Feature
•8088 dual speed 4.77/8MHz microprocessor
Zero wait-states
•8087 coprocessor socket
•640K RAM with 128 EMS standard built-in;
able to go to 1.2MB RAM on existing board
•Hercules/CGA video
•Expansion slots
Model 2 - dual 5.25-inch, 360K floppy disk drives;
Model 3 - 20MB hard disk and single 5.25-inch
floppy disk drive
Serial (1) and parallel (1) ports
Built-in diagnostics & diagnostic LEDs
•168 watt switching power supply
•Backplane
•MS-DOS with every system
•Warranty
Function / Benefit
Full PC-compatibility; increased performance and speed
8087 coprocessor can be purchased to enhance speed for math-intensive
applications
Full amount of standard user memory plus memory expansion beyond
limits of MS-DOS use with variety of applications; requires no more
slots for memory upgrades
Compatible with a wide variety of PC software
Multiple expansion slots give wide-ranging expansion potential for
application needs. Industry standard 8-bit XT-type slots.
Flexibility to choose just the amount of storage space needed
No added expense for communications and printer attachment. Uses
industry-standard ports making connections easy.
Easy to detect potential errors, quick diagnosis of system errors
Full power for all options; quiet running; international use
Simplifies servicing and upgrades
No hidden expense; industry compatibility
One-year carry-in warranty. Assurance of high quality, few problems.
CORE AND OPTIONS
Core: (standard features)
8088 CPU
4.77/8MHz
Zero wait-state
8087 numeric coprocessor socket
640K with 128K EMS capability
Upgradable to 1.2MB RAM on existing memory board
Expands to 5MB EMS with extra memory cards
One (9-pin) serial port
One (25-pin) parallel port
One 360K, 5.25-inch floppy disk drive
Floppy controller card
168 watt 110/220 switching power supply
Built-in debugger/diagnostics
MS~DOSrM
Hercules-compatible/CGA video controller
84-key keyboard
Full one-year carry-in warranty
Models Available:
Model 2
Core plus second 360K, 5.25-inch floppy drive, and 5 open PC-compatible expansion
slots
Model 3
Core plus one 20MB hard disk drive and controller, and 4 open PC-compatible
expansion slots
Options Available:
| Z-207-7 | 360K, 5.25-inch floppy disk drive |
| Z-315 | “EMS ready” memory card includes 256K (upgradable to 1.2MB). Existing memory board must be fully populated to 1.2MB first before adding Z-315. |
| Z-316-8 | 8087 numeric coprocessor |
| Z-314-1 | Optional serial port |
| ZCA-11 | ROM upgrade required to support the 101-key keyboard for Z-159 series computers with ROM versions below 3.0 |
| ZCA-16 | Kit includes cables and mounting brackets needed to install ZD-72 |
| ZD-72 | 720K, 3.5-inch floppy drive |
| ZKB-2 | 101-key keyboard. Requires ZCA-11 ROM upgrade for ROM version below 3.0. |
| HCA-200-PC | 9-pin to 25-pin serial adapter cable |
| CB-5063-50 | Real-time clock chip |
| TM-159 | Technical Reference Manual |
Q. Are 8088 machines going to stay in the marketplace?
A. Yes, there are many situations and applications where the lower cost 8088 is more cost effective
than higher-powered computers, for example, basic word processing, simple spreadsheets, LAN
workstations, and UNIX terminals.
Q. I need a system for Desktop Publishing or CAD/CAM. Is the Z-159 the best solution for
me?
A. These are the types of applications better served by a more powerful computer such as the Zenith
Z-386/25.
Q. Can I run MS OS/2 on the Z-159?
A. MS OS/21M is specifically designed for microcomputers than can multitask, i.e. the 80286 and 80386.
Q. Can high density drives such as a 5.25-inch, 1.2MB or 3.5-inch, 1.4MB floppy drives be
used on the Z-159?
A. High density drives require extra address lines provided by the 80286 or 80386 processor; however,
both 5.25-inch, 360K and 3.5-inch, 720K drives can be used on the Z-159. No 8088-based computer
can use high density floppy disk drives.
Q. How many open slots does the Z-159 have?
A. That depends on the model. The Model 2 has five open 8-bit slots, the Model 3 has four open 8-bit
slots.
Q. Exactly what does an 8087 chip do for the user?
A. It is extremely useful for applications that do heavy numerical calculations. It takes over the pure
numeric calculations freeing the main CPU to concentrate on other functions. An application must
be designed to make use of a numeric coprocessor.
Q. Is the Z-159 compatible with the industry standard?
A. Yes. ZDS prides itself on making products that work properly and do not cause problems for the
customer.
Q. Can the Z-159 work on a network?
A. Yes, in fact it makes an ideal network workstation as a fast 8088-based machine. Networks that
the Z-159 will work on include Novell and 3-COM.
Z-159 CPU card default switch setting
Z-159
1/90
