Page 2 Reader Comment Card Apex by Epson User’s Guide for the Apex Please use this card to evaluate this manual. Your comments and suggestions will help us improve our publications. Please rate the following: Organization of this manual Technical accuracy Completeness of instructions...
Page 5 Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Page 6 If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded l/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Epson periph- eral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction ..........How to Use This Manual.
Page 9 Chapter 2 Using Your Apex........Special Keys on the Apex Keyboard .
Page 10 Copying Data ........Using the DISKCOPY command .
Page 11 Appendixes Appendix A Setting the DIP Switches....... Switch 1 (serial port) ........Switch 2 (parallel port) .
Page 12: Introduction
Introduction Your Apex by Epson sions: the Apex Plus with two 360 KB (kilobyte) diskette drives, and the Apex Plus 20 with one 360 KB diskette drive and one 20 MB (megabyte) hard disk drive. Both versions have 512 KB of internal memory, called random access memory or RAM.
Page 13 You can use the parallel interface to connect an Epson printer or plotter or any other parallel printer. You can use the serial interface to connect a serial printer or a mouse.
Page 14: How To Use This Manual
You can use DIP switches to set or change the configuration of your system. You do not need to change the DIP switches unless you add or remove hardware from your system. utility provided by Epson ® Introduction 3...
Page 15: Where To Get Help
For warranty repairs and technical assistance for your Apex computer, call toll-free 1-800-922-8911 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) for the location of your nearest Epson Customer Care Center. To purchase accessories such as printer ribbons and option...
Page 16: Setting Up Your System
If you are unable to obtain an exchange, please call 1-800-922-891 1 for the location of your nearest Authorized Epson Customer Care Center. When you call, please have the serial number of your computer available.
Page 17: Removing The Disk Drive Protector Cards
You’ll also find a registration card with your Apex; fill out this card now and mail it to Epson. With this registration card on file, Epson can send you update information. Removing the disk drive protector cards A protector card occupies each diskette drive in your computer.
Page 18: Choosing A Location
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 prevent dust from entering the drives. Choosing a Location Before you set up your Apex, it’s important to choose the right location.
Page 19: Arranging The Components
No electromagnetic interference. Choose a spot for your computer away from any device that generates an electro- magnetic field (like a telephone). Arranging the components Decide how you want to arrange your system components. The illustration below shows a typical setup. The monitor is on top of the main unit and the keyboard is directly in front.
Page 20: The Front Panel
The front panel On 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 has two diskette drives. If you are using an Apex Plus 20, your computer has one diskette drive and one hard disk drive.
Page 21 Diskette drives. In the Apex Plus, both the top and bottom diskette drives use 5 l/4-inch, 360 KB diskettes. In the Apex Plus 20, the diskette drive also uses 5 l/4-inch, 360 KB diskettes. Disk lock/release latch. After you insert a diskette, turn this latch down until it is vertical.
Page 22: The Back Panel
The back panel Take a look at the back panel and note the power inlet, the universal power supply, the DIP switches, the built-in input/output ports, and the option card access slots. WARNING Do not connect the power cord until you have connected the printer and any other optional devices.
Page 23 configuration. Do not change them unless you are adding option cards that require different settings. Appendix A describes how to set these switches if you change your system configuration. Parallel port. Lets you connect any printer or plotter with a parallel interface.
Page 24: Connecting The Monitor
Connecting the Monitor It is easiest to connect the monitor cable if the backs of the monitor and the main unit are facing you. Your Apex comes with an installed multi-graphics adapter (MGA) card. You can connect an RGB color graphics monitor or a TTL monochrome monitor to the port on this card.
Page 25 Tighten the screws (if any) on the plug with a screwdriver. Plug the monitor’s power cable into an electrical outlet. Set the color/mono switch on the back panel for the type of monitor you are using. 1-10 Setting Up Your System...
Page 26 Make sure the DIP switch settings are correct for the type of monitor you are using. The Apex computer is set at the factory to 80x25 color, for a color graphics monitor. If you are connecting a monochrome monitor, you need to change the DIP switch settings.
Page 27: Connecting The Keyboard
Connecting the Keyboard Follow these steps to connect the keyboard: Insert the keyboard connector into the keyboard socket on the front panel of your Apex. Do not force the connector, but make sure you completely insert it. If you would like to adjust the angle of the keyboard, turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place.
Page 28: Connecting A Printer
Parallel interface Your Apex computer has a parallel interface to which you can connect a printer. Of course, Epson offers a full range of printer products for you to choose from. Check with the store where you purchased your computer or call 1-800-922-891 1 for the lo- cation of your nearest Authorized Epson Dealer.
Page 29 Connect the printer cable connector to the parallel port on the back panel of the main unit. If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them with a small screwdriver. Connect the other cable connector to the printer. Secure the cable by pressing together the squeeze locks from the printer port and pushing them into each side of the connector.
Page 30: Serial Interface
Serial interface If you have a printer (or another peripheral such as a modem) with a serial interface, connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back panel. The Apex uses a DB-25P connector, so be sure you have an XT-compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as for connecting a parallel printer.
