AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide Order Number: EK–ALPSV–OG.
February 1996 October 1996 Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this publication will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. Stock No. 004-00398-5. All external cables connecting to this basic unit need to be shielded. For cables connecting to option boards, see the option manual or installation instructions.
Contents Preface About This Guide.............................................................................................................. xi Purpose and Audience ......................................................................................... xi Before You Use This Guide ................................................................................. xi Reader's Comment's ............................................................................................ xi Online Version...........
Connecting to Network Hardware ................................................................................... 2-8 Verifying Hardware Setup............................................................................................... 2-9 Locking Your System ................................................................................................... 2-11 Recording the System Unit Key Number .........................................................
Cleaning Your System Unit.............................................................................4-32 Cleaning Your Mouse .....................................................................................4-32 Cleaning Your Keyboard .................................................................................4-33 Moving Your System.......................................................................................4-33 Packing Your System ........................................................
Network Connections.................................................................................................... 6-12 Setting Network Configuration........................................................................ 6-12 Power Supply................................................................................................................ 6-12 Keyboard Type.............................................................................................................. 6-13 EISA and ISA Options.
Console Problems ...........................................................................................................8-8 Boot Problems...............................................................................................................8-10 Problems Detected by the Operating System.................................................................. 8-12 Storage Problems ..........................................................................................................
Preface About This Guide Purpose and Audience This guide describes how to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain your server system. This information is intended for users, system managers, and others who perform system management tasks. Before You Use This Guide If you have not already installed the system, refer to the installation card shipped with the system and to Chapter 2, "Hardware Installation," in this guide.
user's guide, plus an additional resource guide. You can install the CDROM on any personal computer running Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later, Microsoft Windows NT 3.1, or a Windows emulator. The disk on which you install the CDROM must have approximately four megabytes of free space available. Organization This guide is organized as follows: The Preface provides an overview of this guide. Chapter 1, "Overview," provides an overview of the system features and capabilities.
Conventions The following table lists the typographical conventions used in this guide. Convention Meaning Ctrl/x Ctrl/x indicates that you hold down the Ctrl key while you press another key, indicated here by x. Warning: Warnings contain information to prevent personal injury. Caution: Cautions provide information to prevent damage to equipment or software. Note: Notes provide important additional information that you may need when performing certain procedures.
Related Documentation This section lists related documents that you may find helpful when operating your system or adding options.
1 Overview Introduction This chapter provides an overview of your system features and capabilities. The following topics are covered: System Overview Supported Operating Systems Console Firmware System Features Front Panel Controls and Indicators Rear Panel Ports and Slots Internal System Options External Options Ordering Options System Overview This high-performance, single-processor system is intended for use as a local area network (LAN) server or commercial applications server.
This system is intended for the following types of uses: As an applications server, running relational databases, electronic mail, communications, or other applications As a print server, providing common printing resources to PCs and other systems in a LAN As a file server, providing disk storage to PCs and other systems in a LAN As a compute server, displaying the output of applications that you run remotely on the server Supported Operating Systems This system supports the following operating systems: M
a menu-based interface designed to facilitate hardware interaction with the Windows NT operating system. The OpenVMS Alpha and Digital UNIX (SRM) console firmware has a command line interface for hardware interaction with the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating systems. Table 1-1 Console Firmware Tasks You Are Using... And You Want to...
System Features The system provides a number of special features that enhance its reliability, ensure its availability, and improve its expansion capabilities, as well as facilitate hardware management and improve security. Reliability/Availability • 64-bit Alpha RISC architecture Provides significantly better performance than 32-bit architecture. • Error Correction Code (ECC) memory and CPU cache Allows recovery from most cache and memory errors.
• Capacity for 10 internal storage devices Accommodates one StorageWorks modular storage system, which supports up to seven 3½-inch SCSI drives. The system also supports up to two 5½-inch, half-height drives (CDROM or tape), and one 3½-inch diskette drive. • External ports Two serial ports and one parallel port support external options such as a printer, modem or local terminal. • Wide-ready SCSI backplane Provides high-performance drive technology.
