LSI M-Three User manual

SVSTem m=~REE
OPEAATOR~S mANUAL

The M-THREE
Operator's Manual
This manual describes the operation of and available features on the
M-THREE range of micro -computers. For additional information or
technical assistance contact:
LSI Computers Limited, Copse Road, St Johns, Woking, Surrey. GU21 1SX
Telephone: Woking (04862) 23411 Telex: 859592

CONTENTS
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL .................................................................... 1-1
1.2 THE MAIN CONTROL UNIT ....................................... 1-1
1.2.1 Disk Drive Control............................................. 1-1
1.2.2 Visual Display Control....................................... 1-2
1.2.3 Peripheral Control............................................. 1-2
1.3 THE KEYBOARD ......................................................... 1-2
SECTION 2 INITIAL OPERATION
2.1 GENERAL .................................................................... 2-1
2.2 SWITCHING ON THE M-THREE ................................. 2-1
2.3 THE CONTRAST CONTROL ....................................... 2-1
2.4 VISUAL DISPLAY PROMPT ....................................... 2-2
2.5 THE DISKETTE ........................................................... 2-2
2.6 DISKETTE HANDLING ............................................... 2-3
2.7 DISKETTE VENDORS ................................................. 2-3
2.8 DISK DRiVES................................................................ 2-4
2.9 LOADING THE M-THREE/100 SERIES ...................... 2-4
2.10 LOADING THE M-THREE/200-300 SERIES ............... 2-4
SECTION 3 KEYBOARD OPERATION
3.1 GENERAL .................................................................... 3-1
3.2 THE 'QWERTY' CLUSTER .......................................... 3-1

3.2.1 Control ................" ..............................."......... 3~ 1
3.2.2
Esc .................................................................. 3-1
3.2.3 Caps Lock .......................................................' 3-1
3.2.4 Del.................................................................. 3-1
3.2.5 Line Feed ........................................................ 3-1
3.2.6 Break ............................................................... 3-2
3.3 THE NUMERIC PAD .................................................. 3-2
3.4 THE SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS .............................. 3-2
SECTION 4
VISUAL DISPLAY: SOFTWARE CONTROL
4.1 G EN E RAL .................................................................. 4-1
4.2 ESCAPE SEQUENCES ................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Erase Screen .................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Erase End-Of-Screen ........................................ 4-1
4.2.3 Erase Line ....................................................... 4-1
4.2.4 Erase End-Of-Line ........................................... 4-1
4.2.5 Cursor Up ........................................................ 4-1
4.2.6 Cursor Down ................................................... 4-1
4.2.7 Cursor Right .................................................... 4-1
4.2.8 Cursor left ...................................................... 4-'
4.2.9 Cursor Home ................................................... 4-2
4.2.10 Cursor Address ................................................ 4-2
4.2.11 Graphics Mode ................................................ 4-2
4.2.12 ASCII Mode .................................................... 4-2
4.2.13 Inverse Video Character .................................. 4-2
SECTION 5 THE OPERATING SYSTEM
5.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 5-1
5.2 PROGRAM MODULES ............................................... 5-1
5.3 TRANSIENT PROGRAM AREA (TPA) ..................... 5-2
5.4 DISK DRIVE SELECTION ......................................... 5-2
5.5 DATA STORAGE FILES ............................................ 5-3
ii

SECTION 6 UTILITY PROGRAMS
6.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 6-1
6.2 FORMAT .................................................................... 6-1
6.3 VERIFy...................................................................... 6-2
6.4 COPYDISC .................................................................. 6-3
6.5 BACKUP ..................................................................... 6-4
6.6 PROG (Program) ......................................................... 6-6
6.7 INIT (Initialise) ........................................................... 6-8
SECTION 7 M-THREE/NET
7.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 7-1
SECTION 8 INTERFACES
8.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 8-1
8.2 RS232 INTERFACE ................................................... 8-1
8.2.1 Rear Panel Connections ................................... 8-1
8.3 RS232 HANDSHAKE PROTOCOLS .......................... 8-2
8.3.1 Request To Send [RTS] ................................. 8-2
8.3.2 Clear To Send [CTS] ...................................... 8-2
8.3.3 Data Set Ready [DSR] ................................... 8-2
8.3.4 Data Terminal Ready [DTR] .......................... 8-2
8.4 PARRALLEL PRINTER PORT INTERFACE ............ 8-3
8.4.1 Rear Panel Connections .. ................................. 8-3
8.5 THE GENERAL PURPOSE INTERFACE BUS .......... 8-4
8.5.1 Rear Panel Connections .. ................................. 8-5
iii

