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AST 3G - Users Manual

1. AST 5G A Includes Plus Option Enhanced Graphics Adapter EGA Providing High Resolution Full Spectrum Color Graphics And High Quality Text Capabil ities For The IBM PC XT AT And Compatibles Users Manual AST 3G 7 Enhanced Graphics Adapter J Including Plus Option for the IBM Personal Computer IBM PC XT PC AT and Other IBM Compatible Machines User s Manual 000355 001 A May 1986 AST Research Inc Irvine California 714 863 1333 First Edition May 1986 AST 3G SixPakPlus MonoGraphPlus Preview and Advantage are trademarks of AST Research Inc IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation Hercules Graphics Card is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology Inc Changes are periodically made to the information contained in this manual these changes will be incorporated into new editions In view of demonstrated product reliability and comprehensive warranty policies AST Research Inc does not normally provide schematics or material lists AST recognizes that some customers with a large installed base of AST products want supportive documentation for their own service organizations In such cases customers should contact AST Research corporate offices to consider an appropriate nondisclosure agreement to obtain this documentation A Product Comment Form is provided at the back of this publication If this form has been removed please address y
2. lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 22 Enhanced 320 x 200 Four Color Graphics Test 5 25 Diagnostics Figure 5 23 shows the test for two color 640 x 200 pixel resolution graphics This screen displays the colors black and white in labeled rectangular boxes TEST E7 640 x 200 GRAPHICS 2 COLORS Press 1 gt for next test ESC gt to quit Figure 5 23 Enhanced 640 x 200 Two Color Graphics Test 5 26 Diagnostics Figure 5 24 shows the test for different intensities of four colors with 640 x 350 pixel resolution graphics Blue green red and gray are shown in four intensities each A total of 16 boxes are shown Except for the first column each box should appear slightly different If the last two red boxes are the same even after your contrast and brightness controls are checked then the Monitor Selection jumper may be set wrong TEST E8 640 x 350 GRAPHICS PRIMARY COLORS BLUE SHADES GREEN SHADES RED SHADES GRAY SHADES Figure 5 24 Enhanced 640 x 350 Primary Colors Test 5 27 5 28 This page intentionally left blank SECTION 6 ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS This section tells you how to install the following options e Section 6 1 tells you how to install the AST 3G Plus Option Enhancement Kit part number 500319 011 e Section 6 2 tells you how to install the Memory Enhancement Kit part number 500319 010 e Section 6 3 tells you how to install the Parallel P
3. have an IBM Color Graphics Adapter in your system and you wish to run graphics software utilizing only the first graphics page place your diagnostics diskette in drive A and enter the following command A gt PREVIEW 2 Enter This allows the presence of other video adapters as long as their screen buffer does not occupy any portion of the first graphics page of AST 3G emulating a Hercules graphics card Second Graphics Page This mode incorporates the text and graphics capabilities of the First Graphics Page Mode and also makes the second graphics page located at B8000 BFFFF accessible to graphics software The Second Graphics Page Mode will not work if you have an IBM Color Graphics Adapter in your system To access this mode place your diagnostics diskette in drive A and enter the following command A gt PREVIEW 3 lt Enter gt The Second Graphics Page Mode is the most common operating configuration and will allow your AST 3G operating as a Hercules card to run most graphics software including Lotus 1 2 3 3 23 3 24 This page intentionally left blank C SECTION 4 PARALLEL PORT The parallel ports in the PC provide one way communication output only between the PC and parallel peripheral devices such as printers or plotters Data is sent from the PC to the external device eight bits one byte at a time A PC running under DOS will support up to three parallel ports These ports are referred to as LPT1
4. Attributes Test BIIDKIng doces cx aei COE den duh 5 5 Figure 5 3 Monochrome Text Attributes Test Intensified 5 6 Figure 5 4 Monochrome Character Set Test 9 x 14 Pixel Character Box 5 7 Figure 5 5 Monochrome Character Set Test 8 x 8 Pixel Character Box 5 8 Figure 5 6 Monochrome Memory Pages Test 5 9 Figure 5 7 Monochrome Intensity Test 5 10 Figure 5 8 Figure 5 9 Figure 5 10 Figure 5 11 Figure 5 12 Figure 5 13 Figure 5 14 Figure 5 15 Figure 5 16 Figure 5 17 Figure 5 18 Figure 5 19 Figure 5 20 Figure 5 21 Figure 5 22 Figure 5 23 Figure 5 24 Figure 6 1 Figure A 1 Figure B 1 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued 720 x 348 Hercules Emulation Graphics Test 5 11 Color Text Attributes Test Blinking ere ee T 5 12 Color Text Attributes Test Intensified sorrisa irrien esenee eee 5 13 Color Character Set Test 40 Column Format 5 14 Color Character Set Test o 80 Column Format OMNE 5 15 Color Memory Pages Test 5 16 320 x 200 Four Color Graphics Test 5 17 640 x 200 Two Color Graphics Test 5 18 Enhanced Text Attributes Test XBUDKIDOg uere eU EON ERE 5 19 Enhanced Text Attributes Test Intensified J usu esena t usus ewe 5 20 Enhanced Character Set
5. LPT2 4 2 Parallel Port Pinout Specifications The parallel ports in the PC and on the AST 3G use a DB25S socket interface connector The pinouts for all the parallel ports are identical and are shown in Table 4 2 4 2 Parallel Port Table 4 2 DB25S Parallel Port Pinouts AST Adapter Cable IBM Matrix Printer Line Name Output DB25S Centronics Interface STROBE 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 16 19 30 33 4 3 Configuring External Parallel Devices Whenever you connect a new device to your computer such as a parallel printer you may also have to perform a one time configuration of that device to establish desired operating parameters This is usually done by setting switches in the device Refer to the installation manual supplied with the device for further information on its configuration requirements 4 4 Programming the Parallel Port Normally no special action is necessary to prepare the parallel ports for use However you can use the DOS MODE command to establish certain parameters such as line width Consult the DOS Manual for information on this command 4 3 Parallel Port The AST 3G parallel port is completely compatible with all PC software operating parameters 4 5 Interrupt Driven Parallel Printer Software Interrupt driven parallel printer software uses IRQ7 To ensure that your interrupt driven parallel printer software operates correctly you must leave IRQ7 enabled o
6. LPT2 and LPT3 some IBM manuals also call the default port PRN These are the only parallel ports DOS can access The AST 3G graphics display adapter can be equipped with one parallel port as an optional feature available at the time of purchase or by means of the Parallel Port Enhancement Kit This parallel port is configured as LPT1 at IRQ7 by default The port only needs to be reconfigured if another video display card with a built in printer port such as the MDA card is present If such a card is present then the AST 3G parallel port must be reconfigured as LPT2 with either IRQ7 PC or PC XT or IRQ5 PC AT The necessary switch settings are shown in Section 3 5 5 4 1 I O Address and Interrupt Assignments When a video adapter with a built in parallel port such as AST 3G is present the parallel ports supported by the Disk Operating System DOS in the PC are assigned the hardware I O address and interrupt request IRQ lines as summarized in Table 4 1 l Parallel Port Table 4 1 PC Parallel Port I O amp IRQ Assignments Port I O Address IRQ Line Used Port Location LPT1 03BC 03BEh RO7 AST 3G LPT2 0378 037Ah IRQ7 or IRQ5 Add on Card LPT3 0278 027Ah Not Supported Add on Card IRQ5 on the PC AT IRQ7 on the PC and PC XT Interrupt driven I O is not supported for LPT3 If another display adapter in the PC is also assigned to I O address 03BC 03BEh then the AST 3G port can be reconfigured as
7. Port Base I O Address EGA 80 x 25 text ECD monitor Primary SW1 1 OFF SW1 2 ON SW1 3 ON SW1 4 OFF SW2 OFF ECD monitor Plug at jumper block position EQ Either 64 or 256 KB Plug at jumper block position E1 for 256 remove plug for 64 LPT1 at IRQ7 Plug at LPT jumper block E5 and at IRQ jumper block E8 3xx Plug at jumper block E3 The SW1 switch block provides the powerup graphics configuration for the AST 3G Refer to Tables 3 2 3 3 and 3 4 for all possible switch settings and configurations Section 3 5 1 This toggle switch is only used with the Plus option When ON it provides CGA software compatibility and HGC Preview emulation Section 3 5 2 This jumper block sets the type of monitor in use If a monitor other than an ECD is used move plug to position E10 Section 3 5 4 This jumper block shows how much on board memory your AST 3G has the default is either 64 or 256 KB You only need to change the plug if you are upgrading from 64 to 256 KB This setting identifies the parallel port and its hardware interrupt number You may need to change these settings if there is another parallel port in your PC Section 3 5 5 The base I O address is used for PC to AST 3G communication Changing this will destroy software compatibility AST 3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 Configuration and Installation 3 5 Changing the Factory Configu
8. Test 5 9 Diagnostics Figure 5 7 shows the monochrome graphics intensity test for graphics with a resolution of 640 x 350 pixels This screen shows four different intensities available for graphics with an AST 3G black normal intensified or blinking If normal and intensified appear the same adjust the contrast on your SN monitor The intensities should all appear different TEST M5 640 x 350 GRAPHICS 4 INTENSITIES 3 N Pd m j pb l lwNN Normal Intensified Blinking Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 7 Monochrome Intensity Test SN Su 5 10 Diagnostics Figure 5 8 shows the test for 720 x 348 pixel Hercules emulation graphics only with the Plus option A black square and a white square are shown TEST M6 720 x 348 HERCULES EMULATION N BLACK WHITE Press lt lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 8 720 x 348 Hercules Emulation Graphics Test 5 11 Diagnostics 5 3 2 Color Display Tests If you are using a CD monitor you will be presented with a set of tests designed for this configuration as follows Figure 5 9 shows the color text attributes test This test displays text and background using 16 different colors Each field is labeled with the name of the color that is meant to appear there The sixteen text colors are shown on the right and the 16 background colors are shown on the left The second half of
