Kaypro 16

A Kaypro 16 2E (81-039)

A Kaypro 16 2E with a hard drive replacing the second floppy drive.

Marketing Image of a Kaypro 16 (81-030) Note that there are two LED lights on the front (One is for power and the other is the hard drive access light)

There are two models of the Kaypro 16. The Kaypro 16 and Kaypro 16 2. The Kaypro 16 (81-030) is a single floppy drive version, with a hard drive. The Kaypro 16 2 (81-029) and 16 2E (81-039) is a double floppy version. The cases are fundamentally different on the front to allow for the second floppy drive. (There is also a version of the 2E where it is an 81-029 with an "E" sticker added to it.

The E versions indicate that the memory is Expanded to 640K. Some sources imply that earlier machines could be upgraded from the stock 256K to 512K by the local dealership but only the factory could perform the 640K expansion.

The K16 was an attempt to produce a DOS compatible machine. Many computer manufactures tried using a similar strategy of being mostly compatible but not exactly compatible. The problem was that some software did not work correctly.

Only Compaq computers realized that the software market would require a 100% compatible BIOS without breaking IBM's copyright. Quickly the market focused on this 100% compatibility. So this model didn't work well enough to keep Kaypro competitive in the market.

It appears that the original Phoenix BIOS used in the Kaypro 16 was not yet 100% compatible with the IBM BIOS.

The Kaypro PC and 286i would use what appears to be an updated Phoenix BIOS to be much closer to being 100% compatible but by then the market was beginning to be too competitive for a small business like Kaypro to compete.

Specs

Phoenix BIOS

Development

The Wister Board

As time when on it became clear that CP/M was going to fail. Compaq, who basically copied us in terms of the design, was succeeding. Compaq’s had the MS-DOS operating system, but they were identical to a Kaypro in design. Our goal became to build a PC compatible.

And so there was a period of time, maybe 10 months, maybe a year, where everyone was talking about ‘the Wister board’. The Wister board was going to save our bacon. The board was going to be PC compatible and blow everybody out of the water. ‘Wister’ referred to one of the engineers, if not the chief engineer, whose name was Jay Wister. The Wister board never materialized, it got talked up and talked up, and it just never appeared. So they bought a PC compatible board from some Taiwanese manufacturer, but also paid for a redesign of the board to break it into two pieces so that it would fit inside a Kaypro case. That became the Kaypro 16.
(Interview with Marshall Mosley)

Pre-Release

"The 16-Bit Microcomputer will be portable, featuring a ten megabyte Winchester disk drive and software compatibility with the IBM XT personal computer. This system addresses the growing library of IBM-type software and will be available in the spring of 1984."
(Annual Report, 1983)

Release

"WE hate to flaunt it, but our 16-bit, IBM-compatible hard-disk computer isn't just hundreds of dollars cheaper than a comparable IBM XT of Compaq-Plus computer--it's thousands of dollars cheaper!"

With these words, Kaypro Corporation Vice-President David Kay introduced the long-awaited Kaypro 16 computer today. Priced at $3,295, the fully-IBM-compatible unit comes bundled with over $2,000 of world class software free, including Wordstar, Mailmerge, Infostar Plus, and Calcstar programs, as well as MITE telecommunications, MS-DOS with utilities and GW-Basic. A comparable IBM XT system without software or monitor is $4,395; a Compaq-Plus without applications software is $4,995.

"Some people call us boring--we just keep coming up with the lowest-priced reliable computers on the market," Kay explained without a trace of apology in his voice. "And now we've done it again--this time we've got the 'Volkswagen' of IBM-compatibles."

The Kaypro 16 operates on the MS-DOS system and uses an 8088 processor. It comes standard with 256K RAM (expandable to 640K RAM), a 10 megabyte hard disk plus a 360K floppy disk drive, a high-resolution green-phospor monitor with external composite and/or RGB color monitor capability, and IBM-compatible function keys. It will run the complete line of Lotus 123 and Symphony software.

The New 16 has a standard IBM bus which will accept any of a large number of add-on cards. Thus a variety of hardware options (such as internal modem, joystick, network system of mainframe interface) are easily added by the end user, without technical assistance.