SECTION 9 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
9.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 9-1
9.2 DISK DRIVE MAINTENANCE .................................. 9-1
9.3 AIR-FILTER MAINTENANCE ................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Removal.......................................................... 9-1
9.1.2 Cleaning .......................................................... 9-1
SECTION 10 FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION
10.1 GENERAL ..................................................................
10-1
10.2 PROCESSOR .............................................................. 10-1
10.3 MEMORY ................................................................... 10-1
10.4 INTEGRAL DISPLAY MONITOR ............................... 10-1
10.5 KEYBOARD ............................................................... 10-1
10.6 INTERFACES ............................................................. 10-1
10.7 DISKETTES ................................................................ 10-2
10.7.1 M-THREE/100
series ...................................... 10-2
10.7.2 M-THREE/200-300
series ............................... 10-3
10.8 MASS STORAGE ........................................................ 10-3
10.8.1 M-THREE/100
series ...................................... 10-3
10.8.2 M-THREE/200
series ...................................... 10-4
10.8.3 M-THREE/300
series ...................................... 10-4
10.9 PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 10-5
10.9.1 Environmental Limits ..................................... 10-5
10.9.2 A.C. Requirements ......................................... 10-5
10.9.3 Power Consumption ........................................ 10-5
10.9.4 Mechanical Dimensions ................................... 10-6
10.9.5 Weight ............................................................ 10-6
iv

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
The LSI SYSTEM M-THREE is a compact and versatile desk-top
micro-computer system which
has the capability to undertake
complex tasks in
differing fields, e.g. stock control, accounting,
instrumentation
control, etc.
Several
different M-THREE models are available, enabling the user
to match the system's intended function or functions with an
effecient mass-memory configuration (see 10.8). These models
all support CP/M, rendering them compatible
with a wide range of
software packages.
N.B. The complete functional specification of all M-THREE systems
can be found in Section 10.
Physically all M-THREE systems separate
into two parts:
1) The Main Control Unit.
2) The Keyboard.
1.2
THE MAIN CONTROL UNIT
Apart from the internal processing of data, the Main Control Unit
performs some important functions which are more obvious to the
operator:
a) Disk Drive control.
b) Visual Display control.
c) Peripheral control.
1.2.1 Drsk Drive
Control
In order for the M-THREE system to function as a micro-
computer, the Main Control
Unit must have rapid access to
quantities of data (which will exceed its internal memory
capacity) and the necessary processing instructions (soft-
ware) which
will cause that data to be manipulated in a
predetermined manner. The relevant data and software
is stored on magnetic Disks/Diskettes (see 2.5) which can
be 'read' from, or 'written' to, by the Main Control Unit.
This 'reading' and 'writing' is achieved by controlling the
1-1

Disk Drives into which the Disks/Diskettes are placed or
permanently held.
1.2.2 Visual Display control
The Visual Display
is the most important operator aid in
the system.
It is the means by which the Main Control
Unit communicates with the operator; a software control-
led 'window' into the computer. The Visual Display,
coupled
with system familiarity (keyboard and software
protocols etc.), will enable two-way communication
between the operator and the M-THREE system.
The display
area of the screen can contain a maximum of
24 I ines, each one having up to 80 characters in it (1,920
characters in all).
Each of these characters can be any
one
of the symbols shown in appendices A and B.
Any Further explanation as to the behaviour of the
Visual Display at this
point would be fruitless as it is
entirely software dependant.
1.2.3 Peripheral Control
The M-THREE
has the ability to control devices external
to its own immediate system. These devices, whatever
they
may actually be, come under the heading 'Peripherals'.
The most common peripheral
is a printer, which will be
needed if the system is being used for anything that
requires a printed
output (hard-copy).
1.3 THE KEYBOARD
The Keyboard enables the operator to load data and instructions into
the Main Control Unit. The actrual 'language' used for this is entirely
dependant on the system control software (Operating System) in
use
at the time, but most software interacts with the operator by using the
Visual Display
for 'prompt-messages' and thereby enhances the
necessary two-way communication.
1-2

