The TIME-LIFE Step-by-Step Guide to the IBM PCjr

A Versatile Computer System

The IBM PCjr can be the core of many different computer systems, designed for various applications like art, small office tasks (accounting, word processing), or home use (budgets, communication, games). Its versatility comes from its ability to control numerous accessories, called peripheral components. The system can be expanded by adding peripherals. The expanded system shown includes components for word processing, budgeting, graphics, games, information storage, and printing.

The PCjr's Parts: An Anatomy Lesson

Key components include:

• Printer: Produces a paper record. The standard IBM Compact Printer uses heat-sensitive paper.
• Joystick: Controls the computer, often used in pairs for games.
• Cartridges and Floppy Disks: Contain computer programs or information.
• Color Television Set: Used for display to keep system costs low, adequate for games and educational programs.
• Color Video Monitor: Best for uses where color and flexibility are important, like charts and games. Displays text in 40 or 80 characters per line.
• Electrical Transformer: Converts household AC power to the low-voltage DC used by the PCjr.
• Audio Box/External Speaker: Provides sound when the monitor lacks a speaker.
• System Unit: The heart of the system, housing electronic circuits for processing and storing information.
• Cordless Keyboard: Communicates via infrared signals, allowing operation on your lap.

Contents

The guide covers the following topics:

• The Hardware
• Getting Started
• The Operating System
• Education and Entertainment
• Programs for Productivity
• Computer Communications
• Programming in BASIC
• Appendix
• Index with Glossary

The Hardware: Set-up to Start-up

Setting up the PCjr involves unpacking components, connecting them with cables, and turning them on. Choose a comfortable location away from direct sunlight and heat. Save all packing materials for future moves. The system unit houses complex electronics, but detailed knowledge of internal workings isn't required for use. Connect optional equipment like monitors and printers via adapters. Consult your dealer for assistance and refer to the IBM Guide to Operations. The expanded system typically includes a printer, RGB monitor, disk drive, and cartridge slots.

Visual Description: An IBM PCjr keyboard sits atop its system unit. The keyboard is lightweight, battery-operated, and communicates wirelessly via infrared rays up to 20 feet away.

At the Heart of the System

The system unit contains the main processing and memory circuits, disk drive, and expansion board. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes information. Memory stores information during processing. Read-Only Memory (ROM) holds permanent instructions, while Read-And-Write (RAM) memory stores temporary information that is cleared when the unit is switched off. Floppy disks and magnetic tape provide more permanent storage.

The power supply unit converts household AC to DC power. It's advised to unplug it when not in use for extended periods.

The Disk Drive

The disk drive, located on the front of the system unit, accepts floppy disks for storing and retrieving information. A protective insert must be removed before operation. The back of the system unit features input/output slots for connecting peripherals, including a power supply slot.

The PCjr's Two Models

Two versions exist: the entry model and the enhanced model. Both use identical keyboards and have two cartridge slots. The entry model has 64KB of RAM and uses a cassette recorder for storage, displaying text in 40-column mode. The enhanced model has 128KB of RAM and a built-in disk drive, supporting 80-column text display. Accessories can be added to enhance the entry-level machine.

The Keyboard: Your Connection to the PCjr

The keyboard, resembling a typewriter with extra keys, is the primary input device. It communicates via cable or infrared signals. For infrared use, four AA batteries power the keyboard. Small legs adjust its angle for tabletop use. Keystrokes send signals to the CPU. The keyboard has no ON/OFF switch; it draws minimal power when idle and activates upon key press. Infrared signals are transmitted via LEDs to a photo-electric cell on the system unit. A cable connection is recommended if sunlight interferes with infrared signals or if multiple PCjrs are in proximity. When cabled, batteries and LEDs shut down, and power is drawn from the system unit.

Visual Description: Diagram showing how to connect the keyboard to the system unit using a cable, ensuring the power switch is OFF. Another diagram illustrates optimal positioning for infrared signal transmission, noting arcs of operation and the need to avoid obstructions.

A beep alerts the user if the keyboard link is faulty due to range, signal blockage, or weak batteries.

Video Display: Several Options

Connecting a display device opens up visual software. A color television set requires an RF modulator. While adequate for games and graphics, text clarity on TVs can vary. For better quality, composite-video monitors (using a single signal for color) or RGB monitors (separate signals for red, green, blue) are recommended. RGB monitors offer higher resolution and support 80-character lines, beneficial for word processing. An IBM adapter cable is needed for RGB monitors.

