It entered my collection an IBM PS/2 Model 30 286, which I bought on Wallapop from Spain. The origin is also evident from the keyboard layout, which is Spanish and not Italian.
The IBM Personal System/2 Model 30 286 is a desktop of entry-level band, produced by the International Business Machines Corporation (precisely IBM) starting from 1988. There are different versions of IBM PS/2 Models 30 286: they are all equipped with an Intel 80286 AT 10MHz processor, what changes between the various versions is the amount of RAM and the size of the Hard Disk.
Il sistema operativo di serie è IBM PC DOS versione 3.30, ma può essere aggiornato con le versioni successive. Relativamente ai supporti di archiviazione dei dati, l'IBM PS/2 model 30 286 è dotato di un lettore di floppy disk interno, da 3.5", 1.44MB. E' presente un hard disk che, nel mio computer, è da ben 45MB!
Upon arrival, the computer presented itself in good aesthetic condition, apart from a small flaw to the back of the metal body, due to transport. It is a defect that I managed to fix easily. The Real Time Clock Dallas DS1287 no longer worked, due to the download battery inside. Among the various options available to fix the inconvenience, I chose to buy a modern modern clock: NXW287 by Necroware. This component is compatible PIN TO PIN with the Dallas DS1287 and works without any problem or incompatibility.
Startup screen
The computer starts with diagnostic tests. Many tests are not visible to monitor, which only shows the trend of the RAM memory test.
Initially, the initial self-test failed with errors 161 (misconfiguration on non-volatile memory) and 163 (incorrect date and time). These errors were resolved by replacing the DS1287 and reconfiguring the computer with the IBM Starter Disk (the one specific to this computer model).
After the initial self-test, if there are no errors, the computer looks for a startup disk (floppy disk or hard disk). If there is no boot disk, it prompts you to insert it and press the F1 key.
If the disk is not inserted, the computer starts with the IBM Personal Computer Basic present in ROM.
When it arrived, the computer was running MS DOS version 6, which is an upgraded version of the operating system that originally came with the computer: IBM PC DOS version 3.30.
There is a system disk that contains diagnostic software, as well as the programs to set the date and time of system.
Technical characteristics of the IBM PS/2 model 30 286
CPU: Intel 80286, 16-bit, 10 MHz
Coprocessor: Optional, Intel 80287
RAM: 1 MB (4 x 256KB 30-pin SIMMs with parity), expandable up to 4 MB on motherboard
ROM: 128 KB (contains the POST = Power On Self Test, the BIOS = Basic Input-Output System and the BASIC)
Graphics: Integrated VGA graphics card, 256KB RAM, DB15 output for VGA monitor
Text mode: 80 columns x 25 rows or 40 columns x 25 rows (16 colors)
Graphics mode: 640 x 480 pixels (16 colors) or 320 x 200 pixels (256 colors)
Audio: beep
Keyboard: External PS/2, such as IBM Model M mechanical keyboard
Software supplied: IBM PC DOS version 3.30
Supporti di archiviazione: n. 1 floppy disk drive interno, 3.5", 1.44 MB e n. 1 hard disk interno da 45 MB (le opzioni fornite da IBM erano 20 MB, 30 MB e 45 MB)
Expansion ports, internal:
- N. 3 ISA 16-bit expansion slots on riser card
- Connector for floppy disk drive 34 poles (non -standard, because it also brings power)
- 44 Poli hard disk connector (the format is the owner and also brings the power supply)
Expansion ports, external:
- PS/2 keyboard
- Mouse PS/2
- Centronics
- Serial (DB25)
- Monitor (DB15)
Dimensions and weight: 41 x 40 x 10 cm, 8 Kg
Emulation
The IBM PS/2 Model 30 computer starts with IBM PC DOS operating system. It is possible to emulate the MS-DOS environment with Dosbox (although Dosbox is an emulator for X86 systems).
Power supply
The power supply of the IBM PS/2 model 30 286 personal computer is internal. On the back of the computer, there is the IEC C14 power connector, where you can connect the mains power cable. My example is powered by 230 V alternating current 50 Hz and absorbs 90 W.
The voltages generated, in direct current, are:
- 5V, 13A
- 12V, 1.8A
- -5V, 0.1A
- -12V, 0.3A
The front ignition switch (white) is mechanically connecting to the switch on the power supply, by means of a metal wand.
Papers
1. IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 brochure
2. IBM PS2 Model 30 286 schematics
3. IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 guide to operations
Collection Entry Date: 07/11/2023