============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0323E 03-25-91 ============================================================================= AST-5250 SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY The following information is to assist in proper utilization of AST 5250 products and software: ASYNC AST IBM PC DIAL-UP CLUSTER GATEWAY FT/11-A SUPPORT/PCFSU 5251/11+ 1.0, 1.03 N/A N/A N/A N/A PCFSU: S/34-8 with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 1.12 N/A N/A N/A 1.10-1.12 PCFSU: S/34-8 (S/34/36) with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 1.12 N/A N/A N/A 1.20-1.21 PCFSU: S/34-8 (S/38) with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 2.0, 2.01, 3.2 3.2 N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 36 2.03, 2.04 (L.L.) with ASTROUTR (S/34-8) PCFSU: S/34-8 PC/SPPT 38 NOT SUPPORTED 3.0, 3.01 3.3 3.3 N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (L.L.) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.02 3.3 3.3 N/A 1.27 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (L.L.) (S/38) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.10 4.11 4.11 N/A 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (AST) (AST) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.13.* 4.11* 4.11* 4.13* 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 (2/34-8) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.21 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.22*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 3.23 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 5251/12 1.0,1A,2.1, N/A N/A N/A SSI's ETU N/A 3.3 3.50,3.53/4 N/A N/A N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 36 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 PC/SPPT 38 NOT SUPPORTED 4.0* 4.11* 4.11* 4.13* 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.13 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.21*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 4.30 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 5251/11ENH+ 4.01* 4.11* 4.11* ** 1.30* PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.15 4.14 4.14 4.13 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.21 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.22*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.23 4.23 4.23 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 4.30 4.23 4.23 4.21 1.33 PC/SPPT S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED AS/400 PC SPPT Not Not Not Not Supported by Sup- Sup- Sup- Sup- ASTWNAH.EXE ported ported ported ported LEGEND: N/A = Not Applicable S/3X = IBM System 34, 36 or 38 L.L. = Laguna Labs * = Version Listed or Greater ** = If IBM's Token Ring Network is used, AST5250 Gateway software maintenance release version 4.12.37 or 4.14 must be used *** = Supports IBM AS/400 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0428B 04-04-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/286 AND 386 THIRD FLOPPY SUPPORT The following summarizes installation considerations for a third floppy device in AST Premium Computers: PREMIUM/286 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS PREMIUM/286 systems equipped with part number 202143-003 or 202143-004 system boards include embedded diskette drive controller circuitry that allows support for a third floppy device. The third floppy is connected to the 34 pin connector on the system board with an additional floppy drive controller cable (AST part number 220085-001). The cable is attached to the third floppy device and the 34 pin connector J20 on the system board. PREMIUM/386 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS All PREMIUM/386 system boards are built with embedded third floppy diskette control circuitry. The same cable (AST part number 220085-001) is required to install the third floppy device. This cable connects to the P4 connector on the 386 system board. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Because the third floppy device is not directly recognized by the system BIOS, two device drivers, DRIVER.SYS and ASTDSK.DRV, must be inserted into the CONFIG.SYS file. DRIVER.SYS is provided with MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3 and ASTDSK.DRV is provided on the AST Utilities diskette shipped with all PREMIUM systems. DOS VERSIONS AST recommends and supports the use of AST MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3. For best results, users of earlier DOS versions should upgrade to Version 3.3 Release 1.3. Contact your local AST Service Center for additional information. INSTALLATION The AST Utilities Diskette provides menu-driven automatic installation of the third floppy device drivers into the CONFIG.SYS file. The following are the configuration commands for each of the possible hardware combinations. The commands listed below are supported under DOS Version 3.2 and 3.3 unless otherwise noted: For 360 KB drive (5.25-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 0 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:0 For 720 KB drive (3.5-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 2 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:2 For 1.2 MB drive (5.25-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 1 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:1 /S:15 For 1.44 MB drive (3.5-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 3 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:7 /S:18 (use /F:3 for DOS 3.2) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0429B 01-02-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/386 AND 386C DIAGNOSTICS AND UTILITIES This bulletin contains reference charts which summarizes the contents of diagnostics and utility software for the PREMIUM/386 and PREMIUM/386C. TABLE OF CONTENTS +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | | CHART | | DESCRIPTION | NO. | |-------------------------------------------------+---------| | | | | PREM/386 AND 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST | 5 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST | 4 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST | 3 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST | 2 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST | 1 | | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ CHART #5 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C | | WITH AST BIOS ver 2.3 OR ABOVE | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |*P/N 910340-001 | 5.0 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.46 | | | | ASTMENU1.EXE | 1.50 | | | | ASTMENU2.COM | 1.40 | | | | ASTMENU3.EXE | 1.63 | | | | ASTMENU.MEN | 1.81 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.12 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.41 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.41 | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 4.08 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.01 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 3.22 | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.61 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 2.01 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.20 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.72 | +----------------------------------------------+ *This bootable diskette uses the AST Boot Loader Program and does not contain any MS-DOS system files. CHART #4 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C | | WITH AST BIOS ver 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2 | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |P/N 910340-001 | 4.1 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.43 | | | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.38 | | | | ASTMENU.MEN | 1.44 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 | | | | ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.32 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.67 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.40 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.00 | | | | ASTSERV.SYS | 1.00 | | | | ASTTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 2.00 | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.70 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.15 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | +----------------------------------------------+ CHART #3 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3, 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2 | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |P/N 910266-001 | 4.0 | 386TEST.EXE | 2.00 | | | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.19 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.27 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.60 | | | | PARK.COM | 1.00 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |* P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the Premium/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). CHART #2 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 ONLY | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |* P/N 910241-001 | 3.4 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.20 | | 910241-002 | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 | | | | ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.50 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |**P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * Premium/386 Utility Release 3.4 resides on two 360KB diskettes and includes the following AST MS-DOS files: COMMAND.COM COUNTRY.SYS FDISK.COM FORMAT.COM KEYBOARD.SYS MODE.COM SELECT.COM XCOPY.EXE ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). CHART #1 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 only | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |* P/N 910241-001 | 3.3 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.10 | | 910241-002 | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 | | | | ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.40 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |**P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * Premium/386 Utility Release 3.3 resides on two 360KB diskettes and includes the following AST MS-DOS files: COMMAND.COM COUNTRY.SYS FDISK.COM FORMAT.COM KEYBOARD.SYS MODE.COM SELECT.COM XCOPY.EXE ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0435B 10-06-92 ============================================================================= TURBOLASER PRINT QUALITY PROBLEM: Inconsistency of print quality occurring on various models of the AST TurboLaser printer. Some printers produce output with shadowing or ghosting around characters and graphic drawings. SOLUTION: AST has recently qualified an additional toner manufacturer and recommends that those customer experiencing the ghosting and or shadowing problem, change to the new toner as soon as convenient. The toner is manufactured by the Pelikan Corporation in accordance with AST's specifications. This toner should be purchased from Corporate Support Technologies. To order call: Corporate Support Technologies 1-800-422-3792 (part number 500600-049) Kit A/Toner ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0457A 02-21-90 ============================================================================= AST-3270/FTS-C FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Product Marketing has reviewed all of the open issues relating to this product. They have made the decision that the following issues will not be resolved. This product has been discontinued by AST. No further enhancements will be made to this product. These issues are: - User cannot upload files to a TSO host properly. If the customer tries to upload information to an existing partitioned data set and a non- existing member, he receives the error message "UNABLE TO TERMINATE INPUT MODE". If neither the data set nor the corresponding member exist on the host, the file transfer will work for the first member only. (PR#A32006) - User cannot transmit more than one file to the host during a file transfer session. The first file transfers okay, but after entering the second file name, the error message from the host "IKJ56712I- INVALID KEYWORD, LISTDS IKJ560703A-RE-ENTER" is