AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual
© 1998 ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS FIRST EDITION: August 1998 To re-order this document, request part number DSO-00213-00 FCC Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCING THE AM-6000 COMPUTER..................................................... 1-1 ABOUT THIS BOOK.................................................................................................................. 1-3 Graphics Conventions .............................................................................................................. 1-3 HARDWARE FEATURES ........................................................................................................
Page ii Table of Contents POWER AND CABLE CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................... 2-9 Power Supply AC Voltage and Receptacle ...............................................................................2-10 Verifying Voltage Compatibility ..............................................................................................2-10 Turning the Computer On ........................................................................................
Table of Contents Page iii "I Want To Start At The Beginning" .......................................................................................... 4-3 "I Want To Learn How To Maintain My Computer" ................................................................... 4-3 "I Want To Do Text Processing"............................................................................................... 4-4 "I Want To Write Computer Programs" .....................................................................
Page iv Table of Contents APPENDIX A - CONNECTOR CONFIGURATIONS .................................................................A-1 SERIAL I/O CONNECTORS.......................................................................................................A-1 WHAT IS RS-232?......................................................................................................................A-1 WHAT IS RS-422?.................................................................................................
List of Illustrations Figure 1-1: AM-6000 in Deskside Chassis ....................................................................................... 1-1 Figure 1-2: AM-6000 in AM-990 Chassis ........................................................................................ 1-2 Figure 1-3: AM-6000 in AM-990 Jumbo Chassis ............................................................................. 1-2 Figure 2-1: Front Panel Controls and Indicators (deskside chassis) ..................................
Chapter 1 - Introducing the AM-6000 Computer The Alpha Microsystems AM-6000 is a high-performance computer designed for a wide range of applications in business headquarters, departmental facilities, and professional offices. With power to support many users simultaneously, in local or networked configurations, the AM-6000 lends itself to virtually any business data processing environment. The AM-6000 is constructed in modular fashion.
Page 1-2 Chapter One For configurations requiring more peripheral devices or more serial input/output connections, the AM-6000 is available in the AM-990 chassis and the AM-990 Jumbo chassis, shown in Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3, respectively. Figure 1-2: AM-6000 in AM-990 Chassis Figure 1-3: AM-6000 in AM-990 Jumbo Chassis AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev.
Introducing the AM-6000 Computer Page 1-3 ABOUT THIS BOOK The purpose of this book is to get you started with your computer. After you've followed the instructions in this book, your computer will be set up and running. And, you will have a good idea of where to go next for information on the software you want to use. • This chapter contains a software and hardware overview of your system. It also discusses the configurations available, as well as warranty and service information.
Page 1-4 Chapter One Symbol Description This symbol means STOP!, and signals an important warning or restriction you must know about before continuing. This symbol marks a hint, and identifies a shortcut or an easier way to do something. This symbol says "Don't forget!" and signals information to remember. Text Text that looks like this in our examples shows the characters the computer displays on your terminal screen, such as prompts and information messages.
Introducing the AM-6000 Computer Page 1-5 • Battery backed CMOS containing several boot routines that enable you to change the I/O device the computer boots from AM-176 Board The AM-176 board provides the AM-6000 with: • 4GB of direct memory addressability • 64KB external cache memory SIMM • 8KB on-chip processor instruction cache memory and 8KB of data cache • On-board serial interface • On-board Ethernet controller with 32-bit DMA transfer capability and AUI (DB-15) connector • Four on-board single inl
Page 1-6 Chapter One • Selection of any hard disk ID number as the primary boot disk (unit #0 - 6). In the case of the Wide SCSI interface coupled with Wide SCSI peripherals, you can also select unit #8 - 15*. • Selection of any tape device as an alternate boot device (unit #1 - 6). In the case of the Wide SCSI interface coupled with Wide SCSI peripherals, you can also select unit #8 - 15*.
Introducing the AM-6000 Computer Page 1-7 SCSI Tape Drives Your computer may contain one or more SCSI compatible ¼" streaming tape or DAT drive, allowing you to copy and restore files using special tape cartridges. Although your computer does not normally boot from these tape devices, if something does happen to your computer's hard disk, you can boot your computer from a special tape. See Chapter 3 for information on tape capacities.
Page 1-8 Chapter One By adding a commercially available transceiver, you can convert the 15-pin AUI port to 10BaseT or 10Base2 "thin" Ethernet operation. • The AM-319-20 board has two connectors: a DB-15 AUI interface and a 10BaseT connector. To use the Ethernet ports on the AM-319-20, indicate your preference in the CMOS Menu. The AM-319-20 Ethernet interface is AlphaTCP compatible only, with AlphaNet supported via tunneling. We recommend you use the Ethernet port on the AM-176 board.
Introducing the AM-6000 Computer Page 1-9 Rear I/O Panel The AM-6000 rear panel supports a minimum of four DB-25 parallel printer ports and seven paddle board SIO expansion slots. The main system board provides four on-board RJ-45 serial ports, a 9-pin UPS port, and Ethernet connectors. The rear panels of the AM-990 and AM-990 Jumbo chassis provide space for additional peripheral devices or serial I/O connections.
Page 1-10 Chapter One • A sophisticated command language allows you to invoke a stream of commands and program input (predefined by you) by entering a single command. • The business-oriented AlphaBASIC and AlphaBASIC PLUS programming languages are uniquely suited to the programming of business applications software packages.