SECTION 2 INITIAL OPERATION
2.1 GENERAL
It is assu med that the M- THREE has been unpacked and is ready to
be installed and switched on.
2.2 SWITCHING ON THE M-THREE
2.2.1 CHECK
THAT THE VOLTAGE LABEL ON THE REAR
OF THE M-THREE INDICATES THE CORRECT MAINS
SUPPLY
(see Fig. 2/1).
2.2.2 Plug the appropriate
end of the mains lead provided into
the Mains Supply connector on the rear of the M-THREE.
2.2.3 Plug the M-THREE's mains plug
into a functional mains
socket.
2.2.4 Ensure that a minimum distance
of 3" is left clear at the
rear
of the M- THREE in order for its cooli ng system to
function effectively.
2.2.5
Plug the lead from the keyboard securely into the
connector on the
front of the M-THREE (see Fig. 2/2a,
b,
or c as applicable) keeping the excess lead in the recess
provided in the keyboard's base.
2.2.6 Insert the supplied 'switch-on' key into the keyswitch on
the front of the Main Control Unit and turn it clockwise.
2.2.7 The following will occur:
a) A high pitched 'peep' will be heard.
b) The cooling fan will be heard.
c) The Disk Drive motors will be heard.
d) The red indicator on the left-hand Disk Drive (Disk
Drive A)
will illuminate.
2.3 THE CONTRAST CONTROL
To allow for differing ambient lighting conditions, a Contrast control
has been provided at the front of the Main Control Unit (see Fig.
2/2a,
b, or c). This control should be adjusted by the operator to
suit his/her requirements.
N.B. The brightness
of the display is present during manufacture
for optimum operating conditions and therefore no provision
has been made for user adjustment.
2-1

2.4 VISUAL DISPLAY PROMPT
At this point, according to which lVI-THREE System is being opera-
ted, either a flashing
'block' (the Cursor), or the message
"Diskette Expected in Selected Drive." with a flashing Cursor at
its right-hand end, will appear in the top left-hand corner
of the
Visual Display.* Either way, any keyboard operation will
have no
effect on the display.
A 'Diskette'
is required.
* If the
screen is blank, adjust the Contrast control at the front of
the Main Control Unit (see Fig. 2/2a, b, c). If the screen is still
blank,
or extraneous data is present, switch the system off and wait
at least 15
seconds before repeating the Switch-On procedure. If
either of these conditions persist, switch the system off and call
the manufacturer
for service assistance.
2.5 THE DISKETTE
As previously mentioned, rapid access to large amounts of data
and complex software is essential for a micro-computer to function.
The media which
is most suited to this sort of storage and access is
a magnetic disk. There are three types of magnetic disk or diskette
used on the various M-THREE systems; the Mini-Floppy Diskette
(51/4"), the Floppy Diskette (8"), the Winchester Disk.
Both types
of diskette have a 'write-protect' facility whereby a
protected diskette
can be read from but not written to. On the
5
1/4" diskette this protection is achieved by placing the
appropriate 'sticker' (normally supplied with the diskettes) over
the Write Protect slot
(see Fig. 2/3b), however, on the 8" diskette
the sticker must
be removed from the slot (see Fig. 2/3a).
Each of the M-TH REE systems needs a Diskette of the appropriate
size (diskettes are not interchangeable) to be placed into its left-
hand Disk Drive in order
to bring the system into operation. This
Diskette must
have Operating System software on it, making it a
'System Diskette'.
N.B.
As the Winchester Disc is a rigid disc and permanently encased
in its drive mechanism, it cannot be loaded and therefore is always
a right-hand Disc Drive.
2-2

... -------- ...
Air Filter e ect==Ja e~e e~e
Winchester e '"----,f----'e a / / / a
Only L- _____ ~..c.~ /-+ /----;,t---......L.:. /-1+--- /-1-'-------- /+---'
Mains Vo/~ ~ ~.~ ~
Fuse. Label Input
PORT3
PORT2
PORn
FIG 2/1

MAIN CONTROL UN/TIM-THREE /100 SERIES)
VISUAL DISPLAY
MAINS ON
DISKETTE 'A'
DISK DRIVE fI' DISKETTE'B'
\
\SWITCH
\OADING GATE I
/LOADING GATE
\ \ \ /
\
~
7 - -
\~
~
©
\
II
j I
1 L
D /
~-I
II~II
/ I
/ I
/
L,,,
L,~
ioo~,
CONTROL CONNECTOR
FIG 2/2a

