Radius RADIUS GM300 User manual

Mobile Radio
Radius GM300
The Dealer’s Radio Service Software Manual
Radius Products Division
1-800-356-1520 (U.S.)
6880902Z36-B
HVN8177
319-385-5395 (Outside U.S.)
December, 1993

Software Rights Notice
This program is licensed to authorized Radius resellers and selected end users through an agreement with
Motorola Radius. This agreement gives you certain rights to use and copy this program at a single location.
The license allows one RSS per location. The RSS may be installed on any computer at that one location,
however, remote access off-site, such as with a modem, is not allowed under the license. Licensee (you) may
specify other locations in the agreement at the time the license is executed. A separate software package
must be purchased for each location.
Tampering with or modifying the RSS is not allowed under the terms of the license agreement.
If these terms are violated, Motorola reserves the right to revoke the license at any time.
Should you need additional subscriptions, contact Motorola Radius Division to purchase additional soft-
ware subscriptions.
This Motorola product contains a copy of one or more items of Radio Service Software computer program(s) and may
contain documentation and material provided by Motorola in connection with the Radio Service Software computer
program(s) ("The Software"). The use of the software is governed by a License which has been granted to the software
purchaser ("Licensee") under the terms and conditions of the Radio Service Software License Agreement ("License
Agreement") entered into between the Licensee and Motorola.
In that License Agreement, Motorola and Licensee specifically agreed that Licensee may obtain such items of software
in the future, subject to the terms and conditions of the License agreement.
Motorola expressly reserves all rights in the software not expressly granted to the Licensee in the License issued pur-
suant to the terms and conditions of the License Agreement.
Computer Software Copyrights
The Motorola products described in this manual may include copyrighted Motorola computer programs stored in semiconductor memories or other
mediums. Laws in the United States and other countries preserve for Motorola certain exclusive rights for copyrighted computer programs, includ-
ing the exclusive right to copy or reproduce in any form the copyrighted computer program. Accordingly, any copyrighted Motorola program con-
tained in Motorola products described in this manual may not be copied nor reproduced in any manner without the express written permission o
f
Motorola. Furthermore, the purchase of Motorola products shall not be deemed to grant either directly or by implication, expressed or otherwise,
any license under the copyrights, patents or patent application of Motorola, except for the normal non-exclusive royalty fee to use that arises by
operation of law in the sale of a product.
Trademarks
MOTOROLA, Radius, Channel Scan, Quik Call II, MDC-1200, RapidCall, STAT-ALERT,
Private Line, and Digital Private Line are trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark, and PC XT/AT/Convertible and PS/2 Model 30/50/70 are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation
Microsoft is a registered trademark, and MS-DOS and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Copyright
 Motorola, Inc. 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993. Printed in USA. All rights reserved.

Radius
Radius Products Division
Hwy 34, West
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
USA

Dedicated to Radius dealers and servicers world-wide ...
... and the following manual contributors:
Thank you for your contributions!
Earle L.
Nancy A.
Amy H.
Kim P.
Joe P.
Craig C.
Rick R.
Rod B.
Kathy C.
Mark N.
Mike R.
Clint L.
Mike C.
Christine C.
Bob B.
Mark G.
John O.
Heidi H.
Pam S.
Rafaela R.
Jim K.
Joe C.
Paul B.
Larry Y.
Al M.
Kim L.
Janice B.

