Checkmate Technology, Inc.
Owner’s Installation Manual for the MuItiRam™ RGB Card Checkmate Technology, Inc.
(c) Copyright 1986 by Checkmate Technology, Inc. All rights reserved Part #MRRGB -2 Manual Revised by Quentin Smith Edited by Christine Cecala Accelerator II is a trademark of Titan Technologies. Inc. Apple and the Apple Logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Apple Pascal. AppleWorks. AppleWriter //e, DOS 3.3. ProDOS, Filer and ProFile are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface - HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ............... i Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION ................................. 1 FEATURES ........................................................ 3 Standard Features ........................................... 3 Optional Features .......................................... 5 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ........................... 5 Chapter 2 - INSTALLATION .................................. 7 UNPACKING THE MULTIRAM RGB CARD ......... 7 CARD CARE ...................
Chapter 4 - APPLEWORKS EXPANSION ................. PURPOSE .............................................................. EXPANDING APPLEWORKS ............................... INSTRUCTIONS ................................................... Floppy Disk Expansion .................................. Hard Drive and 3.5 Disk Drive Expansion ...... Adding Other Patches or Features ................... PATCH.PATCH .................................................... EXPANSION PROBLEMS ...............................
Preface HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL The manual is divided into four parts. Part 1, GETTING STARTED, should be read first by everyone. Chapter 1 summarizes MultiRam RGB’s features and minimum hardware requirements. Chapter 2 gives step-by-step instructions for installing MultiRam RGB and adding memory to the card. Chapter 2 is required reading for those of you who intend to install your own RAM. Chapter 3 covers testing and troubleshooting procedures.
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION This section highlights features of the MultiRam™ RGB card that are explored at length later in the manual. The MultiRam RGB card is an expandable, extended 80-column memory card for the Apple //e with Apple or IBM compatible RGB video output. MultiRam RGB’s memory is expandable on the card from 64K to 1 megabyte. You may easily expand the card by adding 64K or 256K RAM chips as your memory needs grow.
Introduction monochrome and 140x192 pixels in 16 colors possible, but both these modes can be mixed on one screen, something not possible without an RGB monitor. RGB monitor types are discussed more in Chapter 6 - Hardware and Software Compatibility. The MultiRam RGB has a CPU connector to allow a 16-bit processor to directly address all of its memory without bank-switching.
Introduction for AppleWorks with an ordinary 64K memory card. A one megabyte MultiRam RGB card, for example, offers usable AppleWorks Desktop space of 758K. By removing AppleWorks memory limitations, MultiRam RGB truly turns AppleWorks into one of the best integrated packages available for any microcomputer. The MultiRam RGB card, AppleWorks, and a hard disk drive used together turn the Apple//c into a serious business machine capable of the most demanding tasks.
Introduction - Easily user upgradeable at any time with 13 memory configurations possible: 64K 320K 576K 1024K 128K 384K 640K 192K 448K 768K 256K 512K 832K - Has five LED card/64K bank display indicators for programming convenience and operational verification - Expansion connector to allow an optional memory card to be added to the back of the RGB card - 16 bit CPU port to allow direct linear memory addressing by 16 bit microprocessors and an optional MultiRam EX 65C816 processor board - Software included
Introduction - Exclusive memory management addressing modifiable through a factory PAL update - Full 7 year warranty on the card and all Checkmate Technology supplied components purchased after January 1, 1988(5 yrs x products prior t that).
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Chapter 2 INSTALLATION This chapter contains all the information you will need to install your MultiRam RGB card. Package contents, card care instructions, a physical description, and instructions for RAM additions and card installation are covered. UNPACKING THE MULTIRAM RGB CARD Check the contents of your MultiRam RGB package to be sure you have the following: - This owner’s manual MultiRam Software Manual MultiRam RGB Card A 5.
Installation CARD CARE Always ground yourself before handling or touching the MultiRam RGB Card. Touch any metal object to discharge static electricity from your body. Static electricity, which can build up on your body, can damage RAM chips. Handle the MultiRam RGB Card carefully by the edges. Do not flex your card when handling it as this can lead to weakening of connections. Avoid touching the gold-plated fingers at the bottom of the card.
InstallatIon Card LED Bank LEDs RAM Group A RAM Group B RAM Group C RGB Video Connector CPU Port CPU Memory Port Jumper Block RAM Group D Static RAM Connector Memory Card Connector Pins (backside) MultiRam RGB Card Figure 2.1 RAM Group B is located at the top right of the card. RAM Group B sockets are labeled B1 to B8. RAM Group C is located at the center right of the card. RAM Group C sockets are labeled C1 to C8. RAM Group D is located at the lower right of (lie card.
