COMMODORE | TM PERSONAL COMPUTER Introductory Guide
INTRODUCING THE COMMODORE 128D™ PERSONAL COMPUTER
Copyright © 1987 by Commodore Electronics Limited All rights reserved This manual contains copyrighted and proprietary information. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys tem, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Commodore Electronics Limited. Commodore BASIC 7.
CONTENTS THE COMMODORE 128D PERSONAL COMPUTER 1 THETHREEOPERATINGMODESOFTHECOMMODORE128D .2 C128 Mode 2 C64 Mode 2 CP/M Mode 3 UNPACKING 4 WHAT YOU SHOULD FIND IN THE BOX 4 A LOOK AT THE COMMODORE 128D 5 THE COMPUTER ' 5 THE KEYBOARD '.
USERS MANUAL STATEMENT This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it is not prop erly installed and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instruc tions, this equipment may interfere with radio and television reception.
THE —A Powerful New Multi-Mode Computer COMMODORE 128D PERSONAL COMPUTER —A POWERFUL NEW MULTI-MODE COMPUTER Your new Commodore 128D Personal Computer is packed with a host of novel and exciting features that make it one of the best per forming, most versatile microcomputers available at any price.
THETHREE OPERATING MODES OF THE COMMODORE 128D The Commodore 128D is actually three computers in one, offering three primary operating modes: • C128 Mode • C64 Mode • CP/M Mode Here's a summary of what each mode gives you. C128DMode In C128™ Mode, the Commodore 128 Personal Computer provides 128K of RAM (Random Access Memory). This supplies all the mem ory needed to run even sophisticated applications like word process ing, spreadsheets, database programs, or integrated software pro grams like JANE.
CP/M Mode In CP/M Mode, an onboard Z80 microprocessor allows you to run Digital Research's CP/M® Version 3.0, plus a number of new capabili ties added by Commodore. The Commodore 128D'sCP/M package,called CP/M Plus, provides 128K bytes of RAM, 40- and 80-column output, access to the full keyboard including the numeric keypad and special keys, and access to the new fast serial disk drive and the standard peripherals.
UNPACKING The three disks packed in this carton are: The CP/M® Systems and Utilities Disk The Commodore 128 Tutorial Disk The Commodore 128D Disk Drive Disk To use these disks follow the instructions given under LOADING AND RUNNING PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE What You Should Find in the Box If any of the items shown above is missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately You may want to save the boxes to protect the equipment if you need to move it or return it for service.
A LOOK AT THE COMMODORE 128D The Computer Physically, the Commodore 128D is a light tan box with a detachable keyboard. There are several switches, jacks and plug connections located on the right side and back of the box. This section identifies all these switches, jacks and connections (often called SLOTS or PORTS), and introduces you to the keyboard. For detailed informa tion on using the keyboard, see Section 3 of the Commodore 128D System Guide (the other book packed in the carton with the computer).
The Keyboard One way you communicate with your computer is by using the key board. The keys let you tell Ihe computer what you want it to do, and let you answer any messages or questions the computer displays on the screen. These messages or questions are cailed prompts. You do not need to be an accomplished typist to use the Commodore 128 keyboard. You only need to know the general keyboard layout. Work at the keyboard as much as you like.
On the C128 keyboard, some keys always function, regardless of what mode you are in; other keys can only be used in certain modes. The diagram below shows which keys can be used when. If you press a key that does not function in a particu ar mode, the com puter simply does not respond.
SETTING UP The minimum system (or using Commodore 128D Personal Com puter is the C128D itself, and a suitable monitor or TV set. Setting up your equipment should be easy if you follow the instruc tions and illustrations closely. Make sure that EVERYTHING is con nected properly before you turn on the power. Connecting the The keyboard has a cable attached to the back of it. Plug the end of this cable into the keyboard port on the right hand side of the computer.
Connecting an RGBI Monitor An RGBI monitor provides an 80-column color or monochrome dis play. (The picture on most TV sets and composite monitors does not have the extra sharpness or resolution required to handle an 80column display.) You plug an RGBI monitor into the 9-pin port labeled RGBI on the back of the computer. NOTE: You can connect a composite monitor and an RGBI monitor to the Commodore 128D at the same time.
For TVs with 300-ohm Antenna Wires: Disconnect the VHF antenna wires from the VHF terminals of the TV. Insert these wires under the screws at the bottom of the switch box, at the point marked Connect to Antenna. Connect the two-pronged short wire, from the side of the switch box marked TV VHF, to the VHF terminal of the TV. Slide the selector switchon the switch box to the position marked Computer.
Connecting Your Computer to Electrical Power To connect your computer to electrical power, plug the end of the POWER CORD into the computer POWER SOCKET (on the right hand side of the back of the computer). Make sure the computer power switch (located on the back of the computer, next to the power socket) is set to OFF. Next, plug the 3-pronged end of the power supply cable into a 3-pronged electrical outlet.