Chapter 2 - Installation This chapter gives general installation information for your computer.
Page 2-2 Chapter Two • This manual and warranty cards. • Release Notes. • The main enclosure. • One AC power cord. In addition to the equipment Alpha Micro has provided and the operator terminal, you may need the following: 1. Properly configured cables for connecting your terminal to the computer. If you want to construct your own terminal cables, you need various tools and connectors as well as the actual cable material. See Appendix A for information on constructing terminal cables. 2.
Installation Page 2-3 RECORDING THE SSD IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The Software Security Device (SSD) is a customized integrated circuit located on the main electronics board inside your AM-6000 computer. The SSD uniquely identifies your computer to customized software that has been configured to run only on your computer.
Page 2-4 Chapter Two • The Reset button allows you to reset the computer from the control panel. Once the Reset button is pressed, the hardware will be reset and the computer will reboot. To avoid losing any data, make sure there are no applications running before you press the Reset button. • The control panel has a keyed switch. This switch is used in other configuration; it has no effect on the AM-6000.
Installation Page 2-5 LOCK STATUS MEMORY SELECT SELECT POWER RESET RUN DISPLAY A DISPLAY B DISPLAY C Figure 2-2: Front Panel Controls and Indicators (AM-990) For information on various display codes that might appear on the AM-6000's front panel digital display, see Chapter 8, "Status Display Codes." AM-6000 Rear I/O Panel Configurations The types and number of connectors on the rear panel of your AM-6000 computer will vary depending on the chassis and the equipment included with your order.
Page 2-6 Chapter Two 0 SCSI 1 PRINT PORT 3 115 PRINT PORT 2 PRINT PORT 1 AM-176 Rear Panel PRINT PORT 0 A B C D E F G Parallel Printer Ports TX RX LINK AUI 10 base T SERIAL PORTS 2 1 0 SIO EXPANSION BUS UPS AM-319-20 Rear Panel 3 I/O Board Expansion Slots Figure 2-3: AM-6000 Rear Panel Configuration (Deskside Chassis) AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev.
Installation Page 2-7 FOUR-PORT PRINTER PANEL TX AM-359 I/O BOARDS RX LINK AUI 10BaseT UPS 3 2 1 0 SERIAL PORTS AM-319-20 BOARD REAR PANEL AM-176 BOARD I/O PANEL Figure 2-4: AM-6000 Rear Panel Configuration (AM-990 Chassis) PREPARING THE SITE For your computer to do its best job for you, you must place it in an environment it is comfortable in. Extreme temperature or humidity can cause computer failure. But, it is not very demanding—its environmental needs are similar to your own.
Page 2-8 Chapter Two terminal cabling to reach from the back panel of your computer to the terminals and printers. See the following section on "Power and Cable Connections" for more tips and suggestions. Environmental Requirements It is important to remember that the cleaner the environment, the more efficiently the computer performs. Treat your computer with respect. For example, do not place coffee cups or soda cans on top of the main enclosure where they can spill.
Installation Page 2-9 If problems occur when equipment near the computer is turned on—for example, if your computer stops functioning when someone uses the photocopier—improper grounding could be your problem. We recommend a low impedance power conditioner be used to filter out these power problems. Alpha Microsystems can provide the approved power conditioner type. Ask your VAR for further details.
Page 2-10 Chapter Two Voltage Current Draw +5 volts 4.3A max with 256MB DRAM 3.9A with 8MB DRAM +12 volts @30mA Table 2-2: Maximum DC Power Requirements The power requirements noted above are as observed during testing. Power requirements may vary depending on DRAM manufacturer. To avoid electrical interference, sources of electrical noise such as air conditioners, copiers, electric typewriters or cleaning equipment should not be connected to the same power circuit as the computer.
Installation Page 2-11 Turning the Computer On Once you turn on your computer, you must be very careful never to move it while power is still on; doing so could damage the disk drives inside the unit. "Turning the Computer Off," at the end of this chapter, gives information on how to correctly turn the computer off before moving it. 1. Verify once again that your computer has been configured correctly for the AC power service in your region. 2. Place the computer in the site you have chosen for it.
Page 2-12 Chapter Two TX RX LINK AUI 10 base T UPS 0 1 2 3 AM-6000 RJ-45 serial boot port (#0) SERIAL PORTS Figure 2-5: AM-6000 Boot Port Location Setting the Terminal's Baud Rate and Parameters AMOS initially assumes the operator terminal is an Alpha Micro or compatible terminal using RS-232 signals. It also assumes the terminal is working at 19200 baud.
Installation Page 2-13 INITIAL TESTING Before you boot the computer under AMOS, or hook up any printers and additional terminals, you should use the self test feature to verify that the hardware is working correctly. For full information on the self test, refer to The Self Test User's Guide shipped with this owner's manual. Perform the self test now before proceeding to the next section.
Page 2-14 Chapter Two 2. Insert the warm boot tape into the tape drive. 3. Press the Reset button on the front panel of the computer. 4. When the following message and cursor appear on the screen about a half minute later, it means the computer booted successfully from the warm boot tape. AMOS Version xx.x 5. Remove the warm boot tape. Insert the system software release tape.
