Epson ExpressStation User manual

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:
0 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
0 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
0 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
3 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 edict6 par le Minis&e des Communications du Canada.

EPSON
®
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 A are
copyright 1985-1989, Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
TRADEMARKS
Epson is a registered trademark and Express 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 0 1992 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California Y74399100600
ii

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 computer.
Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Do not spill liquid of any kind on the computer.
Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
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.
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.
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 AnschuliJ des Computers an die Netzversorgung muiS
sichergestellt werden daiS die Gebtiudeinstallation mit einem
16 A ijberstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.
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.
iii

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. Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots.
13. Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
14. 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

V

vi

Contents
Introduction
System Features
...........................
1
Built-in Interfaces and Subsystems
..............
1
Upgradable Components
...................
2
Security Features
........................
3
Integrated Design Features
..................
3
Memory and Caching Features
................
4
Software
.............................
4
How to Use This Manual
......................
5
Where to Get Help
..........................
6
Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
Locking the Computer’s Cover
...........
Using the Password Features
.............
Setting Passwords
................
Entering Passwords
...............
Locking the Keyboard
.............
Changing or Deleting Passwords
.......
Changing the Processor Speed
............
Entering Keyboard Commands
........
Using the EISA System Utilities
........
Controlling the Speaker
................
. . . . .
1-1
. . . . . 1-2
. . . . .
1-3
. . . . . 1-7
. . . . . 1-8
. . . . .
1-9
. . . . .
1-11
. . . . .
1-12
. . . . .
1-12
. . . . .
1-13
Chapter 2 Accessing Internal Components
Special Precautions
.........................
2-1
Removing the Cover
......................... 2-3
Replacing the Cover
......................... 2-4
vii

Removing the Drive Housing
................... 2-5
Reinstalling the Drive Housing
.................. 2-6
Chapter 3
Installing and Removing Options
Main System Board Map
......................
3-2
Main System Board Jumpers
....................
3-3
Option Cards
............................
3-5
Installing an Option Card
...................
3-6
Removing Option Cards
................... 3-7
Using the VGA Feature Connector
............. 3-8
Memory Modules
..........................
3-8
Installing Memory Modules
................. 3-9
Removing Memory Modules
................
3-10
Math Coprocessor
..........................
3-11
Installing a Math Coprocessor
................ 3-12
Removing a Math Coprocessor
............... 3-13
Cache Module
............................
3-13
Installing a Cache Module
.................. 3-13
Removing a Cache Module
.................. 3-14
Video RAM
.............................
3-15
Installing Video RAM Chips
.................
3-15
Removing Video RAM Chips
................
3-16
Installing and Removing Disk Drives
.............. 3-16
Installing or Removing a Diskette Drive
..........
3-17
Installing or Removing an Internal Drive
..........
3-19
Post-installation Setup Procedures
................ 3-22
Chapter 4
Using the SCSl Subsystem
Setting the SCSI ID Numbers
...................
4-2
Installing the SCSI Terminators
..................
4-3
Installing or Connecting SCSI Devices
.............. 4-4
Formatting and Partitioning a SCSI Hard Disk
......... 4-5
Installing the SCSI Device Drivers
................ 4-6
viii

Appendix A Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
......................
A-1
Error Messages
............................
A-2
Power-on Diagnostic and Boot Errors
............
A-3
Error Tone Codes
........................
A-5
Power or Lock-up Problems
....................
A-7
Password Problems
.........................
A-10
Keyboard Problems
.........................
A-12
Monitor Problems
..........................
A-12
Diskette Problems
..........................
A-13
Diskette Drive Problems
......................
A-14
Hard Disk Problems
.........................
A-15
Software Problems
..........................
A-16
Printer Problems
...........................
A-17
Option Card Problems
.......................
A-18
Memory Module Problems
.....................
A-18
Mouse Problems
...........................
A-19
Math Coprocessor Problems
....................
A-19
SCSI Subsystem Problems
.....................
A-20
LAN Problems
............................
A-21
Appendix B Specifications
CPU and Memory
...................
B-1
Interfaces
........................
B-2
Controllers
.......................
B-3
Mass Storage Bays
...................
B-4
Keyboard
........................
B-4
Power Supply
......................
B-5
Environmental Requirements
.............
B-5
Power Source Requirements
.............
B-6
Physical Characteristics
................
B-7
System Memory Map
.................
B-7
Glossary
Index
ix

Introduction
Your Epson® ExpressStation™ computer is powerful, versatile,
and ideally suited for use as a network node and a high-
performance personal workstation. It incorporates the latest
EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) technology
into a highly-integrated, low profile desktop design. Its built-in
features include a LAN (Local Area Network) controller, SCSI
(Small Computer System Interface) subsystem, and a high-
resolution VGA display adapter. The ExpressStation can use
the most advanced devices and software available while
maintaining full compatibility with ISA technology.
System Features
Your computer includes many useful features to improve the
speed, security, and expandability of your system. Some of
these features are listed in the sections below.
Built-in Interfaces and Subsystems
Q VGA display adapter providing standard resolutions up
to 640 x 480 in 16 colors and extended resolutions up to
800 x 600 in 256 colors or 1024 x 768 in 16 colors; if you
upgrade the video RAM to 1MB, the adapter supports
resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 256 colors
Q One parallel port using either mono- or bi-directional
signals to provide compatibility with both IBM® PC AT®
devices and IBM PS/2® devices
U Two serial ports that operate at a baud rate of up to 56K
Q IBM PS/2 compatible mouse port and keyboard port
Introduction 1

