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

RF MODULATOR/STANDARD TV CONNECTION
1. Refer to Figure 2. Review the manufacturer's instructions
included with the RF modulator.
2. Connect the computer video cable to the computer as shown.
With the Superboard II, this cable is part of a computer
video/cassette recorder cable assembly.
3. Connect the video cable to the RF Modulator.
~. Connect the modulator to the television's antenna
terminals (consult modulator instructions).
5. Plug in the television and computer.
6. Turn on the computer, television, and modulator (consult
modulator instructions).
7. At this point you will have to select the proper TV channe~
and possibly adjust the television's fine tuning slightly
(consult modulator instructions).
8. When the television warms up you should observe a screen
filled with random graphics characters. If the picture
is not stable, adjust the television's VERTICAL or
HORIZONTAL controls as needed.
MODIFICATION OF ATELEVISION FOR DIRECT VIDEO ENTRY
1. A standard television may be modified to act as a video
monitor. However, this conversion requires detailed
knowledge of television circuitry, and will likely
require a schematic of the television to be converted.
Consult a qualified service person.
WARNING
--
- -
---------------
---------------
ANY TELEVISION CONVERSIONS MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY A
QUALIFIED PERSON,'SUCM AS A TV SERVICEMAN. LETHAL VOLTAGES
ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE TELEVISION. INCORRECT CONNECTIONS
MAY PRESENT SHOCK HAZARDS OR DAMAGE THE COMPUTER. SUCH
DAJ~GE IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.
2. The television to be modified must be an AC-transformer
operated television. Several solid-state TV sets are
now available which can be operated from llOV AC, or
from a12 volt source such as a car cigarette lighter.
These televisions can usually be converted easily.
Some older "AC-DClI tube-type televisions are "hot chassis"
types; that is, one side of the power line is connected
to the chassis. These televisions do not have transformers
and MUST NOT be used for conversions. Shock hazards are
8-6

present, and the computer may be damaged.
televisions are suitable for RF modulator
Refer to that section in this manual.
These
operation.
3. More characters per line can be displayed on the screen
if the picture is "shrunken" slightly. On most 110V AC/
12V
DC televisions, this can be accomplished by adjusting
the television's power supply regulator to give a lower
voltage. Brightness will also be diminished, but this
can be restored via the TV BRIGHTNESS CONTROL. Refer
this adjustment to the service person at the time of
conversion.
4. When the power supply voltage is adjusted, the picture
may require re-centering. Equal borders can be restored
to the screen by adjusting the picture tube centering
coils. Refer this adjustment to the service person at
the time of conversion.
5. When the television has been modified, it may then be
treated as a video monitor and connected to the computer.
Refer to that section of this manual.
B-7

~
VIDEO CABLE TO
APPROPRIATE INPUT
STANDARD TELEVISION
RF modulator in-
~\~,put to antenna
C..lot""I terminals.
VIDEO MONITOR
To Hi-Impedance
video input.
'" ~
~
~
.- ~~SPLAY DEVICE
CASSETTE
RECORDER I
CABLES
,
L'wO
~
"
g
"
SUPERBOARD II
'"
I
m
CHALLENGER
_ IP
VIDEO CABLE
1;;:11 CASSETTE
~ JACKS
CHALLENGER IP
FIGURE 2. CHALLENGER IP AND SUPERBOARD II VIDEO CONNECTIONS

'"
1.
,
"'
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
DDDDDDDDDDDITJ
OJI!IJDDD O· ~DI3-- RETURN
CONTROL-F'''!II 'DDDDDD . D~En-BREAK
DmDDD~DDD~SH'FT LOCK
t :::: :::: i:; fE: :::, :::0
<>- Brackets - Instruct user to press key whose label is contained between the brackets. DO NOT type in
word between brackets.
SHIFT LOCK - (latching key) - must be in the locked (depressed) position before BASIC may be entered; or
capital letters. numerals, etc., may be entered.
(BREAK) - Places computer 1n the "RESET" state any time after system is powered up.
e - May be pressed after (BREAK>. Initializes computer and clears system RAM.
W- May be pressed after (BREAK> except when computer is first powered up (C must be used). Initializes
computer, DOES NOT clear system RAM. Any programs in RAM are preserved.
M - May be pressed after ~BREAK). Initializes computer, clears system RAM. Computer enters machine
language monitor.
<SPACE> - provides a space when pressed.
<RETURN>- must be entered after a line is typed. Typed material is then stored in program memory space.
<SHIFT 0>- Press (SHIFT) first, add 0 - erases last character typed.
<SHIFT P>- Press (SHIFT> first, add P - erases current line being typed. Provides a"@" carriage return,
and line feed.
< CONTROL C> - Press <CONTROL') first, add C. Program listing or execution is interrupted, "BREAK IN LINE
XXX" is printed.
fIGURE 3.
OPERATION N= - OS1 RlLLIJl KIYIlCVIRIl.

