Info-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL ("Info-IBMPC Digest") (07/22/90)
Info-IBMPC Digest Sun, 22 Jul 90 Volume 90 : Issue 112
Today's Editor:
Gregory Hicks - Rota Spain <GHICKS@WSMR-Simtel20.Army.Mil>
Today's Topics:
Advice on bad motherboard
PIC_TC.ZIP - TC function lib makes Lotus123-type PIC graphs
Brother WP500? diskettes
Conflicting 'prompt' and 'echo off' commands in BAT-file
Floppy problem resolution
LaserJet printers vs. power lines
parallel ports (Yes, input is possible.)
PD DIFF program wanted
PS/2 '110' Error
PC comparison
QRAM & Extended memory
Re Phoenix BIOS help needed
VCR-backup of PC Hard-disk
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Date: Tue, 17 Jul 90 08:27:56 CST
From: Don Branson <C08922DB@wuvmd.bitnet>
Subject: Advice on bad motherboard
I'm having a problem with my 286 PC clone. It started locking up about
3 months ago, and was fixed when the person that checked it out re-seated
some chips. It worked fine until last week, when it started locking up
again, then finally wouldn't work at all. I took it back to the same
place, and re-seating the CPU caused it to start working again. They
said that this sounds to them like an intermittent trace on the mother-
board, and their response was to replace the motherboard, and swap all my
RAM over. That's fine, except for the $215 for the motherboard. (10 MHz)
My questions:
1) Does this really sound like a bad trace, or does sound like
a cold solder joint, or a bent CPU pin?
2) If it is a bad trace, are there people who repair these boards?
3) Does anyone have experience with the ATTAK 286 motherboard?
4) If the board does have to be replaced, is there a cheaper way
to do it?
If you can answer any of my questions, or give any advice, it would be
appreciated.
Thanks.
Don Branson
Washington University Information Systems
C08922DB@WUVMD.BITNET
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 90 12:58:50 EDT
From: TOMASZ <TOMASZ@UNB.CA>
Subject: PIC_TC.ZIP - TC function lib makes Lotus123-type PIC graphs
The following is a description of a programming utilities package
recently uploaded to the SIMTEL20 archives.
Directory PD1:<MSDOS.GRAPHICS>
Filename Type Length Date Description
==============================================
PIC_TC.ZIP B 87235 900602 TC function lib makes Lotus123-type PIC graphs
PIC_TC (Version 1.10)
PIC_TC is a collection of subroutines written in Turbo C which allows
the software developer to incorporate PIC file graphic support to their own
programs.
PIC_TC supports memory models from small through huge and not only
provides basic drawing commands such as 'pen up move' and 'pen down
move' but many other functions. Rectangle, circle and block drawing
is possible with full control over such attributes as colour and line
type. The user can define the scaling to be used for the drawing and
also specify relative moves either with the 'pen up' or 'pen down.
By using the PIC_TC library the user can rapidly create graphical
representation of data in a format which is readily imported into most
high quality wordprocessing packages.
For further information please contact:
CSH Services
Comp. 149 Site #14 SS 3
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5W9
CANADA
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 90 13:07:17 EDT
From: Peter Jones <MAINT%UQAM.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: Brother WP500? diskettes
I am trying to read a WP diskette formatted on a Brother WP 500 (or is is it
5000). This beast cannot, as I understand it, be fitted with an RS232 port,
so the only solution, aside from optically reading the output of the
Brother, is to read that diskette.
Brother said the format is "proprietary", and refused to release any
technical information. I tried a couple of commercial diskette conversion
places in town (Montreal), and they said they couldn't convert the
Brother diskettes. I also tried examining the diskette with ANAD201, from
the SIMTEL20 archives. It said the diskette was unreadable or had no data,
as did Norton Disk Doctor. The suppliers of ANAD201 (ANADISK) gave me to
understand that they couldn't find out Brother's diskette format either.
Is there someone on the list who has some ideas? Converting this diskette would
allow a blind student to receive 300 pages of class notes in automatically-
translated braille.
