RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT. FROM THE START RIGHT.
1996 ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS FIRST EDITION: November 1996 To re-order this document, request part number DSO-00196-00. FCC Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCING THE EAGLE SERIES COMPUTER ABOUT THIS BOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphics Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HARDWARE FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page ii Table of Contents Eagle 550 CMOS Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TURNING THE COMPUTER ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INSTALLING THE OPERATOR TERMINAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Terminal’s Baud Rate and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INITIAL TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Page iii CHAPTER 5 - SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION BACKING UP YOUR DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DISK ACCOUNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organizing the Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding New Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page iv Table of Contents APPENDIX A - SERIAL, PARALLEL, UPS AND ETHERNET CONNECTOR CONFIGURATIONS SERIAL I/O CONNECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 WHAT IS RS-232? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2 WHAT IS RS-422? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3 CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Page v LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Eagle Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Panel Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagle 100 Rear Panel Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagle 300-500 Rear Panel Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCING THE EAGLE SERIES COMPUTER Note: This manual decribes the Eagle Series computer packaged in the Standard Eagle enclosure. For information on the optional high end AM-990 enclosure, see the AM-990 SBC Service Manual, part number DSS-10524-00. Alpha Micro offers a complete line of computer systems ranging in capacity from one to over 300 users, and offering up to 64 megabytes of memory and thousands of megabytes of disk storage.
Page 1-2 Chapter One The large number of applications packages and programming languages developed for the complete family of Alpha Micro computers are available for your computer, too! The Eagle Series consists of several different models; see the Eagle Series Summary Specification Sheetfor more details on the different types of Eagle computers which are available.
Introducing the Eagle Series Computer Page 1-3 Graphics Conventions Like other documents in the Alpha Micro documentation library, this book contains a number of standard symbols to make our text easier to read and understand. SYMBOL DESCRIPTION This symbol means STOP!, and signals an important warning or restriction you must know about before continuing. This symbol marks a hint, and identifies a shortcut or an easier way to do something.
Page 1-4 Chapter One HARDWARE FEATURES There are a number of physical components that go into the construction of your Eagle computer which provide the ability to process, input, display, and store data. The following sections highlight some of these components. For technical information on these devices, refer to the specification sheet supplied with your computer. Processor The heart of your computer is its powerful CPU (Central Processing Unit), a high speed 32-bit microprocessor.
Introducing the Eagle Series Computer Page 1-5 Front Panel Status Display The status display on the front panel lets you know what is going on inside the computer even when no messages appear on your terminal. Some normal functions of the machine (e.g., clearing memory when the computer boots) cause codes to appear on the display, as do certain system errors. In addition, the self test uses the status display to let you know how it is progressing, and if any errors have occurred.
Page 1-6 Chapter One AM-318 and AM-359 serial ports, as well as the Eagle 100’s eight on-board serial ports and Eagle 550’s four on-board serial ports can take advantage of a feature called Super I/O. Super I/O handles character output more efficiently than any other AMOS serial port driver, reducing the load on the CPU and making more CPU cycles available for other tasks. See Appendix C for more details. Parallel I/O Capability Eagle 100 computers have one standard-speed parallel port.
Introducing the Eagle Series Computer Page 1-7 SOFTWARE FEATURES Computer hardware is all potential and no action until the software programs instruct it to do something. Some of the features of the standard system software are listed below. Your VAR can provide software packages specifically suited to your needs, such as accounting software, programming languages, mathematical packages, and so on. These packages are not included in this list.
Page 1-8 Chapter One SERVICE INFORMATION Alpha Micro provides a comprehensive post sales service and support program for its entire product line. Our VAR network is structured to provide you with immediate access to support assistance and information. Our customer commitment is maintained through the expertise and skills of our competent, professional staff whose dedication assures all Alpha Micro customers the maximum benefits of quality support.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION This chapter gives general installation information for your computer.
Page 2-2 Chapter Two UNPACKING GUIDELINES Unpack the computer and save all packing material and cartons in case you ever need to transport the computer. The shipping material was carefully designed to provide optimum cushioning and protection. When re-shipping or otherwise transporting your computer, you must use the original packaging to ensure safe shipment. When moving your computer, handle it gently. The hard disk in the main unit has moving parts and delicate read/write heads.
Installation Page 2-3 Reporting Shipping Damage If there is any damage to the shipping container or the main enclosure, or if you are missing any items on the unpacking checklist, please call your VAR immediately. Instructions for Reshipping the Computer If shipping damage has occurred or the self test indicates a problem with the computer, your VAR may recommend that you ship it back.
Page 2-4 Chapter Two 2.Making sure it is configured correctly for your local electrical requirements. 3.Verifying the boot ID switches or CMOS boot configuration, depending upon system type. 4.Running an initial diagnostic test to make sure the computer is working correctly. 5.Connecting terminals and printers. Some of the sections in this chapter refer to various locations on the front and back panels of the computer.
Installation Page 2-5 POWER BUTTON DISK ACTIVITY LIGHT CPU ACTIVITY LIGHT POWER LIGHT O RB TU DIGITAL DISPLAY T SE RE TURBO BUTTON RESET BUTTON KEYLOCK MC1016 Front Panel Controls and Indicators Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual, Rev.
Page 2-6 Chapter Two Eagle Rear Panel Configurations The types and number of connectors on the rear panel of your Eagle computer will vary depending on the model and the equipment included with your order.
