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=============================================================================
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 <ENTER>. 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 <ESC> 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<ENTER> {copy the kernel}
DEBUG KERNEL.FIX<ENTER> {make sure DEBUG
is available}
-S 0 FFFE B9 0B 00<ENTER> {search for the opcodes}
xxxx:yyyy {location of opcodes
from DEBUG}
-E xxxx:yyyy<ENTER> {enter editing mode}
xxxx:yyyy B9.<SPACE> 0B.09<ENTER>{change 0B to 09 only}
-S 0 FFFE B9 68 0B<ENTER> {search for next string}
aaaa:zzzz {DEBUG prints address on
screen}
-E aaaa:zzzz<ENTER> {edit address supplied in
previous step}
aaaa:zzzz B9.<SPACE> 68.<SPACE> {change 0B to 09}
0B.09<ENTER>
-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 <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys (on an enhanced
keyboard) perform the function of changing system speed. This function
is normally performed by using the <CTRL>-<ALT> key sequence in
conjunction with either the <UP> or <DOWN> 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 <enter> key. <Enter> is a
prompt to press the "enter" key. At the DEBUG prompt "-", type lines 1 and
2.
Line 1. -OE0 7 <Enter>
Line 2. -IE1 <Enter>
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 <Enter>
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 | |
| |<7C><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD>| |
| 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 <Ctrl> <Alt> <Up Arrow> 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 video card is installed in the Premium 386SX-16
computer system.
Customers should verify what Premium 386SX-16 processor board is in the
system by removing the cover. If the Premium 386SX-16 processor board has
AST's part number 202337-001, it needs to be replaced with AST's part number
202380-001. Customers who are experiencing the above problem should contact
an AST Authorized Service Center for replacement.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0670 03-25-91
=============================================================================
BRAVO/386SX AND THOMAS CONARD TC 4035
For reliable operation of the Thomas Conard Network card model TC 4035 on a
AST Bravo/386SX. Version 1.04 of Thomas Conard Network software must be
used.
Earlier version of Thomas Conard Network software will intermittently give
write errors writing to the local hard drive. The error "abort, retry,
ignore?" will be encountered when copying files from the file server to a
local drive (C:> drive).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0671 04-05-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II WITH IBM'S 3270 ENTRY LEVEL PROGRAM
When using IBM 3270 Coax Board (IBM part number 56X4928) and IBM's PC3270
Emulation program, Entry Level software version 1.1 or 1.21 in a Premium II.
The Screen displays characters that are chopped in half, also the usable
vertical screen area is chopped in half.
The problem has been corrected by IBM. Customers experiencing this problem
should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for Maintenance software patch
IR80382. To insure proper installation of the maintenance software patch,
customers should follow the process outlined on page 8-33 of the Entry Level
User's Manual.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0672 04-15-91
=============================================================================
BRAVO/486 WITH SQL
When trying to access SQL (Software Products International) from an icon
under Windows 3.0 on a Bravo/486-25, an hour glass will appear and the system
will freeze.
Software Products International has resolved the problem with a software
patch. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Software Products
International to obtain this patch.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0673 05-02-91
=============================================================================
DEPCA DE-200A CARD AND ASTEMM 4.0
When using ASTEMM.SYS version 4.0 expanded memory manager, an error message
"decnet error: attempt to start line failed" is displayed.
The ASTEMM 4.10 released with the Premium II Utilities, part number
910429-001 will resolve this problem. Use only the ASTEMM.SYS file on this
diskette. The remaining files may not be compatible with Premium systems.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0674 05-02-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM II 386SX/20 WITH ORACLE
When starting Oracle version 5.1A the system hangs with the following message
displayed:
Loading Oracle into Extended Memory.
To recover from this hang, the system must be rebooted or powered off then
back on.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact Oracle for an updated
version of their registered software.
Oracle Corporation
20 Davis Drive
Belmont, CA 94002
(415) 341-4333
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0675 05-02-91
=============================================================================
CONFIGURATION FILES FOR ISA OPTION BOARDS
The following is a list of the configuration files which currently ship on
AST's EISA configuration diskettes.
The files are listed alphabetically by company with a description of the
adapter and the corresponding CFG file names:
Company/Description: CFGfile: Category:
3Com Corporation
Etherlink 3C500B, ASM 34-0780 ISA8C02 NET
Etherlink 3C501, ASM 1221 ISA8C01 NET
Etherlink II 3C503 ISA8C03 NET
Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 16-bit ISA8C00 NET
Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 8-bit ISA8C06 NET
Tokenlink 3C603, 16-bit ISA8C04 NET
Tokenlink 3C603, 8-bit ISA8C08 NET
Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 16-bit ISA8C07 NET
Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 8-bit ISA8C05 NET
Alloy
FTFA Tape and Floppy Controller ISABA03 OTH
IMP2 Multiuser Port Controller ISABA00 COM
IMP8 Multiuser Port Controller ISABA01 COM
PC-HIA XBUS Controller ISABA02 OTH
American Megatrends, Inc.
Smart Pack 2 with PAL 5.1 ISAD800 MEM
Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.1 ISAD801 MEM
Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.2 ISAD802 MEM
Anvil
Stallion Intelligent I/O Controller ISAB000 COM
Archive
SC499R Tape Controller ISAB800 MSD
VP402 Tape Adapter ISAB801 MSD
Arnet
Modular SMARTPORT Card ISAAE02 COM
SMARTPORT 16 Card ISAAE03 COM
SMARTPORT Card ISAAE01 COM
AST Research
3270/Coax II Rev. X4 ISA8200 COM
5251/11 Enhanced Plus ISA8201 COM
Rampage 286 ISA8203 MEM
RAMvantage ISA8204 MEM
SixPackPlus, version A ISA8202 MEM
AT&T
Starlan Network Adapter ISA8F00 NET
Truevision Image Capture ISA8F01 VID
ATI Technologies
EGA Wonder ISAAC00 VID
VGA Wonder ISAAC01 VID
Atronics
Professional Image Board Plus ISACF00 VID
Attachmate
3270 Coax Adapter (long board) ISA8100 COM
Advanced 3270 Coax Adapter (short board) ISA8101 COM
SDLC Adapter ISA8103 COM
SDLC/Autolink Adapter ISA8102 COM
Banyan
Intelligent Communications Adapter ISAB500 COM
Bell Technologis
ACE Multiport Serial Card ISAC100 COM
Bi-Tech Enterprises, Inc.
SCSI 2110 HD/Tape Controller ISAD000 MSD
SCSI 2200 Controller ISAD001 MSD
BICC
ISOLAN Ethernet Adapter ISAA600 NET
BIT3
403/404/405 Bus Communication Adapters ISABB00 OTH
BlueLynx
BlueLynx 3270 Enhanced Coax ISAC304 COM
BlueLynx 3270 Remote ISAC302 COM
BlueLynx 5250 ISAC301 COM
BlueLynx 5251-12 ISAC300 COM
BlueLynx Enhanced 5251-11 ISAC303 COM
Boca Research, Inc.
Bocaram/AT Plus ISABC00 MEM
I/O Master AT ISABC01 OTH
Capital Equipment Corporation
PC 488 IEEE Printer Controller ISAC500 OTH
Chase Research
AT4/AT8/AT16 ISADD00 COM
Codonol
Codenet 3051 ISAA800 NET
Computer Peripherals
Graphmaster Plus EGA ISAB602 VID
Monographic Video ISAB600 VID
Vision Master VGA ISAB601 VID
Computone
IntelliPort ATCC Cluster Controller ISAAF01 COM
IntelliPort Multiport Serial Card ISAAF00 COM
Comtrol Corporation
SMART HOSTESS Multiport Serial Card ISAD200 COM
Control Systems
Artist 10 ISAA700 VID
Artist XJ10 ISAA701 VID
Core International, Inc
CNT-ATP ESDI Internal FD Controller ISAC400 MSD
Corollary
8x4 Mux (Jumpers) ISAC000 COM
8x4 Mux (Rotary Switches) ISAC001 COM
Digital Comm. Associates
10 Net Adapter ISA8507 NET
IRMA 3278 Emulation Adapter ISA8501 COM
IRMA 3279 Graphics Adapter ISA8502 COM
IRMA2 3279 Graphics Adapter ISA8508 COM
IRMA2 Adapter ISA8500 COM
IRMA3 Convertible Adapter ISA8503 COM
SDLC Adapter ISA8506 COM
Smart Alec 5250 ISA8505 COM
Digital Equipment Corporation
DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev D1 ISA8B00 NET
DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev E, F ISA8B01 NET
DigiBoard
DigiBoard Com/8s ISAB904 COM
DigiChannel PC/8 ISAB905 COM
DigiChannel PC/8e ISAB903 COM
DigiChannel PC/8i ISAB901 COM
DigiChannel PC/Xe ISAB900 COM
Digital Storage Systems
ARC6000 ISACD00 MSD
Emerald
3XPlus 5250 Remote ISAB101 COM
3XPlus 5250 Twinax ISAB100 COM
Emulex
MPC-II Comm Controller ISAD300 COM
Eotron
EOgraph Plus ISABF00 OTH
Equinox Systems
Megaport Board ISAD100 COM
Everex
Evercom 24 2400 Baud Modem ISAB200 COM
Excelan
EXOS 205E ISAA400 NET
EXOS 205T 16-bit ISAA401 NET
GammaLink
GammaFax CP ISAD501 COM
GammaFax NA ISAD500 COM
Gateway
G/Ethernet 8-bit PC ISA9401 NET
G/Ethernet AT ISA9400 NET
G/Net LNIM ISA9405 NET
G/Net VS ISA9404 NET
G/Token Ring 8-bit ISA9402 NET
G/Token Ring AT ISA9403 NET
Genoa Systems Corporation
QIC-02 Tape Controller ISA9F07 MSD
Super VGA, 16-bit ISA9F00 VID
SuperEGA HiRes+ ISA9F03 VID
SuperSpectrum Model 4640 ISA9F05 VID
SuperSpectrum Model 4650 ISA9F04 VID
SuperVGA ISA9F02 VID
Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Smartmodem 1200B ISAAB00 COM
Smartmodem 2400B ISAAB01 COM
Hercules Computer Technology
GB222 InColor Card ISA9000 VID
Graphics Card Plus ISA9001 VID
VGA Card ISA9002 VID
Hewlett Packard Company
Dual Serial Interface Board (24541B) HWP1400 COM
Enhanced Graphics Adapter Board (45983A) HWP0030 VID
HP 82328A Intelligent Graphics Controller ISA9B00 VID
HP Serial/Parallel Interface Board (24540B) HWP1C00 COM
HP-IB Interface (82335A) HWP1420 OTH
Internal 1200 Baud Modem (24550A) HWP1450 COM
Internal 2400 Baud Modem (24551A) HWP1410 COM
Monochrome Plus Video Board (35732A) HWP0000 VID
Multimode Color Adapter Board (45984A) HWP0020 VID
Multimode Video Adapter (45981A) HWP0010 VID
Scanjet Plus Interface (88290A) HWP1460 COM
ThinLAN Interface Card (27210B) HWP1810 NET
Hughes Lan Systems
4140 Ethernet Board ISAD700 NET
6130 Broadband Network Card ISAD702 NET
6140 Token Ring Network ISAD702 NET
IBM
Advanced 3278/79 Adapter ISA8303 COM
Enhanced 5250 Emulator ISA8300 COM
Enhanced 5250 Emulator, Rev B ISA8301 COM
Enhanced Graphic Adapter ISA839C VID
Monochrome Adapter ISA8308 VID
PC Network ISA8305 NET
PGA ISA830D VID
SDLC (3270 or 5250 Remote) ISA8302 COM
Serial/Parallel Adapter ISA8304 OTH
Token Ring Adapter I ISA8306 NET
Token Ring Adapter II ISA8307 NET
Token Ring Adapter, 4/16 ISA830B NET
Token Ring II Adapter, Short Card ISA830A NET
VGA Display Adapter ISA8309 VID
Idea
5250/Remote ISA8400 COM
5251 Twinax Plus, Rev D ISA8401 COM
IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax Plus, Rev C ISA8402 COM
IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax, Rev A, B, C ISA8403 COM
Ideatech, Inc
Ideaphone Input Device ISACE00 OTH
IMC Networks Corporation
PCnic, 16-bit NIC ISA9700 NET
Intel Corporation
Above Board 286 (no Piggyback) ISA9202 MEM
Above Board 286 with 2MB Piggyback ISA9203 MEM
Above Board Plus 8 (including 6MB Piggyback) ISA9206 MEM
Above Board PS/286 (no Piggyback) ISA9204 MEM
Above Board PS/286 with 2MB Piggyback ISA9205 MEM
Above Board/AT (no Piggyback) ISA9200 MEM
Above Board/AT with 2MB Piggyback ISA9201 MEM
Visual Edge Printing Enhancement System ISA9207 OTH
Iomega Corporation
Bernoulli Host Adapter Board ISAB700 OTH
Konan
TNT-1050 Caching Disk Controller ISACB00 MSD
LSE Electronics
Platinum VGA 16 Card ISAC701 VID
YC808 Color Graphics Printer Adapter ISAC700 OTH
Madge
AT Ring Node ISA9600 NET
Matrox
PG-1024 ISA9C02 VID
PG-1281 ISA9C01 VID
PG-641 ISA9C03 VID
Metheus
UGA 1104 Graphics Controller MET1104 VID
UGA 1124/1128 Graphics Controller MET1128 VID
Micom-Interlan
NI5210/16 Ethernet ISA9303 NET
NI5210/8 Ethernet Adapter ISA9302 NET
NP600A Ethernet Adapter, 16-bit ISA9300 NET
Micro Integration
PC-MICOAX ISAC201 COM
PC-STWINAX ISAC200 COM
Microsoft Corporation
Mouse Controller ISA8E00 OTH
National Instruments
AT-GPIB ISACA01 OTH
GPIB-PC ISACA02 OTH
GPIB-PCIIA ISACA00 OTH
NEC
Multisync Graphics Board GB-1 ISAD900 VID
Nestar
ARCNET Plan 2000 ISA8A00 NET
Novell
Coax Adapter 3270 Connection ISA8700 COM
Coax Graphics, Rev A ISA8701 COM
NE1000 Ethernet Adapter ISA8711 NET
NE2000 Ethernet Adapter ISA8712 NET
RX-Net, Rev B, C, D Network Interface ISA8713 NET
RX-Net, Rev E, F, G Network Interface ISA8714 NET
Twinax 5250 ISA8702 COM
Nth Graphics
Nth Engine ISADC00 VID
Orchid
Enhanced Board OM ISAA102 MEM
Enhanced Board w/IO ISAA103 MEM
ProDesigner VGA/VGA+ ISAA101 VID
Turbo PGA ISAA100 VID
Packard Bell
PB 3270 Coad ISACC00 COM
Paradise Systems
Autoswitch EGA ISAA202 VID
VGA Plus, 8-bit ISAA201 VID
VGA Professional, 16-bit ISAA200 VID
Pixel Works
Micro Clipper Graphics ISA9E00 VID
Ultra Clipper Graphics ISA9E01 VID
Practical Peripherals
Practical Modem 2400 ISAAB300 COM
Pure Data
PDI508 ArcNet ISAA501 NET
PDI8025 Token Ring ISAA500 NET
Qua Tech
DS-201 Dual Channel RS-422 ISABE04 OTH
DSDO-402 Dual Serial/Dual Parallel ISABE06 OTH
ES-100 8 Channel Asynchronous ISABE01 COM
MXI-100 IEEE 488 GPIB ISABE03 OTH
PXB-1608 Parallel Expansion Board ISABE00 OTH
PXB-721 Parallel Expansion ISABE05 OTH
QS-100M 4 Channel Asynchronous ISABE02 COM
SmartLynx Multiport Adapter ISABE08 COM
WSB-10 Waveform Synthesizer ISABE07 OTH
Quadram
QuadEGA+ ISA9100 VID
QuadMeg-AT ISA9102 MEM
QuadRAM+ w/IO ISA9102 MEM
QuadVGA Video Adapter ISA9101 VID
Rabbit Software
RB14 X.25 Adapter ISADB00 COM
RB24 Multi-Protocol Comm ISADB01 COM
Racal-Interlan
NI5210/16 Ethernet ISABD03 NET
NI5210/8 Ethernet ISABD02 NET
NP600A Ethernet 16-bit ISABD00 NET
Renaissance
Rendition I ISA9D00 VID
Rendition II Intelligent Graphics Controller ISA9D01 VID
Sigma Designs
SigmaVGA or VGA/HP8 ISA9901 VID
VGA-PC-HP160/162 ISA9900 VID
SIIG, Inc.
