Mitsubishi Electric Apricot FT1200 User guide

COMPACT
FT1200
Owner’s Handbook
NATIONAL
ACCREDITATION
OF CERTIFICATION
BODIES

OWNER’S HANDBOOK
APRICOT FT1200

Adaptec is a registered trademark of Adaptec Inc.
Intel and Pentium ®Pro are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows ®and Windows ® NT are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the
properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice
and does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers
Limited. Any software described in this manual is furnished under a
license agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of this agreement. It is against the law to copy
any disk supplied for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal
use.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers.
Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1996. All rights reserved.
Published by:
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham, England
B37 7YS
http://www.apricot.co.uk
Printed in the United Kingdom

FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
CONTENTS
Safety and regulatory notices
General i
Standards ii
Power connection information iii
FT1200 power switch iv
Power - UK only iv
1 Introducing your computer
Pictorial guides 1/1
Front view 1/2
Rear view 1/3
Removing panels 1/4
The internal layout 1/6
2 Using your computer
Using the 3.5 diskette drive 2/1
Using the CD-ROM drive 2/2
Optional DAT drive 2/6
Cleaning your drives 2/8
3 Adding new drives
New drive locations 3/1
SCSI hard drives 3/1
Fitting front drives/accessories 3/3
4 System expansion
Configuring a card 4/2
Installing a card 4/5

Contents
FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
5 Troubleshooting
Problems when starting 5/1
Troubleshooting checklist 5/3
The system’s disk drives 5/4
6 System motherboard
Major board features 6/1
Jumpers and connections 6/2
Replacing the CMOS battery 6/6
Upgrading the motherboard 6/7
Adding more memory 6/7
Upgrading the processor 6/9
7 System BIOS and setup
Entering setup 7/1
Setup runs on its own 7/2
Control keys 7/2
Main menu screen 7/3
Beep codes 7/11
Error messages 7/13
Note down your BIOS settings 7/14
Appendix
Antistatic precautions A1
Cleaning and transporting A2

I
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
Electrical
The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed.
The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’. Ensure that the
system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet and that the plug is
easily accessible. The power cord packed with the computer complies with
the safety standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use
only this power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other
equipment.
To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the computer
to rain or moisture and turn off the computer and unplug all power cords
before moving or cleaning the system unit, or removing the system cover.
Battery
This product contains a lithium battery:
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery. If
a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative terminals the
battery may explode.
Replace a discharged configuration (CMOS) battery with one of the same
type. Dispose of the battery in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended instructions and Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble or
incinerate the discharged battery. Keep away from children.
Laser products
Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser Products
(Equipment Classification: Requirements and User's Guide). The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT label is located on the underside of the system unit.
It will be in high visibility colours and bear the details shown above.
Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure to do so
may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.
Ergonomic
When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into
account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic
requirements.

Safety and regulatory notices
II
Standards
Safety
This product complies with the European safety standard EN60950 and
amendments 1, 2, 3 and all European country deviations.
Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This product complies with the following European EMC standards:
Emissions EN55022 Class B
Immunity EN50082 Level 2
This product also complies with the following International EMC standards:
VCCI level 1 (Japan)
German Acoustic Noise Regulation
Sound power level is less than 70 dB(A) according to DIN 45635 Part 19
(ISO 7779).
Notes
All interconnecting cables (e.g. Microphone, headphone and speaker) and
communication cables should be less than 2 metres in length. If cable
extensions are used, ensure adequate earth connections are provided and
screened cables are used.
Legalities
This equipment complies with the following European Directives:
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
and when applicable:
Telecommunications Directive 91/263/EEC
CautionCaution
This system complies with the CE marking directive and its strict legal
requirements. Use only Apricot tested and approved parts. Failure to do
so may result in invalidating both the compliance and your warranty.
All expansion cards or upgrade components must carry CE marking.

Safety and regulatory notices
III
Power connection information
Typical AC plugs
250V
E
L N
E
N L
250V
E
NL
125V
250V
NL
E
250V
BS1363A SHUCO NEMA 5-15P SRAF 1962/DB16/87 ASE 1011
U. K. Austria Belgium Taiwan Denmark Switzerland
Finland France Thailand
Italy Germany USA
Sweden Norway Canada
Holland
Procedure
NoteNote
Any ancillary equipment using an AC power supply cable should be earthed.
The power supplies in the computer and the monitor are correct for the
country in which the system is first sold. Do not alter any switch settings
on the rear of the system. If you wish to use the computer in another
country it may not be suitable, contact your supplier or an authorised
Apricot dealer.
♦ Before connecting up any parts of the system, ensure that the AC
supply is switched off or disconnected.
♦ First connect up the keyboard, mouse, monitor signal cable, and
audio cables as appropriate.
♦ Connect up all AC cables. (System to supply, system to monitor, all
related peripherals.) Then switch on or connect the AC supply.
♦ Switch on the monitor first, then the computer followed by the
peripherals, such as printer or speakers.