displayed. The file transfer software displays the message "Unable to open dataset". (PR#A32007) - With FTS-C version 1.31, user is reporting intermittent problems when attempting to upload files of greater than 64K in size. The host is an IBM 4381 running CMS under VM/SP release 5. When FTS-C attempts to close the uploaded file, the error message "NON-RECOVERABLE HOST ERROR, FTS ABORTED" is displayed. (PR#A32011) - When attempting file transfer on an MVS/XA TSO/ACF2 host, the error message "Unable to list TSO profile" message is received when the file upload is commenced. (PR#A32012) - When performing file uploads to the host, user says that FTS-C sends screens of data faster than the host can process them. The software does wait for an acknowledgement from the host that the first screen was received, but does not wait to send ensuing screens of data. The host is operating under MVS/XA TSO. (PR#A32013) - When using FTS-C software with a mainframe configured with TSO/E version 3.0, downloading of files does not occur correctly. Parts of records are either truncated or missing altogether. Problem occurs with files of larger than 10K in size. (PR#A32008) - "Unrecoverable host errors" occur on a host operating under VM release 5 with a multi-session manager called "VTERM" installed. Errors occur at end of file transfer session as files are being downloaded. (PR#A32014) - Packed record formats are not supported with FTS-C. When the software encounters the LRECL parameter value of "1024" (for packed files) the error message "record length greater than 255" is generated. (PR#A32015) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0499A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST-5250 ASYNC DIAL-UP FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5250 Async Dial-up product (part number 500307-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The user is sharing one session between the master and slave systems. This device is also used as a sub-console. When a change is made to the screen of the slave, such as a change of menu, the screen takes about 30 seconds to completely refresh on the slave. (PR#A46011) - A job sent from the IBM System/36 to a printer attached to an Async Dial-up slave may appear to operate very slowly. The printer will print two lines, pause, then print two more lines. The Async Dial-up product is however, operating as designed. (PR#A46015) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0500E 11-14-90 ============================================================================= AST-5251/11 ENHANCED FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5251/11 Enhanced product (part number 500417-XXX). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - An application from IBM for use on the IBM AS/400, called "AS/400 OFFICE", will not operate when used on a terminal which is configured using the Enhanced emulation software. When the program is loaded, data on the screen is garbled. (PR#A45129) - The 5251/11 Enhanced board does not function correctly when installed in a system with an Orchid "Tiny Turbo" card. The 5251/11 software reports various errors such as "Internal stack overflow" and "Unidentified error". (PR#A45059) - The user is printing a job sent from the System 36 to a printer attached to the PC which is emulating an IBM system printer. If during the job the printer is powered down, upon re-starting the printer the rest of the printed data is unintelligible. (PR#A45092) - The utility ASTKBD.EXE may corrupt the AST5251.KBD data file, if changes are made to the keyboard configuration and the changes are written over the existing AST5251.KBD file. (PR#A45081) - The Enhanced card does not appear to operate correctly when installed on a line with the IBM 3197 terminal. If the Enhanced card is the last device on the line, and the IBM 3197 terminals in front of it are operating then the system with the Enhanced card in it may lock up. (PR#A45101) - The 5251/11 Enhanced product does not operate in a Toshiba 5100 PC. The user gets a blank sign-on screen with "SA" highlighted. The emulation does not work at any system speed. (PR#A45036) - The keyboard mapping of the 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly on the Wyse Models 2200 and 2214. The keypad, cursor arrow keys, and right "control" key do not operate as they are supposed to. (PR#A45057) - Emulation does not function correctly in the Commodore PC-10 compatible computer. System locks up when more than one error message is received from the System 34. (PR#A45063) - The 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly in the DTK XT-clone system. It may be necessary to disable the PC's clock to allow emulation to operate. (PR#A45113) - With 11/Enhanced board operating in a Unisys PC with a Persyst CGA adapter, there is more than the normal amount of "snow" on the emulation screen. The "no snow" option in the configuration program does not have any affect on the problem. (PR#A45118) - The 5251/11 Enhanced software does not support the Keytronics 122-key keyboard. The right hand "Control" key and the PC "Enter key" issue the same scan code in DOS. For this reason these two keys cannot be mapped to different functions by the AST emulation software. (PR#A45116) - When running emulation program in EGA mode, all screen attributes that should appear as yellow on the screen actually appear as a shade of brown. (PR#A45168) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0513F 11-15-90 ============================================================================= AST-5251/11 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5251/11 product (part number 500222-XXX). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The user is attempting to use virtual print, to print a DisplayWrite 4 document. When trying to print to a 5219 printer, bold character codes are being interpreted as blank spaces. (PR#A00147) - User has 5251/11 cards in IBM XT's and XT clones. User has found that after signing on the System 38, the systems with these cards will randomly lock up. Removing the hard disk and controller seems to resolve the problem. (PR#A00154) - User has a VGA display adapter installed in conjunction with the 5251/11 card. During a cold boot of the system, the 5251/11 KERNEL program fails to load, with an error code "5". However, during a warm boot KERNEL successfully loads. (PR#A00181) - The use of the Hewlett Packard LaserJet II is not fully supported with the 5251/11 software. This means that the LaserJet II cannot be used to emulate all functions of a true IBM System 3X printer when attached to a PC running the AST emulation program. (PR#A00188) - The 5251/11 adapter does not operate in a Magitronics 12MHz AT clone. When emulation software is executed, only a blank sign-on screen appears. The "SA" is not highlighted in the status area, and the cursor remains in the upper left-hand corner. (PR#A00185) - 5251/11 does not support Epson LQ850 and LQ1050 printers because Vertical Motion Index units of n/60 are not recognized by the emulation software. (PR#A00192) - Under 5251/11 emulation, a Hewlett Packard LaserJet II printer is configured as an IBM 5224 Model 1 printer. When printing any system 36 application, one or more blank pages (depending on the application) are ejected after every form feed, which is not normal operation for this type of printer. (PR#A00171 and PR#A00196) - The 5251/11 emulation is installed in an "AT" type system which has Award 3.03 BIOS. When loading the emulation software, an error code "2" or "3" is generated, and software cannot be executed. (PR#A00189) - Displaywrite/36 documents do not print correctly through 5251/11 emulation. The PC printer emulating a host printer does not recognize the right margins of the Displaywrite/36 document. Also, when printing a legal (8.5 by 14 inch) document, the PC printer does a form feed at 11 inches. (PR#A00150) - The "End" (number 122) key on a 122-key keyboard will not remap to another function in "shifted" or "caps lock" mode. The same key can be remapped to another function in "lower case" mode. (PR#A00194) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0547A 03-22-90 ============================================================================= 5250 FILE TRANSFER ON THE IBM AS/400 These requirements must be met before using AST 5250 File Transfer software on the IBM AS/400: - The AS/400 library named QSYS38 provides the functions needed for the System/38 environment. This library must be present and added to a user's library list before using the AST 5250 file transfer software. Without these functions the software will fail to initialize and generate function check errors. - A period occurring in the name of a file which is to be either uploaded to or downloaded from the AS/400 will cause the following error to occur: ERROR 30 S/3X FILE(S) NOT FOUND Remove any periods found in file names before attempting to transfer on the AS/400. It should be noted that periods are allowed in files transferred on the IBM System/36. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0550A 03-06-90 ============================================================================= AST-3270 COAX II-CUT FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 3270 COAX II-CUT product (part number 500564-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - Coax II board fails to operate in a Zenith model Z286LP. When attempting to execute the loader software the user receives shared memory errors. (PR#A60016) - The use of the PA3 function is not supported by the CoaxII-CUT software. (PR#A60020) - A video adapter manufactured by Metheus, model number VGA1104, interferes with the operation of COAX II-CUT. When attempting to load the CUT emulation software, the message "IRMA Mode I/O Address (0220-022FH) Conflict" is generated. The COAX CUT program then aborts. (PR#A60039) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0552A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST-3270 COAXII-CUT FTS-II FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the COAXII FTS-II product. They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - User has DOS/VSE/CICS installed on host and is running "VSE/SP Intelligent Workstation Support" facility. When attempting a file transfer, the error message "INW0007I ERROR IN HOST TRANSFER FILE - TRANSFER TERMINATED" is generated. The "Intelligent Workstation Support" facility is not supported with COAXII-CUT software or FTS-II. (PR#B41002) - When downloading files which have record lengths of 80 characters, the FTS-II software will either duplicate or omit some of the records at random places in the file. The host system where this occurs is running under VM/CMS Release 4. (PR#B41010) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0553A 04-26-90 ============================================================================= AST-3780 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issue relating to the AST-3780 product (part number 500113-001). They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for this product. This issue is as follows: - Records of data are duplicated when using the "P" command with CMDP mode. After several repetitions of this action the file is received intact. (PR#A01056) - The 3780 IP program is not supported in an IBM Token Ring network environment. The error message generated is "NET805": DEVICE NO LONGER EXISTS DRIVE XX. Other systems on the network are no longer able to access this system after IP is invoked. (PR#A01081) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0559A 02-21-90 ============================================================================= SCO XENIX AND CONNER CP-344 DRIVES When installing SCO Xenix on AST computers using Conner CP-344 embedded 40MB hard drives, drive type 17 Translate Mode must be used. AST computers using Conner CP-344 hard drives are shipped in Native Mode as drive type 23. AST identifies Conner CP-344 drives by attaching a label next to the AST part number, 230092-040, that reads, "23C". Prior to installing any version of SCO Xenix, the drive type in AST Set-up should be changed to 17. Please refer to your AST's User's Manual for information on changing your computer's set-up. