Everex EV-159 User manual

~~I VERE
RAM 3000 Deluxe™
(AT Memory
Expansion Board)
OWNER'S MANUAL AND REFERENCE GUIDE
EV-159
(VERSION 2.1)
EVER for EXcellence
MAN-OOI09-21

RAM 3000 Deluxe™
(AT Memory
Expansion Board)
OWNER'S MANUAL AND REFERENCE GUIDE
EV-159
(VERSION 2.1)
EVEREX SYSTEMS, "INC.
48431 MILMONT DRIVE
FREMONT, CA 94538

Notice
Everex Systems, Inc. reserves the right to make improve-
ments in the product described in this manual at any time
and without notice.
DISCLAIMER: While
we do our best to avoid such a situation,
Everex Systems
will not be responsible for any loss of infor-
mation resulting from the use of this product.
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. No
portion of this manual may be copied, photocopied, repro-
duced, translated,
or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine-readable form without prior consent in writing
from Everex Systems, Inc.
(c)
Copyright November, 1987
Everex Systems, Inc.
ii

Everex, EVER for EXcellence, RAM 3000 Deluxe and
EDISK are trademarks of Everex Systems, Inc.
IBM PC, AT, PC-DOS and OS/2 are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corp.
Microsoft, MS-DOS
and Xenix are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
CS8220 and CHIPSet are trademarks of Chips and Tech-
nologies, Inc.
Intel and 80286 are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Lotus is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
AST and PCnet II are trademarks of AST Research, Inc.
iii

Notes
iv

Table of Contents
CHECKLIST .................................................................................................... 1
SECTION 1: HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL............................... 3
SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION.............................................................. 5
2.1 F ea tures ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Physical Layout ..................... m............................................................................ 6
2.3 Installation Summary .................................................................................... 7
SECTION 3: CONFIGURATION .......................................................... 8
3.1 Default Settings ............................. _ .......... .- ......................... -............................. 10
3.2 Configuring With Software................................................................... 12
3.3 Configuring Without Software.......................................................... 15
3.3.1 Memory Configuration................................................................... 15
3.3.2 EMS Mode Configura tion .......................................................... 19
3.3.3 Setting Chip Speed And
Enabling Parity Checking........................................................... 25
3.3.4 Setting The AT Motherboard................................................ 27
3.4 Installing The DRAM Chips............................................................... 29
SECTION 4: INSTALLATION ............................................................... 33
4.1 Physical Installation........................................................................................ 33
4.2 Testing The RAM 3000 Deluxe........................................................ 37
SECTION 5: RAM 3000 DELUXE SOFTWARE ......................... 39
5.1 EMM.SYS EMS Device Driver ......................................................... 40
5.1.1 Installing EMM.SYS............................................................................ 40
5.1.2 EMM.SYS Parameters ...................................................................... 42
5.1.3 EMM.SYS Examples........................................................................... 43
5.2 EDISK.SYS RAM Disk Device Driver .................................. 45
5.2.1 Installing EDISK.SYS....................................................................... 47
5.2.2 EDISK.SYS Parameters.................................................................. 49
v

5.2.3 EDISK.SYS ExamplesM ... _ ........ M ............................... M................... 51
5.3 ESPOOL.EXE Print Spooler ............................................................... 53
5.3.1 Installing ESPOOL.EXE ........................... M ...... m......................... 53
5.3.2 ESPOOL.EXE Parameters......................................................... 54
5.3.3 ESPOOL.EXE Examples............................................................. 56
SECTION 6: TROUBLESHOOTING .......... _ .......•....•..... _................. 58
6.1 Common Questions And Answers................................................ 58
6.2 How To Get Assistance ...................................... M..................................... 60
APPENDIX 1: MEMORY BASICS....................................................... 63
Al.1 Description Of Memory........................................................................ 63
A1.2 AT Memory Line.......................................................................................... 65
APPENDIX 2: DIPSWITCH SETTING TABLE........................... 67
A2.1 Dipswitch SW2 ....................... M......................................................................... 67
A2.2 Dipswitch SW3................................................................................................. 69
APPENDIX 3: EMS TECHNICAL REFERENCE....................... 72
A3.1 Expanded Memory Definition...................................................... 72
A3.2 Page
Frame Addressing And
Register Output............................................................................................... 73
A3.3 EMS 110 Port Address Selections............................................ 75
A3.4 Mapping Registers....................................................................................... 76
A3.5 Page Frame Registers .............................................................................. 78
APPENDIX 4: REGARDING THE AST PCNET II................... 80
APPENDIX 5: IF SYSTEM BOOT FAILS...................................... 81
APPENDIX 6: FOR EXTENDED-MEMORY USERS ..•...... _... 82
vi