Installation Page 2-15 EXPANDING YOUR COMPUTER Your Alpha Micro VAR can assist you with setting up, expanding, or servicing your computer. Once your computer is configured with the basic components, you may want to install any additional subsystems purchased with your basic computer. Or, you may want to change your basic configuration to add more users, change memory allocations, etc.
Chapter 3 - Getting Started This chapter contains two types of information: basic concepts about the way your computer is set up and operates, and general procedures for working with it. Specific topics include: • Booting the computer. • The CMOS setup procedure. • Device names and the System Disk. • Disk accounts and user names. • Logging on to the computer and transferring between disk accounts. • Your terminal keyboard. • Working with diskettes and streamer tapes.
Page 3-2 Chapter Three You can change the CMOS configuration even if you can’t boot the computer under AMOS. This can be very useful in case of certain system problems. To change the CMOS configuration, you must have a terminal configured for 19.2K baud attached to port 0 on the AM-319-20 system board. This terminal is referred to as the "boot terminal.
Getting Started Page 3-3 The CMOS menu fields are: Primary Boot Device Type This parameter selects the type of device to boot from in the event that the attempt to boot from the alternate device fails or no alternate device is selected. Currently, only SCSI and floppy drives can be selected. Primary Boot Device Unit # This parameter selects which primary drive number to boot from. Valid unit numbers for SCSI drives are 0-6 (and 8 - 15 when using the Wide SCSI interface and a Wide SCSI peripheral device).
Page 3-4 Chapter Three Network Interface Type This parameter specifies which Ethernet interface connector to use on the AM-319-20 board. There are two possible selections: AUI (DB-15), or TPI (RJ-45) 10BaseT. If you are using the Ethernet port on the AM-176 board, it is not necessary to indicate it on the CMOS menu. Saving the CMOS Settings When you are finished making changes press ESC . A message will appear at the bottom of the screen asking if you wish to save any changes made.
Getting Started Page 3-5 computer—since you are using a different system initialization command file the devices may be defined differently. For example, if your computer contains one hard disk drive, split into three logical devices, and one diskette drive: • When your computer boots from the hard drive (the usual state of affairs), the hard drive would be referenced as three disk devices named DSK0:, DSK1:, and DSK2:. The diskette drive is named FLP0: if it takes 3.
Page 3-6 Chapter Three The two part structure of the account number allows you another level of organization. Besides grouping files into accounts, you can group related accounts in the same project. For example, all accounts containing files dealing with payroll may be in project 50 ([50,0], [50,1], etc.). Accounts are called "disk accounts" because each account is specific to a particular device—usually a disk. For example, you may have the account [63,1] on both DSK0: and DSK1:.
Getting Started Page 3-7 You can assign passwords to disk accounts and user names. If the account or user name you enter has a password, AMOS asks you for the password before logging you in. Once you're logged on to the system, you can use LOG to switch to a different account. You don't need to enter your user name again, just the account you want. For example: LOG [36,14] RETURN If the account has a password assigned, you are asked for the password before you transfer to the account.
Page 3-8 KEY RETURN Chapter Three DESCRIPTION (sometimes labeled ENTER or with an arrow that curves to the left) is the carriage return key. Just as you press the carriage return on a typewriter to begin a new line on the page, a RETURN tells the computer you are ending a line of input and you want to begin a new line. RETURN The computer does not normally process an instruction from you until you press RETURN to let it know you are finished with that line.
Getting Started See the table above for explanations of Page 3-9 RUBT OUR T and control characters. If you press the RETURN key before correcting your mistake, and the command you entered was not a valid AMOS command, AMOS lets you know it did not understand the command. For example: PRIMT RETURN ?PRIMT? (You meant to say PRINT.) After letting you know it does not understand the command, AMOS displays its prompt symbol. You can now try again.
Page 3-10 Chapter Three Diskettes have a finite lifetime, so be sure to make backup copies of your diskettes from time to time. The System Operator's Guide for your operating system version explains the procedures and commands for backing up data onto diskettes. Using Diskettes If you haven't used diskettes before, take a few minutes to look at one before you insert it in the drive. The figures below illustrate two types of diskettes. Figure 3-1: 5.25" Diskette Figure 3-2: 3.
Getting Started Page 3-11 hard plastic case surrounding the diskette. The cutout or door is the window through which the disk drive reads the data on the more fragile diskette as the inner disk rotates within the jacket or case. If you are using 5.25" diskettes, note the small notch in the side of the diskette jacket—this is the write protect notch. When this notch is covered with a small, self-adhesive tab, the drive cannot write on that diskette. If you are using 3.
Page 3-12 Chapter Three Figure 3-3: Inserting a 5.25" Diskette Figure 3-4: Inserting a 3.5" Diskette To insert a diskette, hold it so the side with the label is up and the cutout or door is pointing away from you. For a 5.25" diskette, open the drive door by turning the lever so it points toward the red indicator light. Insert the diskette so the oval cutout is on same side as the lever. Close the drive door by turning the lever 90 degrees clockwise.
Getting Started Page 3-13 and when you want to write on the diskette, the data may get scrambled! When you boot the computer, the boot process automatically mounts your boot device, DSK0:. You must mount any other disk devices in order to use them.
