DCS Interface Kit (250-4081A) Installation/Setup Faxback Doc. # 5496 This manual explains how to install your interface board into your Tandy computer, and how your computer operates with the installed board. The interface board contains the circuitry necessary to allow your computer to work with the Disk Cartridge System. A utilities diskette is provided with the interface board. This diskette contains the software programs that optimize the performance of the DOS operating system with the DCS. Proper use of the interface board requires proper installation and care of the DCS. We recommend that your Tandy dealer install the interface kit, but if you follow the installation and operating details described in your manuals, you should find the DCS and its software easy to use. However, these manuals do no replace the manuals provided with your computer. You should be familiar with the operation of your computer system and have a good understanding of common DOS commands. You should also know the appropriate system manual to refer to for DOS information. If you have any problems with of questions about the proper setup and use of the DCS and interface board, contact your authorized Tandy dealer. He has access to technical information and qualified personnel to help you. Also, check with your dealer from time to time for updated or revised operating information. You should clean the cartridge disk drive read/write heads after every 50 hours (or approximately one month) of use. Clean the heads more often if you operate your system in a dusty environment or if your are experiencing frequent drive or disk errors. The cleaning procedures are printed on the insert in the cleaning care kit, available from your Tandy dealer. CAUTION: Immediate head cleaning is recommended if you are experiencing abnormal drive or disk performance. Continued operation with a dirty DCS read/write head or a defective or worn disk cartridge could cause cartridge or system damage. INSTALLATION The Tandy SETUP program is provided to help you install the software and hardware necessary to operate the Disk Cartridge System (DCS) with your Tandy computer. NOTE: DOS 3.2 is recommended when running the DCS and utilities. CAUTION: If you turn the Disk Cartridge System power on before allowing adjustment to room temperature, the cooling fan will force room air through the system, causing condensation. If the system is operated while condensation exists in the drives, the disk cartridges could be severely damaged and the read/write head inside the drive could become clogged. The result could be immediate disk failure or severely shortened cartridge life. TANDY SETUP SETUP installs the software necessary to run the DCS. The software installation includes two parts. First, the necessary software driver program is copied to your boot disk along with the Tandy DCS utilities (if you choose to copy them). Second, SETUP modifies or creates a CONFIG.SYS file on your boot disk. If your current boot disk contains a CONFIG.SYS file, an unchanged copy of the current file is placed on your boot disk with the name CONFIG.BAK. If your boot disk does not contain a CONFIG.SYS file, SETUP creates one on your current boot disk containing the following lines. DEVICE = TANDY.SYS BUFFERS = 4 SETUP adds the same lines to an existing CONFIG.SYS file, but does not change the buffer count if it is already contained in the file. After the software is installed on your boot disk, SETUP helps you to set up your DCS and its interface board. Your local Radio Shack/Tandy Computer Center should install the interface board. If you choose to install the board yourself, instructions are given here and in the SETUP program. Once the interface board is installed and the DCS is set up, you can rerun SETUP to format the disks you plan to use with your DCS. Make sure you're familiar with the disk handling and drive operating procedures in the DCS Owner's Manual. INTERFACE BOARD INSTALLATION PROCEDURES The only tools you need to install your interface board are screwdrivers to remove the cover from your computer and install the interface board. Make sure the switches and jumpers on the interface board are set according to the information in SETUP. For more information about the interface board switch and jumper settings, refer to Chapter 5. REMOVE THE COMPUTER COVER 1. Turn the power switch to off, unplug all the power cords from electrical outlets, and disconnect all cables from the system unit. Remove the display monitor from the system unit. 2. Using a screwdriver, turn the cover mounting screws counterclockwise to remove them from the back of the system unit. Set the screws safely aside. 3. Remove the computer cover by sliding it forward, tilting it upward, and removing it from the base. NOTE: If you have problems removing the cover, refer to the installation and setup procedures in your computer manual. INSERT THE INTERFACE BOARD AND REPLACE THE COMPUTER COVER The interface board will operate in any of the expansion slots in your Tandy computer. Figure 1-3 show the rear panel of a Tandy 3000 HD with ten available expansion slots. TO INSTALL YOUR INTERFACE BOARD: 1. Select one available expansion slot. 2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the cover plate of the selected expansion slot, and remove the plate. NOTE: Save the screw; you'll need to re-insert it later. 3. Holding the interface board firmly, press its board edge connector into the connector of the selected expansion slot. 4. Align the hole in the retaining bracket of the interface board with that in the system's rear panel. Use the screwdriver to replace the expansion slot screw. 5. Replace the computer cover by reversing the procedures described in this installation procedure. 6. Replace and tighten the cover mounting screws by turning them clockwise. 7. Replace the display monitor and reconnect all cables (such as the display and keyboard cables). CONNECT THE DCS TO THE SYSTEM UNIT SETUP will help you verify that your DCS drives are operating correctly. If you haven't run SETUP, do so before you connect your DCS to the interface board. After you have run SETUP and setup your DCS, you will be ready to connect the DCS to your system unit. * Make sure that the DCS and the system unit are turned OFF before connecting any cables. * Attach the male end of the connector cable to the DCS and the female end to the interface board connector on the system unit. * Tighten the cables by turning the screws clockwise with the screwdriver. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the mounting hardware, engage the mounting screws prior to seating the cable. As you tighten the screws (alternate between them so the cable goes into the connector straight), the connector will seat firmly in the correct position. * Make sure the DCS power is turned OFF. Connect both the system and DCS power cables to the properly grounded (3-prong in the U.S.) outlets. * Turn ON the power switches to both the DCS and the computer system unit. Once the interface board is installed in your computer, re-run SETUP. The program will check your installation and allow you to format the disks you will be using with your Disk Cartridge System. See the Quick Setup foldout card included with this manual for software installation instructions before going on to Chapter 2. (dkh/jej-05/12/94)