Digital Equipment VT180 Series User manual

EK-VT l8X-1M-OO 1
Prepared by Educational services
of
Digital Equipment Corporation

1st Edition, February 1983
©Digital Equipment Corporation 1983.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The material in this manual
is for informational purposes and is subject
to change without notice.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes
no responsibility for any errors
that may appear in this manual.
CP IM® is aregistered trademark of Digital Research Inc.
Mylar™ is atrademark of DuPont de Nemours &Company, Inc.
WordStar® is aregistered trademark
of MicroPro, Inc.
Z80®
is aregistered trademark of Zilog, Inc.
The manuscript for this book was created on aDIGITAL Word
Processing System and, via atranslation program, was automatically
typeset on DIGITAL's DECset Integrated Publishing System. Book
production was done by
Educational Services Development and
Publishing in Marlboro, MA.
The following are trademarks
of Digital Equipment Corporation:
mlliumD
DEC
DECmate
DECsystem-l0
DECSYSTEM-20
DECUS
DECwriter
DlBOl
MASSBUS
PDP
P/OS ~
Professional
Rainbow
RSTS
RSX
TOPS-l 0
TOPS-20
UNIBUS
VAX
VMS
VT
Work Processor

PREFACE
CHAPTER 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.9.1
1.9.2
CHAPTER 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.2.1
2.3.2.2
2.3.2.3
2.3.2.4
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.6
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.2.1
2.6.2.2
2.6.2.3
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.6.4.1
2.6.4.2
2.6.4.3
CONTENTS
INTRODucnON ANDSPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1-1
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 1-1
VT180 SPECIFICATIONS 1-3
System Physical Dimensions 1-3
Unit Physical Dimensions 1-3
Environmental Specifications 1-4
Electrical Specifications 1 ~4
VIDEO DISPLAY CHARACTERISTICS 1-4
KEYOOARD 1-5
AUDIBLE SIGNAlS 1-5
COMMUNICATION CHARACTERISTICS 1-5
DISK DRIVE CHARACTERISTICS 1-6
RELATED I:XX::UMENT ATION 1-7
Digital Hardware and Software Documentation 1-7
Other Documentation 1-7
OPERATING INFORMATION
INTR.ODUCTION 2-1
TERMINALOPERATION 2-1
CONTROlS AND INDICATORS 2-1
Terminal Monitor and Disk Drive Power Controls 2-3
KeyOOa.rd Controls 2-4
Standard Keys 2-4
Function Keys 2-5
Set-Up Keys 2-7
Auxiliary Keypad Keys 2-8
VISUAL INDICATORS 2-9
,ON-LINE 2-9
LOCAL 2-9
KBD LOCKED .. ~ 2-9
LI through L4 Indicators 2-10
AUDmLE INDICATORS 2-10
Keyclick 2-1 0
:Bell Tone 2-10
SET-UP MODE 2-1 0
Entering.and Exiting Set-Up
2-10
Set-Up Feature TyJ>eS 2-13
Operator Preference Features 2-13
Communication Compatibility Features 2-13
Installation Features 2-14
Set-Up Feature Selection 2-14
Restoring and Saving Set-Up Features 2-15
Restore 2-15
Sa.ve 2-15
Reset 2-15
•••
1lI

2.6.5
2.6.5.1
2.6.5.2
2.6.5.3
2.6.5.4
2.6.5.5
2.6.5.6
2.6.5.7
CHAPTER 3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.4.7
3.4.8
3.4.9
3.4.10
3.4.11
3.4.12
3.4.12.1
3.4.12.2
3.4.12.3
3.4.12.4
3.4.13
3.4.14
3.5
3.5.1
·3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.3.1
3.5.3.2
3.5.3.3
3.6
3.6.1
3.7
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.8
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
3.8.4
CONTENTS (Cont)
Set-Up Features 2-16
General Set-Up Features 2-16
SET-UP AFeatures 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2-17
SET-UP B2-17
SET-UP B, User Preference Features 2-19
SET-UP B, CP 1M Compatibility Features 2-21
SET-UP B, Host Computer Compatibility 2-23
SET-UP B, Answerback Message 2-24
INSTALLA nON AND INTERFACE INFORMA nON
GENERAL 3-1
SITE CONSIDERATIONS ~ 3-1
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION 3-3
VT18X UPGRADE KIT INSTALLATION 3-4
Check the ROMs on the Terminal Controller Module 3-5
Install the VT 180 Paddle Board 3-9
Install the Expansion Backplane on the Card Cage 3-1 0
Install the Card Guides
3-15
Install the RFShield 3-16
Install the Terminal Controller Module
3-17
Install the VT 18X Control Module 3-17
Install the Chassis in the Bottom Cover 3-19
Install the VTI80 Logo~ ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ~~ 3-19
Install the Top Cover 3-20
Install the New Metal Module Access Cover (Rear Shield)
3- 20
Checking the RX180 Drive Select Switches
3-21
Disk Drive Unit Top Cover Removal 3-22
Setting the Drive Select Switches 3-22
Terminator Resistor Pack
3-23
Disk Drive Unit Top Cover (Reinstallment) 3-24
ROM Removal andJnstallation 3-24
Word Processing Option ~ ~ ..3-25
SYSTEM INTERCONNECTIONS 3-26
Terminal Installation 3-26
Install the RX180 Disk Drive Unit(s)
3-27
Serial Port Connections 3- 29
Printer Port ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~3-29
Communications Port ~ ~ ~ 3-31
General Purpose Port 3- 31
POWER-UP PROCEDURE ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ~ ~ 3-31
Self-Test Error Messages 3-32
SYSTEM CHECKOUT ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. 3-33
ROM-Based Diagnostic
~ ~ 3-33
VT 18X Diskette Diagnostic 3-33
Hardware Installation Complete 3- 33
INTERFACE INFORMATION 3-34
Communications Interface Connector 3-34
Printer Interface Connector
3- 34
General Purpose Serial Interface Connector :3-36
RX180
Disk Port Connector 3-36
•
IV

