NEC PC-8201A User manual

PC-820111
USER’S GUIDE
NEC
PC-8201A-UM
PTS-210

WARNING: This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for
a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
Rules, Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers,
etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this
computer. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in
interference to radio and T.V. reception.
© 1983 NEC Home Electronics (U.S.A.), Inc.
Personal Computer Division
Nippon Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
All r ghts reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole
or in part without the prior written permission of NEC Home Electronics
(U.S.A.), Inc.

PC-820IA
USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.1
CHAPTER 1 Description of the PC-8201 . 1 — 1
• Overview.1—1
• Description of Parts.1—2
• Batteries.1—6
NiCAD Batteries.1—7
Installation.1—8
Battery LifeSpan .-.1—11
AC Power Adapter.1—12
• Power ON and OFF.1—13
Back-up Power .1—14
Automatic Shut Off .1—14
• Memory Capacity .1—15
Expanded Memory Capacity .1—15
Banks.1—16
CHAPTER 2 Precautions.2—1
• Overview.2—1
• Cold & Warm Start.2—1
• IPL (Initial Program Load) .2—4
• Reset Switch .2-5
• Protect Switch.2—7
• Care of the PC-8201 . 2—8
CHAPTER 3 Features & Functions of the PC-8201 .... 3-1
• Overview.3—1
• Screen Description .3—1
• Keyboard .3—3
Special Keys .3—4
Function Keys .3—7
CHAPTER 4 Peripheral Devices .4—1
• Overview.4—1
• Interfaces .4—1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
■ Data Recorder.4—2
Care of Cassette Tapes .4—4
■ Printer .4—5
• Bar Code Reader.4—6
• Modem .4—6
CHAPTER 5 Operating the PC-8201 . 5-1
• MENU Overview.5—1
Selection of Features.5—2
Setting Time & Date .5—3
BASIC .5-6
TEXT.5-8
TELCOM . *5—10
• Files .5—11
• Commands.5—14
• Load from & Record to a Cassette Tape . . 5-1
CHAPTER 6 Basic .6-1
■ Overview...6—1
■ BASIC Language.6—1
• Special Keys used in BASIC Mode .... 6-2
• Operation Modes ... 6 -3
• Function Keys ..6—4
• Sample Program ..6—22
CHAPTER 7 Text . 7 -1
• Overview.7—1
• TEXT Mode .7-2
• Cursor Operations . . 7 —6
■ Function Keys.7—12
• EDIT.7-30
CHAPTER 8 Telcom .8-1
• Overview.8—1
• Starting TELCOM .8-2
• Commands.8-4
MENU .8-1
STAT.8-1
TERM .8-1
■ Escape Sequences & Control Codes . . . .8—23

TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDICES
• Appendix A —Specifications .A—1
Hardware.A—1
Accesories .A—7
• Appendix B-Optional Equipment Avail
for PC-8201 B - 1
• Appendix C-Tables & Diagrams .... C-1
• Appendix D —Glossary .D—1
INDEX.INDEX-1
—iii—/(—iv— blank)

INTRODUCTION
The PC-8201 is a unique and practical computer. It is compact
enough to be carried in a briefcase and offers many features and
power of a large computer. It is portable and can be used
anywhere.
The latest technology has been used in the development of the
PC-8201, as seen in the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
(CMOS), Read Only Memory (ROM), and Random Access Memory
(RAM).
CMOS is a state-of-the art semiconductor used in battery operated
systems, since it offers low power and low voltage operation. The
ROM is used to store the programs that operate the PC-8201. The
ROM cannot be "written into" or altered in any way, and it is not
erased when the power of the PC-8201 is turned OFF. The RAM is
the type of memory that can be altered. Information can be
"written in" or "read out" very quickly. This memory is "saved"
in the PC-8201 as long as the battery power remains adequate, or an
electrical power source is connected to the unit.
The RAM is expandable to 96K bytes through the use of internal
chips or external cartridges. Also, the PC-8201 has a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) that is the largest found on any portable computer.
The PC-8201 has a full-size keyboard with a variety of special
function keys. It offers the convenience of operating the machine
with battery power anywhere. An AC adapter is available for use
with 120 volt AC power, so that the NiCAD Battery Pack
(PC-8201-90) can be recharged, and the charge of standard batteries
can be conserved.
Built-in software features include Microsoft TM's N 8 2 -BASIC program¬
ming language, wordprocessing, and telecommunications. Hardware
features built into the PC-8201 include automatic power shut-off, a
real-time clock, and a sound generator.
Interfaces allow the PC-8201 to communicate with various external
devices such as printers, a telephone modem, etc.
1 -