ARCLAN-100 Arcnet Network Board ISAC900 NET
SMC
ARCNET PC ISA8900 NET
ARCNET PC100 ISA8901 NET
ARCNET PC110 ISA8902 NET
ARCNET PC130/E ISA8903 NET
ARCNET PC220/120 ISA8904 NET
ARCNET PC270/E ISA8905 NET
ARCNET PC500 ISA8906 NET
Ethernet PC510 ISA8907 NET
STB Systems
Chauffer HT ISAB402 VID
EGA MultiRes ISAB404 VID
EGA Plus ISAB401 VID
VGA Extra ISAB403 VID
Street Electronics Corporation
ECHO PC+ Speech Synthesizer ISAC800 OTH
Sun Micro Systmes
TOPS Flashcard ISAAD00 COM
Tecmar
EGA Master 480/800 ISA8804 VID
Maestro AT ISA8805 MEM
QIC PC36 Tapee Controller TEC8001 MSD
QIC60 Host Adapter TEC8000 MSD
QT Host Adapter TEC8002 MSD
QT PC36 Tape Controller TEC8003 MSD
The Complete PC, Inc.
FAX/9600 ISAD600 COM
Thomas-Conrad Corporation
TC6042 ARC-Card/CE TCC030D NET
TC6045 ARC-Card/AT TCC010C NET
TC6142 ARC-Card/CE TCC040B NET
Tiara
LanCard/A, Rev B ISA8D00 NET
LanCard/E PC 16 ISA8D01 NET
Torus
Ethernet Adapter ISADA00 NET
Ethernet Adapter/SB ISADA01 NET
Truevision
ATVista ICB ISAA300 VID
Ungerman-Bass, Inc.
3270 NIUpc UBIB200 NET
NIC UBIC100 NET
NIUpc UBIB100 NET
NIUpc / Token Ring UBID100 NET
Personal NIU UBIA100 NET
Personal NIU/ex UBIA200 NET
Vector International
SCC Async/BSC/SDLC ISAC600 COM
Vermont Micro Systems
Cobra VMI0211 VID
Cobra Plus VMI0E01 VID
Image Manager 1024 VMI0201 VID
Image Manager 640 VMI0601 VID
Page Manager 100 ISAA000 VID
Verticom, Inc.
M16/M256E ISA9A00 VID
MX16/AT & MX256/AT ISA9A01 VID
Video Seven
FastWrite VGA Video Adapter ISA9802 VID
V-RAM VGA ISA9800 VID
Vega Deluxe EGA Adapter ISA9801 VID
Western Digital Corporation
EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600090-00 WDC03E4 NET
EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600245-02 WDC03E2 NET
EtherCard Plus 16 8013EBT WDC13E0 NET
EtherCard Plus 8003E WDC03E0 NET
EtherCard Plus TP 8003WT WDC03E3 NET
EtherCard Plus w/Boot 8003EBT WDC03E1 NET
StarCard Plus 8003S WDC0300 NET
StarLink Plus 8003SH WDC0301 NET
TokenCard 8005TR/8005TRWS WDC0510 NET
WD1004A-WX1 Controller ISAD400 MSD
WD1006V-MM2 Winchester/Floppy Controller ISAD401 MSD
WD1006V-SR2 Winchester/Floppy Controller ISAD402 MSD
Total Released ISA Option files: 273
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0676 05-02-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM/386-C SERIAL PORT CONFLICT
When using the Premium/386-C BIOS version 3.01 and Hayes modem or IBM
serial/parallel card, the following conflict error my occur at boot time:
"On-board serial port in conflict with Add-on expansion card".
Customers experiencing the above error should obtain a copy of the BIOS
release 2.30 kit number 500702-001 to resolve this problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0677 05-02-91
=============================================================================
GIGATREND TAPE BACK-UP UNIT AND PREMIUM 386/33
The Gigatrend Model 1235 tape back-up unit is not compatible with the Premium
386/33 Cupid system. When attempting back-up the following error message
will be displayed:
RAM Parity errors - offending segment XXXX
There is no resolution at this time and Marketing has determined that this
problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0678A 02-05-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER
Under certain circumstances, some Premium Exec 386SX/20 computers may exhibit
one or more of the following problems when connected to the AC adapter after
the battery has been completely discharged:
- Battery will not charge completely.
- Over charge of battery.
- Erroneous battery charge level indicators (LED) when connected to the
AC Adapter.
- Low battery alarm when connected to the AC Adapter.
- Intermittent loss of display when booting.
To resolve these problems, it is necessary to reset the Battery Management
Controller (BMC) chip. To accomplish this, follow the steps listed below:
1. Power off the Premium Exec.
2. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the Premium Exec.
3. Wait approximately 10 to 15 seconds, reconnect the AC Adapter to the
Premium Exec.
4. Power the Premium Exec back on.
If this does not resolve the problem, the system may have a defective BMC
chip. Contact AST or your nearest AST Authorized Service Center to have this
chip replaced (re: Field Change Notice #0058).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0679 05-08-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC, QEMM AND DESQVIEW 2.26
Under certain circumstances, Premium Exec computers with the QEMM Expanded
Memory Manager version 5.11 loaded, may take up to 1 1/4 minutes to load
Desqview version 2.26.
This problem is resolved by adding the following parameter to the QEMM
statement in the CONFIG.SYS file:
DEVICE=QEMM.SYS IA
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0680 05-08-91
=============================================================================
ETHERNEXT LAN CARD AND PREMIUM/286
The Ethernext LAN card is not compatible with the Premium/286 when configured
with a 3G Plus card and the system memory is set for zero wait states.
When attempting to run application programs from the Novell 2.15 shell
environment, a blank screen may appear.
There is no resolution for this problem and Marketing has determined that
this problem will not be resolved.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0681 05-17-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC SUSPEND/RESUME AND PROTECTED MODE
The Premium Exec 386SX Suspend/Resume feature will not function when running
software that requires Protected Mode operation. This includes applications,
such as Windows 3.0 and extended memory managers (i.e., QEMM and ASTEMM).
This problem is caused by the 386SX microprocessor's requirement for
applications or memory managers using extended memory to run in protected mode
only. All 386SX "notebook" type computers, equipped with a Suspend/Resume
feature, exhibit this anomaly and to date, there are no known resolutions.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0682 05-06-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORTS AND ADIC'S DCB
When installing two ADIC DCB controller cards, Channel 1 and Channel 2 in an
AST computer, errors will occur on the second DCB controller which is Channel
2, (i.e., Channel 2 will fail to initialize under Novell Netware environment
and will also fail ADIC diagnostics).
The problem lies with IRQ12, which supports the PS/2 mouse port. ADIC's DCB
controller card Channel 2 is hard wired, this cannot be changed. (IRQ12 is
accepted as Industry Standard for PS/2 mouse port). ADIC's Technical Support
recommends that the customer using the DCB Channel 2, switch and use DCB
controller Channel 3 which uses IRQ10. Customers experiencing the above
problem should contact ADIC's Technical Support to exchange DCB controller
cards.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0683 05-08-91
=============================================================================
SUN RIVER CARD AND AST PREMIUM/386-33TE
When using the Sun River Fiber Optics Host adapter card, model HA-40, with
the AST Premium/386-33TE with greater than 15MB total memory the following
error message will be displayed at boot time:
"Sun River card not found".
The above error message will only occur when RAM is installed in the 16MB
space. The Sun River card uses the 16MB space for I/O addressing their card,
which conflicts with the processor memory addressing.
If this problem occurs, configure the system with 14MB or less of memory.
Marketing has determined that this problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0684 05-21-91
=============================================================================
NOVELL 386 WITH AST DESK TOP AND TOWER SYSTEMS
The following problems are occurring with AST Cupid desktop and Cupid Tower
systems configured with more than 16MB of RAM with Novell Netware 386 version
3.10:
- System will lock up after attempting to mount the drives
- Intermittent memory parity errors occur
- Intermittent lock-ups occur
The above problems occur because the Novell operating system has not been
made aware of any memory above 16MB. This problem can be resolved by
registering the memory with the Novell operating system so that it knows how
to access the memory. To accomplish this, edit the AUTOEXEC.NCF file within
the Novell install option as follows:
REGISTER MEMORY [START(hex)] [LENGTH(hex)].
Using the chart below replace the [START(hex)] and [LENGTH(hex)] with the
appropriate parameter.
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| TOTAL MEMORY START(hex) LENGTH(hex) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 20MB 1000000 400000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 24MB 1000000 800000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 28MB 1000000 C00000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 32MB 1000000 1000000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 36MB 1000000 1400000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 40MB 1000000 1800000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 44MB 1000000 1C00000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 48MB 1000000 2000000 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 52MB 1000000 2400000 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0685 05-24-91
=============================================================================
THE SUPER VGA MONITOR WITH AST VGA ADAPTERS
In January of 1991, the "dot clock" frequency of the AST Super VGA monitor
(part number 500783-XXX) became 36 megahertz in order to comply with industry
standards. This is designated by the characters "36MHZ" on the back of the
monitor.
This change causes an incompatibility with AST VGA display adapters in
certain display modes. The symptoms appear when the "Enhanced Text Mode"
(132 characters by 25 lines or 132 characters by 43 lines) is chosen for the
display mode. The monitor will display only horizontal scan lines instead of
readable text.
The following table describes the revision level of a given VGA display
adapter required to maintain compatibility with the "36MHz" Super VGA
adapter.
Description Part Number Revision Level
VGA Adapter (8 bit) 202249-005 C or above
VGA Plus Adapter 202262-003 D or above
CUPID System Board 202360-001 S or above
DSX-16 VGA Adapter 20H004-001 X4 or above
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0686 05-28-91
=============================================================================
BRAVO 386/SX-16 AND NOVELL'S NE2000 CARD
When using a Bravo 386SX (part number 500736-XXX) with a Novell NE2000 LAN
card installed, random characters may appear on the right edge of the screen
with normal operation while attached to a server.
This problem can be resolved by removing the jumper W16 on the Novell NE2000
card. This jumper is used to maintain Bus compatibility.
For a detailed description of the usage of W16 see "Novell's Ethernet
installation supplement" part number 100-000708-001 revision 1.01.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0687 05-30-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM/386-25, 33 AND CORE TAPE BACK UP UNIT
It has been reported that the Core Tape backup unit, configured with a
Archive model 2060L tape drive and a SCSI Everex model
EV-811 controller will not function properly in a Premium/386-25 and a
Premium/386-33.
The user may experience system hang-ups when attempting a backup, or the
message "communication timeout" will be displayed on the screen.
The problem lies within the Core Tape back-up unit not operating correctly
with processor speeds above 20MHz.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact Core Technical Support at
(407) 997-6033.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0688 05-31-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND GEO WORKS ENSEMBLE
When using Geo Works Ensemble version 1.0 on a Premium Exec 386SX/20 the
customer is unable to print through the parallel port. This problem only
occurs with this version of the software application.
Customers experiencing the above problem should contact Geo Works for a file
called PARALLEL.GEO. This software patch will correct the problem of
printing through the parallel port.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0689 04-30-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II SYSTEM BIOS AUTOSENSE FEATURE
The Premium II BIOS (version 2.0 and above, AST part numbers 237826-001A and
237827-001A) supports a feature known as "Autosense". This feature allows
the BIOS to automatically sense, and use, optimized parameters which take
advantage of the full capacity of IDE type hard drives.
Prior to this feature, the parameters for a particular drive had been
determined by entering a discrete value (e.g. "17") in SETUP. This value had
to operate with drives from several vendors, so these parameters were not
always optimal for a particular drive.
This means that the same drive configured by these two methods will have two
different sets of parameters, particularly the number of cylinders.
Therefore, a drive which has been partitioned and formatted under a discrete
drive type may have to be re-partitioned and re-formatted when configured by
the autosense feature. Make sure the following steps are taken before using
autosense to configure a drive:
- Save the data currently on the drive. Save only files and directories,
not partition information.
- Run SETUP and choose "AUTO" for drive type. A set of parameters will
be returned for the installed drive. Save the configuration and exit
SETUP.
- Re-partition and re-format the drive under the new configuration, and
restore the original data.
Note: The Conner CP-3000 40MB drive (AST part number 230092-040) cannot be
configured via the autosense feature. This drive must be manually
configured as type "17" in the SETUP program.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0690 06-18-91
=============================================================================
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN TOWER EISA SYSTEMS
Tower EISA systems with 80486 processor boards installed exhibit intermittent
failures under certain operating environments. Normally under these
conditions there are one or more Host Bus Adapters (HBA's) or multiple
network interface cards installed in the system as well as the processor
card. The failures exhibited are:
- Complete system halts, forcing a reset of the system,
- Error messages generated by the operating system in use.
The cause of these intermittent failures has been proven to be caused by
excessive heat buildup in the tower enclosure due to improper placement or
installation of the enclosure itself. To insure proper operation of Tower
EISA systems in all operating environments, the following guidelines must be
met:
1. Proper ventilation must be supplied for the Tower enclosure
2. Ambient air temperature must be within the specifications stated in
the Tower User's Manual.
3. All system covers, including drive bay covers, must be installed
while the system is operating. These enclosures are designed for
optimal air flow with the covers in place.
4. The processor board installed in the system must be a particular
revision level. The processor boards listed below have a vented
bracket (AST part number 200412-001) installed which aids air flow.
Processor Board Part Number Revision
486-25 202361-002 N
486-33 202361-004 D
486-25 202361-005 D
486-25 202361-006 B
486-33 202361-007 B
486-25 202397-001 X3
486-33 202397-002 B
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0691 06-19-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II ILLEGAL CMOS VALUES
Premium II systems, while running Power On Self Test (POST), may display the
status of cache memory as "Disabled", but CMOS SETUP displays cache as
"Enabled". These contrary indications are caused by two bits in CMOS memory
being set to illegal values. Systems affected are those with version 2.00
BIOS (part numbers 237826-001 A and 237827-001 A) installed.
The illegal setting can be verified by entering SETUP and using the PAGE DOWN
key (instead of using the TAB key) to view the status of "Cache Memory".
With the illegal values set, this field will show that neither "Enable" or
"Disable" has actually been selected.
To insure that the cache feature is properly enabled and functioning, perform
the following steps:
1. Enter the SETUP program as described in the Premium II User's Manual.
2. TAB down to the "Cache Memory" field and use the ARROW keys to choose
"Disable".
3. TAB to the next field down, then SHIFT-TAB immediately back to the
"Cache Memory" field and choose "Enable".
4. Save the new configuration upon exiting the SETUP program.
The system will boot and display "TESTING CACHE ......ENABLED" during POST,
and the cache feature will function normally.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0692 07-12-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR
When the Xircom Ethernet adapter is used with the Xircom Multiplexor attached
to the Exec 386SX/20 parallel port, the following error message will be
displayed when attempting to connect to the Network:
"Adapter not found or power is off"
This problem occurs only on the following Premium Exec motherboards:
Part Number Revision Level
202390-001 X17 or below
202390-002 X3 or below
The revision level can be found on a label affixed to the motherboard and is
clearly visible after removing the Accessory Door.
Customers experiencing this failure should contact AST or an authorized AST
Service Provider for arrangements to have the unit exchanged.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0693 06-20-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM/386-25 PARALLEL PORT AND INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS UNIX
The following represents a problem as reported from the field:
SYMPTOM:
If the system is "powered on" and the printer is "not applied", the console
is rendered inoperative.
CONFIGURATION:
Premium/386-25
Unix System version 2.2.1, running Multi-User mode.
Printer attached to parallel port on 386/25.
CAUSE:
This is a known problem with Interactive Systems Unix operating system.
SOLUTION:
There is no known resolution at this time. Customers experiencing the above
problem should contact the manufacture Interactive Systems for details.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0694 06-28-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM 386SX-16 AND ALSYS
When running AlsyComp, from Alsys, Inc. on a Premium 386SX-16 system with a
Cupid Enhanced motherboard (part number 202360-XXX), customer will experience
system lock-ups. This problem only occurs when the math-coprocessor is
enabled.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact Alsys, Inc. They have the
following software patches VSTACK87.OBJ and STARTUP.OBJ available to resolve
the problem. (PR#B66097)
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0695 07-18-91
=============================================================================
DESQVIEW AND AST SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORT
PROBLEM: AST systems lock-up when using DESQview, with a mouse
connected to the mouse port.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARD: All system boards with integrated mouse port and the following
part numbers:
202273-001, 202343-001, 202343-003, 202351-002 202352-001,
202360-001, 202373-001, 202377-001, 202385-001,
CAUSE: Incompatibility between DESQview release 2.31, and AST's
implementation of the mouse port.
SOLUTION: A permanent solution will be the next release of DESQview.
However, a temporary patch can be made by following the
directions below.
NOTE: All zeroes in the following text are underlined for
readers reference only.
