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Here's Apple's version of the Answer Man



Author: AppleLink
Date: December, 1989
Keywords: questions and answers q&a hints tips
Text: Editor's note: The following is Tech Tidbits, a feature of AppleLink. Copyright 1989, Apple Computer Inc. This month's contribution features most commonly asked questions. Question: How much RAM does the built-in video feature of the Macintosh IIci use? Answer: The built-in video circuitry of the Macintosh IIci utilizes standard RAM installed in SIMMs on the logic board. Question: What Apple and third-party monitors can be used with the built-in video circuitry of the Macintosh IIci? Answer: Apple monitors compatible with the built-in video circuitry of the IIci are the Hi-Res Monochrome, the Hi-Res RGB, and the Portrait Display. The Two Page Monochrome Monitor requires the Two Page Display Video Card. Some third-party monitors will not function properly when connected to the built-in video port. This built-in port has three pins (4, 7 and 10) that check the type of monitor so that the port can self-configure. If your third-party monitor and video cables do not use those pins, they will not work with the built-in port. Contact the third-party monitor manufacturer for compatibility. Question: My Macintosh Portable wouldn't start when I took it out of the box. What is the problem? Answer: Here are some factors to consider when starting your new
Macintosh Portable: * Verify that the Mylar sheet has been removed from the battery case. [Note: Be sure you put the battery cover back on before attempting to start the Portable.] * Be sure you are holding the key down long enough to give the system a chance to start(The CAPS LOCK key and the Trackball and Mouse buttons will not start the Portable). * Reset the power manager by sliding the reset lock toward the reset switch and programmer's switch. Press both the reset switch and programmer's switch at the same time. Do this three times, waiting two seconds between attempts. Then press a key to start the Portable. * Remove the keyboard from the case (Apple authorized service technicians only!). Holding the keyboard just above the case, attempt to start the Portable. If it starts, replace the keyboard. Question: How much memory can I install in the Macintosh Portable? Answer: The Macintosh Portable can support a total of 9MB of memory. Currently, the Portable is configured with 1MB of low-power RAM, expandable to 2MB through the installation of a memory card in the RAM slot. Up to 4MB of memory will be accessible from the RAM slot and up to a total of 9MB of memory will be accessible from the Processor Direct Slot (PDS) slot when higher-density chips become available. Question: Whenever I run MultiFinder, I cannot access any Desk Accessories under the Apple Menu and my computer beeps. If I restart under the Finder, they run fine. Why does this happen? Answer: When MultiFinder is active, desk accessories must be accessed via a resource running under MultiFinder called the DA Handler. This resource must be resident in your System Folder to access Desk Accessories under MultiFinder. When a Desk Accessory is accessed, the MultiFinder icon in the upper right corner of the screen will change to a suitcase indicating that the DA Handler is now active, and the DA will be displayed. If you find that you are missing the DA Handler resource from your System Folder, you can copy it from the System Tools diskette that came with your computer. [Note: It is preferred to run the Installer to update all System resources.] Question: I understand that there are both a DB25-to-DB25 video cable and a newer DB15-to-DB25 video cable for use with the Macintosh Portrait Display. Which one do I need to use? Answer: The only difference in the two video cables used with the Macintosh Portrait Display is a change in the connector types used with the external video connectors of the new Macintosh IIci and Portrait Video Display Card. A DB15 connector is standard on the IIci. All Portrait Display Video Cards now under production also have a DB15 connector instead of the DB25 type previously used. Portrait Monitors are now shipped with the newer DB15-to-DB25 video cable to provide direct connection to the Mac IIci and the new Portrait Display Video Card. This cable replaces the DB25-to-DB25 cable that has been included until now. (If you receive a new Portrait Monitor with a DB15-to-DB25 video cable but have an older Portrait Monitor Video Card, contact your local Apple authorized dealer for assistance.) The only difference between the two Portrait Display Video Cards are the the video card and cable, all Apple authorized resellers and service providers may refer to the September Apple Service Programs mailing. Question: I've noticed a faint horizontal line on my Macintosh High Resolution RGB Monitor. What is it and can it be fixed? Answer: If you observe a thin horizontal line near the bottom third of the screen -- the design for this monitor's tube causes a single thin faint grey/black horizontal line to appear one-third of the way up from the bottom of the screen. The line, which is more noticeable in lighter backgrounds, is due to the horizontal stabilizing wire for the color mask grid. This grid is a set of fine vertical wires which block the electron beam from hitting color phosphors other than the intended one (this is known as ''color masking''). This line is inherent with the Sony Trinitron CRT design (which is the best design available) and is not a manufacturing, CPU or video card problem. If there is a horizontal line in the middle of the screen -- there may be a problem with vertical deflection. To correct the situation, an Apple authorized service provider may have to follow these steps: * Ensure the yoke connectors are tight * Replace the monitor's main logic board ''D'' * Replace the CRT Question: Can I attach a hard drive to my LaserWriter IINT or NTX? If so, what are the advantages? Answer: SCSI hard drives can be connected only to a LaserWriter IINTX. The addition of a hard drive increases the space available for font storage and font caching. Before using, you'll need to format the drive and launch LaserWriter Font Utility to load the fonts for spooling. Twenty percent of your total disk space will be used for font storage and the other 80 percent for font caching. Question: Is the LaserWriter IISC compatible with my Apple IIGS? I have the SCSI card installed in my IIGS but the IISC doesn't print. Answer: The IIGS does not support the LaserWriter IISC. Since the IISC has no built-in fonts or processing circuitry, this must be accomplished by the CPU. The IIGS is not able to support this processing. Most notably, the IIGS doesn't support the necessary QuickDraw commands required by the IISC. Question: Where can I find the BTU ratings for Apple equipment? Answer: BTU ratings for most Apple equipment can be found on AppleLink in the Technical Info Library. Use the search words ''BTU and Ratings.'' Not only will you get a listing, but you will also find out how to compute the BTU rating for equipment not listed!

Copyright © december, 1989 by AppleLink


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