3.8.5
3.8.5.1
3.8.5.2
CHAPTER 4
4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
CHAPTERS
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.1.1
5.2.1.2
5.2.1.3
5.2.1.4
5.2.1.5
5.2.1.6
5.2.1.7
5.2.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.4
CHAPTER 6
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.1.1
6.2.1.2
6.2.1.3
6.2.1.4
6.2.1.5
6.2.1.6
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
CONTENTS (Coot)
External Video Connections 3- 36
Composite Video Output Connector (J9) 3-38
Video Input Connector (J8) 3-38
VT180 CP 1M OPERATION
CP 1M INTRODUCTION 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4-1
DISKETTES AND FILES 4-1
Storing Information on Diskettes 4-1
Using Diskettes 4-1
LOADING CP/M INTO VTI80 MEMORY 4-2
ENDING AN OPERATING SESSION .4-6
COPYING THE
CP/M MASTER DISKETTE .4-6
USING THE
VT 180 4-9
CONVERSING WITH CP/M 4-10
ISSUING COMMANDS
4-1 0
RESIDENT ANDTRANSIENT
CP/M COMMANDS .4-10
RUNNING APPLICATION PROGRAMS 4-11
SETTING THE SERIAL PORTS' TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS
INTRODUCTION 5-1
PSETUP 5-1
Menu Mode 5-2
Ba.ud Rate Selection .- 5- 2
Communications Port Data/Stop Bits/Parity :.5-2
General Purpose Port Data/Stop Bits/Parity
5- 3
Printer Port Data/StopBits/Parity
5-3
Show All Selections Made 5- 3
Set
J>arlllllet(:rs t<> Defllllit Selecti<>IlS 5-:3
Return to CP 1M 5- 3
Concise Mode 5- 3
PSETUP EXAMPLES 5- 3
Menu Mode 5- 3
Concise Mode 5-6
PSETUP ERROR MESSAGES 5-7
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION 6-1
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 6-1
System Subunits 6-1
Terminal Controller Module 6-2
Advanced Video Option (A VO) 6-3
Video Monitor 6- 3
VT 180 Power Supply 6- 3
Keyboard
6- 3
VT 18X Control Module 6- 3
VT100 and VTI8X Control Module Interconnection 6-4
VT 180 Paddle 8<>ard 6-4
RX
180 Disk Drive Unit 6-4
v

6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.3.4
6.3.5
6.3.6
6.3.7
6.3.8
6.3.9
6.3.10
6.3.11
6.3.12
6.3.13
6.3.14
6.3.15
6.3.16
6.3.17
6.3.18
6.3.19
6.4
6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
6.5.4
6.5.5
6.5.5.1
6.5.5.2
6.5.5.3
6.5.5.4
6.5.5.5
6.5.6
6.5.6.1
6.5.6.2
6.5.7
6.5.8
6.5.8.1
6.5.8.2
6.5.8.3
6.5.9
6.5.10
6.5.10.1
6.5.10.2
6.5.10.3
6.5.11
6.5.12
6.5.12.1
6.5.12.2
6.5.12.3
6.5.12.4
CONTENTS (Coot)
VT100 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 6-5
Microprocessor 6- 5
Program ROM 6-6
Scratch RAM 6-6
Nonvolatile RAM 6-6
Advanced Video Option 6-6
Keyooard 6-6
LE:Ds 6-6
KeyOOard Translator 6-6
Transmit Buffer 6-6
Co "T . mmunlca.tlon ransmltter 6-6
C" R .
ommunlcatlon ecelver 6-7
Silo 6-7
Control Function Parser 6-7
Screen RAM 6- 7
Video Processor 6-7
CRTMonitor 6-8
Power Supply 6-8
Standard Terminal Port 6-8
EIA Drivers and Receivers 6-8
FIR~ ~E 1~C:>JC)'-JC1[1[C:>1'l 6-8
TERMINAL CONTROLLER DESCRIPTION 6-1 0
80·80 Microprocessor 6-1 0
Data
Bus and System Controller 6-12
Clock Generator 6-14
Bus Timing 6-14
Microprocessor Memory
6-15
Memory Map 6-17
Memory I:levices 6-1 7
ROM
I:lecod.ing 6-17
RAM I:lecod.ing 6-1 7
Memory Disable
6-18
I/O I:>ecod.ing 6-18
PUSARTRead and Write 6-18
I/O Read and Write 6-18
Interrupt Vector 6-19
Communication Transceiver
6- 20
Data Transmission 6- 20
Data Reception 6-20
PUSART Programming 6-22
Standard Terminal Port
6-24
Nonvolatile RAM 6- 25
NVR Control 6-25
Mi<:rol'rocessor lYfanagement 6-2:1
NVR Timing 6- 26 .
Keyboard Interface
6-26
Video Processor 6- 27
Timing ChiI'
I:les<:ril'tion 6-30
Control ChiI'
Des<:ril'tion 6- 38
Address Counter and Data Stru<:ture in RAIYf 6-43
Address Lat<:h Buffer 6-44
•
VI

