Section III. Technical Principles of Operation of BECS Components

TM 11-5895-1412-12&P Section III. Technical Principles of Operation of BECS Components PORTABLE COMPUTER CP-1836/G (HP MODEL 110) The Portable Computer CP-1836/G is a battery-powered computer with a full-sized keyboard and a liquid-crystal display (LCD). The display shows 25 80-character lines of alphanumeric information, or 480-by-200 dots of graphics. The display viewing angle can be adjusted by tilting the hinged top case. The portable computer can be used at a fixed work station, or can be carried to practically any location. A typical work station might require space for peripheral devices, such as a disc drive and a printer. A power outlet is need for recharging the computer’s battery, and for recharging or plugging in peripheral devices. For portable use, the computer can be used almost anywhere, since it contains its own battery power. The computer is powered by a sealed rechargeable 6-volt lead-acid battery. Battery-powered peripheral devices can also be used. Peripheral devices are installed by connecting them to one of the two input/output (1/0) receptacles, at the back of the computer. l Peripheral devices are connected in series between the computer’s IN and OUT receptacles using interface cables. Cables are keyed to ensure correct polarity. l One RS-232C compatible serial device can be connected to the serial interface receptacle using a serial interface cable. The portable computer uses software for configuring its settings, rather than using hardware (such as switch settings). The computer’s System memory/Electronic disc consists of 512K bytes of random-access memory (RAM), 1024K bytes of read-only memory (ROM); and 8k bytes (expandable to 16K) of configuration EPROM (erasable, programmable read-only memory) containing specialized system information. The partition of system memory and electronic disc is configurable. Built-in diagnostic tests verify proper operation of the computer’s basic functions. For a good unit, all tests will indicate “ok”. An error message or failure code indicates that a test didn’t pass and that service is required. Installation isn’t required to operate the portable computer. If the computer’s battery is sufficiently charged (battery charge shows in the main PAM screen), the unit is ready to operate as a stand-alone computer. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the recharger is connected to the computer and the computer can be used while its battery is recharging. Recharging time is 10 hours if the computer is turned off, and 18 hours if the computer is turned on. DISC DRIVE RD-592/G (HP MODEL 91146) The Disc Drive RD-592/G is a battery operated electronic storage device. Data and programs from the computer are stored on a removable flexible disc used with the disc drive. The disc drive uses a 3 l/2-inch disc providing as much as 710 thousand characters of storage capacity. The disc is similar to a phonograph record that stores programs and data instead of music. The disc is called a flexible or micro-flexible disc or media. Data is stored on both sides of the disc, and thus the name double-sided disc. 1-19