Aside from its price and free bundled software, the Kaypro 16 offers other advantages over the IBM XT or Compaq-Plus. In order to upgrade the Kaypro 16 to 640K RAM, for example, one simply plugs in more chips--all RAM expansion capabilities are built into the machine. The Kaypro 16 has a hard reset switch, which allows immediate restoration of function. Unlike the Compaq-Plus, both the internal and external monitors may be viewed simultaneously. And the Kaypro 16 is portable--weighing 35 pounds, equipped with a handle, and enclosed in the famous Kaypro solid steel case.

"Not only do we offer consumers compatibility with a choice of systems," summed up Kay. "But our biggest selling point and the secret of our success is that our computers are as user-friendly as you can get--they're affordable."

And, Kay added, the Kaypro 16 is designed with a different user in mind than that of the IBM or its clones. "We're willing to let IBM and Compaq fight over the Fortune 500. Our needs are simple. All we want is America's small businessmen and professionals--all 5 million of them."

Kaypro manufactures the fourth largest-selling personal business computers in America--after IBM, Apple and Tandy.
("The 'Volkswagen' of IBM Compatibles" Press release, February 1, 1985)

Kaypro has just announced the Kaypro 16, Kaypro's new IBM compatible computer. This is the one you may have been waiting for ...but there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that it seems to be 100% IBM compatible. [This is a questionable statment based on later reports.] It uses the Phoenix system and MicroSoft's MS-DOS. It looks the same as any other Kaypro except for the keyboard, which has the IBM layout with function keys.

The bad news is that it is not compatible with any other Kaypro computer. It is not a co-power computer. That is, it is only 16 bit and will not run any 8 bit programs.

You can still transfer ASCII files through modem or by use of a multi-format disk (providing it has MS-DOS on it). You may be able to transfer programs, but they will not run unless they are 16 bit MS-DOS.

Kaypro's preliminary specifications are as follows:

CPU... 8088 with 4.77 MHz clock.
RAM... 256K standard expandable to 512K.
DISK STORAGE... 360K DSDD floppy with 10 megabyte hard disk.
EXPANSION... 4 slots: 3 for the system and 1 open for options.
COLOR GRAPHICS... IBM compatible.
VIDEO... 80 X 25 or 40 X 25. Can use external monitor.
I/0... Serial and parallel IBM ports.
WEIGHT... 35 lbs.

Standard software includes:

MITE... A telecommunications program using the serial port and modem.
WORDSTAR... The word processing program.
MAILMERGE... A file merging program that works with WordStar.
INFOSTAR+... A data base management system which includes Reportstar, Datastar and Starburst (system tool).
CALCSTAR... A spreadsheet program.
GW-BASIC... An IBM Basic language.

The suggested retail price for the Kaypro 16 is $3,295.00.
(Kugram, Jan-Feb 1985)

InfoWorld Feb 18, 1985

"Kaypro is also going after the I.B.M. PC XT market with its new Kaypro 16 model, more than $1,000 cheaper than a comparably equipped XT. Kaypro also throws in free word processing, spreadsheet and database software to sweeten the deal. A Kaypro 16 with 256K random acess memory, a 10-megabyte hard disk and 320K floppy disk, and a letter quality printer costs $3,295."
(New York Times, March 12, 1985)

"The Kaypro 16E family is a series of transportable IBM PC work-alikes based on a 4.77 MHz 8088 processor. They are available in two versions, each with three levels of memory expansion. The Kaypro 16/2E comes with two 360K floppy drives and an ATlike keyboard, while the Kaypro 16E has a 10-megabyte hard disk, one 360K floppy drive and the standard K16 keyboard.

A standard K16 system has 256K of memory and can be purchased with or upgraded to either 512K or 640K. The same multivideo card used in the KPC is now used in the Kaypro 16E family the "E" is for enhanced video. A Kaypro 16E comes in a standardsize Kaypro chassis."
(Profiles, January 1986)

"They are gearing up to manufacture the boards themselves, but meanwhile they are buying them from the designer, Personal Computer Products Inc."
(Microcornucopia, February-March 1985)

News

Kaypro Corporation has reduced prices on the Kaypro 386 line of supermicros, the Kaypro EXTRA! EXTRA! complete desktop publishing systems, the Kaypro 16E, and the 162E. ...