Front Panel Controls and Indicators The controls and indicators on the front panel of the system unit are shown in Figure 1-1 and described in Table 1-2. Figure 1-1 shows the locations of the controls and indicators on the front panel of the system unit.
Front Panel Controls and Indicators Description Table 1-2 describes how the front panel controls and indicators function. Table 1-2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators Control or Indicator Function Halt switch Halts an OpenVMS or Digital UNIX system, returning it to console mode control Does not affect a Windows NT system.
Front Panel Switches The On/Off, reset, and halt switches are located on the left side of the front panel. They are identified by the icons shown in Figure 1-2.
Rear Panel Ports and Slots The ports and slots on the rear of the system unit are shown and described in Table 1-3.
Rear Panel Ports and Slots Description Table 1-3 describes the rear panel ports and slots shown in Figure 1-3. Table 1-3 Rear Panel Ports and Slots Port or Slot Used to connect....
Figure 1-4 shows the locations of the storage option compartments. Figure 1-4 Storage Option Compartments Tape Drive Compartment CDROM Drive Compartment Diskette Drive Compartment StorageWorks Drives Shelf MA00907 PCI, EISA, and ISA Options The system supports EISA, ISA, and PCI options, including those for: SCSI storage expansion Networking and Communications Graphics Memory Options You can increase your system's memory to one gigabyte by using various combinations of memory options.
Memory options consist of five single in-line memory modules (SIMMs), including one ECC module: a 16-MB option consisting of 4-MB modules, a 32-MB option consisting of 8-MB modules, a 64-MB option consisting of 16-MB modules, a 128MB option consisting of 32-MB modules, and a 256-MB option consisting of 64-MB modules.
2 Hardware Installation Introduction This chapter explains how to set up and install your system hardware. The following topics are discussed: Hardware Setup Overview Selecting a System Location Identifying Accessories Connecting a Keyboard, Mouse, or Printer Connecting a Monitor or Terminal Connecting to Network Hardware Verifying Hardware Setup Locking Your System Hardware Setup Overview The steps for setting up your hardware are summarized as follows.
Selecting a System Location When choosing a system location, keep in mind the optimal environmental conditions and power requirements for the system. Be sure to keep the system in an upright position. Figure 2-1 shows the system dimensions and the clearance needed to access the system for servicing. Figure 2-1 System Dimensions and Service Area 35 cm (14.1 in) 53 cm (21 in) 44 cm (17.
Power Requirements Your system ships with one primary power supply and the option of a second power supply. The second power supply provides redundant power to the system. Both the primary and secondary power supplies connect to an AC outlet. An internal cable connecting the two power supplies is required when using the second power supply. Voltage selection is not required. The system is intended for use at all rated ACinput voltages.
Identifying Accessories Figure 2-3 shows the accessories that are included with the system. Table 2-2 describes the accessories.
Optional Accessories Table 2-4 lists optional accessories that you may want to order, depending on your system's configuration. Table 2-4 Optional Accessories Accessory Description Monitor or terminal VGA or SVGA monitor or terminal Second power supply Provides redundant power in case primary power supply fails.
Connecting a Monitor or Terminal Connect a VGA monitor, an SVGA monitor, or a terminal to your system unit, as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4 Connecting a Monitor or Terminal VGA Mouse Port Connection Keyboard Port Connection High-Performance Graphics Option Card Slot VTxxx Terminal Port (COM1)Connection MA00947 Connecting to Network Hardware Your system supports various network options. You can connect to ThinWire, AUI, or 10Base-T Ethernet networks as shown in Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5 Network Connections 10BASE-T Cable AUI Cable ThinWire Cable MA00938 Verifying Hardware Setup Before turning on the system, check that you have made all the proper cabling connections, as shown in Figure 2-6. Refer to the section, "Basic Operation," for information about turning on your system.
Locking Your System The system unit is protected by a key lock located on the front door that prevents unauthorized access to the hardware inside the unit. Turning the key to the left locks the front door. When the front door is locked, the top cover and side panels cannot be removed. Turning the key to the right unlocks the system unit and allows you access to install or remove system components. When the system unit is unlocked, push the lock to open the door.
