ALTAIR 8800 micro Users Manual
© Briel Computers 2010 page 14
Prepare a space for your Altair 8800 micro:
Make sure you have enough space to securely place a monitor behind your Altair. You can choose a CRT or
LCD style monitor. If you find you need to place something under the monitor to raise it above the Altair, use
caution that the monitor is stable and can not fall over. A good place for the keyboard is directly in front of the
Altair or alongside the unit. Before you go any further, make sure the switch is up (off) on the on/off switch on
the front panel.
Connecting up a monitor:
Using a monitor is optional, and you may wish to simply program the Altair from the front panel alone. In
which case, you don’t need a monitor connected. However, if you wish to run BASIC or another program
requiring text output, you need to connect to a monitor. You have 2 choices to choose from on the Altair micro.
You can choose a VGA monitor which gives you a nice crisp bold 80X40 text display of a single color choice,
or you can choose a composite monitor or TV to get full multi-color text and low-res text graphics. If you can’t
make up your mind, that’s ok, you can use both, and at the same time! My setup has a VGA monitor behind my
Altair micro and a small 7” LCD TV that sits right on top of my Altair. Please use caution if you place anything
on top of the Altair that it might not properly support the weight of your object.
Plug in your keyboard:
If you choose to use a keyboard for I/O, connect it to the PS/2 keyboard port in the rear of the Altair 8800
micro. Set it directly in front of the Altair with enough room to still be able to flip your switches.
Plug in an SD card:
If you are going to use an SD card to load/store programs, you must do this with the power turned OFF.
WARNING: Removing or installing the card while the power is on could result in damage to the card or
data loss. You may also use the newer micro-SD card but you will need to use an adapter for it to fit.
Add some power:
Using your own supplied power supply, plug the connector into the DC power connector port and plug the other
end to a wall socket. Make sure your power supply is 7-9V DC 1000mA (1A) power supply with positive center
supply.
WARNING: If you attempt to use an incorrect power supply, you could damage the Altair 8800 micro.
Please feel free to ask if you are unsure about your power supply or have any problems.
You are now ready to use your Altair 8800 micro and begin your new adventure in old school computing.
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