9. The MD monitor is TTL compatible and has a horizontal scan frequency of 18 432 kilohertz KHz 2 3 2 IBM 5153 Color Display Monitor The IBM 5153 Color Display was designed to work with the IBM CGA The CD monitor can display up to 16 different colors by combining digital outputs of red green blue and intensity Monitors of this type are generally called RGB Red Green Blue monitors The CD monitor has a high contrast black screen There are many IBM compatible RGB monitors however some of them provide only 8 colors instead of 16 The maximum bandwidth of the CD monitor is 14 318 MHz The screen refresh rate is 60 Hz non interlaced The CD is TTL compatible with a horizontal scan frequency of 15 750 KHz 2 3 3 IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display Monitor The IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display was designed to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the EGA The ECD monitor is extremely versatile in that it can be used with software written for either the EGA or the CGA For the ECD monitor the screen refresh rate is 60 Hz The horizontal scan rate can be either 15 75 KHz or 21 850 KHz The maximum bandwidth is 16 257 MHz 2 3 Overview 2 4 AST 3G Graphics and Text Operating Modes Tables 2 1 and 2 2 summarize adapter and monitor combinations your AST 3G can accommodate along with the resulting graphics and text capabilities The mode your computer operates in with the AST 3G is actually determined BN by the s
10. line 64 color TTL RGB R G B An IBM 5153 CD or compatible 200 line 16 color TTL RGBI An IBM 5151 MD or compatible TTL monochrome FN monitor The AST 3G diagnostics software is compatible with DOS 2 0 or later or an MS DOS equivalent 1 2 1 ROM Module Requirement If you are installing AST 3G in a PC or PC XT then you must have a ROM BIOS Read Only Memory Basic Input Output System module in your PC or PC XT that is dated 10 27 82 or later If you are not sure of the date of your PC s ROM module you can use the AST 3G diagnostics diskette to check the date It is not necessary to check for this with the PC AT Even without the AST 3G installed in your PC you can run the diagnostics program with another display adapter installed m as described in Section 5 The first screen that appears is the configuration screen This screen displays the date of the ROM module in your PC or PC XT If the date displayed is earlier than 10 27 82 you must have a new ROM module installed See your PC dealer to obtain a new ROM module 1 4 Introduction 1 3 How to Use this Manual This section provides a list of related documentation and an outline of the manual 1 133 1 Related Documentation You may find it useful to have the following documents for reference e IBM Disk Operating System DOS Manual e IBM PC Guide to Operations e IBM PC Technical Reference Manual e IBM PC AT Guide to Operatio
11. 111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111 PAGE 1 111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to see next page Figure 5 21 Enhanced Memory Pages Test 5 24 Diagnostics Figure 5 22 shows the test for four color 320 x 200 pixel resolution graphics This screen shows the four basic color components that provide the colors for this configuration black blue green and red The colors should match their labels TEST E6 320 x 200 GRAPHICS 4 COLORS Press lt gt for next test
12. 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to see next page Figure 5 13 Color Memory Pages Test 5 16 Diagnostics Figure 5 14 shows the test for 320 x 200 pixel resolution graphics This screen shows the four basic color components that provide the colors for this configuration black blue green and red These colors are shown in 4 rectangular boxes The colors of the boxes should match their labels TEST C5 320 x 200 GRAPHICS 4 COLORS Press lt l gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 14 320 x 200 Four Color Graphics Test N 5 17 Diagnostics Figure 5 15 shows the test for two color graphics with a resolution of 640 x 200 pixels This screen displays the colors black and white in rectangular boxes The colors of the boxes should match their labels TEST C6 640 x 200 GRAPHICS 2 COLORS Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 15 640 x 200 Two Color Graphics Test 5 18 Diagnostics 5 3 3 Enhanced Color Display Tests If you are using an ECD monitor you will be presented with a set of tests designed for this configuration as follows Figure 5 16 shows the enhanced color text attributes test This screen displays text and background using 16 different colors Each field is labeled with the name of the color that is meant to appear there The sixte
13. 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111 PAGE 1 111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111117111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111
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15. CGA 2 80x25 OFF OFF OFF ON CGA 2 80x25 ATN ON OFF OFF ON CGA 2 40x25 OFF OFF ON OFF HGC 80x25 D ON OFF ON OFF M HGC 80x25 This switch setting takes advantage of the higher resolution of the enhanced display and will use a high definition 8 x 14 character set If that is not acceptable switch setting OFF OFF OFF ON can be used instead An ECD monitor can also be used but only CD capabilities will will be available AST 3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 3 11 U P M H O s p PP M Configuration and Installation Table 3 4 assumes that you have two display adapters installed in your PC and that AST 3G is the secondary adapter the primary adapter is used at powerup instead of AST 3G With this configuration you either do not have the Plus option or it is disabled Switch SW2 is OFF Table 3 4 SW1 Switch Settings with AST 3G as Secondary Adapter SW2 is OFF SW1 Settings Monitor Primary 1 2 Type Powerup Mode Adapter Mode OFF OFF ON ON EGA 80x25 MDA 80x25 ON OFF ON ON CGA 1 80x25 MDA 80x25 OFF ON ON ON CGA 1 80x25 MDA 80x25 ON ON ON ON CGA 1 40x25 MDA 80x25 OFF ON OFF ON D MDA 80x25 CGA 80x25 MD ON ON OFF ON MDA 80x25 CGA 40x25 An ECD monitor can also be used but only CD capabilities will be available 3 5 4 Ch
16. EMENT OPTIONS 6 1 6 1 Installing the AST 3G Plus Option kit C CPC 6 1 6 2 Installing the Memory Enhancement Kit 6 4 63 Installing the Parallel Port Upgrade Kit 6 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued APPENDIX A FEATURE CONNECTOR A 1 APPENDIX B LIGHT PEN INTERFACE B 1 APPENDIX C PRODUCT REPAIR PROCEDURE C 1 Figures Figure 3 1 Installation Overview 3 3 Figure 3 2 AST 3G Display Adapter Layout Default Configuration 3 5 Figure 3 3 Monitor Selection Jumper Block 3 12 Figure 3 4 Default Parallel Port Configuration 3 13 Figure 3 5 Parallel Port Configuration with Another Video Display Card with a Built in Printer Port PC or PC XT 3 13 Figure 3 6 Parallel Port Configuration with Another Video Display Card with a Built in Printer Port PC AT 3 14 Figure 3 7 Removing the PC Cover 3 15 Figure 3 8 Removing the PC AT Cover 3 15 Figure 3 9 System Board SW1 PC and PC XT only 3 16 Figure 3 10 Parallel Port Ribbon Cable and Bracket 3 17 Figure 3 11 Installing Ribbon Cable on the AST3G 3 17 Figure 3 12 Installing the Plastic Card Guide 3 18 Figure 3 13 Installing the AST 3G Adapter 3 19 Figure 5 1 Configuration Screen 5 3 Figure 5 2 Monochrome Text
17. EP 5 Remove the eight 64 Kb chips from the AST 3G Remove the 64 Kb chips from the AST 3G by prying them loose with a screwdriver Do not damage the chip pins so you can use them in the future The positions of the memory chips are shown in Figure 6 1 STEP 6 Install the eight 256 Kb chips Follow the guidelines in Section 6 1 Step 5 for installing chips STEP 7 Place jumper plug on jumper block on E1 shown in Figure 6 1 STEP 8 Install AST 3G in your PC Unless you will also be installing the parallel port upgrade kit follow the steps given in Section 3 6 for installing your AST 3G See Section 6 3 for installing the parallel port enhancement kit 6 3 Installing the Parallel Port Upgrade Kit Follow this procedure to install the parallel port enhancement kit STEP 1 Check that your parallel port upgrade kit includes One 40 pin chip Parallel port ribbon cable e Ribbon cable bracket STEP 2 Remove the PC cover Follow the instructions given in STEP 1 of Section 3 6 6 5 Enhancement Options STEP 3 Remove AST 3G from your PC Use a nut driver or a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the AST 3G bracket to the back of the PC chassis Keeping the adapter level and using even pressure remove the adapter TORT the PC system chassis STEP 4 Install the parallel port chip Install the chip in the location shown in Figure 6 1 Follow STEP 5 shown in Section 6 1 for detailed information
18. INBWWOD solydes5 uol lu s id C soiudeius sseuisng Ajdde yeu 429u2 c 1onpoud siu 10 seaje uoneoidde 10feui noA aw JeuAA Z 19410 sent 7 uonenodsuejJ Weld N S Buiysijqnd 3129 ulle H le9ID N je697 Buunioejnue v eoueunsu ooueiog DuueeuiDu3 C uoneonpj JUSUIUIBAOD Bunjnsuoy unejojed reorueu Buiyueg E Bununosoy C Sseuisnq s ueduioo ino jo ainyeu jeiauab y SI EUM L qeSi dde se ejejdujoo eseojd sp u 1no 1 ui sn di u oi 18pJO ul n 7 i ureidx3 0001 005 OOL 0S 008 00 0S Sc HO a O00 lt OOS OO 0S7 00S lt 00F0S S27 HvVA esnoH SAS WW 4oinquisiq SUS je s olduig jo ON BIS Je SOd JO ON yweeHg wo peseuondg BW 1 U O 1940 1v a 1X E 9d L i AA uuu i I qe enexsip ees pesf sajndwody jeuosudd ojeq eseuoung UOISJ9A BICMOS BEEN 9181S ssalppy 19941S Ba ee LSY 0 pausnjas aq snui woj S14 sepejBdn ainjny 8AI98581 0 4AP4O U wid LSV S3IHdVu9 WO4 uonesibog 9npOJgd jonpoud LSY FCC WARNING This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules Only peripherals computer input output devices terminals printers etc certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to a computer that complies with Class B limits Operation with non certified periphe
19. L EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE ABOVE 2 YEAR PERIOD Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so above limitations may not apply to you UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AST RESEARCH INC BE LIABLE IN ANY WAY TO THE USER FOR DAMAGES INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products so the above limi tations or exclusion may not apply to you THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE The limited warranty applies to hardware produces only C C 0 AST RESEARCH INC Product Comment Form AST 3G User s Manual 000355 001 A We appreciate your comments regarding any problems or suggestions related to AST Research products Please use this form to communicate any observations that you have concerning the improvement of either the product itself or the product documentation provided in this manual Submitter Information Submitter s name Address Product Manual Comments and Suggestions Please mail this form to AST Research Inc Attn Product Mar