Installation One of two companion expansion cards can be added to the MultiRam RGB to increase the memory beyond 1 megabyte. The first card is the MultiRam //e which can add 768K. When these two cards am combined there is a total of 1.75 megabytes of memory. The second card, the MultiRam Plus, can add up to 4 megabytes for a combined total of 5 megabytes when piggybacked to the MultiRam RGB.
Installation Jumper Block Near the bottom edge of the card, about 1/3 of the length of the card from the left end, is a small plastic block mounted on two pins. This jumper block must be removed if you have an early model of the Apple //e (Revision A motherboard) in order for the RGB card to operate properly. Owners of more recent models should leave the block on the card, since this jumper block allows double hi-ms on these later motherboards.
Installation Table 2.1 Ram flanks And Size Combinations 1 2 3 4 64K 64K 64K 64K 64K 64K GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D 64K 64K 64K Total 64K 128K`192k 256K 5 6 7 8 9 10 256K 256K 64K 256K 64K 64K 256K 64K 64K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 64K 64K 256K 64K 64K 256K 320K 384K 448K 11 64K 512K 12 13 14 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 64K 256K 376K 640K 768K 832K 1024K Table 2.
Installation User Installed Ram To install your own RAM, you need to purchase one or more sets of 64K or 256K dynamic RAM chips. Each set will have eight matching chips. That is, they will be the same size, 64K or 256K, will be the same speed rating and will be made by the same manufacturer. RAM on the RGB must always be installed in -sets of eight in order to generate the additional 64K or 256K of memory. Chips installed in a group of sockets must g be the same type -- eight 64K chips or eight 256K chips.
Installation flatware spoon can be inserted between the chip and the socket and the bowl portion can be used to rock each end of the chip lose. A small flat blade screwdriver may be used for the same purpose. Carefully remove each chip from its socket by gently prying the ends of the chip upward, a little at one end and then the other, being careful not to damage or bend the pins. He sure you are prying only the chip and not the entire socket; very little pressure is necessary.
Installation Most RAM chips have a notch or dot at one end to designate pin one. The chip notch should match the notch on the chip drawing under the socket. The notch or dot of all RAM chips should point up to the top of the card. WARNING! IF A RAM CHIP IS INSTALLED BACKWARDS, IT MAY BE DESTROYED WHEN POWER IS TURNED ON. THE MULTIRAM RGB CARD WILL NOT BE DAMAGED. Carefully line up both rows of pins with the holes in a socket, with all the pins started into the socket. STOP.
Installation ADDING OPTIONS A number of options can be added to your MultiRam RGB card. An RGB monitor can be used by the card, additional memory cards can be added to the back of (//e RGB card, and a 16-bit 65C816 processor can be attached to address all memory on (//e card. Following are instructions for attaching these options to the card.
Installation Ground Green Synch* RGB Cable Connector Blue Intensity N/C N/C Red *Composite (horizontal & vertical) negative Sync N/C Ground Ground N/C +5 Volts N/C N/C N/C J4 RGB Connector Pinout Figure 2.2 MultiRam Memory Cards You may add either the MultiRam //e card or the MultiRam Plus card to the back of the RGB card for mare memory. The MultiRam //e card adds up to 768K while the MultiRam Plus card adds up to 4 megabytes and also has the battery-backed RAM disk.
Installation To add the MultiRam //e card to the RGB card, hold the RGB card in one hand and hold the MultiRam //e card in the other hand. Hold the RGB card so that the memory card connector pins on the back of the RGB card (just above the gold fingered connectors on the bottom of the card) face the RGB connector socket on the front of the MultiRam //e card (just above the gold fingered connectors). The slanted part of each card should be facing in the same direction. Align the two connectors.
Installation Preparation The MultiRam RGB card comes ready to use on current Apple //e enhanced motherboards. Current Apple //e computers are “Enhanced,” with a revision of components on the motherboard so the //e more closely resembles the //c. These machines can be recognized by the won! “Enhanced” that appears on the power indicator light on the lower left of the keyboard, and also by a large letter “E” on the left rear of the motherboard. If you are unsure what your Apple is, continue reading.
Installation Copyright Date Computer, Inc. Serial Number Apple //e Motherboard Figure 2.3 Inserting The Card The MultiRam RGB must be inserted into the auxiliary Apple //e motherboard. connector slot on the Be sure the power to the //e is turned off. It is best to be completely sure by unplugging the power cord. WARNING: YOU SHOULD NEVER INSERT OR REMOVE A PERIPHERAL CARD WITH THE POWER ON BECAUSE IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY DAMAGE COMPONENTS ON THE MOTHERBOARD AS WELL AS THE PERIPHERAL CARD.
