Epson EISA Tower User manual

H

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and 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:
Cl Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
0 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
Cl Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
;I Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.

User’s Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Epson America, Inc., makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by
or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect,
special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.
The power-on diagnostic error messages and error tone codes in Appendix C are copyright
1985-1989, Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
TRADEMARKS
Epson is a registered trademark and the EISA Series design is a trademark of Seiko Epson
Corporation.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1991 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance,Califomia
Y739991001
ii

Important Safety Instructions
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.
3.
Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
4.
Do not spill liquid of any kind on the computer.
5.
Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
6.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; do not block or cover these openings.
Do not place the computer near or over a radiator or heat
register.
7.
Operate the computer using the type of power source indicated
on its label. If you are not sure of the type of power available,
consult your dealer or local power company.
8.
If you plan to operate the computer in Germany, observe the
following safety precaution:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this computer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Beim AnschulB des Computers an die Netzversorgung mut3
sichergestellt werden daB die Gebaudeinstallation mit einem
16 A ijberstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.
9.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet, contact
your electrician to replace your outlet. Avoid using outlets on
the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that
regularly switch on and off.
. . .
IIZ

10. Do not allow the computer’s cord to become damaged or frayed.
11. If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the
total of the ampere ratings of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the ampere rating for the
extension cord. Also, make sure the total of all products plugged
into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
12. You must extend the stabilizing feet on both sides of the
computer’s base whenever it is in an upright position to prevent
it from falling over.
13. Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots.
14. Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
15. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A.
When the power cord or plug is damaged.
B. If liquid has entered the computer.
C. If the computer does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment
of other controls may result in damage and often requires
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
computer to normal operation.
D. If the computer has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E. If the computer exhibits a distinct change in performance.
iv

Instructions Importantes de Skuriti!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lire completement les instructions qui suivant et les conserver
pour references futures.
Bien suivre tous les avertissements et les instructions indiques sur
l’ordinateur.
Debrancher l’ordinateur de toute sortie murale avant le nettoyage.
Utiliser un chiffon humide; ne jamais utiliser un nettoyeur
liquide ou une bonbonne aerosol.
Ne jamais renverser un liquide d’aucune sorte sur l’ordinateur.
Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur un chariot, un support, ou une table
instable.
Les events dans le meubles, a l’arriere et en dessous sont concus
pour l’aeration; on ne doit jamais les bloquer. Ne pas placer
l’ordinateur pres d’une source de chaleur directe.
Le fonctionnement de l’ordinateur doit s’effectuer conformement
au type de source d’alimentation indiquee sur l’etiquette. Dans le
cas d’un doute de la source disponible, on doit communiquer
avec le concessionaire ou la compagnie d’electricite.
Lorsqu’on desire utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, on doit
observer les normes securitaires qui suivent:
Afin d/assurer une protection adequate a l’ordinateur contre les
court-circuits et le survoltage, l’installation de l/edifice doit
comprendre un disjoncteur de 16 amp.
On doit brancher tout l’equipement dans une sortie reliee a la
masse. Lorsqu’il est impossible d’inserer la fiche dans la prise, on
doit retenir les services d’un electricien ou remplacer la prise. Ne
jamais utiliser une prise sur le m&me circuit qu’un appareil a
photocopie ou un systeme de controle d/aeration avec
commutation marche-arret.
V

