TechNotes		June 2, 1995  Vol 1 No 5
Copyright (c) 1995 Dynamic Learning Systems.  All rights reserved worldwide.

Table of Contents
-------------------------
A.	Disclaimer and Cautions
B.	About TechNotes
C.	About Dynamic Learning Systems

1.	Communications
		Modem Problems

2.	DOS and Windows
		A New Copy of F-prot

3.	Drives
		Booting From a Floppy
		Floppy Drive Can't Read
		SCSI From Trash

4.	Manufacturers and Parts
		Genoa Drivers
		Trident Driver Files

5.	Memory
		Reading SIMM Configurations

6.	Monitors
		VGA/SVGA Pinout

7.	Motherboards, Ports, and Busses
		PS/2 Keyboard Pinout
		Dying PC
		BIOS Date and EIDE

8.	Printers
		Fujitsu Printer Emulations


Disclaimer and Cautions
------------------------------------
	This document is COPYRIGHTED under international law.  This document is provided as an educational service by Dynamic Learning Systems, and is intended to benefit all readers.  Although this document is copyrighted, you may print and re-transmit this document freely, so long as the document is used in its entirety, and credit is given to Dynamic Learning Systems.

	THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.  All PC service and maintenance involves some element of personal risk, as well as risk to the equipment involved.  If you are not comfortable following the information contained herein, refer the work to more qualified personnel.  ALWAYS BACKUP VITAL INFORMATION IF POSSIBLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY TYPE OF SERVICE.


About TechNotes
------------------------
	TechNotes is a compilation of symptoms and solutions for various PC problems.  A new release of TechNotes is released every two weeks.  We welcome your contributions of symptoms, as well as solutions that you have found to your own PC problems.  We also encourage you to contribute enhanced or alternative solutions.  It is our hope to make TechNotes a first-rate tipsheet for PC and peripheral service.  The file name of each TechNote includes its release date.  For example, a file name TN040795 indicates a TechNote (TN) date of April (04) 7th (07), 1995 (95).

About Dynamic Learning Systems
----------------------------------------------
	Dynamic Learning Systems specializes in PC upgrade, maintenance, and troubleshooting topics for electronics/computer enthusiasts and technicians.  We publish The PC Toolbox newsletter.  If you have any questions or contributions for TechNotes, or wish to obtain subscription information for The PC Toolbox, feel free to contact us:

	Dynamic Learning Systems
	P.O. Box 805
	Marlboro, MA  01752  USA
	Fax: 508-898-9995
	CompuServe: 73652,3205
	Internet: sbigelow@cerfnet.com


SECTION 1.	Communications
============================

MODEM PROBLEMS

Q.	I have a friend with a brand new Pentium system.  The system has a built-in modem.  The problem is that when he uses Windows Terminal and connects to several BBS facilities, he sees only gibberish on the screen.  Is there a quick-fix for this problem?

A.	There are several possible causes for this type of problem.  First, make sure that the number of data bits, stop bits, and parity bit configuration match those of the BBS you're trying to call.  Often, a BBS is configured as 8 data bits, no parity bit, and 1 stop bit.  Adjust the data flow control to "hardware".  You can adjust those settings under the Communication dialog of Windows Terminal.  Also make sure that the modem is capable of matching the speed of the BBS modem.  If these settings are not equal, both ends of the communication link will receive gibberish.  
	Another source of gibberish is an incorrect terminal emulation.  You see, bulletin boards often use ANSI character strings to control text attributes such as text color and art that appear frequently in popular boards.  If the terminal emulation of your particular software does not handle ANSI text, the gibberish you see are likely ANSI strings that are not being processed.  Set terminal emulation to ANSI (try the DEC VT-100 ANSI mode).  When you leave Terminal, be sure to save your settings for next time.


SECTION 2.	DOS and Windows
============================

A NEW COPY OF F-PROT

Q.	I have been using the f-prot anti-virus program (version 2.16).  Lately, I've received a message stating that my copy is now rather old, and that I should consider an update.  Where can I get the latest version on the Internet?