Installation Page 2-7 AC POWER RECEPTACLE AC ACCESSORY RECEPTACLE 115 VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH 115 230 SCSI CONNECTOR ENET ETHERNET 10BaseT AUXILIARY FAN MAIN ALT BOOT ID SWITCH BOOT PARALLEL 1 PARALLEL PORT 1 PARALLEL 0 PARALLEL PORT 0 ETHERNET ETHERNET A.U.I. PORT H1 SCSI H2 G1 G2 F1 F2 E1 E2 D1 D2 C1 C2 B1 B2 A1 A2 SERIAL PORTS MC1017 TELCO 50-PIN RJ-21 CONNECTORS EXTENDING FROM OPTIONAL AM-318 SERIAL I/O BOARDS.
Page 2-8 Chapter Two 0 SCSI 1 PRINT PORT 3 115 PRINT PORT 2 PRINT PORT 1 PRINT PORT 0 A B C D E F G TX RX LINK AUI 10 base T SERIAL PORTS SIO EXPANSION BUS UPS 3 2 1 0 MC1261 Eagle 550 Rear Panel Configuration Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual, Rev.
Installation Page 2-9 Power Supply AC Voltage and Receptacles The voltage select switch shown in the rear panel illustrations is factory set to 115 volts. By simply sliding the switch to the opposite position, you can convert the power supply for 230 volt operation. The power supply has one standard AC power receptacle and one AC accessory receptacle (typically used to supply power to a terminal or subsystem located close to your computer). One standard AC power cord is packaged with your computer.
Page 2-10 Chapter Two Environmental Requirements It is important to remember that the cleaner the environment, the more efficiently the computer performs. Treat your computer with respect. For example, do not place coffee cups or soda cans on top of the main enclosure where they can spill. If spilled liquid happens to reach the circuit boards inside the computer, it could cause computer failure.
Installation Page 2-11 Several anti-static sprays on the market can be of considerable help during days when static electricity is a problem. Also, using an air conditioner that controls humidity can greatly reduce a static electricity problem. Power and Cable Connections Before selecting a site for your computer, you should determine if the area where you want to place the computer has adequately regulated AC power.
Page 2-12 Chapter Two Data cables should not be located near high voltage power lines, power transformer telephone cables, or in elevator shafts. They should not cross walkways. If you must cross walkways, cover the cables with a cable bridge. You must also take cable lengths into consideration. Single-ended circuits are susceptible to all forms of electromagnetic interference.
Installation Page 2-13 MAIN DEVICE (as viewed from your computer's rear panel) MAIN DEVICE BOOT SELECT SWITCH SETTINGS Switches 1 and 2 3 3 3 NOT VALID SCSI DISK DRIVE ALT 4 ALT 4 4 4 ALT MAIN 2 MAIN 2 MAIN 2 3 DISKETTE DRIVE 1 1 1 2 ALT ON ON ON ON 1 MAIN NOT VALID ALTERNATE DEVICE (as viewed from your computer's rear panel) ALTERNATE DEVICE BOOT SELECT SWITCH SETTINGS Switches 3 and 4 MAIN 3 ALT STREAMING TAPE DRIVE 4 ALT 4 4 4 DISKETTE DRIVE 3 3 3 NO ALTER
Page 2-14 Chapter Two EAGLE 550 SPECIFIC FEATURES The new EAGLE 550 system has additional features that distinguish it from all other Eagle systems. These new features include: Expanded Rear Panel A new rear panel has been designed for the Eagle 550 system to provide more versatility and flexability. Two SCSI ports allow external connection to a disk expansion box or RAID subsystem. The rear panel supports four DB-25 parallel printer ports and seven paddle board SIO expansion slots.
Installation Page 2-15 System Versatility The AM319-20 system board was designed to work in both the Eagle chassis and the AM-990 system chassis with the capabitlity to use either type of front panel status display. The 20-pin connector is used for the Eagle status display, and the 26-pin connector is used for the AM-990 status display.
Page 2-16 Chapter Two EAGLE 550 CMOS INITIALIZATION ROUTINE Before relying on the CMOS parameters, the Roadrunner boot code checks the validity of the CMOS contents by verifying the parameter checksum. If the checksum verifies OK, the system will boot using the previously stored CMOS parameters. If the checksum does NOT verify (for example, if the battery back-up fails), the front panel will blink the code "CE" for several seconds to inform the user.
Installation Page 2-17 Primary Boot Device Type This parameter selects the type of device to boot from in the event that the attempt to boot from the alternate device fails or is not selected. Currently, only SCSI and floppy drives can be selected as the primary boot device. Primary Boot Device Unit # This parameter selects which primary drive number to boot from. Valid unit numbers for SCSI drives are 0-6. Valid unit numbers for floppy drives are 0 and 1.
Page 2-18 Chapter Two When done making changes press ESC . A message will appear at the bottom of the screen asking if you wish to save any changes made. Enter "Y" to save the changes in the CMOS RAM, or "N" to abandon any changes made. After entering your response, the system will boot using whatever parameters have been saved in the CMOS setup. Important Notes: If you wish to boot from a physical disk device other than device I.D.
Installation Page 2-19 The above example holds true for all hard disk drives, but has a slightly different effect if you’re booting from a floppy drive. For example, if you boot from the 2nd floppy drive, then that drive becomes DSK0:. If the INI file used during the boot process defines a DSK1: device, then all accesses to DSK1: will be sent to the 1st floppy drive. The drives become reversed, ie. DSK0: refers to floppy drive 1, and DSK1: refers to floppy drive 0.