20. Test 8 x 8 Pixel Characters 40 columns 5 21 Enhanced Character Set Test 8 x 14 Pixel Characters 80 columns 5 22 Enhanced Character Set Test 8 x 8 Pixel Characters 43 Rows 5 23 Enhanced Memory Pages Test 5 24 Enhanced 320 x 200 Four Color Graphics Test ITCRUM TIN 5 25 Enhanced 640 x 200 Two Color Graphics Test 5 26 Enhanced 640 x 350 Primary Colors Test 5 27 Placement of Upgrade Kit Chips 6 3 Feature Connector Layout A3 Light Pen Interface Connector B 1 2 Table 2 1 Table 2 2 Table 3 1 Table 3 2 Table 3 3 Table 3 4 Table 4 1 Table 4 2 Table A 1 Table B 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued Tables AST 3G Graphics Modes 2 4 AST 3G Text Modes 2 5 AST 3G Default Configuration 3 6 SW1 Settings with AST 3G Used at Powerup Time SW2 is OFF 3 10 SW Settings with AST 3G Used at Powerup Time With Plus Option enabled SW2 is ON 3 11 SW1 Settings with AST 3G as Secondary Adapter SW2 is OFF 3 12 PC Parallel Port I O amp IRQ Assignments 4 2 DB25S Parallel Port Pinouts 4 3 Feature Connector Inputs and Outputs A 1 Light Pen Interface Pinouts B 1 vii This page intentionally left blank viii SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION The AST 3G graphics dis
21. able character set with each character shown in an 8 x 8 pixel matrix with a screen 80 columns wide and 43 lines high TEST E4 8 x 8 CHARACTER SET 80 COLUMNS BY 43 ROWS t a YES d Mat vH Ah Hp m d abcdet ghi IKI MNO UVUXYZ4 i Silii Ta d 1 7 0 311 Dun ia er Tie EAM eae LED Press lt e gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 20 Enhanced Character Set Test 8 x 8 Pixel Characters 43 Rows 5 23 Diagnostics Figure 5 21 shows the memory pages test which shows how many pages of memory are available in your PC There should be four pages when 64 KB are available and eight pages when 256 KB are available You can traverse through the pages by pressing the space bar The background of the screen is made up of the number of the page from 1 to 8 TEST E5 DISPLAY 8 MEMORY PAGES 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
22. ace 3 19 Configuration and Installation STEP 9 Install cables Replace the power cord to the system unit and be sure that the keyboard and the monitor connectors are plugged in Reattach any other cables including the printer cable to your new printer port and connectors you removed previously STEP 10 Attach the display monitor cable to the AST 3G The cable from the display monitor should be plugged in to the AST 3G s connector NOTE Be sure that the SW1 switch setting is correct for your monitor Incorrect setting of this switch could cause damage to your monitor Refer to Section 3 5 3 for switc settings STEP 11 Now you are ready to power up On the PC AT run the SETUP program Check your PC AT Guide to Operations manual for full instructions on using SETUP 3 7 Utility Programs Provided with AST 3G Two programs are provided on the AST 3G diagnostics diskette that allow you to change certain aspects of the AST 3G configuration while you are using it They are used only if you have the Plus option The EMUL program allows you to turn emulation ON and OFF by issuing a command IF you have the Plus option e The PREVIEW program allows you to configure your use of graphics in Hercules emulation IF you have the Plus option 3 20 C Configuration and Installation 3 7 1 The EMUL Program If your AST 3G has the Plus option you can enable emulation mode two ways one way is to set th
23. anging the Monitor Select Jumper Block If you have a CD or MD monitor and not an ECD monitor the default then move the plug from position E9 on this jumper block to position E10 Figure 3 3 shows the default and alternate configurations E9 CD MONO E9 CD MONO Enhanced Color Display Color Display CD or ECD default Monochrome Display MD Figure 3 3 Monitor Selection Jumper Block 3 12 AST 3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 Configuration and Installation CAUTION It is extremely important to set this jumper block correctly because incorrect setting of the jumper block could damage your monitor 3 5 5 Configuring the Parallel Port By default the AST 3G parallel port is assigned as LPT1 at IRQ7 The jumper block settings default configuration are shown in Figure 3 4 E5 E6 E7 E8 LPT1 IRQ7 Figure 3 4 Default Parallel Port Configuration You will only need to change this configuration if there is another video display card in your computer that has a built in printer port If there is another video display card with a built in printer port present in your system you will need to change the AST 3G parallel port configuration to LPT2 at IRQ7 in a PC or PC XT Figure 3 or LPT2 at IRQ5 in a PC AT Figure 3 6 E5 E6 E7 E8 LPT2 IRQ7 Figure 3 5 Parallel Port Configuration with Another Video Display Card with a Built in Printer Port PC or PC XT 3 13 Configuration an
24. aphics Card or AST Preview Adapter 40x25 Text display 40 columns horizontally by 25 rows vertically 80x25 Text display 80 columns horizontally by 25 rows vertically Configuration and Installation Table 3 2 assumes that you do NOT have the Plus option or are not using it SW2 is OFF This table also assumes that AST 3G is the adapter you want to use when you power up your PC A secondary adapter may or may not also be present Table 3 2 SW1 Settings with AST 3G Used at Powerup Time SW2 is OFF SW1 Secondary Settings Monitor Adapter if 1 2 Type Powerup Mode present Mode OFF ON ON OFF EGA 80x25 MDA 80x25 ON ON ON OFF CGA 1 80x25 MDA 80x25 OFF OFF OFF ON CGA 1 80x25 MDA 80x25 ON OFF OFF ON CGA 1 40x25 MDA 80x25 OFF OFF ON OFF wp MDA 80x25 CGA 80x25 ON OFF ON OFF MD MDA 80x25 CGA 40x25 Default setting An ECD can also be used but only CD capabilities will be available 3 10 Configuration and Installation Table 3 3 shows the possible SW1 switch settings when you have the AST 3G Plus option enabled SW2 is ON This table assumes that AST 3G is the adapter you want to use when N you power up your PC a secondary adapter may or may not be present Table 3 3 SW1 Settings with AST 3G Used at Powerup Time with Plus Option enabled SW2 is ON SW1 AST 3G Settings Monitor Power Up 1 2 3 Type Mode OFF ON ON OFF ECD CGA 2 80x25 ON ON ON OFF
25. cannot emulate an MDA when another MDA is coexisting The combinations of display adapters which are not possible include the following e AST 3G with AST 3G e AST 3G with EGA AST3G in any color mode with CGA CAUTION When AST 3G coexists with a Hercules or Preview adapter the Hercules or Preview must not use the second page of graphics Damage to either adapter may result if the second page of graphics is used 2 6 Overview When two display adapter cards do coexist you must specify one adapter as primary and the other as secondary This is accomplished through switch settings on the AST 3G which are described in Section 3 The adapter designated as primary will be the adapter in use when you boot up your system After boot up a DOS command can be used to select either of the two adapters as a primary one For example to switch over to a monochrome display adapter designated as secondary from a different primary card you would enter the following command at the DOS prompt A gt MODE MONO lt Enter gt Conversely to switch over to a color display adapter designated as secondary from a different primary display adapter you would enter the following command at the DOS prompt A gt MODE CO80 lt Enter gt For further information refer to your DOS manual Version 2 0 and later 2 8 This page intentionally left blank SECTION 3 CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION This section provides the
26. consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for additional suggestions The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission FCC helpful t How to Identify and Resolve RadioTV Interference aioe Problems This booklet is available from the US Goveriuneni Printing Office Washington DC 20402 Stock No 004 000 00345 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1 ti Checklist iau ese his dele WES REID ESSO 1 3 1 2 Compatibility and System Requirements 1 4 1 2 1 ROM Module Requirement 1 4 13 How to Use This Manual 1 5 131 Related Documentation 1 5 1 3 2 Manual Outline TELE 1 5 SECTION 2 OVERVIEW 2 1 2 1 Some Terms You Should Know 2 1 2 2 Versatility of the AST 3G Graphics Display Adapter 2 2 2 3 Monitors Used with AST 3G PRETEN 2 2 2 31 IBM 5151 Monochrome Display Monitor 2 3 2 3 2 IBM 5153 Color Display Monitor 2 3 2 3 3 IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display Monitor COLUMN EP 2 3 2 4 AST 3G Graphics and Text Operating Modes 2 4 2 5 Using Two Display Adapters 2 6 SECTION 3 CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION RECS 3 1 Quick Installation Procedure ERE 3 1 3 2 Complete Configuration and Installation Ov
27. d Installation E5 E6 E7 E8 LPT2 IRQ5 Figure 3 6 Parallel Port Configuration with Another Video Display Card with a Built in Printer Port PC AT For further information on parallel ports refer to Section 4 3 6 Installing Your AST 3G Before installing your AST 3G adapter you must turn off your PC disconnect any device attached to it and remove the PC cover This section includes procedures for the PC PC XT and PC AT Differences for the PUAI are noted at the end of each installation step CAUTION Be sure that the power switch is off and the power cord is removed from the system unit Turn off any other equipment connected to the computer Installing any component while the power is on can permanently damage your computer and its components You will need a flathead screwdriver or nut driver to perform the following procedure Configuration and Installation STEP 1 Remove the PC cover Use a flathead screwdriver or nut drive to remove the cover mounting screws from your PC see your PC s manual for the location of the cover mounting screws Once you have removed the cover mounting screws pull the PC cover off as shown in Figure 3 7 SQ PC Cover Figure 3 7 Removing the PC Cover For the PC AT unlock the key lock at the front of the PC AT by turning the key counterclockwise Remove the back panel which is attached to the PC AT with plastic fastener strips from the rear of the PC AT Use a flath
28. e Light Green Light Green Light Cyan Light Cyan Light Red Light Red Light Magenta Light Magenta Yellow Yellow White White Peaca gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 17 Enhanced Text Attributes Test Intensified 5 20 Diagnostics Figure 5 18 shows an enhanced color character set test This screen shows the available character set with each character shown in an 8 x 8 pixel matrix with a screen 40 columns wide TEST E2 8 x 8 CHARACTER SET 40 COLUMNS t400 4ST St tL Har Mel Oi meses PARED GH MAMPUSTIYIYI M abedef ghi jklanopara tuyuyz amp aaa cegelllAardiooouug OU i ia OLI eum SAN mirus 12 ji T Wr Press lt gt for next test lt ESC to quit Figure 5 18 Enhanced Character Set Test 8 x 8 Pixel Characters 40 Columns 5 21 Diagnostics Figure 5 19 shows an enhanced color character set test This screen shows the available character set with each character shown in an 8 x 14 pixel matrix with a screen 80 columns wide TEST E3 8 x 14 CHARACTER SET 80 COLUMNS Ri ete GRE C tera toe Ye Giie ddaac RET T1 Kak atooouuy UC aiou t ir AiO ai eris qm Press for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 19 Enhanced Character Set Test 8 x 14 Pixel Characters 80 Columns 5 22 0 Diagnostics Figure 5 20 shows an enhanced color character set test This screen shows the avail
