Japax ELVY NEC FC9801 CMOS problem

[Vector42]

Hi there,
I am new to CNC Zone so if I am in the wrong place please re-direct me.

I have obtained a Japax ELVY wire cut machine with a NEC FC9801 computer. The computer would not boot off the floppy. The CMOS battery was dead and I have replaced it. Now I need to initiate the CMOS. Does anyone know the key sequence on startup to gain access to the CMOS parameters ? Note that this is a FC9801 computer not a PC9801. I have tried many key sequences but the screen just shows "Enter no of files (0-15)" and then "NEC N-88 BASIC version 2.0".

Also, it is producing a beep sequence on startup (Long, Long, Short). Does anyone know what this means ?

Hoping someone can help - Chris

[Vector42]

To anyone following this thread - I have found the problem. The FC9801 does not appear to have a CMOS screen at all and just relies on the positions of a row of DIP switches. One of these (S2-5) allows initialisation of the CMOS memory. After I did that everything came right.
Chris

[chepo]

hi chris
have the same problem
can help please
can send me information
as can repair the problem
how many files 0-15

thanks

tony vidales

from mexico
tonydtv@hotmail.com
afhevid@intercable.net

thanks

[chepo]

Hi

Could you explain more in detail how you solved the problem you had with your EDM.

I have a similar problem in a Japax LDM-S

I would appreciate a prompt response

[Vector42]

If the battery in your computer has failed you will have to replace it with a similar type. Mine had 2, one on one of the plug-in boards accessible from the back but another buried in the bowels of the computer at the front left (looking from the front). I replaced mine with batteries connected on flying leads and had the batteries mounted outside the computer. Beware of corrosion ! Check carefully around the battery for signs of green corrosion. this is what happens to batteries at the end of their life - they exude chemicals that corrode the PCB. If it is badly corroded there is very little hope of saving it. Note also that there is a battery on the board inside the motor servo control which sits under the working table at the back of the machine. The battery in mine corroded and completely destroyed this PCB.

Once the batteries are replaced you need to reset the CMOS memory. This is done as described in my 2nd post and thus: Switch 2 position 5 should be switched on, then the computer restarted, then this switch, switched off. The switches are accessable from the front at the bottom under a small plastic panel. If you haven't already, note the positions of all the other switches and write them down and keep that piece of paper with the computer. Don't move any of the other switches.

The other problem of booting from the floppy is a whole other saga and I have now abadoned all hope of getting machine working as a Japax and am hoping to re-fit it with a Mach3 system

Cheers, Chris