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
Break
Delete
(=
9
3/0
=
a
|
{ }
a
nter
Back
Space
Num
Lock
Keys
The
alphanumeric
keys
follow
the
standard
QWERTY
arrangement,
but
the
placement
of
controls
and
function
keys
may
be
different
from
other
PC
keyboards.
To
access
the
built-in
numeric
key
pad,
press
the
NUM
LOCK
key.
1.1.3
UltraLite
Accessories
UltraLite
PC-17-01:
UltraLite,
1
MB
Silicon
Hard
Disk
Drive
PC-17-02:
UltraLite,
2
MB
Silicon
Hard
Disk
Drive
Accessories
PC-17-31:
Floppy
Disk
Drive;
3.5"
1.44/720
MB
(with
parallel
printer
port)
PC-17-41;
256K
RAM
Card
PC-17-61:
Parallel
Adapter
(allows
a
printer
to
be
hooked
up
through
the
expansion
port)
PC-17-85:
Carrying
Case
PC-17-71:
AC
Adapter
PC-17-73:
Molicel
Battery
Pack
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
1.1.4
Supplement
Documentation
Quick
Start
Guide
The
Quick
Start
Guide
explains
how
to
unpack
and
setup
the
UltraLite.
It
should
be
read
before
working
with
the
UltraLite
or
any
of
its
accessories.
Portable
Guide
The
Portable
Guide
is
a
quick
reference
guide
for
all
of
the
features
and
built-in
software
for
the
UltraLite.
Comprehensive
User
Manual
The
Comprehensive
User
Manual
is
a
detailed
reference
guide
to
all
of
the
features
and
built-in
software
of
the
UltraLite.
It
includes
tutorial
material
and
menu-by-menu
procedures
for
the
different
applications:
MS-DOS
Manager,
LAP-LINK,
and
SETUP.
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
5
1.2.
Technical
Specifications
CPU/Memory
Display
Mass
Storage:
HDD
CPU:
NEC
V30
(8086);
Speed:
4.92/9.83
MHz
Average
wait
states:
0
wait
states
No
co-processor
support
RAM:
640
K
at
120
nanoseconds,
memory
standard
Screen:
Supertwist
backlit
LCD
Size:
9.5"
diagonal,
640
x
200
pixels
Dot
Pitch:
33
(W)
mm
x
.54
(H)
mm
Dot/inch:
77
(W)
x
47
(H)
(Silicon):
2
MB
Unformatted
Capacity:
1.9
MB
Access
Time:
Track
to
Track
2.4
ms
(sequential)
and
Average
2.0
ms
(random)
Transfer
Rate:
87
KB/s
Interface:
Proprietary
8-bit
HDD
Controller:
Standard
XT
Interleave
Factor:
1:1
Logical
Configuration:
58
cyl.
Heads:
4
Sectors/Track:
17
Bytes/Sector:
512
Sectors
/Cluster:
8
Read/Write:
Seek:
Typically
120
mA
(active)
Idle:
Typically
120
mA
(active)
ROM/RAM
Card
Slot
Accepts
optional
256
KB/RAM,
512
KB
or
1
MB/
ROM
cards
Access
Time:
Sequential:
.025
ms
and
Random:
.025
ms
Transfer
Rate:
534
KB/s
Power
Comsumption:
10
mA
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
Portable
Floppy
Disk
Drive
(optional)
3.5"
1.44
MB
Floppy
Disk
Drive
Access
Time:
Sequential:
192
ms
(720K);
193
ms
(1.44MB)
Random:
192
ms
(720K);
193
ms
(1.44
MB)
Data
Transfer
Rate:
21.6
KB/s
Number
of
Bytes/Sector:
512
bytes
Size:
43/16"
(W)
x
6
7/8"
(D)
x
2"
(H)
Weight:
1.78
pounds
Ports:
®
One
68
pin
expansion
port
(connects
to
UltraLite)
@
One
25
pin
parallel
printer
port
Expansion
Port
(NEC
Proprietary
Bus)
Power
Supply:
+5
V
@
500
mA,
1.2
A
(peak
Current)
Communications:
Modem:
Internal
2400
BPS
modem
located
on
the
mother
board)
Keyboard
Style:
Desktop
equivalent
PS/2
derivative
keyboard
(without
the
center
section);
78
keys,
12
function,
imbedded
numeric
keypad,
separate
cursor
keypad.
