Zenith Z-200 series User manual

Z-200 PC Series
Computers
Owner's Manual

Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Z-200 PC Series Computer.
The Z-200
PC represents a state-of-the-art design capable of satisfying
both personal and business needs.
With Zenith, the future is here today. Your new computer can act as
a stand-alone tool
or function as the center of a powerful and expandable
business automation package. Combined with Zenith Data Systems soft-
ware, your personal computer can easily provide practical and affordable
solutions to many
of your business problems. It can satisfy a variety of
business applications, including data processing, telecommunications, net-
working, and financial analysis.
This manual has been prepared
for you, the new computer owner and
user. Welcome to personal computing at
its very best, and accept Zenith's
pledge and commitment that the quality goes in before the name goes
on.

Preface
This Owner's Manual is intended to be used as a reference guide whenever
you wish to set up, add
to, or understand more about your Z-200 PC
Series Computer System.
Chapter 1 -Unpacking and connecting your new computer system are
the first things covered in this chapter
of the Owner's Manual. After a
description of how to power up the system, all the keys on the keyboard
are explained individually. The program for setting up the computer with
the various options installed
is also included in this chapter.
Chapter 2 -This chapter tells how to get software running in your
computer from either the floppy disk drive or an optional Winchester
drive. Instructions for making backup copies
of disks and configuring the
system for printers are also covered.
Chapter 3 - In the extreme case where your computer does not seem
to work correctly, this chapter covers error messages, cover removal and
diagnostic
LEOs, as well as information on calling for assistance.
lllapter 4 -Summaries of the commands used in both the MFM-200
program
and MS-DOS Version 3 are included in this chapter.
Chapter 5 -Details of the devices associated with the computer are
presented in this chapter.
Appendices -The appendices provide general instructions on the addi-
tion of options into the computer. These options include cards, integrated
circuits, floppy disk drives, and Winchester drives.
A glossary
of commonly-used terms and an index are also included at
the backof the manual.

Contents
Welcome
Preface
Chapter 1 Initial Setup
The Back Panel 1.2
Connections 1.3
Powerup and Self-Tests 1.6
Normal Powerup 1.6
Self-Tests 1.7
Keyboard 1.8
Alphabetic Keys 1.8
Nonalphabetic Keys 1.9
Common Control Keys 1.10
Special Function Keys 1.11
Control Keys 1.12
Calculator Keyboard Operation .................................... .. 1.14
Keyboard Adjustment 1.15
The SETUP Program 1.16
TIME 1.16
DATE 1.17
DST 1.18
Base Memory 1.18
Expansion Memory 1.18
Floppy Drive 0..................................................... 1.18
Floppy Drive 1 1.18
&ot Drive . . . . .. . . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. . . .. . .. .. . . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. 1.19
Video Display . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. 1.19
Video Refresh Rate 1.19
Winchester Drives 1.20
Chapter 2 Operation
Floppy Disks 2.1
Floppy Disk Care 2.3
Disk Drives 2.4
The Monitor Program 2.6
The Disk Operating System 2.8
Loading MS-DOS 2.8

Page viii
Contents
Backups 2.10
Winchester Disks 2.12
Winchester Operation 2.13
Installing Operating Systems 2.13
Establishing the Default Boot Partition 2.14
Booting from the Winchester 2.15
Booting from the Winchester - No Default Boot Partition 2.16
Other Operating Systems 2.16
Backing Up the Winchester Disk 2.17
Manual Backups 2.18
System Disks 2.18
FORMAT 2.19
COpy 2.20
Nonsystem Disks 2.21
FORMAT 2.21
COpy 2.22
CONFIGUR 2.23
Chapter 3 General Service
Initial Diagnostics 3.1
Manual Diagnostics 3.6
Disk Read Test 3.7
Keyboard Test 3.7
Base Memory Test 3.7
Expansion Memory Test 3.8
Power-Up Test 3.8
Stopping the Diagnostic Tests 3.8
LED Diagnostic Indicators 3.8
Cover Removal 3.9
Locating the Diagnostic LEOs 3.10
Cover Replacement 3.13
In Case of Difficulty 3.14
Troubleshooting 3.14
Service Information 3.17
When You Call for Help 3.17
Cleaning the System 3.18
Chapter 4 Software Summaries
MFM-200 Command Summary 4.1
Special Function Keys 4.8
MS-DOS Commands 4.10
MS-DOS Prompts 4.10
Error Messages 4.11