Page 3-14 Chapter Three Device Data Cartridge Maximum Capacity AM-625 DC6037 DC6150/DC600-XTD DC6250 DC6037 DC6150 DC6250 DC6320 DC6525 DC6037 DC6150 DC6250 DC6320 DC6525 MAGNUS 1.0 DC6037 DC6150 DC6250 DC6320 DC6525 MAGNUS 1.0 MAGNUS 2.
Getting Started Page 3-15 Loading and Unloading Tape Cartridges To avoid static discharge, always ground yourself by touching the metal chassis before loading or unloading a tape cartridge. 1. Press the button on the drive's front panel to open the tape drive door. 2. Hold the cartridge with the metal side down. The end of the tape cartridge with the write-protect switch will enter the drive first. 3. Insert the cartridge into the drive. Keep pushing until the cartridge stops, and then close the door.
Page 3-16 Chapter Three 3. Once the tape is loaded, the status lights on the drive will indicate the status of both the drive and the cartridge. See the manual that came with your tape drive for information on interpreting the status lights. 4. To unload the tape cartridge from the DAT drive, press the tape eject button, which is shown above. The drive will automatically eject the tape. For information on maintaining the DAT drive, see Chapter 6. AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev.
Chapter 4 - Where Do I Go From Here? Your Alpha Micro computer is extremely versatile—it can do so many different things that, at this point, you might be somewhat undecided as to where to start. Your next step is to learn something about the software you can run on your computer.
Page 4-2 Chapter Four • AlphaNET is a low-cost way to transfer files, exchange information, and share resources between different Alpha Micro computers. Text Preparation If you are going to be creating documents on your computer, you will be interested in the word processing programs available. AlphaVUE, a screen-oriented text editor, allows you to use your terminal to create and change documents. You see the text of your letter or report on the terminal screen as you enter it on the keyboard.
Where Do I Go From Here? Page 4-3 • AlphaMAIL is an electronic mail system for sending and receiving messages and reminders among multiple users and, combined with AlphaTCP, over the Internet. • MULTI is a window-based environment manager, letting you use multiple programs on one terminal at the same time, and providing a number of desk accessory features, including a phone list, alarm clock, notepad, and others.
Page 4-4 Chapter Four "I Want To Do Text Processing" If you want to use your computer to prepare documents, there are several books you should look at: The AlphaVUE User's Manual for information on the AlphaVUE screen-oriented text editor; the TXTFMT User's Manual for information on the TXTFMT text formatting program; and the AlphaVUE/TXTFMT Training Guide, a tutorial on document preparation for the computer novice.
Chapter 5 - System Administration "System Operator" is the title we give the person whose job it is to make sure the computer runs efficiently, and who has access to the files and programs that comprise the system software. AMOS provides many program tools to support system administration functions. This chapter covers many of these procedures, including: • Backing up your data. • Allocating disk accounts.
Page 5-2 Chapter Five Because both backup and diagnostic procedures usually must be done when only one job is accessing the disks, it is wise to run them when other users are off the computer (for example, at night or on weekends). By using the Task Manager, or the SLEEPR command within a command file, you can run backups and tests in the middle of the night when they won't interfere with other users. See the Task Manager User's Manual for details on how to do this.
System Administration Page 5-3 1. If you want to see a list of the disk devices on your computer, type: SYSTAT RETURN The end of the display lists the available disk devices. Decide what device you want to add the accounts to. 2. Log into account [1,2] on any disk device (for example, DSK0:). Type: LOG DSK0:[1,2] RETURN If you weren't already logged into another account, you'll need to enter your user name after the LOG command. If there's a password for this account, you'll be asked for it, too. 3.
Page 5-4 Chapter Five MODIFYING THE SYSTEM INITIALIZATION FILE The name of the system initialization file for your computer is usually AMOS32.INI. This special file in account DSK0:[1,4] defines to the AMOS operating system all of the devices connected to your computer, the jobs that will run on the computer, and special programs which need to be loaded into memory. As requirements change or as devices are added on to your computer, you must modify the system initialization file.
System Administration Page 5-5 :T ; JOBS 5 ; JOBALC JOB1 ; QUEUE 2000 ; TRMDEF TERM1,AM318=0:19200,ALPHA,200,200,200,EDITOR=15 ; PARITY ; Clear memory VER ; Unlock keyboard ; SCZDSP SCZR60.SYS ; PIC-encoded SCSI dispatcher ; DEVTBL DSK1,DSK2,DSK3,DSK4,DSK5 DEVTBL TRM,RES,MEM DEVTBL /STR0 ; Streaming tape device ; BITMAP DSK ; Paged bitmaps for AMOS 2.X ; ERSATZ ERSATZ.NEW MSGINI 20K ; SYSTEM SYSMSG.USA SYSTEM DCACHE.
Page 5-6 Chapter Five 3. To connect a printer to the parallel port, change the DEVICE statement in the printer initialization file to reference parallel port 0 (SEP0:). For example: DEVICE=SEP0: For information on printer initialization files and printer spoolers, see the System Operator's Guide for your version of AMOS. For information on constructing cables to connect a printer to a parallel port, see Appendix A.
