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computers/ASTRESEARCH/0001a.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0001A 5-18-84
COMPATIBLE CLOCK BATTERIES
The lithium batteries used on AST multifunction products are used
to power the clock/calendar circuitry while the computer is
powered off. The expected life of these batteries is
approximately one year.
A replacement battery may be obtained from the AST product dealer
(AST part number 108-BR2325). Compatible substitution batteries
may be purchased from local camera or department stores.
The following is a list of compatible lithium batteries:
Manufacturer Part Number
Duracell DL2032
General Electric BR2325
Panasonic BR2325
Ray-O-Vac BR2325
Sanyo CR2032
Varta CR2032
*Radio Shack CR2320H
Battery replacement instructions are included in the manual
supplied with the AST product.
*Battery is .5mm thinner and is rated 50mAh less, but will
function properly. The expected life is approximately nine
months.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0002 4-16-84
POWER-ON SELF TEST ERROR ON XT AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS
When the IBM-XT or portable computer is powered-on, the system
BIOS initializes a Power-On Self Test (POST). In the upper left-
hand corner of the screen, the progress of the POST is displayed
in the format:
XXX KB OK
The number (XXX) should continue to increase until it equals the
amount of memory installed in the system. Normally, this test
takes 23 to 90 seconds to complete, depending on the amount of
memory installed. Upon completion, the system will attempt to
boot the diskette in drive A.
However, if switch 1 of the switch system board switch block is
"ON", the POST will re-initialize and start over. This will
continue in an endless loop.
This problem can be resolved by removing power from the system,
positioning switch 1 in the "OFF" position and then re-applying
power to the system.
The IBM Guide to Operations refers to this switch only as "Normal
operation; always off".

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0003a.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0003A 4-30-84
MEMORY SWITCH ERROR IN IBM GUIDE
TO OPERATIONS FOR IBM PORTABLE PC
When extending the memory size of the IBM Portable PC beyond the
128K minimum capacity of the system motherboard, the procedure is
essentially the same as that for the XT.
Additional memory may be installed on the I/O bus without first
fully populating the motherboard. However, it is necessary to
indicate the amount of motherboard memory installed via switches
3 and 4 of the system motherboard switch block.
Unfortunately, page 4-81 of the IBM Guide to Operations Manual
erroneously shows that the switch position for 256K on the
motherboard is switch 3 off and switch 4 on. This is actually
the setting for 128K of RAM.
The following is the proper settings for switches 3 and 4 of the
system motherboard switch block.
AMOUNT OF MEMORY SWITCH SWITCH
INSTALLED ON MOTHERBOARD 3 4
128K OFF ON
192K ON OFF
256K (fully populated) OFF OFF

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0004b.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0004B 3-19-85
D-RAM CHIP COMPATIBILITY FOR MULTIFUNCTION CARDS
The following is a list of 64K and 256K RAM Integrated Circuits
recommended by AST for use with AST Products. The products
covered in this list are: SixPakPlus, Advantage!, jrCombo,
MP Mini, MegaPlus II, ComboPlus and MP II.
The following 64K D-RAMS are recommended for the MegaPlus II,
MP Expansion, and ComboPlus. The SixPakPlus (Revision D or
earlier) also uses the same D-RAMS.
VENDOR PART NUMBER
AMD AM9064-20PC
Hitachi HM4864P-3
Fujitsu MB8264-20M
Intel P2164A-20
Micron MT4264N-3 or -20
Mitsubishi M5K4164NP-20
Mostek MK456N-20
Motorola MCM6665AP20 or ...BP20
NEC UPD4164C-2
OKI MSM3764-2 or S
TI TMS4164-20NL
Toshiba TMMS4164-20NL
Toshiba TMM4164AP-20
The following 64K D-RAMS are recommended for the jrCombo, MP Mini
and MP II. The SixPakPlus (Revision E or later) also uses the
same D-RAMS.
VENDOR PART NUMBER
AMD AM9064-15PC
Hitachi HM4864P-2
Fujitsu MB8264-15M
Intel P2164A-15
Micron MT4264N-2 or -15
Mitsubishi M5K4164NP-15
Mostek MK4564N-15
Motorola MCM6665AP15 or ...BP15
NEC UPD4164C-3
OKI MSM3764-15RS
TI TMS4164-15NL
Toshiba TMM4164P-3
Toshiba TMM4164AP-15
AMD AM9064-20PC
Hitachi HM4864P-3
Fujitsu MB8264-20M
Intel P2164A-20
Micron MT426N-3 or -20
Mitsubishi M5K4164NP-20
Mostek MK456N-20
Motorola MCM6665AP20 or ...BP20
NEC UPD4164C-2
OKI MSM3764-20RS
TI TMS4164-20NL
Toshiba TMM4164P-4
Toshiba TMM4164AP-20
The following 64K D-RAMS are recommended for the Advantage!:
VENDOR PART NUMBER
AMD AM9064-15PC
Hitachi HM4864P-2
Fujitsu MB8264-15M
Intel P2164A-15
Micron MT4264N-2 or -15
Mitsubishi M5K416NP-15
Mostek MK456N-15
Motorola MCM6665AP15 or ...BP15
NEC UPD4164C-3
OKI MSM3764-15RS
TI TMS4164-15NL
Toshiba TMM4164P-3
Toshiba TMM4164AP-15
The following 256K D-RAMS are recommended for the Advantage! and
jrCombo:
VENDOR PART NUMBER
Hitachi HM50256P-15
TI TMS4256-15NL
AT & T WCM41256FX-20
AST further recommends that the speed of the D-RAMS, measured in
nanoseconds should NOT be mixed on the same board.

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0005.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0005 4-23-84
SETTING CLOCK FREQUENCY FOR SIXPAKPLUS FASTER OR SLOWER
CAUTION: We suggest that you leave the factory configuration
alone. But, if you must, here is the pertinent
information you'll need.
How to set frequency of SixPak clock, so as to slow frequency
down or speed frequency up.
First, a few points of reference:
1. Clock chip U66 on SixPak board, pin 11 is the pin
responsible for checking frequency (see Diagram 1.0).
The notched end of the chip is the location of pin 1
(see Diagram 1.1).
2. Variable Capacitor; C86 located next to clock chip (see
Diagram 2.0). Turning this clockwise speeds up frequency
and turning counter-clockwise slows it down (see Diagram
2.1).
The recommended frequency range is 30.5171-30.5175KHZ.
Above 30.5175, or clockwise, is faster; and below
30.5171 KHZ, or counter-clockwise, is slower (see
Diagram 2.2).
3. Setting Frequency Counter: Racal-Dana 9906 or
Equivalent.
A) Time Base 104
B) Period A
C) Delay Out
D) DC
E) Start and Stop on Leading Edge
4. Checking voltage of battery pin 24 of clock chip and
minus side of battery holder (see Diagram 3.0).
Minimum voltage at pin 24 should be no lower than 2.3
volts, and the battery itself should be 3.0 volts; 2.8
at the lowest.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0006 4-30-84
MONOGRAPHPLUS CAUTION STATEMENT
The following caution statement is included both as a separate
warning notice, and as a notice within both manuals in each
MonoGraphPlus shipping package.
C A U T I O N ! ! !
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR MONITOR, DO NOT RUN THE IBM
DIAGNOSTICS WITH YOUR AST RESEARCH MONOGRAPHPLUS
BOARD UNTIL YOU HAVE MODIFIED THEM ACCORDING TO THE
INSTRUCTIONS IN APPENDIX A OF THE MONOGRAPHPLUS
USER'S MANUAL OR APPENDIX E OF THE MONOGRAPHPLUS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL.
If you run unmodified diagnostics with the MonoGraph
Plus board, the screen will display "garbage" and
damage to your monitor can result. Under no
circumstances will AST Research, Inc., be liable in
any way for damages that arise from running
unmodified IBM diagnostics with the MonoGraphPlus
board.
Do not run the diagnostics if you are unable to patch
them.
The damage which is referred to is that a fuse within the
Monochrome monitor may "blow" and result in the requirement for a
service call. As this is an internal fuse, the monitor must be
opened up to service the fault. We do not recommend that the
customer attempt this service himself. Potentially lethal
voltages exist within the monitor, even with the power cord
removed from the source. In addition, this fuse is soldered into
the circuit, and as such, soldering skills are required for its
replacement.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0007 4-13-84
CABLE CONNECTION FOR AST PARALLEL PORT
TO IDS MODEL P-132 COLOR PRINTER
To connect the IDS model P-132 color printer to the AST parallel
port, a unique printer cable must be fabricated.
While AST does not provide a cable for this connection, table 1
illustrates the connections necessary to fabricate a cable to
connect between the AST adapter cables DB25S connector and the
IDS printer.
LINE AST PARALLEL PORT IDS PRINTER LINE
NAME CABLE CONNECTOR CONNECTOR NAME
-STROBE 1---------------------3 STROBE
D0 2--------------------14 D0
D1 3--------------------13 D1
D2 4--------------------12 D2
D3 5--------------------11 D3
D4 6--------------------10 D4
D5 7---------------------9 D5
D6 8---------------------8 D6
D7 9 N.C.
-ACK 10--------------------22 ACK
BUSY 11--------------------19 BUSY
PE 12--------------------24 PAPER OUT
SLOT 13---------------------4 ON LINE
-ERROR 15---------------------18 FAULT TTL LEVEL
GROUND 18----------------------7 SIGNAL GROUND
thru
25--- ---1 PROTECTIVE GROUND

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0008A 6-25-84
MEGAPLUS II GAME ADAPTER PROBLEM
In the revisions listed below of the MegaPlus II, the location of
a crystal is in conflict with securing the game adapter piggyback
board.
REV AO
REV C
REV D
REV E
Normally, the game adapter is plugged into a 62-pin connector on
the MegaPlus II board, then fastened at the top via a
standoff.
This conflict will require the user to remove the standoff, or
"stud", that fastens the game adapter to the MegaPlus II. The
two boards, therefore, being fastened at the 62 pin connector
only. Tests show this is a plausible solution.
The revision ID is located at the leftmost end of the board near
the center.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0009 4-13-84
SIXPAKPLUS WITHOUT PRINTER OPTION
Jumper IRQ-7 should be removed when the printer option is not
installed on the SixPakPlus. It is possible that the IRQ-7
driver (U85-FIG.1) could erroneously enable and hold this term
low. By removing the IRQ-7 jumper, this possibility is
eliminated.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0010.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0010 4-13-84
IRQ-7 PARALLEL PORT CONTENTION
IRQ-7 USED BY AST MULTIFUNCTION BOARDS
FOR PARALLEL I/O PORT OPERATIONS
In some of the earlier multifunction boards, where the parallel
port is an option and that option is not included on the board, a
problem is created.
When this option, parallel port, was not ordered, a IC (74LS174)
that governs the status lines for the parallel port was deleted
on the bill of materials. Unfortunately, this IC also controls
the IRQ-7 line. With this IC (74LS174) not present, it creates a
low condition, via 74LS125, which causes contention with other
devices trying to use IRQ-7. Example of circuit is attached.
The IC (74LS174) must be installed for proper operation. Refer
to schematics, at rear of user's manual, for correct location of
74LS174 IC.
AST Research suggests when working with dual in line packages,
that you carefully place IC's in socket so that the legs insert
properly into socket. Examine carefully after insertion and
verify that all legs of IC are seated properly in their
respective socket.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0011 5-1-84
SIXPAKPLUS VER 1.0 SCHEMATIC ERROR
The SixPakPlus ver 1.0 has an error in the game port interface
schematic (see Fig. 1.0). Please make respective changes to
SixPakPlus user's manual.
Game port schematic is located in back of manual, part number
PUB-001177-01-AO.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0012.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0012 5-16-84
MEGAPLUS II IRQ SILKSCREEN CONFLICT
In certain revisions of the MegaPlus II, the silkscreen for the
IRQ block is in error. The correct silkscreen for the IRQ jumper
block should be:
* * * * * * * * *
< JUMPER BLOCK
* * * * * * * * *
CORRECT
2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 7
S C S C C S C
The incorrect silkscreen is as follows:
* * * * * * * * *
< JUMPER BLOCK
* * * * * * * * *
INCORRECT
2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 7
S C S S C C S C
Notice that the position labeled 3S and 3 are swapped, and 4 was
changed to 4S.
Listed below are the revision levels that have the incorrect
silkscreen for ASSY 03-01165-01 MegaPlus II board:
REV AO
REV C
REV D
REV E

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0013a.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0013A 8-31-84
3.30 WORDSTAR PATCH FOR IBM PC'S
WITH MORE THAN 512K RAM MEMORY
"NOT ENOUGH MEMORY" ERROR
WordStar is a program that is set up to see a maximum of 512K RAM
memory. If it sees more than that amount, it will try to write
over itself. Not being able to complete this task, WordStar will
give back the error "not enough memory".
The patch below will rectify the error explained above. This
patch is also only compatible with IBM PCs with WordStar 3.30 and
PC DOS 2.00 and 2.10. This patch is to be utilized with IBM
DEBUG on the WINSTALL.COM file.
IBM Personal Computer DOS Version 2.00 & 2.10
A> debug WINSTALL.COM <-------------First Line
-e 2d4 <---------------------------Second Line
090B:02D4 7C.72 <----------------Third Line - Only the 72
-w <--------------------------------Fourth Line
Writing 0480 bytes <----------------Computer Answer Back with
-q <--------------------------------Fifth Line, and Final
WordStar is a registered trademark of Micro Pro Corporation. IBM
is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
computers/ASTRESEARCH/0014.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0014 6-1-84
MULTIFUNCTION FEATURE SUMMARY
The matrix table below was assembled for quick reference of
multifunction products and their features.
I/O COMBO MEGA SIXPAK MP II MONOGRAPH
PLUS II PLUS II PLUS II PLUS PLUS
MAXIMUM MEM N/A 256K 256K 384K 384K N/A
ON BOARD
ADDITIONAL N/A N/A 128K N/A N/A N/A
MEGAPAK MEM OR
256K
SERIAL PORT ONE STD ONE STD ONE STD ONE STD N/A ONE STD*
TWO OPT TWO OPT
PARALLEL ONE OPT ONE STD ONE OPT ONE STD N/A ONE STD
PORT
GAME PORT ONE OPT N/A ONE OPT ONE OPT N/A N/A
CLOCK STD STD STD STD STD STD
SUPERPAK STD STD STD STD STD N/A
MONOGRAPHPAK N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A STD
* ONE DELETED IS OPTIONAL

