21900A01

ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
RIGHT. FROM THE START.
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
Diskette Drive Controller
Installation Instructions
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
1996 Alpha Microsystems

REVISIONS INCORPORATED
REVISION
DATE
00
May 1994
01
November 1996
AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller Installation Instructions

To re-order this document, request part number PDI-00219-00.
The information contained in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility
for the accuracy, completeness or use of this information is assumed by Alpha Microsystems.
This document was written by Jack Chardi.
This document may contain references to products covered under U.S. Patent Number 4,530,048.
The following are registered trademarks of Alpha Microsystems, Santa Ana, CA 92799:
AMIGOS
AlphaBASIC
AlphaFORTRAN 77
AlphaMATE
AlphaWRITE
VIDEOTRAX
AMOS
AlphaCALC
AlphaLAN
AlphaNET
CASELODE
Alpha Micro
AlphaCOBOL
AlphaLEDGER
AlphaPASCAL
OmniBASIC
AlphaACCOUNTING
AlphaDDE
AlphaMAIL
AlphaRJE
VER-A-TEL
The following are trademarks of Alpha Microsystems, Santa Ana, CA 92799:

AlphaBASIC PLUS
AlphaDDE
inFront/am
AlphaVUE
AlphaConnect
ESP
AM-PC
DART
MULTI
All other copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
2722 S. Fairview St.
P.O. Box 25059
Santa Ana, CA 92799
AMTEC
inSight/am
Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.0 AM-219 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3.0 PRODUCT INSTALLATION KIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.1 3.5" Diskette Drive Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2 5.25" Diskette Drive Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.0 CONFIGURING THE AM-219 BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5.0 CONFIGURING YOUR DISKETTE DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1 Panasonic JU-475-2 Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 Toshiba ND-0801 Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Epson SD-680L Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.6 TEAC FD-55GFR Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7 Toshiba ND365T Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8 Toshiba ND3651 Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.9 Toshiba ND3651GR Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.10 TEAC FD-235HF Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.11 EPSON SMD-300 Diskette Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
6.0 DISKETTE DRIVE INSTALLATION IN AM-1400/1600 DESKTOP COMPUTERS 16

7.0 DISKETTE DRIVE INSTALLATION IN RACK MOUNT AND PEDESTAL
COMPUTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1 Front Bezel Removal and Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 Building and Installing the Diskette Drive Mounting Assembly . . . . . . . .
7.3 Installing a 3.5" Drive in Pedestal and Rack Mount Chassis . . . . . . . . .
7.4 Diskette Drive Installation in Other Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
20
20
22
23
8.0 INSTALLING THE AM-219 BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

9.0 CONNECTING THE INTERFACE CABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
9.1 Connecting the Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
10.0 FINISHING THE INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page ii
11.0 CREATING A SOFTWARE DRIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

12.0 MODIFYING THE SYSTEM INITIALIZATION COMMAND FILE . . . . . . . . . . .
12.1 Modifying the Device Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.2 Adding a BITMAP Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3 Adding the Device Driver to System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.4 Sample System Initialization Command File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.5 Testing the Initialization File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
36
36
37
37
37
13.0 FORMATTING AND INITIALIZING A DISKETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

14.0 USING YOUR DISKETTE DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 1
1.0INTRODUCTION
This document provides hardware and software instructions for installing an AM-219
diskette drive controller and drive assembly into AM-1400, AM-1600, AM-3000M,
AM-4000, and all Eagle series computers. The AM-219 is a high-speed controller based
on the industry standard 37C65 diskette drive controller chip. Unlike earlier Alpha Micro
controllers, the AM-219 contains a fully digital data separator which requires no
adjustments or calibration for any of the supported diskette formats.
The AM-219 is designed for use with diskette drives found in IBMPC/AT compatible
computers. Some older diskette drives used in "AMOS only" configurations may not be
supported by the AM-219; however, with the low cost and availability of PC/AT
compatible diskette drives, changing over to a new drive is not an expensive proposal.
Earlier AMOS diskette controllers supported several different formats, some of which
were either obsolete or unused. The driver configuration program for the AM-219,
FIX219, supports the following formats:
AMOS 720KB 3.5" double density
AMOS 1.2MB 5.25" high density
PC 360KB 5.25" double density
PC 1.2MB 5.25" high density
The AM-219 diskette controller does not support the AM-121 VPC board!
2.0AM-219 SPECIFICATIONS
1.The AM-219 floppy controller is compatible with AM-1400, AM-1600, AM-3000M,

AM-4000, and all Eagle series computers.
2.Drives supported:
two
3.Maximum transfer rate:
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
500kbits/second
Page 2
4.Buffer RAM:
32K bytes
5.Data Separator:
Fully digitalno adjustments required
6.Formats supported:
7.VPC support:
eight (four AMOS and four PC)
none
3.0PRODUCT INSTALLATION KIT