GETTING YOUR COMPUTER "UP AND RUNNING"
INTRODUCTION
These instructions will help you get your computer running
in the computer language "BASIC". This ·language is permanently
stored in the computer's memory, and can be quickly brought up
when
the computer is turned on.
Several of these instructions for bringing up BASIC contain
words or letters which are bound by brackets 11.(" and n>", such
as <BREAK> and <,C>. The brackets indicate that a keyboard key
labeled with the word or letter must be pressed. Do not type ~n
a word contained between the brackets letter-by-letter. See Figure 3.
BEFORE YOU POWER-UP ...
1. Check that all power supply connections are correct.
2. Make certain that your video monitor or television is
connected to the computer properly.
GETTING INTO BASIC
These instructions should be followed very closely. If,
at any time, the computer or television/monitor does not respond
as indicated, turn off the power to both and review all hook-up
procedures, wiring, etc.
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Turn on the television or monitor.
you will observe the screen filled
After a short warm-up
with random characters.
3. Press <BREAK>. The prompt C/W/M? or D/C/W/M? will appear
in the lower left corner of the screen.
4.
Press <.C> .
ask "MEMORY
The screen will scroll up one line and
SIZE?"
B-10

5. Press <RETURN;>. The screen will scroll up another
line and ask "TERMINAL WIDTH?"
6. Press <RETURN). The computer will reply:
XXXX BYTES FREE
OSI 6502 BASIC VERSION 1 REV. 3.2
COPYRIGHT 1977 BY MICROSOFT CO.
OK
Pay particular attention to the first line, "XXXX BYTES FREE".
"XXXX" represents a memory test which is performed each time
the computer is turned.on. Typically, "XXXX
II
is "3327
11
for a
computer with 4K RAM, and "7423" for a computer with 8K RAM.
If you get a number other than the correct one for your system,
do not use the computer. Refer to your authorized Ohio Scientific
dealer for help.
PROGRAM EXAMPLE
The following program example demonstrates some of the more
fundamental concepts of BASIC. This program may be entered once
the computer replies "OK". Enter the program exactly as it appears,
inclUding all punctuation, etc.
HPRINT "HELLO! I'M YOUR NEW COMPUTER!" <RETURN;>
a PRINT < RETURN>
30 END <RETURN>
Now, check the program to be sure you have entered it
correctly. Type in the word LIST and <RETURN~. This instructs
the computer to print out the program as stored within the
computer's memory.
B-11

LIST <RETURN>
To have the computer execute ("RUN") the program, type in:
RUN < RETURN >
The computer should then print:
HELLO! I'M YOUR NEW COMPUTERl
The BASIC language makes it easy to modify ("EDIT") a
program. Errors within a line may be corrected by retyping the
line. Additional statements may be incorporated into a program
by sequencing the new line numbers within the existing program.
The following additions to the example program demonstrate these
editing concepts.
5 FOR X=0
25 NEXT X
TO 30 <RETURN>
<RETURN>
To exam1.ne the program as amended, type LIST <RETURN '> .
To execute the new program, type RUN <RETURN >1.
Refer to one of the many BASIC programming texts now available
for an in-depth study of BASIC.
8-12

CASSETTE STORAGE TECHNIQUES
CONNECTION
A standard cassette tape recorder, such as the Model
AC-2 offered by Ohio Scientific, may be used for program
storage and playback. The recorder must have a mi~rophone input
jack and an audio output jack (usual;ly labeled "EARPHONE"
or "SPEAKER"). The cassette recorder should be connected to
the elP or Superboard II computers as shown in Figure 4 or 5.
The necessary cables are supplied with the computer.
Note that the placement of the microphone and audio output jacks
may vary with different cassette recorders.
If you plan to use
a recorder other than the AC- 3·
correct.
PLAYING BACK A PROGRAM
be certain your connections are
The following steps show how to load the computer with a
program stored on cassette.
1. Check for correct cable connections between the recorder
and computer.
2. Rewind the cassette so that the tape lIleaderrt is visible
on the take-up spool.
3. Turn on the computer and get into BASIC as indicated by
the letters "OK" in the lower left corner of the screen.
4. Type in NEW < RETURN>
the computer.
This erases anything now stored in
5. Type LOAD. Do not press <RETURN> .
6. Turn on the recorder to PLAY the tape.
7. As soon as the tape (dark brown) begins to wind onto the
spool, press <RETURN>.
C-l

8. Shortly, the program will begin listing on the screen.
When program loading is complete, the following will appear
in the lower left corner of the screen:
OK
S..J ERROR
OK
9. Press <SPACE)
10. Press <RETURN~
11. To inspect the program I type in LIST <RETURN>
12. To execute the program, type RUN <RETURN> .
RECORDING A PROGRAM
These instructions show how to record a program contained
in the computer's memory.
1. Check for correct cable connections between the recorder
and computer.
2. Use a new or thoroughly erased cassette. This will minimize
"
no
ise
ll
and other problems associated with old cassettes.
3. Have your program ready in the co~puter.
4. Rewind the cassette so that the tape "l ea der
ll
is visible
on the take-up spool.
5. Type SAVE <RETURN;>.
6. Type LIST. Do not press <RETURN>
7. Turn on the cassette recorder in the RECORD mode.
tape (dark brown) begins winding onto the take-up
wait 5 seconds and press <RETURN:> .
'o'Ihen the
spool,
8. Observe the program listing on the screen. When the last
line of the program is listed, wait a few seconds and turn
off the recorder.
9. Type in LOAD <RETURN~
10. Press <SPACE> <RETURN>
11. Label the cassette. If you wish to protect the contents
from accidental erasure, break out the appropriate "record
protect" tab located on the cassette's rear edge.
C-2

CASSETTE RECORDER OUTPUT JACK
(MAY' BE LABELED IlEARPHONE" or "SPEAKER".
TRANSMITS RECORDER AUDIO OUTPUT TO COMPUTER.)
(")
,
w
RECORDER
CABLE
TELEVISION OR
VIDEO MONITOR
CHALLENGER ClP
......
:::::.
--..;::
CASSETTE RECORDER
III '"
III
III
III
FIGURE "I.
CIlALLENGEIl elP CASSETTE RECORDEIl CONNECTIONS