Connecting In addition to the TV set or video monitor used for the display, you Accessory can connect many other accessories, known as peripherals, to Equipment (Peripherals) your computer. Peripherals broaden the scope of what you can do with your Commodore 128. For instance, with the proper peripherals you could use the Commodore 128 to access stock market quotes or airline schedules and print out a copy for reference—all without leaving your home or office.
Disk Drives The Commodore 128D has an integral fast disk drive. However, additional disk drives can give you the ability to make taster back-up copies of disks and allow you to run certain targe programs more quickly by eliminating the need to manually swap disks. You can connect additional disk drives to the C128D through the serial port on the back of the computer. NOTE: The C128D's integral disk drive is device 8. Further disk drives must, therefore, be set to device 9,10 or 11.
Datassette Recorder You can also use a Commodore 1530 cassette recorder, called a Datas sette, as an inexpensive way to store and recall information. The Datas sette cord connects directly to the CASSETTE PORT on the side of the Commodore 128D. Joysticks/Mouse Joysticks plug into the CONTROLLER PORTS on the right side of the com puter. Joysticks, once used primarily for games, are now increasingly being used for educational and business software.
Chaining Disk Drives and Printers You can use the "chaining" (or "daisy chaining") technique to connect sev eral disk drives or printers to your Commodore 128D at one time. Using this technique, you connect a cable from one serial port of a printer or disk drive to a serial port of another disk drive. A disk drive must be the item of equip ment that is directly connected to the Commodore 128's serial port. The connection diagram shows a printer and a disk drive connected to the com puter by chaining.
GETTING STARTED Turning on the Plug in and turn on the television set or monitor that you have con Computer for the First Time nected to the computer. If you are using a television set, make sure it is tuned to either channel 3 or channel 4—whichever is not used in your area—and make sure the channel selector switch on the back of the computer is set to the same channel (L = channel 3; H = chan nel 4). If you are using a monitor you don't need to set this switch.
Screen Messages If you press the RETURN key without having entered an appropriate command you may see any one of several messages on the screen e.g., SYNTAX ERROR). These messages are the computer's way of telling you that it doesn't have enough information to act on. In most cases the messages are self-explanatory, but in some cases you may need a more detailed explanation of the message. Appendices A and B of the Commodore 128D SYSTEM GUIDE list the error mes sages for the Commodore 128.
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART Symptom Cause Remedy Indicator light not 'ON' Computer not turned ON Make sure power switch is in ON position Computer not plugged into Check power socket for loose wall outlet or disconnected power cable.
Sound OK, but no picture See "No picture" listings See "No picture" listings above above Computer stuck: Cursor not flashing Computer inadvertently While depressing the RUN/ received instructions to disable keyboard; or the printer, cassette or disk drive STOP key press RESTORE key is in listening mode the computer off and on Computer displays garbled symbols on the twice; or reset the peripherals by turning off and on; or turn Incorrect operating mode Press ESCAPE key; release, setting for
How to Select an Operating Mode Each of the three operating modes of the Commodore 128—C128, C64 and CP/M—takes advantage of particular hardware and soft ware features. Two modes—C128 and CP/M—allow you to use both 40- and 80-column screen displays. In effect, then, the Commodore 128 lets you.
When you turn on your computer in C128 mode, using a 40-column display the screen display should look like this: ■ Entering C128 Mode—80 Columns—with the Computer OFF 1. Make sure you are using a properly con nected RGBI monitor (color or monochrome). If you are using a 1902 dual monitor make sure the monitor screen display is set for RGBI (on the video switch) and POS DIGITAL (on the RGBI switch on the back.) 2. Check that CP/M disk is not in the disk drive. 3. Depress computer 40/80 key. 4.
C64 Mode In C64 mode you can use the Commodore 128 just as if it were a Commodore 64 computer. You can use all the Commodore 64 soft ware (in cartridge, tape, or disk format), and all the standard Commo dore 64 peripherals. The screen display in C64 mode is 40 columns. Entering C64 Mode There are three ways to enter C64 mode: 1. With the power OFF, hold down the C* key and press the ON/OFF switch. The C64 opening screen display will appear and you wil! be in C64 mode.
CP/M Mode CP/M is a popular operating system (OS) for microcomputers devel oped by Digital Research Incorporated (DRI). Like all operating sys tems, CP/M is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to man age all the hardware and software elements of the system. CP/M mode on the Commodore 128 provides you with the capa bilities of DRI's CP/M Pius Version 3.