System Administration Page 5-7 • AM318 is the name of the interface driver for the circuit board the terminal is connected to. There is a corresponding software driver file in the DVR: account called AM318.IDV. • 1 is the octal number of the port the terminal is attached to. Each terminal must be connected to a unique port. • 19200 is the baud rate of the terminal. • ALPHA is the name of the terminal driver.
Page 5-8 Chapter Five In addition to many other pieces of information about the status of the computer, SYSTAT shows how much memory is assigned to each job. The SYSTAT command is explained in detail in the System Commands Reference Manual. If you decide to permanently change the amount of memory allocated to a job, you can modify the system initialization file following the instructions below. 1. Make a copy of the initialization file and edit it, as discussed previously. 2.
System Administration Page 5-9 The next two sections discuss two very useful diagnostic programs, REDALL and DSKANA. You can find more information on disk diagnostic programs in the System Operator's Guide and the AMOS User's Guide. The REDALL Command REDALL reads every block of data—or the number of blocks you choose—on the disk you specify, and reports any hard errors. It does not alter the data on your disk. REDALL works on both hard disks and diskettes.
Page 5-10 Chapter Five Use DSKANA frequently on all of your disks. It is a good practice to use DSKANA on every disk just before you back up the files on that disk. For more information on DSKANA, see the System Commands Reference Manual. NEVER use DSKANA (unless you are using the /C option described below) while other users are accessing the specified disk; doing so may damage the bitmap and the files on the disk. To use DSKANA, follow these steps: 1. Log into OPR: by typing: LOG OPR: RETURN 2.
System Administration Page 5-11 OPTION FUNCTION None Displays account numbers on disk and summary only. /C Same information as default, but does not rewrite bitmap. /E Lists files and blocks in which any errors occurred. /L Lists all files and blocks on the disk. To use one of these options, place it after the DSKANA command like this: DSKANA DSK1:/C RETURN As mentioned above, you need to use the /L or /E option to find the location of any file errors DSKANA detects.
Page 5-12 Chapter Five FORMATTING AND INITIALIZING A DISKETTE Before you use a new diskette for the first time, you must format it. Formatting configures the diskette so it is ready to receive and hold data in the pattern your computer uses. Then you must initialize the diskette, which sets up its initial account structure. Follow the steps below to format and initialize a diskette.
System Administration Page 5-13 Create extended directory structure? [NO] This option is normally used with hard disk drives where the standard logical size can be increased beyond the 32MB limit. The default response is NO. Press the RETURN key to accept the default response. 5. The diskette is now ready to use. To log into the diskette and write data to it, you need to add accounts to the diskette. Use the SYSACT A (Add) option as described earlier.
Chapter 6 - Preventive Maintenance Your computer requires little care. However, preventive maintenance is an integral part of keeping any computer running at peak efficiency. To safeguard your investment, we recommend you establish a regular maintenance schedule for your equipment. This chapter contains some recommended maintenance procedures for: • Diskettes, DAT cartridge, and streamer tape cartridges. • The diskette drive, as well as DAT and streaming tape drives. • The main enclosure.
Page 6-2 Chapter Six • Store cartridges with the write-protect switch in the SAFE position. • Keep magnets away from your tapes. Even weak magnets such as those in paper clip holders can erase data on a cartridge tape. • Don't expose tapes to very high or low humidity (more than 80% or less than 20%). • Cartridge tapes should be acclimated to computer-room temperature and humidity conditions before use.
Preventive Maintenance Page 6-3 Whenever the tape cartridge status light flashes, you should clean the drive heads with a cleaning cartridge. As routine maintenance, the drive heads should be cleaned after every 50 hours of operation. To clean the heads on the DAT drive, use a DAT cleaning cartridge designed for your drive. The cleaning cartridge contains the correct recognition holes to allow the DAT drive to identify it as a cleaning cartridge.
Chapter 7 - Troubleshooting Procedures We are sure you will find your Alpha Micro computer easy to install and use, and be pleased with its exceptional reliability. However, if a problem should occur, look at the list of symptoms below to find practical information on diagnosing and correcting the problem. Some of the problems below are the result of improper installation, while others can occur through user error.
Page 7-2 Chapter Seven Symptom #2: Scrambled Characters on the Terminal Screen If the characters you see on the screen after you boot are not legible text, perform the procedures listed below in the order given: [ [ [ [ [ [ ] Check Power/Run/Memory Lights ] Check the System Status Codes ] Check Terminal/Printer ] Powerup/Reset ] Self Test ] Alternate Boot (Procedure #1) (Procedure #2) (Procedure #4) (Procedure #3) (Procedure #5) (Procedure #6) Symptom #3: Computer Does Not Finish Booting The operator t
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-3 1. Press the power button to turn the computer off. Make sure the power cord is not damaged and is the correct type for your geographical area. Make sure it is plugged in firmly on both ends. If there is a problem with the cord, correct it and go to "Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset." If the computer comes up correctly, your problem is fixed. 2. Check the electrical source by plugging something else into the outlet, such as a lamp.
Page 7-4 D. Chapter Seven No problem was found in this section. Please perform the next procedure on your checklist. Procedure #2: Check the Computer Status Codes The section below assumes your computer is not running the self test. For information on the status codes you can see when running the self test, refer to "Procedure #5: Self Test." For more information on the status codes mentioned below, refer to Chapter 8. Look at the front panel Status Display.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-5 J. If Status Code 2d or 3d remains on the display panel, your computer has encountered an error, perhaps due to faulty memory or addressing. Perform "Procedure #5: Self Test." If your computer does not pass the self test, call your VAR with the information from the test. Stop. K. If the status code is 80 through 8C, you are in the self test mode. Perform "Procedure #3: Powerup/Reset.