Step 1: On the root directory of your Hard Drive create a file named
DVFIX.DBG using DOS's COPY CON command or any ASCII text
editor. The file should contain the following:
E 40:0F
F0
Q
Step 2: Add the following line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT:
DEBUG <DVFIX.DBG
The above instructions assume that the MS-DOS DEBUG.COM is accessible from
the root directory of your boot disk. If it is not, copy DEBUG.COM to the
root directory or make sure it is pointed to in your PATH statement.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0696A 08-16-91
=============================================================================
SCO UNIX BOOT FAILURE WITH MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD
PROBLEM: Under SCO UNIX 3.2 version 2.0, system will hang
intermittently during boot if memory expansion board is
present, AST part number 202387-001.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARDS: All system boards with the following part numbers:
202356-004 and 202360-001
CAUSE: During UNIX installation the software will check for known
devices and will activate a driver for that device. UNIX
mistakenly identifies a device that is not present, and
activates a driver for it. This causes the system to hang,
with the following error message:
WDHA-OUT: command byte 01 rejected
WDHA-OUT: command byte 07 rejected
SOLUTION: The new release of SCO UNIX 3.2 version 3.0 resolves this
problem and is scheduled to be released by SCO in July,
1991.
NOTE: A temporary solution would be to slow the system down
during the boot process, and resume normal speed after
completion of boot sequence, which would be the login
prompt. This can be accomplished by using the <CTRL>
<ALT> <DOWN ARROW> and <CTRL> <ALT> <UP ARROW>
sequence. For further information on speed commands,
please refer to your systems user manual.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0697A 08-19-91
=============================================================================
SIMULATION SCIENCES SOFTWARE AND AST 486 SYSTEMS
PROBLEM: Systems using the 80486 microprocessor will not recognize the
hardware security key, causing Simulation Sciences Inc's
Software Process version 4.01 to stop execution. This problem
exists on all manufacturers 80486 systems, including AST's
that have a parallel port implemented on the motherboard.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. However, AST
systems can be made to operate by disabling cache in system
setup. This is a temporary work around and the customer
should contact Simulation Sciences Inc. at (714) 579-0412 for
proper corrective action.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0698A 08-16-91
=============================================================================
INTELLI-TREND SOFTWARE AND AST PREMIUM/386 SYSTEMS
PROBLEM: AST systems will lock-up when using Intelli-Trend software.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARDS: All AST Premium/386 systems boards with the following part
numbers:
202273-001 202360-001 202373-001
CAUSE: Incompatibility between Intelli-Trend software and AST
systems.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Intelli-Trend for
more information.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0699 08-05-91
=============================================================================
AST KEYBOARD AND BRAVO 486/25
PROBLEM: The NumLock status and indicator are always off or inactive
(after booting) regardless of how the system is configured
during setup.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: Bravo 486/25 using part number 230098-001 revision "C"
keyboards.
CAUSE: Keyboard BIOS improperly handling keyboard functions.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should have their
keyboards part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or
"E".
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0700A 08-16-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND COLORADO 120MB TAPE DRIVE
PROBLEM: When a Wang emulation board is installed in a Premium 386SX/16
and connected to a Wang computer, the Colorado 120MB tape
drive revision FW63 fails to initialize.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium 386SX/16 with the following system board part
number:
202360-001
CAUSE: Incompatibility between Colorado 120MB tape drive, revision
FW63 and AST's Premium 386SX/16 and the Wang emulation board.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. The Colorado 120MB
tape drive, revision FW40 does operate correctly. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Colorado's Technical
Support for more information.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0701 08-07-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC SERIAL MOUSE/BACKLIGHT TIMEOUT
When the "Mouse Connected to.." field is set for "Serial Mouse" in the
Premium Exec CMOS setup, the Backlight Timeout feature will function
correctly only if a mouse driver is installed in the CONFIG.SYS or
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This anomaly is caused by a Hardware/Software Interrupt conflict that occurs
when the Serial Mouse field is set and no mouse driver is installed. To
correct this problem, install the correct mouse driver in your CONFIG.SYS
file or execute the correct mouse driver command either at the DOS prompt or
in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0702 09-17-91
=============================================================================
AST ETHERNODE REMOTE BOOT AND DOS 5.00
SYMPTOM: The remote boot feature on the AST Ethernode network card does
not work with DOS 5.0. Workstations attempting to attach to
the file server will hang during the remote boot process.
PROBLEM: The boot image file (NET$DOS.SYS) is not designed to work with
DOS 5.0.
SOLUTION: A file called RPLFIX.COM is available through Novell or on
Compuserve's "Novell Netwire" forum. This program patches the
NET$DOS.SYS boot image file that the Novell utility DOSGEN.EXE
produces. Please consult the Netware manuals for more
information on the DOSGEN utility.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0703 09-17-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM/486-33TE AND WESTERN DIGITAL'S ELITE 16 COMBO
PROBLEM: Banyan Vines version 4.10 network software driver will not
initialize Western Digital's Elite 16 Combo network card, in
a Premium/486-33TE computer system. The error that occurs
is "Controller Failure", and at this point the workstation
is unable to connect to the file server.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Currently,
Banyan Vines software version 4.10 does not support Western
Digital Elite 16 Combo card. At this time Banyan Vines and
Western Digital are working together on a software driver
that will support Western Digital's Elite 16 combo card.
WORKAROUND: Banyan Vines and Western Digital Technical Support, both
agree that the NDS software driver should be selected when
installing the network card. Also, the AST VGA Plus must be
forced to 8-bit mode. If the AST VGA Plus is set for 16-bit
mode the system will not boot. The reason for this error is
the software drivers that are supported in Banyan Vines
software are for the older Western Digital 8-bit network
cards. The older software drivers are doing 8-bit writes.
CONFIGURATION: P/486-33TE
WD's Elite 16 Combo (AutoSwitching)
AST's VGA Plus (AutoSwitching)
Banyan Vines 4.10 (Operating System)
DOS 3.3
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0704 09-06-91
=============================================================================
AST 5251/12 REMOTE GATEWAY INSTALLATION
PURPOSE: To remotely attach multiple network nodes to an IBM mini (IBM
System 34, 36, 38 and AS/400) while only installing one
emulation card.
REASON: Cost effective way to have multiple nodes access emulation
while only having one emulation card and additional gateway
software.
HARDWARE
REQUIREMENTS: AST 5251/12 (CC-432 Adapter) Emulation Package. A NETBIOS
Compatible Local Area Network already installed and
operational. Synchronous Modems (NOT HAYES COMPATIBLE)
SOFTWARE
REQUIREMENTS: 5251/12 Emulation Version 4.30 (part number 910408-001,
910408-002 and 910408-003). 5250 Gateway Option Version 4.30
(part number 910411-001)
NOTE: Versions of both 5251/12 Emulation Software and 5250
Gateway Software may be updated in the future.
HARDWARE
SET UP: AST 5251/12 Adapter IRQ=2; I/O=300-30F (DEFAULT)
The above settings are factory default. If a conflict arises
with other hardware in the PC, the user should consult with
the conflicting hardware's reference manual for the settings
and change the AST hardware and software, or vice versa, in
order to resolve the conflict.
For installing and connecting the two Synchronous Modems
please refer to the Modem Manual, the AST 5251/12 User's
Manual (part number 000427-001A) and the AST CC-432 User's
Manual (part number 000140-001E) for more information.
Note: This document assumes that the user is qualified to
establish a successful Modem connection with the IBM
Host.
INSTALLATION: The Master PC contains the AST CC-432 Synchronous
Communications Adapter, the 5251/12 Emulation program, the
5250GATE.EXE program which is attached to the network. The
Slave PC contains the KERNELGW.EXE program which is attached
to the network.
A. MASTER PC CONFIGURATION
1. Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that
contains the AST 5251/12 Emulation Software:
C:\AST> CFG5251 [Enter]
This assumes that the subdirectory name is AST and is located on
the C: Drive.
2. Answer (n)o for MASTER CLUSTER.
3. Answer (n)o for ASYNC DIAL UP.
4. Answer (y)es for MASTER GATEWAY.
5. Answer (n)o for QUICK START.
6. From the AST 5251/12 Configuration Program (CFG5251.EXE) menu,
highlight EDIT and press [Enter].
7. Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251.CFG.
8. The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the
following options:
HARDWARE KEYBOARD STATION SECURITY VDISK CUSTOMIZE
CLUSTER GATEWAY QUIT
9. Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter]. These options will
appear:
HARDWARE DSP_ADAPTER QUIT
10. Select HARDWARE again. This is the HARDWARE selection. All
the options in this section pertain to how the emulation
adapter and communication line is configured.
IRQ BPS NRZI I/O_ADR TRACE SDLC QUIT
11. The BPS, NRZI, TRACE and SDLC options are not set from AST
(default factory settings). The user must set each option
accordingly.
12. The BPS option pertains to the baud rate of the Synchronous
Modem that the user is connecting to the AST CC-432 (AST
5251/12) Communications Adapter. Under this option the
following list will appear and the user should select the
correct rate:
1200 2400 3600 4800 6000 7200 8000 9600 QUIT
13. The NRZI option is host (IBM System 34, 36, 38 or AS/400)
controlled. This is IBM's error correction detection system.
It is either ON or OFF. The user must verify this parameter
with the host's system operator.
14. Under the TRACE option these options will be displayed:
NONE SNA SDLC QUIT
Note: It is recommended that the TRACE option be used as this
is a good trouble shooting tool. With this option
selected the user will observe a fixed set of numbers
followed by incremental numbers on the bottom left and
right hand corners of the display during emulation.
The numbers on the left bottom corner indicate that the
AST package is receiving data from the Modem and the
numbers on the right bottom corner indicate that the
AST adapter is transmitting data to the Modem.
If there are no numbers at either corner then it
indicates that the Modem is not communicating with the
AST CC-432 Adapter. Several probable causes for this
occurring are as follows:
A. Bad or wrong type of cable connecting the Modem to the AST
CC-432 Adapter. User could be using a standard
asynchronous null Modem RS-232 cable that does not have
pin 15 (transmit clock) and pin 17 (receive clock)
connected.
B. IRQ or I/O_ADR conflict between other hardware in the PC
with the AST Adapters.
C. Memory resident (TSR) programs such as; fixed disk
organizers, menu programs, keyboard macro programs, and
etc., that may conflict with the AST 5251/12 Software.
D. The NRZI option does not match between the host and AST
5251/12 Emulation.
15. Highlight SDLC and press [Enter]. This is the controller
station address configured at the host (IBM System 34, 36, 38
or AS/400) site. The user must verify this parameter with the
host's system operator. It is a hexidecimal value and ranges
from 01 through FE. Enter the appropriate value and press
[Enter].
16. Press the ESC key and then highlight DSP_ADAPTER and press
[Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER on the next screen and press
[Enter]. Next highlight the type of display adapter you are
using and press [Enter]. Example: "Color".
17. Press ESC until you return to the EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION
menu. Highlight STATION and press [Enter], the following list
will appear:
0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 QUIT
18. Station Address 0 will always be configured as a 5251/12
display type. This cannot be changed. Station Address 1 is
reserved for SNA and is not available. The address scheme for
the AST 5251/12 Station Addresses and the IBM Host Addresses
are as follows:
STATION option (AST) 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ports on IBM 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Respectively for an IBM 5251/12 (what AST is emulating) remote
controller where all device codes are configured for
workstation address 0. Page 3-12 of the AST 5251/12 User's
Manual (AST part number 000427-001) displays this scheme in
more detail.
19. Highlight STATION Address 2 and press [Enter]. These options
will appear:
DISPLAY PRINTER CLUS_DISPLAY CLUS_PRINTER
GATE_DISPLAY GATE_PRINTER QUIT
20. Highlight GATE_DISPLAY and press [Enter].
21. Highlight 5251/11 (can also select 5291-1 or 5292-1 but will
use a 5251/11 for this example) and press [Enter]. Press the
ESC key when asked to "enter new session name for station
address 2". For this configuration, session names will not be
used.
22. Repeat steps 19 through 21 as many times as needed to
configure all the station addresses that will be given to the
Gateway. In this example a total of seven sessions are
configured. Make sure that the number of sessions configured
on the AST 5251/12 software matches the number that the IBM
host will be allocating to the Gateway.
23. Highlight the other addresses and select the appropriate
DEVICE TYPE and press [Enter]. Configure the station
addresses as follow:
ADDRESS 0 - 5251/12 DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF
ADDRESS 2 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
ADDRESS 3 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
ADDRESS 4 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
ADDRESS 5 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
ADDRESS 6 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
ADDRESS 7 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
*The type of display can vary depending on what the host is
configured for. The other device types that can be emulated
by the AST 5251/12 software or the 5291-1 and the 5292-1.
Note: This sample is configured so the Slave PCs will be
assigned an address/session on a first-come first-serve
basis which is called "session bidding".
24. When all the required addresses are selected press ESC until
you reach the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu. Now save
the MASTER/PASSTHROUGH configuration settings and exit to DOS.
25. Highlight SAVE and press [Enter].
26. The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251.CFG
(Y/N)?" Respond "yes" and press [Enter].
This concludes the configuration of the MASTER PC.
B. SLAVE PC CONFIGURATION
You can use one configuration file for all the network node SLAVES
provided that all the Slaves have the same type of display. The
slave software when executed will look at the master configuration
software to see what gateway displays are available.
1. Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that
contains the AST 5250 Gateway Software:
C:\GATE\CFG5251G [Enter]
This assumes that the software is located in a subdirectory
named GATE which is on the C: Drive.
2. Answer (n)o for QUICK START
3. From the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu, highlight EDIT
and press [Enter].
4. Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251G.CFG.
5. The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the
following options:
HARDWARE KEYBOARD STATION SECURITY VDISK CUSTOMIZE
CLUSTER GATEWAY QUIT
6. Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER
and press [Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER again and press
[Enter]. Select the appropriate display adapter for this
particular SLAVE PC (Mono or Color).
NOTE: If the Slaves on the network have various types of
displays (i.e., monochrome and color), different
configuration files (AST5251G.CFG) will need to be
created to match each type of display.
7. Press the ESC key until you return to the EDIT 5250
CONFIGURATION menu. Highlight STATION and press [Enter].
8. STATION ADDRESS 0 is already configured for you.
ADDRESS 0 - 5251/11* DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF
(NO SESSION NAME)
*The device type can also be a 5291-1 or a 5292-1.
For this setup you do not need to delete or reconfigure.
Address 0 on the MASTER PC is taken by the 5251/12 Controller
so this SLAVE PC configuration would then go to the next
available session on the MASTER PC which would be address 2.
Note: We are setting this up for "session bidding", therefore
we do not need to configure the exact station address
for the slave. When the slave software is executed, it
looks at the master configuration to see which gateway
display is available. This is called session bidding.
This is how all the slave configurations should be set
up for session bidding.
9. Press the ESC key until you return to the AST 5250
CONFIGURATION menu. The user will now save the SLAVE PC
configuration settings and exit to DOS.
10. Highlight SAVE and press [Enter].
11. The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251G.CFG
(Y/N)?" Respond (y)es and press [Enter].
12. Highlight QUIT and press [Enter].
13. Repeat Steps 1 through 12 at each SLAVE PC as needed.
This concludes the configuration procedure for the SLAVE PC.
C. ENHANCED KEYBOARD CONFIGURATION
If you have an Enhanced Keyboard (Function Keys located across the
top), you need to run an additional configuration program. Without
running emulation, insert the AST5251/12 Terminal Emulation
Diskette 2 of 3.
1. Type: A:[Enter]
2. Type: ASTKBD [Enter]
3. Use your down arrow key to highlight the COUNTRY selection.
4. Use your left arrow key to highlight the UNITED STATES as
country type.
5. Use your down arrow key to highlight the KEYBOARD selection.
6. Use your left arrow key to highlight the ENHANCED-LIKE for the
keyboard type.
7. Use the down arrow key to go to the PROCEED option and press
[Enter].
8. Type the drive letter and subdirectory where the KERNEL.EXE
file is located for the MASTER PC or where the KERNELGW.EXE
file is located for the SLAVE PC
9. Use your down arrow key to get to the EXIT TO DOS option and
press [Enter].
This should be done for each machine that has the enhanced
keyboard.
D. STEPS FOR PROPER EXECUTION
The following steps will show the proper sequence of loading the
emulation and gateway programs:
1. MASTER PC
A. Load your network programs.
B. Load NETBIOS.
C. Execute KERNEL.EXE.
D. Execute GATE5251.EXE.
E. Execute APS.EXE.
2. SLAVE PC
A. Load your network programs.
B. Load NETBIOS.
C. Execute KERNELGW.EXE.
D. Execute APS.EXE.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0705 09-17-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC AND LCD BORDER COLOR
Customers have noticed different border colors on the Premium Exec 386SX/20.
These colors are blue and black and are only observed by looking at the edges
of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on the Premium Exec 386SX/20.
AST's Portable Marketing department has concluded that this is not a problem.
All three (3) LCD's that AST sources for use in the Premium Exec have a
unique border color. The reason for the color difference is only possible to
note when looking at the edges of the LCD, since the color beyond the edges
is reversed out to white. Most importantly, AST has not compromised the
quality of the Premium Exec 386SX/20 in any way by using multiple LCD
sources.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0706 09-25-91
=============================================================================
IBM PS/PC SOFTWARE AND PREMIUM EXEC INTERNAL DATA MODEM
PROBLEM: IBM Personal Services/PC (PS/PC) software does not operate
correctly with the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem. When
attempting to make a connection, the modem handshakes but will
not link to the mainframe.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between IBM PS/PC software version 1.3 release
PSPC13003 and the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. IBM PS/PC software
version 1.3 release PSPC13006 resolves this problem.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM to
obtain the above release of the PS/PC software.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0707 10-10-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II 486SX/20 AND LOTUS 123 RELEASE 3.1
SYMPTOM: Unable to input numeric values into the Lotus 3.1 worksheet.