Installation If you have not already removed the cover from the //e, do so now. Next locate tile power supply. It is the large metal box sitting on the left side of the motherboard. Before touching a peripheral card or other sensitive components, it is a good idea to ground static electricity by touching, with your fingers, the top of the power supply case. Now locate the auxiliary connector slot.
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Chapter 3 TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter covers the testing procedures you may use to check the RAM on your MultiRam RGB card. All those who just installed a MultiRam RGB card or added memory to it should read this chapter. Refer back to this chapter and the diagnostic memory test, which is on the back side of the MultiRam disk, whenever you doubt the RAM on the MultiRam RGB card.
Testing and Troubleshooting RAM TEST PROGRAMS The back of the disk included with the MultiRam RGB card has several utilities. Before using this disk, make a backup of both sides. Apple’s Filer is include in ibis menu for making backup copies of Checkmate Technology’s disk. To run the Filer press the number key that matches the name on the Main Menu. When the Filer is up, make a backup disk.
Testing and Troubleshooting Test Display You should see sixteen 64K auxiliary bank indicators on the status display screen numbered from 0 to 15 (see Figure 3.1). Since the Apple’s 6502 processor Cannot address more than 64K of memory at a time, the Apple swaps memory banks into and out of its addressing range in order to use MultiRam RGB memory.
Testing and Troubleshooting The bottom two lines of the screen show the keys used to run the tests: - Pressing the Arrow keys position a flashing, solid cursor in a box to the left of the six applications shown. You may use the number keys as well as the arrow keys to select the desired test. - Pressing Return runs the application marked by the flashing cursor. - Pressing the Esc key aborts “full” or “continuous” tests.
Testing and Troubleshooting If RAM in the text video page is bad or incomplete, you will see the message “NO 80 COLUMN VIDEO AVAILABLE DUE TO INCOMPLETE AUXILIARY MEMORY BANK 0” on the 40 column screen. If there is no RAM failure, you will see eight repeated printings of the ASCII character set in ascending numeric order on the 80-column screen. The inverse ASCII character set is printed first, followed by the normal Set, each Set repeated eight times.
Testing and Troubleshooting At the end of a test, you will see one of three markings appear in each quarter of the sockets (see Figure 3.2): - A “+“ on a black background indicates the RAM in the 64K auxiliary memory segment, whether found on a 64K RAM chip or a 256K RAM chip, tested good.
Testing and Troubleshooting After a est is run, you may select the option “SHOW STATUS” and see a summary of usable memory (see Figure 3.3). The sixteen banks show 64K for good RAM and 0K (zero) if RAM is missing or bad in the bank. A RAM Group having 256K chips, where one or more 256K chips are “partially” defective, will show only 64K available in that group.
Testing and Troubleshooting If an entire bank shows “bad”, there is probably no RAM in that bank or the RAM chips are upside down. If there is RAM in the bank, check the polarity notch to see that it matches the white markings on the board. If one chip in a bank shows bad, it is also easy to check if that chip is missing. It will be shown blank on the test results with no “X” and no “--“ drawn on the chip. If there is a chip in the socket marked “bad”, first inspect the chip.
Testing and Troubleshooting To insure longer life for your computer, remove all cards that are only used occasionally. A modem, speech synthesizer, CP/M card, etc. can draw up to 80% of their operating current even when they are not being used. If you need IlIC use of all your cards in your Apple at one time, other remedies are possible. The enhanced //e kit, available from your Apple Dealer, includes a 65C02 that can reduce power consumption by 180 milliampcrcs.
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Chapter 4 APPLEWORKS EXPANSION PURPOSE This chapter is written for individuals who are familiar with their Apple //e, AppleWorks, and ProDOS. If after reading this chapter things are not clear, please read the "MultiRam Software Manual”. Chapter 2 explains the expansion of AppleWorks. Chapter 3 details how to use the expanded AppleWorks. Chapter 4 explains in detail, adding other enhancements such as PinPoint, TimeOut and more. Checkmate Technology, Inc. updates software for two reasons.
AppleWorks Expansion INSTRUCTIONS There is a specific sequence for expanding AppleWorks. Failure to follow this sequence will create problems. Briefly the sequence is: 1. Make a copy of an UNMODIFIED AppleWorks. 2. Boot the MultiRam disk and follow the on screen instructions. 3. Add any other enhancements, i.e. TimeOut, PinPoint, Jeeves, Fingertips, etc. following their instructions. 4. Use this improved AppleWorks. ALWAYS work with a copy of AppleWorks.
