DEC EtherWORKS LC Ethernet Controller Owner's Manual

This document is the Owner's Manual for the DEC EtherWORKS LC Ethernet Controller (FCC ID: A09-DE100), a personal computer bus adapter designed to integrate IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible computers into a network using either ThinWire or ThickWire Ethernet cables.

Key aspects covered include:

• FCC Compliance: The device complies with FCC Part 15 Class B rules, may cause/must accept interference, and warns that modifications void the user's authority to operate. It also prohibits unshielded Ethernet cables on ThickWire ports due to non-compliance.
• Installation: Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the LC board into a computer, including preparing the system, selecting the network interface (via a shunt connector for ThinWire or ThickWire), physically installing the board, and connecting to the network.

• Configuration: Details how to configure the board using its 12-switch pack. Settings covered include:

  • Memory Addressing Range and Size (SW1-SW4): Defaults to 64KB (D0000-DFFFF), with options for other 64KB or 32KB ranges.
  • I/O Address Selection (SW5): Defaults to 300-30F, with an alternative of 200-20F.
  • Remote Boot (SW6-SW7): Enables/disables remote boot (requires an optional ROM chip) and sets the timeout period (30 or 150 seconds).
  • IRQ Selection (SW8-SW12): Allows selection of an Interrupt Request Line (IRQ2, IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5 - default, or IRQ7).
  • Important Note: Users are advised to avoid conflicts with other installed boards by ensuring unique memory, I/O, and IRQ settings.

• Troubleshooting: Offers guidance for resolving common problems, including no display, system not booting, network not starting, and issues during power-up self-tests. It provides a table of symptoms, possible causes (e.g., incorrect settings, loose connections, address conflicts), and recommended actions. It also explains the meaning of the board's amber LED activity and lists specific self-test error codes with solutions.

• General Information (Appendix A): Describes the physical characteristics (half-length, 8-bit bus board), functional components (LANCE controller, ThinWire/ThickWire interfaces, RAM, ROMs), environmental requirements, and detailed system specifications (I/O bus speed, memory ranges, power requirements).
• Option ROM Installation (Appendix B): Explains how to install an optional ROM chip, emphasizing static electricity precautions.

The manual is intended to help users prepare their IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible computers and the LC board for use on an Ethernet network.