Page 31: Turning On The Computer And Loading Ms-Dos
Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading Chapter 5 on troubleshooting, contact your Authorized Epson Customer Care Center. Do not unplug cables from the computer while the power switch is on.
Page 32: System Startup
System startup Now you’re ready to turn on your Apex. Follow these steps: Make sure one end of the power cord is securely plugged into the power inlet (AC input) on the back panel of the main unit and the other end is plugged into a 3-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
Page 33: Initial Screen Display
Initial screen display Before the self test begins, a message similar to this displays: Phoenix 8088 ROM BIOS Ver. 1.00 Copyright (c) 1984, 1985, 1987 Phoenix Technologies Ltd All Rights Reserved. Then the computer immediately begins to test the memory. The Apex computer checks each kilobyte of memory twice, counting from 0 to 512 and then starting over again.
Page 34: Loading Ms-Dos On The Apex Plus
If you have an Apex Plus 20, your computer automatically loads MS-DOS version 3.2 from the hard disk drive. The MS-DOS command prompt “The command prompt.” Loading MS-DOS on the Apex Plus Before you can use a software program designed to run on the MS-DOS operating system, MS-DOS must be running in the computer’s memory (this is also called booting the system).
Page 35 Turn the latch down until it locks in the vertical position. For a complete description of inserting diskettes, see Chapter 2, “Using Diskettes and Diskette Drives.” Press any key to begin. Your computer begins loading MS-DOS into memory. If you did not insert your system diskette, or you inserted another diskette by mistake, you see these messages: Non-System disk or disk error Insert system diskette in drive A:...
Page 36: The Command Prompt
You can enter the correct date or leave it unchanged by pressing Enter. unchanged. After accepting the date, MS-DOS displays the time prompt: Current time is hh:mm:ss Enter new time: You can enter the correct time or bypass the prompt by pressing Enter.
Page 37: Copying System Diskettes
That’s because Epson changed the prompt by adding a command in a file named AUTOEXEC.BAT. This file contains a series of commands that your computer automatically runs when you turn it on. One of these commands is PROMPT $P $G, which modifies the prompt to display your directory location on the disk.
Page 38 2. Type: DISKCOPY A: B: and press The screen displays these prompts: Enter. Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A: Insert TARGET diskette in drive B: Press any key when ready... Insert the MS-DOS system diskette you want to copy (the source) into drive A.
Page 39: Copying Diskettes On The Apex Plus 20
Press to return to the MS-DOS command prompt. Store the original system diskettes in a safe place. Properly label the working copies you just created. Copying diskettes on the Apex Plus 20 prompt should be displayed on the screen. If it is C>...
Page 40: Setting The Real Time Clock
To set the real time clock, use the SETRTC program supplied by Epson on your GW-BASIC diskette. N O T E You cannot set the real time clock using the MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands;...
Page 41 To set the real time clock, follow these steps: If you are using the Apex Plus, insert the GW-BASIC diskette into drive A. At the command prompt, type the following and press SETRTC /I The screen displays a prompt similar to this: Set Real Time Clock Ver.
Page 42: Using Your Apex
Chapter 2 Using Your Apex This chapter covers these basic procedures for using your Apex computer and keyboard: Using the special keys on the keyboard Changing your computer’s operating speed Interrupting a command or program Resetting and turning off your computer Using diskettes, diskette drives, and hard disk drives.
Page 43 Take a look at the special keys and their functions: Key Name 2-2 Using Your Apex Purpose Perform special functions within application programs. Moves the cursor to the right in normal mode (and to the left in shift mode in some application programs). Works with other keys to perform special control functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS and...
Page 44 Key Name Caps Lock, Num Lock, toggles, that is, they alternately turn functions on and off when you press them. When the function is enabled, the correspond- ing light on the top right corner of the keyboard is on to show the feature is on.
Page 45: Selecting Execution Speed
You can change the execution speed by typing a keystroke combination, or by running the SPEED program that Epson supplies on the GW-BASIC diskette. To change the execution speed using the keystroke combina-...
Page 46: Stopping A Command Or Program
NOTE If you want to set your computer to run at 9.54MHz every time you turn on or reset the computer, insert a SPEED command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. See “Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File” in Chapter 3 or your MS-DOS reference manual for more information.
Page 47: Turning Off The Computer
WARNING Do not reset the computer simply to exit a program. Some application programs classify and store new data when you exit the program. If you reset the computer without properly exiting the program, you may lose data. To reset the computer, hold down (on the numeric keypad at the right of the keyboard).
Page 48: Using Diskettes And Diskette Drives
Using Diskettes and Diskette Drives The disk drives in your computer let you store your work and programs for use at any time. Apex Plus systems have two 360 KB diskette drives. Apex Plus 20 systems have one 360 KB diskette drive and one 20 MB hard disk drive.
Page 49: Choosing Diskettes For The Apex
A small read/write head in the computer’s disk drive interprets the magnetic patterns. When you put a diskette in a drive, the read/write head is directly over the large oval hole. The hole allows read/write head access to the diskette so you can store, retrieve, and delete data.
