as well as easy to hold and
use. A digital joystick (which normally has a 9-way D-type connector) orily
has up. down, left, right and the four diagonals, but there are digital types
available that are compatible with the analog port.
Although there is only the one connection available at the rear of the
machine, it is possible to play dual joystick games by using a special
splitter cable. Contact your dealer to find out details of where you can
buy a ready-made cable.
Other Notes.
For all other points referring to the PC, plepse refer to the PC7386SX user
manual included in the keyboard pack. When reading this manual please
bear in mind that the sliding front panel must be fully engaged to the left.
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and that any front or rear view drawings of the standard PC7386SX v/lll
be different to that of your own MegaPC.
Also note that when the machine is switched to Mega Drive mode by
sliding the front panel fully to the right, the'PC will continue to opefate,
and run whatever software was being run at that time. Only the PC video
is disabled.
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Mega Drive Operation
Once the sliding front panel is
rpia;shaSirPecSre ^bl^^The Mega Drive ,s now sitting in standby
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^^re'oIThen'IX-h the cartridge all the way >n.
,Mote- for the first few insertions this may feel a bit tight.)
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instructions to ploy.
7 If the game does not start, check the following:
* IS the cartridge pushed fully and squarely into the machine
* is the cartridge the right way up?
Qonn 16-blt Mega Drive Cartridge?
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8. TO remove cortege s^l^Y tote ^^^car«d°gf « ?he
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connectors).
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Mega Drive Upgrades and
Peripherals
The facility exists on ait stand-alone Sega Mega Drives to add certain
peripherals to the machine via an expansion connector, e.g. CD-ROM
Drives. For complete compatibility this connection port has been
included on your Amstrad MegaPC. Just belov^ the cartridge doors there
is a removable plastic cover, behind which is the expansion connector.
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE THIS COVER UNLESS THE POWER IS
REMOVED AND YOU ARE GOING TO USE THE CONNECTION.
THE CONNECTIONS WHICH BECOME EXPOSED ARE SENSITIVE
TO STATIC ELECTRICITY:
To connect betv/een the MegaPC and the peripheral, you will need an
'Interfoce Coble' and o'Peripheral Control Cartridge'. Please contact
your dealer for details about supply of these ports.
If you already hove the necessary parts then apply the following
procedure for connection and use;
1. Ensure that the power is disconnected frorh both the MegaPC and
the peripheral.
2. Connect the Interfacecable between the units, making surethat the
connectors are fully connected and the right way round,
3. Connect up any other equipment to the PC or the peripheral that
may be required.
4. Turn on the MegaPC, and then the peripheral. With the MegaPC in
MegaDrive standby mode, insert the Control Cartridge. The system
should activate as normal (after a short delay), but will run with the
peripheral equipment.
5. When you have finished using the system, remove the cartridge, and
then the power from the peripheral device.
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