6.5.12.5
6.5.12.6
6.5.12.7
6.5.12.8
6.5.12.9
6.5.12.10
6.5.12.11
6.5.12.12
6.5.13
6.5.13.1
6.5.13.2
6.5.13.3
6.5.13.4
6.5.13.5
6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.4
6.6.5
6.6.6
6.6.7
6.6.8
6.6.9
6.6.10
6.6.10.1
6.6.10.2
6.6.10.3
6.6.10.4
6.6.10.5
6.6.10.6
6.6.11
6.6.12
6.6.12.1
6.6.12.2
6.6.12.3
6.6.12.4
6.6.12.5
6.6.12.6
6.6.13
6.6.13.1
6.6.13.2
6.6.13.3
6.6.13.4
6.6.13.5
6.6.14
6.6.14.1
6.6.14.2
6.6.14.3
6.6.14.4
CONTENTS (Coot)
Line Buffer 6-44
Character Generator ,6-44
Video Shift Register 6-45
Terminator 6-46
DMA Cycle Timing Diagram 6-47
Video Blanking 6-49
Video Input and Output 6-49
Intensity Control ....o ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0 •••••••••••• 6-49
Microprocessor - Video Processor Interface 6-50
Screen Memory Organization 6-50
Line Organiza. tion 6- 51
Scrolling Region 6- 52
Cursor 6- 52
Set-up 6-53
VT18X CONTROL MODULE DESCRIPTION 6-53
Z80A CPU 6- 54
Interrupts 6- 56
64K Byte RAM 6-58
8K Byte ROM 6-59
Console Port 6-60
Communications Port 6-62
Printer Port 6-64
General Purpose Serial Port 6-65
Terminal Controller and VT18X Control Module Interconnections 6-65
Disk Drive Controller 6-67
Disk Drive Controller Functional Description 6-67
Formatter/Controller : 6-67
Phase-Locked Loop 6- 73
DiskDrive Controller Registers 6-76
Disk Drive Controller Latches 6-77
Disk Drive Interface Connector 6-77
VT18X Control Module Input/Output Addresses 6-78
Communications Data and Control Status Registers 6-79
ASYnchronous Mode Instruction Format
(41H, 49H, 51H, 59H) WO 6-79
Synchronous Mode Instruction Format (59H) WO
6-81
Command Instruction Registers (41 H, 49H, 51 H, 59H) WO 6-82
Status Read Registers (41H, 49H, 51H, 59H) RO
6-83
Transmit Data Buffer Register (40H, 48H, 50H, 58H) WO 6-84
Received Data Buffer Register (40H, 48H, 50H, 58H) RO
6-85
Disk Drive Controller Registers 6-85
Command Register (Write-Only) 6-85
Status Register (Read-Only) 6-89
Track Register (Read/Write)
6-93
Sector Register (Read/Write) 6-93
Data Register (Read/Write) 6-93
Disk Drive Command Summary 6-93
TYJle ICommands 6-93
TYJle II Commands 6-93
TYJle III Commands 6-94
Type IV Command 6-94
..
VB

6.6.15
6.6.16
6.6.17
6.6.18
6.6.19
6.6.20
6.7
6.8
6.8.1
6.8.1.1
6.8.1.2
6.8.1.3
6.8.1.4
6.8.1.5
6.8.1.6
6.8.1.7
6.8.1.8
6.8.1.9
6.8.1.10
6.9
6.9.1
6.9.2
6.9.3
6.9.4
6.9.5
6.9.5.1
6.9.5.2
6.10
6.10.1
6.10.2
6.10.3
6.10.4
6.10.5
6.10.6
6.10.6.1
6.10.6.2
6.10.6.3
6.10.6.4
6.10.6.5
6.10.6.6
6.10.7
6.10.8
6.10.9
6.10.9.1
6.10.9.2
6.10.9.3
6.10.9.4
6.10.9.5
CONTENTS (Cont)
General Control and Status Register (80H) 6-94
Communications Status Register (88H) 6-96
Communications Control/Baud Rate Select Register (90H)
6-97
Interrupt and INIT Reset Register (90H) 6-98
Diagnostic Write Register (98H) 6-98
Diagnostic Read Register
(AOH) ., 6-99
VTI80 PADDLE BOARD DESCRIPTION 6-100
VT100 MONITOR 6-102
Elston Monitor Board Description (Digital part number 30-16080) 6-102
Video Driver ~ 6-102
Brightness 6-102
Vertical Oscillator 6-102
Self-Oscillation 0 0_ 0 6-1 02
Vertical Output 6-103
Lineariza.tion 6-103
Horizontal Driver 6-103
Horizontal Deflection Operation 6-103
Horizontal Output Circuit 6-106
High Voltage and Focus 6-106
POWERSUPPLY 6-106
Power Input 6-106
Start-Up Circuit 6-107
Control Circuit
~ 6-107
Outputs 6-109
Power Supply Specifications
6-11 0
Input Specifications 6-110
Cooling
.. :6-114
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION 6-114
Keyboard
Block Diagram 6-114
Keyboard UARTs 6-114
Keyboard Status Byte 6-115
/'
Key Address Counter 6-116
Key Scanning and Address Formation 6-117
Bidirectional Interface Operation 6-119
Interface Line 6-119
Receiving Side 6-119
Terminal Data Encoding 6-120
Combined Interface Signal
6-121
Decoding of Data from TerminaL 6-121
Keyboard Output 6-122
Bell 6-123
Keyboard Interrupt Routine 6-123
Logical Keyboard Processor 6-124
Key Recognition 6-124
Key Rollover 6-124
Generation of Codes 6-125
Keyboard Transmit Buffer 6-126
Auto Repeat 6-126
•••
Vlll

