Ohio Scientific Superboard II Challenger 1P User manual

SUPERBOARD ][ ™
CHALLENGER 1pTM
USERS MANUAL
Aug. 1978
Ohio Scientific Inc.

Table of Contents
Warranty Card
Unpacking Instructions
Setting Up The Computer
Superboard II Power Connections
Video Display ConnecLions
Keyboard Layout
Getting Up and Running
Cassette Storage and Hook Up
Introduction To Software
Short BASIC Programs
Lower Case (Keyboard)
Onwards To New Projects
Introduction to Hardware
Glossary of Terms
48 Line BUS
65V Machine Code PROM
Warranty
Troubleshooting Hints
Appendices
8K BASIC-in-ROM Reference Manual
A-I
A-4
B-1
B-4
B-5
B-9
B-I0
C-l
C-6
C-ll
C-18
C-20
D-l
D-2
D-3
D-5
E-l
E-l
The Challenger Character Graphics Reference Manual
Model 600 Schematics and Memory Maps
6502 Specification Sheets
The Challenger IP Technical Report

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION
This information outlines procedures to be followed during
unpacking and assembly of Ohio Scientific microcomputer systems.
Please follow these instructions carefully, preferably, read
them completely BEFORE opening any cartons. You'll then be
assured an up-and-running system with aminimum of problems.
Please don It be guilty of the adage, "When all else fails) read
the instructions"!
SYSTEM ARRIVAL
A CHALLENGER system may be delivered in from one to six
boxes. Ohio Scientific normally ships via United Parcel Service
(UPS). However, large or bulky items may require shipment by
air or around freight carriers. Further, due to weight restric-
tions, the entire shipment may arrive over several days. Each
package of the total shipment will be marked "(number) OF (total
boxes)", i. e. 1 OF 3, 2 OF 3, etc. Equipment in each box will be
accompanied by manuals and other materials pertinent to that
equipment.
SHIPMENT EXTERNAL CHECK
Via a carton count, determine that you have the entire ship-
ment. Inspect the boxes for signs of rough handling such as
punctures, crushed sides, etc. If such damages are detected,
check the contents of the box, preferably without removing the
equipment. If the contents have sustained damage, this will make
the determination of liability easier. In such cases, notify the
carrier immediately.
A-4

UNPACKING
Carefully remove the system components from their boxes and
SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS! These may be needed later to trans-
port or ship components of the system. Most components require
no further unpacking. However, a few components contain internal
packing materials which must also be removed. These are listed
below:
CHALLENGER C2-8P, CHALLENGER III -remove the 4 screws
retaining the top cover (lower side edges), and lift
the cover off. Compress and remove the foam from between
the circuit boards. Cassettes, cables or other small
components may be shipped within this cabinet. Remove
these also. Be careful not to disturb any wiring, com-
ponents, or PC boards. Replace the cover and screws.
FLOPPY DISK DRIVES - remove and save the cardboard dummy
diskette which protects the disk head from vibration.
The dummy should be re-installed ,when the disk drive is
transported.
Other accessories such as CRT terminals, cassette machines, and
line printers are shipped separately. Their boxes will contain
the manufacturer's operating instructions, warranty cards, etc.
Check all unpacked components of the shipment to make sure
the shipment is correct and complete.
~======~§~I~@k======~
NEVER OPEN ANY CABINET·WHEN THE UNIT IS PLUGGED IN. NEVER
ENERGIZE OR OPERATE ANY UNIT WITH THE TOP OR PROTECTIVE
COVER REMOVED. YOU MAY CREATE A POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD
BECAUSE THE COMPUTER AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT HAVE EXPOSED
110 VOLT WIRING WITHIN. ALSO, THE UNSHIELDED LOGIC
CIRCUITRY MAY EMIT RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE.
POLLED KEYBOARD NOTE
Several Ohio Scientific microcomputers employ a polled
(software scanned) keyboard. These keyboards can be identified
A-S

by a latching "SHIFT LOCK" key immediately to the right of the
"+;11 key. The SHIFT LOCK must be latched in the "down" position
before the machine can be reset and BASIC can be entered.
A-6

SETTING UP THE COMPUTER
Welcome to the world of personal computing! You now have
a computer that was technically impossible just a few years ago!
We at Ohio Scientific think you'll find your computer an inter-
esting and entertaining device for years to come.
So that you can get the computer operating as quickly as
possible, we have provided detailed instructions to assist you.
Although a computer is a relatively rugged solid-state device,
it may still be damaged if you fail to observe power supply,
accessory, or safe-operating requirements. Therefore, follow
the instructions carefully. Better yet, read all the instructions
BEFORE you turn to the computer. Once you are familiar with
these procedures, you can explore other areas of personal computing
at your own pace.
The information weill cover concerns the following:
1.
Supplying a source of power to the computer.
Challenger IP requires a a-wipe grounded 110V
The Superboard II requires a 5V @ 3A DC power
The
outlet.
supply.
2. Connecting a display device such as a closed-circuit
TV monitor or ordinary television.
3. Use of a cassette recorder to play pre-recorded programs
into the computer.
4. Use of a cassette recorder as a program storage device.
5. Computer activities you can turn to after you have
mastered these basic skills.
B-1