Visual Description: Diagram showing how to connect the PCjr to an RGB monitor using an adapter cable.

Linking the PCjr to Your Television Set

To connect a TV, turn off both units. Plug the IBM Connector for Television into the system unit's 'T' socket. Loosen the TV's VHF antenna screws and attach the connector's twin leads. The connector has a channel-select switch (3 or 4) and a mode switch (COMPUTER/TELEVISION). To switch back to TV viewing, set the mode switch to TELEVISION.

Visual Description: Diagrams illustrating the connection of the IBM Connector for Television to the TV set's VHF terminals.

Setting Up the Thermal Printer

To set up the printer, plug it in and turn it on. Use the paper-release lever to insert fanfold paper. Press the paper-feed button to advance the paper. A printer self-test can be run by holding the paper feed button while switching power on. Connect the printer cable to the serial port (labeled 'S') on the computer. Power on the computer first, then the printer.

Visual Description: Diagrams showing paper loading and printer connection.

Parallel Port: Gateway to Expansion

The PCjr's serial port can connect to various printers. A parallel printer adapter allows connection to dot-matrix or color printers, which are faster and more flexible. This adapter requires removing the system unit's side panel. The adapter connects to the parallel-port slot, and the printer cable plugs into the adapter.

Visual Description: Diagrams showing how to remove the access panel, install the Parallel Printer Attachment, and connect the printer.

The Compact Printer, a companion to the PCjr, uses thermal paper but has drawbacks: thermal paper degrades, and it prints slower than some other models.

Putting It All Together as a System

Connecting PCjr components is straightforward. Position the system unit and keyboard, ensuring the infrared signal path is clear. Place the TV or monitor for comfortable viewing, keeping it at least 6 inches from the disk drive to avoid interference. Printers can be placed off the floor. Use an outlet bar for power, ensuring it's out of the way. Avoid blocking fan vents. Cables contain multiple wires and connectors; ensure correct orientation. If a connector doesn't fit easily, check its orientation or try a different socket.

Visual Description: Diagrams illustrating system setups for family games (system unit, keyboard, RF modulator, TV, joystick) and a home office (enhanced system unit, disk drive, color monitor, audio box, printer, keyboard). Cables are color-coded for power (red) and data (blue).

Picking Your Power Source: Use an outlet bar with a built-in regulator for surge protection. Connect to grounded (three-hole) outlets. Avoid sharing circuits with large appliances and do not use during electrical storms.

Turning On the Machine and Getting Started

Once components are connected, flick the power switch. The PCjr performs a power-up self-test, displaying the IBM logo and a color bar. Diagnostic routines can perform more extensive tests. The built-in tutorial, Keyboard Adventure, offers an introduction to the machine and keyboard.

The keyboard is the primary communication device. Special keys have computer-specific functions, controlling the cursor, inputting data, or acting as a "panic button" to stop processes. The PCjr has color, graphics, and sound capabilities. It supports 16 foreground and 4 background colors, can create graphics from dot patterns, and produces musical notes across seven octaves.

The built-in language is BASIC. Cartridge BASIC offers more commands and capabilities. Learning BASIC takes practice but allows programming the machine.

Visual Description: The first image on the monitor is the IBM logo and a color bar. The core of an enhanced PCjr system includes the monitor, cordless keyboard, system unit with disk drive, and twin cartridge slots.

Warming Up with Keys and Screen

Turn on components, starting with the outlet bar and ending with the system unit. A prompt appears when the PCjr is ready. The Ctrl and Alt keys, combined with cursor keys, can shift the message if it's off-center.

Keyboard keys function like a typewriter, with green-coded keys used with the Function (Fn) key and blue-coded keys with the Alternate (Alt) key. The Backspace key corrects errors by moving the cursor left and erasing. The Enter key processes input. The Control (Ctrl) key modifies other keys for special functions. The space bar moves the cursor forward and deletes characters.

If no disk or cartridge is used, the PCjr operates in BASIC. The "Ok" prompt indicates readiness for commands. Substitutions between letters (I/O) and numerals (1/0) are not accepted. "Syntax error" means the computer doesn't understand instructions. If the PCjr doesn't react, reset it by turning it off for 20 seconds and on again.

Visual Description: A diagram of the PCjr keyboard layout, highlighting standard keys and special keys like Esc, Fn, Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Enter, Backspace. It also shows the green and blue key codes for Fn and Alt combinations. A screen capture shows the BASIC "Ok" prompt and available memory.

