Epson Apex+ Manual de usuario

Copying Data...3-15Using the DISKCOPY command...3-16Using DISKCOPY with an Apex Plus...

and out of the connector to avoid damaging it. When the card isremoved, rewrap it (using the original packing materials) andplace it inside the packin

4-10 Installing Option Cards

Chapter 5TrobleshootingYou should not encounter any serious difficulties as you set upand use your Apex. But if anything out of the ordinary happens,c

The Computer Fails to Start UpIf your computer does not start up when you turn on the powerswitch, follow these steps to find a solution:1.First, chec

2.3.4.5.If the display doesn’t appear on the screen, use thecontrols on the monitor to adjust the brightness andcontrast of the display.Check DIP swit

2.If the computer remains locked up after you’ve allowed areasonable amount of time, follow the steps in Chapter 2under “Resetting the Computer.”Diske

Hard Disk ProblemsIf you have problems with your hard disk when you first start touse it, make sure it has been set up properly. First check to see if

4. If reformatting the hard disk using FORMAT or SELECTdoesn’t work, you can try to prepare the hard disk as if itwere a new, unformatted hard disk us

Printer ProblemsYour printer manual describes methods to solve most of yourprinter problems. However, if your printer does not workcorrectly right aft

5. Did you perform any necessary post-installation setupprocedures for the operating system? If you did, check yourMS-DOS reference manual to see that

AppendixesAppendix ASetting the DIP Switches...A-1Switch 1 (serial port)... A-2Switch 2 (pa

Composite monochrome monitors can be used if acomposite video board is installed (available fromcomputer dealers). The multi-graphics adapter cardsupp

Q: What kind of joystick can I use with the Apex? Where doI connect it?A: There are many IBM-compatible joysticks and somehave different types of conn

Appendix ASetting the DIP SwitchesThe DIP switch settings on the Apex provide your computerwith information about its configuration. Each time you tur

This table lists functions controlled by each DIP switch:Function1234Serial (RS232-C) portCOM1 primary *OFFCOM2 secondary ONParallel portLPT1 primary

Switch 2 (parallel port)Switch 2 tells the computer how to access the built-in parallelport, as follows:The built-in parallel port functions as either

NOTEThe Apex computer can automatically detect the correct videomode for the connected monitor and make the appropriateadjustments regardless of the c

Appendix BPreparing a Hard Disk For UseThe Apex Plus 20 comes with a preformatted hard disk that hasMS-DOS and GW-BASIC already loaded and ready to us

MKDIR and COPY let you move the files on your hard diskinto the recommended arrangement.COPY lets you create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file toautomatically exec

You see a menu of formatting and checking options:HARD DISK FORMAT MENU1 - Conditional format (Normal)2 - Unconditional format3 - Destructive surface

provided by the drive manufacturer contains bad tracks that theanalysis does not detect, you can use the Unconditional formatoption to flag all the ba

IntroductionYour ApexTMby Epson® personal computer comes in two ver-sions: the Apex Plus with two 360 KB (kilobyte) diskette drives,and the Apex Plus

When the scan is complete, the program displays informationabout the condition of the disk. For a 20MB hard disk with nobad tracks, the display looks

When formatting is complete, any bad tracks are flagged, andyou see a series of messages like these:Format finishedFlagging bad tracks...Cylinder is x

Unconditional formatYou can also use this option to format your hard disk. The dif-ference between unconditional and conditional formatting ishow bad

To add a bad track, follow these steps:1.Press A. You see this prompt:Enter cylinder number (1 - xxxx)2.Type the number of the cylinder containing the

Destructive surface analysisUse this option to accurately locate any bad tracks on a harddisk, and to flag any bad tracks that are not flagged.WARNING

If the program finds one bad track that is not flagged, the sum-mary above shows one track with a write, read error, and only2458 good tracks. The rep

As each track is checked, the current cylinder is displayed. Thecylinder number counts down to zero as the disk is checked.When the analysis is comple

3. Press 1 and then Enter to select the Create DOS Partitionoption. The screen displays:Create DOS PartitionDo you wish to use the entire fixeddisk fo

