eduq_05g.exe Flash BIOS update, revision 05G (self-extracting).
Specification Content by William R. Walsh, original here. Specification Offered processor options: Planar
Notes: JP2 1-2 (pin one is pads only) Boot Block Program, 2-3 Normal Operation (this may have to do with flash BIOS recovery support) U13 Marked as U13 ROM BIOS (could be used for bad flash recovery, this machine supports it) Big Solder Pads are in an arrangement that looks like there may have been plans for a VL-bus version of this EduQuest. Looks to me like this is a vastly revised planar as
compared to the EduQuest 30 and 40 where lots of the design stayed the
same with only minor changes. You really can't compare this planar to
the 30 and 40 models. Switch Block (SW1) Switches are "ON" when upwards.
SX - Selects an i486SX or 'other' CPU VRAM Sockets & Video Capabilities I popped in two upgrade VRAMs into each socket and powered up. I was
more than a little puzzled when the machine didn't report the new VRAM,
but since they were rather crudely desoldered from another dead board,
I figured maybe some pin straightening might be in order. That did the
trick and got the system seeing all 2MB of installed VRAM. Flash BIOS Download the self-extracting file here.
This is the genuine and original IBM file. It will take your EduQuest
system from revision 00G to 05G. NOTICE: Though most BIOS flash operations go as planned, errors are possible due to power failures, problems with the flash source and other little things that can go wrong. While I don't want to discourage you from applying this update if you need it, I don't advise applying it just because it is here and you can. Please make sure that your machine is in fact an EduQuest Model 55 and make the flash "undo diskette" prior to updating. This update is provided on a "use at your own risk" basis. YOU are responsible for the results of using it, whether good or bad. This flash update supposedly fixes floppy drive read and write errors. Other Supporting Files Andrew Lawton supplied an archive containing several EduQuest Model 55 specific files, including the previously mentioned flash BIOS update. You can download them here. I have not personally used or tested them and I have no idea what they are intended for. As such, and as always, you use them at your own risk. EduQuest "Schoolbox" School Box is described as some sort of driver and diagnostic package. So, naturally, the same disclaimer you've heard several times by now applies. Strongly. But if you still have an EduQuest 55, you might find it useful. Click here to download it. (Originally uploaded in this thread of discussion. Posted here in the name of preservation and because -- rather amazingly -- a link that was posted five years ago and labeled as "temporary" still worked. Sometimes you just get lucky.) Ed. Tom: Info from some IBM announcement documents: EduQuest Schoolbox: The EduQuest Schoolbox is not included with each system since one Schoolbox can be shared among several system units. The EduQuest Schoolbox consists of a package of items to complement the basic system unit. It provides a single common source for software and documentation that are not ordinarily required with each system for typical standard usage. It provides a single repository of support function items that may be needed for advanced or specialized situations. The EduQuest Schoolbox includes:
To install some options, you need support available in the EduQuest Schoolbox. An example is when you want to change video modes or add one of the EduQuest LAN adapters. You need to ensure that the code and programs in the EduQuest Schoolbox are available when needed. The Schoolbox is a separately ordered feature and not included with the basic system unit. It is strongly recommended that you order one Schoolbox with the initial system. Order additional copies of the Schoolbox, as desired, to share with multiple systems. |