CHAPTER 7
7.1
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.ti
7.3
7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.4
7.4.1
7.4.1.1
7.4.1.2
7.4.1.3
7.4.1.4
7.4.2
7.4.2.1
7.4.2.2
7.4.3
7.4.4
7.4.4.1
7.4.4.2
7.4.4.3
7.4.4.4
7.4.5
7.5
7.5.1
7.5.2
7.5.2.1
7.5.2.2
7.5.3
7.5.4
7.ti
7.ti.l
7.ti.1.1
7.ti.1.2
7,ti.2
7.ti.2.1
7.ti.2.2
7.ti.2.3
7.ti.2.4
7.ti.2.5
7.ti.2.ti
7.ti.2.7
CONTENTS (Coot)
SERVICE INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION 7-1
TESTING THE VT180 USING ROM DIAGNOSTICS 7-1
Error Messages and Codes 7-1
Power-Up Test 7-3
Keyooard Tests 7-6
CPU, Dynamic RAM, Communication UART,
ancl ][)Us)( Dri,,(: Controll(:r T~ts 7-ti
Set-Up Screen Test ~ 7-6
Video Adjust Test 7-7
MODULE CONFIGURATIONS 7-8
VT 18X Control Moclule Configuration 7-8
T(:rminal Controll(:r Moclul(: ROMs 7-9
Acl"anrecl Vicl(:o Option Configuration 7-9
DISKEITE DIAGNOSTICS 7-9
Diagnostic Operation 7-10
Basic Test OJ>eration 7 -10
Ext(:ncl(:cl T~t Opt:ration 7-14
Individual Diagnostics 7-14
Incli"iclual T~t Exampl(: Dialog 7-1 ti
Floppy Test 7-17
Happy Test OJleration 7-17
Floppy T(:st ~cription 7-18
RAM Test 7-19
Communications Tests 7-20
Basic Communications T~t 7-20
Synchronous Communications
T(:st 7-20
Loopbac)( Plug T~ts 7-21
Print(:r ConficlenC(: T ~ts 7-21
Di's)((:u(:-Bas(:cl Diagnostic Error M(:ssag~ 7-22
TROUBLESHOOTING 7-22
Troubl~hooting th(: Basic VT 180 7-23
Troubl~hooting th(: VT180 with th(: Diagnostic Dis)((:u(: 7-23
Starting th(: Diagnostic Dis)((:u(: 7-24
Diagnostic Error
M(:ssag~ ,7-24
Troubl~hooting th(: VT180 with no Printout.. 7-24
Troubl~hooting th(: Options 7-29
VIDEO ALIGNMENT 7-30
Alignment Template 7-30
Ma)(ing aPapt:r T(:mplat(: 7-31
Attaching the T(:mplat(: 7-31
Monitor Adjustments 7-32
Brightn~s Acljustm(:nt 7-32
Yoke Adjustment 7-32
V(:rtical Hdght Acljustm(:nt 7-33
Horizontal Wiclth Acljustm(:nt 7-33
Center Adjustment 7-33
V(:rtical Lin(:arity Acljustm(:nt 7-33
Focus Adjustment 7-34
•
IX

7.7
7.7.1
7.7.2
7.7.3
7.7.4
7.7.5
7.7.6
7.7.7
7.7.8
7.7.9
7.7.10
7.7.11
7.7.12
7.7.13
7.7.14
7.7.15
7.7.16
7.7.17
7.7.18
7.7.19
7.7.20
7.7.21
7.7.21.1
7.7.21.2
7.7.22
7.7.23
7.7.23.1
7.7.23.2
7.7.23.3
7.7.23.4
APPENDIX A
A.l
A.2
A.2.1
A.2.2
A.2.3
A.2.4
A.2.5
A.2.6
A.2.7
A.2.8
A.2.9
A.2.1O
A.2.11
A.3
A.3.1
A.3.2
CONTENTS (Cont)
MODULE AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION 7-34
Cable Access Cover (Wort Cover) and Module Access Cover
(Rear Shield) 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• w_ •••••••• o ••••••••••••••••• o •••••••••• 7-34
Disk Drive Unites) 7-36
VTl8X Control Module
7-37
Terminal Controller Module 7- 37
VT 180 Paddle Board 7- 38
Advanced Video Option (A VO) 7-38
Terminal Controller Module ROMs 7-38
Keyooard Top Cover 7-38
Keyooard 7-39
Keyooard Cable 7-39
Keyboard
SJ>eaker 7-40
Keycaps 7-40
Top Cover 7
-41
Video Monitor Board (Digital or Elston) 7-42
Flyback Transformer (Digital or Elston) 7
-43
Bottom Cover Removal and Installation 7-43
Power Supply 7 -43
RF Shield Removal 7-45
OC Power Harness 7 -46
Expansion Backplane Removal.. 7 -4 7
CRT Discharge and Anode Cap 7
-4 7
CRTAnode Discharge 7
-4 7
Anode Cap Removal and Installation
7-48
CRTand Yoke Assembly 7-50
Field Handling of CRTs 7-50
Replacing aCRT
7-51
Handling the CRT 7- 51
StoringaCRT 7-51
Discarding aCRT .. ---;::- 7-51
VT180 PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION A-I
VT 180 KEyBOARD A-I
LED Indicators A-2
SET-UP Key A-2
Alphal>etic Keys A-2
Nonalphabetic Keys A-4
Function Keys A-6
NO SCROLL A-6
BREAK A-6
CTRL (Control) A-7
Auto
ReJ>eating A-8
Cursor Control Keys A-8
Auxiliary Keypad A-8
TERMINALCONTROLCOMMANDS A-I0
Control Characters -A-I0
ANSI Control Sequences
A-II
x