Page 2-20 Chapter Two For all Eagle 100 computers, port #0 (the boot port) will be located at position F1. MAIN ALT BOOT SCSI PARALLEL 0 F1 F2 E1 E2 D1 D2 C1 C2 B1 B2 A1 A2 For most Eagle 200 computers that include at least one AM-314 board, port #0 (the boot port) will be located at position F1. NOTE: DB9 cutouts at locations F1, F2, E1, and E2 are not present on some Eagle 200 computers. If there not present, the boot port will be at location D1.
Installation Page 2-21 TX RX LINK AUI 10 base T UPS 0 1 3 MC1265 2 Eagle 550 RJ-45 serial boot port (#0) SERIAL PORTS Eagle 550 Boot Port Location Setting the Terminal’s Baud Rate and Parameters AMOS initially assumes the operator terminal is an Alpha Micro or compatible terminal using RS232 signals. It also assumes the terminal is working at 19200 baud.
Page 2-22 Chapter Two INITIAL TESTING Before you boot the computer under AMOS, or hook up any printers and additional terminals, you should use the self test feature to verify that the hardware is working correctly. For full information on the self test, refer to the self test user’s guide shipped with this owner’s manual. Perform the self test now before proceeding to the next section.
Installation Page 2-23 To install the system software from a streaming tape to a new computer, you need to: 1.Make sure power to the computer is turned on. Check that the boot ID switches are set to streaming tape. See "Verifying the Boot ID Switch Settings" earlier in this chapter for details, or the CMOS setup procedure for Eagle 550 systems. 2.Insert the warm boot tape into the tape drive. 3.Press the reset button on the front panel of the computer. 4.
Page 2-24 Chapter Two To turn off the computer always follow these steps: 1.Make sure all users have exited all programs and are logged off the computer. 2.Remove any backup media (such as diskettes) from the computer. 3.Turn off all external devices such as printers and terminals. 4.Press the AC power button on the front panel. EXPANDING YOUR COMPUTER Your Alpha Micro VAR can assist you with setting up, expanding or servicing your computer.
CHAPTER 3 GETTING STARTED This chapter contains two types of information: basic concepts about the way your computer is set up and operates, and general procedures for working with it. Specific topics include: Booting the computer. Device names and the System Disk. Disk accounts and user names. Logging on to the computer and transferring between disk accounts. Your terminal keyboard. Working with diskettes and streamer tapes.
Page 3-2 Chapter Three As the computer processes the commands in the system initialization file, each line of the file displays on the operator terminal. When all of the commands in the initialization file have been processed successfully, the computer is up and running. The last command in any system initialization file is MEMORY 0. When you see MEMORY 0 on the operator terminal, and the front panel status display changes to blank, the computer has finished booting.
Getting Started Page 3-3 Remember, this is only an example. Your computer may be set up to reference the hard disk as more or fewer than three logical devices. If you want to see a list of the hard and diskette disk devices on your computer, type SYSTAT and press RETURN ; the end of the display lists the available disks. At some time in the future you might decide to change the number of logical devices on your hard disk.
Page 3-4 Chapter Three Accounts are called "disk accounts" because each account is specific to a particular device—usually a disk. For example, you may have the account [63,1] on both DSK0: and DSK1:. Though these accounts have the same account number, since they are on different devices they are different accounts, and contain different files. You can see a list of all the accounts on any device on your computer using the PPN command.
Getting Started Page 3-5 You can assign passwords to disk accounts. If the account you enter has a password, AMOS asks you for the password before logging you in. Once you’re logged on to the system, you can use LOG to switch to a different account. You don’t need to enter your user name again, just the account you want. For example: LOG [36,14] RETURN If the account has a password assigned, you are asked for the password before you transfer to the account.
Page 3-6 Chapter Three THE TERMINAL KEYBOARD The first step in communicating with AMOS is to be able to type your instructions on the terminal keyboard. The keyboard is very similar to a standard typewriter’s, but it has a few extra keys with special functions. Take a moment to look at your keyboard so you can easily locate these keys later: KEY RETURN DESCRIPTION (sometimes labeled ENTER or with an arrow that curves to the left) is the carriage return key.
Getting Started Page 3-7 Correcting Typing Mistakes You can correct any mistakes you may make while typing a command line as long as you have not yet pressed the RETURN key. You can: Press RUBOUT to erase single characters. Type CTRL / U to erase the entire current line. Type CTRL / C to tell AMOS to ignore the line. See the table above for explanations of RUBOUT and control characters.
Page 3-8 Chapter Three A diskette consists of a soft or hard plastic jacket or case enclosing a thin disk of magnetically treated mylar on which your data is recorded. Never try to remove this plastic jacket—doing so will ruin the diskette. Your VAR has ready-to-use diskettes available, containing software designed for Alpha Micro computers. If you want to use empty, brand new diskettes to hold your own data, you need to perform a couple of simple steps before using an empty diskette for the first time.
Getting Started Page 3-9 AUTO SHUTTER MICRO FLOPPY DISK 3-1/2" HIGH DENSITY SLIDING TAB WRITE PROTECT LOCK IS LOCATED ON REVERSE SIDE. MAC195 31/2" Diskette If you are using 51/4" diskettes, look at the first figure above and notice the oval cutout in the plastic jacket. If you are using using 31/2" diskettes, look at the figure above and notice the sliding metal door in the hard plastic case surrounding the diskette.
