RFL40103.EXE PS/2 L40 Reference Disk v1.03
191-030 IBM PS/2 MODEL L40 SX SYSTEM AND FEATURES

Comments- There are at least five Linear Tech chips concentrated in the upper right that I didn't show. There are solder spots for a 60 pin header under the right side of the heatsink. The double box around the 386SX-20 is where there is a double row of solder pads that are all connected to the SMD leads of the 386SX. Possible upgrade that never showed up?
   The speaker wires aren't very sturdy. You can rip the wire pad right off the speaker if you aren't careful. I wasn't...

External keyboards are not supported.

Memory
Modifying standard SIMMs to L40 is HERE
2,4, or 8MB 80ns (expandable to 18MB) 
   Supposedly, using two 4MB SIMMs is NOT supported.
80387SX Math Coprocessor    PLCC

   Due to its vintage, the L40 undoubtedly has the 504M limit disease on native BIOS support.  Is there any workaround?

Peter Wendt sez:
   Not long ago I installed an 850MB drive on Martins L40SX with Microhouse EZDrive - must have been an older version. Worked like a charm with no problems after setting the IDE Master jumper right.

 If you want an alternative product: Look in the "support / download" pages at www.maxtor.com and download the stand-alone (bootable) version of MaxBlast ...

191-204 IBM PS/2 COMMUNICATIONS CARTRIDGE I
Q. Is there any way to attach a LAN or terminal emulation adapter to the L40SX? 
A. The PS/2 Communication Cartridge I  (Type 3541) is an A/C-powered external expansion cabinet that can take one half-length adapter.  It is intended for use with network or terminal emulation adapters (such as 3270 and 5250). At 7.1 x 3.4 x 5.7 inches, and 2.6 lbs., it is small and light enough to be taken on the road with the laptop. 

Q. The announcement letter says that only LAN adapters, 3270 and 5250 emulation adapters are supported in the Communications Cartridge I.  Can other adapters be used as well? 
A. Generally speaking, yes, if the adapter is 8" long or less.  There will be some adapters that won't work, however; memory and video adapters, for example.  Also, the IBM SDLC adapter is known not to work. (It can only be configured as COM1 or COM2, which are reserved by the L40 for the built-in serial port and the optional serial port or fax/modem.) 

Troubleshooting 
Q. I can't seem to print anything. 
A. Make sure your parallel port is turned on.  Use PS2.EXE to check the status of your ports.

Q. I can't get my communication software to recognize my serial port (or internal fax/modem). 
A. Make sure your serial port is turned on.  Use PS2.EXE to check the status of your ports.

Q. I can't get my serial mouse to work. 
A. Make sure your serial port is turned on.  Use PS2.EXE to check the status of your ports.

U10 Unk
U11 YM7109C-J
U13 KM62256ALG-10
 
 
 
 

J1 50 pin header
U3 Firmware FR 101
U4 80C32-1
U5 73D215A-CH
U6 73M214A-IH
Y1 14.745 M osc
Y2 9.830 M osc
 

  Interesting, uses the 80C32-1 cpu...

It has two RJ11 phone jacks for concurrent network and telephone handset connections.  It supports data (up to 2400bps) and fax (9600bps) communications, and standard Hayes AT (R) commands.

Q. What is the syntax of the FAX command to use with the L40 Fax/Modem? 
A. The FAX command must be followed by a file name and phone number to dial. There is no "front end" to the program; it is strictly command line driven.  The file transmitted must be straight ASCII or a PCX graphics file.  You may use a plus (+) sign between files to send them contiguously, without page breaks between (for example, a business letterhead followed by the letter) or just one name after another to send them as separate pages.  The phone number uses the standard Hayes (AT) modem command set. 

Q. What fax software can I use with the L40 Fax/Modem option? 
A. No special software is needed.  The Fax/Modem option includes a program that provides basic Send/Receive, View, Print, and Set Options features.  The software will accept ASCII, PCX, TIFF, or fax file formats for transmission. 

Q. If I have the Fax/Modem installed in a  L40, with the speed turned down to 5 or 10MHz, will this affect the performance or accuracy of the Fax input/output? 
A. The Fax/Modem is not supported at 5MHz; and for best results in a multitasking environment, 
such as in the OS/2 DOS box, or under Windows, the 20MHz speed should be used. 

Miscellaneous 
Q. I can't get an external monitor to work off the PS/2 Model L40 VGA port; the monitor is blank. What's wrong? 
A. To use the external VGA port, you must first use the setup program to change the display type 
from LCD to CRT. Once this is done, the video signal will be rerouted to the external monitor. 

Q. When I attach an external monitor or projection device to the PS/2 Model L40 VGA port, the LCD goes blank.  Is there any way to have both displays working simultaneously (for doing 
demonstrations to large audiences)? 
A. Only one display can be used at a time; either the built-in LCD, or an external monitor or 
projection device.  However, some devices that convert VGA output to "standard" analog RGB output for video projectors have video cables with "piggyback" VGA connectors, so that a monitor can connect to the back of the plug that goes into the VGA port.  In this manner, the demonstrator has an external monitor to look at, while the audience sees the projection screen.  (One such conversion box is called the Extron 109, manufactured by Covid Electronics.  Other such products may also exist; this is not meant as an endorsement of this particular vendor or product; merely an example.) 

Q. What's the minimum OS/2 version required for the L40? 
A. OS/2 V1.30.1 is the minimum requirement.