MAIN CONTROL UNIT1M-THREE1200SERIES)
MAINS
ON
\S~Trn
D
LOADING SLOT
COVER
FIG 2/2b
DISK ORIVE'B'
DISKETTE'B'
EJECT BUTTON
LOADING SLOT
----COVER

MAIN CONTROL UNlTlM-THREE/300 SERIES)
VISUAL DISPLAY
MAINS ON
DISKETTE A'
DISC DRIVE)1'
WINCHESTER DISK DRIVE
\
\SWITCH
\JECTBUTTON
\
/14-2 OR8·4 M,Byte) DRIVE 'c:
\ \ \ \ /
,\
\
\~
p \
I~
~
l
D
:::J
~/-·I
I
II~II
J
/
L",
L"
CONTROL
CONNECTOR
FIG 2/2c

INDEX
/HOLE
WRITE
PROTECT
I/D READ WRITE
LABELS SLOT
8 INCH.
FIG 2/3a
WRITE
PROTECT
INDEX
HOLE
READ WRITE
SLOT
SINGH.
FIG 2/3b

2.6 DISKETTE HANDLING
The Diskette is a delicate object on which is stored invaluable
data and therefore must
be treated with the following appropriate
respect:
2.6.1
DO NOT expose the Diskette to abrupt changes in temp-
erature or
humidity.
2.6.2 DO NOT expose the Diskette to excessive heat or sunlight.
2.6.3
DO NOT allow magnets or magnetised objects near the
Diskette.
2.6.4
DO NOT place heavy objects on the Diskette.
2.6.5
DO NOT bend or fold the Diskette.
2.6.6
DO NOT spill anything on the Diskette.
2.6.7
DO NOT use a Diskette which has been contaminated with
spi lIage.
2.6.8 DO NOT attempt to clean a Diskette.
2.6.9 DO NOT overlay the identification labels. Always place
them in the correct position on the Diskette.
2.6.10
DO NOT write on the Diskette's labels with a ball-point
or pencil.
Use only a fibre-tip.
2.6.11
DO NOT touch the surface of the Diskette. Keep your
fingers away from the Read/Write Slot.
2.6.12
DO NOT leave Diskettes lying about. Store them properly.
2.7
QUALIFIED VENDORS OF DISKETTES FOR M-THREE
DISK DRIVES
Disk Shugart Maxell Verbatim C8 Wabash IBM
Drives type no. type no. equiv. equiv. equiv.
SA800 SA102 FD1-XD NO YES YES
SA850 SA150 FD2-256D NO NO YES
SA400 SA104 I MD1 YES
NO
NO
SA450 SA154 MD2-D NO NO NO
2-3

2.S DISK DRIVES
SA800 =
8" single-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/200-320-340)
SAS50 =
8" double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/250-325-345)
SA400 = 5
1/4" single-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/100)
SA410 =
51/4" single-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/110)
SA450 = 5
1/4" double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/150)
SA460
== 51/4" double-sided Disk Drive (M-THREE/160)
2.9 LOADING THE M-THREE/100 SERIES
(51/4" Disk Drives)
If the Mini-Floppy Diskette to be loaded is the first after the system
has been switched on, the Visual Display should be blank except for
a flashing Cursor in its top left-hand corner.
The Mini-Floppy Diskette should
be loaded as follows:
2.9.1
If the Disk Drive's loading slot is blocked by the Loading
Gate, pull the gate open from its left-hand side.
(see Fig.
2/2a)
2.9.2 Hold the Mini-Floppy Diskette
as shown in Fig. 2/4.
2.9.3 Slide the Mini-Floppy Diskette
into the loading slot and
push its rear edge until it is all the way in.
2.9.4
Close the Loading Gate by pulling it across from right to
left.
The M-THREE
is now under the control of the software on the
'System Diskette'. This software
is known as the 'Control Program'
or 'Operating System'. The standard Operating System for all
M-THREE's
is CP/M (see section 5), however, if another Operating
System
is to be used then the appropriate handbook should now be
consulted.
2.10
LOADING THE M-THREE/200-300 SERIES (S" Disk Drives)
If the Floppy Diskette to be loaded is the first after the system has
been switched on, the Visual Display should be blank except for the
message "Diskette Expected in Selected Drive." with a flashing
Cursor at its right-hand end.
-
The Floppy Diskette should be loaded as follows:
2.10.1
If the Disk Drive's loading slot is closed, press the illumina-
ted indicator's back plate. The loading slot's cover should
now spring open.
(see Fig. 2/2b or c)
2-4