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0015A 9-19-84
INCOMPATIBILITY OF COLUMBIA'S PARALLEL PORT
Due to compatibility inquiries, tests have been conducted on
Columbia's (DESKTOP PC model 1600) parallel port.
The results of these tests show that Columbia parallel port is
not directly compatible with IBM hardware standard or AST
SuperSpool.
Listed below are three major considerations to be aware of when
configuring this system with an AST product.
1. Parallel port on Columbia does a self increment. When
an AST product with a parallel port is installed and
addressed as LPT1, the Columbia parallel port
increments to LPT2.
2. SuperSpool will not function properly when output is
directed to Columbia's parallel port. This is true
whether the port is addressed as LPT1 or LPT2.
3. Located on the Columbia's motherboard is the cable
connector for a parallel port. This connection is not
IBM plug compatible. It is a 37 position connector,
whereas the IBM and AST parallel port connectors are 25
position.
To optimize usage of an AST product in this PC; 1) address AST
board as LPT1, thereby allowing usage of SuperSpool, 2) procure
an IBM compatible cable or modify existing cable to conform with
IBM standards, 3) if Columbia's parallel port is to be used, do
not direct SuperSpool to this point.
Note: All testing and considerations are based on PC-DOS.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0016 6-7-84
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
MONOGRAPHPLUS GRAPHICS CARD
*WHAT DOES THE MONOGRAPHPLUS DO?
The MonoGraphPlus replaces IBM's Monochrome Display/Printer
Adapter and enables you to do bit-mapped graphics on the
monochrome display without sacrificing its high quality text
characters.
*WHAT IS THE RESOLUTION WITH THE MONOGRAPHPLUS?
There are two graphics pages each with a resolution of 720h x
348v.
*CAN I RUN 1-2-3 ON THE MONOGRAPHPLUS?
Yes. The MonoGraphPlus is one of the graphics cards that Lotus
fully supports.
*IS THE GRAPHICS CARD COMPATIBLE WITH THE XT?
Yes. It's compatible with the XT and DOS 2.0.
*CAN I RUN THE SAME SOFTWARE THAT I RAN ON MY IBM MONOCHROME
BOARD?
Yes. Applications software and programming languages compatible
with the IBM monochrome board are also compatible with the
MonoGraphPlus. You can run text mode software like WordStar,
VisiCalc and dBase II without any modifications.
*WHAT SOFTWARE DO YOU SUPPLY?
We provide a diskette, MonoGraphPak, which includes programs to
use the clock/calendar function and to display a 26th status
line. That line includes such information as directory trees,
status of selected keys, and a running display of the time-of-
day. In addition, we supply detailed information on how to
program a 27th line with any information you wish.
*CAN I RUN GRAPHICS SOFTWARE WRITTEN ONLY FOR THE IBM COLOR CARD?
No. However, there are a number of graphics programs
compatible with the MonoGraphPlus.
*CAN I SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAY TEXT AND GRAPHICS?
Yes. In graphics mode, software draws the test characters.
*WHAT CHARACTER SET DOES THE MONOGRAPHPLUS USE?
The character set is the IBM style of a 7x9 character in a 9x14
box. It is located in a socketed EPROM on the MonoGraphPlus.
*WHICH PRINTERS OR PLOTTERS CAN I USE WITH THE CARD?
Any parallel port printer or plotter is compatible with the
MonoGraphPlus.
*WILL YOUR CARD WORK WITH IBM'S COLOR CARD IN THE SYSTEM?
No, because they use the same memory address in the screen
buffer.
*WHICH SYSTEM AND MONITORS OTHER THAN IBM'S WILL THE
MONOGRAPHPLUS SUPPORT?
The MonoGraphPlus meets the specifications of the IBM PC and the
IBM monochrome display and it will support other systems and
monitors which also meet those specs. The MonoGraphPlus does not
support a color monitor.
*WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO YOU SUPPLY?
We supply a User's Manual which describes installation, checkout
and basic use of the MonoGraphPlus. In addition, we supply a
very comprehensive Technical Reference Manual which includes
detailed programming information, schematics, and other
information of value to the technical user.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0017 6-8-84
APPROVED PARTS FOR OPTIONAL SERIAL PORTS
To insure a high level of product quality, AST qualifies all
components used within their products.
The attached list itemizes the semi-conductors used to install an
optional serial port. Listed under each generic part number and
description are the approved manufacturers and part number for
that part.
Parts other than those listed are not qualified and may not
function properly.
GENERIC AST PART NO. APPROVED MANUFACTURER
8250B 100018-001 NATIONAL INS825ON-B
WESTERN DIGITAL WD8250P-20
WESTERN DIGITAL WD8250P-00
1488 100008-001 FAIRCHILD UA1488PC
MOTOROLA MC1488PC
NATIONAL DS1488N
SIGNETICS MC1488P
TEXAS INST. MC1488P
TEXAS INST. 75188
1489 100009-001 FAIRCHILD UA1489PC
MOTOROLA MC1489PC
NATIONAL DS1489N
SIGNETICS MC1489P
TEXAS INST. MC1489P
TEXAS INST. 75189
74LSO4 100003-003 HITACHI HD74LSO4P
MITSUBISHI M74LSO4P
MOTOROLA SN74LSO4N
NATIONAL DM74LSO4N
SGS P74LSO4B1
SIGNETICS N74LSO4N
TEXAS INST. SN74LSO4N
74LS90 100003-015 FAIRCHILD 74LS9OPC
HITACHI HD74LS9OP
MITSUBISHI M74LS9OP
MOTOROLA SN74LS9ON
NATIONAL DM74LS9ON
SIGNETICS N74LS9ON
TEXAS INST. SN74LS9ON

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0018 6-11-84
SIXPAKPLUS SWITCH SETTING & PLUG POSITION
To facilitate answering questions or configuring a SixPakPlus
product into an IBM PC the following information on switch
setting and shorting plug positions has been assembled (see
Exhibit A).
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0019A 7-16-84
IBM PC ERROR CODES
Below is a list of error codes that may occur during the POST
(Power On Self Test) or when running the IBM Diagnostics. If it
were to occur during the POST, it would appear as a three or four
digit number. If it were to occur during the IBM Diagnostics, it
would appear as "ERROR -- SYSTEM UNIT xxyy", where xx is the
device number and yy is the error code. The most common error
code is 01. For example, the error message "ERROR - SYSTEM UNIT
201" would appear in the IBM Diagnostics if it were to detect a
memory error.
DEVICE ERROR DEVICE NAME
021 POWER SUPPLY
101 SYSTEM UNIT
201 MEMORY
301 KEYBOARD
401 MONOCHROME DISPLAY
501 COLOR/GRAPHICS DISPLAY
601 DISKETTE DRIVE(S)/ADAPTER
701 MATH COPROCESSOR
901 PARALLEL PRINTER ADAPTER
1101 ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS ADAPTER - COM1
1201 ALTERNATE ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS - COM2
1301 GAME CONTROL ADAPTER
1401 IBM MATRIX PRINTER
1501 SYNCHRONOUS DATA LINK CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS
- SDLC
1701 FIXED DISK DRIVE(S)/ADAPTER
1801 EXPANSION UNIT
2001 BINARY SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS - BSC
2101 ALTERNATE BINARY SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS
- ALT BSC
2201 IBM CLUSTER ADAPTER
* 2801 DISTRIBUTED FUNCTION COMMUNICATIONS ADAPTER
2801 IBM 3278/79 EMULATION ADAPTER
2901 IBM COLOR GRAPHICS PRINTER
* 3201 DISPLAY ADAPTER
3301 IBM COMPACT PRINTER
* - 3270 PC ONLY

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0020 6-18-84
COM 2 SELECTION IN IBM PC-2 EARLY MODELS
It has been reported that there are a number of IBM PC-2
motherboards, earlier models, that do not allow COM 2 selection.
There are two distinctly physical features:
1. The motherboard is brown in color.
2. In between banks 02 and 03, the silkscreen "YB" exists (see
figure 1).
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0021 6-22-84
USING A TALLGRASS HARDFILE AS THE PC-NET FILE SERVER
A Tallgrass HardFile running with Tallgrass software release 4.18
or later is fully compatible with AST-PCnet and AST-PCnet II.
However, for proper operation with the network, please note the
following.
1. The "Duplicate Directory", "Cache Memory", "Verify Read
After Write", and "Landing Zone" options must be turned
off (disabled).
2. Any time you change the "Duplicate Directory",
"Allocation Unit Size (AU)", or "Directory Size"
parameters in TGSYS, you must also initialize the
affected directory or directories on the HardFile. This
is done with the "D" or "F" commands in the Tallgrass
program called UTILITY. Since initializing the
directory will cause you to lose all the data on that
volume, these options should be used with great caution.
3. Whenever you change the "Duplicate Directory",
"Allocation Unit Size (AU)", or "Directory Size"
parameters in TGSYS, followed by the "D" or "F" options
in UTILITY, you must run SPCINST followed by UPCINST on
all affected networked PCs.
Failure to observe these instructions may cause the uPCs to
be unable to properly read the Tallgrass directory. For
example, a "DIR" command from the uPC to the sPC's Tallgrass
drive may show missing files, extra files, or no files at
all, while the same "DIR" command entered at the sPC returns
the proper directory listing. Another symptom of this
problem is when a "CHKDSK" command issued to a shared volume
returns different information on the uPC compared to the
same command issued at the sPC.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0022 6-18-84
GAME SIGNAL LINE CONFIGURATION
A frequently asked question is: what are the "terms" at the DB15
end of the game port cable, AST part number 106525-001. Listed
below are the "terms" and connector pin outputs.
16 PIN
CONNECTOR AT AST CABLE
PCB DB15S (FEMALE)
TERM PIN # PIN #
JOYSTICK A +5 VOLTS 1 1
BUTTON 1 3 2
X AXIS 5 3
GND 7 4
GND 9 5
Y AXIS 11 6
BUTTON 2 13 7
+5 VOLTS 15 8
JOYSTICK B +5 VOLTS 2 9
BUTTON 3 4 10
X AXIS 6 11
GND 8 12
Y AXIS 10 13
BUTTON 4 12 14
+5 VOLTS 14 15

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0023A 4-1-85
IBM DISPLAYWRITE SERIES COMPATIBILITY WITH PCNET
DISPLAYWRITE II is compatible with PCnet and PCnet II if used
with AST PCnet software release Versions 3.01A (Maintenance
Release) and 3.10 (Production Released).
DISPLAYWRITE III is NOT currently compatible with PCnet or
PCnet II Software Releases.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0024 6-22-84
CONNECTING UDS MODEMS WITH CC432 BOARDS
When connecting a UDS 208A/B modem to an AST CC-432 board, the
following configuration is necessary. Failure to do so could
cause the modem to oscillate DSR.
1. Locate dipshunt U25 (see Fig. 1).
2. Open position 3 and 6.
3. Complete the regular installation procedure as per
instructions in the CC-432 manual.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0025 7-9-84
PCNET II TERMINATOR ALTERNATIVE
At times it may be desirable to move nodes (network workstations)
to different locations along the trunk cable. If a terminated
node (jumper block T in position 2) is exchanged for a non-
terminated node (jumper block T in position 1) both PCs would
have to be opened to change these jumpers. The alternative is
to terminate the ends of the trunk cable and leave all the PCNet
II boards non-terminating. The termination must be done at the
two very end tap boxes using a 120 ohm resistor wired as seen in
figure 1. Type and wattage of the resistor is not important
although larger wattage resistors may not fit inside the tap box.
The resistors are not supplied by AST, but are available from
most electronic part suppliers.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0026A 8-20-84
MONOGRAPH COMPATIBILITY
Compatibility testing has determined that the following items are
plug compatible with the MonoGraphPlus:
1. AMDEX 310A
2. Leading Edge computer, model MP 1673L, with monitor
model no. 41-220-T.
Note that Leading Edge has a resident clock that cannot
be disabled.
3. Princeton Graphics Systems (PGS) model MAX-12.