"A Kleenex in the the hand is worth two in the box"
Peter Jones (514)-987-3542
Internet:Peter Jones <MAINT%UQAM.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
UUCP: ...psuvax1!uqam.bitnet!maint
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jul 90 17:26:00 CDT
From: "SACLMR" <saclmr@sacemnet.af.mil>
Subject: Conflicting 'prompt' and 'echo off' commands in BAT-file
I've seen several bulletin board/mailing list messages over the past
couple years which talk about using the DOS "PROMPT" command for
redefinition of keys and problems associated with this method. I have
always wondered why anyone would do this when there is a much simpler
and, apparently, more effective way. Why not use the "ECHO" command?
Any full-screen ASCII editor worth its salt can insert an escape
character in a batch file. I have always redefined keys in this manner
and never had a problem. To redefine the PgUp and PgDn keys, the BAT
file would look like this:
echo off
echo <ESC>[0;73;"PgUp";13p
echo <ESC>[0;81;"PgDn";13p
Of course, <ESC> would be replaced by the actual escape character.
Regards - Jim Fregin
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 90 10:24:37 EDT
From: Michael Harpe <MEHARP01%ULKYVM.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Subject: Floppy problem resolution
The floppy drive is functional! Thanks to all who responded. The
problem was not anything that anyone pointed out, though. I did find
the termination resistor thanks to the net, but the real problem was
revealed by reading the Que book entitled "Repairing and Upgrading
PCs." I don't have the author's name with me. I highly recommend this
book to anyone who is considering building or upgrading a system.
Now to the solution of the "Case of the Faulty Floppy" (sorry, couldn't
resist it :-)). It turns out that my drive is old enough that it does
not generate a media changed (Changeline) signal on pin 34. It appears
to be generating a Standard Ready signal. This is incorrect on an AT
and will cause improper operation. The book advised that pin 34 should
be open if the drive does not generate the signal. I covered the pad
and Bingo! Functional drives. The permanent fix was to cut the trace
to the pad.
Many of you probably know this signal as the RY jumper on most other
floppies. The particular Qume drive that I have was originally
designed for Portable PC's, the boat anchors that look like Singer
sewing machines. Since this drive was designed to be run on an XT
controller, the signal was ignored by the controller. Very subtle
difference. What threw me was that it's nearly always a strap option.
The book even says so.
At any rate, the system is up and running great. I'll keep the net
posted about my experiences with The Mutt, which is what I call my
system since it has a virtual cornucopia of different manufacturer's
components.
Gee, I wonder what Jerry Pournelle would think? I didn't even have the
presidents of Qume and Western Digital helping me :-) :-). I'm sorry.
I got my information from this book:
"Upgrading and Repairing PCs"
by Scott Mueller
Published by Que, Carmel, Indiana.
ISBN 0-88022-395-2
Suggested retail: $27.95 USA, $36.95 Canada
An excellent book on the upgrade and repair of PC's and PC clones.
Yours for a better tomorrow.
Michael Harpe, N4PLE | BITNET: MEHARP01@ULKYVM
106B Ormsby Building | VOICE: 502-588-7785
University of Louisville | FAX: 502-588-5048
Louisville, KY 40292 | AURAL: "Mike!"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 90 08:27:09 EDT
From: Joe Morris <jcmorris@mwunix.mitre.org>
Subject: LaserJet printers vs. power lines
In INFO-IBMPC 90:110 there were several comments about H-P LaserJet
printers, including one from Gary Huntress of NUSC reporting a periodic
dimming of the (room?) lights.
We just went through a thorough analysis of the entire power system at
MITRE to identify the sources of sharply rising trouble reports
involving the networked systems. One of the findings was that the
LaserJet is a significant source of power line contamination and should
not be fed from the same branch circuit as a computer. We've found
that this recommendation is shared by the external experts we've
consulted.
