Ranger LogoRangerDisk & RangerDisk 2

Photo of RangerDisk 1 Unit
Photo of RangerDisk2 Unit with a 3-1/2" disk

RANGER COMPUTERS LTD

 Introduction Installation Running RangerDisk2
Commands File Conversion  Which conversion should you use?
PC Link 2 conversions Closing Down Alternative Applications
Specifications Known Bugs Warranty

Wiring Diagrams

 

Downloads

Download Ranger Disk Drive 2 & Format PC Drivers.
Connect via serial port (COM.1 default) and use Rangerdisk as an additional drive. See instructions.
Download Ranger Disk 2 pdf Manual
Download Ranger Disk 1 v 2.09 ROM Image
Download Ranger Disk 2 v 3.56 ROM Image
Download Ranger Disk 2 v 5.01 ROM Image

to menuIntroduction

RangerDisk is a compact. 3.5" IBM compatible floppy disk drive for the Cambridge Z88 Portable computer. There were two drives manufactured. These were:-

Application header
Versions available Description

Ranger (Disk1)
 2.09 3.5" IBM compatible 720K drive with 'built-in' battery compartment. Uses 6 x 'AA' type batteries

RangerDisk
 3.56 3.5" IBM compatible 720K drive with 'built-in' battery compartment

Diskfiler 2 RangerDisk2
 5.01 3.5" IBM compatible 1.44M drive

but we will call them both RangerDisk 2 in this document.

About RangerDisk2.

RangerDisk2 gives users the benefit of handling large volumes of data without requiring a dedicated PC to act as host to the Z88. The combination of Z88 and RangerDisk2 can be regarded as a highly flexible alternative to the PC itself in many applications. Of course, RangerDisk2's 3.5" diskettes car' be written to and read from in all PC and PC-compatible computers using 3.5" drives making data transfer to and from these systems simplicity itself.

The Z88 RangerDisk2 package

The RangerDisk2 package consists of

RangerDisk2 requires no modification to the Z88 andconnects to the serial data port through a connecting cable. The application DiskFiler2, allows the user to select files for transfer between the disk drive and the Z88, either singly or in batches. DiskFiler2 provides the user with an easy to use menu driven interface similar to the Z88's own Filer utility.

The application is driven from the Z88, which displays "windows" showing the current disk and Z88 directories, together with a command menu. Commands can be selected from either the menu or the shorthand functions, while a full list of all available functions is available from the -MENU- key. DiskFiler2 allows selection of Device and Directory on the Z88 and the creation, renaming or deletion of files and directories on the disk.

The communication protocol used to communicate between the Z88 and RangerDisk2 continuously checks for the connection, so that it is not necessary to start the programs in any order. If the DiskFiler2 program is interrupted, for instance to use a different application in the Z88, communication is automatically re-established when DiskFiler2 is re-invoked. When file transfer is in progress, the Z88 screen shows a display of the file name currently being transferred, the file size, the progress of the transfer (in real time), and the number of files waiting in the queue. Filenames appear in the destination device window as they are transferred.

A useful feature of DiskFiler2 is "View" that allows a quick look at the contents of any file on the Z88 screen.

to menuInstallation

NOTE: RangerDisk2 requires at least 128K of RAM expansion to be installed in slot 1 of the Z88. When invoked, the program uses a maximum of 24K of this memory.

See Fitting & Using the ROM.

Once DiskFiler2 is installed in your Z88, connect RangerDisk2 using the supplied cable, then connect the AC adapter supplied with RangerDisk2 to a suitable AC outlet and switch on.

to menuRunning RangerDisk2

File selection Marking Files Operator Information
Operation AC Operation Operation selection

Command   Instruction
  nZD   On the Z88
    Place the cursor over the RangerDisk2 Application on the Index page and press the -ENTER- key

On entering RangerDisk2 the user is presented with a screen display split vertically into three sections, known as windows. This screen is the main command screen and is the state of the display when RangerLink2 is waiting for the user to request an operation. The left window shows a list of the possible operations that may be carried out. The centre window shows a list of the files currently held on the Z88 in its Default Device and Default Directory. The right window shows a list of files currently held on the PC in the currently selected drive and directory. The cursor is positioned on the first possible operation in the left window. The possible operations are explained in detail below.

Version Number There are two version numbers for RangerDisk2. One is for the program that runs on the Z88 and the other one is for the software in the disk drive unit itself.
 Z88
RangerDisk v2.09
RangerDisk v3.56
RangerDisk v5.01
The version number is displayed at the top right-hand corner of the display. 2.09, 3.56 or 5.01.
Disk Drive

To get the version number of the disk drive software, do the following.