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0027.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0027 7-9-84
ERRORS DURING IBM FORMAT
A format error can occur when using AST SuperSpool with IBM
FORMAT or DISKCOPY.
IBM FORMAT command must always reside in a 64K block of
contiguous memory, otherwise a format error can occur. The
SuperSpool's /U command could force the FORMAT command outside
the 64K boundary.
If the format error occurs, vary the /U command by +/- 3K.
This should clear the problem.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0028 7-13-84
BASIC'S AVAILABLE MEMORY DISCREPANCY
When using the IBM PC BASIC Interpreter, at initialization, it
displays the version, release, and copyright information. In
addition it displays the amount of memory available to the user
and their program. It is displayed as 'xxxxx Bytes free', where
xxxxx is a decimal value from 0 to 65536. BASIC is limited to
64kb regardless of total memory in system.
After installing an AST board with one or more serial
(asynchronous) port(s), one may notice that available memory has
changed. The reason being that when invoking Disk or Advanced
BASIC, BASIC determines if there are serial ports in the system;
and if so keeps an internal driver resident for each port found.
This means less available memory to the user. This driver is 436
bytes in length.
This data was gathered from tests using Disk and Advanced BASIC,
of releases 1.10, 2.00, 2.10. Be aware that the Disk BASIC is the
BASIC.COM and Advanced BASIC is the BASICA.COM on your DOS disk.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0029 7-16-84
AST-PCNET PRINT SPOOLER
When using the AST-PCnet Print Spooler on a local PC (shared
printer attached), under certain conditions the SuperSpool
secondary control commands (/P, /C /S, etc.) will not work. The
specific conditions which cause this problem are as follows:
1. The system board switches are set for less memory than
is actually installed in the computer.
2. SuperSpool version 1.31, is resident in the area of
memory located above the setting of the system board
switches.
3. A SPLLINK version 1.00 command for local PCs has been
executed.
Under these conditions, attempting to use a SuperSpool secondary
command such as "SUPERSPL /P" will result in the following error
mesage:
Printer Specification Required.
ABORTING...
This is caused by the fact that SPLLINK has "stolen" SuperSpool's
INT 17 interrupt vector, coupled with the fact that SuperSpool is
unable to locate its own "footprint" in low memory. It therefore
assumes that it is not resident and rejects the secondary
command.
If the user`s system is configured with more memory than the
system switches indicate and he needs to use the SuperSpool
secondary commands, the SuperSpool "/DH" and/or "/DNC" options
should be used when invoking SuperSpool the first time. This
will restrict SuperSpool to using only the memory located below
the system board switches, and the problem will not occur.
Note that the problem described above does not occur if you are
not using SPLLINK.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0030 7-17-84
DMA CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT IN THE IBM PC AND XT
When interfacing products to the IBM PC or XT, which use Direct
Memory Access (DMA), it is necessary to insure that there is not
a conflict with a device using the same channel.
The following table shows the channels and their assignments.
ADD-ON
CHANNEL IBM ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNMENT
DMA 0 IBM MEMORY REFRESH NONE
DMA 1 IBM - SDLC AST-PCOX - STD
AST-PCNET
DMA 2 IBM - FLOPPY DISK NONE
DMA 3 IBM - HARD DISK AST-PCOX (Alt.)
OTHER HARD DISK

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0031 7-17-84
AST MONOGRAPHPLUS TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
In Table 4-1 that is located on page 4-2 of Technical Reference Manual
(part no. 000127-002A) there are some corrections necessary under the
column "Graphics Mode". A "change page" has recently been distributed
to make corrections, but it also contains one error in the table.
Listed below is the corrected table.
Table 4-1 CRTC Internal Registers
Register Text Mode Graphics Mode
Number Parameter (decimal/hex) (decimal hex) Units
:00 Horizontal total 97/:61 56/:38 Characters
:01 Horizontal display 80/:50 42/:2D Characters
:02 HSync position 82/:52 48/:30 Characters
:03 HSync width 15/:0F 08/:08 Characters
:04 Vertical total 25/:19 90/:5A Rows
:05 Vertical adjust 06/:06 00/:00 Lines
:06 Vertical displayed 25/:19 87/:57 Rows
:07 VSync position 25/:19 87/:57 Rows
:08 Interlace mode 02/:02 02/:02 -----
:09 Maximum scan
line 13/:0D 03/:03 Lines
address
:0A Cursor start line 11/:0B 00/:00 Lines
:0B Cursor end line 12/:0C 00/:00 Lines
:0C Screen start 00/:00 00/:00 -----
address (high)
:0D Screen start 00/:00 00/:00 -----
address (low)
:0E Cursor address 00/:00 00/:00 -----
(high)
:0F Cursor address 00/:00 32/:20 -----
(low)
:10 Reserved ------ ------ -----
:11 Reserved ------ ------ -----

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0032A 4-15-85
5251 VERSION 2.1 INTERRUPT REQUEST SELECTION
AST 5251 is configured to use IRQ 2. If another system device is
utilizing this interrupt, a different interrupt request line may
be selected.
Here is a list of valid choices and their standard uses.
IRQ 2 = Reserved
IRQ 3 = Asynchronous Communications (secondary)
SDLC Communications
BSC (secondary)
IRQ 4 = Asynchronous Communications (primary)
BSC (primary)
IRQ 5 = Fixed Disk (if you have the PC-XT)
IRQ 6 = Diskette
IRQ 7 = Printer
To select a different interrupt, the CC432 card and the software
must be reconfigured.
Locate the switch bank on the CC432 board. Switches 3 through 8
select the interrupt.
SW 3 = IRQ 7
SW 4 = IRQ 6
SW 5 = IRQ 5
SW 6 = IRQ 4
SW 7 = IRQ 3
An ON condition selects the interrupt, and only one IRQ position
may be ON at any time.
To patch AST5251.EXE, it is first necessary to rename it in order
for DEBUG.COM to edit it. Type in the commands in boldface on a
disk that has DOS, DEBUG and AST5251.EXE on it.
A>REN AST5251.EXE AST5251.tst <ENTER>
A>
A>DEBUG AST5251.tst <ENTER>
- e300 <ENTER>
- 08ff:0300 0A.XX space bar 04.ZZ <ENTER>
-W
WRITING A000 BYTES
-Q
A>
A>REN AST5251.tst AST5251.EXE
A>
Where XX and ZZ are equal to the value of the interrupt you have
selected. Use the following table for correct value:
XX ZZ
0A. 04 = IRQ 2
0B. 08 = IRQ 3
0C. 10 = IRQ 4
0D. 20 = IRQ 5
0E. 40 = IRQ 6
0F. 80 = IRQ 7

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0033A 9-4-84
AST-5251 VER. 2.1 ADDRESSING
The AST-5251 package utilizes I/O address 300 to 30F. If another
peripheral board is using the same or part of this address range
it will be necessary to readdress the AST-5251.
To readdress AST-5251, the CC-432 board and AST5251.EXE must be
reconfigured.
Locate the switch bank (S1) on the CC-432 board. Switches one
and two select the I/O address range for the CC-432.
S1 Position Hexidecimal Application
1 2 I/O Addresses
ON ON 300-30F Prototype Card
OFF ON 320-32F Fixed Disk
ON OFF 340-34F Not Used
OFF OFF 360-36F Not Used
To patch AST5251.EXE it is first necessary to rename it in order
for DEBUG.COM to edit it. Type in the commands in boldface on a
disk that has DOS, DEBUG.COM, and AST5251.EXE on it.
A>REN AST5251.EXE AST5251.TST
A>
A>DEBUG AST5251.TST
-e300 (sp = spacebar)
sp sp sp sp sp sp sp
08FF:0300 0A. 04. 02.XX 03. 00.YY 03. 00.ZZ 03.
sp
08FF:0308 04. DD
-w
Writing A000 bytes
-q
A>
A>REN AST5251.TST AST5251.EXE
A>
(*) Where XX, YY, ZZ, and DD equal the values in table 2-1,
corresponding to the selected address (see below).
TABLE 2-1
I/O ADDRESS XX YY ZZ DD
300-30F 02 00 03 04
320-32F 22 20 23 24
340-34F 42 40 43 44
360-36F 62 60 63 64

computers/ASTRESEARCH/0034.tb
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0034 7-18-84
HARDWARE INTERRUPT ASSIGNMENT IN THE IBM PC AND XT
When interfacing products to the IBM PC or XT, which use hardware
interrupts, it is necessary to insure their is not conflict with
other devices in the system utilizing the same interrupt.
The following table shows the hardware interrupts and their
assignments.
INTERRUPT IBM ASSIGNMENT ADD-ON ASSIGNMENT
IRQ NMI PARITY NONE
IRQ 0 TIMER NONE
IRQ 1 KEYBOARD NONE
IRQ 2 RESERVED AST-SNA, AST-BSC,
AST-3780, AST-5251
AST-PCNET
IRQ 3 COM 2 AST COM 2, AST-SNA
IBM-SDLC AST-BSC, AST-3780,
IBM-BSC (Secondary) AST-5251, AST-PCNET
IRQ 4 COM 1 AST COM 1, AST-SNA
IBM-SDLC AST-BSC, AST-3780
IBM-BSC (Primary) AST-5251, AST-PCNET
IRQ 5 IBM-HARD DISK SAME AS IRQ 2
IRQ 6 IBM-FLOPPY DISK AST-SNA, AST-BSC
AST-3780, AST-5251
IRQ 7 PRINTER SAME AS IRQ 6

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0035 7-25-84
SWITCH SETTINGS FOR THE COMPAQ PORTABLE
Before one can reconfigure a COMPAQ (without hard disk), one must
first determine the revision of the ROM BIOS.
There are a few ways to do this. One way is to look on the
motherboard at the ROM chip, the revision should be indicated
there. The revision is also within the ROM chip, located at
F000:FFE6, in the format 'X COMPAQ', where X is the revision.*
Another way to determine the revision of the BIOS is from the
serial number. If the serial number is above 36792, then it is a
Rev. C, and if it is below, then it is a Rev. B. The COMPAQ Plus
(with hard disk) is a Rev. C.
To date, there are two revisions of BIOS in the COMPAQ portables;
Rev. B, and Rev. C. Revision A was preliminary and never shipped
installed.
Configuring a Revision B;
Consult your AST manual and use the switch settings for a PC-1.
All portables without hard disks and are a Rev. B, will have
two switch blocks.
Switch block 1 is indicated on the motherboard as 'SW1'. It
is located in the left rear corner on the motherboard,
partially hidden beneath the cooling fan.
Switch block 2 is indicated on the motherboard as 'SW2'. It
is located to the right and forward of switch block one.
When configuring, be sure to record the original switch
settings on both blocks, in case there is a problem you
won't have any trouble reconfiguring the way it was.
Configuring a Revision C;
Consult your AST mnnual and use the switch setting for an XT/
A revsion C may or may not have two switch blocks. If you
have a hard disk, you probably have only one switch block.
If in the event you have two, or you have a COMPAQ (without
the hard disk), you still use the setting for an XT. Switch
block 1, SW1, is disabled internally and not used. So the
switch block 2 is to be considered as the only switch block
on the motherboard.
Switch block 2, the only switch block you will use, is
located in the left rear corner of the motherboard.
* This test can be accessed through BASIC or DEBUG. Consult your
DOS or BASIC manual on how to do this.
This information was acquired from a conversation with the
Technical Support Department of COMPAQ Computer Corporation.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0036 7-25-84
TESTING OF THE GAME PORT
Depending on the version and type of IBM Diagnostics used to test
AST multifunction boards, the game port is not always recognized.
If the game port option is not recognized, or you're not able to
add it to the IBM Diagnostics Table, an alternative method of
testing is listed below.
This program requires the use of BASICA.COM
10 DEFINT A-Z : KEY OFF : CLS : STRIG ON : SCREEN 2
20 PRINT "X1","Y1","S1";"S3"
30 X1 = STICK(0) : Y1 = STICK(1)
40 A = STRIG(0) : C = STRIG(5)
50 LOCATE 3 : PRINT X1,Y1,A;C
60 GOTO 30
When running the above program, moving the joystick in the X-
plane (left-right) causes a change in the "X1" readout displayed
on monitor, while moving the joystick in the Y-plane (updown)
causes a change in the "Y1" readout. Pressing the switch (either
one or two, depending on your joystick) causes a change in the
"S1" or "S3" readouts from 0 to -1. Note that, depending on the
quality of your joystick, you may not be able to get a zero
reading in the X and Y planes when running the program.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0039 7-31-84
MONOGRAPHPLUS WITH AMDEK MD#310A
BLANK SCREEN ON POWER UP
When using AMDEK monitor 310A and AST MonoGraphPlus card or IBM
monochrome adaptor card, an intermittent blank screen upon power
up may occur.
We have information from AMDEK Technical Group that a change
notice has been published to resolve this problem. A copy of
this notice is attached for reference.
It is suggested that AMDEK Technical Support be contacted prior
to modification of their product.
The following phone number is to be used at AMDEK Inc. for
support of this problem (312) 595-6890.
AMDEK CORP.
2201 Lively Blvd. Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 TLX: 25-4786
N O T I C E
When the 310A monitor is connected to the IBM-PC (or compatible)
and the character display is generated, a sympton can occur in
which the character display cannot be seen on the monitor. This
symptom can also occur when switching modes as with a Hercules
Graphics Card. Should this problem occur with your monitor we
recommend one of the following solutions:
SHORT TERM SOLUTION: Be sure to always turn on the computer
first, then the monitor.
LONG TERM SOLUTION: Locate resistor R-203 on the
motherboard inside the monitor. Disconnect or cut one leg
of the resistor from the motherboard. (When viewed from the
rear R-203 is at the top right hand corner of the
motherboard.)
This modification of the 310A will not void the two year
warranty. If you have questions or need additional assistance in
making this modification please call our technical support
department at (312) 595-6890.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0040 8-9-84
SIXPAK GAME PORT SCHEMATIC ERROR
The following changes should be made to your SixPakPlus manual,
part number 001177-01A0.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0043 8-20-84
PATCHING PC DOS 2.1 FOR ADDITIONAL DRIVES
When using SuperDrive, it may be necessary to set the motherboard
switch settings to indicate more floppy disk drives than one
really has. This may not be convenient for some, so a patch has
been developed for DOS. There is a different patch for each
version of PC-DOS. Since the patches for versions 1.10 and 2.00
of PC-DOS are documented in previous manuals dating from July
1983, only the patch for 2.10 of PC-DOS is included in this
bulletin.
Boot the computer with a DOS 2.10 diskette containing DEBUG.COM
A>DEBUG <Enter>
-L 100 0 D 1 For single-sided, 9-sector DOS diskette
or
-L100 0 B 1 For single-sided, 8-sector DOS diskette
or
-L100 0 10 1 For double-sided, 9-sector DOS diskette
or
-L100 0 E 1 For double-sided, 8 sector DOS diskette
-A 18A <Enter>
XOR SI, SI <Enter>
PUSH SI <Enter>
POP DS <Enter>
XOR BYTE PTR [410], XX <Enter>
PUSH CS <Enter>
PUSH CS <Enter>
POP DS <Enter>
POP ES <Enter>
MOV WORD PTR [SI], 798 <Enter>
POP AX <Enter>
MOV AL, YY <Enter>
NOP <Enter>
"NO RESPONSE" <Enter>
-W100 0 D 1 <Enter> For single-sided, 9-sector DOS diskette
or
-W100 0 B 1 <Enter> For single-sided, 8-sector DOS diskette
or
-W100 0 10 1 <Enter> For double-sided, 9-sector DOS diskette
-W100 0 E 1 <Enter> For double-sided, 8-sector DOS diskette
-Q
A><Ctrl-Alt-Del>
SWITCHES SET FOR SWITCHES SET FOR
ONE DRIVE TWO DRIVES
xx=40 2 drives xx=C0 3 drives
xx=80 3 drives xx=80 4 drives
xx=C0 4 drives
yy=02 2 drives yy=03 3 drives
yy=03 3 drives yy=04 4 drives
yy=04 4 drives