Page 50: Caring For Your Diskettes And Diskette Drives
new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase. See Chapter 3 (or your MS-DOS reference manual) for instructions on how to format diskettes. Caring for your diskettes and diskette drives Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and help you avoid losing data: Keep your diskettes away from dust and dirt.
Page 51: Inserting And Removing Diskettes
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and do not bend them. A diskette does not rotate properly in the drive if it has been damaged. Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. Carefully label diskettes. Attach the label firmly but gently, and only along the top of the diskette (next to the manufacturer’s label).
Page 52 When the diskette is all the way in, turn the latch down until it locks into the vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and lets the read/write heads in the disk drive access the diskette. To remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective enve- lope, and store it properly.
Page 53: Write-Protecting Diskettes
Write-protecting diskettes You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read data from it, but you cannot store new data on the diskette or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a write- protected diskette, the computer displays an error message.
Page 54: Using Your Hard Disk
Copy your data diskettes regularly (preferably every day, or every few hours if you’re creating a lot of data) to keep your backup data current, then store the backup copies away from your originals. Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your MS-DOS system diskettes.
Page 55: Using A Single Diskette Drive System
MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and subdirectories. Epson also includes the XTREE utility with your Apex system, which gives you an easy-to-understand visual representation of your directory structure. XTREE contains many powerful features that let you move, create, delete, and rename files and directories, and view and execute files.
Page 56: Preparing The Hard Disk For Moving
insert another diskette and copies from memory to the new diskette. When copying is complete, you see a prompt to insert the original diskette. Because you may often swap diskettes this way, it is important to remember which diskette is which. One way to avoid acci- dentally losing data is to hold the diskette for one drive in your left hand and the diskette for the other drive in your right.
Page 57 2-16 Using Your Apex...
Page 58: Using Ms-Dos With Your Apex
Chapter 3 Using MS-DOS with Your Apex In this chapter, you’ll learn the basics of using MS-DOS with your Apex. The MS-DOS operating system manages the routine work of your system, such as keeping the computer’s memory organized, controlling the monitor display, accepting keyboard input, and directing external communication.
Page 59: Starting And Exiting Ms-Dos
Starting and Exiting MS-DOS Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS must be running in memory. Follow these steps to load MS-DOS: 1. Turn on your monitor and any peripherals, such as the printer. 2. Turn on the computer. 3.
Page 60: Changing The Default Drive
Changing the Default Drive When you see the operating from drive A. If you want to run a program or find a file on a different drive, however, you must including the drive identifier with the filename or by logging on to that drive.
Page 61: Creating Files
You can enter command names and parameters in either upper- case or lowercase letters. However, you must separate command names and parameters with delimiters; most commands require spaces or commas as delimiters. If you make a mistake when typing a command and you notice it before pressing Enter, Use the backspace key to back up and correct the error...
Page 62: Naming A File
Naming a File Each file requires a unique filename. The filename consists of two parts: the file’s name and the file’s extension. You can use up to eight characters in a filename. Create a name that identifies the information the file contains. The name can contain any characters or numbers except for blank spaces and the following symbols: * \ / { } : I <...
Page 63: Creating And Using Directories
Creating and Using Directories MS-DOS stores the names of the files in directories. This makes it easy for you to organize and find your files. A directory contains specific information about each file such as its name, size, and the date and time you last updated the file. As you create more and more files within a directory, you may find it difficult to quickly locate files.
Page 64: Creating Directories
The directory you are working in is called the cm-rent directory. Usually, when you first load the operating system, the root directory is the current directory. To list the files in the root directory, type and press following above the file names: Directory of A:\ If you are working in a directory named LEDGER, the screen displays the following above the list of files:...
Page 65 Creating directories Use the MKDIR command to create a directory. For example, to create the LEDGER directory under the root directory, type the following and press MKDIR \LEDGER You can abbreviate the name of this command to MD. For example, to create the SALES directory under LEDGER, type the following and press MD \LEDGER\SALES To check that the LEDGER directory is in the root directory,...
Page 66 `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 files it contains. To change to a subdirectory of the current directory, you do not need to enter the backslash.
Page 67: Other Directory Commands
For example, if you are in the LEDGER directory and want to access a file named MICHELLE under the PERSONAL direc- tory, you would type the following pathname and press \WORDPROC/PERSONAL/MICHELLE The pathname \ WORDPROC\PERSONAL\MICHELLE is the full pathname for the file MICHELLE. You can use it no matter what directory you are in (as long as it is on the same disk).
Page 68: Copying From One Directory To Another
Copying from one directory to another You use the COPY command to copy files from one directory to another. Specify the pathname of the file you want to copy, then specify the directory where you want to place the copy. For example, if you are in the WORDPROC directory and want to copy MICHELLE from the PERSONAL subdirectory to the BUSINESS subdirectory, type the following and press...
Page 69: Displaying A List Of Directories
Displaying a list of directories The TREE command lets you display a list of all the directories on the specified drive. For example, to see the names of all the directories on the default drive, type the following and press Enter: TREE The screen displays a report for every directory on the drive, for...
