Epson Equity 320SX PLUS User manual

EPSON
®
EQUITY®32Osx PlUS
User’s Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson America 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.
TRADEMARKS
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Equity is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc.
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, California Y740991001
ii

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 hamrful 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 or 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:
l Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
l Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
l Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected
l 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
which 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 numérique n’emet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le
réglement sur le brouillage radioéctrique édicté par le Ministére des
Communications du Canada.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use
a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners.
Do not use this product near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; these openings must not be blocked
or covered. This product should never be placed near or over a
radiator or heat register.
This product should be operated from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power
company.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that
the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into
the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere
rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged
into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.

13. Unplug this product 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 product.
C. If the product does not operate normally when the
operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions,
since improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to normal
operation.
D.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
iV

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Importantes Mesures de Séurité
Lire attentivement les instructions qui suivent. Les conserver
en lieu stir.
Observer les avertissements et suivre rigoureusement les
instructions marquees sur l’ordinateur.
Debrancher l’appareil avant de le nettoyer. Se servir d’un
chiffon humide, sans detergents ni aerosols.
Ne pas se servir de l’ordinateur pres de l’eau.
Ne pas placer l’appareil sur un meuble instable.
Les ouvertures et fentes à l’arrière et au dessous du coffre en
assurent la ventilation. 11 est important de ne pas couvrir ni
bloquer ces prises d’air. De meme, il ne faut jamais placer
l’ordinateur près d’un appareil de chauffage.
N’utiliser comme type de courant que celui qui est indique sur
l’etiquette. En cas de doute, consultez votre distributeur ou la
compagnie électrique de votre secteur.
Toutes les connexions électriques doivent être des connexions
de sècurite, avec contact de terre. Si la fiche de sécurité n’entre
pas dans le socle de prise de courant, demander a un
electricien de remplacer l’ancien socle par un socle neuf. Eviter
de brancher l’ordinateur sur le même circuit que des machines
qui se mettent en marche et s’arriêtent tour a tour, telles que
photocopieurs ou climatiseurs.
Ne pas laisser de fils ou cordons électriques dans un lieu de
passage; éviter de leur marcher dessus.
10. S’il est nécessaire d’employer un cordon prolongateur pour
brancher l’appareil, s’assurer que la consommation d’energie
totale des machines branchees sur le cordon prolongateur ne
depasse pas la capacite en amperes dudit cordon. L’ampérage
total de toutes les pièces branchees sur le socle ne doit pas
depasser 15 amperes.
11. Ne jamais rien introduire dans les prises d’air. Ne pas renverser
de liquide sur l’appareil.
V

12. Sauf dans les cas specifiquement indiques dans le Guide de
l’utilisateur, ne pas essayer de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même;
s’adresser à un spécialiste qualifié.
13. Debrancher l’appareil et s’adresser au personnel de service
qualifie dans les cas suivants:
A. Lorsque le cordon, les broches, la prise ou le socle sont
endommages.
B. Lorsqu’un liquide a pénétré a l’interieur de l’appareil.
C. Lorsque l’ordinateur ne répond pas normalement aux
commandes passées en suivant les instructions. Ajuster
uniquement les controles décrits dans les instructions; il
est possible de gravement endommager l’appareil en
touchant les autres, ce qui pourrait nécessiter
l’intervention d’un technicien qualifié pour le remettre en
état de marche.
D. Lorsque l’appareil est tombe ou le coffre a été endommagé.
E. Lorsque la performance de l’ordinateur est nettement
inferieure a l’ordinaire.
vi

Contents
Introduction
Optional Equipment
...............................
1
Operating Systems and Other Software
................
2
VGA Utilities
.....................................
2
How to Use This Manual ............................ 3
Where to Get Help.
................................
4
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
1 Choosing a Location............................. l-l
2 Removing the Protector Card......................
l-3
3 Connecting a Monitor........................... l-4
Using the VGA Interface.
.......................
1-4
Using a Display Adapter Card.
................... l-7
4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device...............
1-8
Using the Parallel Interface.
..................... l-8
Using the Serial Interface
....................... l-l1
5 Connecting the Keyboard.........................
1-12
6 Connecting the Mouse...........................
1-13
7 Connecting the Power Cord.......................
1-15
8 Turning On the Computer........................
1-16
Turning Off the Computer
......................
1-18
Chapter 2
Running the SETUP Program
Starting the SETUP Program
......................... 2-2
Selecting Options
.............................
2-3
Setting the Date and Time.
..........................
2-3
Setting the Diskette Drive(s)
......................... 2-4
Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s).
.......................
2-5
Hard Disk Drive Types
.........................
2-5
vii

