TeleVideo TPC I SYSTEM User manual

Copyright
TELEVIDEO®
TPC I SYSTEM REFERENCE MANUAL
TeleVideo Part Number 125039-00 Rev. A
15 November 1983
Copyright 1983 by TeleVideo Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language or compu ter language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of TeleVideo
Systems, Inc., 1170 Morse Avenue, Sunnyvale, California 94086.
Disclaimer
TeleVideo Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties
with respect to this manual. Further, TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
reserves the right to make changes in the specifications of the
product described within this manual at any time without notice
and without obligation of TeleVideo Systems, Inc. to notify any
person of such revision or changes.
Warning!
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction "manual may cause interference to radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of
Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to correct the
interference.
TeleVideo®is a registered trademark of TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Z80A®is a registered trademark of ZILOG Corporation.
CP/M®is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
SuperMousJ-~- TeleWritJ:- TeleCalcT;M-
and
TeleCharf-Mare trademarks of
TeleVideo Systems.
·,TeleVideo Systems, Inc., 1170 Morse Avenue, Sunnyvale, California
96086 408/745-7760

TPC I System Reference Manual warranty
STA~EMENT OF LIMITED w~
TeleVideo Systems, Inc. ("TeleVideo") warrants to its distributors,
systems houses, OEMs, and national accounts ("Buyer") that products,
except software, manufactured by TeleVideo are free from defects in
material and workmanship. TeleVideo's obligations under this
warranty are limited to repairing or replacing, at TeleVideo's
option, the part or parts of the products which prove defective in
material or workmanship within ISO days after shipment by TeleVideo.
That Buyer may pass along to its initial customer ("Customer") a
maximum
of 90 days coverage within this ISO-day warranty period,
provided that Buyer gives TeleVideo prompt notice of any defect and
satisfactory proof thereof.
Products may be returned by Buyer only after a Return Material
Authorization number ("RMA") has been obtained from TeleVideo by
telephone or in writing. Buyer must prepay all freight charges to
return any products to the repair facility designated by TeleVideo
and include the RMA number on the shipping container. TeleVideo
will deliver replacements for defective products or parts on an
exchange basis to Buyer, freight prepaid to the Buyer ot the
Customer. Products returned to TeleVideo under this warranty become
the property of TeleVideo. With respect to any product or part
thereof not manufactured by TeleVideo, only the warranty, if any,
given by the manufacturer thereof, applies.
EXCLUSIONS
This limited warranty does not cover losses)or damage which occur in
shipment to or from Buyer or Customer, or is due to, (1) improper-
installation or maintenance, misuse, neglect or any cause other than
ordinary commercial or industrial application, or (2) adjustment,
repair, or modifications by other than by TeleVideo-authorized
personnel, or (3) improper environment, excessive or inadequate
heating or air conditioning and electrical power failures, surges or
other irregularities or (4) any statement made about TeleVideo's
products by salesmen, dealers, distributors or agents, unless
confirmed in writing by a TeleVideo officer.
THE FOREGOING TELEVIDEO LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL, WRITTEN, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE DO NOT APPLY. TELEVIDEO'S WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS AND
DISTRIBUTOR'S REMEDIES HEREUNDER ARE SOLELY AND EXCLUSIVELY AS
STATED HEREIN. TELEVIDEO MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER CONCERNING
ANY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS, WHICH ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND "WITH ALL FAULTS".
TELEVIDEO'S LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY,
STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER THEORY, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PRICE OF
THE INDIVIDUAL UNIT WHOSE DEFECT OR DAMAGE IS THE BASIS OF THE
CLAIM. IN NO EVENT SHALL TELEVIDEO BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF
PROFITS, LOSS OF USE OF FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT, OR OTHER INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.