A.	F-prot, the popular anti-virus utility, can be found from a variety of FTP sites on the Internet.  The following are a number of sites which regularly receive updated releases of f-prot.  You can access these sites with a standard anonymous FTP.  The f-prot files are typically in a directory named  /pub/msdos/virus
	oak.oakland.edu			141.210.10.117
	wuarchive.wustl.edu		128.252.135.4
	archive.orst.edu			128.193.2.13
	ftp.uu.net			192.48.96.9
	ftp.funet.fi			128.214.6.100
	src.doc.ic.ac.uk			146.169.2.1
	ftp.switch.ch			130.59.1.40
	archie.au			139.130.4.6


SECTION 3.	Drives
==================

BOOTING FROM A FLOPPY

Q.	I recently pieced together a PC with an i486SX/50 motherboard.  The system itself works fine except for one small problem - it continues to boot from the hard drive even if there is a non-bootable disk in the floppy drive.  Shouldn't there be an error message?  What have I done wrong?

A.	Chances are that you didn't do anything "wrong".  Contemporary CMOS setup programs allow you to adjust the boot process.  Traditionally, the PC checks the A: and B: drives for media, then attempts to boot from them first.  If media is available in A: or B:, but the media is not bootable, there would be a "Non-system disk or disk error" message.  However, newer Setup utilities allow you to change the "boot order" where it will check (and attempt to boot from) the B: or C: drives first.  If you have changed the boot order, a non-bootable disk in A: will have no consequence because the PC has already identified C: as a bootable device.
	Start your system and load the CMOS Setup routine, then look for an entry that says something like "Boot C:, A:".  If you toggle this setting, you will probably find an entry such as "Boot A:, C:" which is the more traditional order.  If you make any changes, be sure to save the changes before leaving CMOS and re-booting the PC.

FLOPPY DRIVE CAN'T READ

Q.	I've been having some perplexing problems with my 3.5" FDD.  It is not reading disks properly - it reads double-density disks only occasionally, but will almost never read high-density disks (I get an "Error reading drive B:" message).  What do you think?

A.	It sounds like the drive is dirty.  Accumulations of dust and disk oxides gradually change the spacing between the disk and heads - reliable reading becomes difficult.  Start by using a can of compressed air to clean any dust out of the drive, then use a good-quality drive cleaning kit to clean the heads - repeat the cleaning if necessary.  That should improve the drive's reliability.  If cleaning does not improve the drive, open the case and check the floppy drive cables.  Try removing and re-inserting the floppy drive cable to eliminate the possibility of a poor connection.  If problems persist, replace the drive.

SCSI FROM TRASH

Q.	I've recently started reclaiming old computer components, and I came across a Trantor 100 8-bit SCSI adapter.  While I have been able to find some old CD-ROM support software, I would like to get the adapter configured for a hard drive.  Any advise?

A.	Well, you'll need a SCSI hard drive to start with.  Rarely will you need a driver to operate a SCSI HDD (just set the first drive to ID 0), but you will need to have the latest Trantor driver for the SCSI adapter itself.  Check in with the Trantor BBS at 510-656-5159, or send them a fax inquiry at 510-770-9910.  That should put you in touch with the latest available drivers for the product.  You might like to get a listing of compatible hard drives (if available).


SECTION 4.	Manufacturers & Parts
=============================

GENOA DRIVERS

Q.	I am looking for new drivers for my Genoa video adapter.  Any idea where I can find them?

A.	Genoa operates a BBS at 408-943-1231 which provides drivers for all of their products.  We understand that Genoa no longer provides technical support through their BBS.


TRIDENT DRIVER FILES

Q.	I just re-installed a Trident video adapter in my PC, but I can't locate the disk containing the driver files.  Is there an Internet site available where I can download Trident drivers?

A.	You should try  ftp.cica.indiana,edu  or any of its mirror sites.  That is a frequent repository for Trident drivers (as well as those of other manufacturers).  After you connect to the site, check the  /drivers/video  sub-directory.


SECTION 5.	Memory
====================

READING SIMM CONFIGURATIONS

Q.	I need to identify a variety of SIMMs, but I'm not sure how to do this.  I regularly see specifications like "2Mx36bit 60nS 72-pin", but how do I extract this data just be looking at the part number on the SIMM?

A.	Well, you don't.  Judging a SIMM's specifications by looking at the SIMM is a little like judging the geometry of a hard drive by looking at its case.  Part numbering schemes vary between manufacturers, and unless you are familiar with the particular numbering scheme, the odds of your being able to tell the difference between a 2MB, 8MB, or 16MB SIMM is really pretty slim.  Your best bet is to contact the SIMM manufacturer directly, or use a SIMM inspection/testing system such as SIMCHECK by Innoventions, Inc. (Tel: 713-879-6226).


