Original PC Hardware Reference
Original PC Hardware Reference
Original PC Hardware Reference
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An Introduction to the <strong>PC</strong> Convertible (5140) CD: 17<br />
A special printer cable is available that is 22 inches (0.6 meters) long with a custom 72-pin connector<br />
attached to each end. With this cable, you can operate the Convertible printer when it is<br />
detached from the system unit and place the unit for ease of use and visibility.<br />
Serial/Parallel Adapter<br />
A serial/parallel adapter attaches to the back of the system unit, to a printer, or to another feature<br />
module attached to the back of the system unit. The adapter provides an RS-232C asynchronous<br />
communications interface and a parallel printer interface, which are both compatible with the<br />
IBM personal computer asynchronous communications adapter and the IBM personal computer<br />
parallel printer adapter.<br />
CRT Display Adapter<br />
A CRT display adapter attaches to the back of the system unit, printer, or other feature module<br />
attached to the back of the system unit. This adapter enables you to connect a separate CRT display,<br />
such as the <strong>PC</strong> Convertible monochrome display or <strong>PC</strong> Convertible color display to the system.<br />
By using optional connectors or cables, you can use the CRT display adapter to attach a<br />
standard Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) monitor. Because composite video output is available,<br />
you can use a standard television set.<br />
Internal Modems<br />
IBM offered two different internal modems for the Convertible. Both run Bell 212A (1,200bps) or<br />
Bell 103A (300bps) protocols. The modems came as a complete assembly, consisting of two cards<br />
connected by a cable. The entire assembly is installed inside the system unit. The original first<br />
design modem was made for IBM by Novation and did not follow the Hayes standard for commands<br />
and protocols. This rendered the modem largely incompatible with popular software<br />
designed to use the Hayes-command set. Later, IBM changed the modem to one that was fully<br />
Hayes compatible, and this resolved the problems with software. IBM never introduced a modem<br />
faster than 1,200bps for the Convertible. Fortunately, you can operate a standard external<br />
modem through the serial port, although you lose the convenience of having it built in.<br />
Battery Charger/Auto Power Adapter<br />
The battery charger is a 110-volt input device that charges the system’s internal batteries. It does<br />
not provide sufficient power output for the system to operate while the batteries are being<br />
charged.<br />
An available automobile power adapter plugs into the cigarette-lighter outlet in a vehicle with a<br />
12-volt negative-ground electrical system. You can use the system while the adapter also charges<br />
the Convertible’s battery.<br />
Optional Displays<br />
The 5144 <strong>PC</strong> Convertible monochrome display is a 9-inch (measured diagonally) composite video<br />
display attached to the system unit through the CRT display adapter. It comes with a display
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