Rainbow 100

This document is a comprehensive technical manual for the Digital Equipment Corporation Rainbow 100 personal computer (model PC100A), aimed at field service engineers and technicians. It details the computer's design, operation, features, capabilities, system architecture, and technical specifications.

The manual describes the basic system components including the video monitor, keyboard, and system unit. The system unit houses a dual-processor architecture (Z80A for diskette operations and 8088 for display, keyboard, printer, and communications), main memory (expandable 64K to 256K bytes), a dual RX50 diskette drive (800K bytes auxiliary storage), and a printer/communications controller.

Operational information covers using diskettes, powering up, and configuring various computer characteristics such as screen width, cursor style, emulation, auto-repeat, scroll modes, margin bell, keyclick, auto-wrap, new line mode, default character set, and modem/printer settings. Procedures for connecting the Rainbow 100 to a host computer are also provided.

Detailed technical descriptions delve into the system module, RX50 controller module, RX50 diskette drive, power supply and fan assemblies, LK201 keyboard, and VR201 video monitor. These sections outline functional components, circuit descriptions, pin assignments for various connectors, and environmental and electrical specifications.

The manual also includes extensive information on ROM-based and diskette-based diagnostics for testing and troubleshooting, along with service procedures for monitor adjustments and the removal and replacement of key modules and assemblies. Finally, it covers the multinational character sets supported by the Rainbow 100 computer and provides a glossary of terms and abbreviations.