The AM-219 controller supports both half-height 5.25" and 3.5" diskette drives. The part
number for the AM-219 product kit is PDB-00219-00. The installation kit includes the
following:
DWB-00219-00AM-219 diskette controller.
HDY-50001-08standoffs for AM-219 mounting holes.
PDI-00219-00 AM-219 Diskette Controller Installation Instructions.
DWB-10218-0234-pin interface cable, supports both single and dual diskette
drive installations.
PRA-00103-00DC power cable assembly adapter; allows a 3.5" diskette drive to
be plugged into a standard 4-pin power connector.
For installations where you are replacing an AM-214 with a new AM-219 controller, you
will continue to use your existing 34-pin interface cable, which is the cable that links the
diskette drive (or drives) to the controller. If you are installing an AM-219 into a
computer which did not previously have an AM-214 controller, you will use the 34-pin
PC style interface cable included in the installation kit. This cable (DWB-10218-02) is
designed to support both single and dual drive configurations, and is long enough to
work in any application.
3.13.5" Diskette Drive Specifications

Physical Size
3.5"
Data Capacity
1.44MB, or less depending on the format.
Diskettes
3.5", 18 sectors/track, 80 tracks/side, double sided, double

density
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 3
3.5" Diskette Drive Specifications (cont.)

Transfer Rate
500K bits/second.
Latency (Average)
100 msec.
Access Time
Track-to-track
3 msec.
Average Access Time
94 msec.
Track Density
135 TPI.
Recording Density
17434 bits/inch.
MTBF
10000 power on hours or more, normal duty cycle.
Soft Read Error Rate
1 x 10^-9
Hard Read Error Rate
1 x 10^-12
Seek Error Rate
1 x 10^-6
3.25.25" Diskette Drive Specifications

Physical Size
5.25"
Data Capacity
1.2MB, or less depending on the format.
Diskettes
5.25", 10 sectors/track, 80 tracks/side, double-sided,

double-density.
Transfer Rate
300K bits/second.
Latency (Average)
94 msec.
Access Time
Track-to-track
5 msec.
Average Access Time
150 msec.
Track Density
96 TPI.
Recording Density
5922 bits/inch.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 4
5.25" Diskette Drive Specifications (cont.)

MTBF
9200 power on hours or more, 25% duty cycle.
Soft Read Error Rate
1 x 10^-9
Hard Read Error Rate
1 x 10^-12
Seek Error Rate
1 x 10^-6
4.0CONFIGURING THE AM-219 BOARD

The AM-219s jumpers have been factory configured as shown in the following
illustration. Jumpers W1 and W2 should NOT be moved; they are compatible with both
3.5" and 5.25" diskette drives.
The W1 and W2 jumpers are factory configured
and should never be removed or reconfigured.
AM-219
MADE IN USA
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
W1
W2
SMC
J2
MC1048
AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 5
5.0CONFIGURING YOUR DISKETTE DRIVE

This section contains configuration information for the following diskette drives:
Panasonic JU-475-2 5.25"
Toshiba ND0801 5.25"
Epson SD-680L 5.25"
Teac FD-55GFR 5.25"
Toshiba ND356T 3.5"
Toshiba ND3561 3.5"
Toshiba ND3561GR 3.5"
Teac FD-235HF 3.5"
Epson SMD-300 3.5"
The diskette drives on the following pages represent drives sold and supported by Alpha
Micro, both past and present. If you are replacing your old AM-214 board with a new
AM-219 diskette controller, you will need to change the jumper configuration on your
diskette drive (or diskette drives if you have two) in order for it to be AM-219 compatible.
Simply locate the illustration for your particular drive and configure the jumpers as
shown in the illustration. Each drive is shown with its jumpers configured for an AM-219
application, which is exactly the same configuration used in industry standard PCs. If
you have a diskette drive that is not listed in this document, it can still be used with the
AM-219 board as long as it is PC compatibleif it works in a PC, it will work with the
AM-219 board.
Each of the diskette drive illustrations show how to configure the drive for either drive
select 0 or drive select 1. If you are using a PC style 34-pin interface cable with your
AM-219 board, your diskette drive (or drives if you have two) must be configured to
drive select 1. With the PC style interface cable, it is the cable, not the drives, that
determines which drive is 0 and which drive is 1. If you take a close look at the PC style
cable, you can see a twist just before the last diskette drive connector; this twist
determines the drive select number.
If you are replacing your old AM-214 with a new AM-219 controller and using your
existing 34-pin interface cable, you will continue to use the traditional method of
configuring drive selects in AMOS-based applications. In single drive configurations, the
diskette drive must be set to drive select 0; if you have two diskette drives, you must set
the second drive to drive select 1.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 6
5.1Panasonic JU-475-2 Diskette Drive Configuration
PANASONIC JU-475-2
5-1/4" HALF-HIGH DISKETTE DRIVE
PIN #1
INTERFACE CONNECTOR
DS MX
IRD
POWER CONNECTOR
DD
IX
SP
D0
DC
LR
RDY
1
2
3
4
AT
AX
1M
BX
CX
MS
MM
HA
OA
DA
UA
MC1037
PANASONIC
JU-475-2
= JUMPER INSTALLED
ID 1
1
2
3
4
ID 0
1
2
3
4
DRIVE SELECT
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 7
PANASONIC JU-475-3
PIN #1
POWER CONNECTOR
INTERFACE CONNECTOR
MDB
MDA
PANASONIC
BX
= JUMPER INSTALLED
MS MM
DS
DA
UA
HA
LA
JU-475-3
OP
1M
MX
NAX
1
2
3
4
MC1038
TM
ID 1
1
2
3
4
ID 0
1
2
3
4
DRIVE SELECT
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
In single drive configurations,

