Using the Mini-Exchange MS-DOS Version 2.11 Operating System

This document serves as a user guide for installing and operating the Mini-Exchange with a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Rainbow computer running MS-DOS Version 2.11. The Mini-Exchange acts as a shared resource device, enabling Rainbow computers to share peripherals such as printers, plotters, and modems. It can connect up to eight devices, including other Rainbow computers, and its capabilities can be extended to remote systems via modem.

The guide details how to physically connect various devices to the Mini-Exchange's eight ports. It specifies the use of different communication cables (e.g., BCC04, BC17R-0F, BC22H, null-modem cables like BC22D) for connecting Rainbow computers (via COMM or EXT COMM B connectors), DTE devices like printers, and DCE devices like modems. Notably, Mini-Exchange port 8 is designated for specific DIGITAL modems (DF03/DF02) to support auto-answer and speed-select features.

Before using the Mini-Exchange, users must ensure the MS-DOS operating system is running, the date and time are set, and communication speeds between the Rainbow and connected devices are synchronized using the SETPORT program. The document introduces three primary Mini-Exchange commands: XMODE for assigning MS-DOS logical device names (AUX, PRN, AUX2) to Rainbow physical connectors (COMM, PRINTER, XCOMM); XATTACH for connecting to a device on a specific Mini-Exchange port, with options for printers (P) and modems (R, LR for low speed, HR for high speed); and XDETACH (interchangeable with XATTACH /D) for disconnecting from a device. Sample tasks for printing and communicating through the Mini-Exchange are provided.

Finally, the document includes a comprehensive list of status and error messages users might encounter, along with troubleshooting advice. It also provides Digital Customer Help Line phone numbers for various countries in an appendix.