  • Connect the disk drive with the connecting cable to the Z88.
  • Run the RangerDisk2 Software.
  • Select the Terminal Application (nV).
  • Type in -ESC-V
  • You should see the following reply:-

RDISK2 V1.10 24-02-92 Ranger Computers Ltd, NN5 6JG, England.

Disk Access Whenever the disk drive is being accessed a disk symbol is displayed on the right-hand top corner of the display.
File Transfer

RangerDisk2 transfers one or several files from the Z88, to the disk drive, or visa versa. To make full use of all the facilities provided by RangerDisk2, it is necessary to understand the way that files, directories and disks are implemented in both the Disk Drive and the Z88.

An explanation of the Z88 implementation is in "The Z88's Filing System" in the "Read Me First" section of this manual.

If the Disk Drive is not connected, has no power or is not switched on, the message 'Disk Drive not responding' will appear in the disk directory window.

The execution of an operation is initiated in two steps. Firstly, the file on which the operation is to be performed must be selected and secondly, the operation itself must be selected. The operation will then be performed by RangerDisk2. During the operation, status information will be displayed to show the progress so far and the further actions to be performed. When the requested operation has been completed, RangerDisk2 will return to it's main command screen.

to menuFile selection

File selection may be accomplished in several ways. If an operation is requested without a file having been 'marked', RangerDisk2 will request that the filename be typed in. This is time-consuming and limits the scope of any operation to only one file. A more flexible method of selecting the files on which RangerDisk2 must operate is to 'mark' them. RangerDisk2 will perform the required operation on each filename in turn.

to menuMarking Files

See Marking Files in the "Read me First Section"

to menuOperator Information

RangerDisk2 uses a Z88 utility called 'DiskFiler2'. DiskFiler2 follows closely the operating principles of the Z88 Filer application, including syntax and wherever possible the same short cut codes. As a result, it is possible to become confused as to which is in operation: if in doubt, check the heading line to see whether Filer or DiskFiler2 has been invoked!

to menuOperation

RangerDisk2 is a self contained unit requiring only a power source (AC adapter supplied, or optional battery pack), a connecting cable (supplied) and, of course, a Z88 to operate. As a general precaution, avoid powering RangerDisk2 up or down while a disk is installed in the drive. While every care has been taken to ensure that data on disks installed in RangerDisk2 is safe, it is possible that disk corruption could occur during power up or down. Therefore, please be sure to eject the disk first.

to menuAC Operation

WARNING Use only the AC adapter supplied for RangerDisk or RangerDisk2. NEVER use any other type of adapter. DO NOT attempt to connect the RangerDisk2 adapter to your Z88: serious damage may result. Adapters for use in overseas countries and in vehicles are also available: please contact Rakewell for details.

The power supply requied is a 9v 1A supply. Polarity is with negative in the middle - the opposite to the Z88.

to menuOperation selection

The user may select the required operation in one of two ways. Firstly, the four cursor keys may be used to move the cursor on to a particular operation. When the -ENTER- key is pressed the operation highlighted by the cursor, will be performed. Secondly, each of the available RangerDisk2 operations has a special key sequence to access it directly. These key sequences are similar in structure to those used throughout the Z88 and all begin with the t key. The particular key sequences are detailed below.

to menuCommands

RangerDisk Screen menu

Rangerdisk screen menu
screen_nothingRangerdisk screen menuscreen_nothing
screen_nothingRangerdisk screen menuscreen_nothing
screen_nothingRangerDisk v2.09
screen_nothingRangerDisk v3.56

RangerDisk 2 Screen menu

Rangerdisk 2 screen menuscreen_nothing
screen_nothingRangerdisk 2 screen menuscreen_nothing
screen_nothingRangerdisk 2 screen menuscreen_nothing
screen_nothingRangerDisk v5.01

 tCF Catalogue Z88  tFL Load from Disk
 tSV Select Device  tER Erase Disk File - See Known Bugs
 tSI Select Z88 Directory  tRE Rename Disk File
 tVZ View Z88 File  tCD Create Disk Directory - See Known Bugs
 tFS Save To Disk  tED Erase Disk Directory
 tDD Catalogue Disk  -ESC- Change Disk
 tDI Select Disk Directory  tFM Format Disk
 tVD View Disk File  tO Options setup (Format Conversions)

to menuCatalogue Z88 tCF

This provides a list of all the files on the current Default Device and Default Directory within RangerDisk2 together with their respective creation dates, last update dates and sizes. The wildcard characters '*' and '?' can be used.

to menuSelect Device tSV

The current Default Device is shown at the top of the middle window of the main command screen whenever RangerDisk2 is active. This operation allows the user to change the Default Device to any available device on the Z88. When a new Default Device is selected, the Default Directory for the new device is set to zero.

