VT18X Upgrade and System Test Guide

This manual serves as an upgrade and system test guide for transforming a Digital VT100 video terminal into a VT180 personal office computer using the VT18X upgrade kit. The kit adds a VT18X control module and one or two dual mini-floppy disk units, enabling the terminal to run CP/M application software.

The guide outlines a detailed hardware installation procedure, covering steps such as removing existing VT100 components (covers, terminal controller module), installing new elements like the VT180 paddle board, expansion backplane, card guides, and an RF shield to meet government regulations. It also describes the installation of the VT18X control module, RX180 disk units, and connecting peripherals like printers and communication cables, concluding with instructions on powering on the system.

Special procedures for ROM removal and installation, particularly for terminals with printer port or word processing options, are also included. A significant portion of the document focuses on system testing, encompassing ROM-based diagnostics (run automatically on power-up), diskette formatting, and VT18X diskette diagnostics, which include initial, extended, and individual tests for floppy drives, RAM, communication ports, and printers. Finally, the manual provides comprehensive troubleshooting procedures and a list of ROM and diskette diagnostic error messages to assist users in resolving installation and operational issues.