the TM jumper must always be
installed. In dual drive configurations,
the drive located at the end of the
cable must have the TM jumper installed;
the other drive must have the TM jumper
removed.
Page 8
PANASONIC JU-475-4
POWER CONNECTOR
INTERFACE CONNECTOR
HM
HS
HL1
LA
HL
DA
HA
DO
UA
DC
NDO
RDY
PIN #1
PANASONIC
JU-475-4
MS
EX
GX
1E
MX
AX
DD
TH
BX
= JUMPER INSTALLED
MC1039
1M
TM
RY
OF
NH
PH
ST
DS1 DS2 DS3 DS4
ID 1
DS1 DS2 DS3 DS4
ID 0
DS1 DS2 DS3 DS4
In single drive configurations,

the TM jumper must always be
installed. In dual drive configurations,
the drive located at the end of the cable
must have the TM jumper installed; the
other drive must have the TM jumper
removed.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 9
5.4Toshiba ND-0801 Diskette Drive Configuration
PIN-1
DC POWER CONNECTOR
34-PIN EDGE CONNECTOR
REAR
VIEW
TOSHIBA ND-0801
SIDE VIEW
CONFIGURATION JUMPERS
MC1040
DRIVE
SELECT
3 2 1 0
DRIVE SELECT 1
DRIVE
SELECT
3 2 1 0
DRIVE
SELECT
3 2 1 0
DRIVE SELECT 0
TERMINATOR JUMPER:
In = Terminated
Out = Not Terminated
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 10
5.5Epson SD-680L Diskette Drive Configuration
DC
SS5
RC
EPSON SD-680L
MH
SS4 ML
SS3 S
MC1041
TOP VIEW
ID 1
SS6
DA
HL
RA
SS1
SS2
3
2 1
2 1
2
TERMINATOR
ID 0
SS1
SS1
S1
S2
S3
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 11
5.6TEAC FD-55GFR Diskette Drive Configuration
TEAC
MODEL FD-55GFR
LG
I
D1
RY
E2 U0 U1
DC
IU
D1
D2
D3
D0
D2
D3
D0
DRIVE SELECT 1 DRIVE SELECT 0

= JUMPER INSTALLED
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
MC1042
Page 12
5.7Toshiba ND365T Diskette Drive Configuration
TOSHIBA ND-356T-A
3-1/2" DISKETTE DRIVE
REAR
VIEW
PIN #1
BOTTOM
VIEW
DRIVE SELECT 1
DS1
MC1043
DRIVE SELECT 0
CONFIGURATION
JUMPER LOCATION
DS1
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 13
5.8Toshiba ND3651 Diskette Drive Configuration
TOSHIBA ND-3561
TOP VIEW
ND-3561
TOSHIBA
PIN #1 34-PIN CONNECTOR
REAR
VIEW
DRIVE SELECT SWITCH

SET TO THE "LEFT" = ID 1
SET TO THE "RIGHT" = ID 0
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR

MC1044
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 14
5.9Toshiba ND3651GR Diskette Drive Configuration
TOSHIBA ND-3561GR
TOP VIEW
ND-3561GR
TOSHIBA
REAR
VIEW
DRIVE SELECT SWITCH

SET TO THE "LEFT"= ID 1
SET TO THE "RIGHT = ID 0

MC1045
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 15
5.10TEAC FD-235HF Diskette Drive Configuration
TEAC FD-235HF
TOP VIEW
FD-235HF
TEAC
REAR
VIEW
DRIVE SELECT JUMPER

TO THE "RIGHT" = ID 1
TO THE "LEFT" = ID 0

MC1046
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 16
5.11EPSON SMD-300 Diskette Drive Configuration
EPSON SMD-300
REAR
VIEW
MC1047
ID 1
ID 0
6.0DISKETTE DRIVE INSTALLATION IN AM-1400/1600 DESKTOP COMPUTERS

The first step in the installation process is to remove the computers top cover. The top
cover is held in place with four phillips-head screws, two on each side. Remove the
screws, then lift off the top cover and put it in a safe place.
Next, remove the drive mounting bracket from the chassis. The bracket is held in place
with four phillips-head screws. The screw locations are shown in the illustration, called
out as A, B, C, and D.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 17
DRIVE MOUNTING
BRACKET
C
B
D
MAC774
AM-1400/1600 Desktop Peripheral Mounting Bracket
Once you have taken out the screws, remove the drive mounting bracket from the
chassis. Now youre ready to install your diskette drive.
Included in your mounting kit is a piece of plastic designed to fold around a 3.5" diskette
drive. This piece of plastic prevents signal ground in the drive from shorting to chassis
ground. The plastic folds completely around the drive and attaches to itself with a
self-adhesive strip.
The two illustrations showing the diskette drives in their mounting positions show that
each drive is held in place with four screws inserted through the drive mounting bracket.
These four screws are included in the drive mounting kit.
The 12 volt cooling fan shown in the illustrations is included in your installation kit; it
provides additional cooling for components under the AM-219 board. The extra cooling
is very important. Make sure you install the fan with the air flow blowing down toward
the chassis bottom.
The first illustration shows the correct mounting position for a 3.5" diskette drive; the
second illustration shows the correct mounting position for a 5.25" drive. Attach your
drive to the mounting bracket, but do not tighten the screws yet. Make sure you use the
nylon shoulder-washers when mounting a 3.5" diskette drive.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 18