The user can step through Z88 Devices by typing tJ. For instance, if the current device is :RAM.0, typing tJ will step to :RAM.1, and so on.

to menuSelect Z88 Directory tSI

The current Default Directory is shown at the top of the middle window of the main command screen whenever RangerDisk2 is active. This operation allows the user to change the Default Directory to any existing directory on the device currently selected as the Default Device.

Directories can also be selected with the cursor.

See Directories Selection in the "Read this First" section.

to menuView Z88 File tVZ

To enable the user to ensure that the correct file is transferred into the disk, this operation allows the contents of any file on the Z88 to be displayed on the Z88 screen. If necessary, the whole file may be viewed eight lines at a time. Pressing the -ESC- key at any point will end the operation. The file is not loaded into the Z88 during this process.

to menuSave to Disk tFS

RangerDisk2 will transfer one or several marked files from the Z88 to the PC. If no file is marked, RangerDisk2 prompts for file name of source file and destination file. Note that RangerDisk2 will default to the selected device and directory if none is specified. Directory or sub-directory names may not be included in the destination name: they will result in a 'Bad Filename' message.

If the filename does not already exist on the Disk, it will be created. If it does exist, it will be overwritten.

See Filenames in the "Read this First" section.

The Save to Disk operation may be interrupted by pressing the -ESC- key. If the disk file is still being written, the result of this action will be to create a zero- length file on the disk.

During the transfer, RangerDisk2 will show the amount of data that has been transferred together with the total amount of data to transfer.

to menuCatalogue Disk tDD

This provides a list of all the files on the Disk contained in the selected directory, together with their respective creation dates and sizes. Catalogue does not respond selectively to marked files. The wildcard characters '*' and '?' can be used.

to menuSelect Disk Directory tDI

The current Default Directory is shown at the top of the right-hand window of the main command screen whenever RangerDisk2 is active. This operation allows the user to change the Default Directory to any existing directory on the drive currently selected as the Default Drive.

Directories can also be selected with the cursor.

See Directories Selection in the "Read this First" section.

to menuView Disk File tVD

To enable the user to ensure that the correct file is transferred into the Z88, this operation allows the contents of any file on the PC to be displayed on the Z88 screen. If necessary, the whole file may be viewed eight lines at a time. Pressing the -ESC- key at any point will end the operation. The file is not loaded into the Z88.

to menuLoad from Disk tFL

RangerDisk2 will load a marked file or files into a file of the same name in the Z88 device and directory selected. If no file is marked, RangerDisk2 prompts for source and destination filenames. Directory names may be included in the destination name, otherwise the selected device and directory name will be used.

If the filename already exists in the Z88, it will be overwritten. If it does not exist, it will be created. Fetch from Disk may be interrupted by pressing the -ESC- key. If the Z88 file is still being written, the result of this action will be to close the file at the point that has been reached.

During the transfer, RangerLink2 will show the amount of data that has been transferred together with the total amount of data to transfer.

Note: On the Disk, filenames can contain the characters #, ', ~, $, &, %, (, ), _, @@, ^, {, } and !. These characters are not permitted on the Z88 and are changed to '-' when files are copied from Disk to Z88. In addition, PC filenames can only contain upper case alpha characters, unlike the Z88 that allows both upper and lower case. This difference can provide a useful indication as to the source of files in the Z88. If a file with lower case characters in the name is copied to the Disk and then back to the Z88, the lower case characters will be converted to upper case.

to menuErase Disk File tER

Erase file markes file or files on the disk. If no file is marked, this command prompts for a filename.

Unfortunately there is a bug with erase file that cannot be fixed anymore. If a file is erased and then a filename of the same name is saved again, there is a chance that the file will become of zero file length. The way around this bug is not to erase files but use another disk to save files onto. You can safely use the disk again after formatting it. This will erase all the files on the disk.

to menuRename Disk File tRE

Renames the disk file.

to menuCreate Disk Directory tCD

Allows creation of a disk directory. Once created, the directory name will appear in the disk window In 'small print', to differentiate it from a filename.

One reason to create sub-directories is to allow more files to be stored. To be compatible with DOS, RangerDisk2 limits the number of files, including sub-directory names, to 112 in the root directory. However, each sub-directory can hold numbers of files limited only by disk space. To limit use of Z88 RAM space, DiskFiler2 displays only the first 254 filenames in any directory.