Page 70: Removing A Directory
Removing a directory If you no longer need a directory, you can remove it with the RMDIR (remove directory) command. To remove a directory, first delete any files it contains or move them to another direc- tory. You cannot remove a directory that is not empty. To remove an empty directory, such as the WEST directory under LEDGER, type the following and press RMDIR \LEDGER\WEST...
Page 71: Formatting Diskettes With An Apex Plus 20
2. When you see the FORMAT B: and press Enter. Insert diskette for drive B: and strike ENTER when ready 3. Insert the diskette you want to format into drive B and press MS-DOS displays the head and cylinder Enter. numbers as it formats each cylinder of the diskette: Head: n Cylinder: nn 4.
Page 72: Copying Data
3. When you see the FORMAT A: and press Enter. Insert new diskette for drive A: and strike ENTER when ready 4. Insert the diskette you want to format into drive A and press MS-DOS displays the head and cylinder Enter.
Page 73: Using The Diskcopy Command
Using the DISKCOPY command The DISKCOPY command lets you copy all the files on a diskette to another diskette. Epson also provides a disk utility called DU to copy diskettes; this utility is described in your MS-DOS reference manual. The procedure for copying diskettes depends on whether you are using an Apex Plus or an Apex Plus 20.
Page 74 3. At the prompt, type: A> DISKCOPY A: B: and press Enter. 4. MS-DOS prompts you to insert your diskettes. You see these messages: Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A: Insert TARGET diskette in drive B: Press any key when ready ... 5.
Page 75: Using Diskcopy With An Apex Plus 20
Using DISKCOPY with an Apex Plus 20 Make sure your original diskette is write protected (see Chapter 2 for instructions). If necessary, type At the prompt, type: C> DISKCOPY and press Enter. MS-DOS displays these messages: Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A: Press any key when ready ...
Page 76: Using The Copy Command
5. Remove the diskette from drive A and insert the blank diskette in the drive. DISKCOPY checks to see if the new diskette is formatted. If not, it formats the diskette. You see this message: Formatting while copying The copy operation begins when the format is complete. You see these messages: Copying 40 tracks 9 sectors/track, 2 side(s)
Page 77 A few simple rules apply when copying files: You must tell MS-DOS where to find the source file and where to write the target file. You cannot create a new file with the same name as an existing file. If a file on the target diskette has the same name as a file on the source diskette, the copy automatically replaces the file on the target diskette.
Page 78: Using The Backup Command
To copy all the files on the diskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B, type: COPY A:*.* B: To copy all the files on drive A whose names begin with the four letters “MEMO” and end with any single character to drive B, type: COPY A:MEMO? B: Another task you can perform with the COPY command is...
Page 79: The Help Utility
You can also completely back up all your files and then tell BACKUP to add only those files that have been modified since the last time you ran BACKUP. This process, called an incre- mental backup, makes regular backups faster to perform. Be sure you have enough formatted diskettes to back up the data on your hard disk drive.
Page 80: Examples
Use the cursor keys to highlight a command name and press to display the help screens for this one command. Enter If there is more than one page of text, you see the prompt PgUp on the top of the screen. Press text.
Page 81: Messares
HELP.TXT must be in the same directory, or use APPEND to locate the directory that contains HELP.TXT. The XTREE Utility Epson has included the XTREE program with MS-DOS to make it easier for you to manage files and run other MS-DOS pro- grams. It is located on the GW-BASIC diskette.
Page 82: Using Xtree
Move a file, or files, from one directory to another on the current disk Display and change the attributes of any file; attributes are special switches, which you use to designate files as read- only, hidden, system, or archived Display data in both ASCII and hexadecimal format Execute programs Display how much space is available on your disks Modify screen parameters.
Page 83 The XTREE display shows you: PATH FILE DISK DISK Statistics FILES DIR COMMANDS You use the cursor keys, character keys, function keys, the key, and the Alt key to perform various functions in XTREE. 3-26 Using MS-DOS with Your Apex Provides the current location as an MS-DOS style pathname.
Page 84 Cursor keys move the pointer. To select a file, use the arrow keys to highlight the file and directory names within the Direc- tory and File windows. Press Directory window to the File window and back again. Character keys execute an XTREE command. The available XTREE commands appear on the DIR/COMMANDS or FILE/COMMANDS line at the bottom of your screen.
Page 85: Cautions
Cautions With a utility as powerful and as fast as XTREE, you must always be aware of the danger of accidentally erasing important files. Follow these guidelines to protect your files: You can cancel commands, even commands in progress, by pressing F3.
Page 86 ASSIGN GRAFTABL ATTRIB GRAPHICS CHKDSK COMMAND KEYBFR DEBUG KEYBGR DISKCOMP KEYBIT DISKCOPY KEYBSP KEYBUK EPSON LABEL MODE FIND MORE Available Delete COMMANDS ^Showall ^Tag s c r o l l RETURN file 2. Press (for Makedir) to create a directory for your files.