Table of Contents
October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
i
1
Introduction
1-1
1.1 Overview 1-1
1.2 Prerequisites 1-2
1.3 Using This Manual 1-2
1.4 Subscription Information 1-4
2
Getting Started
2-1
2.1 Overview 2-1
2.2 Assembling The Hardware 2-1
2.3 Hardware and Software Platform 2-4
2.3.1 Minimum Platform Requirements 2-4
2.3.2 Recommended Buy 2-4
2.4 Understanding Computer Basics 2-5
2.4.1 Which Computers Run RSS 2-5
2.4.2 Identifying Major Computer Parts 2-7
2.4.3 Understanding Computer Storage Systems 2-8
2.4.4 Understanding the Disk Operating System (DOS) 2-10
2.4.5 Using RSS with Window Applications 2-12
2.5 RSS Diskettes Contents 2-13
2.6 Organizing Your Disk and Diskettes 2-15
2.6.1 Organizing Your Hard Disk 2-16
2.6.2 Organizing Your Archive File Diskettes 2-18
2.7 Starting RSS 2-19
2.7.1 Making Backup Copies of RSS Diskettes 2-20
2.7.2 What to Do with Previous Versions of RSS Diskettes 2-21
2.7.3 Starting RSS From Hard Disk 2-21
2.7.3.1 Installing RSS on Hard Disk 2-21
2.7.3.2 Installing on Multiple Computers or Networks 2-22
2.7.3.3 Hard Disk RSS Startup Procedure 2-23
2.7.4 Starting RSS From Diskettes 2-23
2.7.4.1 Startup Procedure Using 3.5" Diskette 2-23
2.7.4.2 Startup Procedure Using 5.25" Diskettes 2-24
2.7.4.3 Service Software Configuration Menu 2-25
2.7.4.4 Banner Screen 2-25
2.7.4.5 Main Menu 2-26
2.8 Navigating Through RSS Menus 2-26
2.8.1 Keyboards and Their Functions 2-26
2.8.2 Anatomy of a Menu 2-29
2.8.3 Anatomy of a Screen 2-30
2.8.4 Complete Menu Mapping at a Glance 2-30
2.8.5 The Relationship Between Screens 2-33
2.9 Changing A Field Value 2-33

Table of Contents GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
2.10 Setting (Configuring) RSS Computer Defaults 2-34
2.10.1 Setting Default Archive and Backup Paths 2-36
2.10.2 Setting a Default Port 2-37
2.10.3 Setting Default Menu and Screen Colors 2-38
2.11 Exit RSS 2-38
3 Tutorials 3-1
3.1 Overview 3-1
3.2 Programming Basic Radios 3-2
3.2.1 Scenario 3-2
3.2.2 Desired Features 3-3
3.2.3 Major Decisions Involved 3-3
3.2.4 Step-by-Step Programming Instructions 3-3
3.2.4.1 Read Current Radio's Personality (Codeplug) 3-4
3.2.4.2 Program The Radio-Wide Features First 3-5
3.2.4.3 Program The Per-mode Features 3-7
3.2.4.4 Program The Personality Into The Codeplug (Radio) 3-9
3.2.4.5 Save The Personality To An Archive File 3-10
3.2.5 Exit RSS 3-11
3.3 Cloning Radios 3-11
3.3.1 Scenario 3-11
3.3.2 Desired Features 3-11
3.3.3 Major Decisions Involved 3-11
3.3.3.1 Pick Desired Archive File 3-11
3.3.4 Step-by-Step Specific Cloning Instructions 3-12
3.3.4.1 Read Desired Source Archive File 3-12
3.3.4.2 Clone Current Radio From Archive File 3-12
3.3.5 Clone Remaining Radios 3-14
3.3.5.1 Exit RSS 3-14
4
Basic Features
4-1
4.1 Overview 4-1
4.2 GM300 Features 4-2
5 Scanning Features 5-1
5.1 Overview 5-1
5.2 Scan Features 5-1
6
Accessory Connector
(16 Channel Models Only) 6-1
6.1 Overview 6-1
6.2 Customizing the Expanded Accessory Connector 6-1
6.2.1 Accessory Connector Packages 6-2
6.3 Accessory Connector Function Tables 6-19
7
RSS Functions
7-1
7.1 Overview 7-1
7.2 Function Descriptions 7-1