10. S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
effrite.
11. Dans le cas ou on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
on doit s/assurer que la valeur totale d’amperes branches dans le
cordon n’excede en aucun temps les amperes du cordon de
rallonge. La quantite totale des appareils branches dans la prise
murale ne doit jamais exceder 15 amperes.
12. Sur chaque tote, l’ordinateur est muni de supports qu’il est
necessaire d’allonger lorsque l’appariel est mis en position
verticale, pour l’empecher de tomber.
13. Ne jamais inserer un objet de quelque sorte que ce soit dans les
cavites de cet appareil.
14. Sauf tel que specific dans la notice d’utilisation, on ne doit jamais
tenter d’effectuer une reparation de l’ordinateur. On doit referer
le service de cet appareil a un technicien qualifie.
15. Debrancher l’ordinateur de la prise murale et confier le service au
personnel de service qualifie selon les conditions qui suivent:
A. Lorsque le cordon d’alimentation ou la prise sont
endommages.
B. Lorsqu’un liquide s’est infiltre dans l’ordinateur.
C. Lorsque l’ordinateur refuse de fonctionner normalement
meme en suivant les instructions. N’ajuster que les
commandes qui sont enumerees dans les instructions de
fonctionnement. Tout ajustement inadequat de tout autre
controle peut provoquer un dommage et souvent necessiter
des reparations elaborees par un technicien qualifie afin de
remettre l’appareil en service.
D. Lorsqu’on a echappe l’ordinateur ou que l’on a endommage le
boitier.
E. Lorsque l’ordinateur demontre un changement note au niveau
de sa performance.
vi

Contents
Introduction
Optional Equipment ........................
3
Software ...............................
3
How to Use This Manual ......................
4
Where to Get Help .........................
5
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Preparing to Set Up the System ............l-l
Installation Overview ..................l-3
Installing Optional Equipment ............l-4
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............l-5
Turning On the Computer ...............l-6
Running the Change Country Code Utility .....l-7
Setting the Country Code for the First Time . . l-8
Changing the Country Code ...........l-10
Chapter 2 Running System Configuration
How to Use This Chapter ......................2-2
The Configuration Process .....................2-3
Using Configuration Files ...................
2-3
Using the Keyboard ......................2-4
Using a Mouse .........................2-4
Using On-line Help ......................
2-5
Configuring Your System .....................2-6
Starting the Program .....................2-6
Setting the Date and Time ..................
2-8
Performing the Configuration Steps .............
2-9
vii

.Adding or Removing a Board ...........2-10
Defining the Configuration Settings .......2-10
Using Advanced Configuration Options .....2-17
Using Alternate Configuration Files ..........2-19
Creating an Alternate SCI File ...........2-19
Loading an Alternate SCI File ...........2-20
Using Special Modes ...................
2-21
Using the SD Command ..............
2-21
Using the CF Command ..............2-22
Copying the Configuration Files to a Hard Disk 2-24
Chapter 3
Using Your Computer
Extending the Stabilizing Feet ..................
3-1
Locking the Computer’s Cover .................3-2
Using a Power-on Password ..................3-3
Changing or Deleting a Password ............3-4
Using a Password in Network Server Mode . ......3-4
Changing the Processor Speed .................3-6
Entering Keyboard Commands ..............3-7
Using the ESPEED Program ................3-8
Parking the Hard Disk Drive Heads ..............3-9
Special Precautions . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Cover . . . . . . . .
Removing the Front Panel . . . .
Replacing the Front Panel . . . . .
Replacing the Cover . . . . . . .
Post-installation Setup Procedures
Chapter 4
Accessing lnternal Components
..............
4-1
..............4-3
..............4-4
..............4-5
..............4-6
..............4-8
. . .
VlZZ

Chapter 5
Installing and Removing Options
Main System Board Map ......................5-2
Processor Board Maps .......................
5-3
Option Cards .............................5-4
Installing an Option Card ...................
5-5
Removing Option Cards ...................5-6
Processor Board ...........................5-7
Removing the Processor Board ................5-7
Installing the Processor Board ................5-8
Math Coprocessor ..........................5-9
Installing a Math Coprocessor ................5-9
Removing a Math Coprocessor ...............5-10
Memory Modules ..........................
5-11
Installing Memory Modules .................5-13
Removing Memory Modules ................5-14
Chapter 6
Installing and Removing Disk Drives
Using the Correct Drive Bay .................... 6-2
Setting the IDE Hard Disk Drive Jumpers ............ 6-3
Changing the Jumper Settings ................6-4
Installing or Removing a Drive in an Upper Bay ........6-6
Removing a Drive .......................6-7
Installing a Drive ........................ 6-9
Installing or Removing an Internal Drive ............6-13
Removing the Internal Drive Housing ...........6-14
Installing or Removing a Drive ...............6-16
Reinstalling the Internal Drive Housing ..........6-18
Appendix A Running System Diagnostics
Starting the Program ........................A-2
Deleting Tests .........................A-3
Adding Tests ..........................A-4
ix