All configurations of the Kaypro EXTRA! EXTRA! desktop publishing system have been reduced by $500. The Kaypro 16E, a transportable IBM PC-compatible computer with 768K of RAM and a 20 megabyte hard disk, now retails for $1,595. The dual floppy Kaypro 162E is available for $1,395.
(Profiles, September 1987)

While Sperry turned away from the I.B.M. standard, a personal computer maker that had struck off on its own, the Kaypro Corporation, introduced its first I.B.M.-compatible model, the Kaypro 16. "It's what our dealers asked for," said Henry Hester, a company spokesman, although company officials said they would continue to market the older line.

Kaypro's new machine sells for $3,295, including 256,000 characters of internal memory and a floppy and hard disk drive. But it weighs 35 pounds, more than competing models from I.B.M. and Compaq, and far more than the kneetop I.B.M.-compatible machine the company officials once promised by September. Yesterday they said that machine, developed by Mitsui, a Japanese company, had been delayed from six to eight months because of troubles with its flat screen display.
(New York Times, November 15, 1984)

Updates

"The K-16 is now offered with a 512K upgrade board, which will be installed for you at the factory. The suggested retail price is $3,550; with your cost at $2485. Also the 640K update board is currently under discussion and full details will be presented next month."
(Dealer Newsletter, January 1985)

"The KAYPRO 16 computer is now being offered with a 512 upgrade installed. This fully tested unit will increase ROM memory from 256K TO 512K. The suggested retail price is $3595.00, which covers installation, labor, and warranty."
(Kugram, Mar-Apr 1985)

Available Slots

The new Kaypro 16s have no expansion slots available. The three that exist are taken up by the processor board, the multi-function board, and the hard disk controller.

If you have an old Kaypro 16 (made before December, 1986) then you do have one expansion slot available.
(Profiles, June 1987)

IBM Compatibility

"CP/M systems were on the way out. Everybody was switching to IBM-compatible systems. We had to rush one out the door to keep our dealer base happy. That was in 1984. It was a generic MSDOS system, it didn't run all the IBM-compatible software. We stuffed it inside our CP/M case."
(Andrew Kay, Computer Shopper, August 1989, pg 420)

Rod Canion one of the founders of Compaq writes that as they were developing their Compaq Portable they realized by March of 1982 that even MS-DOS (the version Microsoft sold) and PC DOS (the version IBM included with their machines) were not fully compatibile. This is in addition to the well known challenges of producing an IBM compatible BIOS.

We had discovered that the version of MS-DOS Microsoft was selling to everyone at the time wasn't compatible with PC DOS, ...

Microsoft didn't have it (the PC DOS code base to sell to others) because it had delivered MS-DOS to IBM almost two years earlier, and although they had jointly developed the product that became PC DOS, IBM owned it. The many changes and improvements they had jointly made during those two years were not available to Microsoft's other customers. Not only that, a different group in Microsoft had made many changes to the common MS-DOS version during the same time period, so what it was shipping to their other customers was very different from what it had originally delivered to IBM. ...

In late 1983, another pivotal point in the creation of a true industry standard occurred. Microsoft contacted us about an important matter: They wanted to know if Compaq ws getting into the software business. They had noticed our dealers were selling more of our version of MS-DOS than Compaq computers. Customers were buying our software to use on other PCs.

We assured Microsoft that we had no such intentions. Then we licensed our version of MS-DOS to Microsoft to make our life simpler. Our engineers had found and fixed hundreds of incompatibilities, so our version of MS-DOS had become very different from the one Microsoft was distributing. Every time Microsoft issued a new version, we had to make so many changes that the time and cost became prohibitive. By licensing our version to them, the distribution version we and others received would already have those changes.

It appeared we were giving away the "family jewels" because all our competitors would receive a more compatible version of MS-DOS. There was a significant delay, however, between the time we sent Microsfot a new version of our DOS and when our competitors received it and integrated it into their products. Each time we introduced a new advancement in one of our computers, it was fully backward compatible on announcement day. It would take months before that version of MS-DOS found its way into a competitor's computer, so we were still able to maintain our reputation for delivering the most compatible PCs. (Open, Rod Canion, 17, 21 & 57-58)

Known issues

Readers with older Kaypro 16s may well be aware that the video sections of their machines are rather easily excited by the presence of static electricity (the squiggly-green-line-down-the-center effect). Effective remedies for this problem range from purchasing static mats to moving to Arizona.