Title
A.3.3
A.3.3.1
A.3.3.2
A.3.3.3
A.4
A.4.1
A.4. 1. 1
A.4.1.2
A.4.1.3
A.4.1.4
A.4.1.5
A.4.1.6
A.4.1.7
A.4.1.8
A.4.1.8
A.4.1.9
A.4.
1. 10
A.4.2
APPENDIXB
APPENDIXC
Figure No.·
1-1
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
CONTENTS (Cont)
M<Xles A-20
Digital Private Mooes A-20
ANSI Standard Modes 'O A-20
Valid VT52 Mode Control Sequences A- 21
CONTROLSEQUENCE SUMMARY (ANSI AND VT52) A-22
ANSI Compatible Mooe A-22
Character Attributes A-24
Erasing A-24
Programmable
LEI:>s A-24
Character Sets
(GO and G1 Designators) A-25
Scrolling Region A- 25
Tab Stops A-25
Mooes A- 25
ReJXlrts A- 26
What Are You A-26
Reset A-27
Confidence Tests A-27
VT52 Compatible Mode A-27
VT180 RECOMMENDEDSPARES LIST (RSL)
GLOSSARY OFTERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
FIGURES
Page
The VT180 Personal Office Computer
1-2
VT180 On-Line General Block Diagram 2-2
VT180 Off-Line General Block Diagram 2-2
VT 180 Power Controls 7 ............•............................................................... 2-3
VT180 Terminal Keyboard 2-4
Function Keys 2-5
Set-Up Keys 2-7
Keyboard Indicators 2-9
The VTl80 SET-UP Key 2-11
SET-UP ADisplay 2-12
SET-UP BDisplay 2-12
80- and 132-Column Displays 2-18
SET-UP BSummary 2-19
Screen &ckground 2-20
Answerback Message Display 2-24
VTl80 Unit Dimensions
3-2
Alternatives for Placement ofthe Dual Disk Drive Units 3-3
VT 18X Shipping Carton 3-4
VT100 Video Terminal (Rear View) 3-6
Advanced Video Option Removal and Installation 3-7
Checking ROM Numbers on the Terminal Controller Module 3-8
Aclvallced Vicleo <=>pti<>11 vvith JrllmJl(:rs :3-8
Aclvallced "'icleo <=>pti<>11 with Switches :3-5)
Installing the VT 180 Paddle Board 3-10
•
Xl

Figure No.
FIGURES (Cont)
Title Page
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-19
3-20
3-21
3-22
3-23
3-24
3-25
3-26
3-27
3-28
3-29
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-4
6-5
6-6
6-7
6-8
6-9
6-10
6-11
6-12
6-13
6-14
6-15
6-16
6-17
6-18
6-19
6-20
Top Cover Removal 3-11
Removing the Bottom Cover 3-12
Disconnecting the dc Power Harness 3-13
Remove the Key Plug from the Expansion Backplane 3-14
Installing the Expansion Backplane
3-15
Installing Card Guides 3-15
Installing the RF Shield 3-16
Setting the VT18X Control Module Switches 3-17
Installing the VT18X Control Module 3-19
Removing the VT100 Logo and Installing the VT180 Logo 3-20
Installing the Module Access Cover (Rear Shield)
3-21
Disk Unit Top Cover Removal 3-22
Setting the Drive Select Switches 3-23
ROM Installation 3-25
Terminal Cable Connectors 3- 26
RX180 Dual Disk Drive Unit (Rear View) 3- 27
VT180 Cable Connections with One Disk Drive Unit.. 3-28
VT180 Cable Connections with Two Disk Drive Units 3-29
Connecting
~vices to the Serial Ports 3-30
ComJX>site Video Output 3-39
Tracks and Sectors
on aDiskette 4-2
Loading the Diskette
4- 3
Main System Menu
4-4
Start System Display (Drive A) .4-5
Directory Display 4-5
Format/Verify Display 4-7
CopyJVerify Display 4-9
Reset Display 4-1 0
Applying aWrite-Protect Tab.::: 4-11
VT 180 System Block Diagram 6-2
VT 100 Functional Block Diagram 6- 5
VT100 Firmware Block Diagram
6-9
Microprocessor Block Diagram 6-11
Terminal Controller Block Diagram 6-13
Microprocessor Bus Timing 6-15
8251A PUSART Block Diagram 6-21
Mooe Instruction 6- 22
Command Instruction 6-23
Status Byte Format 6-24
NVR
Block Diagram 6- 26
Video Processor Functional Diagram 6- 29
nco 1I Timing Chip Block Diagram 6-31
Horizontal Timing 6- 34
Vertical Signals -60 Hz 6- 36
Vertical Signals -50 Hz 6- 36
nco 12 Control Chip Block Diagram 6- 39
Character Generator ROM Patterns 6-45
DMA Cycle Timing Diagram 6-48
Screen RAM Organization -80 Column,
60 Hz 6- 51
••
Xli