AppleWorks Expansion NOTE: You may wish to refer to your copy of PRODOS SUPPLEMENT TO THE APPLE //E OWNER’S MANUAL (for the old //e) or the PRODOS TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL in order to review pathnames. Adding Other Patches or Features Once the MultiRam disk has finished expanding AppleWorks, start the new disk to make sure that it works BEFORE adding other enhancements. PATCH.PATCH This is a BASIC program that allows customization of the AppleWorks program.
AppleWorks Expansion Cant Recognize this Version of AppleWorks Is this version of AppleWorks a supported version? Checkmate Technology has quit supporting earlier versions of AppleWorks 1.0 and 1.1. You might have a new release of AppleWorks that Checkmate does not yet support, or that is not supported by the software version you have. Other possibilities are that the AppleWorks has already been patched for MultiRam memory cards, or has enhancements like TimeOut.
Chapter 5 RAM DISKS A RAM disk is perhaps one of the best ways to utilize the extra memory on the MultiRam RGB card. With Checkmate’s software you may take part or all of the memory and make it into an 'electronic disk drive’.
RAM Disks There are three steps to sec up and use a RAM disk: 1. Use the MultiRam disk utility in create the RAM disk. 2. Copy the desired programs and files to it. 3. Choose and run a program on the RAM disk. The DOS 3.3 and ProDOS RAM disk creations are the only choices from the Main Menu to be discussed in this chapter. DOS RAM Disk When using the DOS 3.3 RAM disk you must have the DOS system master and two DOS formatted disks ready. Using DOS 3.
RAM Disks Choosing the preset default options creates a RAM disk that is addressed in slot 3 as drive I with the volume name of /MRAM. Although the MultiRam RGB card is physically in the AUX slot, the RAM disk is made to appear in slot 3 for programming convenience. Slot 3 was chosen because it is the video slot which rarely contains a card. If this presents a problem, the RAM disk can be moved to another slot by choosing the second option.
RAM Disks OPTIONS Checkmate Technology offers a simpler way of running your programs from the ProDOS RAM disk. This is the AUTORAM disk, which upon booting creates the RAM disk and then copies any diskettes given to it to the RAM disk. Like the MultiRam disk, AUTORAM can have the RAM disk slot and size changed to match your system needs. Once the RAM disk is loaded, SQUIRT takes over to launch the chosen application.
Chapter 6 HARDWARE & SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY The MultiRam RGB Card’s operation can be enhanced by using other manufacturer’s hardware and software products along with it. Some of the more useful products are described in this chapter. HARDWARE All hardware products tested with the MultiRam RGB card have been compatible: modems, mouseR, printer cards and printers, co-processor cards, hard drives, etc.
Hardware & Software Compatibility The RGB monitor has two implementations that should be of interest to the Apple //e owner. The Apple type RGB differs from the IBM RGB in two ways. The major difference is that Apple uses a composite synchronization signal. This signal has bath the horizontal and vertical pulse information in it. IBM type monitor uses two separate synchronization signals, one for the horizontal sweep and another for the vertical sweep.
Hardware & Software Compatibility The monitor may not have any of these options, that is it only works with an Apple TTL RGB output, or it may have several of these options. The newer monitors often have several of these options and you must set the switches correctly to get a stable video display. Choosing a new, more expensive monitor may be good decision if you are planning to purchase a computer with better graphics that works with the chosen monitor.
Hardware & Software Compatibility Disk Drives MultiRam RGB’s large on-board memory, especially if expanded to a full! megabyte, is far larger than the standard Apple II floppy disk drives unformatted capacity of approximately 144K. The MultiRam RGB can host one of two other memory cards to increase the memory to as much as 5 megabytes! The first card is the MultiRam lie which can use either 64K or 256K DRAM chips and is expandable to 768K.
Hardware & Software Compatibility Before buying a large floppy drive or hard disk drive, check to see that all the operating systems you would like to use on your Apple (ProDOS, DOS 3.3, Pascal, and CP/M) work on the drive. Further, if you use copy protected commercial software, be certain that the drive will run the software you now use or check with the software publishers to see if they have a version that will vim on the drive in question.
Hardware & Software Compatibility A non-interruptible power supply offering quick response time to a loss of power as well as having sufficient power to operate the computer long enough to allow information stored in MultiRam RGB’s memory to be saved to hard or floppy drives would be ideal if you are using MultiRam in a business setting. Non-interruptible power supplies range in price from approximately $300-$600.
Chapter 7 WARRANTY & SERVICE WARRANTY The MultiRam RGB Card, like all of Checkmate Technology’s peripheral cards, carries a FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY CHECKMATE TECHNOLOGY. INC. warrants products against defects in. material and workmanship for a period of 5 years (90 days for software) after purchase. During the warranty period, CHECKMATE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