SEAM
3-1/2" FLOPPY
DRIVE
DRIVE MOUNTING
BRACKET
3-1/2" FLOPPY
ISOLATOR
MAC775
12 VOLT FAN
NYLON SHOULDER
WASHERS
3.5" Diskette Drive Assembly
5-1/4" HALF HEIGHT

FLOPPY DRIVE
MAC776
DRIVE MOUNTING
BRACKET
12 VOLT FAN
5.25" Diskette Drive Assembly
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 19
The next step is to remove the appropriate panel on the front bezel of your computer.
The illustration below shows which panel must be removed to accommodate either the
3.5" or 5.25" diskette drive.
ALPHA
MICROSYSTEMS
LOCK
OPEN
POWER
REMOVE THIS PANEL FOR 3-1/2"

FLOPPY INSTALLATIONS.
REMOVE THIS PANEL FOR 5-1/4"

FLOPPY INSTALLATIONS.
MAC208
AM-1600 Desktop Front Panel

To remove one of the panels, place your thumb on the back of the panel. When you
apply pressure to the middle of the panel, the panel will pop out of the front bezel.
After removing the appropriate panel, set the mounting bracket and drive into position in
the chassis. Before screwing down the mounting bracket, adjust the drive so it is flush
with the front bezel. Once you are satisfied with its position, carefully remove the
mounting bracket and drive assembly from the chassis and tighten the four screws that
secure the drive to the mounting bracket. For 3.5" installations, make sure the screws
are properly seated on the nylon shoulder-washers and are not touching the metal
mounting bracket.
7.0DISKETTE DRIVE INSTALLATION IN RACK MOUNT AND PEDESTAL COMPUTERS

The following sections describe how to install a diskette drive into AMOS computers
using both rack mount and pedestal enclosures. The basic installation procedure is the
same for both pedestal and rack mount computers:
Remove your front bezel.
Create a cutout in your bezel to support the diskette drive.
Build the drive mounting assembly.
Install the drive mounting assembly in your computer.
Attach the 34-pin interface and power cables.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 20
7.1Front Bezel Removal and Modification

If you ordered a diskette drive from Alpha Micro, your product installation kit includes
instructions describing how to modify your front bezel. The modification requires that
you make a cutout in your existing front bezel to accommodate the diskette drive.
1.Follow the instructions in your computer Owners Manual for removing the top
cover.
2.Unplug the ribbon cable that links the display panel on the computers front bezel
to your CPU board.
3.Remove the phillips-head screws holding the front bezel to the chassis.
4.Follow the bezel modification instructions included with your installation kit, then
reinstall the bezel.
5.Dont forget to plug the display panel cable back into your CPU board.
7.2Building and Installing the Diskette Drive Mounting Assembly

The diskette drive mounting assembly is the same for both pedestal and rack mount
computers. The assembly consists of three pieces; a plastic mounting base, the diskette
drive, and a metal support bracket. The following steps describe how the assembly is
put together:
1.The drive sits on top of the plastic mounting base so the bottom of the drive (with
reference to an installed diskette) is toward the front panel system status display.
This insures the drive is in its proper operational position for both pedestal and
rack mount computers. The following illustration shows the position of a mounted
5.25" diskette drive. The relative mounting position is the same for 3.5" drives.
METAL SUPPORT BRACKET
DWF-20260-00
DRIVE ACTIVITY LED
DISKETTE DRIVE
MAC4 9 0
PLASTIC MOUNTING BASE

DWF-20218-00
Diskette Drive and Mounting Bracket Assembly
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 21
2.The following illustration of the plastic mounting base shows the screw holes used
for mounting the drive.
3.If you ordered your diskette drive from Alpha Micro, the screws used to attach the
diskette drive to the mounting base are included in the mounting kit. The kit
includes both metric and standard screws. Gently thread one of the screws into
the drive to determine if you need standard or metric screws for your installation.
4.The diskette drive should be positioned on the mounting base with the drives front
panel pointing in the direction indicated by the arrow in the illustration.
DWF-20218-00
E'S
IV
OW
DR HE R
E T AR
TT IN E
KE TEDY TH
S
DI IN B
E PO D
TH IS ATE
RE EL DIC
SU N IN
E T PA N
K
IO
MARON CT
F IRE
D
DISKETTE DRIVE
MOUNTING HOLES
MAC4 9 1
Plastic Mounting Base
5.The following illustration shows the metal top support bracket that secures the
drive assembly to the front bezel. The screw holes used to hold the bracket in
place are shown in the illustration.
S
E'
W
IV E RO
DR TH AR
E
T IN HE
T
D
E E T
SK T BY
DI IN D
E PO TE
TH IS CA
L I
RENE ND
SU A I
E T P ION
AK ON CT
M R E
F IR
D
DWF-20260-00
MOUNTING BRACKET
DISKETTE DRIVE
MOUNTING HOLES
MAC4 9 2
Metal Top Support Bracket
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 22
6.Now, take the completed assembly and place it in the chassis so the slots on the
bottom of the plastic base fit over and behind the metal tabs on the bottom of the
chassis. Once the assembly is in place, slide it forward so the metal tabs lock the
base down. When properly positioned, the diskette drive will fit perfectly through
the cutout in your bezel.
7.Install the rear screw (included in the mounting kit) that holds the plastic mounting
base in place.
8.Install the screw that attaches the metal top support bracket to your front bezel.
9.Dont forget to plug the front panel display cable back into the CPU board.
7.3Installing a 3.5" Drive in Pedestal and Rack Mount Chassis

