NEC Ultralite PC-17-0 Manual

NECHE UltraLite Laptop Computer

UltraLite Maintenance And Service
Manual
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Unit Operation
Section 3: Theory of Operation and Troubleshooting
Section 4: Disassembly, PC Board Identification,
Assembly, and Parts List
Appendix A: I/O Connectors
Appendix B: Configuration Switches
Appendix C: Memory Map
Appendix D: Keyboard Layout
Appendix E: Error Messages

Notice
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
roperly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
interference to radio and television reception.
It has been type tested and found to comply with Part 68 and the limits for a Class B
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in
a residential installation.
If the equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
e Reorientate the receiving antenna
@ Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver
@ Move the computer away from the receiver
@ Plug the computer into another outlet so that the computer and receiver are
on different branch circuits
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared
by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems"
This booklet is available from the US Goverment Printing Office, Washington, D.C.,
20402.
Warning
This equipment has been certified to comply with 68 and the limits for a Class B
computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals
(computer in seth te devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with Class
B limits may be attached to this computer. Operations with non-certified peripherals is
likely to result in interference to radio and flowin reception.

interconnecting Cables
The AC Adapter enclosed in the UltraLite box must be used to connect the UltraLite
Personal Computer to an AC power source. For connecting peripherals to the Ultra-
Lite, the following cables must be used:
@ Modem cables with RJ-11 connectors
@ Shielded RS-232C Cable (PC-17-97S) with ferrite toroid installed on one end
Operation without cables described above could violate FCC rules and regulations.

FCC Requirements
Type of Service
Your UltraLite is designed to be used on standard device telephone lines. Connection
to acoin-service telephone (central-office implemented system) provided by a telephone
company is prohibited. Connection to party lines service is subject to state tariffs.
Telephone Company Procedure
The telephone company may occasionally make changes to their equipment, operations,
or procedures. If these changes affect your service or the operation of your equipment,
the telephone company will give you notice, in writing, to allow you to make the necessary
changes to maintain uninterrupted service.
If you have any questions about your telephone line, the telephone company will provide
you with the information on request. In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for
the telephone company to request information from you concerning the equipment you
have connected to your telephone line. Upon the telephone company’s request, please
provide the FCC registration number and the ringer equivalence number (REN) of the
equipment which is connected to your line. Both of these items are listed on the
equipment label. The sum of all the RENs on your telephone lines should be less than
five in order to provide service from the telephone company. In some cases, a sum of
five may not be used on a given line.
If Any Problems Arise
If any of your telephone equipment is not operating properly, you should immediately
remove it from your telephone line, as it may cause harm to the telephone network. If
the telephone company notes a problem, it may temporarily discontinue service. When
practical, the telephone company will notify you in advance of such disconnection. If
advance notice is not feasible, you will be notified as soon as possible. When you are
notified, you will be given the opportunity to correct the problem, and you will be
informed of your fight to file a complaint with the FCC.
For more information, please contact:
NEC Home Electronics
1255 Michael Drive
Wood Dale, IL 60191-1094

Software License
NEC Home Electronics (U.S.A.) Inc. ("NECHE") grants to the customer a non-ex-
clusive and non-transferable license to use the following software ("The SOFTWARE")
which is contained in or delivered with the UltraLite.
The SOFTWARE
@ ROM BIOS Copyright ©1984-1986 Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
@ MS-DOS Manager Copyright ©1988 Microsoft
@ LAP-LINK Copyright ©1988 Traveling Software
@ SETUP Copyright ©1986,1987 NEC Corporation
@ EXTENDED BIOS Copyright ©1986,1987 NEC Corporation
The SOFTWARE means the above computer programs contained in the UltraLite in
sae (read only memory) format and the manuals which are delivered with the
UltraLite.
The SOFTWARE, whether in ROM or another format, is copyrighted and is proprietary
and trade secret information of Phoenix Technologies Ltd., NEC Corporation, or other
specified corporations. Said corporations hereby affirmatively retain all rights, title, and
interest to any copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, or other proprietary rights in such
SOFTWARE and manuals in any manner or form. The customer may not, in whole or
part, copy, modify, reproduce, distribute, sublicense, or sell the SOFTWARE.
Neither NEC, Phoenix nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, produc-
tion, or delivery of the SOFTWARE shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential,
or incidental damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE even
if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages or claim.
Some states or countries do not allow the execution or limitiation of liability for
consequential or incidental damages so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Copyright 1988 NECHE. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior
written permission of NECHE and NEC Corporation. The policy of NEC being that of
continuous improvement, the contents of this manual are subject to change, from time
to time, without notice.
All efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this manual are correct. Should
you find any errors, however, we shall appreciate it if you notify us. NEC can assume no
responsibility for errors in this manual or their consequences.
LAP-LINK is a registered trademark of Traveling Software
MS-DOS and MS-DOS Manager are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corpora-
tion.
Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.