Checklist
The RAM 3000 Deluxe carton should include the following
items:
RAM 3000 Deluxe AT memory expansion board in an
anti-static bag
RAM 3000 Deluxe utility software diskette with the fol-
lowing files:
EVlS9.EXE configuration and diagnostics program
EMMSYS EMS software device driver
EDISKSYS RAM disk software device driver
ESPOOL.EXE print spooler
README text file
FILELIST text file
Owner Registration and Warranty Card
Foam padding and packaging materials
If any of the above items are missing, consult your place of
purchase.
Optional Items:
256-Kilobit
DRAM memory chips (150 nanosecond
access time or faster)
1

NOTE 1: Please save all the packaging materials that accom-
pany the RAM 3000 Deluxe board; if you need to
return the
board to Everex Systems for any reason without proper
packaging, the warranty may be affected.
As with any major
purchase, please keep the sales invoice.
NOTE 2: Circuit boards are easily damaged by static electricity!
You can pick up a static charge in
dry weather or walking on
carpeted floors. To prevent static electricity damage to the
RAM 3000 Deluxe board, touch the system chassis before han-
dling the board, and handle the board by the edges only. Also,
move as little as possible when you work on your computer to
avoid static charge buildUp.
NOTE 3: There are two text files named README and
FILELIST on the RAM 3000 Deluxe software diskette. These
files contain the list of files on the RAM 3000 Deluxe software
diskette (FILELIST) and additional information regarding the
RAM 3000 Deluxe (README). To read these files, insert the
RAM 3000 Deluxe utility diskette into drive A
and use the DOS
TYPE command to read the files. For example, to read the
README file, type the line:
TYPE A:README [Enter]
2

Section 1.' How to Use This Manual
Checklist contains a list of items that should be inside the
RAM 3000 Deluxe carton. Please make sure all listed items
are included.
Section 2: Introduction describes the features of the RAM 3000
Deluxe, a detailed illustration,
and an installation summary
for experienced users.
Section 3: Configuration contains a list of RAM 3000 Deluxe
default switch and jumper settings in Section 3.1. This
section also tells you how to change the default settings by
using the EV159.EXE program as described in Section 3.2 or
by using the configuration tables in Section 3.3.
Section 4: Physical Installation provides information on
installing the RAM 3000 Deluxe board into your system; it
also explains how to test the board and how to run the
SETUP program to inform your computer of the RAM 3000
Deluxe's
memory expansion.
Section 5: RAM 3000 Deluxe Software describes how to install
the EMMSYS, EDISKSYS and ESPOOL.EXE software pro-
grams
on the RAM 3000 Deluxe software diskette.
Section 6: Troubleshooting gives answers to questions re-
garding possible problems that can occur when using the
RAM 3000 Deluxe. It also provides information on how to
get assistance.
3

