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
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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.
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Description of
the PC-8201