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0045 8-21-84
PATCHING WORDSTAR FOR PRINTING TO ALTERNATE PORTS
WORDSTAR can be configured for either serial or parallel
printing, yet it makes no provision for specifying which serial
or parallel port to be used. It defaults to COM1:, and LPT1:.
The patches provided below are for WORDSTAR Version 3.3, and allow
one to use COM2:, or LPT2: or LPT3: for printer output.
Patching for COM2: use;
Install WS.COM as you would for COM1:, with the necessary
parameters for your printer. Then at the DOS prompt, enter
DEBUG as shown and enter the the following commands.
DEBUG WS.COM <Return>
E 081E 01 <Return>
E 0833 01 <Return>
W <Return>
Q <Return>
WORDSTAR is then patched for COM2: use.
Patching for LPT2:, or LPT3: use;
Install WS.COM as you would for parallel printing. At the
DOS prompt, enter DEBUG as shown and enter the commands as
shown.
For LPT2:, type;
DEBUG WS.COM <Return>
E 07D0 01 <Return>
E 07E6 01 <Return>
W <Return>
Q <Return>
WORDSTAR is then patched for LPT2: use.
Patching for LPT2:, or LPT3: use;
For LPT3:, type;
DEBUG WS.COM <Return>
E 07D0 02 <Return>
E 07E6 02 <Return>
W <Return>
Q <Return>
WORDSTAR is now patched for LPT3: use.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0046 8-21-84
REBOOTING AN IBM PC FROM A BATCH FILE
When using SUPERSPL or SUPERDRV, a specified amount of memory is
extracted from system use. The only way to return the memory for
system use is to reboot DOS, because of the lack of support from
DOS.
This may be undesirable for those who wish to operate under batch
files or menus.
Below is a procedure to create REBOOT.COM, a program when
executed will reboot the machine.
To create REBOOT.COM, enter the following at the DOS prompt:
DEBUG <Return>
N REBOOT.COM <Return>
A 100 <Return>
MOV AX, 0040 <Return>
MOV DS, AX <Return>
DS: <Return>
MOV WORD PTR [0072], 1234 <Return>
JMP FFFF: 0000 <Return>
<Return>
R CX <Return>
11 <Return>
W <Return>
Q <Return>
You now have a file called REBOOT.COM on the default disk.
To reboot, just enter the name REBOOT at the DOS prompt, or in a
batch file.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0047 8-21-84
AST-PCOX VERSION 1.2 SOFTWARE WITH 4331 MODEL HOSTS
AST-PCOX Version 1.1, the current released version, will not work
with some of the 4331 model hosts of which there are
approximately 5300 installed (7th overall in the number of
installed hosts). To remedy this condition, AST has a new
version of the software, manual, and two new proms to be shipped
to customers having either of the following hosts with integrated
channel adapter or devices: a 4331 host, a 4321 host, a 4361
host or a 3299 MUX. This package will be available through
shipping and will be approved by the Technical Support Department
prior to shipping.
Summary: Use AST-PCOX Version 1.2 software with 1.3 proms and
new manuals for:
4331 host
4321 host
4361 host
or a 3299 MUX.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0049A 4-1-85
SLOW PRINTING WITH SUPERSPOOL
AND CERTAIN SOFTWARE APPLICATION
Certain software application, like Lotus 1-2-3, sends control
characters to LPT1 upon initialization. These control characters
interfere with the automatic timing calibration of SuperSpool.
This could result in slow character printing and or a delay at
the end of each printed line.
This condition can be remedied by sending a burst of twenty-five
characters (blank spaces, in this instance, may be the best
characters to use) to LPT1 after invoking SuperSpool but prior to
initializing the software application.
The following procedure outlines the steps in creating a data
file named DUMMY.DAT and installing it in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This should eliminate the slow character printing and/or
hesitation after each printed line.
Step #1: First we need to create a data file named DUMMY.DAT
consisting of 25 blank spaces.
COPY CON:DUMMY.DAT <CR>
Press space bar 25 times <CR>
Press F6
(Response) ^ Z
(Response) 1 File(s) copied
1 File(s) copied means you have successfully created
DUMMY.DAT.
Step #2: Now that DUMMY.DAT has been created, the next step
is to assign it to LPT1. This sends a burst of 25
characters to LPT1.
COPY DUMMY.DAT LPT1: <CR>
Step #3: Once Step #2 has been executed, the command "COPY
DUMMY.DAT LPT1:" can be installed in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This command should be installed
after SuperSpool but prior to initializing the
software application.
The example below is the simplest form of the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
BEFORE AFTER
1st Line --> ASTCLOCK 1st Line ASTCLOCK
2nd Line --> SUPERSPOOL LPT1: 2nd Line SUPERSPOOL LPT1:
3rd Line --> Software Application 3rd Line COPY DUMMY.DAT LPT1:
4th Line Software Application
Step #4: Now all that is required is to reboot the system and
you are ready to go.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0050 10-24-84
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OF THE PARALLEL PORT
In order to perform a thorough test of AST's parallel port (when
running IBM diagnostics) you need to provide the incoming signals
to the port. This may be accomplished by constructing a wrap
plug and installing it on the parallel port connector. To
construct a wrap plug use a DB25 male connector. Utilizing a
minimum of 30AWG wire make connections as listed below:
1 > 13
2 > 15
10 > 16
11 > 17
12 > 14

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0051 10-5-84
FRAMEWORK AND AST NEWLINE FOR THE MONOGRAPHPLUS
MonoGraphPlus NEWLINE software and FRAMEWORK software are not
compatible.
When NEWLINE software is used with FRAMEWORK, the following
attributes occur on the screen. (See diagram below).
- - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -
- + + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -
This problem occurs with version 1.01 and below of AST NEWLINE
software, and 1.0 version of FRAMEWORK.
A fix is not scheduled at this time. It is rcommended that
NEWLINE not be used with FRAMEWORK software.
TM - FRAMEWORK is a product of Ashton Tate Inc.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0052A 11-8-84
CLOCK/CALENDAR
I/O ADDRESSING
This Technical Bulletin contains information about the AST clock
addressing.
The information supplied is to aid one in avoiding and
recognizing address conflicts within a PC. The products listed
below contain an AST clock. Note the two different address
ranges. The address range 2C0 thru 2C7 will operate in the IBM
3270 as well as in the IBM PC1, PC2, and XT. The address range
2C0 thru 2DF will not operate in an IBM 3270.
PRODUCT I/O ADDRESS RANGE
** SIXPAKPLUS - P/N 03-01177-01 2C0-2DF
DISKPLUS 2C0-2DF
COMBOPLUS 2C0-2DF
MEGAPLUS 2C0-2DF
I/O PLUS 2C0-2DF
MONOGRAPHPLUS * 2C0-2C7
MP II * 2C0-2C7
** SIXPAKPLUS - P/N 201177 * 2C0-2C7
* Compatible with the 3270 PC.
** Part number is marked on the component side of the board on
the opposite edge from the mounting bracket.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0053A 11-8-84
CORRECTING THE TIME/DATE OF THE AST CLOCK*
SYMPTON: It appears the clock is set correctly because the
time and date remain correct while the machine is
on. However, after rebooting or turning power
back on to your PC, the time and/or date are
incorrect. This symptom may be an indication that
the ASTCLOCK has not been set.
EXPLANATION: The ASTCLOCK is accessed only at power up or upon
rebooting. The time and date remain correct while
there is power to the machine because you are
utilizing the system clock.
PROBLEM: If the ASTCLOCK utility is executed prior to
running the SETCLOCK utility, it may be preventing
the correction of the time/date in the AST clock.
SOLUTION 1: Temporarily remove the ASTCLOCK utility from your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Reboot the machine. Follow
the procedure in your manual for setting the AST
clock. Restore your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to its
original configuration by inserting ASTCLOCK.
SOLUTION 2: Interrupt your AUTOEXEC.BAT file prior to
execution of ASTCLOCK using the CONTROL-C
function. Follow the procedure in your manual for
setting the AST clock.
* Applies only to those products which use the SETCLOCK.COM
utility. Those which use the ASTCLOCK.COM utility are reset
with the /R parameter as described in the User Manual.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0055 9-21-84
FAULT ISOLATION OF THE IBM PC-1
USING THE POWER ON SELF TEST (POST) DIAGNOSTICS
Each time the IBM PC-1 (64K motherboard) is powered on, the ROM
BIOS initiates a built-in set of diagnostic tests to determine
the functionality of the hardware.
These tests are also performed (with the exception of the RAM
test) each time a "warm boot" is initiated (Ctrl-Alt-Del).
Failures to the diagnostic tests can be caused by component
failures on the system motherboard, errors in switch settings, or
a defective expansion board. These failures are indicated by a
sequence of beeps, error codes on the CRT display or both.
The attached tables present the tests in the order in which they
are performed. Thus, if an error is detected, fault isolation
can be accomplished as the tests above the failure have been
completed successfully.
Table 1 is applicable to an IBM PC-1, which is NOT fitted with
either a "bootable" harddisk or an IBM Expansion Chassis.
Table 2 is applicable to an IBM PC-1, which is fitted with either
a "bootable" harddisk or an IBM Expansion Chassis.
TABLE 1
POST ERRORS FOR IBM PC-1 WITHOUT EITHER AN
IBM EXPANSION CHASSIS OR A BOOTABLE HARDDISK
SYMPTOM CAUSE
1. System does not respond The power supply has shut
at all when turned on. down,
OR:
The 8088 has HALTed due to:
- Internal 8088 problem.
- BIOS ROM checksum error.
- 8253 timer problem.
- 8237 DMA controller error.
- Error in last 16K of RAM.
Note: Try turning off power
supply, waiting 5 seconds,
then turning it on.
2. System beeps: The 8088 has HALTed due to:
1 long beep (3 seconds), - 8259 interrupt controller
1 short beep (1 second), error.
then stops. - 8253 timer counting too
fast or slow.
3. System beeps: Checksum error in a BASIC ROM.
1 long beep (3 seconds),
1 short beep (1 second),
but continues the power-
up sequence.
4. System beeps: Error in video RAM or error in
1 long beep (3 seconds), 6845 video circuitry.
2 short beeps (1 second
each), continues power-
up sequence.
5. System beeps: The display card is probably not
1 long beep (3 seconds), installed.
2 short beeps (1 second),
1 long beep (3 seconds),
2 short beeps (1 second
each).
6. 'XXYY 201' appears at the RAM error. XX = the high order
top of the display, where byte of the failing segment,
XXYY = four hexadecimal e.g.; XX = 20 would indicate
digits. that the error occurred between
segment 2000 and segment 2400.
(Memory is tested in 16K
blocks, each 64K increments the
segment by 1000. YY = the
failing bit pattern, which can
isolate the specific RAM.)
7. 'XX 301' appears at the Keyboard error. Usually a stuck
top of the display, where key, where XX = scan code of
XX = two hexadecimal digits. the stuck key.
8. '131' appears on display. Cassette port error.
9. '601' appears on display. Disk drive A, or disk adapter
error.
10. 'PARITY CHECK 1' appears. A RAM parity error has occurred
on the system motherboard. The
INT 2 routine in the BIOS gains
control and HALTs the 8088 when
a memory parity error occurs.
Parity checking had been
DISABLED prior to this point in
the test sequence, and is en-
abled here just before reading
the boot record from the disk.
11. 'PARITY CHECK 2' appears A RAM parity error has occurred
on the display. on an add-on memory board. This
message comes from the BIOS
ROM's INT 2 routine, which then
HALTs the 8088.
12. System beeps: This is normal system reponse
1 short beep (1 second). just before the system boots
from the disk. The system has
successfully passed the diag-
nostics.
TABLE 2
POST ERRORS FOR IBM PC-1 WITH AN IBM
EXPANSION CHASSIS OR A BOOTABLE HARDDISK
SYMPTOM CAUSE
1. System does not respond The power supply has shut down,
at all when turned on. OR:
The 8088 has HALTed due to:
- Internal 8088 problem.
- BIOS ROM checksum error.
- 8253 timer problem.
- 8237 DMA controller error.
- Error in last 16K of RAM.
Note: Try turning off power
supply, waiting 5 sec-
onds then turning it on.
2. System beeps: The 8088 has HALTed due to:
1 long beep (3 seconds), - 8259 interrupt controller
1 short beep (1 second), error.
then stops. - 8253 timer counting too
fast or slow.
3. System beeps: Error in video RAM or error in
1 long beep (3 seconds), 6845 video circuitry.
2 short beeps (1 second
each), continues power-
up sequence.
4. '1801' appears at the top Error in expansion unit inter-
of display. (If IBM Expan- face.
sion Unit is installed).
5. 'XXYY 201' appears at the RAM error. XX = the high
top of the display, where order byte of the failing seg-
XXYY = four hexadecimal ment, e.g.; XX = 20 would in-
digits. dicate that the error occurred
between segment 2000 and seg-
ment 2400. (Memory is tested
in 16K blocks; each 64K incre-
ments the segment by 1000.
YY = the failing bit pattern,
which can isolate the specific
RAM).
6. 'XX 301' appears at the Keyboard error; usually a
top of the display, where stuck key, where XX = the scan
XXYY = four hexidecimal code of the stuck key.
digits.
7. '131' appears on the display. Cassette port error.
8. '1701' appears on the IBM Fixed Disk error.
display.
9. System beeps; Checksum error in BASIC ROM.
1 long beep (3 seconds),
2 short beeps (1 second
each), and 'ROM' appears
on the display.
10. '601' appears on display. Disk drive A, or disk adapter.
11. 'PARITY CHECK 1' appears. A RAM parity error has occur-
red on the system motherboard.
The INT 2 routine in the BIOS
gains control and HALTs the
8088 when a memory parity
error occurs. Parity checking
had been DISABLED prior to this
point in the test sequence, and
is enabled here just before
reading the boot record from
the disk.
12. 'PARITY CHECK 2' appears A RAM parity error has occurred
on the display. on an add-on memory board. This
message comes from the BIOS
ROM's INT routine, which then
HALTS the 8088.
13. System beeps: This is normal system response
1 short beep (1 second). just before the system boots
from the disk. The system has
successfully passed the diag-
nostics.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0059 9-26-84
MONOGRAPH COMPATIBILITY WITH MS WORD
Located in position U38 of the MonoGraph card is a programmable
CRT controller device. The CRT controller generates the signals
necessary to interface a digital system to a raster scan CRT
display.
MICROSOFT Corporation currently has a word processor called
"WORD". Due to the parameters utilized to program the registers
of the CRT controller, this particular program (WORD) requires
that an enhanced version of the CRT controller be present. The
symptom of not having an enhanced version of this chip is that
the display goes into a vertical roll.
Listed below are CRT controller devices that will allow the
"WORD" to operate properly.
VENDOR NUMBER
FAIRCHILD F68B45AP
HITACHI HD68B45SP
SYNERTEK SYP6845A