Page 3-10 Chapter Three Only insert a diskette into the drive when the computer is turned on—likewise, do not leave a diskette in the drive when you turn off the computer. Turning the computer on and off can cause power spikes that can damage the data on your diskette. Whenever you insert a diskette, be sure to use the MOUNT command (discussed below) to tell your computer a new diskette is in the drive. Never change diskettes if the drive is busy; doing so could damage the data on the diskettes.
Getting Started Page 3-11 To insert a diskette, hold it so the side with the label is up and the cutout or door is pointing away from you. For a 51/4" diskette, open the drive door by turning the lever so it points toward the red indicator light. Insert the diskette so the oval cutout is on same side as the lever. Close the drive door by turning the lever 90 degrees clockwise. To remove the diskette, turn the lever back, 90 degrees counterclockwise.
Page 3-12 Chapter Three The cartridge tapes shown in the table below are the ones specified for use by the tape drive manufacturer. Using tapes other than those recommended may result in excessive head wear. Device Data Cartridge Maximum Capacity AM-625 AM-625 AM-625 AM-626 AM-626 AM-626 AM-626 AM-626 AM-627 AM-627 AM-627 AM-627 AM-627 AM-627 AM-628 AM-628 AM-628 AM-628 AM-628 AM-628 AM-628 DC6037 DC6150/DC600-XTD DC6250 DC6037 DC6150 DC6250 DC6320 DC6525 DC6037 DC6150 DC6250 DC6320 DC6525 MAGNUS 1.
Getting Started Page 3-13 This information is based on hardware capabilities. Some software may have further restrictions on tape format. Loading and Unloading Tape Cartridges To avoid damaging static discharge, always ground yourself by touching the metal chassis before loading or unloading a tape cartridge. 1.Press the button on the drive’s front panel to open the tape drive door. 2.Hold the cartridge with the metal side down.
Page 3-14 DRI Chapter Three VE S TAT US LED s MAC593 TAP E DAT EJE CT B UTT ON WIN DOW SHU T= WR ITE ENA BLE WIN DOW OPE N= WR ITE PRO TEC TED DAT Tape Drive. 3.Once the tape is loaded, the status lights on the drive will indicate the status of both drive and cartridge. See the manual that came with your tape drive for information on interpreting the status lights. 4.To unload the tape cartridge from the DAT drive, press the tape eject button, which is shown above.
CHAPTER 4 WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? Your Alpha Micro computer is extremely versatile—it can do so many different things that, at this point, you might be somewhat undecided as to where to start. Your next step is to learn something about the software you can run on your computer.
Page 4-2 Chapter Four Please see your VAR for information on other programming languages available for your computer, such as AcuCOBOL-85, AlphaFORTRAN 77, and AlphaC. Text Preparation If you are going to be creating documents on your computer, you will be interested in the word processing programs available. AlphaVUE, a screen-oriented text editor, allows you to use your terminal to create and change documents.
Where Do I Go From Here? Page 4-3 Office Information Products Several office information products are available separately from your local Alpha Micro VAR. The office information products series includes: AlphaCALC, an electronic spreadsheet program that prepares "what if" financial models quickly and easily. AlphaWRITE, a sophisticated word processing package that provides spelling checking, hyphenation, form letter preparation, automatic outlining and much more.
Page 4-4 Chapter Four software books listed below. You can order any of these books by calling your VAR. Here’s an idea of what to look at next: "I Want to Start at the Beginning" If you have never used a computer before, we recommend you read the AMOS User’s Guide. This book is a practical introduction to the Alpha Micro computer, containing instructions for many of the procedures you’ll use every day. It expands on many of the topics discussed in Chapter 3.
Where Do I Go From Here? Page 4-5 If you are an experienced assembly language programmer who wants to write machine language programs for your Alpha Micro computer, we recommend you read these books: Alpha Micro Instruction Set, which contains information on the assembly language instruction set used by the Alpha Micro computers.
CHAPTER 5 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION "System Operator" is the title we give the person whose job it is to make sure the computer runs efficiently, and who has access to the files and programs that comprise the system software. AMOS provides many program tools to support system administration functions. This chapter covers many of these procedures, including: Backing up your data. Allocating disk accounts.
Page 5-2 Chapter Five All Alpha Micro computers come with some type of data backup device. Whether your backup device is a diskette drive or streaming tape drive, learn to use it! Develop regular backup procedures and follow them! If disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you had a little foresight. You should back up some or all of the data on your computer at regular intervals. How often you need to back up depends on how often you add or change data.
System Administration Page 5-3 Organizing the Disk Because there is the danger of logging into the wrong account if you have accounts with the same account numbers on different disks, you may want to establish a numbering scheme to prevent duplicates. You may want to reserve accounts [1,*] through [77,*] for DSK0:, accounts [101,0] through [200,376] for DSK1:, and so on. If you find assigning and remembering account numbers cumbersome, you can substitute a predefined "ersatz" name for the account number.
Page 5-4 Chapter Five *A 100,5 RETURN 6.SYSACT responds: Password: SYSACT asks if you want to protect the new account with a password. You can enter a password of up to six characters, or you can just press the RETURN key if you don’t want to assign a password. If you do enter a password, whenever other users try to log into that account, they have to type the password. If they don’t know the password, they aren’t allowed to log in. 7.