Cl Two EISA expansion slots (compatible with 32-bit EISA
cards and 8- or 16-bit ISA cards)
Cl LAN subsystem including a controller, two LAN media
connections-one AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) and one
TPE (Twisted Pair Etherner) 10BASET-and an Ethernet
address
0 SCSI-II subsystem for up to seven SCSI devices including a
SCSI controller, internal and external interface connectors,
and a terminating resistor.
Upgradable Components
m Four memory module sockets for installing up to 32MB of
memory using 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, or 8MB SIMMs (single
inline memory modules); 4MB of standard memory is
installed on one 4MB SIMM
Cl Socket for an optional Intel® 487SX math coprocessor
(486SX microprocessor models only)
Q Connector for an optional 128KB Intel 485 TurboCache™
module in addition to 8KB of internal cache built into the
microprocessor (a 128KB cache module is standard on the
486DX/33 model)
tl Four sockets for installing video RAM chips to upgrade
your video memory from 512KB (standard) to 1MB
Cl Specially-designed upgradable BIOS allows you to
download new BIOS information from diskette; includes
write-protection to prevent unauthorized upgrades
U Upgradable microprocessor for possible replacement with
future Intel OverDrive™ microprocessor(s).
2 Introduction

Security Features
Q Multi-level password security to prevent unauthorized
access at power-on, during network operation, and when
the keyboard has been locked
Cl Main system board jumpers can disable access to the
SETUP and System Configuration information, and prevent
write access to the diskette drive
Cl Cover lock block enables installation of a padlock to secure
the cover on the computer and to lock the system to your
work surface.
Integrated Design Features
D A unique disk drive housing plugs directly into the main
system board to minimize internal cables for drives; this
increases reliability and reduces electromagnetic emissions
D The power supply plugs directly into the main system
board and includes integrated power and reset buttons,
front panel lights, fans, speaker, and external AC input and
output sockets
Q Integrated SCSI and LAN subsystems eliminate the need to
run internal cables from controller cards to internal devices
and leave your option slots open for other devices.
Introduction 3

Memory and Caching Features
U External ROM BIOS information can be shadowed into the
faster RAM area to speed up performance
CI Video BIOS memory can be copied to two different
memory addresses to provide compatibility with certain
older application programs
D System base memory can be set to 512KB to enable use of
addresses between 512KB and 640KB by option cards that
need that address space
Cl Caching of all system memory can be enabled or disabled
or specific memory blocks can be excluded from caching.
Software
Your system comes with four diskettes (Reference, VGA
Utilities 1 and 2, and SCSI/LAN Utilities) containing the
following software:
EISA System Configuration program
System diagnostics program
MS-DOS@ LAN drivers for the built-in LAN adapter
MS-DOS SCSI drivers for the built-m SCSI subsystem
MS-DOS VGA software drivers and utilities to provide
high resolutions and various mode selections when using
the built-in VGA adapter
Hard disk drive low-level formatting utility.
In addition, your system BIOS includes a SETUP program for
configuring your system without any option cards.
4 Introduction

How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to operate various features of your
computer, as well as how to install and remove optional
equipment. See your Setup Guide for instructions on setting up
your system or your Software Guide to run your system
software and utilities.
Note
These manuals do not cover your operating system or your
networking software; see the manuals that came with your
programs for instructions on installing and using these
systems.
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 various operating
procedures, such as locking the computer’s cover, using the
password features, and changing the operating speed.
Chapter 2 describes how to remove and replace the cover and
drive housing to access the internal components.
Chapter 3 explains how to install and remove optional
equipment and disk drives, and lists the main system board
jumper settings.
Chapter 4 gives instructions for setting up and using your SCSI
subsystem.
Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix B lists the technical specifications for the computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
Introduction 5

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer 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 (800) 92243911:
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 your
current and new products.
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 back cover of this manual.
6 Introduction

Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
This chapter describes the following operations:
2 Locking the computer’s cover
It Using the password features and locking the keyboard
U Changing the processor speed
tl Controlling the speaker.
Locking the Computer’s Cover
You can lock the cover onto the computer to prevent
unauthorized users from accessing its internal components. To
do this, you need a padlock that fits through the holes in the
lock block on the computer’s back panel. When the padlock is
in place, the screw securing the cover on the computer cannot
be removed.
You can also secure the computer to your work surface by
inserting a cable lock through the lock block holes and then
through a secure anchor on your desk or table.
Using Your Computer 1-1

To lock the cover, insert a padlock or cable lock through the
holes on both sides of the lock block.
To unlock the cover, remove the padlock or cable lock to expose
the cover retaining screw.
Using the Password Features
You can set three types of passwords to provide security for
your computer:
D Power-on password
LI Network password
Cl Keyboard password.
The power-on password prevents unauthorized users from
using your system by requiring you to enter the correct
password every time you turn on or reset the computer.
1-2 Using Your Computer

The network password modifies the way your power-on
password works by allowing your computer to load your
operating system and network software before requiring you to
enter the correct password. This enables your system to connect
to the network, while preventing unauthorized users from
typing anything at the keyboard.
The keyboard password allows you to temporarily lock the
keyboard without having to reset the computer. This secures
your system when you will be away from it for a while. If you
set a power-on password, it automatically becomes your
keyboard password as well. However, you can set a different
keyboard password or set a keyboard password without setting
a power-on password.
Follow the instructions in the sections below to set, enter,
change, or delete the different types of passwords.
Setting Passwords
There are two ways to set a power-on password:
Cl Using the BIOS SETUP program
Ll Using the EISA System Utilities.
To set a power-on password in SETUP, follow the instructions
in the Software Guide for starting and running the program.
Select the Password option on the second page of SETUP
options and follow the instructions on the screen to set a
password.
You must run the EISA System Utilities to set a network and
keyboard password, but you can also use it to set a power-on
password.
Using Your Computer 1-3