1. Introduction
1A:
Features
The NEC UltraLite is a truly personal computer. Like other PC compatible computers,
the UltraLite runs standard MS-DOS software. It reads and writes to the same type
3,5" diskettes used by the IBM PS/2 family and most all popular laptops, including NEC
MultiSpeed family of portables.
Many of the features of the UltraLite surpass those of current desktop computers and
other laptops. They include:
@ Built-in MS-DOS 3.3 operating system
@ Built-in 1 or 2 MB Silicon Hard Disk
@ Easy to use MS-DOS Manager interface
@ CPU speeds of 4.92/9.83 MHz
@ 4.4 pounds (total weight)
e 2 hour average battery operating time
@ Built-in 2400/1200/300 Hayes compatible modem
@ Built-in software to exchange files with other computers (LAP-LINK)
@ High density 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy drive (optional)
@ ROM memory card-based applications software
1.1.1 Built-in Software
In addition to the Silicon Hard Disk, the UltraLite contains permanent Read Only
Memory, called the system ROM. All computers have some amount of system ROM,
but the UltraLite’s ROM, designated Drive D, is quite large. It contains the following
built-in software:
e MS-DOS 3.3
@ MS-DOS Manager
@ Silicon Hard Disk Utility Programs
e SETUP Utility
@ LAP-LINK
MS-DOS 3.3
MS-DOS 3.3 is always available on the UltraLite. One of the most useful MS-DOS utility
programs is the EDLIN editor. It can be used to edit small files and take notes until a
word processor or programming editor is installed.
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
1

MS-DOS Manager
MS-DOS
Manager
is
a
DOS
shell
that
simplifies
using
MS-DOS
on
the
UltraLite.
It
automates
many
of
the
tasks
performed
by
DOS
commands
and
provides
many
features
offered
by
extra
cost
hard
disk
management
software.
Silicon Hard Disk Utility Programs
Silicon
Hard
Disk
Utility
programs
are
included
in
the
system
ROM
to
re-initialize
and
format
the
Silicon
Hard
Disk
and
setup
MS-DOS
Manager.
These
utility
programs
are
only
needed
to
be
used
one
time,
unless
the
Silicon
Hard
Disk
is
erased
by
a
power
loss
or
if
it
is to
be
reformatted.
SETUP Utility
The
SETUP
Utility
is
a
small
resident
program
which
allows
the
user
to
control
the
processor
speed,
screen
brightness,
and
other
settings.
SETUP
can
also
customize
the
use
of
gray
levels
on
the
UltraLite
LCD
screen.
LAP-LINK
LAP-LINK
is
a
file
transfer
utility
used
in
conjunction
with
the
UltraLite
null
modem
cable
to
exchange
files
with
another
laptop
or
desktop
computer.
Although
LAP-LINK
is
built
into
the
UltraLite,
it
is
necessary
to
install
it
on
the
remote
computer.
When
transferring
files
in
LAP-LINK,
one
of
the
LAP-LINK
floppy
disks
(3.5"
and
5.25")
and
the
cable
are
required.
1.1.2 A Close Inspection of the UltraLite
To
open
the
unit,
pull
forward
on
the
cover
latches.
~~ Cever
Latches
Front
Electro-
luminescent
LCD Screen
LCD Contrast
“ye Control
fadicatay Power Switch
Memory Card
| Cover
2... Je Embedded
Srieawod see sl a
Fn Key les PE EEE ELE LEE
2 ee Lok eee
UitraLite Maintenance and Service Manual

Rear Panel
External
Disk
Drive
AC
Adaptor
Modem
Port
/ Plug
Telephone RS232C
Port Port
The external disk drive port is an NEC proprietary interface between the UltraLite and
the optional external disk drive and parallel port adapter. These devices provide a
standard PC parallel port.
The AC Adapter plug is designed to work only with the NEC AC Adapter provided with
the UltraLite.
The RJ11 port marked "LINE" is connected to the telephone network, using the NEC
modem cable included with the UltraLite. The port marked "TEL" is used to attach a
telephone unit for convenience while communicating.
The RS-232C serial port is an NEC proprietary connector that works in conjunction with
the NEC cables to provide either a serial port compatible with those found in PC/XT
compatible computers or the IBM PS/2, or a null modem connection to a PC/XT or PS/2.
Cables provided with the UltraLite:
@ 9-pin DIN to DB25 (Straight) Serial Cable
@ Null Modem Adapter (25-pin to 25-pin or 25-pin to 9-pin)
Bottom Side
Backup Power
Switches
Memo
Card
Cover
Hard Disk
Cover
ROM
Board
Cover
Note the location of the Backup Power Switches (remove protective cover).
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
3