The 3.5" diskette drive designed for pedestal and rack mount computers comes with an
installation kit that includes a 3.5" to 5.25" mounting adapter. The kit also includes a
standard 4-pin DC power connector adapter, a board-edge connector adapter, and
instructions on how to install the adapter hardware.
Once the drive is attached to the 5.25" mounting adapter, it installs in the computer in
the same way as the standard 5.25" half-high drive, with one exceptionthe drive
must be electrically isolated from the chassis. This is accomplished by using two
nylon shoulder-washers included in the mounting kit. Install the washers as shown.
FRONT BEZEL
NYLON SHOULDER WASHERS
METAL SUPPORT BRACKET

DWF-20260-00
5-1/4" MOUNTING
BRACKET

MAC5 0 9
3.5" Diskette Drive Mounting
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 23
7.4Diskette Drive Installation in Other Applications

The owners manuals for AM-1600 Deskside, Eagle, and AM-990 computers include
instructions on how to install peripheral devices, including diskette drives.
The mounting procedure is the same for both 3.5" and 5.25" diskette drives. However,
3.5" diskette drives must be installed in a 5.25" peripheral mounting assembly. The
5.25" peripheral mounting assembly is included in your product installation kit.
8.0INSTALLING THE AM-219 BOARD

The AM-219 board is designed for use with AM-1400, AM-1600, AM-3000M, AM-4000,
and all Eagle series computers. On the following pages, there are separate illustrations
showing how the AM-219 board is installed in each of the supported system
configurations. Each illustration shows the AM-219 installed in its proper mounting
position.
Be careful to note whether or not to remove the extra piece of circuit board attached to
the AM-219. For some installations you must remove the extra piece, and for others it
must remain attached to the main board for mounting purposesas shown in the next
illustration. Before you modify the AM-219, find the illustration in the following pages
which shows how the AM-219 must be mounted on your CPU board.
If your CPU board does not already contain the AM-219 plastic mounting standoffs, you
must install the required standoffs where indicated in the following illustrations, prior to
mounting the AM-219 board.
To install the AM-219 board, carefully press your AM-219 board into position, using the
appropriate illustration as a reference. Make sure the AM-219 board is properly seated
into the 36-pin connector. Press the board down enough so the two plastic standoffs on
the CPU board snap into the two corresponding holes on the AM-219 board.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 24
A section of the AM-219 board is designed to be removed when installed on an AM-319,

AM-137 (Eagle), or later CPU board. However, on all older systems, the AM-219 must
be installed in its entirety. When plugging and unplugging the 34-pin interface cable that
plugs into the J2 connector on the AM-219 board, you must be careful not to use so
much force that you cause the AM-219 to snap where the two sections come together.
When plugging and unplugging the 36-pin

interface cable into the J2 connector on the
AM-219 board, make sure you support these
two corners of the board, which will prevent
the two sections from breaking apart.
AM-219
MADE IN USA
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
W1
W2
SMC
J2
If this section breaks away from the AM-219

board, the two mounting holes used to hold
the AM-219 board in place will be unusable.
MC1049
For older systems, you must always take

precautions to protect this joint where the two
sections of the AM-219 board come together.
AM-219 Handling Precautions
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 25
AM-130 BOARD
W1
AM-219 BOARD
MADE IN USA
J2
SMC
W2
Your AM-130 board has two

nylon standoffs designed
to support the AM-219
board. As you press the
AM-219 into position, the
standoffs will lock the board
into position.
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
J12
J14
J15
BATTERY
MC1030
AM-219 Installation on AM-130 Board (AM-1400 Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 26
SW1
BATTERY
AM-135 BOARD
J17
J16
J15
J14
J13
J12
J11
J10
J9

into position.
J2
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
SMC
W2
U121
U116
W1
AM-219
135-00
135-01
U133
J19
MADE IN USA
MC68020
AM-219 BOARD
MC1032
AM-219 Installation on AM-135 Board (AM-1600 Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 27
J17
J16
J15
J14
J13
J12

into position.
AM-219 BOARD
U144
W1
U130
SMC
W2
U90
U97
W13
J2
W14
MADE IN USA
1
J19
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
J20
J18
W12
1
J8
AM-140
U32
J7
W9
BATTERY
W11
W1
J3
W10
J6
W8
J5
J4
J2
J1
SW1
MC1034
AM-219 Installation on AM-140 Board (AM-3000M Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 28
J1
J2
J3
SW1
J4
U42
W8
BATTERY
W7
W9
AM-219 BOARD
J6
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
MADE IN USA
J2
SMC

nylon standoffs designed to
support the AM-219 board.
As you press the AM-219
into position, the standoffs
will lock the board into
position.
W2
W1
J10
W14
W20
U100
JY2 JY1
AM-190
JX1 JX2
W15
040
W18
J16
J15
J14
J13
U106
W16
W19
MC1036
AM-219 Installation on AM-190 Board (AM-4000V/4000M Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 29
AM-219
MADE IN USA
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
W1
W2
SMC
J2
This section of the board is not used

when the AM-219 is installed on an
AM-319 or AM-137 Eagle board.
Before installing the AM-219 on an

AM-319 or AM-137 board, or later
system, you need to separate the
two sections by breaking this joint.
To separate the two sections, use cutters like these.