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0061 10-5-84
ASTCLOCK AND COMPAQ VERSION 2.11 CONTENTION
When using ASTCLOCK with COMPAQ's MS-DOS Version 2.11, the year
will be incremented by one if the month is set with a value
greater than nine.
There are two solutions to this problem. A) Use PC-DOS or B)
Don't use ASTCLOCK. This should not be a problem because
COMPAQ's MS-DOS Version 2.11 will access our clock directly.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0062 10-9-84
SUPERSPOOL AND LPT2
To use SUPERSPOOL in conjunction with a second parallel device
(LPT2) follow this procedure:
1) Initially set SUPERSPOOL up at LPT1 at which time all
parameters should be installed.
2) Next, move SUPERSPOOL to LPT2 by typing in SUPERSPL
LPT2:.
3) Now redirect printer output to LPT2. This may be
accomplished by running LPTSWAP.BAT (refer to User's
Manual appendix "Switching Between LPT1 and LPT2").
4) Finally, move SUPERSPOOL back to LPT1 by typing in
SUPERSPL LPT1:. Printer output will now spool out LPT2.
Note: Install parameters only in the initial set up.
Make sure SUPERSPOOL is initially set up at LPT1.
When you are ready to use LPT1 again repeat the
above process.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0064 10-11-84
SERIAL PORT WRAP PLUG
In order to test the complete circuitry of the serial port on an
AST board (when running IBM diagnostics) there must be signals
coming into the port. This may be accomplished by installing a
wrap plug on the serial port connector. To construct a wrap plug
use a standard RS232 DB25 female connector and wire these pins
together.
2 > 3
4 > 5 > 22
6 > 8 > 20
* Use 30 AWG wire or greater.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0065 11-7-84
AT MOTHERBOARD MEMORY CONFIGURATION
1. An Advantage! installed in a 256K AT must be configured for
Split Memory Addressing as shown in Figure 3-4 in the User's
Manual. In a 512K AT, either Split Memory Addressing or
Contiguous Memory Addressing may be used on the Advantage!.
2. The AT system board may be configured with either 256K or
512K of memory. The position of a shorting plug on the
system board (J18) determines the proper configuration.
(J18 is located underneath the disk controller board near
the front of the AT chassis.)
Apparently some 256K ATs are shipped from IBM with the
jumper in the 512K position. This does not cause any
problems until an Advantage! is installed and configured for
the Split Memory Addressing mode. An addressing conflict
results: The "phantom" upper 256K on the system board
conflicts with the memory on the Advantage! and results in
errors during POST (typically 040002....210).
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0066 11-27-84
SUPERSPOOL AND THE 3270 PC CONTROL PROGRAM
When using SuperSpool in the 3270PC, while the 3270PC Control
Program is resident, it is not recommended that Version 1.20 of
SuperSpool be used. Tests conducted by AST have revealed that
using this version causes the 3270 PC to "lock-up" or "hang".
The reason for this is because this version, when invoked,
determines the memory configuration of the system, before it
evaluates the parameters specified at the command line. When
doing this it overwrites and destroys the Control Program above
DOS (High Memory).
It is our recommendation that Version 1.30 of SuperSpool be used
with the 3270PC Control Program. This verison, unlike 1.20
evaluates the parameters specified at the command line first. It
then determines which memory it should use, and then reserves
that memory from DOS.
Testing was done using DOS 2.10, 2.00, and level 1.10 of IBM's
3270PC Control Program.
Note: Version 1.30 of SuperSpool is presently part of SuperPak
4.1.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0067 11-16-84
CORRECTIONS TO THE ADVANTAGE! USER'S MANUAL VERSION 1.00
Please note the following correction information to Sections 3
and 6 of the AST Advantage! User's Manual. This information
pertains to parallel printer ports and their configuraiton.
Section 3.3 Step 5 -- Configuring the Parallel Port
___________________________________________________
The first paragraph of this section should read as follows:
You can install a maximum of three parallel printer ports in the
AT (called LPT1:, LPT2:, LPT3:). The parallel port on the
ADVANTAGE! has been configured at the factory to respond as
LPT1:, using IRQ 7. This is the correct configuration for an AT
with an IBM Color/Graphics display card and no other parallel
ports installed in the system. If you have an IBM MonoChrome
display adapter installed in your AT, refer to Section 6.1.2.
Verify the default configuration of the ADVANTAGE! by comparing
Switch Block #2 and the IRQ enable block to figure 6-1.
Table 3-4 Parallel Port Configuration with the MonoChrome Display
_________________________________________________________________
This table is in error. If configuring the parallel port as
LPT2:, the IRQ Jumper needs to be on 5 NOT 7. If configuring the
Parallel port as LPT3:, there should NOT be a jumper on either 7
or 5. This is because the AT has not reserved an IRQ for the
third parallel port of the system.
Section 6.1.2 MonoChrome Display / Printer Adapter Cards
________________________________________________________
This section should read as follows:
The parallel port on an IBM MonoChrome Display Adapter always
responds as LPT1: and cannot be reconfigured. If you have this
type of display adapter in your AT, the parallel port on the
ADVANTAGE! will automatically respond as LPT2:. However, you
will need to change the IRQ Jumper from IRQ 7 to IRQ 5 (LPT2:
will always use IRQ 5).
Section 6.3 Parallel Port I/O Addresses and Pinouts
___________________________________________________
The parallel port on the ADVANTAGE! uses these PC-AT I/O port
addresses when an IBM MonoChrome Display Adapter is installed:
AT Parallel Port I/O & IRQ Assignments
Port I/O Address IRQ Line Used Location of port
____ ___________ _____________ ________________
LPT1 3BC-3BF IRQ 7 MonoChrome Display
LPT2 378-37F IRQ 5 AST ADVANTAGE!
LPT3 278-27F None* AST ADVANTAGE!
* Interrupt-driven I/O for LPT3 is not supported in the AT.
The parallel port on the ADVANTAGE! uses these PC-AT I/O port
addresses WITHOUT an IBM MonoChrome Display Adapter installed:
AT Parallel Port I/O & IRQ Assignments
Port I/O Address IRQ Line Used Location of port
____ ___________ _____________ ________________
LPT1 378-37F IRQ 7 AST ADVANTAGE!
LPT2 278-27F IRQ 5 AST ADVANTAGE!
LPT3 Not supported without the IBM MonoChrome Display
Adapter installed.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0071 12-10-84
COMPATIBILITY OF AST PRODUCTS
AND THE PANASONIC COMPUTER
The attached charts illustrate the level of compatibility of the
Panasonic computer with AST PC enhancement products.
These results were obtained through performance of the AST
Product Compatibility Test, Revision B.
The level of compatibility achieved is indicated by one of the
following symbols:
"Y" - Successfully passed all aspects of the AST Product
Compatibility Test.
"N" - Did not successfully pass the AST Product
Compatiblity Test.
"/" - This feature or option does not apply to this
product.
"*-n" - Conditionally passed the AST Product Compatibility
Test - See note "n".
"NT" - This feature was not tested.
It should be noted that a Personal Computer is a system and that
compatibility is effected by all aspects of that system (ie.
computer, AST products, other vendor products, software, etc.).
AST COMPATIBILITY RESULTS
COMPUTER TYPE PANASONIC MODEL RL-H7000W (SENIOR PARTNER)
AST COMPATIBILITY TEST REV. B DATE 12-10-84
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
| SPK | MGO |MP II | MG II | MC | I/O | MP |
|SIXPAK-|MONOGRAPH-| EXP. |MEGAPLUS|COMBOPLUS|I/O PLUS| EXP. |
| PLUS | PLUS |MEMORY| II | II | II |MEMORY|
| | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
MEMORY | *Y | / | *Y | *Y | NT | / | NT |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
PARALLEL | N | NT | / | N | NT | NT | / |
PORT | | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
SERIAL | Y | NT | / | Y | NT | NT | / |
PORT 1 | | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
SERIAL | / | / | / | NT | / | NT | / |
PORT 2 | | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
GAME | Y | / | / | NT | / | NT | / |
PORT | | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
CLOCK | Y | NT | Y | Y | NT | NT | / |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
SUPERDRIVE| N | / | N | N | NT | NT | NT |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
SUPERSPOOL| N | / | N | N | NT | NT | NT |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
NEWLINE | / | NT | / | / | / | / | / |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
AST CLOCK | Y | NT | Y | Y | NT | NT | / |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
MONOCHOME | / | NT | / | / | / | / | / |
VIDEO | | | | | | | |
----------|-------|----------|------|--------|---------|--------|------|
Y = PASSED *-N = NOTE CONDITIONAL PASS
N = FAILED NT = NOT TESTED
/ = NOT APPLICABLE
AST COMPATIBILITY RESULTS
COMPUTER TYPE PANASONIC MODEL RL-H7000W (SENIOR PARTNER)
AST COMPATIBILITY TEST REV. B DATE 12-10-84
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|----------|
| NEW |
|SIXPAKPLUS|
| |
| |
----------|----------|
MEMORY | *Y |
----------|----------|
PARALLEL | N |
PORT | |
----------|----------|
SERIAL | Y |
PORT 1 | |
----------|----------|
SERIAL | / |
PORT 2 | |
----------|----------|
GAME | NT |
PORT | |
----------|----------|
CLOCK | Y |
----------|----------|
SUPERDRIVE| N |
----------|----------|
SUPERSPOOL| N |
----------|----------|
NEWLINE | / |
----------|----------|
AST CLOCK | Y |
----------|----------|
MONOCHOME | / |
VIDEO | |
----------|----------|
Y = PASSED *-N = NOTE CONDITIONAL PASS
N = FAILED NT = NOT TESTED
/ = NOT APPLICABLE
AST COMPATIBILITY RESULTS
COMPUTER TYPE PANASONIC MODEL RL-H7000W (SENIOR PARTNER)
AST COMPATIBLITY TEST REV. B DATE 12-10-84
------------------------------------------------------------------
----------|-------------------|-------------|
| COMMUNICATIONS | LAN |
| | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
CC-432 | *Y | / |
5251 | | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
CC-432 | *Y | / |
3780 | | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
CC-432 | | |
SNA | *Y | / |
3270 | | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
PCOX | *Y | / |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
CC-432 | *Y | / |
BSC | | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
CC-432 | | |
SNA | NT | |
3770 | | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
| | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
| | |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
PC-NET | / | NT |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
PC-NET II | / | **Y |
----------|-------------------|-------------|
Y = PASSED *-N = NOTE CONDITIONAL PASS
N = FAILED NT = NOT TESTED
/ = NOT APPLICABLE
* = COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS WOULD NOT SEND DATA TO THE BUILT-IN
PRINTER ON THE SENIOR PARTNER
** = TESTED AS "USER" PC ONLY