Video blinkouts on 16s may well be due to something else entirely, however, especially i the case of a screen that blanks completely (not even a squiggle) and then mysteriously restores itself (maybe) after a few minutes, or after a keystroke.

On a power supply board, deep within the bowels of this computer, is a pin dedicated to supplying +12 volts to the video controller board. The solder joint attaching that pin to a trace on the board is under some considerable stress because of all the current it is passing. It tends to respond by falling apart, creating a loose connection that comes and goes in an erratic way, making for a vagabond screen image.

The pin in question is the fourth one down from the top, right after the three lines for the 120 volts AC power coming in. This pin may well be marked "+12V," but it's always the fourth one in.
(Warren Allen, Profiles, February 1988)

Sample Machines

This section is mostly a comparison of a K16 2 #274022 and a K16 398964. Not only do they represent two different machines (2 Floppy Drives vs 1 Floppy and 1 Hard Drive they also represent two different periods of K16 production.

Mainboards

The mainboard from #274022.

The mainboard from #398964. Notice that the RAM chips are not on the mainboard at this point.

CPU Card

The #398964 has the same card just with a 81-486M BIOS rather than the 81-486C BIOS. Further testing is needed but the M BIOS may be IBM compatible. The initial BIOS on the Kaypro 16 was only DOS compatible.

The BIOSs can be found here KPC#BIOS

Multicard

This is the multicard from #274022.
Notice that the speaker is attached to the card in the Kaypro 16. If this same card was used in a Kaypro PC it would be a connector to a detached speaker normally.

This is the multicard from #398964. The RAM has moved onto this card.

Video Card

This is the Video Card 81-516 from #274022. Only 1 D-Sub connector.

The EPROM is 81-467. Click here to download a copy.

This is the Video Card 81-814 from #398964. 2 D-Sub connectors on this board.

The EPROM is 81-820 which is the same as the 81-1711 found in the Kaypro Micro 1's Mainboard 81-1588. Click here to download a copy.

Video Driver Board

This is a Elston Video Driver Board from #274022.

In later models an extension is made on the video driver board. The part number is 81-812.

Hard Drive Card

This is the hard drive from #418199.
The hard drive controller on the later models is a WD-1002. (Western Digital)

Hard Drive

A 20MB NEC D5126 is the harddrive in #418199

Power Supply

The power supply from #274022. This one is a CalDC supply but some machines also have a Aztec.
It is located between the drives and monitor.

Card Cage

This is the card cage from #274022. Note that there is room for up to 4 cards.

Keyboards

I have seen 3 different keyboards used for the Kaypro 16.

(Keyboards can be switched between machines easily. While I list what machine arrived with that keyboard it may not reflect it's original keyboard.)

Maxiswitch

This model is the easiest to recognize due to:

• There is no spacer between the character and numeric keypad.
• The indicator lights for the Caps Lock and Num Lock are built into those keys. (The other keyboards have their lights above the numeric keyboard area.)

Model 2185063

Machine Serial	KBSN	Manu. Date
#269914	6309	2/21/85
#274022	3988	2/21/85
#398964	9186	11/05/85

Digitron

The Digitron keyboard like the BTC has a spacer between the character and numeric keypad.
It is unique because the character and numeric keys are grey with the secondary keys being cream colored. Also the Ctrl key is the only one with a stepdown built into the key.
(The colored dots on the keys are specific to WordPerfect and are not original to the keyboard.)

Model KD0167-2

Machine Serial	KBSN	Manu. Date
#283822	1447	4/85

BTC

The BTC is similar to the Digitron but the character and numeric keys are creme with the secondary keys are grey. The CRTL, Alt, Caps Lock and the 0 and + key on the numeric keypad all have a double stepdowns.

Model KB5060AT

Machine Serial	KBSN
#418199	?

Software

For the Hard Drive models there was the loadable disks.