Safety and regulatory notices
IV
Important power switch information
The FT1200 power switch has dynamic control of the power supply
electronically. The power supply remains energised until the AC
supply is disconnected from the system by removal of its ‘disconnect
device’, i.e. the AC supply cord.
Do not open or remove system panels without:
♦ Taking suitable antistatic precautions.
♦ Disconnecting the supply cable from the rear of the system.
WarningWarning
The monitor power is not controlled by the system power switch, even if
the monitor power cord is connected to the system AC outlet. It must be
separately switched off or disconnected.
Power Cable Connections - UK ONLY
This equipment is supplied with an AC power cord that has a
moulded, non-removable, 3-pin AC plug.
Always replace the fuse with one of the same type and rating which
is BSI or ASTA approved to BS1362.
Always refit the fuse cover, never use the plug with the fuse cover
omitted.
Never substitute a power cord from any other appliance. If you
suspect a fault with the AC power lead, obtain a replacement from
your supplier or authorised maintainer.

FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/1
1 INTRODUCING YOUR
COMPUTER
This chapter gives you a quick tour of your Apricot computer. It
details the various features and contains pictorial guides to help you
become familiar the various parts of the machine.
WarningWarning
Read the power guidelines which can be found in the ‘Safety and
Regulatory Notices’ section of this manual before using the computer
for the first time.
Standard Features
The standard features of the Apricot FT1200 system include:
♦ Intel PentiumPro system processor with upgrade capability.
♦ Memory upgradeable to 192 Mbytes by the use of Extended
Data Output (EDO) DIMM memory modules.
♦ Primary and secondary IDE/ATA interfaces.
♦ IDE ATA-PI high speed CD-ROM drive (on secondary IDE
interface).
♦ On board Adaptec SCSI interface.
♦ Space for further high capacity SCSI hard drives.
♦ Six expansion card slots.
♦ 1.44 Mbytes 3.5" diskette drive.
♦ Dual stacked Universal Serial Bus (USB) high-speed ‘serial
link’ for USB compatible devices as they become available.
Pictorial guides
The following pages show details of the front, back and inside of the
system, along with instructions on how to remove the panels to gain
access to the inside components.
You should study them carefully and familiarise yourself with all the
connections and controls before reading the following chapters.

Introducing your computer
1/2 FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Front View
COMPACT
1
8
2
6
5
4
3
7
1 Not in use on this model 6 Power button
2 Lifting point
(not to be used on its own)
7 Lockable front door
(keep the keys in a safe place)
3 Floppy diskette drive 8 System LEDs:
4
5
CD-ROM drive
Available drive bays
-e.g. optional tape drive
Upper - Reserved
Middle - Hard disk accessing
Lower - AC power on

Introducing your computer
FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/3
Rear View
1
10101
2
A
2
3
6
7
8
9
10
5
4
11
12
9
A
14
A
A
1
13
A
1 Rear of expansion bay 9 Handles to assist side panel removal
2 Not fitted on this model *110 Security loop for cable or padlock
3 Parallel or printer port 11 AC power output for monitor
4 Serial port 2 12 AC power input from supply
5 Serial port 1 13 Protection cover for PSU fan *2
6 PS/2 port for mouse 14 Main side panel locking
7 PS/2 port for keyboard
8 USB port for future use APanel fixing screws
*1 A high grade video board is fitted into
one of the PCI expansion slots *2 DO NOT use this to lift the system

Introducing your computer
1/4 FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Removing panels
For normal access to the motherboard, only the main side panel
requires removing, but for fitting expansion boards the main side
panel and the top panel both have to be removed. Both side panels
will require removal if any drives are to be fitted into the remaining
drive bays.
WarningWarning
Turn off the computer, along with all peripherals, and unplug all power
cords before removing any panels. Take suitable antistatic precautions
while any of the system panels have been removed.
Main panel
1. Unlock the cover with the special key provided. The lock is
shown on the drawing opposite.
2. Release the appropriate panel screws.
3. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.
4. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.
The motherboard and all of its components are now accessible.
CautionCaution
Exercise care with the removed panels as there are metal fixings and
hooks on the inside. These may scratch delicate surfaces.
Top panel
1. First remove the main side panel as detailed above.
2. Remove the top panel retaining screw.
3. Again slide the panel towards the rear of the system.
4. After 2 to 3 cm the panel should be free to lift off.
You can now safely access or fit expansion cards.