The numeric values appear only as zeros while alphanumeric
values are fine.
PROBLEM: Lotus 3.1 recognizes that the system has a 80486 Processor and
assumes that there is a Math Coprocessor available. This is
true for the 80486DX Intel Chip but not for the 80486SX. When
a Math Coprocessor is present, Lotus passes on the tasks of
numeric calculations to the Math Coprocessor which is not
available in the Premium II 486SX/20 as a standard option.
This can be checked by accessing the Worksheet Status Menu
option which will show the system information such as;
Available memory, Processor type, Math Coprocessor type and
other Lotus configuration information.
SOLUTION: By typing "123 -s" at the Lotus 3.1 prompt the Premium II
486SX/20 system will be recognized as a 80386 system with no
Math Coprocessor, enabling Lotus to handle the numeric
calculations. The "-s" switch instructs Lotus that the
system has a 386 Processor with no Math Coprocessor instead of
a 486 Processor. This will allow the Premium II 486SX/20 to
be able to input numeric data.
Lotus is also aware of this issue and customers can contact
Lotus at (800) 343-5414 and order the Lotus 3.1 update which
resolves this problem. With this update the Lotus program
will no longer assume that the 80486 Processor has a built-in
Math Coprocessor and the "-s" parameter will no longer be
necessary.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0708 10-14-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC AND TOSHIBA EXPRESSWRITER 301
PROBLEM: When using a Toshiba ExpressWriter 301 portable printer on the
Premium Exec Notebook errors occur when attempting to print
through the parallel port (i.e., "write fault error on device
LPT1:: when copying files directly to the parallel port).
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec Notebook 386/SX-20
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Toshiba has
provided a software patch (INT17.COM) which may be added to
the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to resolve this problem. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Toshiba's Technical
Support for more information.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0709 10-14-91
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS WITH IBM'S OS/2 EE
PROBLEM: When installing IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition 1.30.1 on an AST
system, the following error will occur:
"Invalid Configuration"
[50.09] diskette drives or types mismatch error. Run
setup... Press F1 key to continue or Ctrl-Alt-Esc for
setup.
The above error indicates that the system configuration is
lost and setup must be performed for the system to boot
properly.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All AST systems
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. The problem has
been corrected by IBM. Customers experiencing this problem
should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for either CSD
5016 or APAR JR04280. To insure proper installation of the
CSD or APAR, customers should follow the process outlined by
the IBM readme files.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0710A 10-28-91
=============================================================================
SCO OPEN DESKTOP IN 800X600 VIDEO MODE
PROBLEM: When using the Open Desktop release 1.0 and 1.11 in SuperVGA
(800x600x16) mode, vertical bars and multiple horizontal images
are displayed on the screen. The 640x480 and 640x350 modes work
fine.
CAUSE: The "grafinfo" file for the video contains some additional
information which is only required for the AST VGA Plus card.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All systems with integrated video.
SOLUTION: To fix this problem complete the following steps:
(Lines starting with the # sign indicate commands that should be
entered at the root prompt).
1) Bring the system down to single user mode (init 1).
2) # cd /usr/lib/grafinfo/paradise.
3) # cp vgaplus.xgi vgaplus.orig (you are saving the
file vgaplus.xgi as vgaplus.orig).
4) Edit the file vgaplus.xgi.
5) Search for, and remove the following two lines
from the file:
out (0x3CE,0x0B); out(0x3CF,0x44); / *256k 16 bit */
out (0x3CE,0x0C); out(0x3CF,0);
6) Save the file and exit you editor.
7) # mkdev graphics.
8) Select "update" from the main menu.
9) Choose the Paradise VGA Plus from the list of
Adapters.
10) Choose the VGA 800x600 16-color option from the
list of Modes.
11) Press return twice to accept the Default
configuration, and accept the current setting.
12) Choose "Quit" from the main menu, then "save".
(This will update the grafinfo database to reflect
the changes you have made to the file).
The system does not need to be re-booted, just go back to multiuser mode and
ODT will now work in 800x600 mode. This updated file will work correctly on
the regular VGA Plus board also.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0711 10-28-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX20 AND AST MODEM SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: When the ASTMODEM.EXE program is used to turn the modem off,
the suspend feature does not function.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between the ASTMODEM.EXE, and the suspend
feature.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec 386SX/20
SOLUTION: The new version of ASTMODEM.EXE (1.01) resolves this problem,
and can be downloaded from the AST BBS at (714) 727-4723. The
file name is ASTMODEM.ZIP, and can be found under the "System"
file area.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0712A 10-28-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR
PROBLEM: When a Xircom Parallel port Multiplexor is attached to the
Premium Exec 386SX-20 parallel port, the Xircom Pocket
Ethernet adapter reports the following error messages while
operating under Novell 386 OS:
"Pocket Ethernet failed memory test"
"Network error on server"
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 system.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between Xircom's Parallel Port Multiplexor and
AST's Premium 386SX-20 system.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Xircom for a
Multiplexor upgrade that will resolve this problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0713 10-31-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND TAYLOR SOFTWARE FOR MODICON 884
PROBLEM: While running Taylor's software on Modicon's 884 PLC
programmer, the following problem occurs when operating on
line through the serial port.
The page down key operates erratically. One out of three
keystrokes may be recognized which results in uncontrolled
page selections.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems
CAUSE: Incompatibility between Taylor for Modicon 884 software and
AST's Premium 386SX-20 system.
SOLUTION: This is not a issue that AST can resolve. Marketing has
determined that this problem will not be investigated any
further.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0714A 12-20-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX AND LOSS OF SETUP
Loss of CMOS setup or Password Enabled error messages have been reported on
some new Premium Exec 386SX systems. This problem occurs because the Premium
Exec is designed with a rechargeable Ni-Cad CMOS backup battery that has a
shelf life of approximately 42 days (worst case) from the date of
manufactured.
Under some circumstances when CMOS has been lost, the message "PLEASE ENTER
PASSWORD:" may appear prior to any of the error messages listed below. If
this occurs, it will be necessary to toggle the Password Override Switch to
override the password prior to running ASTSETUP. Please consult the Premium
Exec User's Manual for additional information on this procedure.
The problems are resolved by simply powering up the system using the AC
Adapter and pressing Ctrl-Alt-Esc to run ASTSETUP after the following
messages appear:
40.08 TESTING CMOS CHECKSUM CHECKSUM...FAILED
40.01 CMOS RAM ERROR CHECK BATTERY AND RUN SETUP
20.03 MEMORY SIZE ERROR - RUN SETUP
PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE OR CTRL ALT ESC FOR SETUP
Please Note: If the F1 key is pressed, the system will attempt to boot first,
from the floppy drive, then the hard drive. If no floppy disk is
present, the system will display "Disk Boot Error, Please Insert
a System Disk and press Enter". If this occurs insert the
Premium Utilities Diskette in drive A: and hit the Enter key and
choose "Run System Setup" from the menu that appears on the
screen.
To assure complete charging of the backup battery, it is recommended that
after running ASTSETUP, that the system remain plugged into the AC Adapter
for approximately 8 hours.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0715 11-05-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC 286/12 AND DOS 5.0
PROBLEM: When installing Microsoft or AST's version of DOS 5.0 on the
Premium Exec 286/12, an error will occur. The error is a
blinking cursor on the upper left hand corner of the screen
and the drive A:> light remains on. When this error occurs,
the system will lock up.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: Premium Exec 286/12
CAUSE: This problem is caused only when the Suspend mode is enabled.
SOLUTION: Currently, AST's Portable Marketing group has determined that
this problem will not be fixed. However, there is a
workaround for this problem. Before installing DOS 5.0, run
the Premium Exec 286/12 setup program and disable Suspend
mode. then proceed with the installation. When the
installation for DOS 5.0 is completed, re-run setup and enable
the Suspend mode.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0716 10-28-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND TRAK ENGINEERING SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: The TRAK Engineering application software "Fuel Management
System" will not communicate with TRAK's custom control box
through the Premium II 386SX-20 Com port.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium II 386SX-20 with the following system board part
number:
202373-003 Revision X4 and below
CAUSE: Incompatibility between TRAK Engineering software and control
box and AST's Com port on the Premium II 386SX-20 system.
SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved. Customers experiencing this
problem should contact AST and have their system board
upgraded to revision X5 or above.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0717 10-22-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II UTILITIES WITH MIS-IDENTIFICATION OF 386/33 PROCESSOR
PROBLEM: When running Premium II utilities version 2.00 confidence test
the "view system configuration" option reports the 386/33
processor as a 386/25. The mis-identification during the AST
confidence test is an error in the identification process
only, the board is fully functional at the full 386-33 speed.
CAUSE: The component on the processor board, that identifies the
386/33 processor is incorrect.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All processor boards with part numbers 202403-002 with
revision X7 or lower and 202403-003 revision X8 or lower.
SOLUTION: This problem is fixed on the next revision level of the
Processor boards, X8 or X9 respectively. This is not a
mandatory change and is not covered under warranty.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0718 10-09-91
=============================================================================
AST's SVGA MONITOR AND OS/2 1.21
SYMPTOM: Various screen problems may occur with AST systems using the
800x600 resolution mode under AST OS/2 version 1.21 with the
AST SVGA monitor. Some of the problems experienced are as
follows:
Shaking of the screen.
Slight shift of the screen.
A line down the center of the screen.
A loss of the screen when switching between video modes.
PROBLEM: The current BVHVGA.DLL driver under AST OS/2 version 1.21
instructs the video chip on the AST system board to generate
an output of 34.4 kHz instead of the VESA (Video Electronics
Standard Association) specified horizontal frequency of 35.2
kHz for SVGA monitors. The AST SVGA monitors follow the VESA
specifications for the horizontal frequency.
SOLUTION: A driver called BVHVGA.DLL with the byte size of 37994 is
available on the AST BBS under the file name of OS2-VGA.ZIP
which is located in the file area called SYSTEMS. This driver
sets the video chip output to match the VESA specified SVGA
horizontal frequency of 35.2 kHz for the AST SVGA monitor.
This new driver will be incorporated in AST OS/2 version 1.3.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0719 11-07-91
=============================================================================
AST ETHERNODE AND SMC CONCENTRATORS/HUBS
PROBLEM: When connecting multiple NetWare servers using SMC's (Standard
Microsystems Corporation) Concentrators/hubs, the error "file
server not found" is displayed on the workstation. If only
one file server is connected, a connection can be made.
CAUSE: SMC has a documented bug which does not allow connecting
multiple servers via their earlier concentrators/hubs.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should contact SMC for an
upgrade to a revision G or higher.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0720 11-12-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM 486/33 TOWER EISA AND DPTFMT PROGRAM
PROBLEM: When installing SCO UNIX software on a Premium 486/33 Tower
EISA system with the DPT Host Bus adapter provided by AST, the
following error will be displayed during installation:
"WARNING: No Configuration Information for SDisk Unit 0."
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium 486/33 Tower EISA with the following system board:
202377-001
CAUSE: AST's DPTFMT program does not configure the hard drive type
properly.
SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.01 of AST's
Driver Support Diskette. Customers experiencing this problem
should contact AST and order the following Software upgrade
and Installation Reference document:
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
910452-005 Software upgrade Revision A Release 1.01
001436-001A Installation Reference document
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0721A 12-16-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC AND EMM386.EXE
MS-DOS version 5.0 includes an expanded memory emulator, EMM386.EXE. Memory
addressing conflicts may occur when running this program on the Premium Exec.
The problem is a result of EMM386.EXE and the Premium Exec System BIOS
attempting to load at the same memory address.
To prevent EMM386.EXE from using memory that is already used by the Premium
Exec System BIOS, add the following parameter to the device statement in the
system's CONFIG.SYS file:
DEVICE=EMM386.EXE x=C000-CFFF
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0722 11-01-91
=============================================================================
ADVANCED FASTRAM
PROBLEM: Several customers have reported being unable to use the
Advanced FastRam board. The failure has been isolated to a
Improperly programmed smart switch device on the FastRam card
(IC U65 107000-642).
SYMPTOM: The Advanced FastRam is not being seen by the FastRam
software. The machine boots, but the I/O and starting address
is not recognized by the Configuration Utility software
(910314-301 revision A).
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Advanced FastRam card with the following part number:
202253-001 or 500565-001
SOLUTION: Any customers reporting this problem should contact their
local AST Service Center to have the defective IC,
(107000-642B) replaced.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0723 12-02-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM/386 TOWER EISA DETECTING RAM MEMORY AT 512K
PROBLEM: When the system is configured with 512K of base memory the
system BIOS may incorrectly identify LAN cards RAM memory as
system memory. This problem will occur when the LAN card RAM
has a starting address of 512K.
When the system is re-booted via CNTL-ALT-DEL the following
error message is displayed:
[20.30] Memory size error - Run EISA config utility.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium/386 Tower EISA system board with the following part
number:
202377-002 Revision "D" and below.
CAUSE: System BIOS incorrectly testing memory in the
512K - 640K range.
SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with a new release of the
system BIOS. Customers experiencing this problem should have
the system BIOS upgraded to version 1.14, see Field Change
Notice #0046B.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0724 12-10-91
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS AND IBM ENTRY LEVEL 3270 VERSION 2.0
PROBLEM: When running IBM's Entry Level 3270 version 2.0 on AST systems
the computer will hang showing a blank screen.
SYMPTOM: The system hangs with a blank screen. To recover from this
problem a cold boot is required.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST systems.
SOLUTION: This is not an AST problem. Customers experiencing this
problem should contact IBM Support at 800-237-5511 and ask for
Patch Number IR96328.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0725 12-16-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/25 AND NUMLOCK KEY
Problems have been reported with the Numlock key being toggled to the wrong
state with some Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems. The problem is that the
Numlock is enabled when the system boots even if it has been set to "off at
Boot" in setup.
The problem is caused by an incorrect line in the system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file
that results in an erroneously configured keyboard.
The problem is resolved by removing the following line from the AUTOEXEC.BAT
file:
KEYB US,,C:\DOS\KEYBOARD.SYS
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0726 12-16-91
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC, MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL AND TASK SWAPPING
Problems may occur with the Premium Exec 386SX/20 and 386SX/25 when
attempting to use the Task Swapping feature under the MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL.
When attempting to swap between tasks, the computer will beep and continue to
run without swapping. This problem does not occur when running AST's version
of MS-DOS 5.0.
The problem is caused by the MS-DOS 5.0 installation program installing a
driver for VGA mono operation (vgamono.grb) when an LCD display is sensed.
The Premium Exec's LCD has been designed to emulate VGA color modes and is
not completely compatible with the vgamono.grb driver. AST's version of MS-
DOS 5.0 installation program has been modified to install the VGA color
driver (vga.grb) that corrects this problem.
If running MS-DOS 5.0 on a Premium Exec, the problem can be resolved by
manually installing the vga.grb driver supplied with the MS-DOS Distribution
Diskettes. Complete each of the steps listed below in order to install this
driver:
1. Insert MS-DOS 5.0 Distribution Diskette #1 in drive A:
2. At the DOS prompt, enter the following command:
Copy A:VGA.GRB C:\DOS\DOSSHELL.GRB
3. Hit the ENTER key.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0727 12-17-91
=============================================================================
AST 5251/11 ENHANCED WITH P.C. SUPPORT
PROBLEM: When sending large print jobs using the virtual print feature
within P.C. Support, the system locks up.
Customer is unable to get P.C. Support version 1.3 or higher
to initialize.
CAUSE: The AST Twinax Adapter Handler (ASTTWNAH.EXE) version 1.01 did
not handle the print functions properly. The 1.01 version of
the adapter handler was not designed to work with version 1.3
or version 2.1 of P.C. Support.
SOLUTION: The new version of the Twinax Adapter Handler version 1.20
fixes all of the above problems. The part numbers are as
follows:
910395-002 5.25" diskette
910395-032 3.50" diskette
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0728 12-26-91
=============================================================================
AST BRAVO 486/25 VIDEO BIOS ERRORS DURING POST
PROBLEM: When using a third party video card as the primary video in an
AST Bravo 486/25, the following error message will be
displayed during POST:
"Cannot shadow video BIOS in shadow ram"
"Press F1 key to continue or CTRL-ALT-ESC to setup"
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Bravo 486/25 system board with the following part number:
202385-001
CAUSE: System BIOS Rel 1.10 does not have the option to disable the
shadow BIOS.
SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.20 of the system
BIOS. This system BIOS consist of two chips, part number
237801-003 and 237802-003 revision A. Customers experiencing
the above problem should have the system BIOS upgraded.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0729 01-03-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND DEC PCSA SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: System will not remote boot with DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E
software. The system will hang during the execution of the
CONFIG.SYS file.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium II 386SX-20 system.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E software and
AST's Premium II 386SX-20 system.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should contact DEC for a
software upgrade, PCSA revision 4.1 will resolve this problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0730 01-06-92
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS WITH PS/2 MOUSE PORT AND CH PRODUCTS ROLLER MOUSE
PROBLEM: When a CH Products Roller Mouse is attached to the AST PS/2
type mouse port , it will lock up the keyboard or display the
following error message after POST:
"Mouse not installed"
CAUSE: Incompatibility between CH Products Roller Mouse and AST's
PS/2 mouse port.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: AST Premium 386SX-20 and Bravo 486-25 with the following
system board part numbers:
202382-002 and 202385-001
SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.02.01 of the
keyboard controller, part number 237002-002 revision A.
Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard
controller upgraded.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0731 01-06-92
=============================================================================
AST 486 SYSTEMS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL
PROBLEM: When running Microsoft Excel version 3.0 with a Postscript
printer and doing a "Print Preview" in landscape mode with the
print expanded 150%, the software will generate the following
error message:
"NON-RECOVERABLE APPLICATION ERROR"
SYMPTOM: All AST 486 based systems experience "NON-RECOVERABLE
APPLICATION ERRORS" (UAE). A system reset is required to
recover from this problem. The UAE's will not occur while
printing, only when doing a print preview.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST 486 models.
SOLUTION: This is not a problem that AST can resolve. Microsoft Windows
version 3.1 (BETA) has been tested by AST and does not
experience the same problem. Customers experiencing the above
problem should contact Microsoft Product Support at (206) 637-
7098 for a resolution.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0732 11-04-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM II WITH 387SX MATH CO-PROCESSOR AND WINDOWS 3.0
PROBLEM: Running Windows 3.0 in Standard mode with a 80387SX math co-
processor installed may cause the system to hang and display
the error message:
"Not ready error drive C:, abort, retry, ignore, fail?"
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Systems with the following motherboards installed:
AST
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION LOCATION
202356-00X CUPID Motherboard U85
202360-00X CLEM Motherboard U29
202373-00X MS CLEM Motherboard U22
CAUSE: When a Texas Instruments or I.M.P. 82C206 Interrupt Controller
is used on the above motherboards, the INTR signal is left
set, causing the system to hang. This failure is only noticed
when running Windows version 3.0 in the Standard mode with an
80387SX math co-processor installed.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this failure should have their system
motherboard returned to AST for replacement of the 82C206 IC
(AST part number 106000-619).
NOTE: The repair/replacement order for the motherboard
obtained from AST must specify that the disqualified
component at location U?? be replaced.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0733 01-06-92
=============================================================================
WINFAX ERRORS AND MICROSOFT WORKS
PROBLEM: When faxing/printing documents with Microsoft Works the
software reports the following error message:
"The page size and orientation settings for your printer do
not match the page size settings in your document".
This is an error in the software only. To get around this
problem select the "continue" option in the dialog box.
CAUSE: Microsoft Works for Windows does not read the page orientation
settings correctly. This problem occurs when running Works
for Windows only.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST systems running Windows 3.0, Works for Windows and
Winfax 2.0 from Delrina Technology, Inc.
SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft Works for
Windows technical support at (206) 635-7130 for a resolution.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0734 01-06-92
=============================================================================
BRAVO 386SX-20 AND MICROSOFT WORD
PROBLEM: When using Microsoft Word version 5.0 and 5.5 on a Bravo
386SX-20 with a PS/2 compatible mouse the system will lock up.
The system will lock up when WORD is typed at the DOS prompt
and the enter key is pressed or when trying to access WORD
through Windows 3.0. This lock up occurs when the mouse
driver is installed.
CAUSE: This problem is caused by Microsoft's file called SCREEN.VID,
which contains the video and keyboard drivers used for Word.
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: Bravo 386SX-20 and Premium II 386SX-20
SOLUTION: This is not a problem that AST can resolve. Customers
experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft's Technical
Support for a new copy of SCREEN.VID to resolve the problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0735 01-16-92
=============================================================================
FASTBOARD 386 AND DR-DOS 6.0
PROBLEM: When installing the driver FB386.SYS under Digital Research's
DR-DOS 6.0, the FB386.SYS driver will fail to load and display
the following error message:
"FB386.SYS not loaded - illegal parameter specified".
CAUSE: Incompatibility between the FB386.SYS release 1.2 and Digital
Research DOS 6.0
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Fastboard 386
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade their
FB386.SYS driver to version 1.22 or later. This driver is
available on the AST On-Line! BBS and also on the Fastboard
386 driver diskette (AST part number 910281-001 revision E).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0736 01-21-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM 486/25 AND IMSI PET MOUSE
PROBLEM: When using a Pet Mouse, a PS/2 compatible mouse manufactured
by Imsi on a Premium 486-25 the following errors will occur:
- The system will lock up with the Pet Mouse plugged into the
mouse port (motherboard part number 202360-001).
- If the system passes its POST test the Pet Mouse will be
recognized as a serial mouse connect to COM1: IRQ: 4 I/O:
3F8, instead of a PS/2 mouse.
CAUSE: The cause of this problem is the keyboard controller revision
1.01, which is located at U15.
SYSTEM
AFFECTED: All systems that have motherboard part number 202360-001.
SOLUTION: This problem is resolved by replacing the revision 1.01
keyboard controller with revision 1.02. This keyboard
controller (part number 237002-002) can be ordered through
AST's Product Support Department.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0737 01-23-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT PS/2 MOUSE
Problems have been reported with some Microsoft PS/2 Serial and PS/2 Mice
when attached to the mouse port of AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 and 386SX-25
systems. The mouse may exhibit either intermittent operation or a failure to
initialize after executing the mouse driver. This problem does not occur if
the same mouse is attached to the Premium Exec's serial port.
The cause of the problem is that some Microsoft Mice release the clock and
data lines too quickly when the system is first powered on. The problem has
been resolved on Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems with version 1.05 of the
Keyboard BIOS and on Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems with version 1.15 System
BIOS.
Premium Exec users experiencing this problem should contact an AST Authorized
Service Center and obtain the following:
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
Premium Exec 386SX-20 BIOS Upgrade 1.07/1.05 500892-001
Premium Exec 386SX-25 System BIOS 1.15 237838-005
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0738 01-23-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT BALLPOINT MOUSE
Incorrect operation of the Suspend/Resume Feature may occur when using a
Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse connected to the Premium Exec's Keyboard/Mouse
Port. The system will lock up when attempting to return from the suspend
mode.
This problem occurs only when using version 8.0 and version 8.1 of Microsoft
device drivers (MOUSE.COM & MOUSE.SYS). Earlier versions of this device
driver do not exhibit this problem. In order to resolve the problem,
substitute an earlier version of the device driver.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0739 11-11-91
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH GERMAN KEYBOARD
An incompatibility was discovered with AST German Keyboard ("AST230098-
004C"), KEYB.COM (DOS versions 3.3 and 4.01) and 486/33 processors. When
KEYB.COM is loaded, "^@" will be displayed on the screen. The Alt-GR (third-
shift-key) will not function properly.
KEYB.COM, revision 3.30E6 will resolve the problem with DOS versions 3.3 and
4.01. The file name is KEYB.ZIP and can be found on AST's On-Line! Bulletin
Board System.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0740 01-15-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC WITH PC HF WEATHER FAX SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: Software Systems Consulting (SSC) produces a PC HF Weather Fax
software package that is incompatible with the core logic used
in the AST Premium Exec notebooks. The Western Digital
WD76C10 device is not unique to AST notebooks. The PC HF
Facsimile version 5.0 does not properly display the weather
satellite images.
CAUSE: The Western Digital WD76C10 is not compatible with the
software timing of the Software Systems HF Weather Fax.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST Premium Exec notebooks, as well as all other vendors
notebooks that utilize the Western Digital WD76C10 device.
SOLUTION: There is no solution to this problem. SSC has agreed to give
any customers using their software on such a system a refund.
Customers reporting this problem should contact SSC at (714)
498-5784.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0741 01-22-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL
PROBLEM: During the installation process, the EXECEL.EXE file does not
fully copy onto the hard drive. This results in an incomplete
installation of Excel.
SYMPTOM: When "double clicking" on the Excel Icon, the following
message appears:
"System error: Divide by Zero error".
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium Exec 386SX/25
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade the BIOS to
revision 1.12 or higher.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0742 01-24-92
=============================================================================
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.0 AND ENHANCED VGA MODES
PROBLEM: When running the application WordPerfect 5.1 in 132x43 column
text mode under Windows 3.0 (Real, Standard, or Enhanced
modes) and switching between tasks using the <ALT> + <TAB> key
sequence, or using the Task List, when the user switches away
from and then back to the WordPerfect session the screen is
blank with only a flashing cursor on the screen.
CAUSE: Microsoft has advised AST that Windows does not support DOS
applications (WordPerfect and others) running in extended
graphics modes such as 132x43 column text mode or 640x400x256
graphics mode. Windows will only support standard VGA text
and graphics modes for these applications.
SOLUTION: Run DOS applications in standard VGA modes only.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0743 01-24-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC 386 AND HEALTHDYNE SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: When the Healthdyne database software accesses the math co-
processor in a Premium Exec 386/SX-20 the following error
message "Stack Frame Error" displays and then returns to a dos
prompt.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium Exec 386/SX-20 and Premium Exec 386SX-25
CAUSE: The software when started with a batch file "GO 1" mis-
identifies the L.C.D. screen and the environment created is
incorrect. The correct environment is created by the software
if the screen is identified as color CGA, EGA, or VGA display.
SOLUTION: Revision "B" of the software has been released by Healthdyne
that detects the display attached thereby correcting the above
problem. A temporary solution is to start the program with
the "GO 2" batch file, which identifies the screen as a VGA
display.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0744A 03-04-92
=============================================================================
AST 486 BASED SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTEC 1540 AND 1542B
PROBLEM: AST 486 based systems using an Adaptec 1540 and 1542B SCSI HBA
shows a significant loss of performance by Checkit and
Sprinrite. Data transfer rates are reduced by 33 percent when
compared to a Premium/386-33 or a Premium 386SX-16 system.
CAUSE: Adaptec's controller request for the bus are being held off
while the 486 completes code fetch sequences from Adaptec's
byte-wide BIOS ROM. This results in 16 accesses to the ROM
over the bus, because the 486 processor fetches 128 bits at a
time then releases the bus. The 386 processor fetches 32 bits
then releases the bus. Since the 486 processor holds Adaptec
controller off the bus longer during this access, the overall
performance is significantly reduced as compared to the 386
based system.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST 486 based systems
SOLUTION: It has been determined that this problem will not be fixed.
Customers experiencing this problem should use QEMM-386
version 5.1 or equivalent as a workaround. This application
will allow shadowing of the Adaptec BIOS which will resolve
the problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0745 01-30-92
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS AND AST 5251/11 TERMINAL EMULATION PROGRAM
PROBLEM: Customers using AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation program version
4.40 or earlier, may experience intermittently displayed
characters (2,4,6,8) while using the stand alone cursor keys
on a 101 enhanced keyboard. When a cursor key is depressed
and held down a number will be inserted on the screen if
immediately preceding the depressing of the shift key.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between AST 101 enhanced keyboard part number
230098-001 revision "C", and AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation
program.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST systems using 101 enhanced keyboards, part number
230098-001 revision "C" .
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard
part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or higher.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0746 02-20-92
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS WITH DPTDDL.SYS DRIVER
PROBLEM: When loading the DPTDDL.SYS driver for the DPT hard disk
controller the following error message is displayed:
"Warning: SCSI BIOS ROM version is later than the driver
version".
AFFECTED
SYSTEM: All AST systems.
CAUSE: The DPTDDL.SYS provided by AST only supports SmartRom version
prior to revision "C".
SOLUTION: If the DPT HBA (Host Bus Adapter) PM2012 has revision "C" or
later of the SmartRom then the DPTDDL.SYS required can be
downloaded from DPT Bulletin Board Service (B.B.S.), telephone
number 407-831-6432.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0747 02-21-92
=============================================================================
RAMPAGEPLUS/MC AND DCA 3270/MC BOARD
PROBLEM: When installing a DCA 3270/MC board in an IBM PS/2 system with
a RampagePlus/MC board already installed, after completing the
DCA 3270 installation, the memory previously supplied by the
RampagePlus/MC board will no longer be counted during post.
CAUSE: The ASTART.EXE program supplied with the RampagePlus/MC board
does not correctly register memory on the IBM reference disk,
which allows the DCA 3270/MC board to corrupt the
RampagePlus/MC memory configuration.
SOLUTION: Use the ASTART.EXE (version 1.21.01) available on the AST On-
Line! BBS. (This is not an AST released driver, and AST makes
no warranty regarding the usability of this driver).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0748 03-18-92
=============================================================================
BIOS SHADOWING IN AST SYSTEMS
This document presents information on the topic of BIOS shadowing.
Persistent misinformation and rumors abound on BIOS shadowing. If properly
informed most users should view shadowing as a positive and significant
performance enhancer rather than a feature to be avoided.
Performance:
System BIOS and video BIOS shadowing is done to improve performance. This is
done by executing the BIOS code out of RAM rather than ROM. A performance
gain is achieved by executing out of RAM because it has a much faster
response time than the ROM. The slower response time of the ROM acts as a
barrier to today's higher speed processors.
Shadowing Location:
During POST the system BIOS copies an image of itself as well as an image of
the video BIOS into RAM. The location where this image is copied depends on
the vendor's philosophies as well as hardware capabilities. The AST
philosophy is to follow the strategy of "in-place" shadowing. What in-place
shadowing means is that the system BIOS will be copied into RAM located at
F000:0 and the video BIOS will be copied into RAM located at C000:0. For
those familiar with the PC architecture, in-place shadowing locates the
shadowed BIOS at the same location as the ROM version (unshadowed BIOS).
Early in AST's systems history, the hardware was not able to support the in-
place shadowing strategy. The very early systems would shadow the system
BIOS at F000:0 but the video BIOS had to be shadowed at E000:0. Progress in
AST's hardware development made in-place shadowing possible for systems
starting in the latter part of 1989. The choice of shadowing in-place or not
is limited by hardware and is not a BIOS design issue.
Advantages of In-place:
Shadowing in-place has the significant advantage of conserving valuable upper
memory addresses. A typical unshadowed system will utilize a total of 96K
bytes of valuable address space between the 640K and 1M region. This is
allocated as 64K bytes at F000:0 for the system BIOS and 32K bytes at C000:0
for the VGA BIOS. The AST strategy of in-place shadowing utilizes exactly
96K bytes of this valuable address space when shadowing is activated. A
different shadowing strategy commonly utilizes 160K bytes of this address
space between 640K and 1M.
The chart below illustrates how the in-place shadowing strategy conserves
valuable upper memory addresses.
Upper Memory Address Utilization:
No Shadow In-Place Other Scheme
C0000-C7FFF VGA BIOS VGA BIOS VGA BIOS (ROM)
E0000-EFFFF not used not used VGA BIOS (Shadowed)
F0000-FFFFF system BIOS system BIOS system BIOS
total space 96K bytes 96K bytes 160K bytes
The second significant advantage of in-place shadowing is that it presents
the same characteristics as the typical unshadowed system. For programs which
"sniff" or search the 640K - 1M region, a system which has in-place shadowing
has the video BIOS and system BIOS in exactly the same locations as the
typical unshadowed system. There is no anomaly as in other shadowing
strategies which have a video BIOS located at C000:0 (the ROM image) as well
as at E000:0 (the shadow image).
Reserved Memory:
All current AST systems as well as all new AST designs have 128K bytes of
reserved memory set aside to support shadowing. All memory except this 128K
bytes is available to the user. The reserved memory is used as the shadow
RAM. There has been no attempt to design systems where only 96K is reserved
rather than 128K. Providing this extra 32K to the user would significantly
increase hardware costs.
There are a few exceptions to the 128K reserved memory rule. The Bravo
286/16 is an example of a system which gives reserved memory back to the
user. This extra 128K is available if shadowing is turned off in specific
memory configurations. Because of the costs and complications involved to
provide an extra 128K bytes of memory for the minority of users who wish to
disable shadowing, AST systems will continue with the 128K reserved memory
rule.
Write Protection:
Write protecting the shadowed BIOS is important as it prevents program bugs
or poorly designed programs from destroying the video or system BIOS images
in RAM. This issue affects AST as well as all system vendors. This write
protection attribute coupled with the in-place shadowing yields the perfect
shadowing scheme.
Systems with cache can present a wrinkle in write protecting the shadow RAM.
Until very recently, AST systems with cache did not provide the hardware
capability to write protect the video BIOS shadow area. Write protection of
the video BIOS shadow area was complicated by the fact that the cache was
caching the video BIOS addresses. (The system BIOS area has been write
protected as the cache does not cover the system BIOS addresses.) With the
exception of 486 based systems, recent AST designs now fully write protect
the shadowed BIOS areas.