Setting the Primary Display Type
.....................
2-8
Setting the Keyboard Test Function
...................
2-9
Setting the Shadow RAM.
...........................
2-10
Setting the CPU Clock Speed
........................
2-11
EMSSize .........................................
2-12
Setting the Password
...............................
2-13
Changing or Deleting a Password.
................
2-14
Setting the BuiIt-in Interfaces
........................
2-15
Setting the Parallel Interface.
....................
2-15
Setting the Serial Interface
......................
2-16
Setting the Disk Drive Controllers
................
2-l 6
Saving Your Settings
...............................
2-16
Chapter 3
Using Your Computer
Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System
........ 3-1
Special Keys on the Keyboard
........................
3-2
Stopping a Command or Program
....................
3-3
Resetting the Computer
............................
3-4
Using a Password.
.................................
3-5
Using Disks and Disk Drives
.........................
3-6
How Disks Store Data
..........................
3-6
Types of Diskette Drives
........................
3-8
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
........... 3-10
Write-protecting Diskettes
......................
3-12
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
..............
3-14
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
................
3-15
Formatting Diskettes
...........................
3-l 7
Making Backup Copies
.........................
3-l 7
Using a Hard Disk Drive
........................
3-18
viii

Chapter 4
Enhancing System Operations
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files
........... 4-l
Changing the Processor Speed
.......................
4-2
Entering Keyboard Commands.
..................
4-4
Using the ESPEED Program.
.....................
4-5
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB.
..............
4-7
Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File
..................
4-8
Using the VGA Utilities.
............................ 4-11
Chapter 5
Accessing Internal Components
Removing the Cover
...............................
5-2
Removing the Subassembly.
.........................
5-5
Replacing the Subassembly
..........................
5-9
Replacing the Cover
...............................
5-17
Chapter 6
Installing and Removing Options
Changing the Jumper Settings
.......................
6-2
Setting the Jumpers.
...........................
6-3
Replacing the Battery
..............................
6-5
Installing an Option Card
...........................
6-9
Removing an Option Card
..........................
6-13
Adding Memory Modules
...........................
6-14
Installing Memory Modules
.....................
6-15
Removing Memory Modules.
....................
6-18
Installing a Math Coprocessor
.......................
6-21
Removing a Math Coprocessor
.......................
6-24
Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards
..............
6-25
Post-installation Setup.
.............................
6-25
ix

Chapter 7
Installing and Removing Disk Drives
Using the Correct Drive Bay
.........................
7-2
How to Use This Chapter
...........................
7-3
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
..................
7-4
Changing the Jumper Settings
...................
7-5
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position
........... 7-7
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive.
.... 7-8
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate
....... 7-10
Installing the Drive
............................ 7-l 1
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position
........
7-17
Installing or Removing a Drive in the
Horizontal Position.
.........................
7-19
Installing a Drive in the Horizontal Position
........ 7-19
Removing a Drive From the Horizontal Position.
.... 7-27
Appendix A
Specifications
CPU and Memory
.................................
A-l
Controllers.
...................................... A-2
Interfaces
........................................
A-2
Power Supply.
....................................
A-3
Mass Storage
.....................................
A-3
Keyboard ........................................
A-4
Environmental Requirements
........................ A-4
Physical Characteristics.
............................
A-4
System Memory Map.
.............................. A-5
x

Appendix B
Performing System Diagnostics
Starting the Diagnostics Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-2
The Main Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-2
Setting the Run Time Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-4
Error Logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-6
Selecting Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-8
Selecting Multiple Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-8
Running the Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-10
Memory Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-12
Hard Disk Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-12
Hard Disk Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-13
Hard Disk Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-16
Media Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-l 7
Performance Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-18
SeekTest.................................... B-18
Read/Verify Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-18
Check Test Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B- 19
Force Bad Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-19
Hard Disk Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-19
Floppy Disk Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-20
Performing the Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-21
Floppy Disk Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-22
Miscellaneous Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-23
Printer Adapter Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-23
Communication Adapter Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-24
Exiting System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-25
xi

Appendix C
Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
............................ C-l
Error Messages
....................................
C-2
The Computer Won’t Start
..........................
C-3
The Computer Does Not Respond
....................
C-4
Password Problems
................................ C-5
Accessing Your Current Password.
................ C-6
Keyboard Problems
................................
C-7
Monitor Problems
.................................
C-8
Diskette Problems
................................. C-9
Diskette Drive Problems
............................
C-11
Hard Disk Problems.
............................... C-12
Installing the Drive. ...........................
C-13
Preparing the Drive
............................
C-14
Accessing Data on the Drive.
.................... C-14
Software Problems
................................. C-15
Printer Problems
..................................
C-16
Option Card Problems.
............................. C-17
Mouse Problems
..................................
C-18
Memory Module Problems
..........................
C-19
Battery Problems
..................................
C-19
Math Coprocessor Problems
.........................
C-20
Glossary
Index
Xii