You may damage the board if you attempt to separate
the two sections by simply bending the board until it
snaps.
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219 BOARD
SMC
W2
W1
A nylon standoff extending up from the Eagle board

will lock the AM-219 board into position using this
mounting hole.
J8
J9
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
A nylon standoff extending up from the Eagle board

will lock the AM-219 board into position using this
mounting hole.
J6
J3
J10
MADE IN USA
J2
AM-319-00
or
AM-319-10
J2
J1
J5
BATTERY
MC1051
AM-219 Installation on AM-319-00/-10 Boards (Eagle 200-500 Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
BA
TT
W1
Page 30
J1
W2
SSD
U14
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
ER
Y
U15
J2
W3
J3
J4
W4
J5
W5
U28
U29
AM-137
J6
J8
J9
J7
The AM-219 controller

is held in place by two
press-fit plastic standoffs
installed on the AM-137.
W6
J2
W2
W10
W1
W11
RUN
DISK
W12
AM-219
J11
030
MADE IN USA
W13
W14
SMC
POWER
W9
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
W7
W8
J12
MC1281
AM-219 Installation on AM-137 Board (Eagle 100 Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 31
J2
UPS PORT
J1
T1
T2
JP3
OSC
JP4
OSC
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS AM319-20
LNK
J3
TX
RX
PORT 3
JP1
PORT 2
SHLD/LOGC
GND
PORT 1
D1
D2
D3
F1
J4
PORT 0
J5
P2
LPT1
P1
LPT3
P5
LPT0
P4
LPT2
P3
G
G
-12
+12
+5
PG
P6
A CHANNEL B CHANNEL
+5
+5
+5
-5
G
G
J6
JP5 OSC
32 16
JP5A
J7
AM-319-20
U57
G
G
G
+5
+5
+5
DISCON
JP6
ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
AM-219
J2
ADDRESS/DATA
P9
CONTROL/STATUS
SUPER EAGLE
MADE IN USA
P7
P8
The AM-219 controller

is held in place by two
press-fit plastic standoffs
installed on the AM-319.
AM-219
FLOPPY
SMC
W2
SSD
U73
U80
W1
REM RESET
JP7
P10
RESET
PWR
SPARE
RUN DISK
JP9 JP10
P11
JP8
P12
+
+
MC1282
AM-219 Installation on AM-319-20 Board (Eagle 550 Systems)
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 32
9.0CONNECTING THE INTERFACE CABLE

If youre upgrading from an AM-214 to an AM-219 diskette controller, simply plug your
existing 34-pin interface cable into the J2 connector on the AM-219 board. Make sure
the colored stripe on the cable aligns with pin-1 on the AM-219s 34-pin connector.
The AM-219 product installation kit comes with a 34-pin PC style interface cable
designed for both dual and single drive applications. This cable requires that you
configure your diskette drive to drive select 1; if you have two diskette drives, both
drives must be configured to drive select 1. With the PC style interface cable, it is the
cable, not the drives, that determines which drive is 0 and which drive is 1. If look
closely at the PC style cable, you can see a twist in the cable just before the last
diskette drive connector; this twist determines the drive select number. The cable has
two board-edge connectors; the drive attached to the connector at the end of the
cable is always drive 0; a drive connected to the other connector is drive 1. When
installing this cable, make sure the colored stripe on the cable aligns with pin-1 on the
AM-219s 34-pin connector, as well as pin-1 on your diskette drive or drives. Illustrations
in this document show the pin-1 location for the AM-219 controller and the diskette
drives.
To connect a 3.5" diskette drive to the 34-pin interface cable included in your installation
kit, you must use an adapter that converts the standard 34-pin connector on the drive
into a board-edge type connector. The board edge adapter is included as part of the
mounting kit shipped with 3.5" diskette drives sold by Alpha Micro. This type of
board-edge adapter is also available from any computer supply outlet.
9.1Connecting the Power Cable

AM-1400/1600 Desktop computers contain one small 4-pin power connector designed
to fit a 3.5" diskette drive, and one standard 4-pin power connector designed to fit a
5.25" drive. For other applications, the product installation kit includes an adapter to
allow a 3.5" drive to be plugged into a standard 4-pin power connector. The power
connectors are keyed and can only be plugged in one way.
Plug the appropriate 4-pin power connector into your diskette drive.
For AM-1400/1600 Desktop applications, dont forget to plug in the power connector for
the small additional 12 volt cooling fan.
10.0FINISHING THE INSTALLATION

Before re-installing the top cover, make sure the following items are in order.
Double check your power and interface cable connections.
Make sure you have tightened the screws removed during the installation process.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 33
11.0CREATING A SOFTWARE DRIVER