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0573A 04-19-90 ============================================================================= 5251/12 AND SYSTEM 34 SESSION PARAMETERS With Version 4.22 and below of AST-5251/12 emulation software, some System/34 session parameters may be deleted after running a procedure. When signing on to a subsequent session with the same workstation ID, the following parameters will have been deleted (zeroed): LIBRARY SYSLIST DEVICE FORMS LINES PER PAGE The KERNEL.EXE program can be patched to ensure that this does not happen. The patch outlined in this document uses NORTON UTILITIES, but can be modified to fit other debugging programs. To alter KERNEL.EXE using NORTON UTILITIES do the following: 1. Enter the NORTON UTILITIES program. From the "Main Menu" choose EXPLORE DISK. From "Menu 1" choose the appropriate item. 2. From "Menu 1.1" change directory or drive designation as necessary to make sure that KERNEL.EXE (found on disk 1 of the emulation software) is available to the program. Next, choose the FILE option "Menu 1.1.3" and highlight KERNEL.EXE. 3. Return to "Menu 1" and take the SEARCH option, then from "Menu 1.4" choose TEXT TO SEARCH. The next screen has two fields. Tab to the HEX field and enter the hex string "B9 0B 00". Return to the previous menu and choose START SEARCH. The program will display a message that the string has been found. 4. Move the cursor over the hex digits "0B" and type in "09" over them and press . A screen will appear with choices of action to take. Choose WRITE CHANGE TO DISK. 5. When this operation is complete, repeat Step 3, with the exception of the hex data to enter. This time, the string to enter is "B9 68 0B". 6. After the text is found, move the cursor over the "0B" and type in "09" over the top of these digits. Repeat the process of saving the new data to disk. 7. Press to return to the "Main Menu" and exit NORTON UTILITIES. Be sure to copy the "patched" KERNEL.EXE to the working directory or disk to be used when running emulation. 8. Enter Model 12 emulation and verify that the changes have the correct affect. To alter KERNEL.EXE using the MS-DOS DEBUG program, do the following: 1. Make sure the DEBUG program is available, then type the following: COPY KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.FIX {copy the kernel} DEBUG KERNEL.FIX {make sure DEBUG is available} -S 0 FFFE B9 0B 00 {search for the opcodes} xxxx:yyyy {location of opcodes from DEBUG} -E xxxx:yyyy {enter editing mode} xxxx:yyyy B9. 0B.09{change 0B to 09 only} -S 0 FFFE B9 68 0B {search for next string} aaaa:zzzz {DEBUG prints address on screen} -E aaaa:zzzz {edit address supplied in previous step} aaaa:zzzz B9. 68. {change 0B to 09} 0B.09 -W {write the changes out to disk} -Q {quit the debugger} 2. If you would like to save a copy of the original kernel, type: REN KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.OLD REN KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE If you do not want to save a copy of the original kernel, type: COPY KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE DEL KERNEL.FIX These changes should be performed only with those copies of 5251/12 emulation that connect to the System/34. They should never be made to any copy of 5251/12 that normally connects to a System/36 or System/38. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0599 01-15-90 ============================================================================= AST PRODUCTS AND NOVELL NETWARE/386 The following items should be considered prior to installing Novell Netware/386: 1. The AST 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II display adapters are not compatible with Netware/386. A different video card should be used, (such as the AST VGA or VGA PLUS). Since the 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II are no longer manufactured, no fixes are planned for this problem. 2. When installing Netware/386 on an AST Premium/386C, the motherboard must be equipped with the -007 or above keyboard controller chip. This chip is socketed at location U103 on the motherboard and is identified with AST part number 107210-007. If this chip has a part number of 107210-005 or below, Netware/386 will not run. To obtain the correct keyboard controller chip revision, it is necessary to install an AST Premium/386-386C BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST P/N 500702-001. Contact your nearest AST Authorized Service Center for additional information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0600 01-16-90 ============================================================================= 486/25 SETUP: COPROCESSOR INSTALLATION The description of screen number two of the ASTSETUP program in the 486/25 User's manual (p/n 001054-001 A) is different than the actual screen as it appears when ASTSETUP is run. On page 3-10 of the manual, there are two fields described relating to installation of a math coprocessor. One field is labeled "Math Coprocessor", the other "Math Coprocessor Type". However, on screen number two of the setup utility (release 1.00 of the 486/25 BIOS, p/n's 107000-690A and -691A) there is only one field present. It is labeled "Math Coprocessor Type". This field will only display one of two entries - "None" and "Weitek" (for the Weitek 4167). The 486/25 will automatically sense that a Weitek coprocessor is installed, and display accordingly, otherwise the field will read "None". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0601 01-19-90 ============================================================================= REMOVAL OF NON-DOS PARTITIONS FROM AT EMBEDDED DRIVES Because AST does not recommended using HDFORMAT (the low level formatting program supplied with AST computers) on AST-supplied AT Embedded hard drives, the removal of non-DOS partitions created on these drives can be accomplished using either of the following methods: 1. Remove the partition using the utilities supplied with the non-DOS operating system that installed the partition in the first place. 2. Remove the partition with a low-level format using a hard disk utilities program, such as On Track's "Disk Manager". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0602A 02-26-90 ============================================================================= XFORMER/286 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES AST EPM Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issues regarding the Xformer/286 (part number 202204-XXX). They have determined that AST will not attempt to establish the cause of the incompatibilities. These issues are: - A conflict exists between the AST Rampage/286 card and an SMC Arcnet PC250 card when the two are installed together in the Xformer/286. The system intermittently re-boots when a DOS command is entered from the keyboard. (PR#B33016) - The Xformer/286 intermittently loses setup information stored in CMOS. (PR#B33020) - After a "warm boot" the and arrow keys (on an enhanced keyboard) perform the function of changing system speed. This function is normally performed by using the - key sequence in conjunction with either the or keys. (PR#B33028) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0603A 02-27-90 ============================================================================= INSTALLING AST 3G PRODUCTS WITH OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION To insure compatibility with AST OS/2 Extended Edition 1.10, the AST 3G Plus (part number 202104-XXX) must have BIOS revision level "F" or above installed. The BIOS chip is located at U29. The revision level can be read directly from the label on the BIOS chip. Likewise, the AST 3G Plus II adapter (part number 202161-XXX) must have BIOS revision "D" or above installed. The BIOS chip on the 3G Plus II is located at U10. In addition, Hercules emulation must be disabled for both of the above video adapters when used with OS/2 Extended Edition. Hercules emulation generates non-maskable interrupts which conflict with OS/2 initialization. Consult the respective 3G adapter User's manual for the method of disabling Hercules emulation. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0604 01-29-90 ============================================================================= AST DOS 3.3 AND IBM PC SUPPORT INSTALL UTILITY The IBM AS/400 PC Support Install utility Release 1.02 Level 00 does not work on a PC which uses MS-DOS instead of PC-DOS. The following is a method that may be used to install the AS/400 PC Support software on an MS-DOS system that has an AT-style bus and uses the IBM 5250 Enhanced Adapter card. If using an Enhanced AST-5251/11, Enhanced AST-5251/11 Plus or Enhanced AST- 5251/11A Plus Adapter card, use the AST Twinax Adapter Handler for AS/400 PC Support and its documentation. This method assumes that the user is using two 360k diskettes on which to install the PC Support system. If the user is using a hard disk or diskettes with higher capacity, all of the files may be put on the single disk in a single subdirectory. 1. FORMAT THE DISKS: Format the first working disk and install the operating system on it. Label the disk AS/400 PC SUPPORT, FIRST WORKING DISK. An example of the command to use for formatting: format a: /s Format the second disk without the operating system. Label the disk AS/400 PC SUPPORT, SECOND WORKING DISK. An example of the command to use for formatting: format a: Copy COMMAND.COM onto the second disk root directory. 2. CREATE CONFIG.SYS: Using a text editor such as edlin, create a CONFIG.SYS file in the root directory on the first working disk which contains the following lines: device=\pcs\eimpcs.sys device=\pcs\ecyddx.sys device=\pcs\fsdd.sys files=15 3. CREATE PCS SUBDIRECTORY: On each working disk, create a PCS subdirectory using the command: mkdir \PCS 4. CREATE CONFIG.PCS: This file is used by the PC Support system to get information on the "name" of the PC, the "name" of the host AS/400 and the station address that should be used to communicate to the AS/400. The CONFIG.PCS file should be created with a text editor and placed in the PCS subdirectory of the second working disk. Typical contents are: RTYP 5250 RTLN APPN.Pcname EMLI Hostname,2 Pcname is the name of the PC you are using. Each PC connected to the AS/400 via PC Support should have a different name. Hostname is the name that was given to the host AS/400 when setting up the system. The number 2 indicates station address 2 is to be used to connect to the AS/400. This number ranges from 0 to 6 and should be unique for each station on a single twinax cable. 5. CREATE PCS.BAT FILE: This batch file is used to start the AS/400 PC Support system. Using a text editor create a pcs.bat file on the second working disk in the root directory which contains the following lines: [d:]* \PCS\E5250AH [d:]* \PCS\STARTRTR \PCS\CONFIG.PCS [d:]* \PCS\FSPC ASSIGN I: QIWSFLR I:PCSUPDT I:\ \PCS I:STARTMSG \PCS\CONFIG.PCS I:VPRT I:WSF /T IF ERRORLEVEL 20 GOTO DONE IF NOT ERRORLEVEL 10 GOTO WORKSTRT I:STARTWSF 1 :WORKSTRT I:PCO \PCS\CONFIG.PCS :DONE * Drive letter should designate drive where PCS subdirectory exists. This batch file may be customized to start only those features of PC Support that are desired. 6. COPY THE FILES FROM THE IBM DISTRIBUTION DISKS TO WORKING DISKS: Copy the files from the IBM Distribution Disks to the subdirectory \PCS on the working disks using the DOS copy command. For example: copy a:eimpcs.sys b:\pcs\eimpcs.sys From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 1 subdirectory \PCS copy: EIMPCS.SYS ECYDDX.SYS FSDD.SYS From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy: E5250AH.COM FSPC.EXE FSPC.HLP XXRTRS.MRI From IBM Distribution Disk 2 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy: STARTRTR.EXE E5250RTR.EXE STOPRTR.EXE 7. REBOOT USING FIRST WORKING DISK: Insert the first working disk in drive A and reboot your computer. 8. START PC SUPPORT: Insert the second working disk in the default drive or set the default drive to the drive which contains the second working disk. Type PCS to invoke the PCS.BAT batch file and start PC Support. Steps 7 and 8 may now be repeated to run AS/400 PC Support at future times. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0605 01-29-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM SYSTEMS AND LOGITECH MODULA 2/86 AST Premium/386 systems lock-up when running programs compiled from Logitech Modula 2/86 software. This problem has been resolved by Logitech in the form of a patch to the Modula 2/86 software. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Logitech to obtain this fix. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0606 01-29-90 ============================================================================= AST MS-DOS AND IOMEGA BERNOULLI BOX There have been reported problems when booting from an Iomega Bernoulli Box installed in an AST Premium computer and running MS-DOS. "Bad Command.Com Command Interpreter" error is reported when attempting to boot from the Bernoulli Box and using an Iomega PC2 adapter. This problem does not occur when using PC-DOS. The problem is caused by the Iomega Bernoulli Box's incompatibility with MS- DOS. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Iomega for assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0607 01-29-90 ============================================================================= ASTCACHE AND 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVES Premium computer users may encounter a "write protection error" message when reading or writing to 720K or 1.44MB 3.5" floppy drives when using the ASTCACHE program. To correct this problem, use any of the following workarounds: 1. Disable advanced support for floppy writes either by adding the /D- parameter, or change the /D+ to /D-, to the ASTCACHE line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 2. Enable Auto-slowdown. 3. Don't cache the 1.44MB floppy, using the /-B option, (assuming drive B is the 1.44MB drive, if drive A use the /-A parameter), on the ASTCACHE line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. For more detailed information, consult the AST Premium Utility Software User's Manual. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0608A 02-26-90 ============================================================================= ASTEMM.SYS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL 2.1 The device driver ASTEMM.SYS is included with the utilities of the Advantage/2-386 (part number 910248-031). It allows extended memory on the board to be configured as expanded memory in an 80386 based system. Microsoft Excel version 2.1 has the capability to utilize expanded memory. Excel, however, will not recognize memory allocated as expanded memory by certain versions of ASTEMM.SYS. To give Excel version 2.1 the use of expanded memory which is allocated by ASTEMM.SYS, version 4.06 or above of ASTEMM.SYS must be used. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0609A 02-01-90 ============================================================================= REMM.SYS VERSION 4.50 The following incompatibilities and hardware conflicts can be resolved through the use of REMM.SYS version 4.50 (or later): - The application "SAS" (version 6.03), which is a statistical package, cannot access expanded memory. - A conflict between REMM.SYS and a NEC GB-1 video adapter. Data errors occur while REMM.SYS is initializing memory if both are installed in the system. - In a system which has a Hercules Plus card installed, WordPerfect does not work correctly when REMM.SYS is present. The symptom exhibited is that there is no cursor present on the screen when WordPerfect is executed. - A word processing program from SAMNA does not operate when REMM.SYS is installed. The system locks up as the word processor is executed. - With a Video Seven "VRAM" VGA adapter installed in the system, REMM.SYS would generate the error message "NO Logical Memory Pages Found", then abort. NOTE: The Video Seven adapter runs in 16 bit mode, so the parameter "/M=5F" should be added to the REMM.SYS command line in the CONFIG.SYS file. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0610 02-07-90 ============================================================================= SERIAL PORT PARITY ERRORS Under certain circumstances, the serial ports on some Premium computers may exhibit parity errors during serial data transmission. The problem manifests itself as a bad parity bit when transmitting data with 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit and Even Parity. The problem is caused by an anomaly in the Zymos 16C451 and 16C452 Dual UART serial controller chips that were once used on some Premium motherboards. Users experiencing this problem can resolve the problem in either of the following ways: 1. Change the data transmission parameters from; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Even Parity, to; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit No Parity. 2. Contact your AST Authorized Service Center and arrange for the replacement of the system's motherboard. ASSEMBLIES AFFECTED: Chip Identification: Chips can be identified by observing the soldered-in chips at the following locations. These chips will be labeled either, "ZYMOS 16C451" or "ZYMOS 16C452". AST DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER CHIP LOCATION PCB Premium Motherboard 202273-00X U104 PCB Premium Motherboard 202356-00X U104 PCB WS 386SX Motherboard 202276-00X U123 PCB Bravo 386SX Motherboard 202343-00X U9 PCB Bravo 286 Motherboard 202286-00X U6 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0611 02-08-90 ============================================================================= WORKSTATION/286 WITH NETWORTH ETHERNEXT CARD The EtherNext LAN adapter (16-bit) from NetWorth may not operate in a Premium Workstation/286 running at 10 MHz. Observable symptoms will be a failure to gain access to a Novell-based network from the EtherNext based Workstation. The symptoms are not present when the Workstation/286 is operating at 6 MHz. According to NetWorth, there is a component on the adapter that must be replaced in order for the adapter to function at the Workstation's 10 MHz speed. If the above symptoms are being experienced, it is recommended that NetWorth be contacted directly to obtain the latest revision of the EtherNext adapter. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0612 02-14-90 ============================================================================= WORKSTATION/286 AND PROTEON PRONET 10 CARDS The following items, when installed simultaneously in the Workstation/286, will cause the system to hang: - a Proteon ProNet 10 Model P1303 network adapter, - Novell software version 2.15, and - REMM.SYS (all versions) The system hangs when accessing applications over the network. To resolve the above problem, new drivers from Proteon are required. The correct version to use with the P1303 adapter in this situation is 4.03. To obtain the correct version of the drivers, contact Proteon directly. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0613A 04-19-90 ============================================================================= FASTBOARD 486/25 UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS When upgrading any AST "CUPID" series Premium computer with a FASTboard 486/25 Upgrade Kit, it is necessary to verify that the correct kit is used and that the system's components meet the requirements listed below. 1. UPGRADE KITS Follow the table below to identify which FASTboard 486/25 Upgrade Kit is required to upgrade your machine. +--------------------------------------------------------+ |PRODUCT KIT REQUIRED PART NUMBER| |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386SX/16 FASTboard 386SX-486/25 500744-006 | |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386/25 FASTboard 386-25/486-25 500744-002 | |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386/33 FASTboard 386-33/486-25 500744-003 | +--------------------------------------------------------+ 2. SYSTEM BOARD Locate the part number on the front of the system board below the slot connectors. You can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the system board matches the part numbers shown in the following table: +-------------------------------------+ | PRODUCT PART NUMBER REVISION | |-------------------------------------| | 386SX/16 202273-003 F or above | | 202356-001 F or above | | 202356-004 D or above | |-------------------------------------| | 386/25 202273-001 N or above | | 202356-002 D or above | | 202356-004 D or above | |-------------------------------------| | 386/33 202273-002 J or above | | 202356-003 D or above | | 202356-004 D or above | +-------------------------------------+ 3. MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD Locate the part number on the front of the memory expansion board. You can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the memory expansion board matches the part numbers shown in the following table: +-------------------------------------+ | PRODUCT PART NUMBER REVISION | |-------------------------------------| | ALL 202275-004 A or above | | 202275-006 A or above | +-------------------------------------+ If your system does not contain the necessary components, contact your nearest AST Authorized Reseller or Service Center. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0614 03-02-90 ============================================================================= PREVIEW I/O PARALLEL PORT ADDRESS CORRECTIONS The Preview I/O Manual (000437-001) states that jumper E9 should be used to set the board to LPT3 (I/O address 278h with another parallel port set at 3BCh). The E9 jumper is actually I/O address 378h (LPT1 or LPT2) and E10 is I/O address 278h (LPT2 or LPT3). The affected pages are 2-10 and A-5. DEBUG WITH E8 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-BC 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 DEBUG WITH E9 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 DEBUG WITH E10 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 02 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0615 03-02-90 ============================================================================= CONFIGURING FLOPPY DRIVES FOR AST SYSTEMS To insure proper installation of a floppy drive into an AST computer system, make sure the following conditions are met. The AST diskette drive specification calls for "frame" ground to be connected to "logic" ground. On many floppy drives this is accomplished by the correct placement of a jumper on the drive's control electronics printed circuit board. Refer to the instructions included with the drive to verify correct placement of the grounding jumper. In addition, the grounding strap from the power supply should be attached to the drive's metal frame during installation. It should be noted that it may be necessary to move the ground strap from it's normal position on the Premium computer's chassis to a position where the ground connection on the floppy drive frame can be accessed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0616 03-07-90 ============================================================================= AST 3780 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issue relating to AST 3780 (part number 500113-001). They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for this product. This issue is as follows: - Neither mode of 3780 - IP.EXE nor CMDP.EXE - will operate in the OS/2 operating system's DOS compatibility window. The system locks up when the 3780 software tries to access the communications line. This product is not meant to work under any version of OS/2. (PR#A01052) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0617 03-14-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/286 AND KEYTRONICS 3270 KEYBOARD "Bad or Missing Keyboard" errors may occur when using a Keytronics 3270 Keyboard with some AST Premium/286 computers. This problem does not occur on systems equipped with AST BIOS v2.0 or above. To obtain the correct version of AST BIOS, contact an AST Authorized Service Center and order an AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number 500529-001. