NCR 3115 Tips and tricks
Tip#1: To enter CMOS setup tap once(with your pen) in the upper/left corner of the screen as soon as the POST test finishes, you can also enter setup by pressing Cntrl-Alt-S on the keyboard at any time(even during a DOS session).
Tip#2: You didn't get an A/C adapter/charger with your system and can't find one anywhere??? Not to worry, you can make your own out of ANY 9v 1.2Amp A/C adapter(warning: not for the electrically challenged, we're not responsible for any damage that may result from your use of this information!), just wire the hot and cold wires from the A/C adaptor to the hot and cold pins on your 3115s external power connector(the 4 pin connector on the underside of your machine), here's a pinout.
View of power connector: Screen facing up
-------------------
\ 0 0 0 0 /
-----------------
^ ^
| |
+ voltage - voltage
Tip#3: Hard drive crash and you can't figure out a way to get the OS reinstalled? No problem, the 3115s internal ROM drive has Interlnk loaded and ready to go, just connect the serial(or parallel) data cable(requires a DATA TRANSFER CABLE(available at most computer stores), NOT a regular device cable), start Intersvr on the other machine, turn on your 3115 and viola, now you can transfer the files you need to get you up and running from the other machine to your 3115(this is assuming that you have backed the files up onto the other machine, you can also use Interlnk/Intersvr to back your files up btw).
Tip#4: Build a 3115 sub-docking station, this will help reduce clutter on your desk and will also allow your 3115 to stand upright when being powered by the external A/C adaptor, refer to this 3d drawing to see what I'm talking about, and get a basic idea of how to build it. What you'll need is: the original external backpack floppy drive that came with your 3115(or one that you purchased seperatly), 6 peices of wood cut to 7.25x3.5x.25 inches, you'll also need 1 peice cut to 7.25x1.5x.25 inches, you'll need (aprox)26 3/4" finishing nails, 1 3.5" to 5.25" internal drive mounting bracket(available real cheap at most computer stores), 2 1" screws that fit the holes in the mounting bracket and a locking nut for each screw, you'll also need some kind of covering material that will not conduct static electricity, leather's good, vinyl is ok, just use your imagination, mine is wrapped neatly in black electrical tape(it is important to cover the unit with something in order to prevent scratches on the 3115), If you want you can also use some glue to help secure the joints and lay down your covering material. Remove the 2 screws from the left side of your external disk drive and attach the mounting bracket with the screws you just removed(refer to this illustration), you will also have to measure and drill holes in one of the boards to secure the mounting bracket to the inside wall of the docking unit(it's very important that the drive is secured to the unit as it helps wiegh it down to prevent the unit from tipping when you put your 3115 on it), you're also going to need to measure and cut slots to accomadate both the front and rear of the drive(again refer to the first drawing), you may wish to cut a notch for the external power cord to the 3115 as well. When the unit is completely finished you will pull the A/C adapter cord through the notch you cut and into the unit and attach it to the bottom of your 3115, now gently set the 3115 onto the unit(making sure not to pinch the power cord), and there ya have it your own sub-docking station.
Have any other tips that should appear on this page? Email them to me at hannahla@erinet.com, or post them on the discussion forum. Thanks
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