Using SELECTSELECT formats your hard disk and copies the files on yourMS-DOS system diskette to it. You’ll tell SELECT that youwant to copy the MS-DOS

Besides formatting the hard disk partition, SELECT alsocreates a directory named DOS and copies the operatingsystem files to the hard disk.When the pr

Your Apex includes built-in parallel and serial interfaces that letyou connect almost any peripheral device to the computer. Aperipheral device is one

Follow these steps to complete your installation:1.Insert the working copy of the GW-BASIC diskette intodrive A. At the A> prompt, type the followi

6. Next, you’ll create a file called AUTOEXEC.BAT. Typethe following and press Enter at the end of each line:COPY CON: C:\AUTOEXEC.BATECHO OFFPATH C:\

Appendix CSpecificationsMain Unit8-bit CPUMain. memoryMath coprocessorInterfacesParallel interfaceSerial interfaceSpeaker interfaceOption slotsKeyboar

Mass StorageStandardTwo internal drives maximumTwo 5 l/4-inch, half-height diskettedrives; double-sided, double-density,360 KB storage capacityOptiona

Video and Display OptionsStandardMulti-graphics video card; switch-selectable; installed in option slot; gameport includedSupports Epson and IBM-compa

Printers andprinter accessoriesActionPrinters by EpsonApex809-pin, 80-column, dot-matrix printer;(180 cps draft/30 cps near letter quality)(U110)Black

ComputeraccessoriesInternal 300/1200 baud modemcard (C203A-A)External 300/l200 baud modem(C202A-A)Specifications C-5

C-6 Specifications

GlossaryApplication programA software program designed to perform a specific task, such as aword processing or spreadsheet program.ASCIIAmerican Stand

BootTo load a program or an operating system.ByteA sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character.CGAColor/graphics adapter. A type of

How to Use This ManualThis manual describes how to set up and care for your computer.It also introduces the basics of using MS-DOS and shows youhow to

Control codeA command (generated when you hold down Ctrl and pressanother key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer toperform a specific functi

DeviceA piece of equipment that is part of a computer system andperforms a specific task, such as a disk drive, a monitor, or aprinter.DIP switchesSma

EGAEnhanced Graphics Adapter. A type of high-resolution colormonitor. It can display up to 25 lines of text with 80 characterson each line. It can als

Hard diskThe enclosed unit used to store data permanently. Unlike adiskette, it is fixed in place. It can process data more rapidly andstore many more

LEDLight Emitting Diode. A substance that illuminates whenelectricity passes through it, like the indicator lights above theApex’s keyboard.Main unitT

Monochrome monitorA monitor that displays in only one color, such as green oramber, as opposed to a color monitor which can display inseveral colors.M

ParityData signals sent during communications to detect errors intransmitting or receiving data.PartitionTo divide a hard disk drive into separate sec

ReadTo copy data from one area to another. For example, when youopen a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data fromthe disk and displays

Self testThe initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check itshardware.SerialThe type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time.

Track ballA pointing device that consists of a ball in a socket mountedover motion sensors. When you roll the ball in a certain direc-tion, the cursor

Appendix B describes how to prepare an unformattedhard disk for use.Appendix C lists the hardware specifications, operatingrequirements, and options o

IndexAAC input, 1-7Adjusting the keyboard angle, 1-12 - 13APPEND command, 3-10AUTOEXEC.BAT, 1-22, 2-5 ,3-33, B-2, B-16BBack panel, 1-7Backing up diske

DDate prompt, 1-20, 1-26DB-25P connector, 1-15Default drive, 3-3Delimiters, 3-4Destructive surface analysis test (hard disk), B-1, B-3, B-9DIP switche

EEnhanced graphics adapter (EGA) monitor, Intro-1, 4-1, 5-8Entering commands, 3-3Environmental requirements, C-2Execution speed, 1-5, 2-4 - 5, 5-6Expa

HDFMTALL program, 5-6, B-1 - 2HDSIT program, 2-6, 2-13 - 14Head, read/write, 2-8HELP command, 3-22 - 24Hidden files, 5-5IIBMBIO.COM, 5-5IBMDOS.COM, 5-