Page ix
Contents
Files, Programs, and File Names 4.11
Internal Commands 4.13
COpy 4.13
DATE 4.14
DEL (ERASE) 4.15
DIR 4.15
RENAME (REN) 4.18
TIME 4.19
lYPE 4.19
Other Internal Commands ....... .......... ..... .. .... .. .. .. 4.20
External Commands ... ... ... ....... ..... ................... ..... .. 4.20
CHKDSK 4.21
DISKCOMP 4.22
DISKCOPY ... ... ... ... ............... ............. ........... .. 4.23
FORMAT "... ..... .. .. ... ...... .. ........... .. . .. 4.25
SYS 4.27
Other External Commands...................................... 4.27
Winchester Utilities 4.27
The PREP Utility............................................... 4.28
The PART Utility ............................................. .. 4.29
The SHIP Utility 4.29
The DETECT Utility .......................................... .. 4.30
Chapter 5 Hardware
System Overview 5.1
Power Supply 5.3
Backplane 5.3
Disk Controller Card 5.3
CPUlMemory Card 5.4
Input/Output Card 5.4
Specifications 5.5
Hardware 5.6
Disk Controller Card 5.6
Mass Storage 5.6
CPUlMemory Card 5.7
80286 Microprocessor 5.7
80287 Numeric Processor Extension 5.7
Read-Only Memory 5.8
Random Access Memory 5.8
Input/Output Card 5.9
Keyboard 5.9
Speaker 5.9
Parallel Printer Output Port 5.9
Serial Printer Input/Output Port 5.12
Connecting a Serial Printer 5.12
Connecting a Modem 5.14

Page x
Contents
Appendix A Installing Options
Cover Removal Al
Cover Replacement .................................................. .. A2
Card Removal......................................................... A.3
Card Installation....................................................... A4
Integrated Circuit Installation........................................... A.S
Numeric Processor Extension Installation A7
Connecting the Monitor................................................ AS
Appendix B Installing Drives
Second Floppy Disk Installation .. . . .. . . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. B.l
Cable Connections.................................................. B.4
Winchester Drive Installation ......................................... .. B.S
Cable Connections.................................................. B.7
Second Winchester Drive Installation
Cable Connections
360K Floppy Drive Configuration
B.8
B.lO
B.l2
Glossary
Index

Page xi
Contents
Figures
1.1 The Back Panel ................................................ .. 1.1
1.2 Keyboard Connection ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... .. ...... .. ...... .. . .. 1.3
1.3 Connecting the Power Cord 1.5
1.4 Alphabetic Keys 1.8
1.5 Nonalphabetic Keys 1.9
1.6
Common Control Keys 1.10
1.7 Special Function Keys 1.11
1.8 Control Keys 1.12
1.9 Calculator Keyboard 1.14
1.10 Keyboard Legs 1.15
2.1 The Floppy Disk 2.1
2.2 Disk Drives 2.5
3.1 Cover Removal 3.9
3.2 Backplane LEOs (Green) 3.10
3.3 I/O Card LEOs (Red) 3.11
3.4 Cover Replacement 3.13
5.1 Z-200 PC Series Computer 5.1
5.2 Hardware Configuration 5.2
5.3 Parallel Printer Connection 5.11
5.4 Serial Printer Connection 5.13
5.5 Modem Connection 5.14
A1 Cover Removal Al
A2 Cover Replacement ............................................ .. A.2
A3 Card Removal and Installation ................................. .. A.3
A4 Card Guide Adapter. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. ........... .. . . . .. .. A.4
A5 Rolling to Bend Pins AS
A6 Orientation and Alignment of an IC A.6
A7 Installation of Numeric Processor Extension A7
A8 Monitor Connections............................................. A.8
B.1 Programming Jumper B.1
B.2 Drive Installation B.3
B.3 Cable Connections............................................... B.4
B.4 Winchester Drive Installation B.5
B.5 Cable Connections............................................... B.7
B.6 Second Winchester Drive Installation B.9
B.7 Cable Connections............................................... B.l1
B.8 Jumper Configuration 360K Drives B.13

Page xii
Contents
Tables
1.1 Control Key Combinations 1.13
1.2 Winchester Drive Types. ....................................... .. 1.21
1.3 Winchester 10 Codes .......................................... .. 1.21
3.1 Possible Power-Up Diagnostic Messages and Explanations 3.1
3.2 LED Diagnostic Functions 3.12
3.3 Troubleshooting Table 3.14
4.1 MFM-200 Command Summary 4.3
5.1 Parallel Port Definitions 5.10
5.2 RS-232 Pin Definitions 5.12

