Epson ExpressStation Dimensions

EPSON

Product Support Bulletin

Subject: Proper Method for Running Benchmark and Diagnostics Programs

Date: 06/04/93 PSB No: S-0158

Page(s): 1 of 1 Originator: MWT

This bulletin describes the proper method for running any benchmark or diagnostics

programs. This applies to any computer system.

In most cases, the computer should be started using an MS-DOS boot diskette

that’s ‘clean’ -

in other words, one with no CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

The appropriate executable can then be run, either from diskette or hard drive.

There will be some exceptions to the above rule. In attempting to benchmark or

troubleshoot any add-on that requires a device driver (CD-ROM, local area network,

etc.), obviously the necessary device driver(s) must be loaded. Also, some

programs will require a minimum number of FILES or BUFFERS to be defined in

the CONFIG.SYS file. Such programs will usually display this requirement if they

are run without the necessary CONFIG.SYS file.

For the most consistent results, use the absolute minimal boot configuration that’s

allowed by the hardware being tested.

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Product Support Bulletin

Subject: Epson ExpressStation

- Common Questions and Answers

Date: 10/09/92 PSB No: S-0147

Page(s): 1 of 9Originator: AV

GENERAL

Q1.

What

the Epson ExpressStation?

The Epson ExpressStation is a computer that delivers excellent, cost

effective performance in a low-profile chassis. Incorporating several

controllers on the motherboard, the Epson ExpressStation provides a

number of on board resources that would otherwise require the use of

add-in I/O expansion cards. This integration delivers increased

functionality, increased reliability, and increased performance while

reducing the system power requirements and need for expansion slots. A

performance upgrade socket allows for easy upgrades in the field.

Additionally, two EISA compatible expansion slots deliver high

performance expandability. For a discussion on what an EISA computer is,

please refer to PSB No: S-0139.

Q2.

What connectors are integrated on the motherboard ?

The Epson ExpressStation comes standard with a built in IDE and SCSI

interface. For LAN connectivity, a TPE and AUI Ethernet connectors are

provided. For further integration the Epson ExpressStation comes with a

built-in PS/2 style mouse and keyboard port, two serial and one parallel

ports, VGA video port along with a PS/2 style feature connector, and a

floppy disk controller.

Q3.

What is the target market for this computer?

It is targeted as a network business workstation and CAD/CAM application

station, and to be used in office automation applications requiring multi-

function client systems, and as a high performance integrated PC

platform.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 2 of 9

Q4.

What levels of security are provided with the Epson ExpressStation?

There are several levels of security to insure that users do not change the

configuration of the Epson ExpressStation.

J3 can be jumped on 2-4 to write protect the diskette drive to prevent

the downloading of software onto a diskette.

J5 can be jumped on 4-6 to write protect the FLASH BIOS memory to

prevent alteration of it’s data.

J21 can be jumped on 3-5 to disable the use of the BIOS SETUP

program so unauthorized users cannot change the settings you have

chosen.

J21 can also be jumped on 4-6 to retain the power on password that

can be set in setup.

Physically the case can be locked by installing a padlock on the lock

box.

CPU

Q5.

Q6.

What are the microprocessors being offered for the Epson

ExpressStation?

The Epson ExpressStation supports all of the i486 CPU functionality. The

Epson ExpressStation will be offered with either a 25 MHZ i486sx

microprocessor or a 33 MHZ i486dx microprocessor. Common features of

the two different CPU’s include backward compatibility with the 8086,

80286, and 80386 CPUS, burst mode bus cycles, and an on chip 8kb

cache. The cache can be disabled via either the software or hardware.

The i486DX CPU contains an on-chip numeric coprocessor to increase the

speed of floating point operations. This processor is backward compatible

with the 387DX and 387SX math coprocessors and complies to

ANSI/IEEE standard 754-1985.

What processor upgrade sockets are available in this computer?

If the customer bought the 486sx/25 mhz. version of the computer, the

Epson ExpressStation can be upgraded by installing an i487sx component

in the socket. This improves system performance by adding a numeric

coprocessor to speed floating point calculations. Please note the

ExpressStation does not support the Weitek math co-processor. There is

no upgrade path at the current time for i486DX based systems.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 3 of 9

Q7.

What is the external cache memory option?

In addition to the i486’s internal cache, the ExpressStation provides a

socket for an optional 64 KB or 128 KB external cache, the Intel 485

TurboCache module. Please note that the external 128 KB cache module

comes standard on the i486DX/33 mhz. computer.

BIOS

Q8.

Q9.

What BIOS comes with the computer?