LED
Indicators:
Red
indicators
are
integrated
in
Caps
Lock
and
NUM
Lock
keys.
Laptop
Ports
®
One
68-pin
expansion
port
(FDD)
®
One
9-pin
serial
port
(9-pin
DIN)
e@
One
DC-IN
plug
@
Two
RJ-11
modem
ports
(TEL
and
LINE)
@
RAM/ROM
card
slot
System
Software
e
MS-DOS
3.3
@
LAP-LINK
Version
2
@
Microsoft
DOS
Manager
Version
2.0
e
SETUP
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
7
Power
Supply:
AC
Adapter:
Molicel
Battery:
SETUP
SETUP
is
an
NEC
proprietary
system
configuration
utility
for
the
UltraLite.
It
is
used
|
to
change
the
following
parameters:
—
1.
Drive
Section:
SETUP
allows
the
user
to
select
the
"B"
drive
as
the
bootable
drive
2.
Clock
Speed:
SETUP
allows
the
user
to
set
the
clock
speed
of
the
CPU
at
high
(9.83
MHz)
or
low
(4.92
MHz).
3.
Screen:
SETUP
allows
the
user
to
set
the
following
parameters:
@
Color
Mode:
Emulation
or
Contrast
@
Intensity
Mode:
Font
or
Contrast
@
Default
Font:
Double
dot
or
Single
dot
@
Backlight:
Auto
power
down
(5
min.)
high,
or
low
@
Palette:
SETUP
allows
the
user
to
select
the
color
pattern
Modular
lightweight
120
V
AC
Adapter
with
rechargeable
batteries
(one
Molicel
Battery
and
one
NiCd
Backup
Battery).
Input
Voltage:
85
to
132
V
50/60
Hz,
.25A
Output
Voltages:
DC
5.0
V
(0.10A),
DC
12.0
V
(0.77
A),
DC
15.6
V
(0.08
A)
Size:
5.5"
(L)
x
2.75"
(W)
x
1.5"
(D)
Weight:
1.20
pounds
Voltage:
12.6
V
ad
Capacity:
800
mAH
Watt-Hours:
6.75
Battery
Life/Charge:
2
hours
or
more
depending
on
use
Recharging
Time:
10-12
hours
Total
Recharge
Cycles:
400
Size:
4"
x
2"
x
0.5"
Weight:
.397
pounds
Location:
Compartment
on
bottom
side
of
the
UltraLite
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
NiCd
Backup
Battery:
System
Unit
Voltage:
3.6
V
Capacity:
850
mAH
Watt-Hours:
3.06
Battery
Life/Charge:
7
Days
Total
Recharge
Cycles:
300
Size:
7.75"
x
5/8"
x
5/16"
Weight:
0.213
pounds
Location:
Compartment
on
bottom
side
of
the
UltraLite
The
UltraLite’s
disk-based
SETUP
configuration
program
allows
for
intelligent
power
management.
It
is
possible
to
set
the
LCD
backlighting
to
Auto-Power-Down
Mode.
This
programs
the
UltraLite
to
turn
the
backlighting
OFF
after
5
minutes
of
keyboard
inactivity.
The
UltraLite
can
also
be
programmed
to
use
the
LCD
with
full
brightness
or
with
only
half
the
brightness
to
conserve
power.
Size:
11.75"
(W)
x
1.4"
(H)
x
8.3"
(D)
Weight:
4.4
pounds
(not
including
the
AC
Adapter)
System
LED
Indicator
Environment
LOW
POWER
Indicator:
The
LOW
POWER
indicator
is
located
on
the
leftside
of
the
LCD
screen.
It
turns
ON
to
indicate
low
power.
|
Storage:
Temperature:
32
deg.
F
to
122
deg.
F
(0
deg.
C
to
50
deg.
C)
Humidity:
20%
to
80
%
Operation:
Temperature:
41
deg.
F
to
95
deg.
F
(5
deg.
C
to
35
deg.
C)
Humidity:
20%
to
80%
UltraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
S
10
This
Page
Intentionally
Left
Blank.
UitraLite
Maintenance
and
Service
Manual
Table of contents
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