29. e SW2 emulation toggle switch to ON and then reboot your PC Or you can use the EMUL program provided on the diagnostics diskette to turn emulation mode ON or OFF without having to reboot your computer or change the SW2 emulation toggle switch position To start emulation mode with the emulation software place the diagnostics diskette in drive A of your PC and enter the following command at the DOS prompt A gt EMUL ON lt Enter gt This will have the same effect as changing your SW2 emulation toggle switch to the ON position however you do not need to reboot your PC after entering this command If you enter this command without having the Plus option you will receive an error message since emulation mode is only possible with the Plus option To end emulation mode place the diagnostics diskette in drive A of your PC and enter the following command at the DOS prompt A gt EMUL OFF lt Enter This will have the same effect as changing your SW2 emulation toggle switch to the OFF position however you will not have to reboot your PC To check on your current emulation mode enter this command at the DOS prompt A EMUL lt Enter gt You will receive a response indicating whether emulation is currently enabled or disabled The response will be one of the following depending on what adapter your AST 3G is configured to emulate 3 21 Configuration and Installation Hercules Emulation mode is currently ENABLED H
30. e installed Contact your dealer to obtain a new ROM module NOTE To run the diagnostics program you need a display adapter in your PC system but not necessarily the AST 3G ss 3 4 onitor Select umper Block a ECD Default E9 Overview 3 4 AST 3G Default Configuration Figure 3 2 shows the default factory configuration of the AST 3G display adapter i Q o c ES Oo c Ve c N ys do o S QO x G E zT QN C Oo eo o a o xe LLI gt E a c o s E E o OF p ua 6 O 5 lt x oc e e I N i foo c c 26 St a EO uj 2 Oo amp N O o T um P oc Lo iod o o s EE o o m o x E o E S 2 Sus Qe o o o gt amp TVA D 2 O a Ww o o o S SEE 9 a5 gt cO Oqc u g5 ag 202104 ME REV EU S N Figure 3 2 AST 3G Display Adapter Layout Default Configuration AST 3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 3 5 Configuration and Installation Table 3 1 summarizes the AST 3G display adapter s default factory configuration Table 3 1 AST 3G Default Configuration Parameter Deut Comments Card Type Mode Monitor Primary Emulation Toggle Switch Monitor Type AST 3G on board graphics memory Parallel
31. e on When the Plus option is not installed the SW2 setting is ignored AST 3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 3 7 Configuration and Installation Like the SW1 switch the SW2 switch is at the back of the PC when the AST 3G is installed on the AST 3G s bracket SW2 can be switched ON and OFF without removing the adapter When the SW2 toggle switch is changed from OFF to ON or vice versa the PC must be rebooted for the switch change to a take effect To change the toggle switch to ON move it to the right as you face the front of your system To change SW to OFF move it to the left Once you have powered up an alternative to using the SW2 toggle switch is the EMUL utility program This program supplied on the diagnostics diskette allows you to switch emulation ON and OFF through a software command without having to change the SW2 toggle switch or reboot your PC The EMUL module commands override the SW2 toggle switch setting The EMUL module is described in Section 3 7 1 3 5 3 SW1 and SW2 Switch Setting Tables Tables 3 2 through 3 4 summarize the acceptable SW1 and SW2 switch settings for different groups of AST 3G users From the following brief descriptions choose the table that EN applies to your AST 3G configuration e IF you do NOT have the Plus option or you have disabled it SW2 is OFF and you are using AST 3G as your primary adapter the one you will use at powerup time see Table 3 2 e IF you
32. e with AST 3G Information on using two display adapters is also provided 2 1 Some Terms You Should Know The following definitions describe terms used throughout this manual Pages Refers to the number of screens of graphics or text information that can be stored in the on board graphics memory Pixels The smallest unit available for display on a raster screen representing a single graphics point Also called picture elements PELs Raster display The predominant type of CRT display It operates similarly to an ordinary television set whereby images are created by illuminating individual pixels via a line by line scan of the CRT screen by an electron beam Resolution The number of pixels displayed on a monitor per horizontal line by the number of horizontal lines displayed on the vertical axis for example 640 x 350 indicates 640 pixels wide by 350 pixels high 2 1 Overview 2 2 Versatility of the AST 3G Graphics Display Adapter AST 3G is a versatile graphics display adapter that is compatible with three types of IBM monitor and three IBM display adapters With the Plus option the AST 3G can also emulate the Hercules Graphics Card HGC and the AST Preview adapter The Plus option also provides greater compatibility with software designed for the Color Graphics Adapter CGA and the Monochrome Display Printer Adapter MDA Many IBM compatible monitors and adapters are also compatible with the AST 3G The gra
33. ead screwdriver or nut driver to remove the cover mounting screws Slide the cover toward the front until it comes off as shown in Figure 3 8 Figure 3 8 Removing the PC AT Cover 3 15 Configuration and Installation STEP 2 Set PC or PC XT system board SW1 Locate switch block SW1 on the main circuit board of the PC or PC XT the PC XT has only one system board switch block Set switches SW1 5 and SW1 6 to ON on the eight switch block Also check for the correct setting of switch SW1 2 If an 8087 coprocessor is installed switch SW1 2 must be OFF Otherwise it must be ON Figure 3 9 shows the location of SW1 on the PC and PC XT when you look down into the open PC directly at the system board For the PC AT there is no SW1 But you will need to run the SETUP program once your system is powered up again after AST 3G has been installed see STEP 11 Configuration and Installation DIP Switch SW1 DIP Switch SW2 PC and PC XT PC only Figure 3 9 System Board SW1 PC and PC XT only STEP 3 Install ribbon cable on the AST 9G This step is necessary only if you intend to use the parallel port If not proceed to STEP 4 E Locate the ribbon cable s for the parallel port The parallel port ribbon cable has a rectangular 26 pin connector at one end and a DB25S connector at the other end 3 16 Configuration and Installation The ribbon cable comes with a bracket Using the hardware supplied on the D she
34. en bes st LW tet a Giie iicet TIRE CM aiounit E Cue Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 4 Monochrome Character Set Test 9 x 14 Pixel Character Box Diagnostics Figure 5 5 shows the character set test The available character set is shown each character is 8 pixels wide by 8 pixels high The characters should show up clearly TEST N3 8 x 8 CHARACTER SET 001 CORIO PRD 40 11 tL Har mol NE di et dn 2M BABCDER CHI JKLMNOPORSTVAXYZL N ahcdef ghi jkimnopans tuywxyzt 1 8 que dade Ree T Raafooo dug QU tio 8 lounN S gry a minim ami P Press m gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 5 Monochrome Character Set Test 8 x 8 Pixel Character Box 5 8 Diagnostics Figure 5 6 shows the memory pages test There should be four pages available if you have 64 KB of memory and eight pages if you have 256 KB of memory You can traverse through the pages by pressing the space bar The background of the screen is made up of the number of the page from 1 to 8 TEST M4 DISPLAY 8 MEMORY PAGES 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
35. en expansion slot The AST 3G adapter requires one full length slot Remove and save the cutout bracket and the bracket retaining screw for the slot you have selected using a small flathead screwdriver STEP 4 Install the plastic card guide In a PC or PC XT only install the plastic card guide in the full length slot you have chosen inside the front panel of the PC The PC AT has a card guide already installed See Figure 3 12 for an illustration of how to install the card guide STEP 5 Install the AST 3G adapter Line up the AST 3G adapter and position its front bottom corner in the card guide channel Lower the board until its edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle Using an evenly distributed pressure press the AST 3G adapter straight down until it sits in the expansion slot receptacle Figure 3 13 STEP 6 Secure the card to the back of the PC chassis Use the screw from the cutout bracket you removed STEP 7 Replace the PC PC XT or PC AT cover Reinstall the cover mounting screws you removed earlier STEP 8 Attach the display monitor cable to the AST 3G The cable from the display monitor should be plugged into the AST 3G s connector STEP 9 Power up the computer If you are using a PC AT you must run the SETUP program 3 2 ASN Configuration and Installation 3 2 Complete Configuration ane Installation Overview Figure 3 1 shows the steps needed to configure and install y
36. en text colors are shown on the right On the left the 16 background colors are shown The second half of the background colors can be either intensified or blinking To switch from blinking to intensified press the lt Space gt bar TEST E1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND COLORS TEXT COLORS Black text Black background Blue Blue Green Green Cyan Cyan Red Red Magenta Magenta Brown Brown Gray Gray Black Dark Gray Blinking Blue Light Blue Blinking Green Light Green Blinking Cyan Light Cyan Blinking Red Light Red Blinking Magenta Light Magenta Blinking Brown Yellow Blinking Gray White Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 16 Enhanced Text Attributes Test Blinking 5 19 Diagnostics Figure 5 17 shows the enhanced color text attributes test This screen displays text and background using 16 different colors Each field is labeled with the name of the color that is meant to appear there The sixteen text colors are shown on the right On the left the 16 background colors are shown The second half of the background colors can be either intensified or blinking To switch from intensified to blinking press the lt Space gt bar TEST E1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND COLORS TEXT COLORS Black text Black background Blue Blue Green Green Cyan Cyan Red Red Magenta Magenta Brown Brown Gray Gray Dark Gray Dark Gray Light Blue Light Blu