The BIOS is stored in two Intel FLASH EEPROM devices. It uses the

Phoenix Technologies 80486 ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.00 04.SI. In

addition to the Phoenix Bios, the flash memory also contains the setup

utility, POST, video BIOS, SCSI BIOS, Ethernet address, EISA

configuration memory, EISA board ID, a 4 kb user definable region and

update recovery code. It also supports system BIOS shadowing allowing

the BIOS to execute from 32-bit on board write-protected DRAM instead of

the slower 8-bit FLASH devices.

How is setup accessed and what information is contained in setup?

To access setup, press F1 after POST completes the memory test but

before the system boots up. There are four pages of setup information.

Page One

System date and time

Onboard Floppy

enable/disable

Diskette 3.5”, 1.44 MB or disabled

Onboard IDE

enable/disable

Hard Disk Drive Type

includes user definable option

Onboard SCSI

enabled/disabled

Onboard LAN

enabled/disabled

Ian media type

AUI/TPE

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 4 of 9

Page Two

Video Card

VGA/EGA, CGA40, CGA80, MONO or not installed

800 X 600 Mode Refresh Rate

56/60 or 72 HZ.

1024 X 768 Mode refresh rate

Interlaced 44/88 HZ.

Non Interlaced 60 HZ. or 72 HZ.

Note that if you change this setting, you must reboot the computer in order

for the change to take effect.

Onboard Video Controller

primary/secondary

Keyboard

installed/not installed

Numlock On At Boot

no/yes

Password

installed/not installed

Page Three

Base Memory Above 512K

enabled/disabled

Base Memory

displays the size of base memory in KB. This size will differ from what you

set in Base Memory Above 512K only if there is a failure in base memory.

Extended Memory

displays the amount of memory in the system above 1 MB. The memory

includes SIMMS on the system board and memory on add-in boards. You

cannot change this setting through setup.

Speaker

enabled/disabled

Onboard Mouse

enabled/disabled

Parallel Port

disabled

Base Address 378H Compatible

Base Address 278H Compatible

Base Address 378H Bi-Directional

Base Address 278H Bi-Directional

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 5 of 9

Serial Port One

enabled/disabled

Serial Port Two

enabled/disabled

Console Redirection to Serial Port 1

Disabled

1200, 2400, 9600 Baud

Console Redirection to Serial Port 2

1200, 2400,9600 baud

Setup Page Four

CPU Speed

fast/slow

Cache

enabled/disabled

If disabled is chosen it will disable both the internal cache and external

cache if the external cache module is installed.

Cache Block

enabled/disabled

Use this setting to specify a block of extended memory that will not be

cached.

I/O Bus Performance

standard/enhanced

Onboard Video BIOS Mapping

To E0000H

To C0000H and E0000H

Shadow C0000 to C3FFF

enabled/disabled

You must disable this setting before you can map the onboard video BIOS

to C0000H.

Shadow C4000 to C7FFF

enabled/disabled

You must disable this setting before you can map the onboard video BIOS

to C0000H.

Shadow C8000 to CBFFF

enabled/disabled

You can enable this setting only if the Onboard SCSI setting is disabled.

Shadow CC000 to CFFFF

enabled/disabled

You can enable this setting only if the Onboard SCSI setting is disabled.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 6 of 9

Shadow D0000 to D3FFF

enabled/disabled

Shadow D4000 to D7FFF

enabled/disabled

Shadow D8000 to DBFFF

enabled/disabled

Shadow DC000 to DFFFF

enabled/disabled

Note: While viewing any of the four Setup pages, press F2 to display a page of

information about various system parameters.

Press ESC and F4 to save your changes and reboot the system.

EISA CONFIGURATION

Q10.

What is the EISA configuration utility and what is contained in it?

The EISA configuration utility allows you to configure your computer when

you have installed the following option cards:

any EISA add-in boards

if you want to change the default SCSI or LAN interrupt levels.

if you are installing any ISA cards that came with configuration files

(CFG).

You would use the program to do the following:

learn about the configuration process

set the date and time

copy the configuration ( CFG ) files for any option cards you install

configure the system board and any option cards

create one or more System Configuration Information Files ( SCI )

access other system utilities

- such as password, CPU speed, and

cache utilities

Q11. When do I run it?

You would run the utility when you first receive your computer and you

may need to run it later if you add or remove options, such as memory,

disk drives, or option cards.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 7 of 9

Q12. Where is the information stored?

It is saved in the computer’s FLASH memory and a file called

SYSTEM.SCI.