POWER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS
CHALLENGER lP ONLY
1. The Challenger IP must be plugged into a grounded
3-wire 110V receptacle. This assures that the computer's
cabinet-rs-thoroughly grounded, which protect both the
computer and you from possible damage or shock-.--- ---
2. Optionally, you can rUn a wire from the computer's
cabinet to a good ground such as a cold water pipe,
and ONLY THEN use a two wire adapter on the computer's
power cable.
3. THESE ARE THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE POWER CONNECTIONS FOR THE
CHALLENGER lP.
===============
WARNING
ANY OTHER POWER CONNECTIONS FOR THE CHALLENGER lP
OTHER THAN OUTLINED ABOVE MAY ULTIMATELY PRESENT A
SHOCK HAZARD OR LEAD TO COMPUTER DAMAGE VIA STATIC
DISCHARGES. SUCH DAMAGES ARE SPECIFICALLY NOT COVERED
UNDER THE WARRANTY.
B-2

IX>
I
W
LED Indicator
"
•
~
•
~
•
•
•
•
••
RED
+5
\J "GROUND"
FOIL
SUPERBOARD II
AC/DC Multimeter
e
_f~
+~
BLACK
'\
(J)
-
Test Readings with
Superboard II connected
and power supply on:
DC ,Min , Max
VOLTS 4.8 5.2
AC I Maximum .2V
RIPPLE
5 volts @ 3A.
DC Power Supply
FIGURE 1. SUPERBOARD II POWER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS

==========================
SUPERBOARD II ONLY
==========================
1. Consult Figure 1, Superboard II power supply connections.
The power supply MUST BE a 5 volt @ 3A (minimum) regulated
supply (+ 5\ maximum ripple). No other supply will be
adequate~ You'll also need an AC/DC multimeter.
2. Choose a work area which is free of all foreign matter,
paper clips, or any other conductive materials. The
computer or power supply could be damaged if these come
in contact with the foils on the board.
3. Observe that the Superboard II should not be treated
roughly, flexed, bent, or otherwise abused.
4. Make sure the power supply is not plugged in.
5. Connect the RED and BLACK wires from the Superboard II
to the + and - terminals.
6. Set the AC/DC multimeter to a DC
you measure 5 volts accurately.
or 0-10 volts is adequate.)
voltage range to
(A range of 0- 5)
let
0-6,
7 .. Next, you will observe the "ON" LED indicator on the
Superboard II, and the power supply's voltage under load.
Briefly turn on the power supply and observe that the
"ON" LED glows. If not, turn off the supply immediately
and check your power supply leads. They may be reversed.
Go back to Step 1.
8. Again, turn on the power supply and measure the DC voltage.
It must be between 4.8 and 5.2 volts. A reading less
than 4.8 indicates that the power supply probably lacks
the required voltage or current capability. A power
supply delivering more than 5.2 volts may damage the
computer. Turn off the power supply.
9. Set the multimete~·to measure a voltage of about 0.5
volts AC (probably the lowest AC range).
10. Turn on the power supply and measure the AC voltage.
This represents ripple and must not exceed 0.2 volts AC.
11. If everything checks out, proceed to the video display
hook-up.
B-4

VIDEO DISPLAY CONNECTION
There are three different methods of attaching a video displ~.
to the Superboard II and Challenger IP computers. These are out-
lined as follows:
1. Preferred method - connect the supplied computer video
cable to the high impedance (Hi-Z) input of a closed-
circuit TV video monitor. Ohio Scientific offers the
Model AC-3 12" monitor which is ideal for this appli-
cation. The unit doubles as a television when the
video cable is disconnected.
2. Connect the supplied computer video cable to an "RF
modulator" which is, in turn, connected to a standard
television's antenna terminals. RF Modulators are
inexpensive and allow you to use almost any television
with your computer.
3. Have a standard AC transformer-operated television
modified to accept direct video entry. This requires
special safety precautions which will be explained later.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT VIDEO MONITOR CONNECTION
1. Refer to Figure 2. Attach the supplied video cable to
the computer as shown. With the Superboard II this cable
is part of a computer video/cassette recorder cable
assembly.
2. Connect the other end of the £able to the high impedance
input of the video monitor. The AC-3 monitor has a Hi-Z
RCA-type phono jack input. On other monitors, a high
impedance - low impedance selector switch is sometimes
present, or there may be two or more inputs. Consult
the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Observe the manufacturer's power recommendations. If
the monitor has a 3-wire grounded plug, connect it to
a properly grounded 3-wire AC outlet.
4. Turn on the computer and monitor.
5. Allow the monitor to warm-up. You should see the screen
filled with random graphics characters, alphabet, etc.
6. If necessary, adjust the VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL controls
to obtain a stable picture.
8-5