The internal cache of the 486 chip presents a challenge to write protection
schemes which AST as well as all other vendors are faced with. Essentially
there are no hooks in the 486 which allow hardware designers to implement
write protection of shadowed areas which are covered by the 486's cache.
While full write protection could be achieved by preventing the 486 cache
from covering the video BIOS area, this results in a significant performance
degradation in video benchmarks.
The AST solution to the write protection dilemma of 486 systems is to write
protect the shadow RAM. While this does not prevent the cached copy of the
video BIOS from being overwritten, the cache will always be able to fetch a
correct copy from the protected shadow RAM whenever a cache load cycle is
done. This pseudo write protection of the video BIOS presents a much smaller
window of vulnerability to program bugs.
Permanent Shadowing:
All new AST systems and recent BIOS updates provide a feature called
permanent shadowing. This feature no longer provides the user with the
option to disable shadowing. With in-place shadowing and write protection of
the shadowed BIOS, there is little reason to disable shadowing. Disabling
shadowing only provides the user with a slower system. As mentioned earlier
the reserved memory is typically not returned back to the user when shadowing
is disabled.
Summary:
This paper has attempted to answer many of the persistent questions
surrounding shadowing. It has also reiterated the long term AST strategy
which, when implemented, results in the perfect shadowing scheme.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0749 03-27-92
=============================================================================
INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER SETS AND EXTENDED TEXT MODES
PROBLEM: When using extended video text modes such as 132x25 or 132x43
on the AST Bravo 386SX-20 using AST DOS 5.0, in conjunction
with an international code page such as Hebrew, the Bravo will
revert to the US code page.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All systems using AST DOS 5.0
SOLUTION: AST Product Marketing has determined that this problem will
not be fixed. Only the US character set will be supported in
extended text modes at this time.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0750 04-01-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC NI-CAD BATTERY INFORMATION
PROBLEM: All Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable batteries have the
inherent "memory" property that can cause early low voltage
indications and premature system shutdown.
CAUSE: When a Ni-Cad battery is put through repeated partial-
discharge / recharge cycles, and is drained to approximately
the same level each time - down to half capacity, for example
- it develops a "memory" of this point in the discharge
process. Once established, Ni-Cad memory distorts the
battery's voltage output profile. The battery will produce a
normal voltage until drained to the memorized location, but
thereafter its voltage output abruptly sags to a sub-normal
value, and stays below normal until actual battery depletion.
The voltage depression can be deep enough to cause the
Notebook to prematurely issue the low battery warning (audible
beep and lighted amber LED) or battery fail warning (audible
beep and blinking amber LED.)
SOLUTION: The Ni-Cad battery "memory" effect can be corrected by
"conditioning" the battery, a process which simply consists of
fully discharging the battery before recharging.
The battery pack should never be disturbed while the system is
in use or while the battery is being charged. To remove or
install a battery, the system should be powered down and the
AC adapter removed.
AST recommends conditioning the battery pack monthly to
promote optimum performance. Conditioning of new, out-of-the-
box Ni-Cad battery pack is also strongly recommended. Listed
below are the steps required to correctly condition the
Premium Exec Ni-Cad battery:
1. Charge the Ni-Cad battery up to full capacity.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Configure the Notebook's Setup Menu as shown below.
IMPORTANT: Note that Suspend must be ENABLED!
Default Speed: HIGH
Backlight Timeout: 0
Hard Disk Timeout: 0
Suspend: ENABLE
Software Timeout: 0
(Exec SX-25 and
SX-25 color only)
Turbo Mode: ON AT BOOT
Speaker: ENABLE
Other Parameters: Don't care
This configuration results in a near-maximum load on the battery during the
first part of the conditioning process. Suspend mode then prevents an
excessive drain rate as the battery nears depletion.
4. Store the setup menu setting and exit. The system will
reboot and the screen will display the DOS prompt.
5. Keep the Notebook powered up with its LCD display open for
12 TO 24 HOURS.
Most will find that overnight conditioning of the battery is the most
convenient method.
It is safe to use the Notebook in the normal fashion during the conditioning
process. However, the following precautions must be observed:
a. Save your work and exit all applications back to the DOS
prompt immediately after the first low battery warning.
Allow the Notebook to remain powered up with the LCD
display open, however.
b. A full 12 hours of on-time will insure complete battery
discharge even with premature suspend activation caused
by the "memory" effect.
6. After 12 hours, turn the Notebook off. Recharge the
battery by attaching the AC adapter. Connect the AC
adapter to the Notebook before plugging the adapter into
the AC socket. Connecting the AC adapter in this sequence
insures that the Notebook battery management system senses
all signals on the DIN connector appropriately.
NOTE: After completing a "fast discharge", wait at least 5 minutes before
connecting the AC Adapter/Charger to recharge the battery. If this is not
done, the AC Adapter/Charger could switch to Trickle Charge mode instead of
Fast Charge mode.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0751 04-06-92
=============================================================================
HARD DRIVE OPTION KITS
The following Drive Option Kits are partitioned/formatted improperly and
contain incorrect documentation:
500747-080: The drive was not accessible due to a "NON-DOS Partition"
ERROR. Initially, the drive was formatted/partitioned with
DOS 5.0, it is not accessible by users of earlier versions of
DOS.
The user should contact AST and have the hard drive replaced.
500747-110: This Drive Option Kit contained a Western Digital drive with a
CDC Installation Guide.
The correct documentation is available in the Configuration
Guide Manual (part number 001237-001) for the 110MB hard drive.
500747-200: This Drive Option Kit contained Maxtor drives with Western
Digital jumper settings and documentation.
The correct documentation is available in the Configuration
Guide Manual (part number 001532-001) for the 200MB hard drive.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0752 04-08-92
=============================================================================
VGA DRIVER SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS 3.1
PROBLEM: VGA drivers distributed with the AST systems do not support
Microsoft Windows 3.1. The following two problems will occur
when attempting to load these drivers under Windows 3.1:
1) The Windows 3.1 logo will be overwritten with a 3.0 logo.
2) The 256 color drivers for both the 800x600 and 640x480
resolutions operate slowly and with considerable flicker.
The video drivers experiencing problems are contained on the
following diskettes:
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
Premium II Integrated VGA drivers 910403-003/033
Bravo Integrated VGA drivers 910524-031
Advantage Integrated VGA drivers 910527-031
CAUSE: These drivers were written to support Windows 3.0 and were not
meant to support Windows 3.1.
SOLUTION: There is no solution for the above problems until drivers for
Windows 3.1 have been released.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0753 04-20-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II 386/33 WITH BARR/3 SDLC BOARD
PROBLEM: When using a Premium II 386/33, the BARR/3 SDLC board from
BARR Systems will not function in DMA mode.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium II 386/33 Systems with Processor card (part number
202403-002).
CAUSE: Incompatibility with the BARR/3 SDLC card.
SOLUTION: BARR Systems has modified their existing BARR/3 SDLC board,
revision 1A, which functions correctly under DMA mode.
Contact BARR Systems for upgrade information.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0754 05-20-92
=============================================================================
AST OFFICE ADVANTAGE 386SX/20 AND WINDOWS 3.0
PROBLEM: When using the AST Office Advantage 386SX/20 with a factory
installed copy of Windows 3.0, Windows will not, by default,
run in 386 enhanced mode. By selecting "help" - "about" from
the Program Manager menu, Windows will show that it is
operating in "Standard Mode".
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Office Advantage 386SX/20
SOLUTION: Enter the system set-up screen by pressing and holding <CTRL>
+ <ALT> + <ESC> as the system boots. Following the
instructions on the set-up screen for moving the highlight
bar, move to the "Shadow BIOS" field and select "Disable".
Save the system configuration and reboot the system. By
disabling Shadow BIOS, an additional 128K of extended RAM will
be available for Windows. This additional extended RAM will
be sufficient to allow Windows 3.0 to operate in 386 Enhanced
Mode without any other modifications. Alternately, adding
additional memory to the system will also allow Windows 3.0 to
run in Enhanced Mode.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0755 05-28-92
=============================================================================
THIRD FLOPPY DRIVE SUPPORT UNDER IBM OS/2 2.0
The system does not recognize the third physically installed floppy drive
under IBM OS/2 version 2.0. However, the system recognizes the drive under
DOS. The statement BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD in the IBM OS/2 2.0 CONFIG.SYS file
is the default configuration for two floppy drive support in a non-IBM
system. To have the third floppy drive supported under IBM OS/2 modify the
BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD statement so that the file appears as follows:
BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /UNIT:2 /F:1.2*
or
/F:1.44
*Select the appropriate format for the third floppy drive which would be
either a 1.2MB 5.25" (1.2) drive or a 1.44MB 3.5" (1.44) drive.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0756 06-01-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND BATTERY WATCH
PROBLEM: When using a Microsoft PS/2 mouse connected to a Premium Exec
with MS-DOS 5.0 and Battery Watch software, the mouse cursor
will behave erratically when using the mouse in applications
such as the MS-DOS Shell, Central Point PC Shell, etc.
CAUSE: This problem is caused by a conflict between Battery Watch and
the Premium Exec keyboard controller.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium Exec systems shipped with the Traveling software
Utilities disk (part number 910413-032).
SOLUTION: AST Portable Systems Engineering has determined that Battery
Watch will not be upgraded to resolve this problem. As a work
around, AST suggests either attaching the mouse to the serial
port using the appropriate PS/2-serial adapter or removing
Battery Watch from the systems AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0757 06-09-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH SQL SERVER
PROBLEM: SQL Server version 4.2 hangs during installation or log-on
while using the system administrators facility (SAF) with a
486DX processor card. This error occurs either in an ISA or
EISA system.
CAUSE: The problem has been isolated to the current version of BIOS.
If CMOS byte 41, bit 4 is high (co-processor disabled), SQL
Administrator will hang.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: 486DX/25 or 33 ISA or EISA.
SOLUTION: The following are two solutions available until a new version
of BIOS is released:
1) Using Debug type in the following instructions to determine
the status of the byte 41:
o 70 41 ;point to byte 41
i 71 ;get the byte
Then adjust the value so that bit 4 is low (example: F8h
becomes E8h). Write the new value back to CMOS using the
following instructions:
o 70 41 ;point to the byte
o 71 xx ;xx=new value in hex
2) Temporarily install a 386DX or SX processor board. Boot and
go into setup. Tab down to the field for Enable/Disable
Co-processor. Set to enable. Save and exit. Then,
reinstall the 486 processor board.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0758 05-27-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC AND THE WESTERN DIGITAL 60MB DRIVE
PROBLEM: The following symptoms occur in Premium Exec systems which
have a Western Digital WDAH-260-00 model drive installed:
- An "ERROR INITIALIZING HARD DRIVE" occurs upon booting the
system.
- The hard drive will spin down on its own.
- The drive cannot be accessed for 25-30 seconds after
returning from SUSPEND operation.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All Premium Exec systems.
CAUSE: This is a firmware problem with the Western Digital drives.
The version of the firmware can be identified by the "CCC"
(Customer Configuration Code) which is part of the
manufacturer's configuration information displayed on the
label. Drives with a CCC of "D6" will exhibit the above
symptoms. To view the label, the keyboard must be removed.
CAUTION:
This operation should be performed by a qualified service
technician. It is strongly recommended that it be completed
by an AST Authorized Service Center. In no case will AST
Research, Inc. be liable for damage to the system and its
components or loss of data caused by improper modification.
SOLUTION: The hard drive should be replaced with a drive having a CCC
code designated "B2". The model number for this drive is
WDAH260-02.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0759B 12-15-92
=============================================================================
SIMM MATRIX
The ensuing chart list the appropriate part numbers for SIMMs to be used with
the AST line of computers. Please note the appropriate speed and memory size
for the SIMM to be used.
Note: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not included
here. To obtain a complete copy of this techncial bulletin, contact:
AST RESEARCH, INC.
16215 ALTON PARKWAY
IRVINE, CA 92718
ATTENTION: PRODUCT SUPPORT
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0760 06-10-92
=============================================================================
ASTIVGA.EXE ON THE PREMIUM II AND BRAVO SYSTEMS
PROBLEM: The Premium II User's Manual (AST part number 001129-001
revision X), refers to using a video utility called
ASTIVGA.EXE. When trying to access ASTIVGA.EXE, an error
occurs indicating that this file is not found. The problem is
a result of an upgrade to the System Utilities disk for DOS
5.0 support.
EFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium II and BRAVO
RESOLUTION: AST combined the ASTIVGA.EXE module with the ASTMENU.EXE
module. Unfortunately, the documentation does not reflect
the changes to the section regarding the proper use of the new
ASTIVGA.EXE. These additional commands were not added.
However, the following mode instructions will enable specific
mode commands to be entered from either the command line or from
within a batch file. These commands are not upper or lower case
sensitive.
SYNTAX: ASTMENU ASTIVGA <mode> [<option>]
PARAMETERS: <mode>
COLOR, MONO, EGA, CGA, MDA, HERC0, HERC1, 13225C, 13225M,
13243C, 13243M, 800C, 800M, LOCK, REBOOT
[<option>]
LOCK, REBOOT
The LOCK and REBOOT options may also be implemented as a <mode>
statement. LOCK maintains the selected mode through a
warm-boot, but is reset by a cold-boot, system reset, or if the
ASTIVGA.EXE program is repeated. The REBOOT option is used to
reboot the system into a particular mode. This option is
typically used to warm boot the system into a non-VGA environment.
If the selected mode is 800x or 132xxx, the REBOOT option will
revert back to the monitor's native mode.
EXAMPLES: ASTMENU ASTIVGA CGA REBOOT
ASTMENU ASTIVGA MONO LOCK
ASTMENU REBOOT
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0761 06-24-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-25 AND CARRIER CORP. SOFTWARE PROTECTION KEY
PROBLEM: When using the application "Building Supervisor III" from
Carrier Corp. on the Premium Exec 386SX-25, the application
will fail to load and display the error message "Access key
not attached!"
CAUSE: This problem is caused by an incompatibility between the
Carrier Corp. software protection key and the parallel port
implementation of the Premium Exec.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium Exec 386SX-20 (All models)
Premium Exec 386SX-25 (All models)
Premium Exec 386SX-25C (All models)
SOLUTION: AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
will not be fixed on the Premium Exec. Carrier Corp. has
advised AST that a software patch may be available which eases
the timing requirements for accessing the security key.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact Carrier
Corp. and request the software patch for AST notebooks.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0762 07-01-92
=============================================================================
AST 5251/11 ENHANCED AND PC GUARDIAN "VIRUS PREVENTION PLUS"
PROBLEM: When using the application "Virus Prevention Plus" from PC
Guardian Security Products, with AST 5251/11 Enhanced
emulation software, any attempt to unload emulation from
memory will result in a system lock-up.
CAUSE: With "Virus Prevention Plus" resident in memory, AST 5251/11
Enhanced emulation will not unload correctly because its
software interrupt vectors have been changed by the PC
Guardian software.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST 5251/11 Enhanced
SOLUTION: AST EPD Marketing has determined that this problem will not be
fixed. The AST 5251/11 Enhanced emulation product is working
as designed. To force emulation to unload after its software
interrupt vectors have been changed may corrupt the interrupt
vector chain and cause failures with other DOS applications.
As a work around, AST recommends either not loading "Virus
Prevention Plus" when using 5251/11 Enhanced emulation or
rebooting the system to unload emulation.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0763 07-16-92
=============================================================================
AST MONOCHROME VGA MONITORS
PROBLEM: When using the AST Monochrome VGA monitor near fluorescent
lighting, the display may flicker slightly, especially when
turning on fluorescent lights.
CAUSE: The flicker is caused by the frequency difference between the
fluorescent light (60Hz) and the scanning frequency of the
monitor (50Hz).
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Monochrome VGA monitors.
SOLUTION: It is recommended that any fluorescent lighting, such as that
found in modular workstations, be located at least 20" or more
from the rear of the monitor to prevent flickering.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0764 07-17-92
=============================================================================
AST POWER PREMIUM SYSTEMS AND HARDWARE CURSOR IMPLEMENTATION
PROBLEM: When using the AST Power Premium with Windows 3.X running in
32K color video modes, such as 640x480x32K, the mouse cursor
will blink when placed over areas of the Windows desktop that
are being redrawn.
CAUSE: The Western Digital 90C31 VGA controller is not specifically
designed to utilize the hardware cursor in 32K (16 bit) color
modes. This limitation is not a problem with the Western
Digital controller, but is caused by the lack of a color
palette in 32K color mode. In addition, mouse cursor width
and color availability would be adversely affected.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Power Premium systems.
SOLUTION: Due to the limitations outlined above, a hardware cursor is
not implemented in 32K color mode.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0765 07-20-92
=============================================================================
AST SYSTEMS AND NORTON DESKTOP
PROBLEM: When running Norton Desktop under Windows 3.1 in 800x600 video
mode, the screen does not refresh correctly and all colors are
not displayed.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Various AST 486 and 386 systems.