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
iii
GM300 Radio Service Software Manual Table of Contents
8
Menus and Screens
8-1
8.1 Overview 8-1
8.2 Main Menu 8-2
8.3 Service Menu 8-3
8.4 Get/Save Menu 8-4
8.5 Change/View Codeplug Menu 8-5
8.6 Print Menu 8-8
8.7 File Maintenance Menu 8-9
8.8 Setup Computer Configuration Menu 8-10
9
Servicing Features
9-1
9.1 Overview 9-1
9.1.1 Configuring the Alignment and Calibration Equipment 9-1
9.1.2 Service Menu Screen 9-3
9.1.3 Alignment versus Calibration 9-4
9.2 Alignment 9-4
9.2.1 Transmitter Deviation Alignment (F3) 9-5
9.2.2 Reference Oscillator Warp Adjustment (F5) 9-6
9.2.3 Transmitter Power Alignment (F7) 9-7
9.3 Calibration 9-8
9.3.1 Calibration After Board Replacement (F6) 9-8
9.3.2 Replaced Logic Board or RF Board (F2) 9-8
9.3.3 Reference Crystal Data (F2) 9-11
9.3.4 Transmitter Power Set (F3) 9-12
9.3.5 Reference Oscillator Alignment (F4) 9-13
9.3.6 Calibrate Power (F5) 9-14
9.3.7 Calibrate Deviation (F6) 9-15
9.3.8 Calibrate Total Deviation with PL (F7) 9-16
9.3.9 Calibrate Total Deviation with DPL (F8) 9-17
9.3.10 Replaced Power Amplifier Board (F4) 9-18
10 Appendices 10-1
10.1 Appendix A - Error Code Explanations 10-2
10.2 Appendix B - Troubleshooting 10-3
10.3 Appendix C - TPL/DPL Tables 10-4
10.4 Appendix D - Feature Performance Specifications 10-5
10.5 Appendix E - Timing Diagrams 10-8
10.6 Appendix F - Alert Tone Tables 10-10
10.7 Appendix G - Quik Call II Tone Tables 10-11
10.8 Appendix H - Accessory Package Defaults 10-13
10.9 Appendix I - Radio Personality Form 10-16
11 Glossary 11-1

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iv 6880902Z36-B October, 1996

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
1-1
1
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
Welcome to the world of two-way radio programming from Radius a division of Motorola. This manual
is targeted for anyone who wants to program features into the Radius GM300 mobile radio. This feature
programming, or customizing, personalizes a radio for an individual customer's needs, resulting in
radios with unique “personalities.”
The Radius GM300 series of mobile radios has a unique set of features, including:
❏ Programmable accessory connector
❏ Unique PL/DPL codes for each channel
❏ Signalling capabilities with the RapidCall Signalling system
❏ Channel scan
❏ Maintenance-free tuning, due to the wideband capability
This feature set makes the Radius GM300 an ideal radio for commercial businesses and police and fire
protection services that typically use radios in their service vehicles.
How can Radius design radios with such a wide range of features and still offer radio servicers the ability to custom-
ize and personalize radios? The answer is in the modern microprocessor chip technology in the radio and
the use of Radius' Radio Service Software (RSS) - a computer program that, when interfaced with a radio,
electronically programs and personalizes a radio with a unique set of features for each individual cus-
tomer. The RSS program is found on the diskettes included with this manual (Package HVN8177).
Note: No tools are needed to use the RSS program.

Introduction GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Prerequisites
1
The following are some of the features and functions available when using the RSS program:
( * 16 Channel Model only )
Figure 1-1. RSS Programmable Features and Functions
This radio customizing and servicing is accomplished by using a standard IBM-XT/AT (or compatible),
IBM convertible, or System/2 Model 30/50/70 computer.
Note: Prior to purchasing a computer, we recommend you test any computer's RSS “compatibility” by
connecting all the hardware, installing the software, starting the RSS and reading and writing data to
and from a radio. If problems occur, call the phone number on the front cover for help.
1.2 Prerequisites
To use RSS and to program the radios, we recommend a basic working knowledge of the following:
❏ Microcomputers.
❏ Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS), version 3.2 or later.
❏ The radio's available features (see Feature Chart in Basic Features section),
❏ The GM300 Study Guide, and the GM300 Operator's Manual.
❏ Your customers' needs.
For computer beginners, we shall teach some computer and DOS basics. However, this manual is written
for both beginners and advanced users, so the primary prerequisite for using RSS is the desire to program
and deliver an excellent radio to your customer.
1.3 Using This Manual
This manual is designed to teach basic feature programming and to speed up access to technical reference
information. It is intended for both beginners and advanced users of computers and RSS. To speed up
access to the information, we've included key words in the page headers, numerous tables and lists, and
a revised Table of Contents and reference sections. To help you better understand the information pre-
sented, we've expanded the Getting Started section, Glossary and Abbreviation list, and added a Tutori-
als section to get new users started faster. The table below lists suggested ways to use this manual.
GM300 RSS Programmable Features GM300 RSS Service Functions
Transmit (Tx) frequencies
Receive (Rx) frequencies
PL/DPL codes
Signalling system parameters*
Scan lists and scan options
Accessory connector definition*
Reference oscillator alignment
Transmit deviation alignment
Transmit power alignment
Replaced power amplifier calibration
Replaced logic board calibration
Replaced RF board calibration