Mouse compatibility, 5-9Mouse, Intro-2Moving the computer, 2-15MS-DOS,exiting, 3-2loading, 1-19starting, 3-2Multi-graphics adapter card, Intro-1, 1-8

requirements, C-2sources, 1-3strip, 1-3switch, 1-5, 5-9voltage, 5-9Power-on self test, 1-17Printer, Intro-2, 1-13 - 15, 5-7, C-3Problem solving, 5-1 -

Starting the system,normal startup, 1- 17problem solving, 5-2Stopping a command or program, 2-5Storage capacity, C-2Storing diskettes, 2-9SUBST comman

XXTREE, Intro-3, 2-14, 3-24 - 32Index 8

Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemSetting up your Apex personal computer is easy - just followthe steps in this chapter and you’ll be on your way. You ca

You’ll also find a registration card with your Apex; fill out thiscard now and mail it to Epson. With this registration card onfile, Epson can send yo

Save these cards to use whenever you move the computer. Also,if you don’t intend to use your computer for a week or more,insert the cards to help prev

No electromagnetic interference. Choose a spot for yourcomputer away from any device that generates an electro-magnetic field (like a telephone).Arran

Reader Comment CardApex by Epson User’s Guidefor the Apex Plus and Apex Plus 20Please use this card to evaluate this manual. Your commentsand suggesti

The front panelOn the front panel you see the power light, the power switch,and the keyboard cable socket. If you are using an Apex Plus,your computer

Diskette drives. In the Apex Plus, both the top and bottomdiskette drives use 5 l/4-inch, 360 KB diskettes. In theApex Plus 20, the diskette drive als

The back panelTake a look at the back panel and note the power inlet,the universal power supply, the DIP switches, the built-ininput/output ports, and

configuration. Do not change them unless you are addingoption cards that require different settings. Appendix Adescribes how to set these switches if

3Connecting the MonitorIt is easiest to connect the monitor cable if the backs of themonitor and the main unit are facing you.Your Apex comes with an

3.Tighten the screws (if any) on the plug with a screwdriver.4. Plug the monitor’s power cable into an electrical outlet.5.Set the color/mono switch o

6.Make sure the DIP switch settings are correct for the typeof monitor you are using. The Apex computer is set at thefactory to 80x25 color, for a col

4Connecting the KeyboardFollow these steps to connect the keyboard:1.Insert the keyboard connector into the keyboard socketon the front panel of your

You can lock each leg in a 15 degree position or an 11degree position. To lock a leg into the 11 degree position,lift up the entire leg and then push

3.Connect the printer cable connector to the parallel porton the back panel of the main unit. If the connector hasretaining screws, tighten them with

Serial interfaceIf you have a printer (or another peripheral such as a modem)with a serial interface, connect it to the serial (RS-232C) porton the ba

7Turning On the Computer andLoading MS-DOSBefore you turn on the computer, be sure to read the safety rules.Safety rulesFollow these rules to avoid ac

System startupNow you’re ready to turn on your Apex. Follow these steps:1.2.3.Make sure one end of the power cord is securely pluggedinto the power in

Initial screen displayBefore the self test begins, a message similar to this displays:Phoenix 8088 ROM BIOS Ver. 1.00Copyright (c) 1984, 1985, 1987Pho

If you have an Apex Plus 20, your computer automatically loadsMS-DOS version 3.2 from the hard disk drive. The MS-DOScommand prompt C> displays. Co

2.Turn the latch down until it locks in the vertical position.For a complete description of inserting diskettes, seeChapter 2, “Using Diskettes and Di

5.You can enter the correct date or leave it unchanged bypressing Enter. For now, press Enter to leave the dateunchanged.6. After accepting the date,

That’s because Epson changed the prompt by adding a commandin a file named AUTOEXEC.BAT. This file contains a series ofcommands that your computer aut

2. Type:DISKCOPY A: B:and press Enter. The screen displays these prompts:Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Insert TARGET diskette in drive B:Press any

