Sharp APLD Instructions
Last edited: December 15, 2003 08:17 AM

The Sharp APLD (Automatic Program Loading Device) is a utility provided by Sharp that can load all files needed for operation to the Hard Disk, PSRAM (Pseudo Static Random Access Memory, and FROM (Flash Read Only Memory) on a Sharp workstation via a direct serial port connection. The zipped images on the Touch Menus web site contain all files necessary for initial setup of a Sharp Terminal. Some images will need configuration after loading to customize the terminal for a specific customer. After customization, the original image can be modified to include the changes.
Preliminary Setup

The instructions assume that an original image has been installed on the network server, or in-house configuration station. If this has not been done yet, perform the following steps:

  1. Create a directory called APLD.
  2. Create a subdirectory off of that directory with the name of the image you wish to use.
  3. Copy the zipped image into the directory just created.
  4. Unzip it being careful to preserve the included subdirectories.

Installation Procedure

  1. Connect an APLD cable between COM1 on the Sharp and Com1 or Com2 on the Server. The term Server will be used for whichever station contains the original image. In reality this could be an office computer at a customer site, dedicated program loader at the Dealers location, etc.
  2. On the Sharp station, turn all switches off and boot the computer. It will boot directly into an installation program ready to receive data.
  3. Select Run from the Start menu, browse to the subdirectory for the image to be loaded (i.e. APLDSTNDALON), and select APLDWIN. If loading from a DOS computer, you will need to use APLDDOS instead. Contact Sharp for instructions on using the APLDDOS loader. All instructions from here on are for APLDWIN.
  4. At the window asking if Target 5700 is Ready, click on Yes.
  5. Program now appears minimized on the task bar. Click on it to open it back up on the desktop.
  6. If connecting to COM1 on the server, skip to step 9.
  7. If connecting to COM2 on the server, pull down the Commport menu and select Settings.
  8. Select COM2 and click on the OK button.
  9. When asked which disk is the start up drive. Select OTHER DISK if the Sharp has a hard disk, or PSRAM DISK if no hard disk is present.
  10. Wait until the Install Completed window comes up, then click on OK.
  11. On the Sharp station, turn off power, set the switches as needed for the desired operating configuration, and boot the station.

APLD Cable

The APLD cable is actually a standard serial crossover cable with a DB9 female connector on the Sharp end, and the appropriate style connector to fit in the COM port on the Server.

Sharp 5700      PC

DB9 Female  DB25 Female

  RXD 2 —- 2 TXD

  TXD 3 —- 3 RXD

  DTR 4 —- 5 CTS

  GRD 5 —- 7 GRD

  DSR 6 —- 4 RTS

  RTS 7 —- 6 DSR

  CTS 8 —-20 DTR

Related Documents

Sharp 5700 POS Terminal

Sharp Demo Program