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
1-3
GM300 Radio Service Software Manual Introduction
Using This Manual
1
The page layout and type selection is designed to speed up access to the information and to provide
visual clarity and distinction between certain types of information.
❏ Headers
The header area (top) of each page shows the name of the manual on the inside edge of the
page and a section and subsection name on the outside edge of the page.
❏ Footers
The footer area (bottom) of each page contains the page number on the outside edge of the
page and the manual number on the inside edge of the page for easy identification if a page
becomes separated from the original manual.
❏ Type Styles
Keyboard keys and words typed from the keyboard are shown in bold font. RSS menu and
screen names are shown in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS RSS field names (features) are shown in
Initial Capital Letters.
❏ Tables
Tables are used abundantly to list steps and procedures. A table is anything contained within
a box with vertical or horizontal lines through it. Shaded tables apply only to procedures for
diskette use and not for hard disk use.
❏ Figures
Figures can be drawings or pictures of hardware and equipment, screen-captured images of
RSS menus and screens, or computer-created graphics.
A stop light represents an important warning .
Table 1-1. How to Use this Manual
First Time User Occasional User Frequent User
1. Read the
Introduction
section 1. Review
Getting Started
to set up
the hardware, install, start or
move around in the RSS
1. Decide what features you want
radio-wide and permode; write
them down
2. Read and do the steps in section
2,
Getting Started
2. Decide what features you want
radio-wide and per-mode; write
them down.
2. Decide whether to start from
scratch or to clone from an exist-
ing file.
3. Do one or more of the tutorials. 3. To add more features to a radio,
either read in a archive file (see
the Cloning tutorial, in Section 3)
you previously saved, or redo
the steps in the first tutorial, then
for each additional feature, use
the
Reference
sections to pro-
gram the feature
3. Use sections 1, 2, 3 and the
appendixes only as needed
4. Use the
Glossary
for terms and
abbreviations you don’t under-
stand
4. For adding scan features, review
the Feature Chart , and use the Ref-
erence sections as needed
4. Find most of your information
from Sections 4 through 8 (Fan-
ning or thumbing through the
reference sections may be all you
need.)
5. Know the phone number of a fre-
quent user or Radius technical
support (see Table 1-2)
5. To install an RSS update, refer
back to Section 2. For servicing,
see Section 8.
6. Do another tutorial within 48
hours of the first one for better
memory retention

Introduction GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Subscription Information
1
1.4 Subscription Information
Your RSS is part of a subscription. We shall keep you advised of changes and automatically mail revisions
throughout the life of the subscription.
A subscription is good for one site. Under the terms of your subscription, you may install the RSS on as
many personal computers as desired at that one site. Another site location requires another subscription.
When contacting the Radius Distribution Center for your region of the world, you may need to reference
your subscription model number. See Table 1-2 below for your region and model number.
Table 1-2. Subscription and Support Group Numbers.
Region/Location Subscription Model Number Support Group
Japan
U.S.
Canada
Australia
Europe
Germany
Rest of world
H5106
H5028
H5041
H5044
H5114
H5133
H5030
Radius North America Distribution Center,
1-800-356-1520
Technical Hotline Center, 1-800-663-1771
Local Radius Dealer*
Local Radius Dealer*
Radius North America Distribution Center,
1-319-385-5395
* Your local dealer has access to Motorola technical help .

