From: anthony@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Anthony J Stieber)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.palmtops
Subject: HP-95LX FAQ List
Date: 18 Nov 1992 23:26:42 GMT
Organization: Computing Services Division, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: anthony@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

This is the FAQ that is currently kept on eddie.mit.edu.  All three FAQ
lists are in the process of being merged (it's slow, we all have real
jobs :).  There are lots of questions not addressed or answered well by
this FAQ.  Please submit additions or corrections.

Usenet HP-95LX Frequently Asked Questions List.

This list is for information that is hard to find, non-obvious, or
otherwise not readily available.

Asterisks indicate information that needs to be added or is uncertain.

None of this information is guaranteed and is provided only as a
service to the HP-95LX community.  Please send corrections, updates,
additional questions, and suggestions to anthony@csd4.csd.uwm.edu.
These questions are organized in software and hardware catagories but
otherwise are in no particular order.

Full information for companies mentioned only by name in the file can
be found in csd4.csd.uwm.edu:/pub/Palmtop/pcmcia.sources.
Files mentioned are available at eddie.mit.edu:/distrib/hp95lx unless
otherwise noted.

This list is freely distributable, regardless of source.

Much thanks goes to Jay Maynard and Everett Kaser for their additions
and corrections.  Their help has greatly improved this list.

Question Index:
Software:
Q: What are the hidden games and other things in the 95LX?
Q: How do I get full screen applications to work?
Q: How do I change the directory the applications use?
Q: How can I alphabetically sort the phone book?
Q: How do I delete those worksheet files in the root directory?
Q: What is the format of the Phone Book, Appointment, etc files?
Q: How do I write System Manager compliant programs?
Q: My machine locks up when I turn on verify (verify on or copy /v).
Q: What version of ROM do I have?
Hardware:
Q: How do I upgrade from 512KB to 1MB, upgrade my ROMs?
Q: Why do my batteries only last 2 weeks?
Q: Can I use NiCd batteries?
Q: What AC adapters can I use?
Q: My HP makes a strange whining sound.
Q: My ROM/RAM card doesn't work properly.
Q: How do I use Flash cards?
Q: How do I get a modem to work on the 95LX?
Q: What's the serial port pinout?
Q: So where can I get a cheap serial cable?
Q: Where can I get a cheap PCMCIA RAM card?
Q: I'm trying to program the serial port, it doesn't work properly.
Q: How do I generate touch tones (DTMF)?
Q: Where can I get an full sized keyboard for the HP?
Q: The Hopper ASIC used in the HP has four analog to digital
Misc:
Q: Where are discussions, newsgroups, BBSs for the HP?
Q: What is a Jaguar?
Q: How do I get the $100 rebate?
Q: How do I use my Macintosh with the HP?
Q: Where can I get replacement manuals?
Q: How do I get DIET to work properly?
Q: How do I use an OS/2, unix, other machine with the HP?
Q: How should I backup my machine?
Q: How do I get Stacker to work?
Q: My autoexec.bat/config.sys are corrupted.  How to I
Q: How do I use my HP as a IR remote control?
Q: What kind of sound is the HP capable of?

Software:

Q: What are the hidden games and other things in the 95LX?

A: The US English and international English versions have TigerFox and
Hearts&Bones along with DEBUG (and others?).  The file C:\TF.COM is an
MS-DOS version of TigerFox.  TF and H&B are also EXM files in C:\_SYS.
These can only be run from the System Manager.  Create a file called
c:\_dat\apname.lst with Memo (or other ASCII editor) and put this in it:

C:\_sys\hb.exm,AB00,HeartsBones
C:\_sys\tfox.exm,AF00,TigerFox

The drive letters in APNAME.LST (both in C:\_DAT and A:\) _must_ be in
upper case; HP has warned in the past that lower case letters cause
trouble, but they don't say what kind.  Also the last line _must_ be
terminated with a CR/LF (looks like a left arrow in Memo), or the
machine will hang during the boot process.  Note, your machine may not
run into problems by not doing this but someone elses will.  There are
a maximum of eight entries.

Save all files then reboot with Ctrl-Alt-Del.

The two hexadecimal numbers define which key should launch that
application.  The ones above correspond to Alt-Filer and Alt-Datacomm
respectively.  A complete list of key codes can be found in the archive
in doc/keys95.doc.  Any key can be used with any .EXM file, including
the blue application keys.  The name at the end of the line is the name
used for low-memory "close-out" box.  The APNAME.LST file can also be
put in A:\ for .EXM files in A:.  Only .EXM files for that drive should
be in that file, do not mix A: and C: EXM files.