TPC I System Reference Manual Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.... • •••••••• 1.1
Software •••••••••••••••••••••• 1.2
Notation Conventions • •••• • •••••• 1.2
Special Notes. • • • • • • ••• 1.3
2. Setup • • • • • • • • • •• .• . • • • • • • • 2. 1
Installing Your System. • • • • • • •• • ••• 2.1
Power Cord Connection •• • • • • •• • 2.1
Line Voltage Regulator. • • • • • • 2.2
Switch Settings. • • • • • •• ••• • 2.2
Connecting Peripherals • • • • • • •• • 2.4
Attaching Cables ••• • • •••••• 2.4
Connecting a Parallel Printer .•••••••• 2.5
Changing the Default Printer Device •••• 2.5
Connecting a Modem • • • •• •••• • 2.5
3. Using CP/M, the Operating System. • •••.•• 3.1
CP/M Terms • • • • • .i • • • • • 3.1
Starting Up CP/M •••••••••••••••••• 3.3
System Diskette. • • • • ••••••••• 3.3
Start Up Review. • • • • • • • • • • •• • 3.3
Reset Command. • • • • • • • • • •• • 3.4
System Prompt and the Logged Drive .•••••••• 3.4
CP/M Command Lines ••••••••••••••••• 3.5
Upper- and Lower-Case • • ••••••••• 3.5
Control Characters ••••••••••••••• 3.5
Line Editing.. • ••••••••••••• 3.5
Disk Files • • • • • •• •••• • •• • 3.6
Filenames ••••••••••••••••••• 3.7
Wildcard File References ••••••••••• 3.7
Resident Commands ••••••••••••••••• 3.8
Unrecognized Commands ••••••••••••• 3.9
DIR - List a Directory •••• 3.9
ERA - Erase a File •••••••••••• 3.9
REN -Rename a File. • • ••••••• 3.9
TYPE - List a File on the Screen • • • • 3.10
Transient Commands ••.••••••••••••• 3.10
STAT - List the Status of a File ••••••• 3.11
PIP - Peripheral Interchange Program. •• 3.12
Applications Software ••••••••••••••• 3.13
4 • Keyboa rd • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • 4. 1
Key Descriptions. • • • • • •• • 4.1
Character Keys. • • • • • • • •• • •••• 4.1
Function Keys and Special Keys •••••••• 4.2
Disabling/Enabling the Keyboard ••••••••••• 4.6
Keyclick and Bell •••••••••••••••••• 4.7
Function Keys.. ••••••• • • ". • • • • • .4.7
Programming the Function Keys ••••••••• 4.7
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 1

TPC I System Reference Manual
Table of Contents
5. Utility Programs •••••••••••••••••• 5.1
SETUPTPC Prograrn. • • • • • • • • •• • •••• 5.2
SYSGEN. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 5.6
FORMAT (Single Drive) •••••••••••••••• 5.8
FORMAT (Dual Drive). • • • • • • •• • •••• 5.10
COPYDISK (Single Drive). • • • • ••••• 5.12
COPYDISK Error Messages ••••••••••• 5.14
COPYDISK (Dual Drive) ~ •••••••••••••• 5.14
COPYDISK Error Messages • • • • • • • • • • • 5.17
6. Programming the Terminal Emulator. • • • • • • •• 6.1-
Subsystems Overview •••••••••••••••• 6.1
Terminal Attributes Emulator •••••••••••• 6.3
Default Video Attributes. • • • • • •• • 6.4
Video Attributes. • •. • •••••••• 6.4
Setting Video Attributes ••••••••••• 6.5
Escape Sequence Calls to the Terminal Emulator 6.5
Escape Sequences for Clearing the Screen ••• 6.6
Escape Sequences for Cursor Display •••••• 6.7
Cursor Control •••••••••••••••• 6.7
Cursor Addressing ••••••••••••••• 6.8
Tabs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ • • •• 6.10
Text Editing Functions •••••••••••• 6~10
Monitor Mode ••••••••••••••••• 6.12
7• Video Graphics • • . • • • . • • • • • • • • • • . 7.1
8.
Introduction to GSX •••••••••••••••• 7.1
GSX (Graphics System EXtensiQn) • • • . • .7.1
Graphic Device Operating System. • ~ .7.2
Graphic Input/Output System •••••••••• 7.2
GENGRAF Utility. . • • • • • • •••• 7.3
How GSX Fi ts Into Your System • • • • • • • • •7•3
GSX Supported Peripherals. •• •• • .7.4
Graphics Primitives Driver •••••••••••• 7.5
Calling the Graphics Driver •••••••••••• 7.6
Graphics Driver Functions ••••••••••••• 7.9
SuperMouse •••••••••••••••••••• 7.17
SuperMouse Support Functions ••••••••••• 7.18
Example SuperMouse Program •••••••••• 7.23
Graphic Character Font •••••••••••••• 7.25
Sample Graphics Access Program
Using 8080 Assembly Code ••••••••••• 7.27
TROUBLESHOOTING.
Changing the Fuse
. .'. . . . . . . . . . . •
8.1
• 8.2
Appendices
A.
B.
TPC I Specifications ••
Suggested References. •
. . . . . A.1
• • • • • B. 4
C. Buying Additional Diskettes •••••••••• C.6
D. Cable Specifications •••••••••••••• D.7
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
- Page 2