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0073 3-5-85
I/O MINI PARALLEL PORT UPGRADE KIT
The following information is to clarify the locations in which
the upgrade components are to be installed. These components are
supplied with the Parallel Port Upgrade Kit (Part Number
500102-110, Model Number I/O-000P) for the I/O Mini Board.
COMPONENT LOCATION ON THE I/O MINI
74LS 244N U3
74LS 240N U9
74LS 138N U11
74LS 374N U12
74LS 174N U14
For information on installing the shorting plugs and cable,
refer to the User's Manual.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0074 1-28-85
CC-832/4-PORT ASYNC COMPATIBILITY
Tests have been conducted with the 4-PORT ASYNC Board installed
in the IBM AT Personal Computer.
The results of the testing have determined that the 4-PORT ASYNC
Board, Part Number 202013-001, Revision C, will not operate when
installed in the AT machine.
Therefore, it is not recommended for use in the IBM AT machine.
NOTE: The 4-PORT ASYNC Board is part of the AST CC-832 Product,
Part Number 500169-001.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0075 3-5-85
NULL MODEM CONFIGURATION
The following is the suggested Null Modem Configuration.
Null Modem basically means connecting two PC's or a PC to a
mainframe by way of serial ports, in conjunction with a file
transfer package, such as "Crosstalk" or PC Talk II. PC Talk III
is public domain software that is an inexpensive way to file
transfer.
Crosstalk is a Registered Trademark of Micro-Suf, Inc.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this technical
bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0076 3-11-85
I/O MINI SERIAL PORT #2 UPGRADE KIT
The following information is to clarify the locations in which
the upgrade components are to be installed. These components are
supplied with the Serial Port #2 Upgrade Kit (Part Number
500102-111, Model Number I/O-000S) for the I/O Mini Board.
COMPONENTS LOCATION ON THE I/O MINI
1489 OR 75189 U1
1488 OR 75188 U2
8250-B U10
For information on installing shorting plugs and cable, refer to
the I/O Mini User's Manual.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0077A 7-2-85
POWER CONSUMPTION
Due to numerous inquiries on power consumption of AST products,
the following table was assembled. Listed is the typical current
draw for each voltage used on various AST products.
MEMORY TYPICAL POWER CONSUMPTION
MODEL SIZE +5VDC +12VDC -12VDC W/OPTIONS
----- ------ ----- ------ ------ ---------
SPK 64K 760mA 21.4mA 19.8mA Game
384K 1A 40.0mA 28.0mA Game
MSP 64K 760mA 20.5mA 19.2mA N/A
384K 830mA 20.3mA 19.2mA N/A
I/O Plus N/A 430mA 26.4mA 33.8mA Parallel,
Serial #2, GAME
I/O Mini N/A 560mA 40.0mA 60.0mA Parallel,
Serial #2
MGII 64K 850mA 32.6mA 30.9mA Parallel,
Serial #2, GAME
256K 910mA 32.6mA 30.9mA Parallel,
Serial #2, GAME
512K 940mA 32.6mA 30.9mA Parallel,
Serial #2, GAME
MC 64K 700mA 16.3mA 15.1mA Parallel, Serial
256K 780mA 16.3mA 15.1mA Parallel, Serial
MP 64K 600mA N/A N/A N/A
256K 650mA N/A N/A N/A
MP Mini 256K 350mA N/A N/A N/A
384K 380mA N/A N/A N/A
MPII 64K 580mA N/A N/A N/A
384K 730mA N/A N/A N/A
CC432 N/A 430mA 28.6mA 19.36mA N/A
CC832 N/A 460mA 45.0 - 21.0 - N/A
57.0mA 82.0mA
Jr Combo 512K 250mA
Reach! N/A 750mA 250mA (35mA at - 5vdc)
Monograph N/A 1.8A 60mA 60mA Serial
Preview N/A 1.3A
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0078 4-1-85
AST PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD DIMENSIONS
AST RESEARCH manufactures a large number of enhancement products
for the IBM Personal Computer family. A frequently asked
question directed towards our enhancement products is "What are
the physical dimensions of the PCB?" The following chart
contains the approximate size of AST printed circuit boards
designed for the IBM Personal Computer family.
MEASURED IN INCHES
PRODUCT LENGTH WIDTH DEPTH
Advantage! w/Advantage Pak 13.3 4.8 0.8
ComboPlus II 13.3 4.2 0.5
I/O Mini 5.0 4.2 0.5
I/O Plus II 8.5 4.2 0.4
jrCombo 11.4 3.8 1.2
MegaPlus II w/Mega Pak 13.3 4.2 0.8
MPII 11.3 4.2 0.5
MP Mini w/Mini Pak 5.0 4.2 0.8
Security SixPakPlus 13.3 4.2 0.5
SixPakPlus 13.3 4.2 0.5
Extender Card 4.4 5.3 0.4
Wire Wrap Card 13.0 5.3 0.5
MonoGraphPlus 13.3 4.2 0.5
Preview! 13.3 4.2 0.5
AST-PCOX/Short Board 5.3 4.2 0.4
AST-PCOX/Long Board 13.3 4.2 0.9
CC-232/CC-232E 8.8 4.2 0.4
CC-432 6.9 4.2 0.5
CC-832 7.3 4.2 0.5
Reach! 5.1 4.2 0.6
AST-PCnet 13.3 4.2 0.5
AST-PCnet II 10.0 4.2 0.5
AST-PCnet IIjr 11.4 3.8 1.2
Colossus PC Interface Card 13.3 4.2 0.5

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0079 4-1-85
PROPER USE OF THE AST MP MINI
When expanding the memory of the IBM PC or compatibles with the
AST MP Mini card, it is important to remember that no matter what
PC is used, there must be exactly 256KB of user RAM installed
below the AST MP Mini. This is because the MP Mini has a fixed
starting address of 0040:0000 Hexadecimal. The ending address is
A000:0000 Hexadecimal. This means that no other expansion card
may address within the 256KB-640KB range of user RAM, even if the
MP Mini is not fully loaded with 256KB and the optional Mini Pak.
To conclude, the PC must have 256KB on the system board, or the
combination of the system board and another expansion card,
before the MP Mini can be installed. There must not be any other
RAM resident in the PC between the 256KB and 640KB range.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0080 4-2-85
QUICK REFERENCE: ADVANTAGE!
To facilitate answering questions or configuring the AST
Advantage!, the following information has been assembled:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Installing the Advantage! in a 256K AT ........ 2
Running the AT Setup Program .................. 3
Advantage! Switch Block #1 .................... 4
Advantage! Switch Block #3 .................... 5
Parallel Port ................................. 8
Serial Port ................................... 8
TB-0080 PAGE 2
INSTALLING THE ADVANTAGE! IN A 256K AT
If you are installing your Advantage! in an AT equipped with a
256K system board, please note the following:
* An Advantage! being used in a 256K AT MUST be configured for
the Split Memory Addressing mode of operation. Figure 3-4 in
the Advantage! User's Manual shows the correct switch
settings for Switch Block #3 on the Advantage! in a 256K AT.
(In a 512K AT, you may use either Split or Contiguous Memory
Addressing on the Advantage!)
* The AT system board may be equipped with either 256K or 512K
installed. A jumper on the system board (J18) determines the
maximum amount of memory the system board will accept. With
the jumper in one position, the system board will accept a
maximum of 256K, while in the opposite position, the system
board will accept a maximum of 512K. IBM ships some 256K ATs
with this jumper in the 512K position. This means that in
such a 256K AT, there is an additional "phantom" 256K memory
block present. When the Advantage! is then installed, its
memory will conflict with this "phantom" 256K block on the AT
system board. The usual symptom of this problem is an error
during power on self test such as "040002...201".
* To avoid this memory addressing conflict, before you install
the Advantage! in a 256K AT, verify that the jumper on the AT
system board is in the correct 256K position. The jumper is
identified as "J18" and is located underneath the disk
controller card at the very front of the AT chassis. It may
be necessary to lift the disk controller card up in order to
gain access to the jumper.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)
TB-0080 PAGE 3
RUNNING THE AT SETUP PROGRAM
* When running the "SETUP" program to tell the AT how much
memory is installed in the 640K base memory area, the screen
display indicates that the only valid responses are 256, 512
or 640. Although not indicated by the display, you may also
enter 384 if that is appropriate for your machine.
* Likewise, when telling the AT how much extended memory you
have, the screen display indicates that the only valid
responses are 0, 512, 1024, etc. Although not indicated by
the display, you may enter any value falling on a 128K
boundary, e.g. 0, 128, 256, 384, etc., up to 15360 (15
megabytes).
TB-0080 PAGE 4
ADVANTAGE! SWITCH BLOCK #1
TABLE A-1: This table is used to tell Advantage! what memory you
have in each bank.
Number of Rows
Installed on
Advantage Row 1 Row 2 Row 3 Row 4 Row 5 Row 6 SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5
1 128K OFF OFF OFF OFF ON
1 512K OFF OFF ON ON ON
2 128K 128K OFF OFF OFF ON OFF
2 128K 512K ON OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 512K 512K OFF ON OFF OFF OFF
3 128K 128K 128K OFF OFF OFF ON ON
3 128K 128K 512K ON OFF ON OFF ON
3 128K 512K 512K ON OFF OFF OFF ON
3 512K 512K 512K OFF ON OFF OFF ON
4 128K 128K 128K 128K OFF OFF ON OFF OFF
4 128K 128K 128K 512K ON ON OFF OFF ON
4 128K 128K 512K 512K ON OFF ON ON OFF
4 128K 512K 512K 512K ON OFF OFF ON OFF
4 512K 512K 512K 512K OFF ON OFF ON OFF
5 128K 128K 128K 128K 128K OFF OFF ON OFF ON
5 128K 128K 128K 128K 512K ON ON ON OFF OFF
5 128K 128K 128K 512K 512K ON ON OFF ON OFF
5 128K 128K 512K 512K 512K ON OFF ON ON ON
5 128K 512K 512K 512K 512K ON OFF OFF ON ON
5 512K 512K 512K 512K 512K OFF ON OFF ON ON
6 128K 128K 128K 128K 128K 128K OFF OFF ON ON OFF
6 128K 128K 128K 128K 128K 512K ON ON ON ON OFF
6 128K 128K 128K 128K 512K 512K ON ON ON OFF ON
6 128K 128K 128K 512K 512K 512K ON ON OFF ON ON
6 128K 128K 512K 512K 512K 512K ON ON OFF OFF OFF
6 128K 512K 512K 512K 512K 512K ON OFF ON OFF OFF
6 512K 512K 512K 512K 512K 512K OFF ON ON OFF OFF
NOTE #1: You must have 128K banks filled before going to 512K banks.
NOTE #2: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)
TB-0080 PAGE 5
ADVANTAGE! SWITCH BLOCK #3
Table D-1. Split Memory Addressing Memory Allocation
_______________________________________________________________________
Total Number Number Total| 256K AT | 512K AT
Memory Rows Rows Advtg.| |
Rows 64K 256K Memory|Base Exp. Total|Base Exp. Total
Populated Chips Chips (KB)|Mem. Mem. Mem.|Mem. Mem. Mem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1 0 128 384 0 384 640 0 640
1 0 1 512 640 128 768 640 384 1024
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 2 0 256 512 0 512 640 128 768
2 1 1 640 640 256 896 640 512 1152
2 0 2 1024 640 640 1280 640 896 1536
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 3 0 384 640 0 640 640 256 896
3 2 1 768 640 384 1024 640 640 1280
3 1 2 1152 640 768 1408 640 1024 1664
3 0 3 1536 640 1152 1792 640 1408 2048
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
4 4 0 512 640 128 768 640 384 1024
4 3 1 896 640 512 1152 640 768 1408
4 2 2 1280 640 896 1536 640 1152 1792
4 1 3 1664 640 1280 1920 640 1536 2176
4 0 4 2048 640 1664 2304 640 1920 2560
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
5 5 0 640 640 256 896 640 512 1152
5 4 1 896 640 512 1152 640 768 1408
5 3 2 1408 640 1024 1664 640 1280 1920
5 2 3 1792 640 1408 2048 640 1664 2304
5 1 4 2176 640 1792 2432 640 2048 2688
5 0 5 2560 640 2176 2816 640 2432 3072
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
6 6 0 768 640 384 1024 640 640 1280
6 5 1 1152 640 768 1408 640 1024 1664
6 4 2 1536 640 1152 1792 640 1408 2048
6 3 3 1920 640 1536 2176 640 1792 2432
6 2 4 2304 640 1920 2560 640 2176 2816
6 1 5 2688 640 2304 2944 640 2560 3200
6 0 6 3072 640 2688 3328 640 2944 3584
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversion Chart for calculating the amount of base memory and
expansion memory in the AT when using split memory addressing on
the Advantage!
Table D-2 Switch Block #3 Settings (Starting Address)
_______________________________________________________________
Advantage! Advantage! Advantage!
Start Start Start Advantage! Switch Block #3
Address Address Address
(Megabytes) (K-Bytes) (Hexadecimal) SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7
---------------------------------------------------------------
0.250 256 040000 ON ON ON ON ON OFF ON
0.500 512 080000 ON ON ON ON OFF ON ON
1.000 1024 100000 ON ON ON OFF ON ON ON
1.125 1152 120000 ON ON ON OFF ON ON OFF
1.250 1280 140000 ON ON ON OFF ON OFF ON
1.375 1408 160000 ON ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF
1.500 1536 180000 ON ON ON OFF OFF ON ON
1.625 1664 1A0000 ON ON ON OFF OFF ON OFF
1.750 1792 1C0000 ON ON ON OFF OFF OFF ON
1.875 1920 1E0000 ON ON ON OFF OFF OFF OFF
2.000 2048 200000 ON ON OFF ON ON ON ON
2.125 2176 220000 ON ON OFF ON ON ON OFF
2.250 2304 240000 ON ON OFF ON ON OFF ON
2.375 2432 260000 ON ON OFF ON ON OFF OFF
2.500 2560 280000 ON ON OFF ON OFF ON ON
2.625 2688 2A0000 ON ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF
2.750 2816 2C0000 ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF ON
2.875 2944 2E0000 ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF
3.000 3072 300000 ON ON OFF OFF ON ON ON
3.125 3200 320000 ON ON OFF OFF ON ON OFF
3.250 3328 340000 ON ON OFF OFF ON OFF ON
3.375 3456 360000 ON ON OFF OFF ON OFF OFF
3.500 3584 380000 ON ON OFF OFF OFF ON ON
3.625 3712 3A0000 ON ON OFF OFF OFF ON OFF
3.750 3840 3C0000 ON ON OFF OFF OFF OFF ON
3.875 3968 3E0000 ON ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
4.000 4096 400000 ON OFF ON ON ON ON ON
4.125 4224 420000 ON OFF ON ON ON ON OFF
4.250 4352 440000 ON OFF ON ON ON OFF ON
4.375 4480 460000 ON OFF ON ON ON OFF OFF
4.500 4608 480000 ON OFF ON ON OFF ON ON
4.625 4736 4A0000 ON OFF ON ON OFF ON OFF
4.750 4864 4C0000 ON OFF ON ON OFF OFF ON
4.875 4992 4E0000 ON OFF ON ON OFF OFF OFF
5.000 5120 500000 ON OFF ON OFF ON ON ON
5.125 5248 520000 ON OFF ON OFF ON ON OFF
5.250 5376 540000 ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON
5.375 5504 560000 ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF OFF
5.500 5632 580000 ON OFF ON OFF OFF ON ON
5.625 5760 5A0000 ON OFF ON OFF OFF ON OFF
5.750 5888 5C0000 ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF ON
5.875 6016 5E0000 ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF
6.000 6144 600000 ON OFF OFF ON ON ON ON
SW1 Used for formation of 128K and 512K banks on
Advantage! (See Page 4.)
SW2 Not used for memory.
SW3 Used for starting address. Use Table D-2 only if
you do not split memory.
If split memory is used, Table D-2 is used only to
give expansion memory amount in Set-Up program.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)
TB-0080 PAGE 8
PARALLEL PORT
IRQ JUMPER BLOCK
IRQ7 = LPT 1
IRQ5 = LPT 2
If you have no Parallel Ports in the system.
IRQ JUMPER BLOCK
IRQ5 = LPT 2
No Interrupt for LPT3
If you already have one parallel port in the system.
NOTE #1: Figure C = No parallel ports installed except on the
AST Advantage! card.
Figure D = Parallel port installed as LPT1.
NOTE #2: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)
SERIAL PORT
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
ATTENTION: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0084 5-3-85
MGO 123/PREVU AND MAX 12E
Our customer base has reported that the Princeton Graphic MAX 12E
monitor does not function properly with the AST MonoGraphPlus or
Preview!
The symptom reported is that when high intensity is selected, the
monitor displays reverse video with no characters legible. This
symptom was reported using the display test in IBM diagnostics or
when using Turbo Pascal.
According to Princeton Graphic, Technical Support, the
incompatibility exists with AST as well as other manufacturers.
The short-term solution, according to Princeton Graphic, is to
remove D201. D201 is located on the main board next to the input
signal connector in the MAX 12E. Princeton Graphic did not
indicate what their long-term solution is but serial number
ky23501 through kw15861 will not have D201 installed.
AST recommends that Princeton Graphic be contacted for
confirmation and instructions of modification.
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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0089 5-28-85
ADVANTAGE GAME PORT UPGRADE KIT
The following information is to clarify the locations in which
the upgrade components are to be installed. These components are
supplied with the Game Port Upgrade Kit (Part #500212-012, Model
#ADV.000G) for the Advantage Board.
COMPONENT LOCATION ON ADVANTAGE BOARD
558 U70
74LS224 U79