System Administration Page 5-5 :T ; JOBS 5 ; JOBALC JOB1 ; QUEUE 2000 ; TRMDEF TERM1,AM318=0:19200,ALPHA,200,200,200,EDITOR=15 ; PARITY ; Clear memory VER ; Unlock keyboard ; SCZDSP SCZRR.SYS ; PIC-encoded SCSI dispatcher ; DEVTBL DSK1,DSK2,DSK3,DSK4,DSK5 DEVTBL TRM,RES,MEM DEVTBL /STR0 ; Streaming tape device DEVTBL /EPP0,EPP1 ; Eagle 300-500 Parallel printer ports ; BITMAP DSK ; Paged bitmaps for AMOS 2.X ; ERSATZ ERSATZ.NEW MSGINI 20K ; SYSTEM SYSMSG.USA SYSTEM DCACHE.
Page 5-6 Chapter Five Defining Eagle 100 Parallel Ports Eagle 100 and 200 computers contain one standard speed parallel port, which is not automatically defined for you. If you want to use the parallel ports, you will need to add the following DEVTBL statement: DEVTBL /EGP0 You will also need to load the parallel printer driver into system memory using a SYSTEM statement: SYSTEM EGP.
System Administration Page 5-7 Defining Eagle 550 Parallel Ports Eagle 550 computers contain four high speed parallel ports, which are not automatically defined for you. If you want to use the parallel ports, you will need to add the following DEVTBL statement: DEVTBL /SEP0,SEP1,SEP2,SEP3 You will also need to load the parallel printer driver into system memory using a SYSTEM statement: SYSTEM SEP.
Page 5-8 Chapter Five If your computer has five jobs now and you want to add two more jobs, change the number in the JOBS statement to 7 or more. For example: JOBS 7 4.On the lines following the JOBS statement, there are one or more JOBALC statements. You can define each job in a separate JOBALC statement, or you can define several jobs in the same JOBALC statement by separating the jobnames with commas.
System Administration Page 5-9 6.Now you can use the ATTACH statement to link the terminal defined in the TRMDEF statement with the job defined in the JOBALC statement. (Or, you can use the SETJOB statement instead of ATTACH; see the System Operator’s Guide to System Initialization for information on SETJOB). Add the ATTACH statement anywhere after the last SYSTEM command in the file. ATTACH TERM2,JOB4 Immediately after the ATTACH statement you need to include several statements to initialize the job. 7.
Page 5-10 Chapter Five If there was something wrong with the changes you made, do not rename the TEST.INI file. Press the reset button to reboot the computer with the original system initialization file. Now you can use AlphaVUE to correct the TEST.INI file and try again. Changing User Memory How much of the computer’s total supply of memory is assigned to each job is determined by the MEMORY command.
System Administration Page 5-11 4.The last statement in the system initialization file is MEMORY 0. This statement allocates to the System Operator’s job all the memory not specifically assigned to other jobs. If you want to increase the amount of memory assigned to the job attached to the operator terminal—the terminal the computer boots on, connected to Port #0—all you need to do is subtract memory from some other job. 5.
Page 5-12 Chapter Five SET DSKERR causes the computer to report the location of any hard errors the diagnostic program finds. If you don’t use SET DSKERR, the diagnostic tells you only that an error occurred, not where on the disk it happened. You must run the diagnostic program from the same job where you used SET DSKERR. The next two sections discuss two very useful diagnostic programs, REDALL and DSKANA.
System Administration Page 5-13 The DSKANA Command The DSKANA command is an important part of your disk maintenance routine. DSKANA analyzes the data on a specified disk and reports lost and mis-linked disk blocks, inconsistent block counts, and other file errors. Each file on the disk is stored in one or more disk blocks. AMOS keeps track of which disk blocks are currently used in files and which are not by means of a special structure called a "bitmap." Each disk has its own bitmap.
Page 5-14 Chapter Five DSKANA DSK1: RETURN [Begin analysis of DSK1:] [1,2] . [100,20] [The following blocks were marked in use but not in a file] 1767 1772 2562 3456 6265 [The following blocks were in a file but not marked in use] [Rewriting BITMAP] No file errors If you see the "No file errors" message, the file structure on the disk is intact. If DSKANA lists a number of file errors, there is a problem with the disk’s file structure.
System Administration Page 5-15 The CHECK Option and Automatic Backups At times, you may want to have DSKANA examine a disk without re-writing the bitmap, especially when using an "automatic" backup method such as a command file or the Task Manager to perform the backup. The reason for this is simple: assume you run DSKANA at night as part of an automatic backup procedure.
Page 5-16 Chapter Five BEGIN FORMATTING When it is finished, FMT219 displays: EXIT The diskette is now formatted. Before you can use the diskette, you need to initialize it. 3.Now, use the SYSACT command to initialize the diskette. Type: SYSACT Devn: RETURN 4.You now see the SYSACT prompt symbol, an asterisk.
System Administration Page 5-17 The diskette is now ready to use. To log into the diskette and write data to it, you need to add accounts to the diskette. Use the SYSACT command again and use the A (Add) option as described earlier.
CHAPTER 6 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Your computer requires little care. However, preventive maintenance is an integral part of keeping any computer running at peak efficiency. To safeguard your investment, we recommend you establish a regular maintenance schedule for your equipment. This chapter contains some recommended maintenance procedures for: Diskettes, DAT, and streamer tape cartridges. The diskette drive, as well as DAT and streaming tape drives. The main enclosure.
Page 6-2 Chapter Six Diskettes should be at about the same temperature as your computer or spurious device errors could result. So, if the place you store the media has a very different temperature than the area where your computer lives, place the diskette near the computer and give it a few minutes to adjust to the new temperature before use. CARE OF STREAMING TAPE AND DAT CARTRIDGES A cartridge tape can store data from an entire disk, so it is worth taking care of properly.