Manual

Kaypro 16 User's Guide

Addendum Kaypro 16E

Additional Instructions

"If you are experiencing difficulties loading the K-16 software, it may be necessary to run 'FDISK'. To run "FDISK' you must boot up on autoload diskette #1 and do a control-c to get to the A> prompt. Type in 'FDISK' which will brig you to a 'FDISK' menu with a default mode of 'create dos partitions', usually all you need to do is press return though sometimes it is necessary to choose the option for delete dos partitions first. Any questions concerning this should be directed to Tech Support."
(Dealer Newsletter, January 1985)

Instructions for Changing Cards in a K16

Expansion boards are wonderful things-they give you the ability to add more memory, add a modem, and otherwise soup up your system. But if you have a Kaypro 16 or 16/2, installing an expansion board may be more than you bargained for. Kaypro 16s are put together oddly. The need for packing an XT-compatible computer into Kaypro's original transportable case gave rise to a great deal of creative design-some of the internal components are mounted upside down, some sideways. Because of this, installing an expansion board in a Kaypro 16 or 16/2 can be a trying experience. This article may help make it easier.

The Kaypro 16s built during and after December 1986 don't have a free expansion slot (all 16/2s have one). If you have a 10-megabyte drive or the front of your computer says "10 MB," you definitely have an available slot; if you have a 20-megabyte drive, you probably don't though you might. The only way to know for sure is to look, which I'll explain how to do.

But first, be warned: Removing the cover of your computer voids your warranty. If yours has not expired yet, you should think carefully before installing an expansion board yourself. To keep your warranty intact, you must have any work done by a trained technician at an authorized Kaypro dealer.

WHAT YOU NEED
To begin the installation, you need a large, flat, sturdy surface on which to work. You will also need a Phillips-head screwdriver, a small dish to hold screws, and access to a power outlet. If all you want to do is check to see if you have an expansion slot, skip now to the section titled "Getting started."

Because installing or removing and replacing an expansion board in a Kaypro 16 is a time consuming, tedious process, make sure that the board is ready to be installed. Read the documentation for your new board carefully and make any necessary adjustments. For example, if you are installing a memory board, you must set its switches to reflect the amount of memory on the board and in your system. If you're installing an internal modem, it should be adjusted to be the secondary serial port (COM2:), as the 16 already has a COM1:.

Whatever the type of board, make sure it is fully prepared before installation. The last thing you want to do is disassemble the computer again because you mistakenly left one little switch in the OFF position.

GETTING STARTED
First make sure that the computer is unplugged and that the power switch is in the OFF position. Using the screwdriver, remove the ten screws-two on top and four on each side-that hold the computer cover in place. Place the screws in the dish for safekeeping. Remove the cover and place it well out of the way. Now look down at the computer. If your Kaypro 16 has a hard disk, and in the lower right corner you see a rectangular circuit board with three ribbon cables coming off it, then you do have an expansion slot available. If all you see is the yellow metal of the brace that holds the disk drives (called the drive cage), then you don't have an expansion slot available.

Turn the computer and look into it from the left side. You can see the CRT assembly, consisting of the CRT itself mounted to the front of the computer and the CRT circuit board bolted to the base. Past the CRT assembly is the power supply, set on its side and bolted to the drive cage.

Look at the video and printer connectors. You can see that they make up one end of an aluminum box that runs the entire length of the computer. This is called the card cage. Looking up top for a moment, you'll notice that a large circuit board protrudes from underneath the card cage at a 90 degree angle. This is the mainboard, and if you look carefully you will see that it is mounted upside down. The whole thing-the card cage and mainboard together-is called the card cage assembly.

Installing an expansion board involves removing the card cage assembly, opening it up, inserting the board, closing the assembly, and replacing it inside the computer.

REMOVING THE CARD CAGE
The first step is to unplug_ the various wires that connect the card cage assembly to the rest of the computer.

Look at the left side of the computer. To the right of the video and printer connectors, just inside the card cage, you will see two bundles of wires attached to the mainboard. These wires carry video signals. Disconnect them from the mainboard and examine them. Notice that they are keyed-one of the pinholes is filled with plastic, and it's a different pinhole in each connector. This prevents you from attaching the wrong connector to the wrong pins.

Underneath the mainboard, in the upper right corner, there is a wire connected to the LED on the front panel of the computer. Disconnect this wire from the mainboard.