Page 7-6 Chapter Seven D. If the computer did not boot successfully, try turn the computer off and back on again, following these steps: 1. If your computer has a diskette drive, remove any diskette in the drive. 2. Turn off the power to any terminals, printers, and other peripheral devices connected to the computer. 3. Turn off the computer and wait a few seconds. 4. Turn on all of the terminals, printers, and peripheral devices connected to the computer. 5. Turn on the computer.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-7 4. If there is a problem with the terminal cables, correct the problem and reset the computer. If it comes up normally and the terminals seem to work all right, your problem is fixed. D. Disconnect all terminals except the terminal you are testing. E. Reset the computer. If it comes up normally, and there is no problem with the terminal, you know one of the other terminals may be the problem. F. Connect another terminal and go to Step D again.
Page 7-8 Chapter Seven If the test mode tells you what the problem is, correct the problem and reset the computer. If it comes up normally and the terminal works all right, you have fixed the problem. K. You were not able to find a specific problem with the terminal. Call your VAR if you still suspect a problem with your terminal. L. Return to the current procedure or go on to the next procedure on your checklist. Procedure #5: Self Test A.
Troubleshooting Procedures G. Page 7-9 Observe the front panel Status Display and the screen. If a blinking error code appears on the front panel Status Display, check it off on the Self Test Checker. As each test finishes, note whether the component being tested passed or failed. If an error occurs during the Memory Test, the addresses of the errors display on the screen. Jot them down on the Self Test Checker. H. Stop the self test at an appropriate time.
Page 7-10 Chapter Seven Serial Port Test Steady Blinking A0 Hard Disk Test Steady Blinking A8 A0/½* VCR Test Steady Blinking b0 A8 b0 A9/11 b1 AA/11 b3 Ab/11 Table 7-2: Self Test Checker (2) Diskette Drive Test Steady Blinking b8 b8 b9 bb bc Table 7-3: Diskette Drive Test (Self Test Checker) A / indicates two codes blink alternately. An * indicates the code is in the range shown. X stands for any single digit.
Troubleshooting Procedures Page 7-11 If the computer boots, there is probably some scrambled data on your hard disk preventing the computer from booting from it. Although once you are familiar with the computer you can easily restore the System Disk yourself, we recommend that as a new user you contact your VAR for help. Stop. If the computer does not boot, you may have a more serious problem. Contact your VAR for help. B.
Chapter 8 - Status Display Codes Your computer provides various tools for you to use to assure yourself your computer is healthy and operating as it should. For instance, your computer is capable of testing itself and checking most of its own internal components for proper operation. Besides letting you know when things are working correctly, if a problem should occur, these tools help you find the cause.
Page 8-2 Chapter Eight Front Panel Status Code Description 0 Computer is functioning normally. 4 System has gone under 100 queue blocks remaining. This code displays until replaced by another, even if the system now has over 100 queue blocks. At a convenient time, allocate more system queue blocks in the system initialization file. 7 LEVEL7 debugger is active. Will occur only when the LEVEL7 software is loaded in system memory. Refer to the LEVEL7 documentation for details.
Status Display Codes Page 8-3 Front Panel Status Code Description 24 Reading the Master File Directory (MFD) from disk. An error at this point indicates disk problems in the alternate boot device. 25 Searching for the User File Directory (UFD) account [1,2] on the first logical of the alternate boot device. 26 Searching for a BADBLK.SYS file in account [1,2] on the first logical of the alternate boot device. Valid only on disk drives that use a BADBLK.SYS file. 27 Loading BADBLK.
Page 8-4 Chapter Eight Front Panel Status Code Description 35 Searching for the User File Directory (UFD) account [1,2] on first logical of the primary boot device. 36 Searching for a BADBLK.SYS file on the first logical of the primary boot device. Valid only on disk drives that use a BADBLK.SYS file. 37 Loading BADBLK.SYS on the first logical of the primary boot device. Valid only on disk drives that use a BADBLK.
Status Display Codes Page 8-5 Front Panel Status Code 49 4A - 4E Description An internal fault has occurred in the UPS and it is in bypass. Not valid. 4F UPS cable has been unplugged from UPS port. 88 Trying to execute an unimplemented SVCA (Monitor) call. 95 Logger CREATE error. 96 Logger CLOSE error. 97 Logger FILOTX error. 98 Logger OPENA error. 99 Logger semaphore not available. B0 CMOS batteries need to be replaced. Data that was stored in CMOS RAM is not guaranteed.
Page 8-6 Chapter Eight Front Panel Status Code Description F5 TRAPV instruction. F6 Privilege violation. F7 TRACE return. F8 Coprocessor protocol violation. F9 EM1111. FA FPCP branch or set on unordered condition, or FPCP inexact result, or FPCP divide by zero, or FPCP underflow, or FPCP operand error, or FPCP overflow, or FPCP signaling NAN, or FPCP unimplemented data type.