Be sure you have a current version of the generic AM-219 device driver (219DVR.DVR),
and the FIX program (FIX219.LIT) to create the applicable system driver you want to
use. The device driver and fix program are included in current AMOS 1.4C and 2.2C (or
later) operating system releases. They may also be obtained from the Alpha Micro
Technical Assistance Center or via TABBS.
Before you can access the diskette drive connected to your AM-219, you must create a
device driver. The program used to make software drivers for use with the AM-219 is
called FIX219.LIT. FIX219 incorporates the generic 219DVR.DVR and allows you to
create a system driver in one of eight possible formats:
You may wonder why you would want to use a PC format on an AMOS computer.
When the AM-219 is used in fast computers (e.g., Eagle and other Roadrunner based
computers), the PC format is faster at both reading from and writing to the diskette.
However, there are a few limitations to using the PC formats in your AMOS computer:
1.Data written by your AMOS computer using any of the PC formats cannot be read
by a PC, unless, of course, your PC has been upgraded with an Alpha Micro
Falcon board.
2.If you want to create a bootable diskette, you need to choose either the 5.25"
800KB AMOS format or the 3.5" 1.44MB AMOS format; you cannot make a
bootable diskette using any of the other six formats.
With some other AMOS diskette controllers, you used BMIN.DVR or BFLP.DVR to
make bootable diskettes. BMIN.DVR and BFLP.DVR are part of AMOS 1.X and AMOS
2.X software releases. However, with the AM-219 board you create a diskette driver
using FIX219, then embed that driver into the monitor on your diskette using MONGEN.
The BMIN and BFLP drivers are not compatible with the AM-219 board.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 34
If you wish to boot your system from the AM-219 and a diskette, you need to make sure
the boot PROMs in your computer meet the revision level requirements in the table
below:
CIRCUIT BOARD
PART NUMBER
DWB-00130-XX
DWB-00134-XX
DWB-00135-XX
DWB-00140-XX
DWB-00190-XX
DWB-00137-XX
DWB-00319-00
DWB-00319-10
DWB-00319-20
SYSTEM
CONFIGURATION
AM-1400
AM-1400
AM-1600
AM-3000M
AM-4000
EAGLE 100
EAGLE 200
EAGLE 300-500
EAGLE 550
MINIMUM BOOT
PROM REVISION
B00
D00
D00
E00
A04
K00
A00
A00
N/A (CMOS)
Unlike other Alpha Micro computers, the AM-190 based AM-4000 computer has a
special plug-in module that contains the boot PROMs. In order to update the boot
PROMs, you must install a new boot PROM module. In the case of the AM-4000, the
minimum boot PROM revision listed in the table above is for the entire plug-in boot
PROM module assembly.
For systems with a CMOS Configuration Menu, such as the Eagle 550, the boot
PROM revision is irrelevant since any boot device can specified in the initial boot setup
menu. See your computer Owners Manualfor more details on the CMOS Configuration
Menu.
The following two examples show how to create both AMOS and PC diskette drivers.
The user input appears in bold:
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
AMOS FORMAT: Diskette Driver Example
LOG DVR: RETURN

FIX219 RETURN
Enter desired driver format:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
PC 1.44Mb 3 1/2"
PC 720Kb 3 1/2"
PC 1.2Mb 5 1/4"
PC 360Kb 5 1/4"
AMOS 720Kb 3 1/2"
AMOS 800Kb 5 1/4"
AMOS 1.2MB 5 1/4"
AMOS 1.44Mb 3 1/2"
Selection: H RETURN
Enter new driver name: FLP RETURN
New driver is now in memory, bitmap size is 180
To save the driver to your hard disk drive, type:
SAVE FLP.DVR RETURN
PC FORMAT: Diskette Driver Example
LOG DVR: RETURN

FIX219 RETURN
Enter desired driver format:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
PC 1.44Mb 3 1/2"
PC 720Kb 3 1/2"
PC 1.2Mb 5 1/4"
PC 360Kb 5 1/4"
AMOS 720Kb 3 1/2"
AMOS 800Kb 5 1/4"
AMOS 1.2MB 5 1/4"
AMOS 1.44Mb 3 1/2"
Selection: A RETURN
Enter new driver name: PCF RETURN
New driver is now in memory, bitmap size is 180
To save the driver to your hard disk drive, type:
SAVE PCF.DVR RETURN
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 35
Page 36
12.0MODIFYING THE SYSTEM INITIALIZATION COMMAND FILE

To define the diskette drive attached to your computer, use the COPY command to
make a copy of your system initialization command file, calling it TEST.INI. For example:
LOG SYS: RETURN
COPY TEST.INI=AMOS32.INI RETURN
Then edit that copy using the AlphaVUE text editor, making the modifications discussed
in the following sections.
WARNING!NEVER modify the system initialization command file directly. Always make
a copy and modify the copy. If you modify your AMOSL.INI or AMOS32.INI file directly
and make a mistake, your computer may not boot! If you make a copy, you can test
your changes using the MONTST command, as described below, then rename the test
command file to AMOSL.INI or AMOS32.INI only when you know it works correctly.
The following sections describe the steps required to define a diskette drive in your
system initialization command file.
12.1Modifying the Device Table

The first thing you need to do in your TEST.INI file is add a new DEVTBL statement. In
the system initialization command file, DEVTBL tells AMOS which devices to look for on
the computer. The DEVTBL line in bold below defines a 3.5" diskette drive.
DEVTBL DSK1
DEVTBL TRM,RES,MEM
DEVTBL FLP0
12.2Adding a BITMAP Statement