Chapter 1
Initial Setup
You will find your computer system easiest to use if all the components
are located in the same general area. A good, solid work surface near
a
power source and a telephone will prove best.
Refer to the instructions on the inside top flap of the shipping carton
and unpack the computer. Place it on the work surface selected and posi-
tion it so you are looking at the back panel.
NOTE: Because of the number of video options available, the computer
system does not include a video card. However, you must have a video
card installed in your computer for proper operation.
If a video card has been installed by your dealer, continue with the initial
setup of your system. If no card is installed, Appendix A of this manual
includes general installation instructions for ZDS-Manufactured video
cards.
LINE SELECT
SERIAL
SWITCH
CONNECTOR
ON/OFF POWER CORD
POWER CONNECTOR
SWITCH
PARALLEL
CONNECTOR
Figure 1.1. The Back Panel

Page 1.2
Initial Setup
The Back Panel
The following switches and connectors are located on the back panel as
shown in Figure
1.1.
tine Select Switch -This switch is used to select between 115 VAC
and 230 VAC. You should never use this switch unless, during initial
setup, you are in
an area serviced by a 230 VAC power source. (Check
local electrical codes.) Changing the setting on this switch should be done
only by qualified individuals. When the line voltage
is changed, for exam-
ple,
115 VAC to 230 VAC, the line cord plug must be changed to the
proper type and voltage rating.
On/Off Power Switch -The power switch
is located on the left side
of the back panel. Make sure the switch is in the OFF position before
you plugyour computer into an outlet.
Power Cord Connector -When connected, the power cord supplies
power to the computer.
Keyboard Connector -A 5-pin "DIN" connector provides the necessary
signals for connection with the computer keyboard.
Serial Connector -The necessary EIA-standard RS-232 signals for con-
nection to a serial printer
or other serial device are provided through
this 9-pin connector. A special cable
is needed to connect a DB-25 output
to this connector.
Parallel Connector -This 25-pin connector provides the necessary
parallel signals for connection to a Centronics-type parallel printer
or other
parallel outputdevice.

Page 1.3
Initial Setup
Connections
Connect the end of the keyboard cable to the keyboard connector on
the back of the computeras shown in Figure
1.2.
Refer to the Appendices at the back of this manual for instructions for
connecting a monitor.
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~
KEYBOARD
Figure 1.2. Keyboard Connection

Page 1.4
Initial Setup
If your system components are not in their normal operating positions,
move them to their final position now. Reconnect any cables.
Up to this
point, you should not have made anypower connections.
CAUTION: This computer system is designed to operate on either of two
different
AC line voltages, either 115 VAC at 60 Hz or 230 VAC at 50
Hz. Before connecting the computer, make sure it is rated for the voltage
available in your area. The computer
is set at the factory for 120 volts,
the standard voltage in the United States. To change the voltage rating,
contactyour authorized repair
facility.
• Before you connect any of your computer's components to an AC
power source, turn all power on/off switches off.
The computer has a detachable power cord. Refer to Figure 1.3 and plug
the appropriate
end of the power cord into the computer. Do not attach
the other
end at this time.
With multiple power cords involved, you may want to use a switched
multiple outlet box
or power strip to turn on (or off) all system components
at the
same time. If you do use a switched outlet box or power strip,
make sure
it is properly rated for your system's power needs (for 115
volt systems, 10 amperes; for 230 volts, 5 amperes).

Page 1.5
Initial Setup
Do not use an extension cord unless it is a heavy-duty, three-wire type.
Smaller cords tend to reduce the amount of voltage available and can
cause unsatisfactory performance from your computer.
• Position the computer so the front
is clear and you can insert or
remove disks as needed.
You also should be able to easily reach
the power on/off switch on the back panel. Plug the power cord
into an
AC power source.
• The monitor may be placed on the computer or anywhere conve-
nient. Plug
its power cord into an AC power source.
• Place the keyboard where you
will normally use it. It receives power
directly from the computer and does not have a separate power
connection.
• Place any other peripherals you may be using
in their operating
positions and plug their power cords into an
AC power source.
to
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Figure 1.3. Connecting the PowerCord

Page 1.6
Initial Setup
Powerup and Self-Tests
Normal Powerup
CAUTION: Before you turn on your computer system, be sure the
cardboard shipping insert has been removed from the disk drive.
The computer system's power may be turned on in any sequence, however,
never turn your system's power on or off with a disk in the floppy disk
drive; remove the disk
first.
There are two suggested sequences for turning onyour system:
• One switch operation through a switched multiple outlet power box
or strip. The one switch on the box
or strip will control the entire
computer system simultaneously.
• For most applications, apply power
to your monitor first, then the
computer. Finally, turn on any other peripherals attached to your
computer system.
After the system
is turned on, a number of things will happen: a small,
quiet fan
will start; a light on the disk drive will come on; and the drive
will make some sound as the "read/write heads" move back and forth.
Factory assembled computers are set
to "autoboot" (automatically load
a disk operating system from a floppy or Winchester disk) when they
are shipped. One
of the lights on the disk drives will come on and remain
on
in a computer set for autoboot. If autoboot is started, a disk must
be placed in the drive
and the door shutwithin about 20 seconds.
If you want to reset the system by turning it off and then on again, wait
at least
five seconds before turning the computeron.