Appendix A - Connector Configurations The types and number of connectors found on the rear panel of your AM-6000 will vary, depending on the hardware configuration you order. SERIAL I/O CONNECTORS The AM-6000's I/O interface board, the AM-319-20, includes four on-board RS-232 serial ports. All four serial ports have standard RJ-45 connectors and use the AM318.IDV interface driver for octal port numbers 0 through 3.
Page A-2 Appendix A You enable these specific signals by attaching cable wires to certain connector pins. If a terminal or printer manufacturer says their device is RS-232 or RS-232C compatible, it will probably be easy for you to connect it to your Alpha Micro computer system. Before constructing the cable to connect a printer or terminal to your Alpha Micro computer system, you need to consult the manufacturer's manual accompanying the device.
Connector Configurations Page A-3 2. Signal conditioning equipment (for example, a "short haul modem") can improve signal quality. Cable Type We recommend you use a twisted paired shielded and jacketed cable. The cable should be rated at least CMP Level 3, but you can use CMP Level 5 cable for lines longer than 100 feet. Most cities require that any low voltage communication cable have a CMP, Communication cable Plenum rating.
Page A-4 Appendix A The technique for making an adequately shielded cable involves connecting the metal cable hood to the cable drain wires to ensure electrical continuity. Please refer to the figure above. When you strip the end of the shielded cable to allow access to the signal wires, also strip a small amount of the plastic coating back from the interior foil layer of the cable. Trim the drain wires and bend them down over the plastic coating of the cable.
Connector Configurations Page A-5 RS-232 DB-9 to DB-25 Terminal Cables This section tells you which pins to connect to construct cables for particular terminals supported by Alpha Micro. We have grouped the signals into pairs which will also allow longer and more reliable communication to the computer system. The AM-60, AM-62, and AM-70 terminals are all RS-232 devices and use the same cabling. The AM62A, AM-65, AM-72, and AM-75 terminals, when used as RS-232 devices, also use these pinouts.
Page A-6 Appendix A Workstation Connection Cables For RJ-45 connectors, use the standard AM-359-50 cable set or straight RJ-45 patch cords. The RJ-45 connectors use the same pin-outs as DB-9 connectors. RS-232 pin assignments for connecting an IBM PC-compatible workstation to the Alpha Micro computer are listed in the tables below.
Connector Configurations Page A-7 RS-232 RJ-45 TO DB-25 CABLES FOR TERMINALS AND PRINTERS The following table shows the signal-to-pin orientation of each of the AM-6000's four on-board serial I/O connectors. Note that this particular cable uses an RJ-45 to RJ-45 patch cord, and a DB-25 connector adapter to interface to the terminal or printer. The AM-359 serial I/O paddle cards can use an identical cable when required.
Page A-8 Appendix A PARALLEL PRINTER PORTS AM-6000 computers have four high-speed parallel ports. All the parallel ports on the AM-6000 support the industry standard Centronics interface. The signal pinouts for the parallel ports are as follows: To insure the reliability and performance of your parallel ports, avoid using parallel printer cables longer than six feet.
Connector Configurations Page A-9 AM-6000 UPS STATUS PORT The UPS status port on the back panel of the AM-6000 is a male DB-9 connector. The UPS system also has a male DB-9 connector for its switch contact port. To connect the UPS to the computer you will need a cable with two female DB-9 connectors. The following table shows the pinout connections required to make this cable.
Page A-10 Appendix A RJ-45 Pin Number 1 2 3 6 Signal Name Transmit Data + Transmit Data Receive Data + Receive Data - Table A-8: 10BaseT (RJ-45) Connector Signals The 10BaseT specification allows a maximum distance of 100m (approx. 300 feet) between the computer and hub. AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev.
Appendix B - The Control Characters Your terminal keyboard allows you to type control characters which perform special functions. A control character is the signal transmitted to the computer when you hold down the CTRL key and press another key at the same time. The following list contains the most important control characters. The AMOS User's Guide contains a complete list of control characters and their functions. Control-C Control-C is the system interrupt command.
Page B-2 Control-Q Appendix B When you press CTRL / S (described above) to freeze the screen display, you must press CTRL / Q to resume the screen display. If you have typed anything while the Control-S was in effect, a Control-Q tells AMOS it can now go ahead and act upon that input. Try this: Press CTRL / S , then type DIR RETURN , and then PRINT RETURN . The commands aren't displayed on the screen and it appears that nothing happened.
Appendix C - Super I/O Super I/O is designed to significantly increase character output for all serial ports using the AM318.IDV or AM359B.IDV drivers. This includes all AM-359 board serial I/O ports, as well as the AM-6000's four on-board serial ports. The more terminals you have on your system performing character output, the more you will benefit from Super I/O.
Page C-2 Appendix C Disabling Super I/O on Individual AM-359 Boards When your computer is processing your system initialization command file, it loads a copy of the AM359.IDV file when it encounters the first TRMDEF statement for an I/O board. This same copy of the .IDV file is used for all subsequent I/O boards. This being the case, if you use the /O switch in the first AM-359 TRMDEF statement, Super I/O is disabled on all I/O boards in your computer.