Look atop the drive cage and you will see the hard drive controller board, with a ribbon cable running across it and underneath the mainboard. Find the spot just underneath the mainboard where this cable is attached and remove it. You may have some trouble getting it free; pull one side down first and then the other, in small increments, until the connectors separate.

Look behind the drive cage and find the ribbon cable attached to the floppy drive. Disconnect it.

Now the fun begins. Look underneath the mainboard, just to the left of the pins, for the hard drive ribbon cable. You will see a large white plastic connector attached to four posts on the mainboard. Reach underneath the mainboard, above the CRT yoke, and gently pinch the white connector between your thumb and forefinger. Now wiggle the connector while pulling down, until it comes free from the pins.

Turn the computer so you are looking at the rear panel. There are four screws holding the card cage assembly in place: one in the upper right corner of the panel; one on the left side, just to the right of the fan; one halfway down the right side of the panel; and one next to the lower right corner of the fan. Use the screwdriver to remove the two bottom screws.

Using your left hand, place the heel of your palm on the top edge of the rear panel. Then reach across the card cage with the fingers of that hand and grip the far edge of the cage. Flex your hand and keep it flexed so that the cage presses firmly into the rear panel. Now remove the last two screws while holding the card cage assembly in place. You may have to switch hands.

With all the screws removed, gently pull the card cage assembly to the right, out of the Kaypro 16 case. When the cage is three quarters of the way out, stop and look underneath it.

You will see another cable attached to the cage in a spot that was inaccessible before. This is the keyboard cable. Disconnect it and continue removing the card cage assembly.

INSTALLING THE BOARD
Turn the card cage over so the mainboard is facing up and is positioned away from you and the card cage is close to you. There are three boards in the cage, with an empty slot for a fourth. The right edges of all the boards and the empty slot are covered by a metal bracket at one end of the cage. Remove the screws holding the bracket in place, then remove the bracket.

Looking at the other end of the cage you will see a small plate covering the left side of the empty slot. It is affixed to the card cage with a small screw. Remove this screw and the plate. You are now ready to install your expansion board.

Look inside the card cage at the empty slot and try to see how the new board will fit inside. A plate on the board will replace the one just removed, and the end opposite from the plate will fit into a plastic guide affixed to the card cage. At the bottom of the slot is a 62-pin connector; look at the expansion board and you will see a ridge along the bottom that fits into this connector.

Take one last look at the board you are installing to make sure every one of its switches and jumpers is set correctly. Lift the board carefully and position it above the open slot. Line up the metal plate on the board with the gap left by the original plate, and the other end of the board with the plastic guide inside the card cage.

Gently insert the board into the card cage. Push the board all the way down until the bottom of it touches the connector on the circuit board. Stop. Look down between the new board and the old and make sure that the new board lines up with the connector. If it does, push the board down until it clicks into place. If the board doesn't line up, move it gently in place until it does, then push it into the connector.

Replace the screw that holds the plate down. Reattach the bracket that covers the right edges of the expansion boards.

REPLACING THE CARD CAGE
Now to replace the card cage. Position the computer case so that the screen faces you. Put the card cage to the left of the case with the mainboard facing up. Re-attach the keyboard connector to its place on the expansion board closest to you. Pick up the card cage and turn it over. With your right hand, grab the ribbon cable that connects to the floppy disk drive and flip it up on top of the cage.

Slide the cage into place and hold it there with one hand. Lean over the computer and look at the back panel. Use your free hand to adjust the cage until you see the screw holes in the case and the card cage line up. Get the screws from the dish and hand-start them in all four positions. Tighten the top two down, but leave the rest loose.

Now reattach all the connectors: the power connector, the disk drive ribbon cable, the hard disk ribbon cable, the hard disk LED, and the two video connectors near printer port. Check all the connections visually and make sure they are firm, then turn the computer on.

Test the expansion board (if it is a memory board, try to use the memory; if it's a modem, make a phone call, etc.).

If you find that the board doesn't work, turn off the computer and visually inspect every connection. Go over in your mind the procedures you followed for both removing and installing the card cage and see if you forgot something. If worse comes to worst, remove the card cage again and check the keyboard cable and the card itself.

If the board works, tighten the rest of the screws on the rear panel and replace the computer cover.

(I said I'd tell you how to install an expansion board; I never said it would be easy.)
(Profiles, February 1988)