Preventive Maintenance Page 6-3 For the AM-625, AM-626, and AM-627 streaming tape drives, follow these cleaning procedures: The head is a brass-colored metal square that can be seen in the tape slot. Use a line-free cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 91% strength) to rub the surface of the head. Then rub the head with a dry swab to prevent residue buildup. Do not use 70% rubbing alcohol.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES We believe you will find your Alpha Micro computer easy to install and use, and be pleased with its exceptional reliability. However, if a problem should occur, look at the list of symptoms below to find practical information on diagnosing and correcting the problem. Some of the problems below are the result of improper installation, while others can occur through user error.
Page 7-2 Chapter Seven Symptom #2: Scrambled Characters on the Terminal Screen If the characters you see on the screen after you boot are not legible text, perform the procedures listed below in the order given: [] Check Power/Run/Memory Lights [] Check the System Status Codes [] Check Terminal/Printer [] Powerup/Reset [] Self Test [] Alternate Boot (Procedure #1) (Procedure #2) (Procedure #4) (Procedure #3) (Procedure #5) (Procedure #6) Symptom #3: Computer Does Not Finish Booting The operator terminal
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-3 Procedure #1: Check Power/Run/Memory Lights A.Are the power light and fan on? If yes, go to Step B. If the fan is on but the power light isn’t, your power light may be burnt out. Go to Step B. 1.Press the power button to turn the computer off. Make sure the power cord is not damaged and is the correct type for your geographical area. Make sure it is plugged in firmly on both ends. If there is a problem with the cord, correct it and go to "Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset.
Page 7-4 Chapter Seven 1. Note: If the memory light is on more than once in a great while, contact your VAR—you probably have memory problems. The memory light is actually a "1" in front of the two-digit status code on the front panel. When you see a 1 in this position, it indicates a parity error condition. If the memory light is on, perform "Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset" ONCE. If that procedure does not clear the memory light, proceed. 2.Perform "Procedure #5: Self Test.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-5 F.If Status Code 23, 2F, 33, or 3F remains on the display panel, you might have a problem with your boot device selection. Verify that the boot ID switches on the back panel of your computer are set correctly according to the instructions in Chapter 2. Perform "Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset." If the computer does not boot normally at this point, call your VAR. Stop. G.
Page 7-6 Chapter Seven Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset A.If the computer is already turned on, skip to Step B. To turn on the computer, follow the instructions in Chapter 2. Remember—DO NOT hold in the reset button while you turn on the computer or you will enable the self test. The computer should now boot. Skip down to C, below, for instructions on how to tell if the computer is up. B.To reset the computer: 1.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-7 3.Turn off the computer and wait a few seconds. 4.Turn on all of the terminals, printers, and peripheral devices connected to the computer. 5.Turn on the computer. Do not hold in the reset button while you do so. 6.Return to Step C, above, to see if the computer is up and running. Return to the current procedure or go to the next procedure on your checklist whether or not the computer is up and running.
Page 7-8 Chapter Seven 3.For printers, make sure the correct ends of the cable are attached to the computer and the printer—cable ends are usually not interchangeable for printers. 4.If there is a problem with the terminal cables, correct the problem and reset the computer. If it comes up normally and the terminals seem to work all right, your problem is fixed. D.Disconnect all terminals except the terminal you are testing. E.Reset the computer.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-9 I.Check the terminal cable. If you suspect it might be damaged, try substituting another cable and resetting the computer. If it comes up normally and the terminal works, you can assume the original cable is bad. Remove the cable hoods from both ends of the bad cable and look for broken wires. If you feel comfortable doing so, review the cable constructions in Appendix A to see if there are any errors in cable construction.
Page 7-10 Chapter Seven The special symbols used in the Self Test Checker have these meanings: The slash character (/) means the codes blink alternately, showing the type of error and its location. The letter X in the asterisked (*) items means a digit (1-9) will display. Record the digit you see on the screen. The ranges 1-16 and 1-2 in the asterisked (*) items mean a number in the given range will display on the screen. Record the number that appears. C.Turn the computer off. Perform Section C.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-11 There is a slight chance you might damage the data on the disks if you interrupt the test while it is testing one of the storage devices. If the test loops on the configuration test and stays on error code 80 or 8F and won’t go further, press the reset button to stop the test. If the test loops on the memory test, and stays on a memory error code and won’t go further, press the reset button. I.If errors were found, call your VAR for help.
Page 7-12 Chapter Seven SELF TEST CHECKER Configuration Test Steady 80 Blinking Memory Test Steady 90 80 5b 8F Serial Port Test Steady A0 Blinking Interval Timer Test Blinking Steady 98 9X/1-16* 8F/1-16* 8F Hard Disk Test Steady A8 A0/1-2* Blinking A8 A9/11 AA/11 Ab/11 Blinking 98 VCR Test Steady b0 Blinking b0 b1 b3 Diskette Drive Test Steady b8 Blinking b8 b9 bb bc NOTE: A / indicates two codes blink alternately. An * indicates the code is in the range shown.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-13 First, verify the boot ID switches on the back panel of the computer, or the Eagle 550 CMOS configuration parameters, for the correct alternate device. Refer to Chapter 2 for details on boot ID switch settings and the CMOS configuration menu. When you are sure the setup is correct for the device you are attempting to boot from, proceed. A.If your computer does not contain a diskette drive, skip to Step B.