There is also c:\_sys\1000.pcx which is a picture of a US thousand
dollar bill.  This can be used as a topcard picture by giving its
file name as the Picture File in the Setup/Owner screen.

The non-English versions have both English and some other language
messages and help files, so there isn't enough space for these
freebies.

Q: How do I get full screen applications to work?
A: the HP emulates an IBM PC Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA).  This
is an 80x25 display with no graphics.  The real 40x16 display is a
window over a virtual 80x25 display.  The machine will track the
cursor to keep the cursor within the real display, and the virtual
window can be scrolled with Alt-arrows or jumped with
Alt-Shift-arrows.  Use DISPCTL to turn either or both of these
features off.  The HP does have a proprietary 240x128 graphics mode
but has no standard graphics.

Note also that the HP uses code page 850, the multilingual character
set.  This is different from the regular IBM PC character set which is
code page 437.  The cent and yen characters are shifted up.  Missing
are: single to double join line drawing characters, the three
characters comprising integral, square root, all greek characters but
mu, and a few other characters.  In their place are many more accented
vowels, copyright, registered trademark, 3/4, paragraph, X (large
cross), and others I can't figure out.

Q: How do I change the directory the applications use?
A: Some applications, such as 1-2-3, will remember the new directory by
themselves. Others, such as the Memo Editor, won't. You can make this easier
in one of two ways: You can set up a character macro key (with Setup/Char) to
backspace out the C:\_DAT that will be supplied by default and key in your
chosen directory, or you can use the 95BUDDY utility to do it for you.

Q: How can I alphabetically sort the phone book?
A: Entries are sorted alphabetically when entered, using the entire
contents of the Name field as entered.  If you wish them sorted in
normal phone book order (last name first), you must enter them that
way.  *some software to fix the name order and sort, perhaps
cut/past to 123

Q: How do I delete those worksheet files in the root directory?
A: You can't, as they're in ROM.  The C: drive is mixed between ROM and
RAM.  All standard files in C:\_SYS and all files in C:\ listed before
the _DAT subdirectory when you issue a DOS DIR command are in ROM, and
can't be changed or deleted. The rest of C:\, and all of C:\_DAT, are
in RAM, and may be manipulated normally.  95buddy can be used to
make the files invisible (./tools/95buddy.zip).

Q: What is the format of the Phone Book, Appointment, etc files?
A: The format is documented in files stored on eddie.mit.edu, and
included in the SysMgr development kit.

Q: How do I write System Manager compliant programs?
A: The following files available via anonymous ftp from
eddie.mit.edu:/distrib/hp95lx contain information on writing such
software.  HP has an Independant Sofware Vendor (ISV) program as well.
./doc/isvapp95.doc              Developer Registration Form for the HP95LX
./doc/tc2exm.doc                How to create .EXM files from Borland C
./doc/turboc.doc                How to create .EXM files from Turbo C
./tools/hp95dev.zip             HP toolkit for making HP95LX applications
./tools/e2m.exe                 EXE to EXM for TURBO C

Q: My machine locks up when I turn on verify (verify on or copy /v).
A: Some early machines have this bug.  The fix is ./tools/i13fix.zip.

Hardware:
Q: What version of ROM do I have?
A: There have been three versions of the HP95LX system ROM. They are
distinguished by the version number printed when the machine is rebooted by
Ctl-Alt-Delete, as well as the date of the files contained in the ROM part of
the C: disk. The versions are:
Version    Date
1.00A (?)  04/01/91
1.01A      06/14/91 (? - sometime in June)
1.03A      09/24/91

This is US version information only.  Localized versions for other
countries have different datecodes and different numbers of revisions

Q: How do I upgrade from 512KB to 1MB, upgrade my ROMs?
A: In the US call Hewlett-Packard at 503-750-3850.  This offer will
expire will expire December 31, 1992.  The cost is $190+local tax,
either check or Visa/Mastercard are accepted.  The machine will be
returned UPS ground.  Does anyone have details for Canada and elsewhere?

Here are some details from Everett Kaser:
Basically, the internal PC board will be replaced (in the process replacing
virtually all of the electronics).  The case will NOT be replaced (normally)
nor will a new display overlay be put on (which has "1M RAM" printed on the
"real" 1M units).  If your hinge clutch is not working, and you mention it
in a letter included with your unit, my hunch (and this is only MY hunch) is
that they'd probably fix that also (since it's been less than a year since you
bought the unit).