Introducing your computer
FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/5
1
10101
2
Other side panel
This panel only needs to be removed for access to the drive bay
fixing screws. No other components can be reached from this side.
1. Remove the two panel securing screws.
2. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.
3. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.
The access window to the drive mounting screws is now clearly
visible. For instructions on fitting drives see the chapter on adding
new drives to your system.

Introducing your computer
1/6 FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
The internal layout
Please note that for clarity, none of the internal ribbon and power
connections are shown.
1
4
5
3
2
10
9
7
68
1 Power supply 6 Processor
2 First hard disk 7 Memory
3 Main drive housing
-CD-ROM at top
8 Connections for drive
ribbon cables
4 Floppy disk drive 9 Expansion riser
5 Motherboard
(see motherboard
chapter for details)
10 Bay for two additional
SCSI hard drives

FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/1
2 USING YOUR COMPUTER
This chapter provides useful information on the correct operation of
the drives fitted to your computer.
Using the 3.5" diskette drive
The floppy disk drive is usually configured in the system BIOS as
drive A:, with a capacity of 1.44 Mbytes.
Inserting a diskette
A diskette is inserted into the diskette drive slot shutter-foremost,
and with its label side facing up. Some diskettes have a small arrow
on the face of the diskette; this must point towards the drive when
you insert the diskette.
COMPACT
Push the diskette all the way in until it engages with the drive
mechanism. When the drive’s eject button pops out, the diskette is
fully engaged.

Using your computer
2/2 FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Removing a diskette
Before attempting to remove a diskette, make sure that the drive is
not currently in use (the diskette activity indicator, opposite the
drive’s eject button must be unlit). Press the eject button on the
drive. The drive mechanism disengages and the diskette is ejected
half-way out of the drive.
If a diskette becomes stuck in the drive, perhaps because its label has
peeled back, do not attempt to remove it with tweezers or any
similar implement; you risk damaging the drive. Call an authorised
maintainer.
The BIOS Setup utility can be used to bar access to the diskette
drive. See ‘System BIOS and Setup’ for further details.
Care of floppy diskettes
Keep diskettes well away from dust, moisture, magnetic objects, and
equipment that generates magnetic fields (such as telephones or
monitors). Also, avoid extremes of temperature and exposure to
direct sunlight.
Make sure that diskette labels are secure before using the diskette
and do not leave diskettes in the drive when the computer is
switched off or not in use.
Do not open the metal shutter or touch the disk surface,
fingerprints can easily destroy the delicate surface. Store diskettes in
a safe place, or locked away in secure storage container.
Using the CD-ROM drive
The CD-ROM drive can retrieve multimedia data from CD-ROM
discs and multi-session Photo-CD discs. It can also play audio CDs.
WarningWarning
The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes. Do
not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM drive. If a fault should occur
it is advisable to contact an authorised maintainer.

Using your computer
FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/3
The CD-ROM LED flashes when the CD-ROM tray is opened,
and when it is active.
The CD-ROM drive has the following features:
COMPACT
2345
1
1 Disc drawer
2 Headphone jack and headphone volume level
3 Busy indicator
4 Emergency eject hole
5 Eject button

Using your computer
2/4 FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Inserting a compact disc
Press the button on the front of the drive and place the CD label up
on the platter:
COMPACT
Push the button again, or gently push the front of the platter to
draw it back into the drive.
Removing a compact disc
Before attempting to remove a CD, ensure that the drive is not
currently active.
Press the Eject button. The drive mechanism disengages and the
platter is ejected.
To eject the drawer manually (for example, during a power failure)
you must ensure that the computer is turned off. Then insert a thin

Using your computer
FT1200 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/5
metal rod (such as an unwound paper clip) into the emergency eject
hole and push, see below:
COMPACT
Care of CDs
Keep CDs well away from dust and moisture, and avoid touching
the surface of the CD. Avoid extremes of temperature and exposure
to direct sunlight as these may cause the disk to warp.
Always store CDs in their original cases wherever possible.
Replacement cases are readily available in the larger record stores.
CD storage racks are useful as you will find the majority of new
software is now supplied in CD format.