CHAPTER 8 STATUS DISPLAY CODES Your computer provides various tools for you to use to assure yourself your computer is healthy and operating as it should. For instance, your computer is capable of testing itself and checking most of its own internal components for proper operation. Besides letting you know when things are working correctly, if a problem should occur, these tools help you find the cause.
Page 8-2 Chapter Eight If you have an alternate boot device selected, the first few status codes will always begin with 2 since the computer checks the alternate device first. If there is a bootable tape or diskette in the alternate boot device, the first digit of the status codes remains 2. If there is no bootable medium in the alternate device, the computer boots from the primary device and the first digit of the status codes changes to 3.
Status Display Codes Page 8-3 Front Panel Status Codes - All Eagle Systems (continued) CODE MEANING x4 The computer is reading the Master File Directory (MFD) from disk. An error at this point indicates disk problems. x5 Searching for the User File Directory (UFD) account [1,2] on the boot device. x6 Searching for BADBLK.SYS. Valid only on disk drives that use a BADBLK.SYS file. x7 Loading BADBLK.SYS. Valid only on disk drives that use a BADBLK.SYS file.
Page 8-4 Chapter Eight Additional Front Panel Status Codes - Eagle 550 Systems Only CODE MEANING CS The computer is asking the operator if he wishes to enter CMOS setup. The operator has three seconds to press ESC on terminal port 0, which must be set at 19200 baud. CE CMOS parameter checksum error. This code will flash on the front panel for several seconds to inform the user. CC The computer is testing the CMOS RAM for proper operation after detecting a CMOS checksum error.
Status Display Codes Page 8-5 Front Panel Status Codes - Eagle 550 UPS Status Port CODE MEANING 40 Inverter running, UPS normal or system has recovered from an AC power fail. Only displayed if the UPS status cable is installed on the UPS port. 41 UPS is in bypass; Please turn on the run switch, the computer system is running without battery backup. 42 UPS detected an AC power failure and the system is running on batteries. This status is updated every second that the AC power is off.
Page 8-6 Chapter Eight SELF TEST FEATURE One of your computer’s most helpful features is its ability to test itself and check its major hardware components for proper operation. The major purpose of this diagnostic test is to check all hardware whose failure might prevent your computer from operating properly, and to assure you all hardware components are working correctly. If the diagnostic test reports a problem, you can contact your Alpha Micro VAR for help.
APPENDIX A SERIAL, PARALLEL, UPS AND ETHERNET CONNECTOR CONFIGURATIONS The types and number of connectors found on the rear panel of your Eagle computer will vary, depending on the hardware configuration you order. SERIAL I/O CONNECTORS The Eagle 100’s main electronics board, the AM-137, includes four or eight on-board RS-232 serial ports. All on-board ports interface to standard DB-9 connectors and use the AM318.IDV interface driver starting at octal port #0.
Page A-2 Appendix A The Eagle 550’s I/O interface board, the AM-319-20, includes four on-board RS-232 serial ports. All four serial ports have standard RJ-45 connectors and use the AM318.IDV interface driver for octal port numbers 0 through 3. The Eagle 550 system chassis has seven rear panel slots designed for serial I/O expansion. These slots can be used for standard Alpha Micro I/O paddle cards, such as the AM-359, which connect to the A-channel expansion bus on the AM-319-20 board.
Serial, Parallel, UPS and Ethernet Connector Configurations Page A-3 Although printer cables are sometimes a little more complicated on the printer end, terminal cables are often the same on both computer and terminal ends. Alpha Micro uses both the DB-25 pin connector and the DB-9 pin connector for RS-232 device connection. Your computer may use DB-9 or RJ-45 connectors at the computer end, depending upon model numbers. The maximum length of RS-232 cables is 50 feet between devices.
Page A-4 Appendix A CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES If you want to construct your own cables, there are a few things you should keep in mind before soldering the cable connectors: Cable Length We strongly recommend that RS-232C cables be not more than fifty feet long. As you increase the cable length beyond fifty feet, the reliability of the data signal decreases. The cable’s susceptibility to noise and cross-talk is proportional to its length and bandwidth, so RS-232C restricts both.
Serial, Parallel, UPS and Ethernet Connector Configurations Page A-5 Please see the following section titled "Cable Shielding" for instructions on creating an adequately shielded cable that will provide satisfactory protection from interference. Please see the "Important Note" above for information on your responsibilities concerning electromagnetic interference.
Page A-6 Appendix A Next, put the metal connector hood in place, enclosing the cable. Bend the drain wires back up over the outside of the connector hood neck, and solder them into place. Crimp the supplied strain relief ring over the connector hood/cable connection as shown in the figure above. If a plastic outer shell is provided for the metal connector hood, put it in place now. The new RJ-45 Serial ports have a shield ground connection at pin 1.
Serial, Parallel, UPS and Ethernet Connector Configurations Page A-7 RS-232 DB-9 to DB-25 Terminal Cables This section tells you which pins to connect to construct cables for particular terminals supported by Alpha Micro. We have grouped the signals into pairs which will also allow longer and more reliable communication to the computer system. The AM-60, AM-62, and AM-70 terminals are all RS-232 devices and use the same cabling.
Page A-8 Appendix A Workstation Connection Cables RS-232 pin assignments for connecting an IBM PC-compatible Workstation to the Alpha Micro computer are listed below.