Page 87 Now you can copy files into this directory. Press to move the cursor from the root directory to the files window. Press T to tag a few files. A diamond appears next to each file you tag. Copying duplicate files uses up space quickly. It is a good idea to always check the total of Tagged Bytes in the DIRECTORY Statistics box to make sure you don’t tag more bytes than the Available Bytes (shown in the...
Page 88 Press twice to return the cursor to the root Enter directory; then move the cursor to the new directory. Your display should look like this: Path:\ T E S T 1 ANSI ASSIGN ATTRIB CHKDSK DISRCOMP DISRCOPY Available Delete COMMANDS ^Showall ^Tag s c r o l l...
Page 89: Starting Your Application Program
If MS-DOS finds an AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the root directory, it executes the commands in that file. If you are using an Apex Plus 20, Epson has included an AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the root directory of your hard disk. It...
Page 90: Creating An Autoexec.bat File
third line changes the command prompt to display the current directory as well as the current drive, and the fourth line clears the screen. Here are some other suggestions for commands you can include in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file: Modify the PATH command to include the directories containing other software programs you commonly use.
Page 91 3-34 Using MS-DOS with Your Apex...
Page 92: Installing Option Cards
Apex Plus 20, a second position is occupied by a hard disk controller card. Option cards are available from Epson as well as other vendors. In addition, multifunction boards (available from various vendors) allow you to add multiple features using only a single slot.
Page 93: Removing The Cover
Removing the Cover To remove the cover, you’ll need a cross-head screwdriver. Follow these steps: WARNING Never open the cover of the Apex while it is plugged into an electrical outlet. Turn off the power switch to the computer, then turn off any other peripheral devices connected to it. Wait for a few seconds, then unplug the power cord before removing the cover.
Page 94: Inserting The Option Card
Now tilt the cover up slightly from the back and push it away from you and the computer. 5. Set the cover aside for now. Inserting the Option Card Now that the cover is off, you can place the option card in any of the open option slots.
Page 95 1. Touch the power supply cover inside the computer to discharge any static electricity that may be on your clothes or body. 2. Decide which option slot you want to use, then remove the retaining screw from the metal cover plate at the back of the slot.
Page 96 Next, unpack the option card and read all instructions that come with it. Adjust any switches or jumper connections on the option card if necessary. N O T E Pay special attention to the warnings in your option card instructions. Some devices have delicate CMOS chips that you should not touch.
Page 97 5. Now, insert the card straight down into the slot. Slide the tab at the bottom of the retaining bracket between the back panel and the green main circuit board. 6. Once you have the connector pins sitting in the connector slot, push down firmly (but carefully) to fully insert the card.
Page 98: Replacing The Cover
Replacing the Cover After you have installed the card, all you need to do is replace the cover of the computer: 1. With the back of the computer still facing you, position the cover over the computer with the front edge pointing slightly downward.
Page 99: Post-Installation Setup
Post-installation Setup With the option card in place, your Apex may need a few adjustments to accommodate its new configuration. If you have already replaced the computer’s cover and reconnected the power cord, you may now need to change your DIP switch settings to reflect the new configuration.
Page 100 and out of the connector to avoid damaging it. When the card is removed, rewrap it (using the original packing materials) and place it inside the packing box for safe storage. Next, replace the metal access slot cover, and finally replace the computer’s cover. When you have reassembled the computer, remember that you may need to reset the computer’s DIP switches to properly con- figure your system.
Page 101 4-10 Installing Option Cards...
Page 102: Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
If the problem still exists, call toll-free 1-800-922-891 1 for the location of your nearest Epson Customer Care Center (24 hours a day, seven days a week). You can also send any questions you have about the...
Page 103: The Computer Fails To Start Up
The Computer Fails to Start Up If your computer does not start up when you turn on the power switch, follow these steps to find a solution: First, check to see if the power light on the front panel of the main unit is on.
Page 104: The Computer Locks Up
If the display doesn’t appear on the screen, use the controls on the monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast of the display. Check DIP switches 3 and 4 on the back panel of the main unit to make sure they are set correctly for your video card. If you need to adjust a DIP switch, turn off your computer, make the adjustment, and then turn on the power.
Page 105: Diskette Problems
If the computer remains locked up after you’ve allowed a reasonable amount of time, follow the steps in Chapter 2 under “Resetting the Computer.” Diskette Problems If you have trouble with one of your diskettes, read the follow- ing questions to see if they apply to the problem: Is the diskette damaged? To find out, copy the diskette and repeat the operation that caused the problem using the copy you...
Page 106: Hard Disk Problems
Hard Disk Problems If you have problems with your hard disk when you first start to use it, make sure it has been set up properly. First check to see if you can boot from the hard disk. Can you boot from your hard disk? You may be missing one of the MS-DOS system files needed to boot from the hard disk.
Page 107: Software Problems
HDFMTALL program. See Appendix B, “Preparing a Hard Disk For Use,” for instructions. As a last resort, have an Authorized Epson Customer Care Center check your hard disk. Never open the airtight container that encloses the recording disk.
Page 108: Printer Problems
Printer Problems Your printer manual describes methods to solve most of your printer problems. However, if your printer does not work correctly right after you install it, check to make sure the printer has power and is properly connected to the computer. If you need additional help, the printer manual gives detailed instruc- tions on how to connect your printer.