Page 1.7
Initial Setup
Self-Tests
When you turn on your computer, it executes a series of internal tests
to check that everything is working correctly. These tests serve several
important
functions. First, they verify that all of the circuits are in a starting
configuration. Second, the tests check various functions of the computer
so it will operate properly.
When the tests are finished, the computer will let you know it is ready
to run by displaying the opening message, or starting the automatic boot
procedure (autoboot).
If some portion of the equipment fails to operate correctly, the computer
will attempt to display an error message. These messages and more infor-
mation on the initial diagnostics are included in the In Case of Difficulty
section in Chapter 3 of this manual.

Page 1.8
Initial Setup
Keyboard
Keyboard Lock
The left side of the front panel includes a keyboard lock that is independent
of the power switch.
When the key
is in the unlocked (clockwise) position, the computer is
fully operational. In the locked (counterclockwise) position, the key can
be removed and the keyboard
is disabled. The cover is locked on the
chassis -when the keyboard
is locked.
An extra key and a card referencing the key number and security code
are included in the box with your computer. These materials should be
kept in two different places.
If a key gets lost, the extra key or the reference
card can
be taken to a locksmith for a duplicate key.
NOTE: Zenith Data Systems can not duplicate a key according to the
serial
number of the computer. Keep your extra key and reference card
in secure locations.
The keyboard of your computer contains 84 keys that are discussed in
the following pages.
Whenever you hold down any
key, except the SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, CAPS
LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK, it will start repeating. The rate
atwhich
it repeats will gradually increase as you hold the key down.
Alphabetic Keys
Your personal computer has the standard 26 letters of the alphabet ar-
ranged as they are
on a typewriter. These keys allow you to enter either
upper-
or lowercase letters; hold down either SHIFT key or push the
CAPS LOCK key to obtain uppercase letters.
The
CAPS LOCK key is a push-to-engage, push-ta-release key, and affects
only the alphabetic keys. A light in the key indicates whether the feature
is on (lit) or off (unlit).

Page 1.9
Initial Setup
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Figure 1.4. Alphabetic Keys
Nonalphabetic Keys
The nonalphabetic keys include: the numbers 0 through 9, punctuation
marks,
and special characters. The lower marking on each key is generated
when neither
SHIFf key is pressed, while the upper marking is generated
when a
SHIFf key is held down. The CAPS LOCK key will not shift
these keys.
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Figure 1.5. Nonalphabetic Keys

Page 1.10
Initial Setup
Common Control Keys
Refer to Figure 1.6 for the following discussions which describe the most
common
function for each key. However, software (a program) may direct
any key to cause some other function to take place. Any key that has
a
special function usually is described in the documentation that accom-
panies the software.
Space Bar-Enter a blank character (space) by pressing this bar.
BACK SPACE - Moves the cursor one position to the left. The cursor
is an indicator on your display that lets you know where the next key
entry will appear.
TAB -Causes the position of the cursor to move to the next tab column.
ENTERIRETURN -Returns the cursor to the left side of the display.
This key tells the computer that data or instructions have been entered
and
may be processed.
Figure 1.6. Common Control Keys

Page 1.11
Initial Setup
Special Function Keys
The following keys are used for special purposes by some programs. In-
structions describing their use appear with the programs that use their
functions.
Special Function Keys (Fl through FlO) - Used for special purposes.
l/END, 2/(down arrow),
3/PGDN, 4/(left arrow), 6/(right arrow),
7/HOME, 8/(up arrow), and 9/PGUP - When none of the SHIFT of
NUM LOCK keys are pressed, these cursor control keys are used to control
cursor movement and screen presentation.
O/INS and JDEL - When none of the SHIFT or NUM LOCK keys are
pressed, these
two keys are used in applications that require special inser-
tion and deletion operations. The DEL (delete) key often duplicates the
BACK SPACE key, but may be used for other purposes.
SCROLL LOCK/BREAK - Used by application programs to control screen
scrolling or interrupt program execution. This key is not always active.
PRT SC/* -Enters the asterisk or, when used with the SHIFT key, sends
the contents of the screen to a printer.
SYS REQ -Program defined.
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Figure 1.7. Special Function Keys