Figure No.
FIGURES (Coot)
Title Page
6-21
6-22
6-23
6-24
6-25
6-26
6-27
6-28
6-29
6-30
6-31
6-32
6-33
6-34
6-35
6-36
6-37
6-38
6-39
6-40
6-41
6-42
6-43
6-44
6-45
6-~6
0.:47
6-48
6-49
6-50
6-51
6-52
6-53
6-54
6-55
6-56
6-57
6-58
6-59
6-60
6-61
6-62
6-63
6-64
7-1
7-2
7-3
7-4
VT18X Control Module Block Diagram 6-55
Z80A CPU Block Diagram 6- 56
Microprocessor Interrupt Block Diagram 6-57
RAM and ROM Block Diagram 6-58
64K Byte Memory Map 6-59
11'0 )lort Control Block Dia~ram 6-61
Communi~tions )lort Modem ~vvit<:ltes 6-63
Terminal Controller and VT18X Control Module Interronne<:tions 6-66
Disk Drive Controller Block Diagram 6-68
MFM Encoding 6- 75
Peak Shift Waveform
6- 76
Mode Instru<:tion Format, Asyn<:ltronous
(41H, 49H, 51H, 59H) WO 6-80
Mode Instru<:tion Format, ~yn<:ltronous (59 H) W0 6-81
Command Instru<:tion Format (41 H, 49H, 51 H, 59H) WO 6-82
~tatus Read Format (41 H, 49H, 51 H, 59H) RO 6-83
Transmit Data Format (40H, 48H, 50H, 58H) WO :6-84
Re<:eived Data Format (40H, 48H, 50H, 58H) RO 6-85
Type I ~tatus Re~ister Format 6-90
Type nRead
&<:tor ~tatus Re~ter Format.. 6-91
Type II Write &<:tor ~tatus Re~ister Format 6-92
General Control and ~tatus Re~ster Format.. 6-94
COmmuni~tions ~tatus Re~ter Format 6-96
Communi<:ations ControVBaud Rate &Ie<:t Re~ister Format.. 6-97
Dia~osti<: Write Re~ster Format 6-98
Dia~osti<: Read Re~ter FormaL 6-99
Horizontal Defle<:tion Current - TO 6-104
Horizontal
Defle<:tion Current - T1 6-104
Horizontal
Defle<:tion Current -T2 6-105
Horizontal
Defle<:tion Current - T3 6-105
Horizontal
Defle<:tion Waveforms 6-106
VT 100 )lower ~upply Block Dia~ram 6-107
3524
Re~ulator Block Dia~ram 6-108
)lower ~upply Timin~ Diagram 6-109
Keyboard
Block Diagram 6-115
Key'board Status Byte 6-115
Key Address Transmission Delays 6-116
Keyboard
~wit<:lt Array 6-118
Keyboard
Interfa<:e Cir<:uit 6-119
En<:odin~ ofTerminal Data and Clock 6-121
Four Keyboard Interfa<:e ~tates 6-122
Keyboard
Interfa<:e ~i~al 6-122
Bell Circuit 6-123
Keys HagByte 6-123
Sneak Path 6-125
VT18X Control Module Jumpers, ~wit<:ltes, LEOs and ROM Lo<:ations 7-8
Video Ali~ment Template Dimensions 7-30
Makin~ a)laper Ali~ment Template 7-31
Di~taVElston Video Monitor Board Adjustments 7-32
•••
Xlll