37. ercules Emulation mode is currently DISABLED CGA Emulation mode is currently ENABLED CGA Emulation mode is currently DISABLED If you want to put the emulation software onto a disk unit or another diskette other than the diagnostics diskette copy the file EMUL COM onto that disk or diskette using a DOS COPY command refer to your DOS manual for other details about the COPY command 3 7 2 The PREVIEW Program By using the PREVIEW program you can customize AST 3G s Hercules emulation to your individual graphics needs Enter simple software commands to select one of three operating configurations Paragraphs below describe a text mode and two graphics modes Text Mode When you first power up your PC your AST 3G s Hercules emulation will be set in the IBM Text Mode You may also enter Text Mode by placing your diagnostics diskette in drive A and entering the following command A gt PREVIEW 1 lt Enter gt In Text Mode AST 3G s Hercules emulation simulates an IBM Monochrome Display Adapter No graphics software may be run while in this mode because the graphics capabilities are masked It is necessary for Hercules to be in this configuration in order to run the IBM Diagnostics 3 22 LJ Configuration and Installation First Graphics Page This mode incorporates all the text capabilities provided in the Text Mode plus the ability to access the first graphics page of AST 3G s Hercules emulation located at B0000 B7FFF If you
38. erview 3 3 33 Check ROM Module Date 3 4 3 4 AST 83G Default Configuration FPE 3 5 35 Changing the Factory Configuration SEEEN 3 7 3 5 1 SW1 Switch Z a e aa dispo c E uwa qara sasa 3 7 35 2 The SW2 Emulation Toggle Switch 3 7 3 5 3 SW1 and SW2 Switch Setting Tables uad 354 Changing the Monitor Select Jumper Block 3 12 355 Configuring the Parallel Port 9 13 TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued 3 6 Installing Your TENET C L uwa auqa ee noq 3 14 3 7 Utility Programs Provided with AST 3G 9 20 371 The EMUL Program 3 21 3 7 2 The PREVIEW Program aa Sua 3 22 SECTION 4 PARALLEL PORT 4 1 4 1 I O Address and Interrupt Assignments 4 1 4 2 Parallel Port Pinout Specifications 4 2 4 3 Configuring External Parallel Devices 4 3 4 4 Programming the Parallel Port 4 3 45 Interrupt Driven Parallel Printer Software 4 4 4 6 Parallel Port Diagnostic Testing M 4 4 SECTION 5 DIAGNOSTICS 5 1 5 1 Starting the Diagnostics Program WE 5 2 5 2 The Configuration Screen pu 5 3 53 The Test Screens nr 5 4 5 3 1 Monochrome Display Tests 5 5 53 2 Color Display Tests 5 12 5 33 Enhanced Color Display Tests TOU PERI 5 19 SECTION 6 ENHANC
39. from the CRTC FEAT O Output to bit 5 of the Input Status register 0 Feature Code 0 20 FC1 Input from bit 1 of the Feature Control register FO Input from bit 0 of the Feature Control register G Secondary green Intensity input B V Secondary blue input Monochrome video HIN Horizontal retrace input from the CRTC VIN Vertical retrace input 14MHz 14 MHz signal from the system board Internal Output to bit 4 of the Miscellaneous Output register Disable Internal Video Drivers EXT OSC External dot clock output V OUT Vertical retrace output HOUT Horizontal retrace output A 2 Feature Connector Figure A 1 shows the layout and pin numbering of the feature connector Gnd 1 2 gt 12V 12V 3 4 W J J2 5 6 GOUT R OUT 7 8 B OUT ATRS L 9 10 Nu B OUT G OUT ib oD x G R 3 14 lt B R 15 16 R OUT FEAT1 17 48 M BLANK FEAT 0 19 20 E FC1 FCO 21 22 Gil B V x 23 24 HIN VIN 25 26 14MHz Internal 27 28 x EXT OSC V OUT 29 30 HOUT GND 31 32 5V Figure A 1 Feature Connector Layout This page intentionally left blank APPENDIX B LIGHT PEN INTERFACE Your AST 3G adapter provides a six pin connector labeled P2 for a standard light pen Only five of the six pins are used The light pen pinouts are shown in Table B 1 Table B 1 Light Pen Interface Pinouts Light Pen Connector Pin Number Pin Function Light Pen Input Not used Light Pen Switch G
40. have the AST 3G Plus option enabled SW2 is ON see Table 3 3 e IF you do NOT have the Plus option or you have disabled it SW2 is OFF and you are using AST 3G as your secondary adapter a second adapter that will not be used at powerup time see Table 3 4 The switch settings in the three tables are used to configure your AST 3G adapter so that it works properly with your N monitor and graphics software When choosing a switch setting determine that it meets the following criteria e Your monitor type matches the monitor type for the switch setting you choose MD CD or ECD 3 8 AST3G User s Manual Change Page June 1986 Configuration and Installation e The switch setting you choose selects the type of adapter you want AST 3G to emulate EGA CGA MDA or HGC e The switch setting selects correctly whether your AST 3G is the adapter you will use when you power up your PC primary or your AST 3G is a second adapter that will not be used when you power up secondary The following abbreviations and terms are used in Tables 3 2 3 3 and 3 4 MD Monochrome Display Monitor CD Color Display Monitor ECD Enhanced Color Display Monitor MDA Monochrome Display Adapter CGA Color Graphics Adapter Level 1 EGA BIOS level compatibility standard EGA operation CGA 2 Color Graphics Adapter Level 2 CGA hardware compatibility EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter HGC Hercules Gr
41. ice RAN xxxx 2722 Michelson Irvine CA 92715 where xxxx is your assigned Return Authorization Number 7 Once your product is repaired we will return it to you by UPS or UPS Blue Label service whichever is appropriate for your geographical location We will return items covered by warranty at our expense Shipping costs and repair expenses for items not covered by warranty will be billed COD If you prefer overnight service UPS Red Label the shipping charges will be billed COD If you want us to ship Federal Express please give us your Federal Express account number for billing purposes C 2 2 C LIMITED WARRANTY AST Research Inc warrants to the original purchaser of this AST Research Inc product that it is to be in good working order for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase from AST Research Inc or an authorized AST Research Inc dealer Should this product in AST Research Inc s opinion malfunction during the warranty period AST will at its option repair or replace it at no charge provided that the product has not been subjected to misuse abuse or non AST authorized alterations modifications and or repairs Products requiring Limited Warranty service during the warranty period should be delivered to AST with proof of purchase If the delivery is by mail you agree to insure the product or assume risk of loss or damage in transit You also agree to prepay shipping charges to AST AL
42. isplay or equivalent EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter CGA Color Graphics Adapter MDA Monochrome Display Printer Adapter HGC Hercules Graphics Card or AST Preview adapter Sixteen displayable colors with a 64 color palette to choose from Requires 256 kilobytes KB of on board graphics memory Also includes blinking and high intensity attributes HGC capabilities are available only with the Plus option and 256 KB of on board graphics memory 2 5 Overview 2 5 Using Two Display Adapters You can install an AST 3G in your computer and use it in one of the operating modes described in Tables 2 1 and 2 2 If appropriate for your software applications you can also install your AST 3G along with another coexisting display adapter This situation is typically needed for software applications that require two monitors for operation where each display adapter supports one monitor The AST 3G can only be used with another display adapter if one adapter is operating in a color mode and the other is in a monochrome mode For example if an AST 3G coexists with a CGA then the AST 3G must be configured in monochrome mode because the CGA is only capable of operating in a color mode Likewise if an AST 3G coexists with an MDA then the AST 3G must be set up as a color adapter since the other adapter is for monochrome only Two coexisting adapters cannot be configured as the same type of adapter for example an AST 3G adapter
43. keting 2121 Alton Ave Irvine CA 92714
44. ll connector mount the D shell connector to the bracket so that when the bracket is installed the D shell connector will be accessible at the PC s rear panel The ribbon cable and bracket for the parallel port are shown in Figure 3 10 Bracket DB25S Connector Parallel Port Ribbon Cable Figure 3 10 Parallel Port Ribbon Cable and Bracket Plug the parallel adapter cable onto connector P3 on the AST 3G Plug the cable onto the board so that pin 1 on the rectangular connector indicated by an arrow and the red or blue stripe on the ribbon cable aligns with pin 1 on the P3 connector silkscreened in white on the circuit board Figure 3 11 shows the parallel port cable installed on the AST 3G DB25S 26 Pin Connector Connector Silkscreened 1 Figure 3 11 Installing Ribbon Cable on the AST 3G 3 17 Configuration and Installation STEP 4 Select an open expansion slot The AST 3G adapter requires one full length slot Remove and save the cutout bracket and the bracket retaining screw for the slot you have selected using a small flathead screwdriver STEP 5 Install the card guide This step is only necessary in a PC or PC XT If you have a PC AT go to STEP 6 Install the plastic card guide supplied with the AST 3G if one i
45. n 10 27 82 then you need to have the new ROM BIOS installed in your PC system The date will be displayed even if the AST 3G is not present in the system Thus you can check the BIOS date before you install the AST 3G AST 3G Plus Option If you have the Plus option the Plus option is YES Otherwise it is NO Operating Mode The operating mode is only shown if you have the Plus option The operating mode can be EGA CGA or Preview depending on your switch settings 5 3 The Test Screens Different sets of screens will be displayed for different types of monitors One set is used for each type of monitor the Monochrome Display MD the Color Display CD and the Enhanced Color Display ECD In the following sections a description of each test is given followed by a sample screen If the display is malfunctioning it may need repairs or incorrect SW1 switch settings or jumper settings may be indicated 5 4 Diagnostics 5 3 1 Monochrome Display Tests Figure 5 2 shows a monochrome text attributes test Sixteen background text attributes and sixteen foreground text attributes are shown in labeled rectangles The attributes labeled blinking can also be displayed as intensified To switch to the intensified attributes press the lt Space gt bar TEST M1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND SHADES TEXT SHADES Black text Black background Normal Normal Underlined Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal N