CAUSE: The problem occurs when the software tries to identify the
video controller and define a new color palette. It falsely
identifies our video as an EGA and hence we see the problem.
SOLUTION: The software has an undocumented switch that fixes this
problem.
The following line should be entered into the NDW.INI file,
which is located in the Windows directory.
[SYSTEM INFORMATION]
skipvideo=1
The editing should be done using a text editor such as the
Windows Notepad.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0766 07-21-92
=============================================================================
AST POWER PREMIUM AND PEN POINT SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: After running Pen Point software from GO Corp when the system
is re-booted the CMOS information is corrupted.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST Power Premium systems
CAUSE: The problem is caused by a bug in the software due to which an
I/O write of F0h is executed to I/O port 816h, this is an
address at which EISA CMOS resides.
SOLUTION: A file named MIL.INI contained in the \penpoint\boot directory
should be modified as indicated below:
1. At line 145 change LPT1=true to LPT1=false
2. At line 147 change LPT2=true to LPT2=false
NOTE: For further information customers can contact GO Corp and reference
bug# 29273.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0767 07-17-92
=============================================================================
ADVANTAGE/BRAVO SYSTEMS AND AST/WINDOWS 3.1 LOGO SCREEN
Some AST Advantage and Bravo systems are shipped from the factory with
Microsoft Windows 3.1 pre-installed on the hard drive. The initial logo
screen which is displayed when Windows is started is a special logo, which is
a combination Microsoft and AST banner. When the Windows SETUP program is
used to change the default display driver from "VGA" to another type of
display driver, the "dual" logo is overwritten by the standard Microsoft-only
logo.
To restore the original "dual" logo, perform the following steps, first
making sure that Windows is not loaded:
1. From the DOS prompt, change directories to "n:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM", where
"n" is the drive where Windows is installed.
2. Using the DOS COPY command, copy the file ASTWLGO4.RLE to
VGALOGO.RLE.
3. Change directories to n:\WINDOWS.
4. Run SETUP and select DISPLAY from the "System Information" list.
5. Use the arrow keys to select VGA.
6. Accept this configuration.
7. Choose "use current driver" when prompted by SETUP, and exit SETUP.
The next time Windows is started, the logo screen should be as it was shipped
from the factory.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0768 07-23-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM II 386/33 AND TORUS ETHERNET ADAPTER
PROBLEM: When using the AST Premium II 386/33 with the Torus Ethernet
Adapter in a Microsoft LAN Manager 2.X environment, the system
will fail to map drives or access files on the file server and
will display the error message "DOS Error 5."
CAUSE: The Torus Ethernet is a bus-mastering card that is not
compatible with the Premium II, Premium CLEM, and Bravo 486
series of computers.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium II systems.
AST Premium CLEM systems.
AST Bravo 486 systems.
SOLUTION: AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
will not be fixed. AST suggests using an alternate network
interface card.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0769A 11-10-92
=============================================================================
AST SVGA 14" LOW RADIATION MONITOR
PROBLEM: When using the 1024x768 mode on the SVGA 14" low radiation
monitor, the picture will shift to the left.
CAUSE: This is due to a timing issue within the monitor itself.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: SVGA 14" low radiation monitor part number 500902-XXX
revision A.
SOLUTION: Replace revision A monitor with a revision B monitor part
number 500902-001, 002, or 003.
NOTE: The part number 500902-XXX on the packing box will remain revision A.
However, the part number on the monitor itself will change to 230253-
XXX revision B.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0770 07-28-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC DATA FAX\SEND RECEIVE MODEM AND BITFAX SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: Unable to receive facsimiles while using BITFAX version
3.07.03, by Bit Software Inc., on a Premium Exec with a Data
FAX/Send Receive Modem. May also display error message: "COM2
not functional--Try another COM port", if the "Test Fax Modem"
option is selected under BFtest.
CAUSE: The modem needs to be initialized before connecting the
Premium Exec to a facsimile machine.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All Premium Exec systems using the BITFAX software with a Data
FAX/Send Receive Modem with one of the following part numbers:
230175-002 or 230175-003
SOLUTION: Execute the "ASTMODEM ON" file which is included with the Data
FAX/Send Receive Modem package before the BITFAX software is
executed. This file can either be executed from the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file or from a DOS command prompt. Use "ASTMODEM
OFF" to disable the modem. The "Internal Adapter" option
under SYSTEM SETUP should also be set to "ENABLE".
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0771 08-12-92
=============================================================================
AT&T UNIX AND AST SYSTEMS
PROBLEM: Cannot boot with AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release 4.0 Version
2.1.
CAUSE: AT&T UNIX interprets an SMC floppy controller as a 82077
controller when in fact it is a 37C65. This puts the 37C65
part into an invalid mode causing a "panic error".
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All systems using an SMC floppy controller.
SOLUTION: AT&T only supports AT&T machines with AT&T UNIX. Therefore,
AST cannot support the Operating System and recommends that
customers use SCO UNIX System version 3.2.4, Microport SVR4 or
other upcoming UNIX's which will support AST systems.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0772 08-17-92
=============================================================================
BRAVO 386SX/16 SYSTEMS HANG ON DOS 5.0 INSTALLATION
PROBLEM: AST DOS 5.0 hangs during installation when using keyboard
part number 230098-001 revision E, E1 and G.
The AST DOS 5.0 installation will complete using keyboard
part number 230098-001 Revision D.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Bravo 386SX/16
SOLUTION: If Revision E, E1 or G keyboards are being used, you must
disable NUMLOCK in the CMOS setup before attempting to
install AST DOS 5.0.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0773 08-25-92
=============================================================================
3COM COMPATIBILITY IN AST EISA SYSTEMS
PROBLEM: There is a bus timing problem with 3COM's 3C507 Coax board
previous to modification 11, revision B and on the 3C507 TP
board modification 4, revision B.
CAUSE: When 3COM 3C507 Coax and 3C507 TP network interface cards are
installed in AST EISA based systems, the following symptoms
will occur:
- Intermittent lock ups
- Unreliable performance
- ABEND (NetWare)
- Trap Errors (OS/2)
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: 386 Tower EISA, 486 Tower EISA, Premium SE, Power Premium, and
486 Desktop EISA.
SOLUTION: The following revisions must be installed to fix the problem:
The 3C507 Coax board must be a modification 11 or higher and
of revision B or higher. This information is located in the
upper right hand column of the board and is displayed as
follows:
ASSY 6750-11 REV B
The 3C507 TP board must be a modification 04 or higher and of
revision B or higher. This information is located in the
upper right hand column of the board and is displayed as
follows:
ASSY 7508-04 REV B
Customers with the above problem should call 3COM's RMA
department for an upgrade at (800) 876-3266.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0774 09-01-92
=============================================================================
AST POWER PREMIUM AND PAGEMAKER 4.0 IN 800X600X32K MODE
This Technical Bulletin has been cancelled.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0775 09-01-92
=============================================================================
AST BRAVO 386/486 SYSTEMS AND BOOT FAILURES
PROBLEM: When a BRAVO 386 or 486 system is booted up an error message
"Auto sense parameters too large" is displayed.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST BRAVO 3/25s and 4/33 systems model 83B, Part Numbers
500859-005 and 500882-009.
CAUSE: The problem has been attributed to the Quantum 80 MB hard
drive Model LPS85AT.
If the System BIOS is set to Auto and the system has 2MB of
RAM then the drive does not initialize fast enough. This
problem does not occur with 4MB of RAM.
SOLUTION: Set the System BIOS to Drive Type 16 and the error will not
occur.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0776 09-15-92
=============================================================================
UPGRADING THE BRAVO-II 486/XX BIOS TO VERSION 1.22
PROBLEM: When upgrading the system BIOS to version 1.22, the auto drive
type is not saved.
CAUSE: Version 1.22 does not have an option to enable or disable the
shadow BIOS area. This area is where the auto drive type (97)
is stored.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All Bravo-II 486/XX
SOLUTION: Before upgrading the BIOS, enable the shadow BIOS region, so
the auto option is supported.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0777 09-15-92
=============================================================================
AST 5250 MCA ADAPTERS AND IBM MODEL P70 PORTABLE COMPUTERS
PROBLEM: When using an AST Micro Channel 5250 adapter in certain IBM
systems the system locks up.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: IBM Model P70-121, 386/20MHZ IBM P/N: 40857312
IBM Model P70-061, 386/20MHZ IBM P/N: 518573061
SOLUTION: These portable hardware platforms were introduced after
implementation of the AST 5250 adapter. The AST 5250 MCA
Adapter has been tested in IBM's existing desktop Micro
Channel product line and conforms to specification. AST has
therefore determined that this problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0778 09-22-92
=============================================================================
BRAVO LC MEMORY UPGRADES WITH APPROVED VENDORS/PART NUMBERS
The following is a list of the approved vendors and part numbers for Memory
Upgrades to be used with the Bravo LC computers.
BRAVO LC 3/33s
1 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-173) - 60ns, 30-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
8-bit
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
Goldstar GMM781000NS-60
Micron MT2D18M-6
Mitsubishi MH1M08A0AJ-6
Motorola MCM814305-60
NMB MM1M0J8S-06C
Samsung KMM581000BN-6
TI TM124GU8A-6
Toshiba THM81070AS-60
4 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-178) - 60ns, 30-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
8-bit
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
TBD TBD
BRAVO LC 486
1 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-163) - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
Fujitsu MB85331-70PSG
Micron MT8D25632G-7
4 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-171) - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
Hitachi HB56D132BR-7A
Micron MT8D132G-7
Toshiba THM321000ASG-70
16 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-165) - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
HITACHI HB56A432B-7
INTEGRATED VGA MEMORY FOR BRAVO LC
256KB (P/N 230223-002) - 70ns, 256K x 4, 20-pin DIP
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER
Fujitsu MB81C4256A-60P
Micron MT4C4256-7
Motorola MCM514256AP70
NMB AAA1M304P-07
Siemens HYB514256B-70
Toshiba TC514256AP-70
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0779 09-25-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM SE 4/33 AND MAYNARD INTERNAL TAPE ADAPTER
PROBLEM: When using a Maynard (2000 DAT) Tape Backup with a 16-bit
internal Maynard SCSI adapter the system hangs.
CAUSE: The problem is caused by the Maynard SCSI controller cards
(part number 08-9-6010000 revision 3) that uses an AMD 33C93
chip at location U12. This chip generates noise which results
in an un-requested interrupt causing a system hang.
Maynard controllers shipping with a WD 33C93A chip at location
U12 do not have this problem.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium SE and Premium TE systems with EISA motherboards (part
number 202377-00X).
SOLUTION: Contact Maynard Technical Support at 800-227-6296 for further
information and resolution.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0780 10-28-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC AND ULTRACOM 9600 MODEM
PROBLEM: The modem for the Exec will not sync down to 2400 BAUD while
communicating with an UltraCom 9600 modem. The message "no
carrier" appears on the screen and no connection is made.
CAUSE: The Rockwell modem firmware contains an error, creating this
condition.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All models of the Premium Exec notebook.
SOLUTION: Replace modem, part number 230175-002 revision C with a
revision D.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0781 11-02-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM 486/33E AND COGENT DATA TECHNOLOGIES
E/MASTER II-AT/TP ETHERNET ADAPTER
PROBLEM: Access to an Asynchronous Server fails using Netware
Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI) with a Cogent Data
Technologies E/Master II-AT/TP bus-mastering Ethernet adapter
(IPX shell version 2.32) installed in an AST Premium 486/33E
system.
CAUSE: The problem is attributed to an incompatibility with the
Ethernet Adapter IPX shell and the Premium 486/33E system.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: Premium 486/33 EISA
SOLUTION: To resolve this problem, customers should upgrade their Cogent
Data Technologies E/Master II Ethernet Adapter IPX shell to
version 2.41. To obtain this IPX shell contact Cogent Data
Technologies Technical Support at (206) 378-2929.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0782 11-05-92
=============================================================================
ADVANTAGE! PLUS SETUP ANOMALIES
Manufacturing has experienced CMOS Setup problems with motherboard (part
number 202529-XXX) on the Advantage! Plus Mini-Tower systems. Changes in
Setup do not always take effect the first time. If this problem presents
itself, Setup should be run twice to ensure that changes will take effect.
Examples under which this problem may occur are:
1. When replacing the motherboard.
2. When adding or changing memory.
3. When changing the existing hard drive with another type.
4. When adding a second hard drive.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0783B 01-11-93
=============================================================================
POWER EXEC WITH FILE TRANSFER AND LAPLINK SOFTWARE
Time-out problems have been reported during file transfers when running
Laplink version 3.00 on the AST Power Exec product in the maximum battery
life power management mode.
These problems can be resolved by changing the Power Exec's Power Management
mode to "Max Performance" during file transfers. The problem can also be
resolved by upgrading the Laplink software to version 3.00A or to Laplink
Pro. Contact Traveling Software for information regarding Laplink software.
The recommended file transfer method between your Power Exec and other
computer systems is the supplied utility INTERLINK.EXE and INTERSRV.EXE.
Other programs utilize communication methods which often disrupt the Power
Exec's Intelligent Power Management by attempting to directly control
hardware components.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0784 11-06-92
=============================================================================
AST PREMIUM EXEC DATA/FAX INTERNATIONAL MODEMS AND WINFAXPRO 2.0
PROBLEM: When sending a fax thru the AST Data/Fax modem (International
Only) using the WinFax Pro software version 2.0 for Windows
the system hangs displaying an Unrecoverable Application
Error.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All Premium Exec Systems with motherboard part number
202390-004 rev x30 or below using an International Data/Fax
Modem part number 230208-XXX.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between the modem firmware and the system.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing the above problem should upgrade the
motherboard to rev x31 or above and replace the modem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0785 11-06-92
=============================================================================
FASTRAM MEMORY BOARD FAILURES
PROBLEM: It has been reported that the AST FASTRAM memory board for the
Premium 286 may fail after a few years of successful
operation.
CAUSE: This is due to a possible defective capacitor located at one
or all of the following locations on the FASTRAM memory board;
C1-C3, C6, C11-C13, C20 and C34.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST FASTRAM Memory Boards with part number 202146-003 and
202146-004.
The suspect FASTRAM boards can be identified by the above part
number and by the capacitors. The capacitor is a cylinder 5
millimeters high and 5 millimeters in diameter. The color
scheme is dark blue with a light blue vertical stripe, except
for the top that is exposed aluminum metal.
SOLUTION: Customers experiencing problems on the above boards should
contact AST Research Technical Support for a Return
Authorization Number (RAN) to have the board repaired.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0786 11-16-92
=============================================================================
POWER EXEC AND FLASH BIOS UPDATE
When updating the Power Exec's Flash BIOS, be sure that no devices are
attached to the Power Exec's parallel port. Certain devices, (e.g., parallel
port loopback plug), attached to the parallel port during the BIOS update
will cause the BIOS loader to fail and issue a beep error code, (Floppy disk
controller error) of 2 long and 3 short beeps.
If this error occurs, be sure to remove any device or loopback plug attached
to the Power Exec's parallel port and repeat the BIOS update. If the problem
persists, follow the corrective actions indicated in the AST Power Exec
Hardware Maintenance Manual (AST part number 001617-001).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0787 11-10-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC SYSTEMS AND IBM OS/2
AST Premium Exec monochrome systems using IBM OS/2 version 2.0 may experience
lock-ups during operation. Any attempt to open an application in a DOS
window will cause the operating system to generate a "SYS 3176" error, and
then lock up, forcing a power-off or reset to recover.
Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM at 1-800-3-IBMOS2 and
request the Corrective Service Diskettes (CSD) update that will bring the
OS/2 operating system to CSD level "XR 06055".
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0788 11-17-92
=============================================================================
AST 486 SYSTEMS WITH IBM'S 5250 EMULATION CARD
If an IBM 5250 adapter is installed in an AST 80486-based system, errors may
occur while accessing a high-density floppy drive. The DOS error generated
is "FAILURE READING DRIVE X: ABORT, RETRY, IGNORE, FAIL", where "X" is the
drive to which access is being attempted.
The problem occurs because the IBM 5250 emulation card, which defaults to
using IRQ 5, interferes with the operation of the floppy controller (at IRQ
6), causing DMA overruns.
To resolve this problem the following change needs to be made to the
configuration of the PC Support program.
In the STARTPCS batch file, at the line "E5250AH.COM" add the switch
"/L7". The command line should read "E5250AH /L7". A capital "L" must
be used.
This effectively changes the IRQ used by the IBM5250 adapter board
to 7. Note that no other device in the system should be using this
interrupt.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0789 11-19-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM 486/25 SYSTEMS AND NOVELL NON-DEDICATED NETWARE 2.2
PROBLEM: After installing an Intel Overdrive processor (ODPR486DX-25)
into an AST Premium 486/25 system configured with Novell Non-
Dedicated Netware 2.2, the system will briefly display the
message "ABEND: Double Exception Interrupt" and then reboot
when attempting to start the server.