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0618 03-14-90 ============================================================================= FASTBOARD 386 AND MICROSOFT WORKS 2.0 Random system lock-ups may occur when running Microsoft Works version 2.0 on Premium/286 systems with PHOENIX BIOS and equipped with a Fastboard 386. This problem occurs only when running Works version 2.0, earlier versions do not exhibit this problem. This problem can be corrected by upgrading the Premium/286 to AST BIOS version 2.0 or above. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact an AST Authorized Service Center to obtain an AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number 500529-001. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0619 03-20-90 ============================================================================= RUNNING COMPATIBILITY TESTS ON THE VGA PLUS The IBM VGA standard supports two methods of addressing monochrome and color displays: - The VGA included on PS/2 systems allows software to address both monochrome and color monitors at the same time with no restrictions (colors in monochrome appear as shades of gray). - The VGA adapter for AT type systems allows software to address either color monitors or monochrome monitors, but not both. The AST VGA Plus adapter is compatible with the VGA standard for the IBM AT adapter. This means that software used with the VGA Plus will only address a color display in color mode or a monochrome display in monochrome mode. Switching between display modes is accomplished through the use of the ASTVGA.EXE utility included with the VGA Plus utilities. The adapter, by design, will not pass diagnostics written to test VGA monochrome modes while the adapter is in VGA color mode. In particular, tests from "PC Magazine" issue commands which are meant to test a PS/2 type adapter and will fail on an adapter which follows the IBM AT adapter standard. This is normal operation for any VGA adapter which follows the IBM AT VGA adapter standard. Some compatibility tests may also fail because of a hardware conflict. The IBM AT VGA adapter supports the use of hardware interrupt IRQ2. However, the AST VGA Plus adapter does not. The VGA Plus will fail tests such as one from "PC Tech Journal" (test 13) which attempts to use IRQ2. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0620 03-27-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX WITH TIARA LAN ADAPTERS A Bravo/386SX may not function as a network workstation if a 16 bit LAN adapter from Tiara (part number 0500671-100) is installed. Running Novell Netware 386 version 3.0, the message "File Server Not Found" is generated when access to a server is attempted. It has been verified that the problem lies with a component on the Tiara LAN adapter, and not with the Bravo/386SX. Tiara will update any LAN adapters (having the part number mentioned above) which exhibit problems in the Bravo/386SX. Tiara can be contacted directly for assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0621 04-04-90 ============================================================================= WD7000-ASC SCSI CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33 Problems have been reported when attempting to boot AST Premium 386/25 systems using the Western Digital WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card. Western Digital has informed AST that the problem is caused by an incompatibility that exists between the WD7000-ASC card and all systems that utilize "fast", (25MHz and 33MHz) microprocessors. To resolve the problem, Western Digital plans a future release of a modified version of the WD7000-ASC card. User's of AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33 computers experiencing problems running the WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card should contact Western Digital Technical Support for further assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0622 04-12-90 ============================================================================= SOFTWARE TOOLWORKS PROGRAMS AND PREMIUM COMPUTERS Problems have been reported when attempting to install Chessmaster 2100, Gin King/Cribbage King and Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor from the Software Toolworks company on AST Premium computers. The problem is caused by a conflict between Software Toolworks' installation program and the Premium computer's Shadow Ram feature. The Shadow Ram feature determines whether or not the system BIOS is copied to and executed from 32-bit RAM rather than 16-bit ROM during system processing. To resolve problems encountered during installation of Software Toolworks' programs, disable the Premium computer's Shadow Ram feature before starting the program's installation procedure. After completing installation, the Shadow Ram feature may be enabled because the conflict occurs during installation only and does not occur when running the program. The User's Manual supplied with each AST computer provides complete information on the Shadow Ram option. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0623A 02-08-91 ============================================================================== COMPUTONE INTELEPORT 8 CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33 In order for Computone Inteleport Advantage 8 Multiport Cards to function correctly with the AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33 computers, the following items are required: 1. Obtain a software patch from Computone for the Inteleport Advantage 8 card for use with the Premium 386/25 and 386/33. - Version 4.58 for SCO UNIX - Version 4.54 for SCO XENIX Computone will provide this patch on request to customers who call (404) 475-2725. 2. In addition to the Computone patch, the 16th megabyte memory caching feature on the Premium 386/25 and 386/33 must be disabled. Use ASTSETUP to disable this feature prior to installing the patch from Computone. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0624 04-16-90 ============================================================================= IBM OS/2 1.1, ESDI DRIVES AND PREMIUM 386C COMPUTERS In order to install IBM OS/2 v1.1 on AST Premium 386C computers with an ESDI hard drive and controller, the Premium 386C must be configured with the Auto-Slowdown feature disabled and the system processing speed set to high. Before installing IBM OS/2 v1.1 on the Premium 386C, use ASTSETUP to verify that these items are set as described above. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0625A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST 5250 GATEWAY COMPATIBILITY ISSUES Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issues relating to the AST 5250 Gateway product (part number 500399-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The Gateway software will not function correctly when used on a DCA 10 Net LAN. The master and one slave will operate as a Gateway master and slave. However, when a third node on the LAN tries to access one of these two (e.g., a workstation accessing a server), then all three systems lock up, requiring a cold boot of all the systems. (PR#A41040) - Under Novell Netware version 2.12 software, IBM Token Ring boards exhibit failures while running Gateway emulation. Any of the slaves on the gateway will intermittently lock up or lose communication to the master PC. (PR#A41044) - When running under Gateway emulation, a print job sent to a printer attached to a server using the Novell "CAPTURE" command does not print correctly. Print data is shifted 3 or 4 columns in from the left margin. (PR#A41051) - Under a configuration where the slaves are communicating with the master remotely via G-Remote Bridge (from Gateway Communications), the response time for communication between slaves and master is very slow. (PR#A41052) - The 5250 Gateway does not support an environment which uses IBM Token Ring cards running with Novell Netware 286 (all versions). When operating under this type of environment, the slaves will lose communication with the Gateway master, and require a reset to continue the session. (PR#A41023) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0626 05-02-90 ============================================================================= CONFIGURING AST 5251/11 ENHANCED AS A 3196 TERMINAL The 3196-2 type terminal, selectable in the AST 5251/11 enhanced configuration file, reflects a model A1 terminal on the host. (PR#A45169) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0627 05/31/90 ============================================================================= INCOMPATIBLE DRAMS FOR RAMPAGEPLUS/286 Memory errors in a system which can be attributed to a RampagePlus/286 (part number 202349-001) being present may actually be caused by the use of certain manufacturers DRAM chips on the SIMMS present on the board. SIMMS which are used to upgrade memory on the RampagePlus/286 have AST part numbers 202279-002, 202280-002, and 202320-002. The DRAM chips which are incompatible with the RampagePlus/286 are manufactured by Motorola and Toshiba. The memory chips are of the 256KX4 type (three IC's present on the SIMMS). If memory errors or system lock-ups are being experienced, remove all SIMMS containing these DRAM chips and substitute with other SIMMS. Other manufacturers DRAM chips approved for the RampagePlus/286 are: Mitsubishi M5M44256AP-10 NEC UPD4242556C-10 OKI MSM514256-10RS TI TMS44C256-10N ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0628 06-29-90 ============================================================================= USE OF ASTEMM.SYS WITH SUPERCALC 5 The application SuperCalc 5 has the ability to access expanded memory. However, SuperCalc 5 will have problems accessing emulated expanded memory created by certain versions of the driver ASTEMM.SYS. ASTEMM.SYS version 4.08 (or above) must be used to allow SuperCalc 5 to function properly. Earlier versions of ASTEMM.SYS cannot be guaranteed to perform satisfactorily with this application.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0629 06-27-90 ============================================================================= AUTOSENSING OPERATION OF THE VGA PLUS When the AST VGA Plus (part number 202262-003) is configured to operate in 16 bit mode (switch position "two" = ON) the entire memory address range from C0000h to DFFFFh is in 16 bit mode for all system memory accesses. This is due to the design of the IBM AT standard I/O bus. This means that an 8 bit adapter which is configured to reside in this region will not be recognized by the system. Version 3.0 of the VGA Plus BIOS (part numbers 107000-682 and 107000-683) has the ability to detect the standard IBM ROM signature "AA 55". If, when the system is being initialized, the VGA BIOS detects this signature anywhere in the 128K range where it resides, the VGA Plus will switch back to eight bit operation to avoid conflicts. The BIOS cannot detect the presence of RAM (e.g., shared memory) on an adapter, however. In order for adapters which have this type of memory (e.g., IBM Token Ring II adapters) to be configured to operate in this address range, the VGA Plus has to be manually switched back to 8 bit operation (switch position "two" = OFF) to avoid conflicts.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0630 07-01-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO 386SX/DEC DEPCA CARD Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Depca card will not boot locally or perform a remote boot when installed in an AST Bravo 386SX. The AST Bravo 386SX passes post test. The Depca card will pass its self test. The system will lock up after all drives are initialized. This problem has been resolved by DEC in a new release of the Depca board hardware revision H3 and firmware version D1. Customers reporting this issue should be referred to contact DEC's Product Support.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0631 07-06-90 ============================================================================= AST-TURBOSCAN COMPATIBILITY ISSUE AST Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issue regarding the TURBOSCAN. They have determined that AST will not attempt to establish the cause of this incompatibility. This issue is: - Printing from Eyestar Plus version 2.04 to an AST Turbolaser/PS, only "Normal View" window is printed. Suggest using Microtech's latest software.