46. n the AST 3G the default by leaving a shorting plug on jumper E8 It will not harm anything to leave IRQ7 enabled even if you do not run interrupt driven software for your parallel printer 4 6 Parallel Port Diagnostic Testing The parallel port on your AST 3G is completely compatible with the IBM Diagnostics software However you must configure the parallel port as LPT1 so that the port can be recognized by the diagnostics If you run the matrix printer test your printer must be 100 compatible with an Epson MX 80 or errors can be generated 4 4 SECTION 5 DIAGNOSTICS A diagnostics program is provided with your AST 3G graphics display adapter This program allows you to check the current configuration of your AST 3G adapter and to determine if all the graphics capabilities of your AST 3G are working as they should be The diagnostics program is a series of screens to test the different graphics capabilities of the AST 3G There are three sets of screens that will be presented depending on whether you have a Monochrome Display MD a Color Display CD or an Enhanced Color Display ECD attached to the AST 3G If you have the Plus option then some extra Plus option screens will be provided After an initial configuration screen each screen presented will test a particular aspect of the AST 3G s capabilities At the bottom of each screen is a prompt telling you how to proceed to the next step Generally you will need t
47. ns e IBM PC AT Technical Reference Manual e IBM PC AT Installation and Setup Manual 1 3 2 Manual Outline SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Describes the features of AST 3G Also provides information on system requirements and related documentation SECTION 2 OVERVIEW Describes different monitors that can be used with AST 3G Lists the graphics and text modes available with AST 3G Explains how multiple display adapters are used SECTION 3 CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION Includes instructions on setting AST 3G adapter switches and PC system switches Provides a series of steps to install AST 3G in your PC Also describes two utility programs used with the Plus option SECTION 4 PARALLEL PORT Describes the AST 3G parallel printer port 1 5 Introduction SECTION 5 DIAGNOSTICS Tells you how to use the AST 3G diagnostics program SECTION 6 ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS Describes how to install the Plus option memory and parallel port upgrade kits for your AST 3G adapter APPENDIX A FEATURE CONNECTOR Describes the AST 3G feature connector APPENDIX B LIGHT PEN INTERFACE Describes the AST 3G light pen interface APPENDIX C PRODUCT REPAIR PROCEDURE Describes the product repair procedure to follow if your AST 3G ever needs repair 1 6 SECTION 2 OVERVIEW This section provides some basic graphics vocabulary describes the different monitors you can use with AST 3G and lists the graphics and text capabilities availabl
48. nstructions on obtaining service for your product 4 Parts not covered under the warranty Dealer or user installed parts such as RAM chips are not covered under the terms of the warranty Dealer installed parts are warranted by the dealer parts that you install are covered only by the parts suppliers warranties If we find that your dealer or user installed parts are defective we can identify which parts are defective but we will not replace parts Product Repair Procedure unless you specifically authorize us to do so in writing when you send the board to us The parts charges and any applicable labor charges will be billed COD 5 Describe the problem and return any related accessories Please include a brief but explicit written description of the problem when you return your AST product to the factory for repair Also return any accessories that might relate to the problem For example if the the parallel port does not function correctly be sure to return the parallel port adapter cable with the board 6 Be sure to provide a return shipping address that UPS can deliver to and include your RAN UPS cannot normally deliver to post office boxes Reference the RAN issued to you by AST Technical Support on all correspondence Securely package all materials to prevent shipping damage Shipping charges must be prepaid CODs will not be accepted Ship the materials to the following address AST Research Inc Customer Serv
49. o press the lt lt gt key to proceed to the next screen or test or lt Esc gt to quit the program If a labeled region on one of the test screens displays a different color or mode from its label then proceed through the following steps e f two areas labeled with different intensities appear the same adjust the brightness and contrast controls to see if this increases intensity differences e Check your SW1 switch settings and Monitor Selection jumper block settings to be sure that they match your configuration refer to Section 3 for information on configuring your AST 3CG Call AST Research Technical Support if there are still problems with the diagnostics displays 5 1 Diagnostics 5 1 Starting the Diagnostics Program To initiate the diagnostics program place the diagnostics diskette in drive A after booting up with a DOS boot diskette and type in the following command at the DOS prompt A gt DIAG lt Enter gt After this command is entered the diagnostics program will present either an error message indicating that no AST 3G card is present and the BIOS date or a configuration screen listing the basic configuration of the AST 3G display adapter 5 2 Diagnostics 5 2 The Configuration Screen For all AST 3G configurations the diagnostics program presents as its first screen a configuration screen that allows you to check whether your AST 3G is configured properly A sample configurati
50. oftware package you are using and by the type of ec monitor you have The AST 3G can emulate any type of adapter listed in these tables Table 2 1 provides an overview of the combinations of colors pages of on board memory and resolution that are available with your AST 3G when it is in graphics mode Many of these combinations correspond to standard graphics modes that software packages are designed to use Table 2 2 provides an overview of the combinations of colors memory pages character size and characters per screen in different text modes that software packages are designed to utilize AN Table 2 1 AST 3G Graphics Modes EU Adapter Number Monitor AST 3G of Resolution Memory Required 1 Emulates 2 Colors h x v Pages ECD EGA 16 64 3 640 x 350 2 ECD EGA 4 64 640 x 350 1 CD ECD EGA 16 320 x 200 8 CD ECD EGA 16 640 x 200 4 CD ECD CGA 320 x 200 CD ECD CGA 320 x 200 CD ECD CGA 640 x 200 EGA 2 4 640 x 350 om HGC 5 2 720 x 348 2 4 Monitor Overview Table 2 2 AST 3G Text Modes Adapter Number Character AST 3G of Size Characters Memory Needed 1 Emulates 2 Colors pixels per Screen Pages ECD 16 64 3 8x 14 80 x 25 16 64 3 8x 8 80 x 43 CGA EGA ECD CD CGA EGA ECD CD CGA EGA ECD CD CGA EGA ECD CD CGA EGA EGA EGA MDA HGC 5 Notes for Tables 2 1 and 2 2 ECD IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display or equivalent CD IBM 5153 Color Display or equivalent MD IBM 5151 Monochrome D
51. on how to install chips Follow STEPS 3 through 11 in Section 3 6 to install the parallel port ribbon cable on the AST 3G and to install the AST 3G in your PC system 6 6 S APPENDIX A FEATURE CONNECTOR AST 3G provides a 32 pin feature connector which is compatible with the IBM EGA feature connector The feature connector is located along the top of the adapter and can be used to support feature adapters that enhance the AST 3G Following are descriptions of the signals that are inputs from the AST 3G to the feature connector or outputs through the feature connector to the AST 3G Table A 1 Feature Connector Inputs and Outputs Pin Signal Description Pin J1 connects to auxiliary jack 1 on AST 3G s back panel J2 Pin J2 connects to auxiliary jack 2 on the back panel of AST 3G G OUT Secondary green output R OUT Secondary red output B OUT Secondary blue output ATRS L Attribute shift load This signal determines serialization of video information The shift register parallel loads at the dot clock leading edge when this signal is low Blue output Primary green output Green input Secondary red input Feature Connector Table A 1 Feature Connector Inputs and Outputs Continued Pin Signal Description Blue input Primary red input Red Output Output to bit 6 of Input Status register 0 Feature Code 1 Composite horizontal and vertical blanking signal
52. on screen for a monochrome monitor and the AST 3G adapter follows AST 3G ADAPTER DIAGNOSTICS VERSION X1 0 C AST RESEARCH INC 1986 Display attached to AST 3G is MONOCHROME Switches 1 through 4 on the board are set to 0FF OFF ON OFF Available on board memory is System board BIOS date is 10 27 82 AST 3G Plus Option YES Operating Mode Preview Press ESC if the monitor type is incorrect io proceed Figure 5 1 Configuration Screen Display Type The choices for the Display type are MONOCHROME COLOR and ENHANCED corresponding to the MD CD or ECD monitor f the value shown is not accurate then your SW switch settings probably are wrong Table 3 2 through 3 4 show all the SW1 switch settings and their corresponding configurations 5 3 Diagnostics SW1 Switch Settings The values shown for Switches 1 through 4 should display how the SW1 switches are set If they are not set correctly for the configuration you wish then change your switch settings and reboot the SW1 switch is accessible at the back of your PC system Memory on AST 3G Graphics Display Adapter Available on board memory displays the amount of memory available on the AST 3G This should be either 64 or 256 kilobytes KB ROM BIOS date The system board Basic Input Output System BIOS date shows the date of the Read Only Memory ROM module in your PC system If this date is earlier tha
53. ormal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Blinking Intensified Underlined Blinking Intensified Blinking Intensified Blinking Intensified Blinking Intensified Blinking Intensified Blinking Intensified Press lt e l gt for next test lt ESC to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 2 Monochrome Text Attributes Test Blinking 5 5 Diagnostics Figure 5 3 shows a monochrome text attributes test Sixteen background text attributes and sixteen foreground text attributes are shown in labeled rectangles Some of the attributes labeled intensified can also be displayed as blinking To switch to the blinking attributes press the Space bar TEST M1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND SHADES TEXT SHADES Black text Black background Normal Normal Underlines Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Intensified Intensified Underlined 0 Intensified Intensified Intensified Intensified intensified intensified intensified Intensified Intensified intensified intensified intensified Press lt e l gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 3 Monochrome Text Attributes Test Intensified 5 6 Diagnostics Figure 5 4 shows the character set test Each character shown is 9 pixels wide by 14 pixels high The characters should show up clearly TEST M2 9 x 14 CHARACTER SET Ri eae t