Entering CP/M Mode from C128 Mode 1. Set the computer 40/80 key and the dual moni tor video switch to match the CP/M operating mode you want to enter (40 or 80 column). Insert the CP/M 3.0 system disk. 2. Press RESET 3 Press RETURN Switching between 40 and 80 columns in CP/M Mode In CP/M, you can choose either a 40- or 80-column screen display. At power-up, the screen display is automatically set to 40 columns unless you specify 80 columns.
Using the Reset Button WARNING: Pressing the reset switch destroys any information in the computer's memory unless that data is first saved. Under certain conditions the computer may "lock up"—that is, it will not accept input from the keyboard. You can use the RESET button (located on the right side of the computer) to free the keyboard. RESET— C128/64 Modes When you press RESET in these modes, the screen clears and the initial screen display for whatever mode you are in reappears.
MODE SWITCHING CHART To switch from one mode to another, follow the instructions below for the mode that you want to switch to. C128D l. Check that CP/M disk is no! in the diskdrive. 40 COL 2 Check that 40/80 key is UP 3. Press RESET C128D 1. Check that CP/M disk is not in the disk drive. 80 COL 2. Check that 40/80 key is DOWN. 3. Press RESET. C64 1 Check that CP/M disk is not in the disk drive. 2. Hold & key down while pressing RESET.
LOADING AND RUNNING SOFTWARE What Software Is SOFTWARE is a set of instructions (also called a PROGRAM) that tells your computer what to do. You can create your own software and you can buy prepackaged (i.e., commercial) programs. You don't need to know all about computing or programming to use prepack aged software programs. There is a wide range of software pro grams available for your Commodore 128 computer, since the Commodore 128 runs all Commodore 64 software and thousands of CP/M programs as well.
Cartridge Cartridge software comes in pack ages about the size of a deck of cards. Software cartridges are easy to use: with the computer OFF, you simply plug them directly into the cartridge slot on the back of the computer. Cassette Tape This lype of software comes on standard size cassette tapes, and can be used with a special Com modore cassette recorder called the 1530 DATASSETTE1".
Loading and Running Prepackaged Software Using prepackaged software is a two-step process: 1. The program must be entered into your computer's memory. This is called LOADING the program. 2. Then the computer must carry out, or RUN, the program. If you have additional disk drives make sure that the cable connect ing the disk drive to the C128 is plugged into the six-pin SERIAL port located on the back of your computer.
In some cases, prepackaged disk software may use some other format of the LOAD command. Always type in the com mand exactly as specified in the instructions. 4. Press the RETURN key. The LOAD command instructs the computer to retrieve the named program from the disk.
When the program is running, follow the instructions given on the screen or in the software instructions. NOTE: As mentioned above, some prepackaged disk software may have its own special way to load the program. Also, some prepackged software may have an automatic RUN command built into the program. The instructions that come with commercial software con tain specific, detailed instructions for loading and using the particu lar program.
Loading and Running Software in CP/M Mode Before you can load a software program in CP/M mode, you must first load the CP/M 3.0 operating system itself. To do this you load a copy of the CP/M 3.0 system from the CP/M System disk into the computer's memory, using this procedure: 1. Make sure the computer is OFF. 2. Make sure that you are using the proper type of monitor. If you are using a dual monitor like the Commodore 1902. make sure the video mode is set properly. 3.
6. After the initial CP/M display, this two-character message appears on your screen: A> This is the CP/M system prompt, which tells you that CP/M is ready to accept com mands from your keyboard. Remove the CP/M System disk from the disk drive. 8. Insert the CP/M software pro gram disk in the drive. 9. Type in the program name and press RETURN. 10. Then follow the instructions given on the screen, or in the manual for the particular soft ware program you are using.
Saving Your Work in CP/M Mode To save your work in CP/M mode, follow the instructions given in the manual that accompanies the CP/M program you are using. Loading Follow these steps to bad cartridge software in C128 and C64 Cartridge Software MODES: 1. Make sure your computer is OFF before trying to LOAD a cartridge. The POWER SWITCH is located on the back of the computer. Check that the POWER LIGHT is not lit. REMEMBER TO TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE YOU INSERT OR REMOVE CARTRIDGES.
Using Prepackaged Cassette Tape Software Loading and Running Disk Programs You You can load and run prepackaged cassette software by using a Commodore 1530 Datassette tape recorder. You can also use a Datassette to load, run and save software that you have created yourself. The LOAD, SAVE and RUN instructions for cassette tape software are explained in detail in the COMMODORE 128D SYSTEM GUIDE. See your Datassette instruction manual for further information on using cassette software.
By following the procedures described in this booklet, you can quickly make use of any of thousands of prepackaged software pro grams in a variety of categories—including business, home, recrea tional, educational, scientific—and more. Because of the wide capabilities available in these prepackaged programs, you may never want or need to write your own software programs.
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