Running Tests .............................A-5
Resuming From an Error ....................A-6
System Diagnostic Tests .......................A-7
Error Messages ............................A-8
Appendix B Formatting a Hard Disk
Starting the Program .........................B-2
Formatting a New Disk ....................B-3
Reformatting a Used Disk ...................B-4
Selecting an Option .......................B-4
Starting the Formatting Process ................B-4
Option 1, Format ...........................B-5
Modifying the Defective Track Table ............B-7
Formatting the Disk ......................B-8
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis ..............B-9
Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis ...........B-11
Exiting the Program .........................B-12
Appendix C Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System . ....................
C-1
Error Messages . . . . ....................C-2
Power or Lock-up Problems ....................C-5
Password Problems . . .....................C-9
Keyboard Problems . . . . . ....................C-11
Monitor Problems . . . . . . ....................C-11
Diskette Problems . . . . . ....................C-12
Diskette Drive Problems . . ....................C-13
Hard Disk Problems . . . . ....................C-14
Software Problems . . . . . ....................C-15
Printer Problems . . .....................C-16
Option Card Problems . . . ....................C-16
Memory Module Problems ....................C-17
Mouse Problems . . . . . . ....................C-18
Math Coprocessor Problems ....................C-18
X

Appendix D Specifications
Main System Board ......................
D-1
Interfaces ............................
D-1
Controllers ...........................D-2
Processor Board ........................D-3
Mass Storage Bays .......................D-3
Power Supply .........................D-4
Keyboard ............................D-5
Environmental Requirements ................D-5
Physical Characteristics ....................D-5
Power Source Requirements .................D-6
System Memory Map .....................D-7
Glossary
Index
xi

Tables
Key commands .......................2-4
System board options ...................
2-11
Default non-cache address blocks ............2-14
Hard disk drive types ...................2-15
Advanced configuration options .............2-18
SD command parameters .................2-22
CF command parameters .................2-23
Keyboard speed setting commands ...........3-7
ESPEED program parameters ...............3-9
Option slot power limits ..................5-4
SIMM description ......................5-12
Example SIMM configurations ..............5-12
Hard disk drive jumper settings .............6-5
System diagnostic tests ..................A-7
System diagnostic error messages ............A-8
Power-on diagnostic error messages ...........C-3
Power-on diagnostic error tone codes ..........C-3
Maximum outputs .....................D-4
Option slot power limits ..................D-4
Environmental requirements ...............D-5
120-Volt power source requirements ...........D-6
240-Volt power source requirements ...........D-6
xii

The Epson® EISA Series computer is a powerful, versatile
system ideally suited for use as either a network server or a
high-performance personal workstation. It incorporates the
latest EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture)
technology into a convenient tower design. Its exceptional
features and flexibility enable you to use the most advanced
peripheral devices and software while maintaining full
compatibility with ISA technology. Your system includes the
following features:
4MB of RAM on single inline memory modules (SIMMs)
SIMM sockets for installing up to 64MB of memory using
1MB, 2MB, 4MB, or 8MB SIMMs
8KB of extended CMOS RAM for EISA configuration
information
Upgradable processor board providing high speed cache
memory and math coprocessor support
One built-in parallel and two built-in serial interfaces
IBM® PS/2® compatible mouse port and keyboard port
Eight EISA expansion slots (compatible with 32-bit EISA
cards and 8- or 16-bit ISA cards)
IDE hard disk drive interface (for two hard disk drives)
Diskette drive controller (for two diskette drives and one
tape drive)
Six half-height mass storage bays: two internal bays and
four externally-accessible bays.
lntroduction 1