Appendix 1: Memory Basics explains how memory works on an
AT (first-time users should read this appendix).
Appendix 2: Dipswitch Setting Table provides tables on how to
set
the amount of contiguous memory defined on the RAM
3000 Deluxe (SW2 dipswitch), and the RAM 3000 Deluxe's
memory starting address (SW3 dipswitch).
Appendix 3: EMS Technical Reference contains information on
how EMS mode works (this appendix is for users who wish
to
write EMS-compatible software).
Appendix 4: Regarding The AST PCnet /I provides information
to ensure proper operation when an AST penet II network
adapter board and the RAM 3000 Deluxe (if configured for
EMS mode) are simultaneously installed in your AT or AT
compatible.
Appendix 5: If System Boot Fails tells you how to remedy a
possible
problem if the RAM 3000 Deluxe is set for base
memory upgrading.
Appendix 6: For Extended-Memory Users shows how to
configure and test the RAM 3000 Deluxe if you plan to use
this
board with an extended-memory operating system.
4

Section 2.' Introduction
2.1 Features
Congratulations on purchasing your new RAM 3000 Deluxe
AT-compatible memory board. This memory board includes
the following features:
Up to 3 megabytes of RAM for base and/or extended
memory upgrading.
Up to 3 megabytes of RAM for memory addressed
under the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory
Specification (Version 3.20).
Allows simultaneous coexistence of base, extended, and
expanded memory on the same board.
Fully compatible with AT-compatible motherboards
that use the 80286-compatible CS8220 CHIPSet.
16-bit EMS transfer mode available for faster EMS
operation.
A
software diskette with the following programs:
EV159.EXE configuration and diagnostics program
EMMSYS expanded memory device driver
EDISKSYS RAM disk device driver
ESPOOL.EXE print spooler
README text file
FILELIST text file
5

2.2 Physical Layout
Below is a diagram of the RAM 3000 Deluxe with all the
jumper and switch locations you need to know. See Section
3.1: Default Settings
for an explanation of the dipswitches
and jumpers.
5 4 3 2 0 SW2 SW3
"
~
f ,
........
.... ...
=>
.. .
:
...
r.l
1
,
1IIIjllllllllll.llllllllllllllllllllllllllr-
W1 SW1 W2
Figure 1: The RAM 3000 Deluxe
6

2.3 Installation Summary
1. Make any adjustments to the switches and/or jumpers
on the RAM 3000 Deluxe for your chosen board con-
figuration (see Section 3.2: Configuring With Software or
Section 3.3: Configuring Without Software).
2. Physically install the DRAM chips on the RAM 3000
Deluxe
board (see Section 3.4: Installing The DRAM Chips),
then install the board in the computer (see Section 4.1:
Physical Installation).
3. Test your RAM 3000 Deluxe board with the EV159.EXE
program and run the SETUP program on the IBM AT
Advanced Diagnostics diskette (or the equivalent pro-
gram if you have an AT compatible) to inform your
system of the new memory board (see Section 4.2: Testing
The RAM 3000 Deluxe).
4. If you plan to use the RAM 3000 Deluxe for EMS
mode, RAM disk, or print spooler, install the appro-
priate software from the RAM 3000 Deluxe software
diskette (see Section 5: RAM 3000 Deluxe Software).
7

Section 3.' Configuration
Please note the following helpful hints for configuring the
dipswitches and jumpers on the RAM 3000 Deluxe.
Helpful Hint 1:
There are several different types of dipswitches installed on
the RAM 3000 Deluxe. The following figure shows how to
turn the dipswitch positions ON and OFF; note that
Positions 1 to 4 are switched ON and Positions 5 to 8 are
switched OFF.
/°1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
;~~~~~~~~
F
~lL _____ /
L-/ ___ --J/
Figure 2A: The Different Types of Switches
8

Helpful Hint 2:
There is a hole at the top of the black plastic jumper shunts
to make the removal of the jumper from the connector pins
easier.
To remove or adjust the placement of the jumper
shunts, bend a paper clip, insert the bent end into the hole
and pull the jumper up. The paper clip can also be usee to
insert the jumper onto the pins.
PAPER CLIP
~---- JUMPER
OJ
2
JUMPER ON
+4--+----~ SHUNTS
o
2
JUMPER OFF
Figure 2B: Moving Jumper Shunts
9