Serial, Parallel, UPS and Ethernet Connector Configurations Page A-9 RS-232 RJ-45 TO DB-25 CABLES FOR TERMINALS AND PRINTERS The following table shows the signal-to-pin orientation of each of the Eagle 550’s four on-board serial I/O connectors. Note that this particular cable uses an RJ-45 to RJ-45 patch cord, and a DB-25 connector adapter to interface the terminal or printer. The AM-359 serial I/O paddle cards can use the same identical cable when required.
Page A-10 Appendix A Centronics Interface Cabling Signal Pinouts PIN # SIGNAL NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 .........Data strobe .........Data 1 .........Data 2 .........Data 3 .........Data 4 .........Data 5 .........Data 6 .........Data 7 .........Data 8 ........Acknowledge ........Busy ........Paper Error ........Select ........Auto Line-Feed (Not used) ........Error ........Printer Reset ........Select In ........Ground ........Ground ........Ground ........
Serial, Parallel, UPS and Ethernet Connector Configurations Page A-11 ETHERNET FEMALE DB-15 A.U.I CONNECTOR (EAGLE 300-550 COMPUTERS) Eagle 300-550 computers have an on-board 15-pin high performance Ethernet port that supports standard (thick) Ethernet cabling configurations. The 15-pin connector is A.U.I. (Attachment Unit Interface) compatible, and with the addition of a commercially available transceiver, the port can be converted for thin Ethernet operation.
Page A-12 Appendix A 10Base-T Topology and Cabling Ethernet networks were originally designed to be multi-point networks arranged as a bus topology. That meant that Ethernet would work over coaxial cable (either thick or thin) with 50 ohm termination at each end of the network, and each computer would attach directly to the same cable. With the introduction of 10Base-T, Ethernet can be connected via inexpensive twisted pair (Level 5 compliant) cabling, with each computer having its own RJ-45 termination.
APPENDIX B THE CONTROL CHARACTERS Your terminal keyboard allows you to type control characters which perform special functions. A control character is the signal transmitted to the computer when you hold down the CTRL key and press another key at the same time. The following list contains the most important control characters. The AMOS User’s Guide contains a complete list of control characters and their functions. Control-C Control-C is the system interrupt command.
Page B-2 Appendix B much can be stored. The exact number of characters depends upon your initial system setup. Control-Q When you press CTRL / S (described above) to freeze the screen CTRL / Q to resume the screen display. If you display, you must press have typed anything while the Control-S was in effect, a Control-Q tells AMOS it can now go ahead and act upon that input. Try this: Press CTRL / S , then type DIR RETURN , and then PRINT RETURN .
APPENDIX C SUPER I/O Super I/O, which requires a PIC (Product Installation Code), is designed to significantly increase character output for all serial ports using the AM318.IDV, AM-359.IDV or AM359B.IDV drivers. This includes all AM-318 and AM-359 board serial I/O ports, as well as the Eagle 100’s eight on-board serial ports and Eagle 550’s four on-board serial ports. The more terminals you have on your system performing character output, the more you will benefit from Super I/O.
Page C-2 Appendix C Enabling Super I/O Once you enter the product installation code (PIC), the product overlay file is forever modified and will not accept a new PIC. This can be a problem if you happen to enter an incorrect PIC. As a safeguard, make a copy of the Super I/O overlay file before you do the SSD encodement. Type: COPY SER000.SAV=SER000.OVR RETURN By saving an unmodified version of the overlay file, you will be able re-enter the PIC if necessary.
Super I/O Page C-3 DISABLING SUPER I/O For most of your super I/O compatible serial ports, you will want to always have Super I/O enabled. However, if you have some application program that does not run properly on a Super I/O enabled serial port, it is possible to disable Super I/O. You can disable Super I/O on one or more AM-318 or AM-359 boards, but you can’t disable Super I/O on an individual serial port.
Page C-4 Appendix C Disabling Super I/O on Individual AM-318 or AM-359 Boards When your computer is processing your system initialization command file, it loads a copy of the AM318.IDV or AM-359.IDV file when it encounters the first TRMDEF statement for an I/O board. This same copy of the .IDV file is used for all subsequent I/O boards. This being the case, if you use the /O switch in the first AM-318 or AM-359 TRMDEF statement, Super I/O is disabled on all I/O boards in your computer.
Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual Page Index-1 INDEX 1/4" streaming tape drive . . . . . . . . . 3-11 AC accessory receptacle . . . . . . . . . Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . adding new . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AlphaBASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AlphaCALC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AlphaMAIL . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page Index-2 Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shielding the cable . . . . . . . . . . . type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning backup peripherals . . . . . . COBOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ATTACH command . . . . . . . . . . COPY command . . . . . . . . . . . . DIR command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DSKANA command . . . . .
Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual Page Index-3 diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 to 5-12, 5-14 to 5-15 maintenance procedures . . . . . . 5-12 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 inserting diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 maintaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 to 3-8, 5-15 31/2" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 51/4" . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page Index-4 Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual JOBS command . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4, 5-8 Key symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keylock switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keys ALPHA key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALT MODE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAPS LOCK key . . . . . . . . . . . . CONTROL key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DELETE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ESCAPE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RETURN key .
Eagle Series Computer Owner’s Manual Page Index-5 REDALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reset button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reshipping the computer . . . . . . . . RS-232 definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS-422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . balanced lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cable length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . data rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Run light . . . . . . . . . . .
Page Index-6 capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . care of media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAT cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAT drives, using . . . . . . . . . . . . drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . drive, cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . read/write compatibility . . . . . . . . Task Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terminals cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . .
