Apricot FT//e User guide

apricot
FT//e
OWNER'S HANDBOOK
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

OWNER'S HANDBOOK
Chapter

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories Inc.
Banyan and VINES are registered trademarks of Banyan Systems Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark, and Operating System/2, OS/2 and Micro Channel
are trademarks, of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Xenix and MS-DOS are registered trademarks, and Windows is a
trademark, of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell Inc.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited. The
software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement. The
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this
agreement.
It is against the law to copy any disk supplied for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s personal use.
All rights reserved; no use or disclosure without written consent.
Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1993
Published by
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
B37 7YS
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
Printed in the United Kingdom
Part no. 15119631
Revision 01

Safety and Regulatory Notices
Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using
the Apricot FT//e for the first time. Information in the
Owner's Handbook relating to connection to the AC power
supply may not apply outside the United Kingdom.
The Apricot FT//e uses a safety ground and must be
earthed. The system unit power cord is its “disconnect
device”. Ensure that the FT//e is positioned close to the AC
power outlet, and that the plug is easily accessible.
It is imperative that the Apricot FT//e is set to the correct
voltage range before use. If not, the machine may be
irreparably damaged.
Move the Apricot FT//e to Standby mode, isolate (switch
off) the UPS batteries and disconnect the AC power supply
before moving the system unit, cleaning the computer, or
removing the access panel.
The computer may be easily knocked over if the feet are
not fitted.
System processor upgrades, and disk and tape drives,
must be installed only by your Apricot supplier or by an
authorized Apricot maintainer.
The CD-ROM drive contains a laser system which is
harmful to the eyes, and is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT according to IEC 825
Radiation Safety of Laser
Products (Equipment Classification: Requirements &
User’s Guide
). Do not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM
drive; if a fault occurs, call an authorized Apricot
maintainer. Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in
this manual; failure to do so may result in exposure to
hazardous radiation.
To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part
of the system unit to rain or moisture.
When positioning the Apricot FT//e system unit, monitor
and keyboard, take into account any local or national
regulations relating to ergonomic requirements.

250V
NL
E
250V
250V
E
NL
125V
E
NL
250V
Power cord requirements
The power cord packed with the Apricot FT//e complies with the
safety standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold.
Use only this power cord; do not substitute a power cord from any
otherequipment.
If you wish to use the computer in another country, you must
ensure that you use a power cord and plug which complies with
the safety standards of that country.
Plug Standard Countries
BS1363A United Kingdom
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
SHUCO France, Germany, Holland, Italy,
Norway, Sweden
SRAF 1962/ Denmark
DB16/87
NEMA 5-15P USA, Canada
ASE 1011 Switzerland
AS 3112-1981 Australia
The power cord fittings must bear the certification mark of the
agency responsible for evaluation.
Refer to your authorized Apricot supplier if you ever require
additional power cables.
250V
E
LN

UK plug wiring instructions
German Acoustic Noise Regulation
Sound power level is less than 70 dB(A) according to DIN 45635
Part 19 (ISO 7779).
Die Deutsche Akoustische Lärm-Regulierung
Der Grad der Klangstärke ist weniger als 70 dB(A) je nach DIN
45635 Teil 19 (ISO 7779).
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Hiermit wird bestätigt, daß der Apricot FT//e Series in
Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der VDE 0871 B,
AMTSBLATT 61/1991, Vfg 243. funkentstört ist.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses
Gerätes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der
Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
The CD-ROM drive is
classified as a CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT. The
CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT label is located
on the rear of the system
unit.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT TO IEC 825
LASER KLASSE 1
PRODUKT NACH IEC 825
IMPORTANT Power
Cable Connections
This equipment is supplied with a mains lead that
has a non-removable moulded plug. If the socket
outlets are not suitable for the plug supplied with
this appliance, it should be cut off and an
appropriate three-pin plug fitted.
Note: The plug severed from the mains lead must
be destroyed, as a plug with the bared flexible
cord is hazardous if engaged in a live socket
outlet.
The following wiring information should be
employed when adding the replacement plug.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
Green andYellow Earth
Blue Neutral
Brown Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of
this appliance may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in
your plug, proceed as follows.
The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow
must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter E, or by the earth
symbol or coloured green or green-and-
yellow.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected
to the terminal which is marked with the letter Nor
coloured black.The wire which is coloured brown
must be connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter Lor coloured red.
Use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS1362, i.e.
carries the
ASA
mark.
Always replace the fuse cover, never use the plug
with the fuse cover omitted.
Replace with same colour fuse cover only.
Replacement fuse covers may be obtained from
your dealer.
WARNING -
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
EARTHED
N
L
E
This diagram
shows the wiring
inside the moulded
plug. Use it as a
guideline if you
need to re-fit a plug
of a similar type to
the mains lead.

Refer to the labels on the rear of your computer to establish which of the
following warnings apply.
FCC Class A
Warning - this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules. Only
peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printer, etc.) certified to
comply with the Class A limits may be attached to this computer. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to
radio and television reception reqiuring the operator to take whatever steps are
necessary to correct the interference.
FCC Class B
Warning - this equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class
B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules. Only
peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printer, etc.) certified to
comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with
non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference with radio and TV
reception.
Radio and television interference
The computer described in this manual generates and uses radio frequency
energy for its operation. If it is not installed and used properly, in strict
accordance with the manual, it may cause interference with radio and television
reception.
The computer has been tested and found to comply with the RF emission limits
for an FCC Class B computing device which is intended to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference with radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
* Move the computer away from the receiver being interfered with.
* Turn the computer with respect to the receiver.
* Turn the receiver with respect to the computer.
* Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different branch circuit from
the receiver.
* Disconnect and remove any I/O cables that are not being used.
* Unplug and remove any expansion cards that are not being used, and
replace the relevant blanking plates.
* Make sure that the computer is plugged into a grounded outlet.
If you need additional help, consult your supplier. You may find the following
booklet helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.
This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office: Washington
DC 20402 - Stock No. 004-000-000345-4.
DOC Class A
The computer described in this manual complies with: Canadian DOC radio
interference regulations CRCc 1374 governing Class A digital devices.
DOC Class B
The computer described in this manual complies with: Canadian DOC radio
interference regulations CRCc 1374 governing Class B digital devices.

OWNER'S HANDBOOK
Chapter
CONTENTS

Contents 1
Contents
1 Installing the Apricot FT//e
Unpacking the Apricot FT//e 1/2
Familiarizing yourself with the Apricot FT//e 1/5
Preparing to install the Apricot FT//e 1/12
Connecting the components 1/15
Using the Reference/SETUP diskette 1/16
2 Operating the Apricot FT//e
Understanding modes 2/2
Operating the front panel controls 2/4
Understanding the UPS 2/9
Understanding the security features 2/12
Understanding the alarms 2/16
Operating the diskette drive 2/17
Operating a floppy disk drive 2/19
Operating a QIC tape drive 2/21
Operating the DDS or DDS-DC tape drive 2/25
Operating the CD-ROM drive 2/31
Using Apricot Help 2/35
Using the Apricot FT//e abroad 2/37
3 Caring for the Apricot FT//e
Cleaning the Apricot FT//e 3/2
Maintaining the configuration battery 3/5
Maintaining the UPS batteries 3/6
Transporting the Apricot FT//e 3/7

2 Contents
4 Upgrading the Apricot FT//e
Choosing an upgrade 4/2
Micro Channel expansion cards 4/3
System processor upgrade 4/4
SIMM memory modules 4/5
Removable media and hard disk drives 4/6
5 Troubleshooting
Problems when starting the FT//e 5/2
What to do if an alarm sounds 5/4
Troubleshooting charts 5/6
A Inside the Apricot FT//e
Anti-static precautions A/2
Removing the access panel A/3
Changing the voltage setting A/4
B Technical Information
Physical characteristics B/2
Electrical characteristics B/3
Tape and CD-ROM drive specifications B/4
Port characteristics B/6
Index

OWNER'S HANDBOOK
Chapter
INSTALLING THE APRICOT FT//e
Chapter1

Installing the Apricot FT//e 1/1
Installing the Apricot FT//e
• Unpacking the Apricot FT//e
• Familiarizing yourself with the Apricot FT//e
• Preparing to install the Apricot FT//e
• Connecting the components
• Using the Reference/SETUP diskette
Read this chapter before unpacking any further. It provides
important information to help you site, install and configure
your Apricot FT//e.
1

1/2 Installing the Apricot FT//e
Unpacking the Apricot FT//e
Unpack the system unit in accordance with any guidance
on the packaging, and fit the stabilizing feet according to
the diagrams printed opposite.
The computer may be easily knocked over if the feet
are not fitted.
On unpacking the computer, you should find:
* System unit with power cord(s) appropriate for the
country of sale.
* Apricot/Mitsubishi monitor.
* Keyboard.
* Reference/SETUP diskette.
* System documentation.
* MS-DOS.
* Driver diskettes as appropriate, to enable you to
make use of certain advanced features, such as its
high-resolution display capabilities.
Apricot FT//e systems are usually supplied with a mouse,
although this is optional.
In territories where Apricot markets its own range of
monitors, an additional power cord is supplied. This is for
use in conjunction with the IEC-to-IEC cord supplied with
Apricot monitors. When connected to one end of the IEC-
to-IEC cable, it enables the monitor to be powered from an
AC power outlet.
More elaborate systems may include hardware options with
accompanying installation diskettes and/or additional
documentation. Some of these options may have been
factory-configured or installed by your Apricot supplier.
Keep the boxes and packing materials; you will need them
again if you have to transport the computer elsewhere. Be
sure to fill out the
Warranty and mail it in.
Make a note of the manufacturer’s data recorded on the
various components (product codes, serial numbers, etc.)
You may need this information if the Apricot FT//e develops
a fault.

Installing the Apricot FT//e 1/3
1
WITH THE MACHINE INVERTED,
REMOVE THE POLYSTYRENE CUSHION
TO REVEAL THE BASE OF THE MACHINE
2
3
TIGHTEN THE 4 SCREWS TO FIX
THE FEET.
CAREFULLY LAY THE COMPUTER
ON ITS SIDE.