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0090 5-28-85
ADVANTAGE SERIAL PORT #2 UPGRADE KIT
The following information is to clarify the locations in which
the upgrade components are to be installed. These components are
supplied with the Serial Port #2 Upgrade Kit (Part #500212-011,
Model #ADV-000S) for the Advantage board.
COMPONENT LOCATION ON ADVANTAGE BOARD
1489 U72
1488 U80
16450 U73
Note that component 74LS125, which is listed in the Advantage
Option Installation Guide, Section #2 Serial Port, is already
soldered on the board.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0102 7-1-85
MONOGRAPHPLUS SERIAL PORT UPGRADE KIT
The following information is to clarify the locations in which
the upgrade components are to be installed. These components are
supplied with the serial port upgrade kit (part number
500160-003, Model MGO-S) for the MonoGraphPlus board.
COMPONENT LOCATION ON THE MONOGRAPHPLUS
1489 U60
1489 U61
8250-B U62
1488 U66
For information on installing shorting plugs and cable, refer to
the User's Manual.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0103 7-2-85
REACH!/SMARTCOM COMPATIBILITY
It has been found through testing that Hayes Smartcom II version
2.1 will not work with AST's REACH! modem product.
The problem stems from the fact that Smartcom now has a different
way of recognizing return product codes and does not recognize
the REACH! modem as being installed.
There are no plans to make the two products compatible.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0113 9-06-85
PCNET (COAX) SELFTEST PROBLEM
The PCnet SELFTEST program will, under certain conditions, give a
false indication of failure when operated with Release 3.0 or
above. Only a few boards have experienced this problem, and can
be attributed to a build-up of tolerances of components used in
the construction of these boards. There is no components
associated with any range of serial numbers, so the problem may
be experienced with new or old boards.
If the following message is displayed after the Interrput
selection is made:
Select Interrupt 2 (Default), 3, 4, or 5> (n)
*Response to unexpected interrupt 0**
*No response from selected interrupt (n) **
1. Stop test and reconnect the system cable or terminator
plug to the BNC connector of the PCB.
2. Restart the test.
3. If test runs successfully, consider the board as having
passed Selftest.
4. To insure correct Network operation, Nettest should also
be run.
A note should be entered into the PCnet Users Manual under the
"SELFTEST" command description referencing the above information.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0116 10-22-85
RAMPAGE! OPERATION IN IBM-3270 PC
RAMpage! software, REMM.SYS, Revision 2.01, does not operate in
the IBM-3270 PC. Specifically, when booted, the PC crashes.
Approximately 600 boards will have been shipped with this version
of REMM.SYS. This fault will be fixed in the next release of
REMM.SYS, which will ship on or about November 1st, 1985.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0117 11-01-85
AST-PCOX AND IBM'S ENHANCED COLOR GRAPHICS ADAPTER
When installing AST-PCOX with IBM's Enhanced Color Graphics
Adapter into the same PC, you must follow the instructions
outlined in the steps below. Failure to do so will result in a
flickering screen or rolling half screen.
I. Rename PXU.COM to PXBAK.old
A: i.e. A> ren pxu.com pxbak.old
II. Rename PXT.COM to PXU.COM
A: i.e. A> ren pxt.com pxu.com
III. Run Install as outlined in pages 2-8 to 2-18 in the AST-
PCOX User's Manual.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0131 11-01-85
COMPATIBILITY OF AST-5251/12 WITH HAYES 2400 BAUD MODEM
The Communications Department has completed testing of the Hayes 2400
baud modem. Our test showed that the Hayes modem will work with the
AST-5251/12 as long as the modem is configured properly.
To accomplish this, you will first need to attach the modem to an
asynchronous port, and then initialize it for 2400 baud with a
communications software package. After this has been accomplished,
you will want to send a set of "AT" commands to the modem.
For the modem that will reside at the PC, the commands are as follows:
AT&F................Sets modem to synchronous mode
AT&M2...............Store Number Dial (Auto-Dial mode)
AT&Z(Phone #).......Store telephone number
AT&R0...............CTS tracks RTS
ATS26=50............Sets RTS-CTS time delay
ATQ1................Disables result codes back to the terminal
ATE0................Inhibits Command Echo
AT&W................Writes configuration to nonvolatile memory
This will set the modem to Synchronous Auto-Dial. For the modem that
will reside at the host, the commands are as follows:
AT&F................Sets modem to synchronous mode
ATS0=1..............Sets modem to Auto Answer
AT&M3...............Manual dial through DTR control
AT&R0...............CTS tracks RTS
ATS26=50............Sets RTS-CTS time delay
ATQ1................Disables result codes back to the terminal
ATE0................Inhibits Command Echo
AT&W................Writes configuration to nonvolatile memory
This will set the modem to Synchronous Auto-Answer. After this has
been accomplished and the modems are attached to the system, you would
then bring up the AST-5251/12 package. When the 5251/12 is brought
up, it will cause DTR to rise and in turn the modem will start
dialing. When the two modems establish communications the squelch
will stop and the 5251/12 will be on-line.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0132 11-01-85
CONCORD V.22 COMPATIBILITY WITH AST-3780
Engineering has completed thorough compatibility testing of the
CONCORD V.22 modem with the AST-3780 RJE package.
It was determined that by setting switch 7 of switch block 4 to the ON
position, and all other switches to the OFF position, the AST-3780
package would run with this modem. This sets the modem to the
synchronous mode of operation. The test was performed using both
IP.EXE and CMDP.EXE of Version 4.6 of the software.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0133 11-07-85
AST-PCOX FIRMWARE IDENTIFICATION
It is often necessary to identify what firmware release version
AST-PCOX is at, for reasons of trouble-shooting and compatibility.
The most accurate method to identify the firmware release is outlined
below.
I. Load AST-PCOX residently.
A. i.e. A> PX R (enter)
II. Load AST-PCOX diagnostics.
A. This file can be found on the Control Unit Terminal Disk.
1. i.e. A> PXD (enter)
III. The following screen will display on your PC. (see Figure 1)
A. Where the word " NANOCODE RELEASE x.x " appears,
is the firmware release level of your AST-PCOX board.
(Figure 1)
CXI 3278/79 ---------- MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS ---------- Release 1.3
SELECT OPTION ===> PRESS ENTER TO PERFORM FUNCTION
0 - RESET CXI 3278/79 INTERFACE
1 - PERFORM CXI 3278/79 DIAGNOSTICS
2 - PERFORM MEMORY DUMP TO DRIVE A
3 - PERFORM MEMORY DUMP TO DRIVE B
4 - PERFORM MEMORY DUMP TO DRIVE C
5 - EXIT PROGRAM
CONTROL PROGRAM RELEASE X.X
NANOCODE RELEASE X.X