INTRODUCTION
The PC-8201 is intended for the computer novice, as well as for
professionals. Anywhere there is a need for portable computing
power, such as for school, work or travel, the PC-8201 is the logical
choice.
So convenience we omit the character "A" from each
machine and peripheral (for example, PC-8201 instead of
PC-8201 A).
This manual is divided into nine chapters.
Chapter 1 is an overview of the PC-8201, with instructions for
installation.
Chapter 2 describes the cold and warm staT procedures, along with
how to free the computer during problem situations and
how to care for the PC-8201.
Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the layout of the LCD
screen and keyboard.
Chapter 4 describes the available peripheral devices that may be
operated with the PC-8201, along with explanations for
connecting them.
Chapter 5 starts you us ng the PC-8201, while explaining the
different features and functions, including the three
different software features. This chapter also describes
files and how to handle them.
Chapter 6 describes the N 82 -BASIC language used with the PC-8201
personal computer. This is the built-in programming
language which allows you to write your own program.
Chapter 7 outlines the TEXT feature of the PC-8201. This soft¬
ware feature allows the computer to be used as a word
processor, and enables you to edit files.
Chapter 8 describes the software feature TELCOM. This lets your
PC-8201 communicate with other computers via a tele¬
phone modem.
2-

INTRODUCTION
Chapter 9 contains Appendices, with special sections that will help
you to get the most from your PC-8201.
The N82-BASIC Reference Manual is included with the PC-8201
computer. It gives detailed explanations of the programming lan¬
guage used with the PC-8201 computer. The manual includes
sample programs with easy-to-understand descriptions.
We recommend that you study the PC-8201 User's Guide to acquaint
yourself with its capabilities and the various features available.
The PC-8201 is a friendly machine, so go ahead and get to know it!
Symbols used in this manual:
Q RETURN KEY input is required.
NOTES to be remembered.
_J\ CAUTION required when performing indicated
-1/ procedures.
REFERENCE is made to another chapter, to the
BASIC Reference Manual.
—3-/(—4- blank)

Description of
the PC-8201

CHAPTER 1
DESCRIPTION OF THE PC-8201
Overview
Start by carefully unpacking your PC-8201 personal computer from
its carton.
The package includes:
1. PC-8201 Personal Computer
2. Soft Vinyl Case
3. PC-8201 User's Guide
4. Ng 2 -BASIC Reference Manual
5. Batteries
6 . Cassette Cable (PC-8293)
7. Software Application Kit (Cassette Tape & Pamphlet)
If any item is missing from the carton please contact your
Authorized NEC Dealer.
The next step you should take is to simply look at the various parts
of the computer, as shown:
Front View & Side View
1-1

Chapter 1
Description of Parts
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)
The liquid Crystal Display is built into the PC-8201. It displays
8 lines, with 40 characters per line. The LCD will be referred to
as "screen" throughout this manual.
LOW BATTERY LED
The Low Battery LED (light emitting diode) lights up when the
main batteries have a low charge. The AC Power Adapter
(PC-8271 A-01) may be connected or the batteries may be replaced
when the Low Battery indicator lights up.
BATTERY CASE
The Battery Case will hold four AA (1.5 volt) size batteries. An
optional battery unit containing NiCAD (nickel-cadmium) batteries
(PC-8201-90) may be used in place of the regular battery case.
CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT KNOB
This knob is used to adjust the contrast of the screen, according
to your viewing angle. Readjustment may be necessary if you
change your position or move the PC-8201.
POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
This switch simply turns the power to the PC-8201 ON or OFF.
1-2

Chapter 1
AC-adapter Reset SK>2 Printer Cassette
switch connector connector mnin'tnr
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR
The optional AC Adapter (PC-8271 A-01) is connected to the
PC-8201 at this outlet.
PROTECT SWITCH
This switch prevents data from being entered into Bank #2, if the
memory has been expanded to include extra banks. The data
within this bank is then protected from accidental loss.
RESET SWITCH
The Reset Switch is used to perform a "Cold Start", or as part of
a process to free the computer when "hung up". This switch
should only be used as a last resort, since the memory of the
PC-8201 will be erased.
5101 CONNECTOR
This connection port is available for future expansion of periph¬
erals.
5102 CONNECTOR
Further expansion.
1-3

Chapter 1
BAR CODE READER (BCR) CONNECTOR
This connector allows an optional Bar Code Reader to be
connected to the PC-8201.
PRINTER CONNECTOR
This port is used to connect the PC-8201 to NEC printers such as
the Dot Matrix Printer (PC-8023-C), using the cable (PC-8294).
RS-232C CONNECTOR
This connector is used to connect the PC-8201 to other devices
that conform with the RS-232C interface standards. The devices
could be printers, modems, etc. For instance, the RS-232C can
be used in conjunction with a telephone modem and the software
feature TELCOM to allow communication with another PC-8201
or another computer.
DATA RECORDER (CMT) CONNECTOR
Data Recorders (PC-6082) and (PC-8281), or any ordinary cassette
recorder may be connected to the PC-8201 through this connect¬
or. The cable (PC-8293) is used for the connection.
SYSTEM SLOT