The next step is to add a BITMAP statement for the diskette drive:
BITMAP DSK,,0,1
BITMAP FLP,180,0
This is an example only! Make sure the BITMAP statement you add uses the correct
device name and bitmap size for your diskette drive.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 37
12.3Adding the Device Driver to System Memory

You must load the driver for any peripheral device into system memory. Add a SYSTEM
statement similar to this one before the final SYSTEM command:
SYSTEM FLP.DVR[1,6]
12.4Sample System Initialization Command File

When combined, the DEVTBL, BITMAP and SYSTEM statements look something like
the example below:
DEVTBL
DEVTBL
DEVTBL
;
BITMAP
BITMAP
;
SYSTEM
SYSTEM
SYSTEM
SYSTEM
SYSTEM
DSK1
TRM,RES,MEM
FLP0
DSK,,0,1
FLP,180,0
CMDLIN.SYS
SYSMSG.USA
MOUNT.LIT
FLP.DVR[1,6]
12.5Testing the Initialization File

When you have finished editing the TEST.INI file, enter F RETURN to finish and exit from
AlphaVUE. Warn other users on your system that you will be rebooting the system, then
use the MONTST program to reboot. For example:
MONTST AMOS32.MON,TEST.INI RETURN
Watch the terminal screen to make sure your computer boots without error. If the
system boots successfully, copy your test initialization file to your "real" initialization file
name. For example:
LOG SYS: RETURN
COPY AMOS32.INI=TEST.INI RETURN
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 38
13.0FORMATTING AND INITIALIZING A DISKETTE

Follow the steps below to format and initialize a diskette.
These steps erase all data on the diskette! Before you use the format program make
sure the diskette is blank, or does not contain files you need!
1.Insert the diskette into the drive; dont use the MOUNT command. Instead, enter:
LOG OPR: RETURN
FMT219 devn: RETURN
where devn: is the name of your diskette driveprobably FLP0: or MIN0:. You
now see the message:
BEGIN FORMATTING
When it is finished, FMT219 displays:
EXIT
The diskette is now formatted. Before you can use the diskette, you need to
initialize it.
2.Now, use the SYSACT command to initialize the diskette. Type:
SYSACT devn: RETURN
3.You now see the SYSACT prompt symbol, an asterisk. Type
Initialize command):
I RETURN (the SYSACT
*I RETURN
SYSACT asks you to confirm this command:
Initializing the disk clears all files enter Y to confirm:
Type Y RETURN . Now SYSACT asks you:
Reserve space for how many accounts?
The default is 64 accounts, which is probably more than enough. Press the
key to accept this number.
RETURN
4.Use the E command to exit SYSACT and return to AMOS command level:
*E RETURN
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01
Page 39
The diskette is now ready to use. To log onto the diskette and write data to it, you need
to add accounts to the diskette. Use the SYSACT command again and use the A (Add)
option. For example, to add accounts [100,2] and [120,0] on the diskette in device
FLP0:, type the following commands:
SYSACT FLP0: RETURN
*A 100,2 RETURN
Password: RETURN
*A 120,0 RETURN
Password: MINE RETURN
*E RETURN
In this example, one of the new accounts, [100,2], is not protected by a password, and
the other, [120,0], is protected by the password MINE.
14.0USING YOUR DISKETTE DRIVE

Complete instructions for using diskette drives are included in the Owners Manualfor
your computer.
PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

21900A01

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

21900A01

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

21900A01

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the specifications of the AM-219 diskette drive controller?

What are the specifications of the AM-219 diskette drive controller?

What are the steps to configure the AM-219 board?

What are the steps to configure the AM-219 board?

ALPHA

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

1996 Alpha Microsystems

AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller Installation Instructions

The following are trademarks of Alpha Microsystems, Santa Ana, CA 92799:

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

6.0 DISKETTE DRIVE INSTALLATION IN AM-1400/1600 DESKTOP COMPUTERS 16

8.0 INSTALLING THE AM-219 BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

11.0 CREATING A SOFTWARE DRIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

13.0 FORMATTING AND INITIALIZING A DISKETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

1.The AM-219 floppy controller is compatible with AM-1400, AM-1600, AM-3000M,

3.Maximum transfer rate:

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

Fully digitalno adjustments required

eight (four AMOS and four PC)

3.0PRODUCT INSTALLATION KIT

3.13.5" Diskette Drive Specifications

1.44MB, or less depending on the format.

3.5", 18 sectors/track, 80 tracks/side, double sided, double

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

3.5" Diskette Drive Specifications (cont.)

Average Access Time

10000 power on hours or more, normal duty cycle.

Soft Read Error Rate

Hard Read Error Rate

Seek Error Rate

3.25.25" Diskette Drive Specifications

1.2MB, or less depending on the format.

5.25", 10 sectors/track, 80 tracks/side, double-sided,

Average Access Time

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

5.25" Diskette Drive Specifications (cont.)

9200 power on hours or more, 25% duty cycle.

Soft Read Error Rate

Hard Read Error Rate

Seek Error Rate

4.0CONFIGURING THE AM-219 BOARD

AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

5.0CONFIGURING YOUR DISKETTE DRIVE

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

5.1Panasonic JU-475-2 Diskette Drive Configuration

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

Installation Instructions: AM-219 Diskette Drive Controller

5.2Panasonic JU-475-3 Diskette Drive Configuration

PDI-00219-00, Rev. A01

In single drive configurations,