DCS Interface Kit  (250-4081A)  Installation/Setup     Faxback Doc. # 5496

This manual explains how to install your interface board into your Tandy
computer, and how your computer operates with the installed board. The
interface board contains the circuitry necessary to allow your computer to
work with the Disk Cartridge System.

A utilities diskette is provided with the interface board. This diskette
contains the software programs that optimize the performance of the DOS
operating system with the DCS.

Proper use of the interface board requires proper installation and care of
the DCS. We recommend that your Tandy dealer install the interface kit, but
if you follow the installation and operating details described in your
manuals, you should find the DCS and its software easy to use. However,
these manuals do no replace the manuals provided with your computer. You
should be familiar with the operation of your computer system and have a
good understanding of common DOS commands. You should also know the
appropriate system manual to refer to for DOS information.

If you have any problems with of questions about the proper setup and use
of the DCS and interface board, contact your authorized Tandy dealer. He
has access to technical information and qualified personnel to help you.
Also, check with your dealer from time to time for updated or revised
operating information.

You should clean the cartridge disk drive read/write heads after every 50
hours (or approximately one month) of use. clean the heads more often if you
operate your system in a dusty environment or if your are experiencing
frequent drive or disk errors. The cleaning procedures are printed on the
insert in the cleaning care kit, available from your Tandy dealer.

CAUTION: Immediate head cleaning is recommended if you are experiencing
abnormal drive or disk performance. Continued operation with a dirty DCS
read/write head or a defective or worn disk cartridge could cause cartridge
or system damage.

INSTALLATION

The Tandy SETUP program is provided to help you install the software and
hardware necessary to operate the Disk Cartridge System (DCS) with your
Tandy computer.

NOTE: DOS 3.2 is recommended when running the DCS and utilities.

CAUTION: If you turn the Disk Cartridge System power on before allowing
adjustment to room temperature, the cooling fan will force room air through
the system, causing condensation. If the system  is operated while
condensation exists in the drives, the disk cartridges could be severely
damaged and the read/write head inside the drive could become clogged. The
result could be immediate disk failure or severely shortened cartridge life.

TANDY SETUP

SETUP installs the software necessary to run the DCS. The software
installation includes two parts. First, the necessary software driver
program is copied to your boot disk along with the Tandy DCS utilities
(if you choose to copy them). Second, SETUP modifies or creates a CONFIG.SYS
file on your boot disk.

If your current boot disk contains a CONFIG.SYS file, an unchanged copy of
the current file is placed on your boot disk with the name CONFIG.BAK. If
your boot disk does not contain a CONFIG.SYS file, SETUP creates one on your
current boot disk containing the following lines.

              DEVICE = TANDY.SYS
              BUFFERS = 4

SETUP adds the same lines to an existing CONFIG.SYS file, but does not
change the buffer count if it is already contained in the file.

After the software is installed on your boot disk, SETUP helps you to set
up your DCS and its interface board. Your local Radio Shack/Tandy Computer
Center should install the interface board. If you choose to install the
board yourself, instructions are given here and in the SETUP program.

Once the interface board is installed and the DCS is set up, you can rerun
SETUP to format the disks you plan to use with your DCS. Make sure you're 
familiar with the disk handling and drive operating procedures in the DCS 
Owner's Manual.

INTERFACE BOARD INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

The only tools you need to install your interface board are screwdrivers to 
remove the cover from your computer and install the interface board.

Make sure the switches and jumpers on the interface board are set according
to the information in SETUP. For more information about the interface board
switch and jumper settings, refer to Chapter 5.

REMOVE THE COMPUTER COVER

1. Turn the power switch to off, unplug all the power cords from electrical
   outlets, and disconnect all cables from the system unit. Remove the
   display monitor from the system unit.

2. Using a screwdriver, turn the cover mounting screws counterclockwise to 
   remove them from the back of the system unit. Set the screws safely
   aside.

3. Remove the computer cover by sliding it forward, tilting it upward, and 
   removing it from the base.

NOTE: If you have problems removing the cover, refer to the installation and
setup procedures in your computer manual.

INSERT THE INTERFACE BOARD AND REPLACE THE COMPUTER COVER

The interface board will operate in any of the expansion slots in your Tandy
computer. Figure 1-3 show the rear panel of a Tandy 3000 HD with ten
available expansion slots.

TO INSTALL YOUR INTERFACE BOARD:

1. Select one available expansion slot.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the cover plate of the 
   selected expansion slot, and remove the plate.

NOTE: Save the screw; you'll need to re-insert it later.

3. Holding the interface board firmly, press its board edge connector into
   the connector of the selected expansion slot.

4. Align the hole in the retaining bracket of the interface board with that
   in the system's rear panel. Use the screwdriver to replace the expansion
   slot screw.

5. Replace the computer cover by reversing the procedures described in this
   installation procedure.

6. Replace and tighten the cover mounting screws by turning them clockwise.

7. Replace the display monitor and reconnect all cables (such as the display
   and keyboard cables).

CONNECT THE DCS TO THE SYSTEM UNIT

SETUP will help you verify that your DCS drives are operating correctly. If
you haven't run SETUP, do so before you connect your DCS to the interface
board. After you have run SETUP and setup your DCS, you will be ready to
connect the DCS to your system unit.

* Make sure that the DCS and the system unit are turned OFF before
  connecting any cables.

* Attach the male end of the connector cable to the DCS and the female end
  to the interface board connector on the system unit.

* Tighten the cables by turning the screws clockwise with the screwdriver.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the mounting hardware, engage the mounting 
screws prior to seating the cable. As you tighten the screws (alternate 
between them so the cable goes into the connector straight), the connector 
will seat firmly in the correct position.

* Make sure the DCS power is turned OFF. Connect both the system and DCS
  power cables to the properly grounded (3-prong in the U.S.) outlets.

* Turn ON the power switches to both the DCS and the computer system unit.

Once the interface board is installed in your computer re-run SETUP. the 
program will check your installation and allow you to format the disks you 
will be using with your Disk Cartridge System.

See the Quick Setup foldout card included with this manual for software 
installation instructions before going on to Chapter 2.

(dkh/jej-05/12/94)