As noted by Juergen Kreuels in the same issue, at least one source of
the contamination is the cycling of the fuser heat. The report from a
Dranitz disturbance analyzer on the power line shows significant
spiking on a regular basis whenever the printer is turned on.
(Our tests involved the LJII since we don't have many LJIII's in the
field yet. There may be a difference in their effect on the line.)
The resulting recommendation was to mandate wherever possible that
laser printers (not just the LJ; other printers show similar
signatures) be fed from a power source as far away as possible from the
one feeding the attached computers. There are all sorts of problems
with this, including (believe it or not) some situations in which the
National Electrical Code makes it difficult to install separately-fed
outlets next to each other, but we're working on it, especially for new
buildings.
Incidentally, I have a LJII at home, plugged into the same outlet as
the PS/2 and quite a bit of extra gear. I see the room lights dim when
I first turn the printer on, but I never see any further interference.
Maybe I'm just lucky...I hope.
Joe Morris
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 90 20:03:19 -0400
From: gwr@linus.mitre.org
Subject: parallel ports (Yes, input is possible.)
Actually, though it seems to be a little-known feature, all standard PC
parallel ports can be used for 8-bit INPUT as well as output.
The eight data lines are driven by open-collector transistors with
pull-up resistors. The signal is inverted sense (5V=logic low). When
you read the port, the value seen is effectively the logical OR of the
values being asserted (logic high; 0 Volts) by either the output
register on the adapter card or by something connected to it.
Normally, we only connect printers to these parallel ports, and the
printer never pulls the data lines low. The only tricky part in using
parallel port data lines for input is that one must first write all
zeros in the data output register so it won't affect the input values.
Of course there's no BIOS or DOS support either...
Gordon W. Ross *net: gwr@linus.mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation uucp: {decvax,philabs}!linus!gwr
Bedford, MA 01730 (U.S.A.) phone (day): 617-271-3205
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 90 08:27:15 -0700
From: C43CJK%ENG1.gm@hac2arpa.hac.com
Subject: PD DIFF program wanted
In the ongoing quest for another part of the perfect configuration
management system, I'd like to find a PC based DIFF (file compare)
program that generates landscaped parallel output. Those of you who
use the VAX/VMS DIFF probably appreciate DIFF /PARA/OUT/WIDTH=165
file1.txt file2.txt
Oh, and of course I'd love source code.
If anyone does know a good DIFF, please respond ...
Thanks!
Craig Keithley
Delco Systems Operations
c43cjk%eng4.gm@hac2arpa.hac.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 90 10:34:07 EST
From: Joel Saunders <RJFS%SNYCENVM.BITNET@CORNELLC.cit.cornell.edu>
Subject: PS/2 '110' Error
As a registered IBM Technical Coordinator for my organization, I have
just received a handy guide called "Personal System/2 Reference
Tables". It contains information on the following:
1: IBM PS/2 Product Line Summary
2: IBM PS/2 Selected Features Summary
3: Warranty and Maintenance Information
4: Ergonomic and Environmental Information
5: Memory Expansion Alternatives by Model
6: Direct Access Storage Device Summary
7: IBM OS/2 Memory and Storage
8: Other Information
- Micro Channel Configuration Reference
- PS/2 Video Modes
- PS/2 Hardware Error Codes
In the "Hardware Error Code" section (p.40) it refers to error 110 as:
110 - Planar Parity Error
This is a handy reference guide. We use it mainly for figuring out
what memory modules we need to buy and for Hardware Error Codes.
IBM Pub # G325-5008-00 I have the June 1, 1990 Edition.
Hope this helps...... Joel
@ __ JOEL F. SAUNDERS
( ) RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF S.U.N.Y.
/ \/ SUNY PLAZA - BROADWAY F209
__/_______________ /\ ALBANY, NEW YORK 12246
/ / / / (___ / \
(_/ (____/ (_______/ \__ SPECIAL PROJECTS CONSULTANT
BITNET: RJFS AT SNYCENVM
AT&T : (518) 434-7200
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jul 90 20:32:36 GMT
From: rls@merlin.cvs.rochester.edu (Richard Steinberger)
Subject: PC comparison
I am preparing to purchase a 386-25Mhz machine. I am interested in
scientific applications such as finite element methods, calculations
of non-linear dynamics problems,
and other numerical computations.