7.Press N to return to the MS-DOS command prompt.8. Store the original system diskettes in a safe place.9. Properly label the working copies you just

If the diskette in drive A is not formatted, the DISKCOPYprogram formats it. Then the program copies the data fromthe computer’s memory to the formatt

To set the real time clock, follow these steps:1.If you are using the Apex Plus, insert the GW-BASICdiskette into drive A. At the command prompt, type

Chapter 2Using Your ApexThis chapter covers these basic procedures for using your Apexcomputer and keyboard:Using the special keys on the keyboardChan

Take a look at the special keys and their functions:Key NamePurposePerform special functions withinapplication programs.Moves the cursor to the right

Key NamePurposeChanges the function of thekeys on the keypad from numericentry to cursor movement; changeswhen pressed again.Controls scrolling in som

Selecting Execution SpeedThe Apex can operate at two speeds: 4.77MHz or 9.54MHz.At 9.54MHz, the Apex performs all tasks faster. Certain appli-cations

NOTEIf you want to set your computer to run at 9.54MHz every timeyou turn on or reset the computer, insert a SPEED command inyour AUTOEXEC.BAT file. S

WARNINGDo not reset the computer simply to exit a program. Someapplication programs classify and store new data when you exitthe program. If you reset

Using Diskettes and Diskette DrivesThe disk drives in your computer let you store your work andprograms for use at any time. Apex Plus systems have tw

A small read/write head in the computer’s disk drive interpretsthe magnetic patterns. When you put a diskette in a drive, theread/write head is direct

IMPORTANT NOTICEDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTYEpson America makes no representations or warranties, either express orimplied, by or with respect to anything i

new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want toerase. See Chapter 3 (or your MS-DOS reference manual) forinstructions on how to format

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and donot bend them. A diskette does not rotate properly in thedrive if it has been damaged.Never wipe

When the diskette is all the way in, turn the latch down untilit locks into the vertical position. This keeps the diskette inplace and lets the read/w

Write-protecting diskettesYou can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from beingaltered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read dat

Copy your data diskettes regularly (preferably every day, orevery few hours if you’re creating a lot of data) to keep yourbackup data current, then st

The 20 MB hard disk can store as much data as 55360 KB diskettes.Your computer can read from and write to a hard diskfaster than when using a diskette

insert another diskette and copies from memory to the newdiskette. When copying is complete, you see a prompt to insertthe original diskette.Because y

2-16 Using Your Apex

Chapter 3Using MS-DOS with Your ApexIn this chapter, you’ll learn the basics of using MS-DOS withyour Apex. The MS-DOS operating system manages the ro

Starting and Exiting MS-DOSBefore you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOSmust be running in memory. Follow these steps to loadMS-DOS:1.Turn

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTFOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if notinstalled and used properly, that is, in

Changing the Default DriveWhen you see the A> prompt, you know that MS-DOS isoperating from drive A.If you want to run a program or find a file on

You can enter command names and parameters in either upper-case or lowercase letters. However, you must separate commandnames and parameters with deli

Naming a FileEach file requires a unique filename. The filename consists oftwo parts: the file’s name and the file’s extension.You can use up to eight

Creating and Using DirectoriesMS-DOS stores the names of the files in directories. This makesit easy for you to organize and find your files. A direct

The directory you are working in is called the cm-rent directory.Usually, when you first load the operating system, the rootdirectory is the current d

Creating directoriesUse the MKDIR command to create a directory. For example,to create the LEDGER directory under the root directory, typethe followin

`The backslash identifies the new directory LEDGER as a sub-directory of the root directory.Once you are in the directory, you can directly access any

For example, if you are in the LEDGER directory and want toaccess a file named MICHELLE under the PERSONAL direc-tory, you would type the following pa

Copying from one directory to anotherYou use the COPY command to copy files from one directory toanother. Specify the pathname of the file you want to

Displaying a list of directoriesThe TREE command lets you display a list of all the directorieson the specified drive. For example, to see the names o

iv

Removing a directoryIf you no longer need a directory, you can remove it with theRMDIR (remove directory) command. To remove a directory,first delete