TPC I System Reference Manual
Appendices
A. TPC I Specifications.
~ .
Table of Contents
. . •
.A.l
B. Suggested References. • • • • • • •• • •• B.4
C. Buying Additional Diskettes •••••••••• C.6
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Cable Specifications.
Port Addresses ••••
Communications Port Driver •••
Changing the Default LST: Device.
Default Device Assignment.
. . . • •
.D. 7
• • • E. 8
.F.15
• G.20
. . •
H.24
I. ASCII Code Chart •••••••••••••••. I.26
J. System Diskette File List ••••••••••. J.27
K. Programmer's Quick Reference Guide •••.••• K.29
L. TPC I Demonstration Program. • • • •••• L.32
M. Configuring For 230 Volts.. ••• •. M.35
TeleVideo Systems, Inc. Page 3

TPC I System Reference Manual Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION
The TeleVideo Portable Computer (TPC I) is an 8-bit computer with
a 4 MHz Z aOA CPU, providing a 64 Kbyte dynamic RAM, a 32 Kbyte
alpha and graphic display memory, and an 8 Kbyte EPROM. CP/M is
the operating system with the GSX extension from Digital Research
for graphics.
The computer's processor is designed to allow both alphanumeric
computing as well as standard business graphics. The
alphanumeric display is 24 lines by 80 characters. The graphics
display features a resolution of 640 x 240 pixels.
Figure 1-1
TPC I
The
slim-line, 5 1/4-inch floppy disk drives are mounted
vertically and side by side next to the screen providing 363.6
Kbytes of formatted disk storage per drive. You can order the
TPC I with either one or two drives.
I/O ports consist of one RS-232C port for a modem, one parallel
port for a printer, and one port for the TeleVideo SuperMouse, a
cursor manipulation and input device. Available also as an
option is the TPC L-N, an RS-422 card, to provide a port for
connecting the TPC I to a TeleVideo network system.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 1.1

TPC I System Reference Manual Introduction
The TPC I package includes, besides the hardware and the
operating system, three applications programs. They are:
*
*
*
TeleWrite for executive word processing
TeleCalc for spreadsheet analysis
TeleChart for business graphics
By adding the TeleVideo SuperMouse, many graphics and menu-driven
applications programs become even easier to use. Contact your
computer store or dealer for further information about the
SuperMouse.
SOFTWARE
CP/M, developed by Digital Research, is the operating system for
the TPC I. This system allows you to use CP/M-compatible
applications program software.
The diskette that arrived with your system is labeled CP/M
Version x.x. This diskette is referred to as the system diskette
throughout this manual.
The TPC I can use any high-level programming language designed
to run under CP/M. Some of the more popular languages that are
used on the TPC I are BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, APL, ALGOL,
PL/l, FORTH and "C".
Besides TeleCalc, TeleChart, and TeleWrite, there are many other
applications programs commercially available for a wide range of
tasks from payroll to security. In addition, you may write your
own applications programs in any CP/M programming language.
NOTATION CONVENTIONS
Throughout this Manual and the Userfs Manual are a few symbols
that have specific meanings. These symbols allow us to more
easily communicate particular actions to you.
<Return>
< >
The <Return> symbol indicates that you are to
press the key marked with the squared, left
arrow key on the right of the typewriter
keys. It is called the Return key and is
like the carriage return key on a typewriter.
When a key, other than an alphabet letter or
number key, is written, it is enclosed, in
brackets. For example, if you are to press
the key marked Ctrl, it would be written like
this, <Ctr 1>.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc. Page 1.2