54. ort Enhancement Kit part number 500319 005 The AST 3G Plus Option Enhancement Kit allows you to add considerable additional capabilities to your AST 3G including the following Ability to perform the functions of the Hercules Graphics Card HGC or AST Preview adapter e Compatibility with software designed for the Color Graphics Adapter CGA or the Monochrome Display Printer Adapter MDA The memory enhancement kit allows you to upgrade your AST 3G adapter memory from 64 to 256 kilobytes KB by substituting eight 256 kilobit Kb chips for the eight 64 Kb chips on your AST 3G board The parallel port enhancement kit allows you to add a parallel port to your AST 3G by adding one Integrated Circuit IC chip and a parallel port ribbon cable and bracket to your AST 3G 6 1 Installing the AST 3G Plus Option Kit STEP 1 Check that you have one chip in your NIE kit 6 1 Enhancement Options STEP 2 Remove the PC or PC AT cover Ina ans for doing this are included in STEP 1 of Section 3 6 STEP 3 Remove ribbon cable if present This step only applies if you already have a parallel port installed on your AST 3G Remove the parallel port ribbon cable connected to the AST 3G Be sure to note its orientation for later reference when you reinstall it STEP 4 Remove AST 3G from your PC Use a nut driver or a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the AST 3G bracket to the back of the PC chassi
55. our AST 3G display adapter c If your PC was manufactured before April 1983 check the date of the ROM BIOS module using the diagnostics diskette Section 3 3 Verify the AST 3G display adapter s default configuration Section 3 4 Do you want to change the default configuration Change the default configuration Section 3 5 No Get your PC ready and install AST 3G Section 3 6 Use the diagnostics program to check that your AST 3G is working properly Section 5 Figure 3 1 Installation Overview 3 3 Configuration and Installation 3 3 Check ROM Module Date If you have a PC or PC XT manufactured before April 1983 you may need to have a new ROM BIOS Read Only Memory Basic Input Output System module installed in your system Lans If you have a PC AT disregard this requirement The ROM module must be dated 10 27 82 or later If you need to check on the date of your ROM module initiate the diagnostics program by booting up your PC then place the diagnostics diskette in drive A and enter the following command at the DOS prompt A gt DIAG Enter After this command is entered the diagnostics program will present a configuration screen The configuration screen will list the ROM module date on one line as follows System Board BIOS date is XX XX XX This date should be 10 27 82 or later If it is earlier you need to have a new ROM BIOS modul
56. our comments to AST Research Inc Atten Product Marketing 2121 Alton Ave Irvine CA 92714 AST Research may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it deems appropriate without incurring any obligations whatsoever Copyright O 1986 AST Research Inc All rights are reserved including those to reproduce this book or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from AST Research Inc WARNING This manual is protected by United States Copyright law Title 17 United States Code Unauthorized reproduction and or sales may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to 10000 17 USC 506 Copyright infringers may be subject to civil liability YLZZ6 IUJOJI E eulAJ enueAy uoilv LCLO Dunex1eyw 1onpoJg UNY Ou u234Poes9eH LSY 33SS3tHGGV Aa daiVvd 38 THM 39VLSOd VO 3NI HI 6 Z ON LINti3d SSV IO 1Sul4 TIVIN Aldad SSANISNG SALVLS G3SLINN 3H NI Q3 ll VN dl AuVSS3O3N ADVLSOd ON ww Tto e91AJ88 0 jonpoud y Huluna ol OU 1equunwN uonezuouiny ujnjeH e 94 9281 0 SV E9 pinoys noA Ajueem apun si jeu jonpoud SV ue ym uj qoid e 1ejunooue nof j eseuound jo ayep wos sjee OM JO perjueJJe ale sjonpoud je e p1eoq Sy eseuound jo s ep 0I utuue paeo Siul unya pue eje duuoo eseejd sn pu nb noA op s eDeyoed aiemyos JEU 19UIO AVO WVO avo SOIYCEID 2 lJilu9 5S Buiusiqng 21004129 3 C Suv B
57. owing items e AST 3G graphics adapter Several different versions of the adapter are available including the following With or without the Plus option With either 64 KB or 256 KB of memory installed With or without a parallel port e AST 3G User s Manual Tom e AST 3G diagnostics diskette Includes diagnostics emulation enable disable software and Hercules graphics and page enable software Three optional enhancement packages are also available to allow you to upgrade the version of AST 3G you have These packages include e AST 3G Plus Option Enhancement Kit for added graphics capabilities part number 500319 011 e ASTI 3G Memory Enhancement Kit to upgrade from 64 KB to 256 KB of on board memory part number 500319 010 e AST 3G Parallel Port Enhancement Kit to provide one SN parallel port part number 500319 009 Instructions for installing each of these enhancement kits are provided in Section 6 1 3 Introduction 1 2 Compatibility and System Requirements The minimum hardware requirements for operation with AST 3G are e An AST 3G board with 64 KB To fully utilize the capabilities of the AST 3G the recommended amount SES of on board graphics memory on the AST 3G is 256 KB e An IBM PC PC XT PC AT or IBM compatible with one floppy diskette drive and an unused full length expansion slot One of the following types of monitor is necessary An IBM 5154 ECD or compatible 350
58. phics capabilities available with the AST 3G including resolution and number of colors vary depending on what monitor type is used and which display adapter you wish to emulate The capabilities of AST 3G may be affected when another graphics display adapter is installed in your system along with AST 3G The graphics features of specific applications software packages may also be affected by the monitor you are using with your AST 3G 2 3 Monitors Used with AST 3G The AST 3G can be used with several IBM monitors e The IBM 5151 Monochrome Display MD designed for use with the Monochrome Display Printer Adapter MDA Section 2 3 1 The IBM 5153 Color Display CD designed for use with the CGA Section 2 3 2 e The IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display ECD designed for use with the Enhanced Graphics Adapter EGA Section 2 3 3 2 2 Overview When you are configuring and installing your AST 3G you must know which type of monitor you have to allow for proper configuration of your AST 3G Correct identification of your monitor is needed to avoid damage to the monitor and to allow for correct graphics configuration Descriptions of the IBM monitors used with AST 3G follow 2 3 1 IBM 5151 Monochrome Display Monitor The IBM 5151 Monochrome Display was designed to be used with the IBM MDA The MD monitor has a screen refresh rate of 50 hertz Hz non interlaced and a maximum bandwidth of 16 257 megahertz MHz
59. play adapter provides advanced color and high resolution graphics capabilities for the IBM Personal Computer PC PC XT PC AT and most IBM compatibles AST 3G AST s third generation graphics product is extremely versatile because it can perform the functions of four different display adapter cards with the AST 3G Plus option AST 3G is compatible with three IBM PC display monitors and equivalents With the AST 3G Plus option you will have the capability to emulate the Hercules Graphics Card HGC and the AST Preview card You will also have far greater compatibility with software designed for use with the IBM Color Graphics Adapter CGA and the IBM Monochrome Display Printer Adapter MDA Basic AST 3G features include e Compatibility with the following three IBM monitors IBM 5151 Monochrome Display MD IBM 5153 Color Display CD IBM 5154 Enhanced Color Display ECD e Compatibility with the IBM Enhanced Graphics Adapter EGA Includes operational characteristics of the IBM CGA and MDA 3 e Can coexist with the MDA HGC AST Preview or the CGA Refer to Section 2 5 e Using EGA capabilities can provide 640 x 350 pixel resolution with use of 16 colors simultaneously from a color palette of 64 different colors 256 KB are required 1 1 Introduction Using CGA capabilities provides 640 x 200 and 320 x 200 pixel resolutions 4 color graphics and 16 color text Using MDA capabilitie
60. rals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception When connecting to a peripheral device a shielded I O cable is required to ensure compliance with FCC rules Instructions to User This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly that is in strict accordance with the manufacturer s instructions may cause interference to radio and television reception It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures e Reorient the receiving antenna e Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver e Move the computer away from the receiver e Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different branch circuits Ensure that board slot covers are in place when no board is installed e Ensure that all brackets are fastened securely to the PC chassis FCC Warning If necessary the user should
61. ration You may need to change the factory configuration described above Check the following subsections for instructions on how to reconfigure particular settings e The SW1 Switch 3 5 1 e The SW2 Emulation Toggle Switch 3 5 2 e SW1 and SW2 Switch Setting Tables 3 5 3 e Changing the Monitor Select Jumper Block 3 5 4 e Configuring the Parallel Port 3 5 5 3 5 1 SW1 Switch A four position switch block SW1 is located on the rear of the AST 3G display adapter The SW1 switch block configuration you select should be based on 1 what type of monitor you have 2 what type of adapter you want the AST 3G to emulate and 3 whether AST 3G is to be the adapter used when you power up your PC or if two adapters are installed the secondary adapter If you wish to change the SW1 switch configuration you can reconfigure the SW1 switch without taking it out of your PC The switch is accessible through the cutout at the back of the PC Your system will always power up in a text mode using the configuration you have selected with the SW1 switch However the application software you run on your system can change the AST 3G configuration to a graphics mode or to another text mode 3 5 2 The SW2 Emulation Toggle Switch The SW2 emulation toggle switch is used with the AST 3G Plus option to enable Hercules Graphics Card HGC or CGA emulation For Hercules or CGA emulation to be invoked at powerup time the SW2 switch must b