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
2-1
2
2 Getting Started
2.1 Overview
In this section you will identify, install and learn to use the necessary hardware and software to run RSS.
You will become familiar with the computer, the keyboard, RSS menus, screens and fields. This section
prepares you for Section 3 - Tutorials, in which you will actually program a radio.
If you cannot complete this section at one time, we recommend you first set up the hardware (15 min-
utes). As time permits, continue with the remaining second-level subsections, finishing one second-level
subsection before allowing an interruption. Most of the second-level subsections can be read in 15 min-
utes. Actually starting RSS only takes a few minutes for a first-time user, but the exploration of the menus
and screens can vary from user to user.
2.2 Assembling The Hardware
Figure 2-1 below shows the required and optional equipment to program a radio.
Figure 2-1. Equipment Setup
Note: Items 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are in the “first-time start-up package” (H5040), which is available from the
Radius Distribution Center.
2 3
4
56
1
8
7
9

Getting Started GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Assembling The Hardware
2
1. Computer .
Recommend IBM-XT/AT or compatible, IBM con-
vertible or IBM System/2 Model 30/50/70, with
640 K of RAM, and one diskette drive plus one hard
disk drive. Computer should run DOS 5.0. or
greater. See Hardware Platform - below.
2. Cable .
Radius HKN9216 . Radio Interface Box (RIB)-to-
IBM-AT cable. Has a 9-pin end and a 15-pin end.
3. RIB .
Radius HLN9214 . Radio Interface Box.
4. RIB Power Supply .
Radius HSN9412 .
(110 VAC) Using the power supply is more reliable
than using a weak battery. A 220 VAC wall supply
is available (01-80358A56).
(For laptop computer and on-the-road use only,
omit the RIB Power Supply and use 9V battery (not
included)).
Warning: LED remains lit with a weak battery - this
may cause certain errors on screen. Use a fresh 9V bat-
tery.
5. Cable .
Radius HKN9217 . RIB-to-Radio cable.
6. Radio .
Radius GM300 Mobile Radio.

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
2-3
GM300 Radio Service Software Manual Getting Started
Assembling The Hardware
2
7. Optional Adapter .
Radius HLN9390 XT- to-AT-computer cable
adapter.
8. Radio Power Supply .
0 - 15 VDC, 15A. Set between 11 and 15 volts.
9. Power Cable .
HKN4137AR, HKN9402A, HKN4137A .
After you connect the hardware, turn on the radio by turning the volume control clockwise. You will hear
one of the following types of tones..
Table 2-1. Steps to Connect Hardware
1. Connect 1 and 3 with 2.
First plug the 9-pin end of B into the communica-
tions port of A. Then connect the 15-pin end to
C. (If your computer has an XT-style communications
port (25 pin connector), you will need the extra adapter
8 (HLN9390) to insert between 1 and 2.)
3. Plug 4 into an AC wall outlet ,
and connect the other end to 3.
2. Connect 6 and 3 with 5 .
The 25-pin end of 5 goes into 3, and the “modular
telephone” connector end plugs into the micro-
phone jack on the front of 6.
4. Connect 6 to power supply 8 with 9.
Table 2-2. Hardware tones
This tone... Means this...
Higher-pitched, short tone Hardware is connected correctly, and the radio’s inter-
nal firmware is operating correctly.
High-pitched short tone followed by long (10 sec.)
low-pitched tone
Hardware is incorrectly connected (check connec-
tions), radio is not receiving enough power (radio
needs between 11 and 15 volts), or a checksum error is
present in the radio’s codeplug (call 1-800-356-1520
and report what you did and heard)
Continuous long, low tone Critical failure - a radio’s internal software malfunc-
tion.