Introduction
The Epson
®
Equity
®
320sx PLUS is a high-performance
personal computer which offers exceptional speed and
convenience in a compact design.
Your 20 MHz, 80386SX system includes 2MB of internal
memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display
adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM
®
PS/2™ compatible mouse port. These interfaces allow you to
connect most of your peripheral devices directly to the
computer, so you do not have to install option cards.
The Equity 320sx PLUS also provides four option slots (three
16-bit and one 8-bit) in which you can install additional
devices, such as a modem or a network card.
Your computer can support up to three internal drives: either
two diskette drives and one hard disk drive, or one diskette
drive and two hard disk drives.
Additionally, your system offers shadow RAM to speed up
processing by moving the ROM BIOS and the video ROM
into the RAM area of memory. This allows the computer to
access and display information faster.
Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing
additional memory and adding just about any optional
device that is compatible with the IBM Personal Computer,
PC XT,” or PC AT.”
By adding memory modules to the main system board, you
can expand the computer’s memory up to 24MB. The first
16MB can be used as either extended or expanded memory;
any memory above 16MB can be used only as expanded.
Introduction 1

You may want to install an 80387SX, 20 MHz math
coprocessor in your computer to speed up mathematical
calculations in certain application programs.
Check with your authorized Epson dealer for information on
optional equipment.
Operating Systems and Other Software
You probably have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your
computer. However, you can run another operating system,
such as, OS/2, UNIX
®
or XENIX
®
If you use another
operating system, refer to the documentation that came with
it to install and run it on your computer.
You can use virtually any application program designed for
the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your
Equity 320sx PLUS. You may also use powerful 32-bit
software designed for 80386 computers with your system.
VGA Utilities
Epson has included special VGA device drivers and utilities
that you can use with your built-in VGA adapter. With these
utilities, you can take advantage of extended VGA features
such as 16-color graphics mode resolutions up to 800 x 600
and 132-column text mode. The VGA device drivers and
utilities are described in the VGA Utilities booklet that came
with your system.
2 Introduction

How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and operate your
computer, install options, and run diagnostic checks.
Although the illustrations show a computer with a 21/4-inch
diskette drive, instructions for using a 31/2-inch drive are
included.
You do not need to read everything in this book; see the
following chapter summaries.
Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for
setting up your system. On the back cover foldout are
illustrations identifying the different parts of your computer;
refer to these as you set up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the SETUP program to define
your computer’s configuration. Do this before you use your
computer. You may need to do it again later, if you change
the configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for important operating
procedures, such as using and caring for disks and disk drives.
Chapter 4 describes specialized features you can use to
enhance your system’s performance.
Chapter 5 describes how to remove and replace the
computer’s cover and subassembly to access the internal
components.
Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and contains instructions for setting jumpers,
replacing the battery, and installing options.
Introduction 3

Chapter 7 describes how to install and remove disk drives.
Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the
computer.
Appendix B outlines the system diagnostic tests you can run
to diagnose hardware problems.
Appendix C contains troubleshooting tips.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
Where to Get Help
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 Consumer Resource Center at (800) 922-89 11:
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson
Reseller or Service Center
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of Epson products
Epson technical information library fax service
Product literature with technical specifications on our
current and new products
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your Epson product
Customer Relations.
4 introduction

Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Setting up your Equity 320sx PLUS personal computer is easy.
Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your
system, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover
foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying
the different parts.
1
Choosing a Location
Setting Up Your System
1-1

Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a
safe, convenient location that provides the following:
0
0
cl
cl
cl
0
A sturdy desk or table strong enough to support the
weight of your system and all of its components.
A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted
floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on
your disks, damage the computer’s circuitry, and prevent
proper ventilation.
Good air circulation. Leave several inches of space around
the computer so air can move freely.
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.
Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,
connect all your equipment to three-hole, 120-volt
grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer,
one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer
and any other peripheral devices.
No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your
system too dose to any electrical device, such as a
telephone, which generates an electromagnetic field.
1-2 Setting Up Your System

2Removing the Protector Cord
If you have a SW-inch diskette drive, there is a protector card
in the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to
protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip
the latch up to pop the card out part way, as shown below;
then pull it out.
(If you have a second 51/4-inch diskette drive, be sure to
remove the protector card from it.)
Save the protector card. If you transport your computer, you
may want to insert the card into your diskette drive prior to
shipping. This will protect the read/write heads during the
shipping process.
Setting Up Your System 1-3