SECTION 6.	Monitors
====================

VGA/SVGA Pinout

Q.	I just got an SVGA monitor in the shop whose video cable had been cut (the owner says it was vandalism).  Can you give me the wiring pinout for a VGA/SVGA cable so that I can get this thing working again?

A.	The problem here is not rewiring a VGA connector - it is electrical noise.  Video cables are designed with careful noise suppression to ensure "clean" color signals.  If you start splicing and wiring new cables, you may still have image problems such as erratic color.  In a case like yours, the best course is to replace the video cable assembly outright. Computer Component Source is a popular supplier of monitor data and sub-assemblies.  Contact CCS at 800-356-1227.  In the event you choose to try rewiring yourself, here is the pinout:
	1	Red Signal
	2	Green Signal
	3	Blue Signal
	4	unused
	5	Ground
	6	Red Ground
	7	Green Ground
	8	Blue Ground
	9	no pin
	10	Sync Ground
	11	no pin
	12	no pin
	13	Horizontal Sync
	14	Vertical Sync
	15	Ground


SECTION 7.	Motherboards and Busses
===================================

PS/2 KEYBOARD PINOUT

Q.	Can you tell me the pinout for a standard PS/2-type keyboard connector, and how the pins are numbered from the pin side?

A.	Sure, if you look at the pins of a PS/2 keyboard connector, you will see 6 pins in a circle which runs from about 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock.  Starting at the 8 o'clock side, the pins are numbered clockwise 2, 4, 6, 5 , 3, and 1.  Each pin function is shown below:
	1	Data
	2	reserved
	3	Ground
	4	+ 5Vdc
	5	Clock
	6	reserved

DYING PC

Q.	My PC has been dying.  Last week, it was running fine, then the monitor went blank and nothing worked.  I tried rebooting the system, but it would not reboot.  After leaving the system off for a while, it will boot and run for a time, but it eventually crashes again.  The longer I leave it off, the longer it will run before crashing (up to a point).  What's the deal?

A.	It sounds like your problem is in the power supply.  Often, heat applied to aging components will cause them to quit - this cuts out the supply and crashes the PC.  A typical PC power supply provides +5, -5, +12, and -12Vdc.  If the +5Vdc supply quits, the system will invariably crash.  Try the AC cord in a new outlet, and make sure that the AC cord is attached securely to the power supply input.  Open the PC and check the power supply connectors on the motherboard (there will typically be two connectors).  Make sure the connectors are both secure.  
	If problems persist, use a multimeter and measure the supply outputs before the system quits and after the system quits.  If you note that one or more outputs have failed, you can be confident that the supply is at fault and should be replaced.  If you do not have a multimeter or easy access to power test points, consider the PC PowerCheck board by Data Depot, Inc. 813-446-3402.  Of course, if the system quits (but all power levels are normal), there is a serious intermittent fault in your system - likely in the motherboard.  Try replacing the motherboard.

BIOS DATE AND EIDE

Q.	My motherboard BIOS is by AMI and is dated 8/93.  Can you tell me if that BIOS will support large (EIDE, over 528MB) hard drives.  I would like to install a 1.2GB drive without having to use the Ontrack Disk Manager bundled with it.

A.	EIDE has only become very popular in the last 6 to 12 months, so it is unlikely.  However, it never hurts to check.  BIOS that supports EIDE is capable of LBA (logical block addressing) operation.  If you reboot your PC and enter the CMOS Setup utility, an EIDE-compatible BIOS will allow you to enable an LBA mode.  When you see this, you know the BIOS is ready for EIDE.  On the other hand, the question may be moot since many EIDE drive adapters (such as the Promise Technology 2300+) contains on-board BIOS which provides the PC with BIOS enhancements needed to use EIDE.  As a consequence, you may not even have to upgrade your motherboard BIOS if it is not already EIDE-ready - just plug in the drive adapter.  If you need a further check, you can contact AMI directly at 404-263-8181.


SECTION 8.	Printers
=====================

FUJITSU PRINTER EMULATIONS

Q.	We recently received a used Fujitsu DL1100 serial printer.  Unfortunately, there was no documentation included with it.  Is there a standard emulation protocol that the printer follows which would allow us to use basic applications without having to obtain entirely new drivers?

A.	According to our research, the Fujitsu should operate in several "emulation" modes; (1) Fujitsu DPL24C+, (2) IBM Proprinter XL24, (3) Epson LQ-2500, and (4) Epson LQ-2550.  If you have drivers or applications which support those printers, the DL1100 should operate reasonably well.  However, any special features or operations which are particular to the DL1100 will not be available.