Getting Started GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Hardware and Software Platform
2
You can install, start or explore RSS using just the diskettes and your computer if you don't have all the
hardware. You can even update existing radio archive files stored on disk. What you cannot do without
the hardware is read from or save to an actual radio.
When programming or calibrating a radio, DO NOT disconnect the radio from the RIB when the com-
puter is communicating with the radio - it may leave the radio in an inoperable state. The only recom-
mended time to disconnect the radio is at the MAIN MENU or GET/SAVE screens.
Note: If you are using a laptop computer (for example an IBM PC Convertible) and you plan to use the
RSS while the computer is in battery mode, you may need to set the serial/parallel adapter to run on bat-
tery power. This can be done with the application diskette supplied by the computer manufacturer. If this
is not done, you will receive serial bus errors.
Note: If your RIB has a switch and LED, be sure to turn on the switch before each programming session.
2.3 Hardware and Software Platform
2.3.1 Minimum Platform Requirements
We recommend the following minimum hardware/software platform:
❏ 80286 Microprocessor
❏ 640 K of RAM
❏ HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 30 Mb or higher
❏ DOS 5.0 or higher
❏ 3.5 inch FDD (Floppy Disk Drive)
2.3.2 Recommended Buy
We recommend that as your computer systems are upgraded, they should meet the following minimum
standards:
❏ 80386 Microprocessor
❏ 4Mb of RAM
❏ HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 80 Mb or higher
❏ DOS 5.0 or higher
❏ 1.44 Mb 3.5 inch FDD (Floppy Disk Drive)
❏ Two (2) serial ports
❏ Mouse or trackball
Purchasing an 80386 computer with the minimum configuration as detailed above will ensure that your
computer systems will not be quickly outdated.

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
2-5
GM300 Radio Service Software Manual Getting Started
Understanding Computer Basics
2
2.4 Understanding Computer Basics
If you are already familiar with computers, skip this section and proceed to Section 2.7 on page 2-19 -
Starting RSS .
Your computer can be compared to both a file cabinet and an electronics technician. A file cabinet pro-
vides easy handling, storage and retrieval of written data. So does a computer. The technician can, with
tools, manually and physically alter the radio's features and functionality. So does a computer with RSS.
A radio dealer can give a radio unique features, save those features for future reference, and service a
radio internally, all without opening a drawer, thumbing through papers, picking up a tool or disassem-
bling the radio.
Let's learn some of the types of computers that can be used for programming radios, the major parts of a
computer, and the ways to store your desired radio personality data.
2.4.1 Which Computers Run RSS
RSS is designed to run on the following IBM computers and their compatibles and convertibles: IBM XT/
AT, and IBM System/2 Model 30/50/70 computers. If you wish to use a laptop computer, we recom-
mend the Everex Tempo Carrier laptop.

Getting Started GM300 Radio Service Software Manual
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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Understanding Computer Basics
2
The following table lists computers with known compatibility problems:
Table 2-3. Computers with Known Compatibility Problems
Computer Type Problems Recommendation
AT&T  6300 Plus This is an AT clone with an XT bus. Not recommended.
Bondwell  Compatibility problem. Not recommended.
Compaq  III 386/20 RSS won’t work when executed
from a diskette drive - causes a fail-
ure on the serial port.
Execute from hard drive only.
Compaq LTE Error #5 with COM test Not recommended.
Compaq Model 1605 I/O port pinouts are not compati-
ble.
Not recommended.
Epson  Equity 3 I/O port pinouts are not compati-
ble.
Not recommended.
Epson Laptop Q150A Power failure during COM test. Not recommended.
Everex  1800D RSS won’t run for portables External serial port solves problem.
IBM Model 50Z Machine hardware problem Replace mother board or add asyn-
chronous COM card.
IBM Model 70 Machine hardware problem Replace mother board or add asyn-
chronous COM card.
Memorex  Unknown Not recommended.
Sperry  AT Unknown Not recommended.
Tandon  TN7000 Clock rate/speed problems Not recommended.
Tandy  Clock rate/speed problem. 4.7 MHz rate only works for mobile
applications.
Toshiba  1000 Unknown. Not recommended.
Zenith  Supersport 286 Chip problem Not recommended. Zenith dealers
can fix. Newer versions may work.