There is a known bug in this software when using directories. See Known Bugs.

to menuErase Disk Directory tED

Allows removal of a disk directory. The disk directory must be empty before this command will work.

to menuChange Disk -ESC-

This function must be carried out each time the disk in the RangerDisk2 drive is changed. It results in the disk directory being read into the Z88 by DiskFiler2 and displayed in the disk directory area. This function is performed automatically after completion of most DiskFiler2 commands.

to menuFormat Disk tFM

Formats the disk in the RangerDisk2 drive to a format compatible with MS-DOS 3.3.

A number, 720K or 1.4M will be displayed next to the FM command to indicate which type of disk is going to be formatted. Make sure that the correct type has been selected. See Options in this section.

WARNING Use of this command erases all data on the disk In the drive. Format asks: "Do you wish to continue?". Type 'Y' (yes) to continue with the format: otherwise select 'No' simply by pressing -ENTER- to return to DiskFiler2.

to menuOptions Setup tO

This command allows you to select the format density for RangerDisk2 and file conversion options.

Format density is either 1.44M (HD Disk or 720k (DD Disk) - move the bar cursor with the cursor keys to highlight the format density required. Please note that RangerDisk2 will not format a DD disk to 1.44M.

High density disks normally have the large letter HD on the top right-hand corner of the disk and an extra square hole in the bottom right-hand corner. Selecting the wrong type of format for the type of disk will lead to all sorts of problems so please ensure that you have selected the right one.

to menuFile Conversion

The conversion options modify Z88 plain text files so that they can be easily imported into either WordPerfect, WordStar, or any word processor expecting plain ASCII text. The file is only modified to the degree that the line feeds and carriage returns are correct for each package - no attempt is made to convert highlights such as underlining or bold text, etc. or any paragraph formatting commands.

Before transferring the PipeDream file to the disk it must be saved as a 'Plain Text' file. This is done in PipeDream using the tFS command, changing the filename to a different one and changing 'Save plain text' from No to Yes.

Please note that the conversion only works when saving, i.e. it is a one-way process. The conversion option is selected by entering the options command (tO) and highlighting the required selection with the bar cursor.

When any of the three conversion options are set, RangerDisk2 puts a warning triangle in the OZ area on the right hand side of the display. This is to bring to your attention and file that conversion that may have been set accidentally or is no longer needed.

NB. You should normally leave the conversion options set to "NONE", the default setting. Files saved with conversion set will not re-load correctly into PipeDream on the Z88. So be sure to keep a PipeDream format copy on the PC disk for backup purposes as well as the converted file.

There are three types supported.

Conversion None (Default)

This should be used when saving files that are going to be used with your Z88 or PipeDream files that will be used with PipeDream on the PC.

Selecting any other conversion will display a warning triangle on the right of the screen to warn you that a conversion has been selected.

Conversion ASCII This changes all the end of line characters to a Hard carriage return.
Conversion WS This changes the end of line character within a paragraph into a soft carriage return and the end of paragraph into a hard carriage return.
Conversion WP This removes all end of line characters within the paragraph and the end of a paragraph into a hard carriage return.

to menuWhich conversion should you use?

The only way to find out which one to use is to try them and then note down which one worked best for you. If you find that you got something that you did not expect, that is not unusual. Different wordprocessors use different characters to do different things. I have not tried all these conversions out yet, so if you find any differences to what I think should happen, let me know and I will change this document to suit.

to menuPC Link 2 conversions

There are additional programs supplied on the PC Link2 or RangerLink2 disk. See the PC Link booklet for further details.

to menuClosing Down t KILL

The command t KILL can be used whilst in RangerDisk2 to close down the application.

Remember that all your settings from the Options will be reset to the default setting when starting up either application again.

to menuAlternative Applications

Use with IBM-PC and compatibles

RangerDisk2 can be used as an extension drive for IBM-PC and compatible computers. A driver software package and connecting cable is available from Rakewell, allowing RangerDisk2 to be configured as an external drive on the PC, connecting through the host computer's serial port. 

The software is available for download here. 

The hardware cable details are here.

To Use the software

Download the 3 files from above.

Add the following line in your CONFIG.SYS to add the Device driver for RangerDisk making sure that it is pointing to where you have loaded the file.

DEVICE=Ran_drv.sys

The other two programs, 

A:\>RDISK /?