Additional security is provided by a latching loop on the rear panel of the system unit that allows you to attach the system unit to a post or other fixed object. Recording the System Unit Key Number Write down the number and letter of the system unit key and record this information in a safe place in case you need to order a replacement key. Figure 2-8 shows the location of the key number on the system unit key.
3 Preparing to Install an Operating System Introduction This chapter covers the following topics: • Preparing to Install Windows NT • Preparing to Install Digital UNIX • Preparing to Install OpenVMS Alpha These sections explain how to prepare for installing or upgrading: Windows NT Server or Workstation 3.51 or later Digital UNIX Version 3.0B or later OpenVMS Alpha Version 6.
Microsoft Windows NT ARC firmware for the AlphaServer 1000A, Version 4.44 or later. The ARC firmware is a menu-driven utility to configure your system, and Version 4.44 is required to run Windows NT 3.51 or later. Microsoft Windows NT Server or Workstation 3.51 or later. The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) diskette for Microsoft Windows NT, Version 1.8 or later. A partitioned and formatted hard disk drive installed in your system.
Updating the Firmware When the ARC Boot menu is displayed, note the firmware version number at the top of the screen display. Compare this version number to the required version listed in your Windows NT documentation. If no update is required, proceed to the section, "Setting Default Environment Variables." If an update is required, follow these steps: 1. From the Boot menu, use the arrow keys to highlight the Supplementary menu, then press the Enter key. 2.
5. When prompted to enter SCSI bus and SCSI ID numbers, enter the SCSI bus and ID for the location for the system partition. These values are used to set an environment variable, which Windows NT uses to determine the correct drive and partition to boot from. If you are unsure about these values, simply accept the default values of 0.
box appears, indicating that the configuration has been saved, press the Enter key. Your system will restart with the updated information. Preparing Your Hard Disk If your first hard disk is already partitioned and formatted with either the FAT or NTFS file systems, you can omit the steps in the section "Partitioning and Formatting the First Hard Disk" and begin installation of the Microsoft Windows NT software.
7. Select "Create Partition" and press the Enter key. When the list of available disks appears, select the disk to be prepared and press the Enter key. You are prompted for the size of the partition. 8. Type 6 after the "Enter size" prompt, then press the Enter key. A 6-megabyte partition is created. This partition will be a file allocation table (FAT) system partition. Note that the number you enter depends on the maximum partition size. The number must equal the maximum size displayed minus 6.
and press the Enter key. At this point, installation of Windows NT begins. For further installation information, refer to your Windows NT documentation. Note: During installation, you are prompted for the location of the files for Microsoft Windows NT. Install the files into the larger of the two partitions you just created, and when prompted, format that partition with the NTFS file system.
5. From the Setup menu, select "Switch to OpenVMS or Digital UNIX console." This allows you to select your operating system console. 6. Select your operating system, then select "Enter" on the Setup menu. 7. When the system displays the message, "Power-cycle the system to implement the change," press the Reset button. These steps initiate loading of the firmware. Once the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha firmware is loaded and the system is initialized, the system displays the SRM console prompt (>>>). 8.
2. Be sure you know how to turn on and operate your system components, including the system unit, console, monitor or terminal, drives, and printer. Refer to the section, "Basic Operation" in this guide, if necessary. 3. Set up your system to record the installation procedure on either a hardcopy terminal or a printer attached to the console terminal. If you do not do this, the screen messages will be lost. You may want to record a transcript of screen messages to refer to during installation.
These steps initiate loading of the firmware. Once the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha firmware is loaded and the system is initialized, the system displays the SRM console prompt (>>>). 8. Verify the value of the set bus_probe_algorithm environment variable. It should be set to "new." (See "Booting the Operating System" in Chapter 4, "Basic Operation.
4 Basic Operation Introduction This chapter explains how to start and stop your system, issue console commands, and operate other basic system functions.
3. Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. If your system has two power supplies, plug in a power cord for each one. 4. Turn on any external options that are connected to the system. 5. Press the On/Off switch on the front of the system unit. The switch stays depressed in the "on" position. The green On/Off indicator on the front of the system will light. Figure 4-1 shows the location of the On/Off switch (1 shows the switch in the "on" position; 2 shows the switch in the "off" position).