Page 109: Expanding Your System
You can buy the chip at electronic parts retailers and computer stores (Epson America, Inc. does not supply them). An 8087-1 math coprocessor chip which runs at 10MHz is recommended for use with the Apex computer.
Page 110 Composite monochrome monitors can be used if a composite video board is installed (available from computer dealers). The multi-graphics adapter card supplied with the Apex does not support composite monitors. A standard television set cannot be used with the Apex, although there are some new TV sets being manufac- tured that can also be used as computer monitors with the proper interface card.
Page 111 Q: What kind of joystick can I use with the Apex? Where do I connect it? A: There are many IBM-compatible joysticks and some have different types of connectors. Make sure the joystick connector matches the connector type on the board you are using.
Page 112: Setting The Dip Switches
Appendix A Setting the DIP Switches The DIP switch settings on the Apex provide your computer with information about its configuration. Each time you turn on your Apex, it checks the settings to determine the type of monitor and the type of interfaces in use. The DIP switches are located on the back panel of your main unit: These switches are preset for you by the manufacturer.
Page 113: Switch 1 (Serial Port
This table lists functions controlled by each DIP switch: Function Serial (RS232-C) port COM1 primary * COM2 secondary ON Parallel port LPT1 primary LPT2 secondary Video type 40x25 color 80x25 color 80x25 mono Special settings *Factory setting Switch 1 (serial port) Switch 1 tells the computer how to access the built-in serial port, as follows: The built-in serial port functions as either the primary or...
Page 114: Switch 2 (Parallel Port
Switch 2 (parallel port) Switch 2 tells the computer how to access the built-in parallel port, as follows: The built-in parallel port functions as either the primary or secondary parallel port. You may decide to install an option card that has its own parallel port. Make sure you set the DIP switch or jumper on the option card as well as the DIP switch on the Apex so that there is no conflict between the built-in parallel port and the added card.
Page 115 N O T E The Apex computer can automatically detect the correct video mode for the connected monitor and make the appropriate adjustments regardless of the current DIP switch settings. However, to ensure complete compatibility between your computer, video card, and monitor, you should set the computer’s DIP switches for the correct monitor.
Page 116: Preparing A Hard Disk For Use
Appendix B Preparing a Hard Disk For Use The Apex Plus 20 comes with a preformatted hard disk that has MS-DOS and GW-BASIC already loaded and ready to use. You do not need to format this hard disk drive unless you have a serious problem with it.
Page 117: Using Hdfmtall
MKDIR and COPY let you move the files on your hard disk into the recommended arrangement. COPY lets you create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file to automatically execute the PATH command so you can keep the MS-DOS commands and the GW-BASIC program in a separate directory from the rest of your program and data files.
Page 118: Unconditional Format
You see a menu of formatting and checking options: HARD DISK FORMAT MENU 1 - Conditional format (Normal) 2 - Unconditional format 3 - Destructive surface analysis 4 - Non-destructive surface analysis 0 - Exit Enter selection number: The first two options format a hard disk. Normally, you use option 1, Conditional format (Normal).
Page 119: Conditional Format (Normal
provided by the drive manufacturer contains bad tracks that the analysis does not detect, you can use the Unconditional format option to flag all the bad tracks manually. When you select an option from the HARD DISK FORMAT MENU, the program determines the number of hard disk drives installed in your computer.
Page 120 When the scan is complete, the program displays information about the condition of the disk. For a 20MB hard disk with no bad tracks, the display looks like this: Scanning finished. Count of tracks flagged bad Count of tracks with other errors = 0 Count of good tracks The program then displays a warning about the consequences of proceeding with formatting:...
Page 121 Run the Conditional format again. No errors should occur; if one does, contact the store where you purchased your computer or call the toll-free Epson number for the location of your nearest Authorized Epson Customer Care Center. B-6 Preparing a Hard Disk For Use...
Page 122: Unconditional Format
Unconditional format You can also use this option to format your hard disk. The dif- ference between unconditional and conditional formatting is how bad tracks are identified. The unconditional format re- quires you to enter a list of bad tracks before formatting begins. To start the Unconditional format, press 2 and then You are first given the option to change the interleave factor for formatting from the default value of three.
Page 123 To add a bad track, follow these steps: Press You see this prompt: Enter cylinder number (1 - xxxx) Type the number of the cylinder containing the missing bad track, and press Enter head number Type the head number for the bad track, and press The maximum valid cylinder and head numbers (xxxx and yy) vary according to the type of hard disk.
Page 124: Destructive Surface Analysis
Destructive surface analysis Use this option to accurately locate any bad tracks on a hard disk, and to flag any bad tracks that are not flagged. WARNING If any errors occur during this check, all data on the track that produces the error is destroyed.
Page 125: Non-Destructive Surface Analysis
If the program finds one bad track that is not flagged, the sum- mary above shows one track with a write, read error, and only 2458 good tracks. The report is then followed by a table like this: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Confirm...