62. round 5 Volts 12 Volts The P2 light pen connector is shown in Figure B 1 Placement of the P2 connector on the AST 3G Adapter is shown in Figure 3 2 Note that the light pen interface on the AST 3G is designed to be compatible with the IBM EGA The light pen may not be accurate if CGA software is used p gt Figure B 1 Light Pen Interface Connector B 1 B 2 This page intentionally left blank APPENDIX C PRODUCT REPAIR PROCEDURE If your AST Research product ever requires repair contact your dealer first The dealer from whom you originally purchased the product can usually service the product If you must return a hardware product to the factory for service follow these guidelines to ensure rapid accurate turnaround 1 Call AST Research Technical Support for a Return Authorization Number RAN A technician will discuss the problem with you if factory service is required the technician will give you a Return Authorization Number RAN Always refer to the RAN when you return anything for service AST Research will return anything without a RAN to the sender 2 If the product is covered under an AST Research Warranty There is no charge for parts or labor involved in the repair Please include a copy of your original purchase receipt as the proof of date of purchase for all warranty repairs 3 Ifthe product is not covered under a warranty Contact your dealer or AST Research Technical Support for i
63. s Keeping the adapter level and using even pressure remove the board from the PC system chassis STEP 5 Install the Plus option chip See Figure 6 1 for proper placement of the Plus option chip Follow these guidelines for installing chips e Before handling any chips discharge any static electricity on your body by touching a grouneee surface such as the PC chassis e Chips must be properly oriented when you install them The notch on each chip should be facing away from the AST 3G bracket e fa chip seems to be too wide to fit its socket place it on its side on a flat surface and gently angle it under both thumbs to s ightly bend the legs inward Angle the chip and slightly insert one row of pins then bring the other row down into position and slightly start its pins in the socket Once you have both sides started you can evenly press down on the chip to seat it firmly in its socket 6 2 0 Enhancement Options Memory Upgrade PI bs Plus Option Chip Parallel Port Upgrade Kit Chip m Memory Upgrade Chips Replace aS a c current chips i with upgrade chips AFN Figure 6 1 Placement of Upgrade Kit Chips ATN 6 3 Enhancement Options STEP 6 Install AST 3G in your PC Unless you will be installing the memory upgrade kit or parallel port upgrade kit follow the
64. s provides a 9 x 14 pixel character box for high quality monochrome text Random access memory RAM based loadable character generator capable of generating up to 512 displayable characters with 256 KB for use in any application such as scientific notation and foreign language character sets Supports up to 43 lines of 80 column text 256 KB of on board graphics memory supports up to eight graphics pages in 320 x 200 pixel 16 color mode Designed using advanced VLSI technology for speed reliability and compatibility Provides a standard IBM compatible feature lt connector Includes a standard IBM L light pen interface Has an optional parallel port In addition the AST 3G Plus option provides these features 1 2 Performs the functions of the HGC or the AST Preview adapter Compatible with HGC Preview hardware mode registers Using HGC capabilities the AST 3G Plus option provides 720 x 348 pixel resolution monochrome graphics and a 9 x 14 pixel character box for high quality text characters Requires 256 KB of on board graphics memory Introduction e Compatibility with software designed for the IBM CGA and MDA In addition to EGA BIOS level compatibility the Plus option adds CGA and MDA hardware compatibility mode and color registers Requires 256 KB of on board graphics memory 1 1 Checklist Before getting started check that your AST 3G package includes the foll
65. s not already installed on the inside front panel of the PC for the slot that will hold your AST 3G adapter Figure 3 12 CMM ira oT e V A A m Front panel T C5 Card guide J 1 7 Note that Peet fingers point Lese OT Rae Ms down Figure 3 12 Installing the Plastic Card Guide 3 18 Configuration and Installation STEP 6 Install the AST 3G adapter Line up the AST 3G adapter and position its front bottom corner in the card guide channel Position any wires or ribbon cables so they will pass either beneath or above the installed card and will not be damaged during installation Lower the board until its edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle Using an evenly distributed pressure press the AST 3G adapter straight down until it sits in the expansion slot Figure 3 13 i Tr AST 3G p s D gt J NY u Figure 3 13 Installing the AST 3G Adapter STEP 7 Secure the card to the rear of the PC system chassis Use the Screw you removed from the cutout bracket in STEP 4 STEP 8 Replace PC cover Carefully slide the cover from the front until it stops securely against the rear panel Reinstall the cover mounting screws you removed earlier For the PC AT slide the cover from the front until it stops securely against the rear panel reinstall the cover mounting Screws and press the back panel so that the plastic fastener strips secure it in pl
66. steps given in Section 3 6 for installing your AST 3G Refer to Table 3 3 for information on how to set the Emulation Toggle Switch SW2 to enable HGC emulation and full CGA compatibility Refer to Section 3 7 for instructions on using the EMUL program to enable or disable Plus Option emulation Sections 6 2 and 6 3 provide instructions for installing the other upgrade kits 6 2 Installing the Memory Enhancement Kit Following are instructions for replacing the eight 64 Kb chips on your AST 3G adapter with 256 Kb chips STEP 1 Check that you have eight chips and a jumper plug in your memory upgrade kit You will need a flathead screwdriver or nut driver to remove the PC system cover and install the memory chips You can also use a chip puller to remove the existing memory chips STEP 2 Remove the PC or PC AT cover Instructions ior doing this are included in STEP 1 of Section 3 6 STEP 3 Remove ribbon cable if present This step only applies if you already have a parallel port installed on your AST 3G Remove the parallel port ribbon cable connected to the AST 3G Be sure to note its orientation for later reference when you reinstall it STEP 4 Remove AST 3G from your PC Use a nut driver or a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the AST 3G bracket to the back of the PC chassis Keeping the adapter level and using even pressure remove the board from the PC system chassis 6 4 Enhancement Options ST
67. steps needed to configure your AST 3G and install it in a PC PC XT or PC AT Section 3 1 provides a quick installation procedure to install your AST 3G in its default factory configuration More detailed configuration and installation procedures follow in the rest of Section 3 3 1 Quick Installation Procedure This procedure is based on using your AST 3G display adapter in the factory default configuration It assumes the following Your PC has the new Read Only Memory Basic Input Output System ROM BIOS module for PCs manufactured after April 1983 You have an Enhanced Color Display ECD e You wish to use your AST 3G as an Enhanced Graphics Adapter EGA and AST 3G will be the adapter used when you power up your PC e You do not have a parallel port on your AST 3G If you wish to use AST 3G in a different configuration or if you need more detailed installation instructions go to Section 3 2 STEP 1 Remove the PC PC XT or PC AT cover For the PC and PC XT remove the cover mounting screws and slide off the cover Figure 3 7 For the PC AT unlock the key lock at the front of the PC AT by turning the key counterclockwise Remove the back panel remove cover mounting screws then slide the cover toward the front until it comes off Figure 3 8 Configuration and Installation STEP 2 If you have a PC or PC XT set the system board switch block SW1 positions 5 and 6 to ON Figure 3 9 STEP 3 Select an op
68. t Red Light Magenta Yellow White Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 10 Color Text Attributes Test Intensified 5 13 Diagnostics Figure 5 11 shows the available character set in a 40 column wide screen Each character is 8 pixels wide by 8 pixels high TEST C2 8 x 8 CHARACTER SET 40 COLUMNS KCN UNT ade ti PEE NEE UN Giie ddaas Pee T1 AAE at s Te E ies HAO RE dp erit No Lif Press lt gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 11 Color Character Set Test 40 Column Format 0 Diagnostics Figure 5 12 shows the available character set in an 80 column wide screen Each character is 8 pixels wide by 8 pixels high TEST C3 8 x 8 CHARACTER SET 80 COLUMNS n ee MQ NUWISTIWAYIN abcdef ghi jklunopars tust j Vue dda 4 eee Aarau et aiodni eir IN o RI miN Press lt qd gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit Figure 5 12 Color Character Set Test 80 Column Format 5 15 Diagnostics Figure 5 13 shows the memory pages test There should be four pages when 64 KB are available and eight pages when 256 KB are available You can traverse through the pages by pressing the space bar The background of the screen is made up of the number of the page from 1 to 8 TEST C4 DISPLAY 8 MEMORY PAGES 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111
69. the background colors can be either intensified or blinking To switch from blinking to intensified press the Space bar TEST C1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND COLORS TEXT COLORS Black text Black background Blue Blue Green Green Cyan Cyan Red Red Magenta Magenta Brown Brown Gray Gray Dark Gray Blinking Blue Light Blue Blinking Green Light Green Blinking Cyan Light Cyan Blinking Red Light Red Blinking Magenta Light Magenta Blinking Brown Yellow Blinking Gray White Press lt l gt for next test lt ESC gt to quit lt SPACE gt to toggle blink intensify Figure 5 9 Color Text Attributes Test Blinking 5 12 0 Diagnostics Figure 5 10 shows the color text attributes test This test displays text and background using 16 different colors Each field is labeled with the name of the color that is meant to appear there The sixteen text colors are shown on the right and the 16 background colors are shown on the left The second half of the background colors can be either intensified or blinking To switch from intensified to blinking press the Space bar TEST C1 TEXT ATTRIBUTES BACKGROUND COLORS Black text Blue Green Cyan Red Magenta Brown Gray Dark Gray Light Blue f Light Green Light Cyan Light Red Light Magenta Yellow White TEXT COLORS Black background Blue Green Cyan Red Magenta Brown Gray Dark Gray Light Blue Light Green Light Cyan Ligh

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