>What bugs have been fixed that we might have noticed? [in version 1.03A]

A lot of little things have been fixed, some of which are:
  faster read/write of ApptBk and PhoneBk files
  Filer doesn't power up Serial xmitter until "remote" is pressed
  Verify bug fixed (VERIFY ON or COPY /V)
---------------------

Q: Why do my batteries only last 2 weeks?
A: The HP battery life specifications are a bit liberal.  Some people
will actually get 1-2 months of life, others who use the machine more
(especially serial and IR) will get less.  Use of an AC adapter
definitely helps to prolong battery life.  The serial port is only
turned on (ROM versions 1.03A only) when Remote is pressed in the
Filer or when running in a DOS System Shell via System in the Filer.
On ROM versions before 1.03A the Filer _always_ turns on the serial
port.  Always make sure to exit from the Filer to conserver power.
When running in a DOS System shell (Filer/System) the serial port can
be manually turned off with SERCTL.

Q: Can I use NiCd batteries?
A: You can, but HP does not recommend that you do so, and for a very
good reason: you will have very little warning of battery failure.
NiCd batteries start out at a lower voltage than alkaline batteries,
and their discharge curve (battery voltage over time) is much flatter.
Once NiCds reach the end of their charge, though, the voltage falls
off very quickly, and you may only have a couple of minutes between
the time you get the MAIN BATTERY LOW warning and the time the machine
has insufficient power to operate.

ACE Technologies has a battery management software package with
special support for NiCd and Nickle Hydride batteries.

Q: What AC adapters can I use?
A: The HP adapters output AC, but DC adapters work as well.  Success
has been reported with an adapter from Radio Shack rated at 9VDC 300mA
(catalog number 273-1455A).  HP also sells adapters for various countries
including the US.

Q: My HP makes a strange whining sound.
A: This is normal, the sound is from the DC-DC converter that
supplies power to the LCD.

Q: My ROM/RAM card doesn't work properly.
A: Are you sure the card is inserted all the way?  It should be flush
(within 1/2 millimeter or so) with the outside of the case. Getting
the card pushed in the last couple of millimeters takes quite a bit of
force.  You should feel it go in the last little bit when you press hard.

Q: How do I use Flash cards?
A: Flash EPROM cards need to be programmed with an EPROM programmer.
Databook makes internal and external PCMCIA card drives with
programmers.  The cards can only be read an HP.  Note that the 95LX can
only use 2MB cards (or 4MB with special non-existent software).

Q: How do I get a modem to work on the 95LX?

A: The HP95LX serial port doesn't provide the DTR signal to the modem.
Only modems which do not require DTR will work.  Some modems can be
reconfigured to not need it, either by a hardware switch, or by
setting a software register internally by using a machine with DTR.
You can also try jumpering pins 6 and 20 if your modem uses a DB-25
connector; this will loop back the DSR signal to the DTR input, thus
fooling the modem into thinking DTR is present (this trick will only
work if the modem provides DSR).  Note that some line powered modems
leech power from the host through DTR and so will need an external
power supply.

The Telebit QBlazer works right out of the box.  The US Robotics
WorldPort varies by model, see ./doc/modem.doc for more information.
The GVC pocket modem works after jumpering pins 5 (or 6?) and 20 on the
modem and use to initialze the modem "AT&D0&W&W1".  This command
sequence may work on other modems as well. The "&D0" command turns off
DTR detect, "&W&W1" saves the configuration.

New Media will eventually sell a PCMCIA 1.0 modem for the 95LX and
other machines.  PCMCIA 2.0 modems from Intel, AT&T and others will
_not_ work.

Information on other modems would be greatly appreciated.

Q: What's the serial port pinout?
A: Looking at the connector from the outside of the 95LX:
-----------
| 1 2 3 4 |
 \       /
  -------

1 Shield Ground, 2 Transmit, 3 Receive, 4 Signal Ground

Pins 1 and 4 are connected internaly so are effectively the same pin.
The 2mm spacing connector used on the 95LX (and identical jack on the
HP-48 calculators) is very hard to find.

Q: So where can I get a cheap serial cable?
A: EduCALC sells assorted cables including "experimenters" cables
including one with the correct conector at one end and nothing on the
other.  They've got the HP cable with a 4 pin connector at one end and
25, 9, and 4 pin connectors (for another HP) at the other end,
printer, Macintosh, and other cables.