Figure No.
FIGURES (Cont)
Title
Page
7-5
7-6
7-7
7-8
7-9
7-10
7-11
7-12
7-13
7-14
7-15
Digital/Elston Monitor CRT Adjustments 7-33
~~111()"~ ~~l1r~ ~1l~1l~ jr-:J~
Key'OOa.rd Disa.ssembly 7-39
Keyca.p Removal 7-40
~i<l~ l\I.l()llit()r ~r<l ~~m()"~I 7-4:!
Power Supply Removal 7-44
Discharging the Power Supply Capacitors 7-45
RFShield Removal and Installation 7-46
~It~r~~ tile: ~~~ ~Il()((~ jr-~~
~C:IJl()\firt~ tlte: ~<><Ic: ~~J) jr-~5>
Disp>sing ofthe CRT 7-52
.
TABLES
Table No. Title Page
1-1
1-2
2-1
2-2
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
5-1
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-4
6-5
6-6
6-7
6-8
6-9
6-10
6-11
6-12
6-13
6-14
6-15
6-16
6-17
6-18
6-19
6-20
6-21
System Configuration Dimensions 1- 3
Physical Specifications ofComponents
1-4
Set-Up Feature TyJ>eS 2-13
Set-Up Features the Host Computer Can Change 2-14
VT100 Series Terminals that Can and Cannot Use
the VT18X Option 3-5
VT18X Control Processor Module Communication Switches 3-18
Communications Interface Connector 3-35
~J1tc:r Illtc:r1f~~ ~olln~tor 3-:J~
General Purpose Serial Interface Connector 3- 36
RX 180 Disk Port Interface Connector 3-37
~riClI ]>o!1t ~1f~111t c::ItClrClc:tc:~ti~ 5-1
ROM a.nd RAM Mc:mory Map 6-16
ROM Chip Sel~t Addrc:ssing 6-17
List o1f Hc:x I/O Addrc:ssc:s 6-18
Intc:rrupt Addrc:ssc:s 6-19
EIA I:l-.lta ancl ModC:IIl <=:()ntr()1 Signals 6-25
NVR Control States 6- 27
Video Mode Selection (Write Address = <=:2H) 6-32
<=:ontrol Chip Commands (Write Address =A2H).........•.......................................6-40
<=:()IIlIllllnicati()n lII.lodC:IIl Switcll <=:()nfigurati()n 6-62
l'()rmattc:rl'<=:()ntr()llc:r ]lin Iclc:ntificati()n 6-70
WD 1691 Pin Identific:ation 6-74
Disk Drive Interface Connector Signals 6-77
VT 18X Control Module I/O Addrc:ssc:s 6-79
Asynchronous Mode Instruction Bit Description 6-80
Synchronous
Mode Instruction Bit Description 6-81
<=:()IIlIllancl ~tructi()n Bit Descril'ti()n 6-82
Status Read Register
Bit Description 6-83
Transmit I:l-.lta and Received I:l-.lta Bit Description 6-85
Dislc Dri"e <:)()Iltroller COIllIllClIl<ls 6-86
Re<J.uirOO ~Iays ............................................•..................................................... 6-86
~)f~ ICommand IJit Des~l'ti()n 6-~7
•
XIV

Table No.
TABLES (Cont)
Title Page
6-22
6-23
6-24
6-25
6-26
6-27
6-28
6-29
6-30
6-31
6-32
6-33
6-34
6-35
6-36
6-37
7-1
7-2
7-3
7-4
7-5
7-6
A-I
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-tO
A-II
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-15
A-16
A-17
A-18
A-19
A-20
A-21
A-22
A-23
A-24
A-25
A-26
A-27
TYIle ICommand Flags 6-87
Type
II Command Bit Description 6-88
Type III Command
Bit Description 6-88
Type II and III Command Flags 6-89
TY]le IV Command Flags 6-89
Type IStatus Register
Bit Description 6-90
Type
II Read Sector Status.Register Bit Description 6-91
Type II Write Sector Status Register Bit Description 6-92
General Control and Status Register Bit Description
6-95
Communications Status Register Bit Description 6-96
Communications Control/Baud Rate Select Register Bit Description
6-97
Diagnostic Write Register Bit Description '" 6-98
Diagnostic Read Register Bit Description 6-99
VT 180 Paddle Board Signals 6-100
Printer Port Signals
6-1 01
Keyboard Receiver Signals 6-120
VTI80 Displayed Error Messages
7-2
LED Error Codes 7-4
Required Settings for Features 7-7
CP 1M Processor Factory Jumper Configuration 7-9
Diskette Error Messages 7-11
Basic VTI80 Troubleshooting Procedure 7-25
Set-Up Features and Machine States A-3
Alphabetic Key Codes (Octal) A-5
Nonalphabetic
Key Codes (Octal) A-5
Function Key Codes ~ A-6
Control Codes Generated A-7
Cursor Control
Key Codes : A-8
VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes A-9
ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes A-9
Control Characters A-I0
DA Control Sequences A-12
Load LEOs Parameters A-14
DECREQTPARM Sequence Parameters A
-15
DECTST Test Weights A -16
Device Status Report Parameters A-17
Erase In Display Parameters A-I7
Erase In Line Parameters A-I7
Character Set Selection A
-19
Select Graphic Rendition Parameters A-19
Tabulation Clear Parameters A-20
ANSI Specified Modes A-
20
Digital Private Parameter Functions A-20
ANSI Standard Modes
A-21
ANSI Compatible Mode Sequences A-23
Line Size Commands A-23
Character Attribute Parameters A-24
Erasing Sequences A-24
LED Parameters A-
24
xv

TABLES (Cont)
Table No. Title Page
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
.................. "" "" ..
A-25
A-25
A-25
A-26
Test Weights
A-27
VT52 Compatible Mode Sequences A-28
VT 180 Recommended Spares .. .. .. .. .. .. B-1
Character Set I:>esignations ..
Tab Stop Sequences
Mode Sequences
Option Present Parameters
A-28
A-29
A-30
A-31
A-32
A-33
B-1
/
•
XVI

PREFACE
This manual contains information needed by aservice engineer or technician to install, operate, test, and
repair the
VTl80 to the field replaceable unit level. Included are explanations of the features, options,
capabilities, and technical characteristics
of the VTl80 as well as general reference data. The information
is presented in seven chapters and three appendices.
Chapter 1 of this manual contains VTl80 specifications and documentation ordering information.
Chapter 2provides basic operator information, including use of the keyboard, use of set-up modes for
setting or changing terminal characteristics, and simple troubleshooting using the audio and visual
indicators.
Chapter 3provides the installation, start-up, and system checkout procedures as well as interface
information.
Chapter 4provides guidance for using the CP /Mill operating system.
Chapter 5describes the procedure for setting the transmission characteristics of the serial ports.
Chapter 6contains atechnical description of the basic VT100 and the VT18X personal computing
option.
Chapter 7provides information needed to service the VT180. This includes module configuration,
testing, troubleshooting, adjustments, and removal and installation
of module and mechanical
assemblies.
Appendix Acontains programming information for the VT180 series, including interface timing con-
siderations and descriptions
of control functions the VT180 responds to, both in ANSI mode and
Digital VT52-eompatible mode.
Appendix Bprovides arecommended spares list.
Appendix Ccontains aglossary of terms, acronyms, and abbreviations used in this manual.
In the examples
of dialog between the operator and the computer, the dialog the operator types is
underlined.
CP /M@ is aregistered trademark of Digital Research Inc.
••
XVll