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0632 08-13-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND VERSACAD 386 When executing a warm boot immediately after exiting the Versacad 386 program on a Premium 386SX/16 with ASTVGA.EXE installed, the color graphic functions appear to be lost. A cold boot is then required to correct the problem. The problem is resolved by adding the following two command lines to the system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file: ASTVGA color ASTVGA lock Note: If using the ASTCACHE utility, the ASTVGA command lines must be issued before the ASTCACHE.COM line is executed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0633 08-15-90 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS/DIGITAL RESEARCH FlexOS V2.2 Running FlexOS V2.2 with several windows open simultaneously may cause the hard disk to lock up. The Digital Research FlexOS operating system cannot handle fast hard drives. The hard drives that exhibit the failure are Miniscribe (model 8051A 40MB) and Conner (model CP 3044 40MB) when used with the following computers: Bravo 286 Bravo 386SX Premium 286 Premium 386/25 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0634 08-23-90 ============================================================================= AST SHADOW BIOS MEMORY ADDRESSES The following information provides two methods of determining which memory range is used to shadow the system and video BIOS on AST computers equipped with the Shadow feature. In addition to copying the system BIOS, AST Shadow BIOS also has the option of copying the video BIOS. However, the video adapter must be an AST VGA adapter or on-board VGA. The memory range used to shadow the BIOS is based on the CPU type and system architecture. The memory locations on earlier Premium systems differ from those currently manufactured. To determine which memory locations are used by Shadow BIOS, it is necessary to identify the system's CPU type either by the part number of the processor board or using the DOS DEBUG program. Listed below are the steps to identify the CPU using DEBUG and which memory locations that system uses for Shadow BIOS. Also included are processor board part numbers as an alternative to running the DEBUG program. DEBUG At the DOS prompt, type: DEBUG and press the key. is a prompt to press the "enter" key. At the DEBUG prompt "-", type lines 1 and 2. Line 1. -OE0 7 Line 2. -IE1 Line 3. -nn Note: The number displayed on the third line identifies the CPU type. If this value is a number between 12 and 18, Shadow BIOS uses the memory locations shown in Method #2. Any other value identifies the use of memory locations shown in Method #1. Enter Line 4 to leave DEBUG. Line 4. -q METHOD #1 When this method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF. However, when the system BIOS is shadowed, the E0000-EFFFF range is also reserved whether the video BIOS is shadowed or not. If the video BIOS is shadowed it resides in a 32KB block at E0000-E7FFF and the remaining 32KB of that block is reserved. Block Reserved Area Size Decimal Hex Address Between 640 - 1MB +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+ | 64 KB 960 KB |+++F0000++++| SYSTEM BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 896 KB |+++E0000++++| VIDEO BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 832 KB | D0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 768 KB | C0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 704 KB | B0000 | | +------------------ |------------| | 640 KB | A0000 | | |------------| -----------------+ | 09FFF | | | |Base Memory | | | | 00000 | +------------+ The following AST computers use this method for Shadow BIOS: - All Premium 386 and Premium 386C Systems. - Premium 386SX/16 Systems with a 202337-001 Processor Board. - Premium 386/25 Systems with a 202274-001 Processor Board. - Premium 386/33 Systems with a 202347-002 Processor Board. METHOD #2 The following method is used on all remaining AST computers. When this method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF, the video BIOS is shadowed in a 32KB block at C0000-C7FFF. Block Reserved Area Size Decimal Hex Address Between 640 - 1MB +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+ | 64 KB 960 KB |+++F0000++++| SYSTEM BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 896 KB | E0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 832 KB | D0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 32 KB 800 KB | C8000 | | | |תתתתתתתתתתתת| | | 32 KB 768 KB |+++C0000++++| VIDEO BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 704 KB | B0000 | | +------------------ |------------| | 640 KB | A0000 | | |------------| -----------------+ | 09FFF | | | |Base Memory | | | | 00000 | +------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0635 09-17-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386C SYSTEMS WITH PHILLIPS CD ROM PLAYER Running "Construction Antenna Base", from National Institute of Building Sciences, with the Phillips CD ROM Player may exhibit RUNTIME ERROR R6003. The failure occurs with the following computers: Premium/386 Premium/386C AST Marketing has made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for the above products. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0636 10-02-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 486/25 - NOVELL AND IBM TOKEN RING CARDS Problems have been reported with IBM Token Ring Adapter cards (full length, 8 bit) and Premium 486/25 systems with cache enabled when loading Novell's IPX.COM. The Token Ring Adapter card fails initialization when executing the IPX.COM file. The cause of the problem has been isolated to a software timing loop that executes too fast for the Token Ring Adapter board to complete its initialization before the driver times out and produces the error message. The cause of the problem is the IBM Token Ring Adapters inability to initialize fast enough on high performance systems such as the Premium 486/25. The following options are available to customers experiencing the above problem: 1. Disable and enable the cache using AST's SPEED.COM program prior to executing IPX.COM by entering the following commands (in the order they appear) at the DOS prompt: > SPEED CACHE=DISABLE > IPX.COM > NETx > SPEED CACHE=ENABLE 2. An alternate solution is to update the IBM Token Ring card to a short card (IBM part number 25f98XX) or a 16/4 (IBM part number 25f73XX) card. Customer should contact their IBM Dealer for information regarding these cards. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0637 10-04-90 ============================================================================= AST COMPUTERS AND EVEREX TAPE DRIVES When installing an Everex EV-811 tape backup with a QIC-02 tape controller in an AST computer that uses an IDE interface controller, customers will experience random lockups at different times during tape back operations. Everex has confirmed that this problem is caused by a chip which is located on the QIC-02 tape controller at location U10. A Signetics or Texas Instruments chip must be used for the tape unit to function properly with an IDE interface controller. Anyone experiencing this problem should contact Everex Product Support directly and refer to "ECO 4188". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0638 10-10-90 ============================================================================= VGA PLUS AND WESTERN DIGITAL ETHERCARD PLUS The Western Digital EtherCard PLUS 16 bit network adapter may not operate reliably in a system where an AST VGA Plus adapter (AST part number 202262-002) is also installed (and operating in 16 bit mode). Some versions of the Novell Netware driver supplied with the EtherCard PLUS cannot operate in a memory address area being accessed in 16 bit mode. This is the situation that occurs when the VGA Plus is configured for 16 bit operation. For the EtherCard PLUS to operate in this environment, the network driver supplied by Western Digital must be version 3.08A (or higher). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0639 10-25-90 ============================================================================= SMC ARCNET AND 5251/11-A ENHANCED When the SMC Micro-channel Arcnet card (PS110) and the AST 5251/11-A Enhanced boards are installed in an IBM PS-2 model 60, and if the IPX.COM driver was loaded, the KERNEL.EXE will fail with a "PC/Twinax memory test error". The cause of this problem is due to IPX.COM using an area in memory which the KERNEL.EXE is trying to use. To resolve this problem, load the programs in the following order: 1. KERNEL.EXE 2. IPX.COM 3. APS.EXE ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0640 11-05-90 ============================================================================= MULTIPLE IPX VERSIONS AND 5250 GATEWAY When linking multiple file servers and operating systems, (particularly Novell), the following problems may occur when trying to link workstations to a gateway: - Error message "unable to find master gateway". - With sessions connected, "hang-up" or loss of connection to the gateway may occur. The problems are caused by the various versions of IPX that use different methods of addressing nodes and sending data packets. There are significant differences between IPX versions 2.XX and 3.XX. To optimize performance and reliability, common versions of IPX must be used on all nodes. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0641 11-08-90 ============================================================================= NEW 386SX/16 PROCESSOR BOARD The following information summarizes a compatibility problem with the new 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) and Cupid motherboards. This new board replaces the original 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202337-001) and will be shipped with the Cupid enhanced motherboard in all Premium 386SX/16 systems. PROBLEM: The new 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) is not compatible with common Cupid motherboards using BIOS v1.01. System lock-ups occur when attempting to change the processor speed. The problem occurs when using either the keyboard method or the SPEED.COM program. Lock-ups also occur during the processor speed change test when running the confidence tests. RESOLUTION: In order to resolve the problem, a BIOS upgrade (from version 1.10 to 1.20) on the Cupid motherboard is necessary. This can be accomplished by using a Cupid BIOS upgrade kit (part number 500775-001). Listed below are the part numbers for the motherboards which require BIOS upgrades: 202356-001 rev F 202273-001 rev N 202356-002 rev D 202273-002 rev J 202356-003 rev D 202273-003 rev F 202356-004 rev D ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0642 11-12-90 ============================================================================= VGA MODES SUPPORTED ON AST VGA PRODUCTS VGA is defined by IBM as a set of display modes up to and including 640 x 480 resolution in 16 colors. "Super" VGA is a super set of VGA, defined by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA) to be 800 x 600 resolution, 16 colors. Other display modes are also called "Super" VGA or "Extended Mode" VGA, depending on the manufacturer of the VGA hardware. These modes do not fall under the above definition of "Super" VGA, even though they are sometimes referred to as such. AST VGA products (VGA Plus adapter and embedded VGA) support Super VGA as defined in the first paragraph above, plus other high resolution modes. The following table summarizes the resolutions and color combinations supported with AST VGA products: +---------------------------------+ | Embedded VGA | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------| | Resolution | Color | VGA Plus | CUPID Enh. | Prem II | Bravo II | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 480 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 800 x 600 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 1024 x 768 | 16 | No | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 320 x 200 | 256 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 400 | 256 | Yes | Yes | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 480 | 256* | Yes | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 800 x 600 | 256 | No | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 1024 x 768 | 256 | No | No | No | No | +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ * Requires 256K upgrade ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0643 11-06-90 ============================================================================= RAMPAGEPLUS/286 AND ZENITH COMPUTERS The RampagePlus/286 (both part numbers 202247-XXX and 202349-XXX) does not operate reliably when installed in Zenith 80286-based computer systems. Parity errors are generated by memory installed on the Rampage board, either at the time of system boot up, or during the running of an application. This incompatibility exists as a result of the method by which the Zenith system performs memory addressing. The Zenith implementation of memory read/write cycles does not allow enough time for data from the Rampage memory to be stable, thus the parity errors. Any hardware change made to the RampagePlus/286 to resolve this incompatibility would prevent the board from operating in AST, IBM or IBM- compatible systems. Therefore, Zenith should be contacted directly for a resolution. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0644 11-12-90 ============================================================================= AST COMPUTERS AND CHECKIT V3.0 SOFTWARE CHECKIT software is a diagnostic test program used to test the hardware of MS-DOS compatible personal computers. In addition to testing hardware components, CHECKIT provides configuration information, memory usage and performance evaluations and benchmark comparisons. AST has tested and verified reliable operation of CHECKIT version 3.0 diagnostic software from Touchstone Software Company on the AST Premium computers listed below. CHECKIT successfully completed all hardware testing in stand alone test mode on these systems. +------------------------------------------------------+ | SYSTEM | BIOS | VERSION | |-----------------------+------------------+-----------| | Premium 286 | Phoenix | 3.02 | | Premium 286 | AST | 2.00 | | Premium 386SX/16 | CUPID | 1.10 | | Premium 386SX/16 | CUPID Enhanced | 1.01 | | Premium 386C | AST | 1.30 | | Premium 386/25 | AST 386/25 | 1.20 | | Premium 486/25 | CUPID | 1.10 | | Premium 486/25 | CUPID Enhanced | 1.01 | | Premium 486/25T | TOWER | 1.00 | | Premium II 386SX/20 | Premium II | 1.00 | +------------------------------------------------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0645 11-13-90 ============================================================================= NOVELL NETBIOS ISSUES Customers using our gateway products are experiencing the following problems: - Stations are intermittently locking up (especially when utilization increases). - Error occurs: "failed to initialize master gateway" upon linking to master gateway. Novell has indicated that end-users may experience these or similar problems with all revisions of their v2.15 NETBIOS. All customers that are having related problems should upgrade their NETBIOS version to v3.01. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0646 11-15-90 ============================================================================= TAPE DRIVE MOUNTING PROBLEMS Installation problems have been reported using AST external drive mounting brackets (part number 200434-001) and certain tape drives in early Tower systems. The problem is caused by a mechanical alignment incompatibility between these brackets and TechMar, Cipher Wangtek (model 5150E) and Archive (model 2150S) tape drives. AST has resolved this problem with a new design of external mounting brackets (part number 200582-001), which are now shipped with all Premium computers housed in the Tower chassis. In addition, these brackets are shipped with computers housed in the mid-size chassis (i.e., Premium II and Bravo 486). Users of AST Premium Computers experiencing problems, when installing any of the above tape drives in AST Premium systems that require external drive mounting brackets, should contact an AST Service Center or AST Product Support to obtain new brackets. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0647 10-11-90 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM/386C WITH 16 MEGABYTES AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with the AST Premium/386C will not be fixed. This issue is: - The AST Premium/386C does not correctly count memory to 16 MBs, when conventional memory is set to 640 KB. The system will only count to 14,848KB. (PR#B29151) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0648 10-23-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/286 WITH 3270 EMULATION SOFTWARE Some keyboard keys will not function correctly when running IBM or Attachmate 3270 emulation software on AST Bravo/286 with NMB keyboard (AST part number 230098-XXX). This issue is resolved by a new keyboard controller (AST part number 107210-008), located at U7 on all Bravo/286 motherboards. This new keyboard controller is available as a BIOS upgrade kit (AST part number 500740-001). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0649 11-14-90 ============================================================================= WINDOWS 3.0 INSTALLATION INFORMATION In order of priority, here are the things recommended when checking for an unidentified problem: 1. Check the table below for obvious problems. 2. Try renaming CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. Reboot to see if problem persists. If problem goes away, restore original CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT, then identify conflicting driver/TSR by process of elimination. 3. Try removing all non-AST peripherals, drives, memory, bus cards, etc. If problem goes away, restore system and identify problem by process of elimination. Common Installation Problems and Fixes: +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Problem Category | Symptom | Solution | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |VGA BIOS |Enters graphics display |VGA BIOS must be version | | |mode with blank screen. |3.0 or later. | | |Windows 3.0 is still run- | | | |ning or system may hang. | | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |Install as AST |Windows hangs system when |Select "AST" as computer | |brand system. |video caching is ON. |type during install. | | | |This will add line | |(Only required | |"EMMEXCLUDE=E000-EFFF" | |for some Cupid | |to Windows SYSTEM.INI | |systems.) | |file. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |Fastboard/386 |Windows install puts |Edit CONFIG.SYS and en- | | |HIMEM.SYS as first driver |sure FBMON.SYS is first | | |in CONFIG.SYS. This dis- |device. | | |ables the Fastboard. | | | |Windows cannot run in 386 | | | |enhanced mode. | | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |ASTCACHE |System hangs periodically.|ASTCACHE is not Windows | | | |3.0 compatible. Remove | |(to be upgraded) | |ASTCACHE and replace with| | | |SMARTDRIVE. The Windows | | | |3.0 installation program | | | |will attempt to install | | | |SMARTDRIVE. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |ASTEMM |Depending upon system con-|ASTEMM is not Windows 3.0| | |figuration and ASTEMM |compatible. Windows 3.0 | |(to be upgraded) |installation parameters: |can provide its own LIM | | |1. System hangs periodi- |4.0 memory management if | | | cally. |in 386 enhanced mode. | | |2. Windows 3.0 will not |Otherwise, use Microsoft | | | install. |EMM386.SYS or compatible | | |3. Windows 3.0 will only |third party memory | | | run in real mode. |manager. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS mouse driver |Cursor does not display |Windows 3.0 does not need| |missing. |in DOS applications. |a mouse driver in | | | |CONFIG.SYS, but DOS ap- | | | |plications running under | | | |Windows 3.0 does. Install| | | |mouse driver before run- | | | |ning Windows. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS mouse driver |Cursor does not display |Some older version mouse | |incompatible. |in Windows or DOS appli- |drivers are incompatible | | |cations. System hangs |with protected mode. | | |intermittently. |Replace with Windows 3.0 | | | |compatible driver. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |EISA SCSI |Unknown. |Windows 3.0 swap file may| | | |not be located on SCSI | | | |drive. Run SWAP.EXE to | | | |relocate file to non-SCSI| | | |drive. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS program will |Various. |1. DOS programs cannot be| |not run under | | multitasked except in | |Windows. | | 386 enhanced mode. | | | |2. Some DOS programs em- | | | | ploy incompatible mem-| | | | ory management, or | | | | DOS-extender, schemes.| | | |3. Try creating a PIF | | | | file. | | | |4. Some programs will not| | | | run under Windows 3.0.| +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0650 11-26-90 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM WORKSTATION/286 MEMORY AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with the AST Premium WorkStation/286 will not be fixed. This issue is: - Programs such as Sleuth and Check-it will not identify extended memory on the Premium WorkStation/286 even though the size of extended memory is specified within set-up under the system's extended memory field. (PR#B37041) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0651 12-03-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX - SEAGATE 157A Bravo/386SX systems which have the AST part number 500801-XXX may have Seagate ST-157A hard drives installed. The AST part number for this drive is 230119-001. These drives are 40MB IDE type drives, which are configured as drive type "17" in the Bravo's CMOS setup. The following items are important for proper operation of the system but are not documented by AST: 1. These drives are configured to operate as the main hard drive in a system. They are not to be configured, and will not operate as a "slave" to another hard drive which is installed as a "master" in this system. 2. There is a jumper block on the control PCB labeled "J2". It is located at the left rear of the board when viewing the drive from it's front panel. It is comprised of three pairs of 2-pin headers labeled "1" through "6". For use in this system the pair labeled "1" and "2" must have a jumper installed. This configures the drive for a single drive system. Also, the pair labeled "5" and "6" must have a jumper installed. This enables the "external LED", sending the drive activity signal to the front panel of the Bravo/386SX. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0652 12-11-90 ============================================================================= STARTEC BALUN HUB WITH AST5251/11 EMULATION The following problems have been reported using Startec Balun Hub devices with all AST5251/11 emulation cards: - Intermittent dropping of sessions. - Inability to get a sign-on screen when connecting to the Balun Hub. Startec has made modifications to resolve these problems, incorporating the changes at serial number 37000 and above. Customers with hub devices below serial number 37000 should contact Startec at (508) 393-9393. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0653 12-14-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/486 CONFIDENCE TEST Corruption of the display occurs during the execution of the Confidence test ASTTEST.EXE. This test is included with the Bravo Utilities (AST part number 910402-XXX). During the portion of the test called "System Board Test", random characters are displayed on the screen, distorting informational text regarding the test. This occurs due to an incompatibility between the system BIOS and version of utilities in use. When version "X1" of the Bravo utilities is used on a system with version 1.01 (or later) of the BIOS (AST part numbers 230807-001 and -002) installed, the above symptoms will appear. Use revision "A" (or later) of the utilities with this BIOS version. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0654 12-21-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386/16 WITH MATH CO-PROCESSOR Erratic operation may occur when using a math co-processor in the Premium 386/16. This condition was first observed when running AutoCAD Release 9 and 10. The system may lock up when running software that uses the math co- processor after the system has warmed up (anywhere from immediately to 30 minutes). The failure is encountered consistently after re-booting until the system has been shut off and allowed to cool down. The cause of the problem is a contention with the 87BUSY* signal from the math co-processor. The contention situation is eliminated by lifting or cutting pin 16 on the chip at location U34 on the Premium 386/16 processor board (AST Part Number 202323-001). Denoted after the part number is a revision letter (i.e., 202323-001C). Use the following list to determine the appropriate action to be taken: Revision Action C or earlier You should return the board to AST for modification. D Modification may be performed by an AST Authorized Service Center. E or later Modification has already been implemented, and no action is required. WARNING: This operation is meant to be performed on Premium 386/16 processor boards only (AST Part Number 202323-001), NOT on Premium 386SX/16 or 386SX/20 processor boards. All modifications should be performed by an AST Authorized Service Center. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0655A 02-04-91 ============================================================================== AST MS OS/2 VERSION 1.2 AND MONOCHROME VIDEO ADAPTERS When installing AST MS OS/2 Version 1.2, the menu will display "MONOCHROME/PRINTER ADAPTER." To select this option, the user must have an EGA monochrome, CGA or VGA adapter. User will experience a blank screen if a standard monochrome adapter is installed. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0656A 02-04-91 ============================================================================== CATAMOUNT ATC-16 TAPE CONTROLLER AND CUPID SYSTEMS WITH CHIPS & TECHNOLOGY CHIP SET Slow and unreliable DMA transfers (resulting in data errors or system lock ups) may be experienced with the following configuration: - Catamount ATC-16 tape controller revision B. - Catamount software release 3.2 revision F. - Cupid motherboard (AST part number 202356-004 Revison A and above) with "Chips and Technology" chip set (location U85, part number 82C206.) Catamount is not compatible with "Chips and Technology" chip set. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0657 01/17/91 ============================================================================= PC SUPPORT VERSION 2.0 Customers have experienced problems when trying to run PC Support version 2.0 (AS/400) running under DOS version 4.X. While running the ASTPCS.BAT file to initiate PC Support, the following errors may occur: 5118 5042 To resolve this problem customers should check the AS/400 for the device description. If the device description is the default, "5251 model 11", this must be changed to "5150 model 1". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0658 01-21-91 ============================================================================= VGA PLUS - IRQ 2 CONFLICTS The VGA Plus adapter, part number 202262-003 revisions A or B, causes a conflict with other adapters in the computer that requires the use of IRQ 2. Such adapters include the IBM 3270 emulation adapter, or networking adapters which may be configured to use IRQ 2. This conflict is due to the VGA Plus seizing IRQ 2 on the system bus and preventing any other adapter from utilizing this signal. To resolve this incompatibility, replace this VGA Plus adapter with one that carries the part number 202262-003 revision C (or above). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0659 01-30-91 ============================================================================= RUNNING 3270 FTS UNDER PROFS When trying to invoke the 3270 FTS File Transfer program, the initial File Transfer screen would be displayed, then the system would hang. The customer also noted that he was unable to get the system to a "ready prompt". The problem occurs when running PROFS (an electronic mail package) which is interfering with our File Transfer program. To run AST's FTS program with PROFS, you must do the following: 1. Back out of PROFS by hitting the PF12 key twice. (Do not attempt to use any other method.) 2. Hot-key to DOS using the LSHIFT + RSHIFT keys. 3. Execute AST's FTS (File Transfer program). 4. Once the File Transfer is finished, re-initialize the PROFS system. This is done by typing: I CMS (from the Host command line) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0660 01-30-91 ============================================================================= AST 3270 COAX II WITH WEITEK MATH CO-PROCESSOR When trying to invoke the FTSII File Transfer program with a Weitek math co- processor installed, the File Transfer initialization screen will appear and then hang. To resolve the problem, change the API Vector Address in the 3270CNF configuration program from 7A to 2D. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0661 01-30-91 ============================================================================= AST COAX II-CUT AND WD-1007A CONTROLLER CONFLICT A Coax Adapter Board (CAB) Error 9 may occur while trying to load the AST COAX II-Cut Emulation software. (Reference Technical Bulletin #0453: Error 9 is defined as "Reserved".) Any error that is listed as "Reserved" typically is the result of a hardware conflict between an AST card and another card in the machine. The specifications for a Western Digital WD-1007A ESDI Controller states that it uses a shared memory address of C800H. Western Digital has indicated that a potential problem may occur. To resolve this problem, move Jumper W1 on the controller from 2-3 to 1-2. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0662 01-31-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM COMPUTER WITH NASHUA DISKETTES A "Not ready error reading drive, Abort, Retry, Fail?" will occur when trying to read a Nashua high density (1.2MB) diskette on Premium Computers. This problem is caused by the vinyl that Nashua uses for jackets on their diskettes. Currently, Nashua is shipping a thicker type of vinyl for their high density diskettes. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Nashua. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0663 02-01-91 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX AND KEYBOARD ERRORS When using the Bravo/386SX in various software environments, keyboard errors may occur. For example, when using IBM's Attachment 3270 emulation software, the left-hand control key does not function at all. In Lotus and SCO UNIX, the function 5 key generates erroneous characters. In Novell environments, the down arrow cursor key will act as a shift-lock or will not function at all. To resolve these problems, replace the existing keyboard with an NMB keyboard revision C (AST part number 230098-001). ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0664 02-08-91 ============================================================================== PREMIUM COMPUTERS AND MICROSPEED PC-TRACKBALL Problems may occur when attaching MicroSpeed PC-Trackball, which is PS/2 compatible, on an AST Premium Computer. The system will lock-up at the system password prompt with a asterisk and a blinking cursor. If the system password is disabled, the system will lock-up at a C:> prompt. This problem is resolved by upgrading to version 1.8 of MicroSpeed's PAL (Micro Coder) chip. Customers experiencing this problem should contact MicroSpeed's Technical Support to obtain this upgrade. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0665 02-14-91 ============================================================================== GUIDELINES FOR USING NOVELL'S COMPSURF UTILITY The following are some general guidelines that should be followed when using Novell's compsurf utility: NEVER use the format option in COMPSURF when: - Using a SCSI drive. - Using a drive over 1024 cylinders. - Using a WD1007A-XXX hard drive controller. - Hard drive manufacturer forbids it. To successfully prepare a hard drive (over 1024 cylinders) for Novell, do the following: - Set drive type in CMOS per manufacturers recommendations. - Low-level format using the manufacturers format utility (i.e., HDFORMAT for an AST drive). - If the drive requires the Novell compsurf "stamp", run compsurf but DO NOT take the format option. - As soon as the compsurf utility starts, it will check track 0. Immediately after the track 0 test is completed (usually within 45 seconds), hit the ALT + F10 keys twice. This should stop the compsurf utility and "stamp" the drive. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0666 02-13-91 ============================================================================= NOVELL COMPSURF WITH ESDI DRIVES Problems may occur when running Novell's Compsurf Utility with AST's OEM version of the WD1007 ESDI controller (AST part number 240018-001) and the Maxtor 4380 320 MB hard drive (AST part number 230055-320). Examples of some errors are as follows: - Abend: Disk Channel 0 could not reset controller - Unable to access Sector 14 - Unable to read bad block table To resolve the above problems, you must do the following: - Do a low-level format using the manufacturer's utility software (i.e., HDFORMAT.EXE for an AST drive). - Run Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE. (Do not attempt more than three passes.) NOTE: The Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE is available on Novell's Bulletin Board (NETWIRE) and is listed as ESDIDR.ZIP in Library 6, Forum A. This utility will: - Check track zero. - Scan the hard drive surface. - Put the COMPSURF "stamp" on the drive. - Create a bad block table that Novell can use. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0667 02-18-91 ============================================================================= PROTEON 16/4MB TOKEN RING ADAPTER (MODEL 1390) AND OS/2 With a Proteon 1390 (16/4MB) Token Ring board, running in the UTP mode (unshielded twisted pair) installed in a Premium II 386SX-20, errors may occur when trying to run OS/2 version 1.21 or LAN MAN with Proteon's software driver version 2.07. The problem has been resolved by Proteon. All customers experiencing this problem should contact Proteon for a software upgrade. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0668 03-06-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY PACK PRESSURE PAD Problems have been reported with battery packs that will not charge or hold a full charge on some Premium Exec 386SX/20 systems. The problem is caused by the contacts on the motherboard not making reliable contact with the battery pack terminals due to compression of the battery pack pressure pad. Under certain circumstances, the battery pressure pad, located on the inside of the battery compartment door, may compress causing a reduction in the amount of pressure applied to the battery pack. This problem is resolved by replacing the battery pressure pad located on the inside of the battery compartment door. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact AST Product Support and request a battery pressure pad replacement, AST part number 200366-002. The new pad can be easily installed by either peeling off the original pad and replacing it with the new pad or by placing the new pad next to the original pad. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0669 03-08-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386SX-16 WITH PARADISE 8514/A PLUS CARD When installing a Paradise 8514/A video card in a Premium 386SX-16 system, certain errors may be experienced. These errors are: - When the Premium 386SX-16 computer is "powered on", the system will go through post test and, at the memory count, the monitor will go blank and the system will give one long beep. - The second error will occur while running the WDAI.EXE program. This program initializes the video adapter. However, during the initialization of the video card, WDAI.EXE does not recognize that the Paradise 8514/A v