How Special Keys Function in BASIC

Cursor Control Keys: Move the cursor one space at a time.

Ctrl + Fn/Home: Clears the screen and moves the cursor to the top left.

Ctrl + Fn/End: Erases characters from the cursor position to the end of the line.

Ctrl + -: Moves the cursor to the right until the next word.

Ctrl + -: Moves the cursor left to the end of the previous word.

Ins / Ctrl + R: Toggles insert mode, enlarging the cursor for insertions.

Del / Backspace / Ctrl + H: Delete characters. Del erases the character at the cursor; Backspace/Ctrl+H erase the character to the left.

Esc: Erases all information on the current line.

Fn + Break: Stops any computer process.

Fn + Pause: Temporarily halts printing or listing.

Fn + PrtSc: Prints everything on the screen.

Fn + Echo: Toggles printing text to both screen and printer simultaneously.

Visual Description: A chart detailing the functions of various special keys and key combinations in BASIC.

Adventure on the Keyboard

Pressing the Escape (Esc) key when the initial message is on screen calls up the "Keyboard Adventure" tutorial program. This program uses print, graphics, sound, and a guide named P.C. to teach keyboard functions. P.C. displays key symbols and demonstrates special key functions. To exit the Adventure, hold Ctrl and Alt and press Del.

Checking the System with Built-in Tests

To run diagnostic tests, reset the system (Ctrl+Alt+Del) and then press Ctrl+Alt+Ins to access the Test Menu. Icons represent system components. Press Ins to move the cursor to a Test Tag and Enter to start. Refer to the PCjr Guide to Operations for details. Tests check standard IBM components; remove non-IBM attachments before testing. Test results are compared against the guide. An asterisk indicates a completed test. Pressing Ins after the last tag reveals a second menu. To exit diagnostics, reset the system.

Visual Description: Screen captures showing the Test Menu with icons, the ASCII screen, and test patterns (interlocking blocks, keyboard characters in color bonds) used for diagnostics.

PCjr's Language: a Taste of BASIC

BASIC is the PCjr's resident language. Cassette BASIC is in ROM, while Cartridge BASIC (an optional purchase) adds disk drive, advanced graphics, and sound capabilities. BASIC allows communication, numeric functions, text handling, and color graphics.

Examples demonstrate BASIC commands:

• Printing and Calculation: PRINT "HELLO", PRINT 2+2.
• Music and Sound: SOUND frequency, duration, PLAY.
• Line Graphics: SCREEN 1, LINE (x1,y1)-(x2,y2), color.
• Color Graphics: COLOR background, foreground, COLOR 4 (sets background color).

Visual Description: Screen captures showing BASIC commands for printing, sound, line graphics, and color graphics.

The Expanded Power of Cartridge BASIC

Cartridge BASIC enhances capabilities with more commands for disk drives, graphics, and sound. Examples include playing music (e.g., "My Dog Has Fleas," "Three Blind Mice"), drawing lines and shapes, and combining music, print, and color effects.

Visual Description: Screen captures demonstrating music playback, line graphics (diamond shape), combined music/print/color, circles, and painting effects.

Plugging In a Cartridge: Cartridges can be inserted with the power on or off. Inserting or removing a cartridge while the machine is on will reset the PCjr, losing unsaved data.

The Operating System: Directions from a Disk

Software provides instructions for the computer's hardware. The operating system (PC-DOS for the PCjr) gives fundamental instructions for input, processing, storage, and output. Application programs perform specific tasks like word processing or games. DOS must be loaded into memory before running application programs, unless the program is self-loading. DOS manages information processing and device links.

Visual Description: Images of floppy disks used for storing software.

Programs to Control the Computer

DOS consists of programs stored in files on a disk. Resident commands remain in memory while the computer is on, managing processing and device links. Transient programs are loaded only when needed and erased afterward. DOS acts as an intermediary, handling basic tasks like loading programs and managing input/output. "Booting" loads DOS into memory via a boot record on the disk.

Date and Time: Starting up DOS

To start DOS, insert the DOS disk and turn on or reset the computer. After DOS programs load, prompts for date and time appear. Enter them in the specified format. The "A>" prompt indicates DOS is ready. Drive A: is the primary drive; B: is a secondary drive.

Visual Description: Screen captures showing the prompts for entering date and time, and the final A> prompt.