Q: Where can I get a cheap PCMCIA RAM card?
A: See the pcmcia.sources file and call around.  Prices change often.
HP recommends that only HP RAM cards be used.  Other cards could
"significantly shorten battery life".  Some third party companies claim
to have cards that have the same kind of low power specifications as
the HP cards, or that they consume even less power.

Q: I'm trying to program the serial port, it doesn't work properly.
A: The serial port has two known bugs. The first is that interrupt that says
that the port is ready to send the next character (called the THRE, or
transmitter holding register empty, interrupt) does not get cleared when the
next character is actually sent. This may be worked around by disabling the
THRE interrupt in the interrupt enable register, sending the character, and
then re-enabling the interrupt. The other bug is that changing the serial port
speed while a character is being transmitted will lock up the machine, and a
Ctl-Alt-Delete reset will be necessary. This may be avoided by changing the
serial port rate only when the THRE flag is set; one approach to this is to
have the routine that handles a speed change request simply queue the request,
and then have the THRE interrupt service routine perform the actual change
immediately before transmitting the next character.

Q: How do I generate touch tones (DTMF)?
A: See the file ../others/dialtone.zip.  Note that it needs
to adjustment to work properly.

Q: Where can I get an full sized keyboard for the HP?
A: Genovation sells serial and parallel port keyboards, numeric
keypads, and adapters.  The serial port devices may or may not work on
a 95LX.

Genovation Inc
17741 Mitchell, North
Irvine CA 92714
714-833-3355
714-833-0322 fax

Q: The Hopper ASIC used in the HP has four analog to digital
converters.  Three of these are used for the main, backup, and RAM card
batteries to sense volatage.  What about the fourth one, could it be
used for audio?
A:
-> From: Everett Kaser
->
-> You're right that the fourth analog input is currently unused, and COULD be
-> used as a microphone input.  As a matter of fact, a fellow on Compuserve
-> (Dave Goodman, I think, but I'm not sure) has actually done this to one of
-> his units.
-> 
-> However, these lines are NOT supported by HP for external (non-HP) use, and
-> hence could go away or be used for some other purpose at any time.
-> 
-> Caveat user.
-> 
-> Everett

Misc Questions:

Q: Where are discussions, newsgroups, BBSs for the HP?

A: On Usenet, most HP-95LX discussions are in comp.sys.palmtops.  The
comp.sys.handhelds group is mostly for calculators.  If there is enough
demand, a specific newsgroup will probably be formed.  Software is
sometimes posted in c.s.p.  The main archive site is available via
anonymous ftp On the Internet at eddie.mit.edu:/distrib/hp95lx.

Mirrors available are:
hpcsos.col.hp.com:/mirrors/hp95lx
nic.funet.fi:/pub/misc/hp95lx

The HP-48SX BBS at hpcvbbs.cv.hp.com seems to be entire HP-48SX
specific.  There appear to be no HP-95LX files are discussions there.

The CompuServe HPHAND forum has much discussion on the HP-95LX and many
files available for downloading.
The Palmtop Paper is a periodical specifically for the HP.

Q: What is a Jaguar?
A: It's the codename for the HP-95LX project.  _Felis onca_ is the
Latin name for the jaguar.

Q: How do I get the $100 rebate?
A: The rebate offered by HP for the 512KB machine is now over, after
being extended at least once.  Office Depot (and perhaps others) are
offering a $100 merchandise certificate on the 1MB machines only.

Q: How do I use my Macintosh with the HP?
A: A complete Macintosh connectivity kit is available from Sparcom.

Q: Where can I get replacement manuals?
A: If you ask HP they will refer you to EduCALC.  They sell the Quick
Reference Guide and Owner's Manual.  The stock number is #2331.  Note
there is another manual which is not the original manual but an after
market book.

Questions with poor or no answers yet.
Submit your Q and (hopefully) A today!

Software:
Q: How do I get DIET to work properly?
Q: How do I use an OS/2, unix, other machine with the HP?
Q: How should I backup my machine?
A: There are some utilities in the tools directory in the eddie archive
Q: How do I get Stacker to work?
A: ACE Technologies sells cards with Stacker preinstalled, so it
works, somehow.

Q: My autoexec.bat/config.sys are corrupted.  How to I
fix it without wiping would all of RAM?
Q: How do I use my HP as a IR remote control?
Q: What kind of sound is the HP capable of?
A: There is some sort of digital to analog converter. *more info needed here*