3.1 Default Settings
The RAM 3000 Deluxe leaves the factory in this default
configuration (see Table 1 on the following page for the
jumper and dipswitch default settings):
1. There are no memory chips installed.
2. It assumes one memory bank of RAM chips are
installed.
3. There is no memory space defined for base andlor
extended memory upgrading. *
4. The starting memory address is (lOOOOOH ) or 1 MB.
5. The 2 EMS 110 Ports are set at Y258 and Y268 (where Y
can be 0, 4, 8, or C) port addresses.
6. The EMS 110 Ports are disabled.
7. The EMS data transfer size is 8 bits wide.
8. The memory parity checking mode is enabled.
If you do not want to modify the default configuration, you
can proceed to install your RAM 3000 Deluxe. If you need
to
change any settings on the RAM 3000 Deluxe, use either
the EV159.EXE configuration program on your RAM 3000
Deluxe utility diskette (see Section 3.2: Configuring With
Software),
or utilize the tables in this manual (see Section 3.3:
Configuring Without Software
and Appendix 2: Dipswitch Setting
Tab/e) to help configure this board; we suggest using the
EV159.EXE software program.
*
10
"lOOOOOH" means 1 megabyte memory address in
hexadecimal.

TABLE 1
Jumper/Switch Settings of the RAM 3000 Deluxe
SWITCH!
JUMPER
DEFAULT SETTING
AND DEFINITION
W1 This jumper block selects the speed of the 256K DRAM chips
installed on the
RAM 3000 Deluxe. The default setting is
installation of
120 nanosecond or faster chips (no jumper
installed).
W2 This jumper block enables memory parity checking mode.
The
default setting is parity mode enabled (jumper installed).
SWl This 10-position dipswitch selects the page frame control port
addresses of EMS 110 ports 1 and 2 and activates EMS mode
for these two ports.
The default setting is EMS 1/0 port
addresses 258 and 268 (Hex) with no EMS mode (SW1 positions
1, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 switched ON, positions 2, 4, 7, and 8
switched OFF).
SW2 This 8-position dipswitch selects
the amount of contiguous
memory defined on
the RAM 3000 Deluxe and the number of
memory banks filled. The default setting is one bank of
memory installed and no contiguous memory space defined (SW3
positions 1-8 switched OFF).
SW3 This 8-position dipswitch selects
the memory starting address of
the RAM 3000 Deluxe and selects between 8-bit and 16-bit EMS
data transfer size. The default setting is starting address at 1
MB
(lOOOOOH) and 8-bit EMS data transfer size (SW3 position 5
switched ON, positions
1-4 and 6-8 switched OFF).
11

3.2 Configuring With Software
NOTE: If you plan to test your RAM 3000 Deluxe to ensure
you did the board configuration
and RAM chip installation
correctly, you should follow this subsection.
1. Insert the RAM 3000 Deluxe utility diskette in Drive
"A" and type:
A:EV159
<Enter>
2. You will see ten available menu selections: Amount of
Existing Base Memory, Amount of Existing Extended Memory,
Amount
of Base Memory to be Added, Amount of Extended
Memory to be Added, EMS I/O Port Address
(For The First
2M (megabytes) of EMS), EMS I/O Port Address (For EMS
Above 2M (megabytes)), EMS Fast Mode (Y/N), Are DRAMs
120 ns (nanoseconds) or Faster (Y/N), and Enable Parity
Checking
(Y /N).
3. Use the up and down cursor keys to select among the
ten menu fields; if you need help on each field when
you do your software board set up, press the [Fl]
function key for a help screen pertaining to that menu
field.
4. When you finish configuring, press the [F2] function
key for a screen representation of the board; configure
the dipswitches and jumpers according to the screen
representation, and note the number of memory banks
12

you must fill.
5. Press the [FS] key to save the current configuration.
The EVI59.EXE program will suggest the configuration
file name EVI59.001; press [Enter] to save this con-
figuration file.
You will need this saved file later when
you test your RAM 3000 Deluxe board.
6. Press the [FlO] key to leave the program; proceed to
Section 3.4: Installing The DRAM Chips to install the
DRAM chips, then go to Section 4: Installation to install
the board into your system.
13