Does anyone have experience using a machine of this speed for these
calcualtions? Has it been satisfactory? I have been looking at the
Logix 386-25 as compared to some of the other mail order machines such
as Gateway's or Tri Star's. Logix does not use caching to achieve zero
wait states but using the memory mapping capability of the 386. As far
as I can tell almost all the others use caching. Apparently this gives
Logix an edge especially in multitasking, but the others may have an
edge in single tasking (DOS) speed. There may be software
compatibility problems (e.g. with UNIX) in a cached machine, but none
with the Logix.
Any comments on these items, or on the Logix machines in general,
especially in scientific or engineering applications? The Logix
machine costs more but they claim superior quality, and service, and a
superior video card. Can anyone speak to these items?
The monitor supplied with the Logix system is a Aamazing Technologies
MS-8431; I can't find a review or even an ad for this monitor
anywhere. Is anyone familiar with these monitors--have they been
satisfactory?
Any feedback before I spend a lot of money is appreciated.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 90 04:43:00 EDT
From: Jean-Pierre Paradis <PARADISJ%LAVALVM1.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: QRAM & Extended memory
I have an IBM AT with :
640k of conventional memory
896k of extended memory
EGA adapter
IBM Token Ring adapter
I'm trying to use QRAM. I know that I got to have some EMS memory, so I
download the EMS40.SYS driver from SIMTEL. This driver is suppose to
simulate EMS memory with extended memory. The driver seems to work fine
but QRAM doesn't recognize it and give me the "Nothing useful to do".
Does anyone have any ideas ?
_____ __ ____ __ ___ __ ___
| _ | /__\ | __ | /__\ | _ \ || / __| ParadisJ@LavalVM1
| __| | | | | | | | | || \__ \ Analyste
|_| |_||_| |_|\_\ |_||_| |___/ || |___| Universit: Laval
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 90 09:47:28 -0400
From: David Kirschbaum <kirsch@usasoc.soc.mil>
Subject: Re Phoenix BIOS help needed
>From: Michael Harpe <MEHARP01%ULKYVM.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
>The gotcha here is that I do not have the SETUP utility that came with
>the box. What can I do? Is there something in the PD that I can use?
I'd suggest one of the following utilities from SIMTEL20:
PD1:<MSDOS.AT>CMOSER.ARC
PD1:<MSDOS.AT>GSETUP31.ARC (my favorite)
PD1:<MSDOS.AT>SETUP21.ARC
David Kirschbaum
Toad Hall
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 90 21:22 +0300
From: Michael M. Marx Jerusalem - Israel <MARX%HUJIVMS.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: VCR-backup of PC Hard-disk
Hi People,
after discussing on usenet about VCR interface to backup a PC hard disk
I summed the responses to those next companies:
"Microstorage Technology"
Trudos House,
Heath Ride,
Wokingham,
Berks.
RG11 3QJ
Telephone:0734 733414
Last time I enquired, it costs 212.75 pounds Sterling plus however much
they are going to charge you for shipping; I think it would be a good
idea if you called them to discuss the purchase or there is a FAX
number 0734 730508 if you have access to a Facsimilie machine. If you
have any problems getting through I will try contacting them - their
telephone `support' is pretty good.
Omnitronix, Inc.
760 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 624-4985
The opinions i got as for this company are so-so. it backs up 55megs
per hour. not very good, 219$ or so.
if you have more info about other firms dealing with the subject please
notify me.
Michael M. Marx marx@vms.huji.ac.il / marx@hujivms.bitnet
The HUJI, Jerusalem "You only live for 2207520000 seconds,
Israel so make the best out of them!!!" - M. M. Marx
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End of Info-IBMPC Digest V90 #112
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