RS-232 Interface Board (250-1031) Installation Faxback Doc. # 5569 Do NOT stand on a carpeted floor when you handle the RS-232 board. Walking on carpets promotes the build-up of static electricity, which, if discharged while you are handling a circuit board, can destroy integrated circuits (ICs) on the board. Touch a grounded metal object before handling any circuit board to avoid static electricity build-up. This chapter will show you how to install your RS-232 Board in your computer when you want to: Connect the RS-232 Board to a Memory Board Example 1. Install an RS-232/Memory Combination Board Example 2. Install the RS-232 Board in the Tandy 1000EX Example 3. Install the RS-232 Board and a Memory Board in the Tandy 1000EX Example 4. We strongly recommend that you have the RS-232 board installed by the service technicians at your Radio Shack Service Center. Doing so not only ensures expert installation but also enables the technicians to quickly check that all the equipment is functioning properly. If, however, you do decide to install the boards yourself, follow the instructions in this manual exactly. Details on installation will vary from computer to computer. Within the following description, please refer to your computer's installation manual as well. EXAMPLE 1. CONNECTING THE RS-232 BOARD TO A MEMORY BOARD Your RS-232 Board plugs into the Memory PLUS Expansion Board (250-1011), and the memory board plugs into one on the slots on the computer's main logic board. (The RS-232 Board can also be used with the PLUS Upgrade Adapter Board (250-1016)). 1. If your Memory PLUS Expansion Board is already installed, turn off your computer, and disconnect all the peripherals. Wait at least 10 seconds before handling the board. Remove the computer cover by unfastening the screws and sliding it toward the front of the unit. Remove the screw that fastens the board to the computer. Remove the memory board from the socket on the main logic board of the computer by grasping it on the upper edge. 2. If you plan to install additional memory, you might need to remove the jumper on your memory board and add memory ICs to the board. If so, perform these steps now so that you do not have to remove the RS-232 board later. See your Memory PLUS Expansion Board Installation Guide for information on reconfiguring the jumper and installing the ICs. 3. The memory board comes with a metal bracket. To install the RS-232 board, you must replace this bracket with the one supplied with the RS-232 board--Bracket A. Remove the 2 screws that secure the bracket. Remove the bracket, and save it with the screws for future use. 4. Attach Bracket A to the memory board, and secure its right and left edges as shown. Do not over tighten the screws. 5. Packaged with the RS-232 board are 3 nylon stand-offs used to help support the RS-232 board. Insert the larger end of each stand-off into one of the holes on the RS-232 Board. 6. Using pliers, loosen and remove the hexagonal nut screws from the RS-232 board. Save the removed screws. You will use them in Step 8. 7. Hold the RS-232 board at a slight angle to the memory board so that its DB-25 jack fits into the cutout. Be sure not to strip off the metal holder that is attached to the DB-25 jack. Carefully align the RS-232 board's pins socket over the row of pins on the memory board. Then slowly lower the board onto the pins, maintaining the alignment so that the pins go into the corresponding holes on the socket. When the board is completely seated and parallel to the memory board, check that all pins are fully inserted into the socket. if you encounter any resistance, stop. Do not force the board. It might have a bent pin that requires repair by a Radio Shack technician. 8. Snap each stand-off into the corresponding hole on the memory board by applying pressure to the RS-232 board. Using the hexagonal nut screws you removed in Step 6, secure the DB-25 jack to the mounting bracket. You are now ready to install your RS-232 Board/memory combination board onto the computer's main logic board. EXAMPLE 2. INSTALLING THE RS-232/MEMORY COMBINATION BOARD IN THE COMPUTER Turn off your computer and disconnect all the equipment. If any unit is on, you might damage the central processing unit or the board. Wait at least 1 seconds before removing or inserting any board into the computer. Be sure to touch a grounded metal object before beginning the installation, and do NOT stand on a carpeted floor. 1. Remove the computer cover by unfastening the screws and sliding the cover toward the front of the unit. 2. Rotate the main unit so that the rear panel faces you. Select one of the unused slots, an remove its slot cover by unfastening the screw. Store the removed slot cover for future replacement. On the main logic board, directly behind the slot cover, is a thin edge connector socket. 