Appendix D - SCSI Termination SCSI TERMINATION USING EXTERNAL TERMINATOR OPTION The preferred method of terminating the SCSI bus in an AMOS based computer is the installation of an external terminator. In April 1993, the external SCSI bus terminator became standard on all AMOS computers. Using an external terminator makes installing an add-on subsystem (like a portable CDROM drive) easier, eliminating the need to remove terminators from a SCSI device located in the host computer.
Page D-2 Appendix D Figure A-1 shows an extended active external narrow SCSI connector and bail locks for holding the terminator in place. This configuration is used on almost all of Alpha Micro's currently available product. The terminator is installed by sliding it over the connector and then latching the bail locks into the notches in the terminator. ATTACHING EXTERNAL DEVICES To attach an external SCSI device, you must remove the terminator from the external SCSI port.
Appendix E - Read-Ahead and Write Buffering INTRODUCTION Earlier AMOS systems achieved high levels of performance by using an intelligent disk controller (such as the AM-520) to offload a large portion of the CPU overhead associated with disk access. A benefit of this offloading is that extra cycles are available on the controller to perform functions such as read-ahead and write buffering.
Page E-2 Appendix E Programs that do significant random disk access (such as RNDRED) tend to slow down with this readahead scheme. Most of the slowdown is caused by "thrashing" of the disk cache, where cache entries that will be used again are removed from the cache due to the allocation requirements of the read-ahead blocks (which typically are never used).
Read-Ahead and Write Buffering Page E-3 Write buffering can speed up the write process. When write buffering is enabled, all writes to the SCSI disk are first transferred into a buffer. If the write buffer becomes at least half full, or around three quarters of a second passes with no reads, or if a preset "guaranteed flush" time-out occurs, the SCZR60.DVR disk driver will begin scanning through the write buffer, finding blocks that need to be written out to the drive.
Page E-4 Appendix E The buffer-size is the size of the write buffer (you specify the size in Kilobytes). We advise a buffer size of 100K to 200K. The flush-period is the maximum number of seconds data may be left in the write buffer without being written to the disk. For example, if you specify 30, you will know that after 30 seconds any pending writes will be written to the disk. This is true even if the disk is constantly busy servicing reads.
Document History Revision A00 Date May, 1997 Description Initial release. A01 May, 1998 Small corrections to Chapter 8 and Appendix A. A02 August, 1998 Change maximum memory size to 512MB. AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev.
Index 1 10BaseT connections · A-9 A AC power receptacle · 2-10 Accounts adding new · 5-2 organization · 5-2 password · 3-7, 5-2 AlphaBASIC · 1-10, 4-1, 4-4 AlphaBASIC PLUS · 1-10, 4-1, 4-4 AlphaCALC · 4-2 AlphaMAIL · 4-3 AlphaNET · 4-2 AlphaTCP · 1-9, 4-1 AlphaVUE · 4-2, 4-4, B-1 AlphaWRITE · 4-2 Alternate boot · 7-10 Alternate boot device · 3-3, 7-10 AM-219 floppy controller board · 1-7 format with FMT219 · 5-12 AM-990 · 1-2 Front panel · 2-4 Keylock switch · 2-4 power light · 2-4 reset button · 2-4 run l
Page 2 turning off power · 2-14 turning on power · 2-11 unpacking · 2-1 Configuration · 7-11 boot monitor file · 3-3, 3-4 system initialization file · 2-15, 3-3, 5-4, 5-6 Control panel · 2-3 CPU · 1-5 D DAT drive · 1-7, 3-13 cleaning · 6-2 using · 3-15 Data cables · 2-10 Deskside chassis · 1-1 front panel · 2-3 power light · 2-3 reset button · 2-4 Device definition · 5-5 drivers · 4-2 names · 3-4 system disk · 3-5 DEVTBL command · 3-5 Diagnostic programs · 8-1 DSKANA · 5-9, 7-5 REDALL · 5-9, E-1 Diagonstic
Index ESCAPE key · 3-7 RETURN key · 3-7 RUB key · 3-7 SHIFT key · 3-7 L Line editor · 3-9, 5-7, B-2 LOG command · 3-6, 5-3, C-1 M Memory · 1-5, 5-7, 7-3 error · 7-9 external cache · 1-5 instruction and data · 1-5 SIMMs · 1-5 MEMORY command · 5-8 MOUNT command · 3-13 MULTI · 4-3 N Navigation · B-1 Network options · 1-7 interface type · 3-4 Page 3 troubleshooting · 7-6, A-7 Printer cable · 1-7, 7-6, A-7 Printer ports · 1-4 Programming languages · 4-1 AlphaBASIC · 4-1 AlphaBASIC Plus · 4-1 COBOL · 4-1 FORT
Page 4 Index features · C-1 reactivating · C-1 SYSACT command · 5-2, 5-12 SYSTAT command · 3-5, 5-3, 5-8 SYSTEM command · E-4 System disk · 7-10 definition · 3-5 System initialization file · 2-15, 3-3, 5-6, 7-11 example · 5-4 modifying · 2-15, 5-4 System Operator · 5-1 powerup/reset · 7-3, 7-5 printer · 7-6, A-7 procedures · 7-2 scrambled characters · 7-2 self test · 7-5, 7-8, 8-1, 8-6 status display · 7-3, 7-4, 7-8, 8-6 symptoms · 7-1, 7-2 terminal · 7-6, 7-7 Turning off power · 2-14 Turning on power ·