1/4 Installing the Apricot FT//e
5
4
LIFT THE COMPUTER INTO THE
STANDING POSITION.
REMOVE THE POLYSTRENE CUSHION

Installing the Apricot FT//e 1/5
Familiarizing yourself with the
Apricot FT//e
The Apricot FT//e is designed for use as a multiuser host,
network server or high-performance workstation.
Read the separate
Power Connection Guide before
using the Apricot FT//e for the first time.
The standard features of the Apricot FT//e range include:
* Intel microprocessor.
* IBM PS/2-compatible Micro Channel architecture with
eight 32-bit expansion card slots.
* At least 16 megabytes of random access memory
(RAM).
* Enhanced Video Graphics Array (VGA) controller on the
motherboard (up to 1024 x 768 pixels by 256
colours).
* A Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) controller
for hard disks and tape drives.
* An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) capable of
supporting the Apricot FT//e for at least 10 minutes
after an AC power failure.
* Advanced System Controller (ASC) to monitor internal
systems independently of the system processor.
* Integrated security system with dedicated processor
on the motherboard.
* A 1.44 megabyte 3.5" diskette drive.
These standard features can be enhanced by more
motherboard memory, various hard disk and removable
media drives, and expansion cards. These options may be
pre-installed at the factory or by your Apricot supplier.

1/6 Installing the Apricot FT//e
7
23456
1
10
9
8
11
12

Installing the Apricot FT//e 1/7
1feet: fit the feet to stabilize the computer in a tower
(upright) orientation.
2POWER button: press to turn the system on or off.
The button can be disabled by Apricot's LOC
Technology software, preventing unauthorized
access when security is armed.
3UPS status LED: flashes green when the UPS
batteries are being charged, steady green when the
batteries are fully charged, and amber when the
batteries are being discharged (that is, when the
computer is on battery power).
4local area network LED: glows when the computer
accesses the network (depending on the network
software).
5hard disk drive LED: glows when any of the hard
disk drives are being accessed (depending on the
operating system).
6security LED: glows when Apricot's LOC
Technology software is installed and the on-board
security system is armed.
7powerLED: glows when the system is being powered
either by the AC supply or by the UPS batteries.
8RESET button: press to reboot the system. The
button is recessed within the infrared sensor,
which detects the coded signals produced by an
infrared security card. The button can be disabled
by Apricot's LOC Technology software, preventing
unauthorized access when security is armed.
9DOOR button: opens and closes the door to the front
drive bay. The button can be disabled by Apricot's
LOC Technology software, preventing unauthorized
access when security is armed.
10 3.5" diskette drive: fitted as standard in every FT//
e system.
11 door (shown open): door to the front drive bay,
which typically houses removable media drives.
12 air vents: do not block these vents or the system
will overheat.

1/8 Installing the Apricot FT//e
DISCONNECT FROM SUPPLY AND ISOLATE
BATTERY BEFORE SERVICING OR
REMOVING COVERS
VOR WARTUNG DES GERATES ODER
ENTFERNEN DER GEHAUSEDECKEL
NETZSTECKER ZIEHEN UND
BATTERIE ISOLIEREN
RECONNECTEUR DU SECTEUR ET
ISOLER LA BATTERIE AVANT
L'OUVERTURE DU PANNEAU DE COTE
OU TOUTE INTERVENTION SUR LA MACHINE
REFER TO INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE CONNECTING TO SUPPLY
VOIR LA NOTICE D'INSTALLATION
AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU
VOR ANSCHLIEBEN DES GERATES DIE
BEDIENUNGS-ANLEITUNG LESEN
O
I
BATTERY ISOLATION
SWITCH
AKKUMULATOR -
TRENNSCHALTER
INTERRUPTEUR
D'ISOLATION
DE LA BATTERIE
AC INPUT
100V-120V 6.0A
220V-240V 3.0A
50-60Hz
~
~
THIS APPLIANCE
MUST BE EARTHED
ANTI-STATIC
GROUND POINT
SERIAL
PARALLEL
VIDEO
6
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
UPS STATUS
:
:
:
^
/
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
11
5
6
13
12
14

Installing the Apricot FT//e 1/9
1power inlet: where the AC power cord plugs in.
2battery power switch: in the Off or "O" position,
isolates the UPS batteries (normally kept in the On
position except when the access panel is removed).
3anti-static stud: for attaching an anti-static wrist
strap, earthed bench or bench mat.
4serial port (50 baud to 19,200 baud): where an
external modem or serial printer signal cable usually
plugs in.
5UPS data port: allows the internal UPS to look like
an external UPS to some operating systems (see
the section on the UPS in Chapter 2).
6panel lock: keep the keys for this lock in a secure
place.
7parallel port: where a printer signal cable usually
plugs in.
8monitor port: where a monitor signal cable plugs in.
9blanking plates: for Micro Channel expansion card
slots.
10 mouse port: connect the (optional) Apricot mouse
to this port.
11 keyboard port: connect the keyboard to this port.
12 access panel: keep the panel locked in place while
the computer is in use.
13 thumbscrews: loosen these to remove the access
panel.
14 air vents: do not block these vents or the system
will overheat.