The built-in interfaces let you connect basic peripheral devices
(such as a printer and mouse) directly to the computer, leaving
the expansion slots for optional devices such as a SCSI adapter
or a networking card.
Your computer’s EISA technology allows the 32-bit processor
to access certain I/O expansion boards 32 bits at a time when
running appropriate software. In addition, the EISA burst mode
capability enables data transfers of up to 33MB of data per
second through the EISA bus.
The powerful EISA configuration program automatically
configures any EISA boards you install and provides all the
necessary information for configuring ISA boards. The result is
a configuration that manages your system resources in the most
efficient manner possible.
The EISA Series computer offers several other features to
enhance system performance:
Cl Automatic shadow RAM support. This speeds up access to
the system and video BIOS.
U Processor speed simulation support. You can set the
processor to emulate a variety of system speeds from
8 MHz up to your processor’s highest speed to provide
compatibility with a wide variety of software.
Ll Password security. You can set a password in either regular
or network server mode.
2Introduction

Optional Equipment
By adding SIMMs to the main system board, you can expand
the computer’s memory up to 64MB.
On the upgradeable processor board, you can install a math
coprocessor or another coprocessor, depending on the board
you have.
You can also install a variety of other options, such as diskette
drives, hard disk drives, a tape drive, or a SCSI subsystem.
Check with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options
are available.
Software
Your system comes with three diskettes (Reference 1, 2, and 3)
containing the following software:
U EISA System Configuration program
c1 ISA configuration files for popular ISA boards
LI System diagnostics program
U Hard disk drive low-level formatting utility
tl HDDPARK program to park the hard disk drive
read/write heads
LI ESPEED program to change the processor simulation speed
tl CHGCTR program to set country-dependent keyboard and
configuration information.
Introduction 3

How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up, configure, and operate
your computer, as well as how to install options and run
diagnostic tests. It does not cover your operating system; see
your operating system manual for instructions on installing
and using it.
Although you should be sure to follow the steps in Chapter 1
and Chapter 2 to set up and configure your system, you do not
need to read everything in this book. See the following chapter
summaries to find the sections you need.
Chapter 1 provides instructions for setting up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the System Configuration
program to configure your computer.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for certain operating
procedures, such as locking the computer’s cover, using a
password, and changing the operating speed.
Chapter 4 describes how to remove and replace the cover and
front panel to access the internal components.
Chapter 5 describes how to install and remove options.
Chapter 6 describes how to install and remove disk drives.
Appendix A outlines the system diagnostic tests.
Appendix B gives instructions for performing a hardware-level
format on a hard disk.
Appendix C contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix D gives the technical specifications for the computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
4 Introduction

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer outside of the United States,
please contact your dealer or the marketing location nearest
you for customer support and service. International marketing
locations are listed on the inside of this manual’s back cover.
If you purchased your Epson product in the United States,
Epson America provides local customer support and service
through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and
Service Centers.
Epson also provides the following support services through the
Epson Customer Resource Center at [phone]:
cl
cl
u
cl
u
cl
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of Epson products
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson
Reseller or Service Center
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your Epson product
Customer Relations
Epson technical information library fax service
Product literature with technical specifications on our
current and new products.
Introduction 5

Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
This chapter describes the basic steps you perform to
set up your system for the first time. It defines the system
requirements and gives a general outline of the steps you need
to follow to start using your computer. It also describes how to
set the appropriate country code for the system’s keyboard and
configuration information.
Preparing to Set Up the System
Before you set up your system, be sure to read “Important
Safety Instructions” at the beginning of this manual (before the
table of contents). These instructions provide information about
properly caring for your computer and operating it correctly.
It is important to choose a safe, convenient location for your
system that provides the following:
CI A flat, hard surface. Surfaces like carpeted floors attract
static electricity, which can erase data on your disks,
damage the computer’s circuitry, and prevent proper
ventilation. Place the computer on an anti-static mat if the
surface is carpeted.
Q Good air circulation. Leave several inches of space around
the computer so air can move freely.
Cl Moderate environmental conditions. Select a cool, dry area
and protect your computer from extremes in temperature,
humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any
other source of heat.
Setting Up Your System
Z-1