TPC I System Reference Manual
Introduction
<BAR>
I
In a command that requires spaces (such as
DIR B:<Return», for clarity the spaces are
indicated by the spacebar symbol, <BAR>.
Pressing the <BAR> enters a space character
at the cursor. Our example command is
written like this:
DIR<BAR>B:<Return>
This means to type DIR, press the space bar,
type B:, and press the <Return> key.
To indicate the cursor, which is a blinking
block on your screen, you will see the
cursor symbol (_).
For some commands, you must press two keys
simultaneously. We show this action with the
slash (/l symbol. For example, you may be
asked to press the <Ctrl> and the C keys at
the same time. The keys will be written with
a slash dividing them. Using our example,
when you are to press the <Ctrl> and C keys
at the same time, you will see it as
<Ctrl>/C. Do not press the slash key when
you see it in a command. Press the slash key
ONLY when it is enclosed in brackets like
this: <I>.
Special Notes
Two types of notes call attention to information of special
importance.
NOTE!
STOP!
This is a general note emphasizing important
information.
This indicates special information concerning possible
loss of data or damage to the system. When you see
this, STOP and read-the note before proceeding.
Step-by-step procedures are used in this manual to show how to
perform various functions. These procedures show what you are to
do and how your computer responds to that action. The following
is an example of the procedure format:
USER:
1.
Your Action
SYSTEM:
2.
Screen Display or Action
Read the entire procedure before beginning the operation and
completely read the step you are working on before entering a
response. Many steps offer a choice. All of your actions are
shown in bold print.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 1.3

TPC I System Reference Manual
Setup
2. SETUP
The step-by-step instructions for setting up the TPC I are in the
User's Manual. This chapter gives information pertaining to the
more technical aspects of the installation such as power sources,
voltage regulators, switch settings, and peripherals and baud
rates.
INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM
For optimum performance, locate the system at least five feet
from other computing equipment, electrical appliances, or,
equipment such as elevators, radio transmitters, and television
sets, that generate magnetic fields.
Power Cord Connection
The power cord tha t came with your system plugs into the back of
the main unit as shown in Figure 2-1. The source power supply
and proper connections are described here.
Figure 2-1
Power Cord Connection
The TPC I requires a three-prong electrical outlet. The power
cord has a three-prong plug. If you use it with a two-prong
adapter, ground it with a pigtail. See Figure 2-1.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 2.1

TPC I System Reference Manual
Setup
Internally, the power cord wires are color-coded as follows:
Green
Black
White
Earth ground
Primary power (hot)
Primary power return (neutral)
The TPC I requires the following source power:
NOTE!
NOTE!
USA
International
115 VAC at 1.5 amperes
230 VAC at 0.75 amperes
Appendix M gives directions for changing the TPC I to
correspond to 230 volts, the international electrical
power standard.
Incorrect or fluctuating line voltages can cause disk
errors or damage the system.
Line Voltage Regulator
We recommend using a line voltage regulator. By using a line
voltage regulator, you can safeguard your system from power
surges and voltage spikes that may interfere with the normal
operation of your system. Contact your computer store for
information on availability and installation.
Switch Settings
Switch settings control many system functions. Most switches can
be set according to your preference, but others must be set in
required positions. During installation, it is important that
you check the switch settings to match your system requirements.
The TPC I has one DIP switch, located on the rear panel labeled
SW. This switch contains eight sections (they look like small
levers). These sections control various system functions.
Figure 2-2 illustrates the positions of the sections as they are
set by TeleVideo (default settings).
If you want to change any settings, see Table 2-1 for
alternative switch settings.
STOP!
The sections of the DIP switch are small individual
switches. Gently push the switch to the desired
position with a ball-point pen, and always give the
switch a second push to make certain that it is seated
properly in the position y-ou have chosen. DO NOT USE ,A
PENCIL! Pencil lead is an electrical conductor, and
any
small grains of lead falling into the switch
sections may cause a malfunction.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 2.2

TPC I System Reference Manual Setup
Figure 2-2
Rear Panel Switch and Default Switch Settings
Table 2-1 lists the settings for the DIP switch. Read through
the table, and set the sections according to your requirements.
The starred (*) settings are the default settings.
Table 2-1
Switch Settings
Setting
(set to
up or
Section down)
Function
1
closed
(down) *Baud
rate
(see
Table
2-2)
2
closed
(down) *Baud
rate
(see
Table
2-2)
3
closed
(down) *Baud
rate
(see
Table
2-2)
4
closed
(down)
*Required
5 closed
(down)
*Local
open
(up)
Remote
6
closed
(down)
*Not Used
7
closed
(down) *60
Hz
(for
115V)
open
(up) 50
Hz
(for 230V)
8
closed
(down)
Black on yellow screen
open
(up)
*Yellow on black screen
* Default
settings
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 2.3