Chapter 1
The RAM Cartridge (PC-8206) is inserted into the system slot, on
the left side of the PC-8201. This allows expansion of the
memory.
BACK UP POWER SWITCH
This switch controls the back-up battery system, which contains
NiCAD batteries. The PC-8201 will not operate unless this
switch is turned to ON.
Back Up
Power Switch
1-5

Chapter 1
Batteries
The PC-8201 is powered by four AA size (1.5 volt) batteries. An
optional NiCAD Battery Pack (PC-8201-90) is also available for use in
place of the regular battery pack.
In addition, there is also a back-up system which consists of internal
NiCAD (nickel-cadmium) batteries which automatically switch on for
emergency use. These batteries charge continuously whenever the
computer is in normal operation.
While tne PC-8201 is in a storage condition the back-up batteries can
maintain the contents of the RAM for up to 30 days, depending
upon how much RAM is in the unit. Keep in mind that these
batteries cannot actively operate the PC-8201 for very long.
If the main batteries have a low charge, causing the back-up battery
system to be used, the LOW BATTERY LED indicator on the
PC-8201 will light up. You should change the batteries when this
indicator lights up, since you can only operate the PC-8201 for about
20 minutes from this point. Storing the PC-8201 for a long time
with a low charge will cause it to become inoperable.
If you continue to operate the PC-8201 with the Low
Battery indicator lit up for more than 20 minutes, the
unit will become inoperable and you will lose all of the
data stored in the RAM.
Batteries should be replaced as soon as possible after the
LOW BATTERY LED lights up. The power switch
should always be turned OFF during change of batteries.
1-6

Chapter 1
NiCAD (Nickel-cadmium) Batteries
The optional NiCAD battery cartridge (PC-8201-90) can be used in
place of the regular battery pack containing standard AA bat¬
teries. The advantage of using the NiCAD battery cartridge is that
it may be recharged more than 500 times by using the AC Adapter
(PC-8271 A-01).
The insertion and removal of the NiCAD battery cartridge in the
PC-8201 is done as described in the following section on battery
installation, however the cartridge may not be opened. This battery
cartridge is recharged continuously when the AC Adapter is connect¬
ed to the PC-8201, even when the power switch is turned OFF.
The AC Adapter supplies electrical power to the PC-8201 via a wall
outlet while the NiCAD battery cartridge s recharging. The
rechargirg process is completed in approximately 48 hours. The
NiCAD battery cartridge should have a full charge prior to using it
for the first time.
The NiCAD battery cartridge should be recharged as soon as possible
after the Low Battery LED lights up. Keep in mind that the
NiCAD battery cartridge may not reach its full potential until the
unit has been used and recharged 2 or 3 times. Once the NiCAD
battery cartridge can no longer hold a charge, the entire cartridge
must be replaced.
Careful handling of this cartridge is necessary for optimum perform¬
ance. The connector terminal portion of the cartridge should never
be touched, and the cartridge should never be dropped. The
cartridge should be stored in an area with low humidity.
The use of any AC Adapter other than the (PC-8271 A-
01) can cause serious damage to the NiCAD battery
cartridge.

Chapter 1
Battery Installation
You can install the standard AA batteries in the regular battery pack
by following the instructions below. This does not apply to e
optional NiCAD Battery cartridge (PC-8201-90). The entire i
Battery cartridge must be replaced by an Authored NEC Dealer.
To install standard batteries:
1. Place the PC-8201 face down on a stable and level surface,
making sure there is no pressure on the LCD screen.
2. Turn power switch to OFF position:
3. Place thumb of right hand at point B shown in the diagram and
thumb of left hand at point A shown below:

Chapter 1
4. Push downward and outward with both thumbs to remove the
battery case as shown:
5. Remove the battery case completely and turn it over so that
the tab is on the bottom:
1-9

Chapter 1
6 . Insert a quarter into the slot as shown and gently pry off the
top of the battery case:
_jv Do not attempt to open the optional NiCAD Battery
Pack (PC-8201-90).
7. Insert the four AA size batteries with positive and negative
poles positioned exactly as shown in the illustration. All of
the negative poles should be touching the springs in the battery
case:
,-\ If the batteries are not placbd exactly as described, the
L —v PC-8201 could be damaged.
1-10