Run the EISA Configuration Utility. Check required environment variable settings. Change the way your system powers up or boots. Verify your configuration. 8. Install the operating system. (Refer first to Chapter 3, "Preparing to Install an Operating System" and then refer to your operating system documentation.) 9. Reboot the system by pressing the Reset button. 10. If you encounter a problem, verify that you correctly followed steps 1 through 8. Refer to Chapter 8, "Troubleshooting" for more information.
Accessing the System from a Remote Location If you are running the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating systems, you can invoke console mode from a remote device that is connected to your system through one of the serial ports on the rear of the system. The default console port is COM1. (See Figure 1-3, which shows the rear panel ports and slots.) To access the system from a remote location, follow these steps: 1.
Interpreting Startup Messages After you turn the system on, the operator control panel and your monitor or terminal screen provide the following status information: The countdown and ready message on the operator control panel The system startup display on your monitor or terminal screen The Boot menu (for Windows NT systems) or the console prompt (for Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha systems) on your monitor or terminal screen Audible beep codes indicate startup errors.
Supplementary menu... Use the arrow keys to select, then press Enter. Systems with Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha If you are using the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating systems, the SRM console prompt is displayed after the system startup display. The prompt looks like this: >>> To display any messages that may have scrolled by, enter the cat el command or more el command at the console prompt. Either command lists the contents of the event log file one screen at a time.
Initializing firmware Initializing EISA bus 0 Initializing device drivers: NCRC810, SWXCR, QLOGIC, KZPSA...OK The Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha startup test displays indicate successful tests with the word OK. If the System Passes Startup Tests If the system passes the startup tests, it either boots the selected operating system or emits audible "beep" codes and halts in console mode, depending on the system default settings.
Caution: If you are running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating systems, press the Halt switch only after you have shut down the operating system using the proper shutdown procedure. The Halt switch does not affect the Windows NT operating system. To invoke console mode in Windows NT, shut down the operating system following the procedure described in the operating system documentation. Turn the system off and then on or press the Reset switch.
2. From the Supplementary menu, select "Set up the system." 3. From the Setup menu, select "Switch to OpenVMS or Digital UNIX console" to select your operating system console. 4. Press enter on the Setup menu. 5. When the system displays the message, "Power-cycle the system to implement the change," press the Reset button. Once the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha firmware is loaded and the system is initialized, the system displays the SRM console prompt (>>>).
Then turn the system off and then back on. This procedure loads the firmware. Once the Windows NT firmware is loaded and the system is initialized, the system displays the Windows NT Boot menu. Note: If the screen display shows option device names flashing, see "Troubleshooting," later in this guide.
Setup Menu Functions The Setup menu contains menu items that allow you to perform the following tasks: Set the system time Set the default system partition Configure the system floppy drives and keyboard Manage the Windows NT (ARC) boot selections Set the system to boot automatically Run the EISA Configuration Utility Edit the system environment variables Reset the system to factory defaults Set the default operating system and system firmware Return to the Supplementary menu, with or without saving Setup m
Table 4-1 Basic SRM Console Commands Task Command Syntax Boot the Windows NT (ARC) console firmware. arc arc Boot the operating system. boot boot [-flags [longword,]longword [-halt] [-filename] [boot_device] Display error logs. cat el cat el or more el Resume program execution. continue continue Invoke the EISA Configuration Utility. ecu ecu Display online help on using console commands. help help [command . . .] Initialize the system.
Comprehensive Commands Additional commands are available for system diagnosis and other complex tasks. Use of these commands requires detailed knowledge of your system. Do not use these commands without fully understanding the effect they can have on your system. To see a list of additional commands, enter help or man at the SRM console prompt.
>>> set password Please enter the password: Please enter the password again: Now enter the old password: >>> Note: The password length must be between 15 and 30 alphanumeric characters. Any characters after the 30th are not stored. If the validation password does not match the one previously set, the password does not change.
1. Check that the Halt switch is off. 2. Enter the login command. 3. When the Enter Password: prompt is displayed, press the Halt switch, then press Return. 4. Press the Halt switch off. The password is now cleared, and secure mode cannot be reinstated until you set a new password. Note: If you leave the Halt switch on after you clear the password, the system will not boot. The clear password Command The clear password command clears the environment variable, password, setting it to zero.