TPC I System Reference Manual Setup
CONNECTING PERIPHERALS
Auxiliary devices such as a printer, a modem, a plotter, and the
SuperMouse can be connected to the TPC I. Instructions are given
here for connecting a printer and a modem. The parallel printer
interface allows the TPC I to be used with most printers that
support the Centronics parallel interface currently available on
the market. The TPC I is also equipped with an RS-232C-
compatible serial port for a modem that supports baud rates of
75, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600.
The SETUPTPC Program allows you to quickly and easily change the
baud rate and the modem port data format to adapt to a variety of
peripherals. You can also indicate whether or not the SuperMouse
is attached. A complete description of the capabilities of , the
SETUPTPC Program as well as step-by-step instructions for using
it, are in Chapter 5.
NOTE!
If you are adding a plotter or the SuperMouse, please
follow the installation instructions that accompany
those devices. Also see the SETUPTPC Program in
Chapter 5.
Attaching Cables
Cables are needed to connect the TPC I to a printer or a modem.
The types of cables needed are determined by the requirements of
the device being attached to the TPC I. You can obtain the
appropriate cables for attaching peripheral devices at your
computer store.
Cable connectors commonly have D-shaped end connectors. (See
Figure 2-3.> These fit onto a D-shaped connector on the rear
panel of the system. To install a cable, turn the connector end
of the cable to fit the pin connector on the device, then gently
push the cable on to the connector. The screws can be finger
tightened to prevent accidentally pulling the cable off.
Figure 2-3
n-Shaped Cable Connector
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 2.4

TPC I System Reference Manual Setup
Leave some slack as you connect the cables. If you are using a
round cable, coil it loosely and secure it with a rubberband. If
you are using a flat, ribbon cable, fold it accordion-style as
shown in Figure 2-4. Coiling ribbon cable can adversely affect
system performance.
Figure 2-4
Correctly-Folded Excess Ribbon Cable
Connecting a Parallel Printer
The parallel port labeled PRINTER is ready to connect to a
parallel pri~ter when the unit is shipped from the factory. The
TPC I is set to work with printers that support Centronics
parallel interface printers. Be sure to read the instructions
that came with your printer for correct interfacing information.
The TPC I and printer should be within 50 feet of each other.
Attach the end of the interface cable with the 25-pin D-shaped
connector to the port labeled PRINTER. Attach the other
end to the 36-pin connector on the printer. See Appendix E for a
listing of the pin connector assignments.
Changing the Default Printer Device
To change the default printer device and to establish different
power-up default values, refer to the instructions in Appendix G.
Connecting a Modem
You can connect a modem to the TPC I. The RS-232C port labeled
RS 232 is ready to connect to a modem.
The TPC I and modem should be within 50 feet of each other.
Attach one end of an RS-232C interface cable to the port labeled
RS 232. Attach the other end to the modem's RS-232C connector.
The default baud rate for a modem is 9600. The baud rate setting
can be changed by the SETUPTPC program <See Chapter 5), or by
changing the switch settings. See Table 2-2.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 2.5

TPC I System Reference Manual
Table 2-2
Modem Baud Rate Switch Settings
Dip Switch Section
1 2 3 Baud Rate
c c C
9,600
0 C C
4,800
C 0 C
2,400
o 0 C
1,200
C C 0
600
o C 0 300
COO
150
000
75
Legend
C = Switch closed (down)
o = Switch open (up)
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
(default)
Setup
Page 2.6

TPC I System Reference Manual
Using CP/M
3. OSING CP/M, THE OPERA~IBG SYSTEM
CP/M stands for Control Program/Monitor or Control Program
for Microcomputers. CP/M is a computer program, just like a
word
processor or accounts payable package and comes on a floppy
diskette like other programs. CP/M is called an operating system
because it controls all the operations and programs in your
computer. The diskette that CP/M comes on is called the system
diskette in this manual.
CP/M controls all of the operations in your computer. It
controls the read and write operations to the disk drives. It
loads the various applications programs that you want to run and
supervises their execution. It organizes the data for '
communications to a printer or over a modem to a remote station.
One way to think of CP/M is as the "personality" that resides in
your computer: it is the overall set of commands that is used
to run everything else on your system.
CP/M TERMS
The following table describes some of the basic technical terms
used in computing. By becoming familiar with them, you will more
easily be able to master the use of your computer.
Table 3-1
Technical Terms
Term
Cold Boot
Definition
On power up, or system reset, this is the
process the computer goes through to check
for hardware failures, clear memory, and load
the operating system from the system diskette
in drive A (in the TPC I). On the TPC I, a
cold-boot is started by turning on the power
or by pressing <Ctrl>/<Alt>/<Del>
simultaneously.
TeleVideo Systems, Inc.
Page 3.1