2. When you see the A> prompt, type:FORMAT B:and press Enter. You see this prompt:Insert diskette for drive B:and strike ENTER when ready3. Insert

3. When you see the C> prompt, type:FORMAT A:and press Enter. You see this prompt:Insert new diskette for drive A:and strike ENTER when ready4. Ins

Using the DISKCOPY commandThe DISKCOPY command lets you copy all the files on adiskette to another diskette. Epson also provides a disk utilitycalled

3. At the A> prompt, type:DISKCOPY A: B:and press Enter.4. MS-DOS prompts you to insert your diskettes. You seethese messages:Insert SOURCE diskett

Using DISKCOPY with an Apex Plus 201.Make sure your original diskette is write protected (seeChapter 2 for instructions).2.If necessary, type C : to l

5.Remove the diskette from drive A and insert the blankdiskette in the drive. DISKCOPY checks to see if the newdiskette is formatted. If not, it forma

A few simple rules apply when copying files:You must tell MS-DOS where to find the source fileand where to write the target file.You cannot create a n

To copy all the files on the diskette in drive A to the diskette indrive B, type:COPY A:*.* B:To copy all the files on drive A whose names begin with

You can also completely back up all your files and then tellBACKUP to add only those files that have been modified sincethe last time you ran BACKUP.

ContentsIntroduction...1How to Use This Manual...3Where to Get Help...

Use the cursor keys to highlight a command name and pressEnter to display the help screens for this one command.If there is more than one page of text

Messagescommand not foundYou may have misspelled the command name. Press Enter toreturn to the command prompt and try again.Failed to open HELP.TXTHEL

Move a file, or files, from one directory to another on thecurrent diskDisplay and change the attributes of any file; attributes arespecial switches,

The XTREE display shows you:PATHProvides the current location asan MS-DOS style pathname.\Provides a tree diagram of thedirectory structure of the dis

Cursor keys move the pointer. To select a file, use the arrowkeys to highlight the file and directory names within the Direc-tory and File windows. Pr

CautionsWith a utility as powerful and as fast as XTREE, you mustalways be aware of the danger of accidentally erasing importantfiles. Follow these gu

1.At the MS-DOS command prompt, type XTREE and pressEnter. You see the XTREE menu:Path:\\IFILE:'.*ANSIASSIGNATTRIBCHKDSKCOMMANDDEBUGDISKCOMPDISKC

3.Now you can copy files into this directory. Press Enterto move the cursor from the root directory to the fileswindow.4.Press T to tag a few files. A

7.Press Enter twice to return the cursor to the rootdirectory; then move the cursor to the new directory. Yourdisplay should look like this:Path:\ TES

Starting Your Application ProgramOnce you have loaded MS-DOS, you can start using yourapplication program. Remove your MS-DOS diskette from driveA and

Chapter 2Using Your Apex...2-1Special Keys on the Apex Keyboard...2-1Selecting Execution Speed.

third line changes the command prompt to display the currentdirectory as well as the current drive, and the fourth line clearsthe screen.Here are some

3-34 Using MS-DOS with Your Apex

Chapter 4Installing Option CardsYou can use your Apex in many additional ways by addingoption cards to its present configuration. Option cards areacce

Removing the CoverTo remove the cover, you’ll need a cross-head screwdriver.Follow these steps:WARNINGNever open the cover of the Apex while it is plu

4. Now tilt the cover up slightly from the back and push itaway from you and the computer.5. Set the cover aside for now.Inserting the Option CardNow

1.Touch the power supply cover inside the computer todischarge any static electricity that may be on your clothesor body.2.Decide which option slot yo

3.Next, unpack the option card and read all instructions thatcome with it. Adjust any switches or jumper connectionson the option card if necessary.NO

5.Now, insert the card straight down into the slot. Slide thetab at the bottom of the retaining bracket between theback panel and the green main circu

Replacing the CoverAfter you have installed the card, all you need to do is replacethe cover of the computer:1.With the back of the computer still fac

Post-installation SetupWith the option card in place, your Apex may need a fewadjustments to accommodate its new configuration. If you havealready rep