Page 126: Using Fdisk
As each track is checked, the current cylinder is displayed. The cylinder number counts down to zero as the disk is checked. When the analysis is complete, the program displays a summary of the status of the disk. This summary lists these counts: Flagged bad tracks Tracks with read, verify errors Good tracks.
Page 127 Press 1 and then option. The screen displays: Create DOS Partition Do you wish to use the entire fixed disk for DOS (Y/N) Press Y and Enter. partition. The screen displays the following message: System will now restart Insert DOS diskette in drive A: Press any key when ready...
Page 128: Using Select
Using SELECT SELECT formats your hard disk and copies the files on your MS-DOS system diskette to it. You’ll tell SELECT that you want to copy the MS-DOS files to a directory called DOS. Follow these steps to use SELECT: If you have not already done so, insert your MS-DOS system diskette into the top drive.
Page 129: Finishing Your Installation
Besides formatting the hard disk partition, SELECT also creates a directory named DOS and copies the operating system files to the hard disk. When the procedure is complete, the screen displays: Format complete System transferred Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)? 5.
Page 130 Follow these steps to complete your installation: Insert the working copy of the GW-BASIC diskette into drive A. At the A> Enter: COPY *.* C:\DOS This copies all the files from the diskette into the directory called DOS on the hard disk drive. The computer displays the name of each file it copies, and then tells you how many files it copied.
Page 131 6. Next, you’ll create a file called AUTOEXEC.BAT. Type the following and press COPY CON: C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT ECHO OFF PATH C:\;\DOS;\BASIC PROMPT $P$G Press F6 and then message: 1 File(s) copied and the prompt redisplays. A> Remove the GW-BASIC diskette from drive A. To reset the computer, hold down You have completed formatting your hard disk and installing MS-DOS and GW-BASIC.
Page 132: Specifications
Appendix C Specifications Main Unit 8-bit CPU Main. memory Math coprocessor Interfaces Parallel interface Serial interface Speaker interface Option slots Keyboard Layout Function keys 8088-1 microprocessor; 4.77MHz or 9.54MHz clock rate; keyboard selectable 512 KB; expandable to 640 KB 8087-1 microprocessor (optional)-for use at 4.77M/9.54Hz 8087-2 microprocessor (optional)--for use at 4.77MHz only...
Page 133: Mass Storage
Mass Storage Standard Optional Power Requirements Environmental Requirements Temperature Humidity Physical Characteristics (CPU Only) Width Depth Height Weight C-2 Specifications Two internal drives maximum Two 5 l/4-inch, half-height diskette drives; double-sided, double-density, 360 KB storage capacity One 5 l/4-inch, half-height diskette drive;...
Page 134: Video And Display Options
Monitors Multi-graphics video card; switch- selectable; installed in option slot; game port included Supports Epson and IBM-compatible monochrome monitor: monochrome text, 80-character x 25-line display, 9 x 14-character block Supports Epson and IBM-compatible color monitor: color graphics,...
Page 135 Printers and printer accessories C-4 Specifications ActionPrinters by Epson Apex80 9-pin, 80-column, dot-matrix printer; (180 cps draft/30 cps near letter quality) (U110) Black ribbon (8750) Single bin cut sheet feeder (7341A) T-750 9-pin, 136-column, dot-matrix printer; (240 cps draft/48 cps near letter quality)
Page 136 Computer Internal 300/1200 baud modem accessories card (C203A-A) External 300/l200 baud modem (C202A-A) Specifications C-5...
Page 137 C-6 Specifications...
Page 138: Glossary
Glossary Application program A software program designed to perform a specific task, such as a word processing or spreadsheet program. ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols. An ASCII character occupies one byte of storage.
Page 139 Boot To load a program or an operating system. Byte A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character. C G A Color/graphics adapter. A type of color monitor that can display up to 25 lines of text with 80 characters on each line, or monochrome graphics with a 640 x 200 resolution.
Page 140 Control code A command (generated when you hold down Ctrl and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function. C P U Central Processing Unit. The piece of hardware that interprets instructions, performs the tasks you indicate, keeps track of stored data, and controls all input and output operations.
Page 141 Device A piece of equipment that is part of a computer system and performs a specific task, such as a disk drive, a monitor, or a printer. DIP switches Small switches on a piece of hardware such as the computer, an option card, or a printer.
Page 142 Enhanced Graphics Adapter. A type of high-resolution color monitor. It can display up to 25 lines of text with 80 characters on each line. It can also display monochrome or 16-color graphics at 640 x 350 resolution. Execution speed See Operating speed. Extension A suffix of up to three characters that can be added to a file name to better identify it.
Page 143 Hard disk The enclosed unit used to store data permanently. Unlike a diskette, it is fixed in place. It can process data more rapidly and store many more files than a diskette. Hardware Any physical component of a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU.
Page 144 Light Emitting Diode. A substance that illuminates when electricity passes through it, like the indicator lights above the Apex’s keyboard. Main unit The Apex computer. Megabyte (MB) A unit used to measure storage space (in a computer’s memory or on a disk). One megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes. Megahertz (MHz) A unit used to measure oscillation frequency (of a computer’s internal timing clock).