3. As you look at the computer from the rear, check the upper right corner of the main logic board for a small, multi-pronged metal connector. If your board does not have the connector, remove the short wire attached to one corner of your memory board. You do not need it. If your board has the connector, do not remove the wire. You will connect this in Step 6. 4. Touch a grounded metal object. Then, grasp the combination board by its upper edges, an position it above the socket. Insert the combination board's bracket into the slot in the same way the slot covers are mounted. At the same time, apply downward pressure evenly, engaging the edge connector in the socket. 5. Align the board's bracket so the cutout is positioned over the screw hole. Replace the screw you removed earlier. Do not over tighten it. 6. If you did not remove the wire mentioned in Step 3, fasten the free end of it to one prong of the multi-pronged connector. 7. Replace the computer's cover, securing it with the screws previously removed. 8. Plug the cable from your serial device into the DB-25 jack. See your application and device manuals for information about using your specific devices. EXAMPLE 3. INSTALLING THE RS-232 BOARD IN THE TANDY 1000 EX The second bracket in your RS-232 board package (Bracket B) is specially designed for use with the Tandy 1000 EX. If you do not plan to install a memory board when you install the RS-232 Board, you can mount the RS-232 board directly on the computer's main logic board. If you plan to install the Memory PLUS Expansion Adapter (250-1062) in addition to the RS-232 board, or if the memory board is already installed, you must mount the RS-232 board on that board. (Refer to Example 4). To install the RS-232 board only: 1. Turn off all equipment and disconnect any peripherals. 2. With the rear panel of the computer facing you, remove the option slot cover located on the top panel. Place you thumb on the edge nearest the front of the computer, and press down to disengage the hook-latch. Then, slide the cover toward you. 3. Remove the option slot cover on the rear panel by removing the 6 screws. 4. Using pliers, loosen and remove the hexagonal nut screws from the RS-232 board. 5. Attach Bracket B to the RS-232 board with the DB-25 jack extending through the cutout. From the bottom of the board, insert and tighten the 2 bracket screws (shorter ones) provided with the RS-232 Board package. Then secure the DB-25 jack to the Bracket B using the hexagonal nut screws you removed in Step 4. 6. Carefully align and lower the RS-232 board pin socket on the pin header onto the computer's main logic board. Ledges on the computer will help secure the board once installed. 7. Secure Bracket B to the computer's rear panel. Align the hole on each end of the bracket with the hole on each side of the slot opening. Insert the longer screws supplied in the RS-232 board package, and tighten them. 8. Snap off 1 segment of the rear panel's breakaway-type slot cover, and attach the remaining part of the cover to the rear panel. Align the cover holes with the 4 holes on the panel above the RS-232 board bracket, and insert the screws that you removed earlier. EXAMPLE 4. CONNECTING THE RS-232 BOARD TO A MEMORY BOARD IN THE TANDY 1000 EX If you plan to install the Memory PLUS Expansion Adapter (250-1062) when you install your RS-232 board in the Tandy 1000 EX, or if the memory board is already installed, you must mount the RS-232 board on that board. The second bracket in your RS-232 board package (Bracket B) is specially designed for use with the Tandy 1000 EX. 1. Turn off all equipment and disconnect any peripherals. If the memory board is already installed, wait at least 10 seconds before installing the RS-232 board. Be sure to touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity. 2. Remove the option slot cover as described in Steps 2 and 3 in the previous section. 3. Carefully align and lower the memory board's pin socket onto the pin header on the computer's main logic board. Secure the memory board's bracket to the computer's rear panel with the screws provided in the memory board's package. 4. Remove the hexagonal screws, attach Bracket B to the RS-232 board, and secure the DB-25 jack to the bracket with the hexagonal screws. Carefully align and lower the RS-232 board pin socket onto the shorter of the 2 pin headers on the memory board. 5. Secure Bracket B to the rear panel with the screws provided in the RS-232 board package. 6. Snap off 1 segment of the rear panel's breakaway-type slot cover, and attach it to the panel with the screws that you removed earlier. NOTE: When the board(s) are completely seated and parallel, check that all pins are fully inserted in the socket. Do not force the board. The shroud on the pin header is useful when you are aligning the pin connectors. (smm 08/03/93)