CHAPTERl
INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The VT180 series of video terminals is agroup of personal office computers designed to function in two,
quickly accessible operational modes.
1. In computer mode the VT180 operates like apersonal computer.
2. In terminal mode the VT180 emulates aVT100 video terminal and can be used as aremote
terminal to an external host computer.
The VT180 has the software functionality and features of a
VT I00 when it is used in terminal mode. If the
VTl80
is used in computer mode, it will run CP/M prepackaged application programs. It will also offerthe
user achoice of several programming languages for the development of unique programs.
The VT180 provides local mass memory storage through adual disk drive.
Two more disk drives may be
added as an option if more mass storage capacity is needed.
Information and control signals are routed between the VT180, the host computer, and avariety of exter-
nal devices by four external input/output ports (multipin connectors). The four external ports are:
1. The disk drive port
2. The communications port
3. The printer port
4. The general purpose serial port.
The disk drive port
is dedicated to communications between the VT 180 processor and the disk drives. The
other three ports permit the VTl80 processor,
when running the proper application programs, to communi-
cate with the host computer and external devices. Among these devices are printers, acoustic couplers,
modems, paper tape readers and punches, magnetic cassette and cartridge drives,
X- Yplotters, and labora-
tory instruments.
Afifth port, the
console port, is an internal port that permits the VT180 processor to communicate with
the terminal keyboard and video screen. This is the port through which CP/M normally routes the system
dialog.
1.2 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The VTl80 personal office computer consists of three basic units: the VT180 terminal, adetachable key-
board, and adual disk drive. Figure 1-1 shows these basic units.
1-1

'.
••
, ..
••
·-'.•
••
· ..
••
•
•
•.'
,
'. ~
IVT1801
••
' ....
.... ..
· ., , ..
· .,
,,.
". :
.... .
......
·-
.,•
~:A'~
•••
,~. "
II ..
.. ,"
. ,," .
'\"1 :-
-,
.,.
0,
:~.:.
,
•••••••
•
_;,: ... *.;.·~~~~ .. ~ .. ;.:;-~,,:;~ ... i .-: :;v.::" .£;;;'!.~\.iC~' ;;:.-:,.~~j...;.~.;.:. Nt.
.,_ .. - ..•. , ....
• ~ .. -,2' ~ .,. _c;_-... "'-
MR-7530
Figure I-I The VTI80 Personal Office Computer
The VTI80 terminal contains the following basic subunits and optional subunits.
I. Basic subunits
• CRT video monitor
• Power supply
• Backplane, wire frame, and radio frequency (RF) shield
• Terminal controller module
•CP/M processor module (VTI8X control module)
• VT 180 paddle board
2. Optional subunits
• Advanced video option (AVO)
• Additional dual disk drive
1-2

The keyboard is areplaceable unit of the VT180. It is connected to the rear of the terminal cabinet by an
attached, three-eonductor power and signal cable. The main keyboard contains akey arrangement similar
to an ordinary typewriter. In addition to the standard typewriter keys, there are special function keys
that
permit the user to generate escape sequences, control sequences, and cursor control commands. The main
keyboard also contains seven
LED indicators, which show the current terminal status. Akeypad placed
next to the main keyboard contains asecond set
of numeric keys and special function keys. The numeric
keys duplicate the numeric keys on the main keyboard and are useful for certain number-handling pro-
grams. Asmall speaker mounted inside the keyboard case provides audio feedback and attention signals
(keyclicks and bells) for the user.
The two disk drives
of the basic VTI80 are installed in amounting box that contains the power supply for
the drives. The power switch for the drives
is located on top of the mounting box. Input/output control and
data signals appear on two
EIA connectors located on the rear of the mounting box. One connector is used
to connect the disk drives to the rear
of the VTI80 terminal. The second connector is used when the system
is expanded with an additional disk drive unit.
1.3 VT180 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 System Physical Dimensions
One or two RXI80 disk drives may be installed on the top of the monitor or next to either side of the
monitor. The overall dimensions
of the various system configurations are listed in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 System Configuration Dimensions
Configuration
One RX 180 on the top
of the monitor
Two
RX 180s on the top
ofthe monitor
One or two
RX 180s on the
side
of the monitor
Width
45.72 cm
(18.00 in)
45.72
cm
(18.00 in)
79.37
cm
(31.25 in)
Height
47.62 cm
(18.75 in)
58.42
cm
(23.00 in)
36.83
cm
(14.50 in)
Depth
57.78
cm
(22.75 in)
57.78
cm
(22.75 in)
57.78
cm
(22.75 in)
1.3.2 Unit Physical Dimensions
Table 1-2 lists the dimensions and weight of each component of the VT180.
1-3