Page 145 Monochrome monitor A monitor that displays in only one color, such as green or amber, as opposed to a color monitor which can display in several colors. Mouse A hand-held pointing device, usually with buttons. When you slide the mouse over a flat surface in a certain direction, the cursor moves in the same direction on the screen.
Page 146 Parity Data signals sent during communications to detect errors in transmitting or receiving data. Partition To divide a hard disk drive into separate sections for use by different operating systems. Pathname The list of directories and subdirectories you need to travel through to locate a file.
Page 147 Read To copy data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen. Read/write head The physical device inside a disk drive that reads and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk.
Page 148 Self test The initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check its hardware. Serial The type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time. See Interface, Parallel. Software The programs that enable the computer to perform the tasks and functions you indicate.
Page 149 Track ball A pointing device that consists of a ball in a socket mounted over motion sensors. When you roll the ball in a certain direc- tion, the cursor moves in that direction on the screen. Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a diskette, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the diskette into separate accessible areas.
Page 150 Index AC input, 1-7 Adjusting the keyboard angle, 1-12 - 13 APPEND command, 3-10 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 1-22, 2-5 ,3-33, B-2, B-16 Back panel, 1-7 Backing up diskettes, 2-12 - 13 BACKUP command, 3-15, 3-21 - 22 Bad tracks (hard disk), B-3, B-7 Break signal, 2-5 Caring for diskettes, 2-9 - 10 Changing operating speed, 1-5, 2-4 - 5, 5-6...
Page 151 Date prompt, 1-20, 1-26 DB-25P connector, 1-15 Default drive, 3-3 Delimiters, 3-4 Destructive surface analysis test (hard disk), B-1, B-3, B-9 DIP switches, Intro-3, 1-8, 1-11, 4-8, 5-3, 5-7, A-1-4 Directories, 2-14, 3-6 - 13 DISKCOPY command, 1-23, 2-13, 3-15 - 19 Diskettes, caring for, 2-9 - 10 choosing, 2-8...
Page 152 Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) monitor, Intro-1, 4-1, 5-8 Entering commands, 3-3 Environmental requirements, C-2 Execution speed, 1-5, 2-4 - 5, 5-6 Expanding the system, 5-8 - 10 Expansion slots, C-1 FDISK command, 5-5, B-1, B-11 Files, creating, 3-4 naming, 3-5 FORMAT command, 5-5 Formatting, diskettes, 2-8 - 9...
Page 153 HDFMTALL program, 5-6, B-1 - 2 HDSIT program, 2-6, 2-13 - 14 Head, read/write, 2-8 HELP command, 3-22 - 24 Hidden files, 5-5 IBMBIO.COM, 5-5 IBMDOS.COM, 5-5 Inserting an option card, 4-3 - 6 Inserting diskettes, 2-10 - 11 Installing option cards, 1-1 1, 4-1 Interface, Intro-2, 1-8, 1-13, 1-15, 4-8 Joystick, Intro-1, 1-8, 5-10 Keyboard,...
Page 154 Mouse compatibility, 5-9 Mouse, Intro-2 Moving the computer, 2-15 MS-DOS, exiting, 3-2 loading, 1-19 starting, 3-2 Multi-graphics adapter card, Intro-1, 1-8 - 9, 5-8, 5-10, C-3 Multifunction boards, 4-1 Naming files, 3-15 Non-destructive surface analysis test (hard disk), B-1, B-3, B-10 Numeric/cursor pad, C-1 Operating speed, 1-5, 2-4 - 5, 5-6 Option...
Page 155 requirements, C-2 sources, 1-3 strip, 1-3 switch, 1-5, 5-9 voltage, 5-9 Power-on self test, 1-17 Printer, Intro-2, 1-13 - 15, 5-7, C-3 Problem solving, 5-1 - 8 PROMPT command, 1-22 Protector cards, 1-2 RAM (random access memory), Intro-1 Removing diskettes, 2-10 Removing option cards, 4-8 - 9 Removing the computer’s cover, 4-2 - 3 Resetting the computer, 2-5 - 6...
Page 156 Starting the system, normal startup, 1- 17 problem solving, 5-2 Stopping a command or program, 2-5 Storage capacity, C-2 Storing diskettes, 2-9 SUBST command, 3-10 Switches, 3-3 SYS command, 5-5 Target diskette, 1-23 - 24 Television set, 5-9 Time prompt, 1-21, 1-26 Track ball, 1-8 TREE command, 3-12 Tree-structured directories, 3-6...
Page 157: Index 8
XTREE, Intro-3, 2-14, 3-24 - 32 Index 8...

This manual is also suitable for:

Apex plus Apex plus 20

Epson Apex User Manual

Introduction

Chapter 1 Setting up Your System

Chapter 2 Using Your Apex

Chapter 3 Using MS-DOS with Your Apex

Chapter 4 Installing Option Cards

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Appendix A Setting the DIP Switches

Appendix B Preparing a Hard Disk for Use

Appendix C Specifications

Glossary

Index 8

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Table of Contents