Once you configure your computer with this utility, you

should not use the BIOS SETUP program. Always use the System

Configuration to configure your computer. The first time you configure

your computer, you must run the program from the Reference Diskette

and it is best to always run it from there. You can create an alternate SCI

file. Please refer to the Software Guide for details.

VIDEO

Q13. What type of video is included?

The

VGA

controller is a WD90C30 graphics controller. There is 1MB of

video

RAM

that comes standard. The last 512K of this 1 MB of video RAM

is socketed. This controller supports the following resolutions up to 1024

x 768

256 colors interlaced and non-interlaced. The 800 x 600 and

1024 x 768 refresh rates are controlled through setup. Please refer to your

monitor manual for the proper refresh rate.

In addition, there are two diskettes included which feature drivers for many

popular software programs and video utilities. Some of the drivers

included are Framework II, Gem 3.0 and 3.1, Lotus 1-2-3 Rel.

2.0, 2.01, 2.2/Lotus Symphony Rel. 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, Ventura Publisher 1.1 &

2.0, Windows 3.0, WordPerfect 5.0 & 5.1, AutoShade v1.x, Autocad

R9/R10 & release 11, Cadvance, Generic CADD, P-Cad, Versacad v5.3 &

5.4, Word 5.0/5.5, and MS OS2/1.21.

Utilities included are: VGAMODE, RAMBIOS.EXE, RAMBIOS.SYS,

RWS.EXE and SS.EXE ( Western Digital’s screen saver utility).

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 8 of 9

MEMORY

Q14.

What is the standard memory configuration and maximum amount of

memory that can be used in the system?

The ExpressStation comes with one 4 MB. SIMM installed on the main

system board. You can install additional SlMMs to increase your

computer’s memory to 32MB. You can install one, two, or four SIMMs,

you cannot install three SIMMs. There is a total of four SIMM sockets on

the motherboard.

The Epson ExpressStation can accept 1 MB, 2 MB, 4 MB, and 8 MB

SlMMs up to 32 MB (when 8 MB SlMMs are available); SlMMs must be

80ns or faster, 36-bit, 72-pin, gold leaded, fast page mode type.

MASS STORAGE

Q15.

Q16.

What factory drive configurations are offered with the ExpressStation?

The Epson ExpressStation comes in four configurations. All four

configurations come with a 1.44MB floppy drive. The 486SX/25 and the

486DX/33 models can be sold without a hard drive. The 486SX/25

computer has a option to be shipped with a Quantum LPS120AT (120MB)

IDE hard drive. The 486DX/33 computer has an option to be shipped with

a Maxtor 340MB SCSI drive.

When would I use the SCSI drivers?

There are several instances that you would want to use the drivers. Some

of the most common uses are as follows:

The SCSI drivers should be installed if you will be using Windows or DOS

and an expanded memory manager such as EMM386.EXE or QEMM386.

The system has more than two hard disk drives.

If you have installed a removable hard disk drive, such as the Syquest

model SQ555, or you have installed a SCSI tape drive, CD-ROM, or other

non-disk SCSI device.

If you use programs such as a laser scanner driver that accesses the

SCSI BIOS via the CAM interface.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 9 of 9

If you will load your operating system from a NON-SCSI disk drive but will

also access the SCSI devices controlled by the built in SCSI controller.

For more comprehensive information, please refer to the Software Guide and

the readme.txt file found on the SCSI/LAN drivers for DOS diskette.

Q17.

Q18.

Q19.

Q20.

Can I use both the SCSI and IDE interface at the same time?

With the appropriate SCSI drivers, an external SCSI hard drive can be

attached to the Epson Expressstation simultaneously with an internal IDE

drive.

When should the SCSI terminator be attached to the external SCSI port?

Whenever the SCSI drive is used, there should be a SCSI terminator only

at the beginning and end of the chain. The SCSI controller board contains

the beginning terminator. The SCSI terminator should be attached to the

end of the chain. If the customer ordered the computer with an internal

SCSI drive installed, it should already be terminated. Should you wish to

add an external SCSI device, remove the terminator from the drive and

attach a SCSI terminator to the end of the external device.

After going into setup using the F1 option in POST everything looks fine

until hitting F2 to display the system information. At that point some

garbage appeared on the screen. What can be done?

Try running setup off the System Configuration diskette. This seems to

clear that screen.

Setup ( Eisa Configuration Utility ) was run off the System Configuration

Diskette but changes were not saved and now the system won’t boot - is

there any way to correct this?

Try clearing CMOS by moving the jumper on the J21 block from 11-13 to

9-11. After you move the jumper turn on the computer and see if it will

boot. Once it boots, you can power down and change back the jumper to

11-13 to retain CMOS settings and then run setup to set CMOS.

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