A Disk's Table of Contents

The DIR command displays a list (directory) of files on a disk. Variations like DIR /P (pause) or DIR /W (wide format) help manage long lists. Files are organized with filenames (1-8 characters) and extensions (1-3 characters), separated by a period. Wildcards like * can be used to search for files.

Visual Description: Screen captures showing DIR command outputs in different formats, and examples of file naming conventions.

Magnetic Patterns for Easy Filing

Disks are organized into tracks and sectors. The FORMAT command records this pattern on a blank disk. The /S option transfers DOS command and control files to make the disk self-loading. Formatting erases all data on a disk.

Visual Description: Diagram illustrating disk tracks and sectors. Screen captures show formatting commands like FORMAT /S and FORMAT /8.

Handling Floppy Disks: Handle disks by their jackets, store them in sleeves, and keep them away from heat and magnetic fields. Cover the write-protect notch to prevent accidental erasure.

Copying Files to Transfer Data

The COPY command transfers files between disks or devices. COPY A:*.* B: copies all files from drive A: to drive B:. Device names (e.g., CON:, LPT1:) specify sources or destinations. COPY CON: filename saves keyboard input to a file. COPY CON: LPT1: sends keyboard input directly to the printer.

Visual Description: Diagrams illustrating the COPY command process and screen captures of file copying and keyboard input examples.

DOS Commands for Other Tasks

Useful DOS commands include:

• CHKDSK: Checks disk contents and reports free space.
• DEL or ERASE: Deletes files.
• RENAME or REN: Changes a file's name.
• TYPE: Displays the contents of a file.
• SYS: Copies operating system files to make a disk self-loading.

DISKCOPY creates an exact duplicate of a disk, including formatting and system files.

Education and Entertainment

The PCjr can serve as both an educational tool and an entertainment device. Educational software can teach skills through drill-and-practice, tutorials, or simulations. Games can enhance coordination, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Software ranges from simple flashcard-style programs for young children to complex simulations and strategy games for all ages.

Visual Description: Examples of educational software screens (flashcards, mazes, coordinate games) and entertainment software (chess, arcade games, casino games).

Mastering Logo with the Help of a Turtle

Logo is a programming language designed for education, using "turtle graphics." A triangular cursor (the turtle) moves on screen in response to commands like FORWARD or RIGHT. Users can define procedures (e.g., TO TWIG) and combine them to create more complex graphics, learning programming concepts intuitively.

Visual Description: Diagrams showing how Logo procedures build upon each other, from a twig to a branch, shrub, and copse. Examples of programming a "Pick Sticks" game are also shown.

Other programming languages mentioned include FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, Pascal, and LISP.

Programs for Productivity: Managing Your Home or Office

Productivity software transforms the PCjr into an efficient tool for home or office. Word processing software acts as an electronic typewriter, allowing easy editing and formatting. Spreadsheets help with financial planning and calculations, enabling "what if" analysis. Data base management systems organize and retrieve large amounts of information efficiently.

Visual Description: Examples of word processing (letter editing), data base management (inventory, membership forms), and spreadsheet (budget) interfaces.

Computer Communications

The PCjr can connect to other computers via the telephone network using a modem. This enables data transfer, access to remote computers and data bases (like computerized libraries or news services), and communication with other users through electronic bulletin boards or messages. Commercial information services like CompuServe and The Source offer a wide range of data and services.

Visual Description: Diagrams showing modem connections (internal/external) and screenshots of communications program menus and logging onto information services.

Programming in BASIC: Home-grown Software

BASIC is an accessible programming language built into the PCjr. It allows users to write their own programs. BASIC is an interpretive language, translating source code line by line. Programs can be written in immediate mode (commands executed instantly) or deferred mode (commands stored for later execution). Key commands include PRINT, INPUT, LET, IF...THEN, FOR...NEXT, READ/DATA, GOSUB/RETURN, SOUND, PLAY, SCREEN, COLOR, LINE, CIRCLE.

Visual Description: Screen captures demonstrating various BASIC commands and programming concepts, including inputting data, making decisions, loops, subroutines, and graphics/sound output.

Appendix

The appendix covers DOS error messages, system care (environmental, power, disk protection), and upgrading an entry-level PCjr with a disk drive and memory expansion board.

Visual Description: Diagrams showing system upgrade procedures and examples of DOS error messages.

Index with Glossary

The index provides cross-references to topics and terms discussed in the guide, with definitions for key computer terminology.