RDISK V1.00 Copyright (c) 1992 Ranger Computers Ltd
Northampton, NN5 6JG, England
Syntax: RDISK [/?] [/U] [/S] [/K x]
     /U   = Uninstall
     /S   = Silent running - no message when done
     /K x = use hot key Ctrl-x

Special applications

An application programming manual for RangerDisk2 was available from Rakewell. The manual described the communication protocol used by the disk drive and contained sufficient information to allow the programmer to carry out disk operations on any computer that has an RS-232 port and can support the correct communications format. The manual also contained sample listings written in BASIC for each disk function. If you have a copy of this manual please get in contact with us.

RangerDisk2 is also suitable for use with a wide range of other portable computers, hand-held terminals and data collection devices. Please contact Rakewell for details.

to menuSpecifications

Basic Specifications

Disk Format: MS-DOS3.3 Compatible
Media Capacity 1.44M Bytes formatted
Type: 3.5" IBM PS/ 2 compatible hard jacket floppy disk
M.T.B.F. Approx. 10,000 Hours
M.T.T.R. 20 Minutes
Mechanism life 5 Years
Dimensions 180mm (L) x 117mm (W) x 45mm (H)
Weight: Approx. 0.8Kg
Software DiskFiler2 utility (supplied on plug-in ROM cartridge) (See above manual for details of commands)
Files IBM PC Compatible. Maximum 112 files, including sub-directories, in Root directory. Unlimited files, disk space permitting, in each directory. First 254 filenames displayed in disk window. Maximum 6 layers of sub-directory nesting.

Environmental specifications

Temperature  
Operational +5 to 45 deg C.
Non-operational -20 to 50 deg C.
Temperature cycling No condensation shall result
Humidity  
Operational 20 to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Non-operational 1 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Altitude  
Operational Sea level to 15,000ft (4,500m)
Non-operational Sea level to 40,000 ft (12,000m)
Vibration  
Operational The unit shall withstand a peak acceleration of 2g for the frequency range of 20-100 Hz
Non-operational The unit shall withstand a peak acceleration of 4.5g for the frequency range of 20-100 Hz.
Shock The equipment In a non-operational status shall not suffer damage or fail to operate according to specifications, when subjected to a 60g shock for lOmS.

to menuKnown Bugs

 Bug - A command that doesn't work
 tER Erase Disk File 

Please avoid using this command. It can sometimes confuse the FAT (File Allocation Table) on the disk that can lead to files getting lost.

If you wish to delete a number of files the safest way of doing this is to copy all the files you wish to keep onto another disk and then re-format the old disk again.

  Using Directories

When using Directories it has been found that sometimes the LAST file in the Directory on the Z88 occasionally gets saved with 0 bytes on the Disk. Once this has happened the file cannot be deleted on the Disk and is lost.

The solution is to save a small dummy file into the Directory from PipeDream as soon as the Directory is created. This file will remain the last file provided that it is not used again. Should it be saved on the disk with 0 bytes, it doesn't matter since it isn't an important file.

HINT If this file is copied into the same directory (under a different name) after doing a Backup, this new filename can be used as a marker to show which Directories have been Backed up so far by a CLI file or when manually doing Backups.

  Mechanical Problems

Disk Drives have been known to stop working for no apparent reason. A common cause for them doing this is the fixing screws are fouling the mechanism.

The solution is to loosen them slightly and see if the drive works again. If it does you can either slightly shorten the offending screw(s) or just leave them loose!

to menuWarranty

RangerDisk2 Is covered by a comprehensive warranty, valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Please note that the warranty does not cover damage to the drive mechanism caused by dropping or rough handling. This does not affect your statutory rights.

to menuWiring Diagrams

Z88 - RangerDisk

Z88 Computer

9 way 'D' type Male

 

RangerDisk

25 way 'D' type Male

TxD 2 ð  2
RxD 3 ï  3
RTS 4 ð  20
CTS 5 ï  5
GND 7 ó  7
DCD 8 ï  8

Z88 - RangerDisk 2

Z88 Computer

9 way 'D' type Male

 

RangerDisk 2

9 way 'D' type Male

TxD 2 ð  2
RxD 3 ï  3
RTS 4 ð  8
CTS 5 ï  7
GND 7 ó  5
DCD 8 ï  4

RangerDisk2 - PC

RangerDisk 2 9 way 'D'type Male  

PC

9 way 'D' type Female

25 way 'D' type Female (in brackets)

TxD 2 ï  3 (2)
RxD 3 ð  2 (3)
DCD 4 ð  1 (8)
GND 5 ó  5 (7)
CTS 7 ð  8 (5)
RTS 8 ï  4 (20)