October, 1996 6880902Z36-B
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GM300 Radio Service Software Manual Getting Started
Understanding Computer Basics
2
2.4.2 Identifying Major Computer Parts
Computers range in complexity and size from small laptops to large mainframes. Falling between this
range is the microcomputer. Most microcomputers consist of a monitor, a system unit, and a keyboard.
These components are:
1. Monitor
Monitors perform like a window into the computer,
allowing you to see the data inside the computer.
Monitors come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Some can be bigger than a 19-inch diagonal televi-
sion, though a common size is 12 inches diagonally.
Monochrome monitors have only one color behind the words and pictures on the display, which in
many cases is either green, amber, white or black. Color monitors can display two or more colors on
the display at a time, but with color monitors a slight decrease in picture sharpness or text legibility
may be experienced. Colors on the RSS screen can be selected or changed by the user by using the
RSS. To help users quickly find their place on the display before typing, a flashing underscore, called
a “cursor” serves as a visual place indicator.
Besides the display, a monitor has a power cord, an on/off switch, brightness and contrast dials, and
a cable connection to the system unit. The RSS can function with either monochrome, CGA, EGA or
VGA-based monitors.
2. System Unit
The system unit contains a special chip that is the
“brain” of the computer, one or more diskette
drives, a hard-disk drive (if so equipped), a cable
connection to the keyboard, one or more communi-
cations ports and an on/off switch. System units
use an 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386 or 80486 chip with
speeds between 4.77 MHz and 50 MHz. The system
unit should be treated with care, as jarring and hot
temperatures could internally damage the unit.
Note: The RSS program may not function properly on computers with speeds greater than 20MHz.
3. Keyboard
A user instructs the computer what to do by typing
commands on the keyboard. The monitor shows
the commands as they are typed. Most keyboards
have letter keys, numeric keys, and a number of
special keys that perform special functions.
Section 2.8.1 on page 2-26 - Keyboards and Their
Functions describes some of these special keys and
how they perform with RSS.

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6880902Z36-B October, 1996
Understanding Computer Basics
2
2.4.3 Understanding Computer Storage Systems
The computer can store large amounts of data (software programs, code, data, files) in several places.
Some of these places are:
❏ Random-Access Memory (RAM)
❏ Read-Only Memory (ROM)
❏ Hard disk
❏ Diskettes.
The RAM, ROM, hard disks and diskettes all vary in function and all have certain size limits (memory).
They all store data in terms of bytes; a byte equals approximately one character as typed on the keyboard.
1,024 bytes equals one kilobyte, or 1K. For comparison purposes, one page of double-spaced, typed text
equals approximately 2K.
1. RAM
The Random Access Memory (RAM) is a storage
area in the system unit used to run programs and
operating systems. The amount of RAM varies from
computer to computer, and it directly affects which
programs will run on your computer. With more
RAM, you can run larger programs. Most programs
indicate how much RAM is required to run RSS. We
recommend at least 2 MB of RAM to run the RSS
program. The Radius radios also have RAM
embedded in them.
2. ROM
The Read Only Memory (ROM) is a storage area in
the system unit used by the computer for start-up
and Power-On Self-Test (POST) purposes. The
ROM is “read-only”, which means a user cannot
write or save data to it, over it, delete it, or in any
other way destroy it by using the keyboard keys.
The program in the ROM is hard-coded into the
ROM chip, and as such is protected from user
errors. The Radius radios also have ROM embed-
ded in them.
3. Hard Disk and Hard-Disk Drive
A hard disk is a storage area inside the hard disk
drive, both within the system unit. Hard disks store
a user's programs and files (data). The hard disk
drive accesses the hard disk data the same way a
record player accesses the music (data) on a record,
or a CD player accesses the music on a CD. Both the
disk and the disk drive are needed to store (write or
save) or retrieve (read) any data. The data stored on
a hard disk can originate from data the you gener-
2K
Inside unit