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0134 11-11-85
AST-3780 TROUBLESHOOTING
The intent of this Technical Bulletin is to help the installer of
AST-3780 isolate any problems which may arise. The bulletin
will cover the situations reported most frequently by users of
AST-3780.
PROBLEM
AST-3780 is activated and the connection to the host has been
established. The transmit option is selected from the AST-3780
software and the modem immediately starts streaming data.
Streaming, in this context, refers to a constant request-to-send
coming from the DTE interface, while the DCE interface is
supplying a clear-to-send response, and the transmit data line is
constantly sending a stream of data.
SOLUTION
There are only six reasons for this situation to occur. Their
causes and resolutions are listed below in "most frequently the
cause" order:
I. The cable from the CC-432 card to the modem is missing
line 15 or 17, or both.
A. There is only one accurate way to assure that the lines
are there, and that is through the use of an OHM meter.
1. If an OHM meter is unavailable, make the user
remove the hoods from the cable and visually
inspect both ends.
II. The modem is not supplying transmit and receive clocks.
A. Check your modem manual to make sure that your modem
is optioned for internal clocking.
III. The CC-432 card has Jumpers 2 and 4 enabled instead of
1 and 3.
IV. There is an interrupt conflict within the PC.
A. Other BSC cards
B. Network cards
C. Third party hard disk
V. AST-3780 configuration file is selected for a different
interrupt request line than that selected on the CC-432
board.
A. i.e., software selected for IRQ-2 while the CC-432
is selected for IRQ-7.
VI. The CC-432 board is defective and needs to be returned
for repair.
A. To insure that this is the cause, run the CC-432
test supplied in the package.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0135 11-11-85
AST-PCOX TROUBLESHOOTING
The intent of this Technical Bulletin is to help the user of AST-
PCOX troubleshoot situations that may arise at installation time.
It is assumed that the user has read all manuals supplied by AST
for the installation procedure, and is familiar with all
terminology contained within.
PROBLEM
The user has been able to successfully log on to the host and can
run all applications necessary. When the user tried to "boot
load" the basic file transfer, a message shows that the PC must
be logged onto the host before "boot load" can be performed.
SOLUTION
This is one possible situation where such an occurrence can
happen. If the 32xx controller and the host have the port, that
the PC is assigned to, defined as a graphics terminal, such as an
S3G, then the Professional Workstation Facility will not be able
to function. AST-PCOX only supports 3278 or 3279 Model 2, 3, and
4 in the "basic" configuration. The key here is that through the
logmode on the host, the user can redefine themselves without a
host reconfiguration. The user should contact their systems
programmer to find out how to use this feature because it is
different for every host. The following is an example used on an
IBM 4341 host running VTAM and CMS Release 3.
i.e., LOGON APPID,LOGMODE = M32782S
This example allows this user to logon to CMS as a 3278
Model 2, even though the host has him initially defined
as a 3279 Model S3G.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0136 12-30-85
5250FT/11-A DOCUMENTATION
In the AST 5250FT/11-A documentation (Part No. 000208-001B) on
Page 2-7, Section 2.2.2., Step 1 has a parameter missing from the
command line. Without this parameter the user cannot
successfully install AST 5251/11 File Transfer utility. The
error will occur in the Grant option command because the member
option was not specified.
The complete command is:
RSTLIB SAVLIB(DLINK) LOC(*S1) VOL(*MOUNTED) MBROPT(*ALL).
This should be used in place of the command given in Step 1,
referenced above, in the installation procedure.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0137 12-20-85
AST 5251/11 EMULATION SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0
AND THE KERNEL COMMAND
When using AST-5251/11 Emulation Software Version 2.0, the manual
describes that when issuing the KERNEL command, information about
reading switches is displayed. The software does not read the
switch settings off the twinax adapter board, when issuing the
standard "KERNEL" command. The only way to get information about
the switches displayed, is to enter an optional command-line
parameter, when issuing the "KERNEL" command. (e.g. KERNEL
/IRQ=n).
However, it is suggested that when making changes in the
configuration, the changes are made in the configuration file
only, not on the command-line.
The reason for this suggestion is that changes made in the
configuration file will not be enabled because the software will
not read the configuration file upon issuance of KERNEL.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0138 12-19-85
AST 5251/11 EMULATION SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0
AND RUNNING AN ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION FILE
When using AST-5251/11 Emulation Software Version 2.0, the
default configuration program that is run when the command
"KERNEL" is entered, is AST5251.CFG. To run an alternate
configuration file, enter "KERNEL" <filename>. If an alternate
file is used, you may not enter any optional command-line
parameters (e.g. KERNEL TEST.CFG /IRQ=5) is incorrect.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0139 11-19-85
CONFIGURING AST COMMUNICATION AND LAN NETWORK BOARDS
THAT USE IRQ2 WITH THE LEADING EDGE MODEL D
The LEADING EDGE Model D comes defaulted at IRQ2 for their TOD
CLOCK. Therefore, you must change the AST board if it is
defaulted at IRQ2 to an unused IRQ, or change the system board of
the LEADING EDGE computer to another IRQ selection.
Instructions in LEADING EDGE Guide to Operations provides
information on changing the IRQ on the system board.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0140 1-15-86
FOURPORT/XN
Two FOURPORT/XN boards cannot share the same interrupt. Due to
current hardware and software designs, when two FOUR PORT/XN
boards share the same IRQ, the boards's IRQ drivers conflict with
each other. As a result, the interrupt request may not be seen
by the IRQ controller and, therefore, may never be serviced by
the processor.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0141 12-6-85
AST-SNA SLOW PRINTER FIX
Under particular circumstances, AST-SNA will print a line of text
and pause, then print and pause......
The following instructions will correct this function and allow
the printer to operate at maximum efficiency.
I. Rename SNATERM.EXE to SNA.MOD
A. From the DOS prompt and on the operating disk, type the
following. (See Section 3-1 in the AST-SNA User's
Manual on creating an operation disk.)
1. REN SNATERM SNA.MOD <enter>
II. Debug SNA.MOD
A. Type in "DEBUG SNA.MOD" <enter>
1. A dash should appear as your new prompt.
B. From the dash, type in the following.
1. E CS:4137 <enter>
a. A new code segment will be displayed.
xxxx:4137 23.
C. At the new code segment, type in the number 60 <enter>
D. A dash will appear. At the dash, type the letter "W"
<enter>
E. When the dash reappears, type the letter "Q" <enter>
III. Rename SNA.MOD to SNATERM.EXE
A. From the DOS prompt, type the following.
1. REN SNA.MOD SNATERM.EXE
IV. If the print speed is still unsatisfactory, follow steps I.
through III, substituting a value of "80" in step II. - C.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0142 12-6-85
AST-BSC SLOW PRINTER FIX
Under particular circumstances, AST-BSC will print a line of
text and pause, then print and pause......
The following instructions will correct this function and allow
the printer to operate at maximum efficiency.
I. Rename BSCTERM.EXE to BSC.MOD
A. From the DOS prompt and on the operating disk, type the
following. (See section 3-1 in the AST-BSC User's
Manual on creating an operation disk.)
1. REN BSCTERM BSC.MOD <enter>
II. Debug BSC.MOD
A. Type in "DEBUG BSC.MOD" <enter>
1. A dash should appear as your new prompt.
B. From the dash, type in the following.
1. E CS:2C2B <enter>
a. A new code segment will be displayed.
xxxx:2C2B 23.
C. At the new code segment, type in the number 60 <enter>
D. A dash will appear. At the dash, type the letter "W"
<enter>
E. When the dash reappears, type the letter "Q" <enter>
III. Rename BSC.MOD to BSCTERM.EXE
A. From the DOS prompt, type the following.
1. REN BSC.MOD BSCTERM.EXE
IV. If the print speed is still unsatisfactory, follow steps I.
through III., substituting a value of "80" in step II. - C.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0143 1-15-86
TWO SIXPAKPLUS CLOCK CHIPS
Recently, the clock chip on the SixPakPlus has been changed to a
different vendor. The latest version of the SixPakPlus utilizes
a Ricoh RP5C15, as opposed to the earlier versions of the
SixPakPlus using a National Semiconductor part number MM58167.
Since this change has taken place, the question has been raised
as to how the ASTCLOCK.COM program (included with SuperPak
Version 4.3) can tell the difference between these two chips.
Internal address "D" is used by ASTCLOCK to determine which chip
is being used. The address was chosen for the following reasons.
For the Ricoh clock chip, this address is a "read-only" address;
it ALWAYS returns a "0" when read. The same address for the
National Semicoductor chip is RAM and will read back whatever is
written to it.
So ASTCLOCK writes a "1" to address D, bit one. If the result is
a "0", the program knows a Ricoh chip is present and goes to the
appropriate place within the program to read this chip.
Conversely, if a "1" is read back by ASTCLCOK, then the program
knows to use the portion of the clock dedicated to the National
Semiconductor chip.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0144 1-15-86
RAMPAGE/AT SWITCH SETTINGS
Figure 2-2 of the Rampage/AT Manual, part number 000305-001A,
lists the default switch settings. The figure incorrectly
depicts SW1-9 as OFF. This switch should be ON. The switch
enables the dual page mode used by DESQview. Also, the manual
has no information on SW1-10. This switch is unused and should
be left on.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0145 11-25-85
RAMPAGE CONFLICT WITH IBM PC I
An incompatibility exists between the AST Rampage! product and
the IBM PC-1 (with 64K motherboard). The problem has been
isolated to those machines with the early ROM BIOS, which is
dated 1981.
The user will get a "PARITY CHECK 2" error as the machine is
booting. The message appears on the screen as the REMM.SYS file
is executing.
One solution to this problem is the use of the "/X" option when
configuring REMM.SYS file. The exact command should read as
follows:
DEVICE=REMM.SYS /X=8800-A000
This will keep REMM from "looking at" RAM between the top of
conventional memory (544K on the early PC's) and the 640K
boundary, where REMM would normally start checking.
Another solution to this problem is to obtain from IBM the ROM
BIOS update kit. The "/X" part of the above command should not
be used.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0146 1-15-86
REACH! JUMPER SETTINGS
The diagram in the current version of the Reach! User's Manual
(p/n 000183-001B), page 3-4, provides the jumper positions for
the Reach! modem. This diagram is in error; it incorrectly
positions J9/J10 and J7/J8. See Diagram A.
The diagram located on page 3-4 of the Reach! User's Manual (p/n
000183-001A) is correct. Note that positions J9/J10 and J7/J8 are
shown in opposite positions from revision B of the same manual.
See Diagram B.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this
technical bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
Attention: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0147 1-15-86
COLOSSUS INSTALLATION ON AT&T 6300
PROBLEM: If the customer formats his COLOSSUS DISK SYSTEM
using the AT&T MS-DOS Ver 3.X, he will experience "Disk
ACCESS FAILURES."
NOTE: AT&T MS-DOS Ver. 3.X formats the hard disk using
12 bit Fats as opposed to IBM's PC-DOS 16 bit Fats.
The Colossus System is not designed to operate with
this type format. Once formatted, the later versions
of DOS can utilize earlier formats.
SOLUTION: TO OPERATE THE COLOSSUS SYSTEM ON THE AT&T 6300; THE
CUSTOMER MUST FORMAT EACH COLOSSUS VOLUME USING AT&T
MS-DOS 2.X BEFORE USING THE COLOSSUS SYSTEM.

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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #TB-0148B 12-23-87
AST 4000 CABLE/PCB IDENTIFICATION
The following diagrams show the various configurations of AST-
4000 systems including Host Bus Adapters (HBA) and cables used
for connection of system components. User's should be aware of
the various configurations when planning to add an AST-4000
expansion unit to the base system.
NOTE: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not
included here. To obtain a complete copy of this Technical
Bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
Attention: Product Support
(Technical Bulletin)

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0149 1-31-86
SUPERPAK AND MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Tests have been conducted with MicroSoft Windows, Version 1.01,
and with RAMpage/SuperPak combination. The tests have determined
that a conflict exists when using Windows Version 1.01 with
SuperPak Version 5.02. This conflict is a "REMM" software issue,
not a hardware or EEMS problem.
The common symptoms are erroneous or an incomplete display, or
system hang-ups.
Future release of SuperPak, scheduled for end of February 1986,
will resolve this issue.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0150 2-19-86
ERROR IN AST-5250/DISPLAY USER'S MANUAL
In the AST-5250/DISPLAY User's Manual, part number 000297-001A
dated September 1985, on page 2-7 in the Configuration and
Installation Section, the instructions state that in an IBM PC-AT
you must set the slide switch SW1 to the OFF position (toward the
front of the system unit).
The instruction should be to set the switch toward the back of
the system unit.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0151A 04-11-86
AST COMMUNICATION BOARDS WITH THE IBM AT AND COMPATIBLES
AST communication boards use IRQ2 as a factory default interrupt
setting. The IBM AT, the COMPAQ 286, and the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286
have two interrupt controller chips: 8259's. IRQ2 is on
Interrupt Controller, CTLR2, and is a cascading interrupt. A
cascading interrupt has to travel a longer route before it is
serviced. Because of this, there may be differences in timing
between a cascading and non-cascading interrupt. Problems may
occur if the interrupt takes a longer time to be serviced than
the communication software expects.
For this reason, AST suggests that the AST board is set for an
unused non-cascading interrupt.
The following AST communication packages use IRQ2: AST-5251/11,
AST-5251/12, AST-3780, AST-3770, AST-BSC, AST-BSC CLUSTER, AST-
BSC GATEWAY, AST-SNA, AST-SNA CLUSTER, and AST-SNA GATEWAY.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0152 2-19-86
AST-5251/11 WITH AT&T 6300 USING DISPLAYWRITE 36
When configuring an AST 5251/11 board in an AT&T 6300 or 6300
PLUS, it is suggested to configure the workstation on the host as
a 5251/11, not a 5291 or 5292. Configuring the workstation as a
5291 or 5292, can cause the terminal to lock up when attempting
to create, revise, or view a DISPLAYWRITE 36 document.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0153 2-19-86
ERROR IN AST-5251/11 PLUS USER'S MANUAL REVISION C
In the AST-5251/11 Plus User's Manual, part number 000196-001
Revision C, on page 5-32: Task 29, Procedure 2, instructs you to
go to to Task 72. It should be Task 57. Also on page 8-1,
Section 8.1.1, the command to install the AST Router should be:
"COPY ASTROUTR.COM B:STARTRTR.COM"

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0154 2-19-86
EAGLE SPIRIT PC COMPATIBILITY WITH AST 5251/11 EMULATION
The EAGLE SPIRIT personal computer has been found not to be
compatible with the AST-5251/11 emulation. According to Eagle
Computer Inc., the reason for the incompatibility is due to their
hardware design of the EAGLE SPIRIT computer's BUS.
The BUS pin number A1 (I/O channel check), required for our
emulation, is not present on their machine. The I/O channel
check, however, is present on the IBM personal computer's BUS
design, and is utilized by the AST-5251/11 emulation.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0156 3-07-86
AST-5251/11 BOARDS WITH IBM 3179 TERMINALS
Installing an AST-5251/11 board on a port from the System 34,
which already has existing 3179 terminals on it, requires the
following procedure. If the AST 5251/11 board is to be the last
physical device, normal installation procedures should be
followed.
If the AST-5251/11 board is physically located anywhere else
other than the end, it is recommended to put a terminator plug at
the end of the line.
Failure to do so could result in the 3179 terminals going out of
service whenever the AST emulation package is executed.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0158 04-01-86
AST FOURPORT/XN & 30 MBYTE IBM-AT INCOMPATIBILITY
The AST-FourPort/XN product supports only IBM's XENIX version
1.00 on a 20 Mbyte hard drive.
AST does not support the AST-FourPort/XN on any other version of
XENIX.

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0159 04-11-86
TRANSMITTING A FILE WITH 0 BYTES USING AST-3780
AST recommends that users avoid transmitting files with 0 bytes.
If the user attempts to transmit a file with 0 bytes, the speaker
will beep twice and the following error message will appear at
the bottom of the screen.
***PARAMETER ERROR*** check emdat.prm***
r= 62 1=3200 b=8712 q= 0

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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0160 04-11-86
AST-3270/COAX PROM LOCATIONS
The purpose of this document is to indicate the locations of the
PROMS on the AST-3270/COAX and AST-PCOX boards. As of this
writing, the latest release is version 1.40 of the PROMS. AST
part numbers are as follows:
107000-090 Rev B
107000-091 Rev B
There are currently two boards that are used with the above
mentioned products, and the locations of the PROMS vary depending
upon which board one has.
On the short card, AST part #202020-002, the IC chip locations
are as follows:
Prom with AST Part #107000-090 B in IC Location U4
Prom with AST Part #107000-091 B in IC Location U5
On the long card, AST part #202020-001, the IC chip locations are
as follows:
Prom with AST Part #107000-090 B in IC Location 1C
Prom with AST Part #107000-091 B in IC Location 3C


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