CAUSE: Novell Netware 2.2 uses timing dependent loops when toggling
the status of the GATEA20 line. With the Intel Overdrive chip
installed, this loop executes so quickly that the GATEA20 line
is not set to the proper state before Netware begins accessing
extended memory.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST CUPID Desktop Systems (motherboard part number 202356-00X
& 202337-00X).
SOLUTION: The file NET$OS.EXE may be patched to increase the length of
the timing dependent loops. The following procedure uses the
DOS DEBUG command to implement this fix:
c:\>copy net$os.exe net$os.bin<cr>
debug net$os.bin
- s 100 FFFF 8B 0E 71 05<cr>
xxxx:yyyy
- e xxxx:yyyy<cr>
xxxx:yyyy 8B.B9<space> 0E.C0<space> 71.00<space> 05.90<cr>
- s (x+1)xxx:0000 FFFF 8B 0E C8 4B
XXXX:YYYY
- e XXXX:YYYY
XXXX:YYYY 8B.B9<space> 0E.C0<space> C8.00<space> 4B.90<cr>
-w<cr>
Writing zzzzz bytes
-q<cr>
C:\>copy net$os.exe net$os.old<cr>
1 file(s) copied
C:\>copy net$os.bin net$os.exe<cr>
1 file(s) copied
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0790 12-01-92
=============================================================================
BRAVO 4/33 LC AND IRWIN TAPE BACKUP UNIT
PROBLEM: Bravo 4/33 LC fails to recognize an Irwin A250EP Parallel Port
Tape Backup Unit. The EZ-Tape software that is provided with
the unit is unable to detect the tape drive connected to the
parallel port. This generates the error message "No tape
drive found."
CAUSE: The EZ-Tape software has several delay loops that are executed
too quickly on the Bravo 4/33 LC.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All Bravo 4/33 LC systems.
SOLUTION: By patching the software and increasing the delay loops, the
EZ-Tape software can run properly on the Bravo 4/33 systems.
These delays can be added by manipulating an environment
string as follows:
SET PPCFDC=O:12,I:18
This string represents the environment for the Parallel Port
Controller Floppy Disk Controller (PPCFDC) to have an Output
delay factor of 12 (O:12) and an Input delay factor of 18
(I:18). These values were found to provide the best results
for the software to function properly. This environment
string can be typed at a DOS prompt before executing the EZ-
Tape software or by adding this line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This string will not decrease the functionality of the
software or system. The delay factors are only providing the
normal delay that would be done on systems that the software
was originally designed for.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0791 11-20-92
=============================================================================
ADVANTAGE! PLUS MINI-TOWER AND I/O PORT CONFIGURATION
PROBLEMS: Customers may experience one or more of the following problems
with the Advantage! Plus Mini Tower and/or I/O port
configuration.
- No label on back panel for Com Port 1 or Com Port 2.
- No label on back panel for Parallel Port.
- A reversed internal serial cabling which would cause a
problem while attempting to connect the mouse to Com 1.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Advantage! Plus Mini-Tower.
SOLUTION: Make sure that the mouse is connected to the bottom connector,
which is Com 1.
Note: Not all systems will exhibit this problem. This is more of an FYI,
since all systems have been corrected. Com Port 2 is disabled since
it is in use by the Data/Fax Modem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0792 12-04-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM EXEC 3/25C AND CENTRAL POINT PC COMMUTE
PROBLEM: When using the AST Premium Exec 3/25C and Central Point PC
Commute, the system will hang for 5 to 10 minutes before
returning an error indicating that PC Commute is not loaded.
CAUSE: The Suspend mode feature of the Premium Exec Color system does
not work with PC Commute.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium Exec 3/25C systems.
SOLUTION: When running on battery power, disable the Suspend mode option
in setup. When operating on AC power, Suspend mode is
automatically disabled.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0793 12-08-92
=============================================================================
FASTBOARD/386 WITH RAM PARITY ERRORS
PROBLEM: Certain three chip configuration 1MB SIMM modules for the
FastBoard/386 cause ram parity errors when used.
CAUSE: Incompatibility between the three chip 1MB SIMM configuration
and the FastBoard/386.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: FastBoard/386 boards with the following part numbers:
202196-001 or 202323-001
SOLUTION: To resolve this problem use the nine chip configuration 1MB
SIMM modules.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0794 12-09-92
=============================================================================
POWER PREMIUM AND DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR DS1255
PROBLEM: When running the application View386 from Lavenir Technology,
the software displays the error message "software key not
found".
CAUSE: The Intel 82351 Local I/O EISA chip used on the Power Premium
systems has a minor functional difference with the AT parallel
port design which prevents it from working with the Dallas
Semiconductor DS1255 Keyring.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All Power Premium systems.
SOLUTION: This is not a problem that AST can resolve. As a work around,
the following options are available:
1) Install a third party I/O card.
2) Lavenir technology has been advised of the problem, along
with a possible workaround which may be implemented through
software modification. Contact Lavenir for a possible
update.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0795 12-10-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM II 386SX/20 AND XENIX 2.3 VERSION 4
PROBLEM: When installing Xenix 2.3 version 4 the process will take up
to ten minutes to get through the first diskette.
SYMPTOM: The duration it takes to get through the install diskette
should be two minutes. At the end of the install cycle the
system will appear to hang and after about six minutes it will
then prompt the user for the next diskette.
CAUSE: The problem stems from a timing error with the CPU card.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Premium II 386sx/20
SOLUTION: This lapse of time only occurs on the Spitfire CPU card part
number 202438-001. Replace the Spitfire CPU card with part
number 202380-002 to resolve the problem.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0796 12-09-92
=============================================================================
PREMIUM 386C WITH 386 TO THE MAX
PROBLEM: When installing "386 To The Max" on a Premium 386C the system
will hang during the second stage of the optimization process.
At this point there is no response from the keyboard and the
system must be rebooted. As a result the software does not
complete the installation. The BIOS version that demonstrates
the conflict is 3.01.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium 386C.
CAUSE: Engineering has determined this to be a BIOS conflict with the
software.
SOLUTION: BIOS version 2.30 part number 500702-001 resolves the issue.
This is a downgrade in BIOS versions and will only function on
a Premium 386C motherboard part number 202184-001.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0797 12-16-92
=============================================================================
POWER PREMIUM AND MICROSOFT C/C++
PROBLEM: Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 fails to install under DOS.
CAUSE: Failure with the "get video mode" function call on the Video
BIOS.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All systems that utilize the Western Digital 90C31 Accelerator
Chip. Power Premium and Server EISA with motherboard part
number 202472-001.
SOLUTION: A work around for the customer is to run VESA.EXE in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT or from the command line, before installing
Microsoft C/C++. VESA.EXE can be found on the AST Bulletin
Board System under the filename VGA-1DWA.ZIP.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0798 12-21-92
=============================================================================
ADVANTAGE! SYSTEMS AND MICROSOFT PUBLISHER
PROBLEM: When installing Microsoft Publisher on an AST Advantage!
system, using the diskettes provided by AST, an error message
is displayed after the user is prompted to enter his name and
company, stating that the diskettes must not be write
protected. (PR#C07002)
CAUSE: The installation diskette (AST part number 910574-001) is
write protected.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST Advantage systems shipped with Microsoft Publisher.
SOLUTION: Replace the original installation diskette (AST part number
910574-001 Revision A) with a new installation diskette (AST
part number 910574-001 Revision B).
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0799 12-16-92
=============================================================================
BRAVO AND ADVANTAGE MEMORY ACCESS
The Bravo and Advantage computers utilize a memory addressing architecture
known as "interleaved", or "bank switched". Instead of placing sequential
memory addresses one after the other within the same bank of memory,
sequential memory addresses are interleaved between banks of memory. In the
case of 80386 systems, for example, the first 32-bit address is in Bank 0,
the second is in bank 1, and so forth for the number of banks installed.
Interleaving speeds memory access by enabling subsequent memory banks to be
prepared (precharged) for access while the data is being retrieved from the
current bank (address). Under normal operation, in a system with one bank
populated with memory, memory access is slower than when compared to a system
with two or more memory banks populated.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0800 12-30-62
=============================================================================
POWER EXEC WITH STACKER AND NORTON DESKTOP
PROBLEM: Difficuties have been oberved when using Stacker 2.0 with
Norton Desktop version 2.0. The problems obseved are being
unable to access setup after Stacker is installed as well as
disabling the Norton Anti-Virus option inside of Desktop.
There may be other sporadic problems under DOS as well as
Windows.
CAUSE: The failures observed stem from Stacker 2.0.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: The errors were observed on a Power Exec. But errors can be
seen on any system using this software configuration.
SOLUTION: A version 3.0 of Stacker is availble and released. If a
customer wants to know what the fixes are they will have to be
referred to Stack Electronics for more information.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0801 01-06-93
=============================================================================
BRAVO 486/33 AND PIXEL WORKS RA-1280
PROBLEM: When using the AST Bravo II 486/33 with the Pixel Works RA-
1280 graphics board installed, the diagnostic software bundled
with the RA-1280 may hang when running board tests, requiring
a cold boot to restart the system.
CAUSE: The RA-1280 is a bus-mastering card that is not compatible
with the Premium II, Premium CLEM, and Bravo II 486 series of
computers.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Premium II systems.
AST Premium CLEM systems.
AST Bravo II 486 systems.
SOLUTION: AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
will not be fixed. AST suggests using an alternate graphics
adapter.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0802 01-04-93
=============================================================================
POWER EXEC MODEM SOFTWARE AND EMM386.EXE
PROBLEM: Communication software used for modems may experience problems
on the Power Exec if EMM386.EXE is used along with the Card
Configuration Utility (CCU.EXE) program, part number
910717-031 release 1.0. This currently occurs with all
versions of EMM386.
CAUSE: Both the EMM386 program and the CCU program load into memory
at the same D000h memory location. CCU.EXE takes two 16KB
memory windows; one at DC00h for PCMCIA common memory and one
at D800h for attribute memory. Also CCU will establish a
memory window at D000-D400h for network adapters which is
documented in the Power Exec User's Guide, part number
001492-001.
SYSTEMS
AFFECTED: All Power Exec systems.
SOLUTION: Exclude the D000h-DFFFh memory range in EMM386. This will
prevent EMM386.EXE from using this memory range and allow the
CCU program to use the memory range.
For example;
DEVICE=C:\EMM386.EXE X=D000-DFFF
For more information on EMM386 and the exclude switch, please
consult your MS-DOS manual. Make sure the appropriate files
are backed up before modifying this statement.
CAUTION: In no case will AST Research, Inc. be liable for damage to the
system or loss of data caused by improper or faulty
installation of this file.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0803 12-30-92
=============================================================================
EISA SYSTEMS WITH THE RACAL INTERLAN CARD
PROBLEM: The drivers shipped with the RACAL Interlan card, used in the
AST SE system and sold as an option kit for other EISA
systems, do not support either PBurst or ODI capability. The
Burst Mode protocol is a new technology for expediting large
file reads and writes over wide area network links. The ODI
protocol allows multiple protocols to link to one card,
(i.e., IPX and TCP-IP).
CAUSE: The advanced PBurst and ODI capabilities of the RACAL card not
supported by the drivers that were supplied by RACAL and
originally shipped with AST systems up to 12-18-92.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: Any system using a RACAL Interlan adapter AST part number
500875-001 or 230214-001.
SOLUTION: Obtain the diskette of drivers released on 12-18-92 using AST
part number 910462-004 release 1.02 from RACAL.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0804 01-11-93
=============================================================================
POWER EXEC WITH SUSPEND AND PARALLEL PRINTERS
The Power Exec may be unable to recognize the mouse when resuming from
Suspend if a printer attached to the parallel port is powered on. When
placing a Premium Exec or Power Exec system into suspend, make sure that the
printer that is hooked up to the parallel port is not powered up before
suspending your system.
The printer has its own power supply which is still connected to your
portable computer. This power supply leaks current into the peripheral
control area of the suspended system. This does not pose any serious
problems to the electronics inside the computer, but when the computer
resumes from suspend, the peripheral controller will not be able to
distinguish a PS/2 mouse or a SmartPoint trackball until any current
applications are reset.
=============================================================================
AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0805 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC AND "MOUSE CONNECTED TO..." FIELD
The Power Exec's System Setup field "Mouse Connected To" is how the system
keeps track of a mouse connected to a serial port. The serial port may be on
the Power Exec, the EasyPort or PowerStation.
If you change the type of mouse to SmartPoint or PS/2, and forget to change
the "Mouse Connected To" field in System Setup, there will be no effects to
the correct operation of your system.
If you remove the mouse hardware completely, be sure to set "Mouse Connected
To" to "None" so that the system will know that your keyboard mouse may bring
the video backlight back after it has timed out.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0806 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC AND RECEIVING DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Set your Power Management option in System Setup to Max. Performance when
receiving data or FAX communications at 4800 Baud or greater and powered only
by the system battery.
Many software communications programs are dependent upon a fixed speed of the
CPU. One of the Power Exec's many power management attributes is its ability
to slow the CPU below the speed of a traditional desktop system. Any
communications software program which exhibits correctable errors or retries
is likely to be slaved to the CPU speed.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0807 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC, EXTERNAL KEYBOARDS AND DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS
When running some diagnostic programs on the Power Exec with an external
keyboard attached, the external keyboard 'lock indicators' will not function.
The indicators on the Power Exec system unit will however operate correctly.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0808 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC SL AND 12:05 ERROR MESSAGE
If the Power Exec computer is configured for Max Performance, and is allowed
to fully discharge the NiMH battery, after booting, an error message may
appear: [12:05]. The computer cannot identify the hard disk.
If this occurs, enter SETUP, ( use <Fn><F2> ) then exit and save changes.
The system will boot normally.
To avoid this condition, select "Max Battery Life" in SETUP when discharging
the NiMH battery.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0809 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC SL COM PORT COMBINATIONS
Due to a design limitation of the Intel 360SL, (the peripheral controller
chip for the 386SL and 486SL processor), the Power Exec does not support
sharing of interrupts 3 and 4. This means that only certain configurations
are supported. Listed below are the configurations supported by the Power
Exec:
COM1 alone
COM2 alone (PCMCIA configured as 2 or serial device using a Dock Box or
Docking station)
COM3 alone (PCMCIA card)
COM4 alone (PCMCIA card)
COM1 and COM2
COM1 and COM4 (PCMCIA)
COM2 (Dock Box or Docking Station) and COM3 (PCMCIA)
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0810 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC AND FULL POST TEST
In order to avoid errors when initiating the full post tests on the Power
Exec:
Wait 2 seconds after the AST logo appears at boot-up before using <Fn><F7> to
cause a complete Power On Self Test (POST.) Do not repeatedly enter <Fn><F7>
after the AST logo appears. During the crucial machine startup timing, one
to three entries of the hot key suffice.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0811 01-11-93
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POWER EXEC SETUP FIELD CHANGES
Beginning with the Power Exec BIOS version 2.0, the System Setup fields used
to enter password input and verification no longer display a moving cursor or
asterisk while typing.
AST, in compliance with an evolving international security implementation
specification has adopted this practice.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0812 01-21-93
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PREMIUM EXEC SUSPEND MODE AND BITFAX SOFTWARE
PROBLEM: When sending a fax using BitFAX software, the Premium Exec
will not suspend.
SYMPTOM: Without user intervention, suspend mode is disabled after
sending a fax using BitFAX software.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: All AST Premium Exec Systems.
SOLUTION: Reinitialize the modem. This is performed by using the
command "astmodem" and involves toggling the modem off and
then on. The commands can be executed from the DOS command
line or from a batch file.
Command Line Example:
After the faxes have been sent and the BitFAX program has been exited, enter
the following two commands at the DOS prompt:
astmodem off
astmodem on
Batch File Example:
Include the following three entries in a batch file:
bitfax
astmodem off
astmodem on
Then execute the batch file. Upon exiting the BitFAX program, the commands
"astmodem off" and "astmodem on" are executed automatically.
Note: These examples assume the DOS path statement is pathed to these two
commands.
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AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0813 02-02-93
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CUPID 486/33 SYSTEMS AND INTEL OVERDRIVE PROCESSOR UPGRADES
PROBLEM: After installing an Intel OverDrive processor (ODPR486DX-33)
into an AST Cupid 486/33 system, POST errors indicating memory
parity or memory verify errors may occur.
CAUSE: The problem has been traced to the high input capacitance of
the Signetics 74F543 transceiver part. The Signetics chip
input capacitance causes exaggerated signal reflections on the
data lines between the P-Bus and the microprocessor, resulting
in distorted waveforms and data errors when the ODPR486DX-33
accesses the P-Bus.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS: AST Cupid 486/33 Processor boards (part number 202397-0XX).
SOLUTION: Contact AST Technical Support at 1-800-727-1278 and request
the Overdrive Termination Module Kit (part number 501182-001).