Table 4-2 Windows NT (ARC) Console Help Step Action Result 1 If necessary, enter the Windows The system displays the Windows NT console by shutting down the NT console Boot menu. operating system following the procedure described in the operating system documentation. Turn the system off and then on. 2 Choose "Supplementary menu..." The system displays the Supplementary menu. 3 Choose "Set up the system..." The system displays the Setup menu. 4 Choose Help menu and press Enter.
Setup Menu Help Example 4-4 shows the Setup menu help display. Example 4-4: Setup Menu Help Display Do the following steps, in this order, to set up the system: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Set system time. Set default environment variables. Set default configuration. Create at least one boot selection. Setup autoboot, if desired. Run the EISA configuration utility. -> An arrow next to a menu item means that something is wrong in this area of the machine, and you should select this item to fix it.
SYNOPSIS help [...] Command synopsis conventions: - Implies a placeholder for user specified item.
- ... Implies an item or list of items. [] Implies optional keyword or item. {a,b,c} Implies any one of a, b, c. {a|b|c} Implies any combination of a, b, c.
Booting the Operating System You may need to perform some of the following tasks before booting your operating system. Run the EISA Configuration Utility. Check required environment variable settings. Change the way your system powers up or boots. Verify your configuration. The remainder of this section contains more information about each of these tasks.
Changing Startup and Boot Defaults You can change the way the system starts up or boots the operating system. For example, you can set the system to autoboot or you can change the default boot device. To make these kinds of changes you need to change default values for your system's environment variables. To change default values for Windows NT systems, which boot automatically, you can prevent autoboot by selecting one of the menu options.
Table 4-3 Startup and Boot Environment Variables Operating System Environment Variable Value Description Digital UNIX auto_action OpenVMS Alpha Boot Halt Restart *Specifies the system default startup action. Applies only to the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha operating systems. Digital UNIX bus_probe_ algorithm OpenVMS Alpha New *Improves bus sizing and configuration on systems running the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS operating systems. Failure to set this environment variable could result in errors.
Entering the Windows NT Firmware The system enters and remains in the Windows NT firmware under the following conditions: When os_type is set to NT and autoload is set to NO When autoload is set to YES and you choose another menu item on the Boot menu before the countdown time limit expires.
Note: Switch back to the Windows NT (ARC) console before booting the Windows NT operating system. Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha Systems Use the following SRM console commands to verify system configuration for Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems.
Using the Windows NT Boot Menu Example 4-6 shows the Windows NT Boot menu. Example 4-6: Windows NT Boot Menu Alpha Firmware Version n.nn Copyright (c) 1993-1995 Microsoft Corporation Copyright (c) 1993-1995 Digital Equipment Corporation Boot menu: Boot the default operating system Boot an alternate operating system Run a program Supplementary menu... Use the arrow keys to select, then press Enter. Table 4-4 lists the steps you must follow to boot Windows NT from the Boot menu.
Windows NT Boot Selection Menu Use the Windows NT Boot selection menu to change boot selections for your system. Choose "Supplementary menu" from the Boot menu and then "Manage boot selection menu" to access the Boot selection menu. The following example shows the Windows NT Boot selection menu. Example 4-7: Windows NT Boot Selection Menu Alpha Firmware Version n.
When the system is shipped with Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha software installed, the system default settings cause the system to boot from the system disk automatically after it successfully completes the startup tests. You can change these settings if, for example, you want the system to halt at the console prompt (>>>) after it completes the startup tests.
Figure 4-2 Storage Devices CDROM Drive Diskette Drive Tape Drive StorageWorks Disk Drive MA00911 Figure 4-3 Location of Storage Devices Tape Drive Compartment CDROM Drive Compartment Diskette Drive Compartment StorageWorks Drives Shelf AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide MA00907 Basic Operation • 4-27
Using a Diskette Drive Diskette drives read information from removable diskettes. The diskette drive is located to the left of the removable-media mass storage compartment, below the CDROM drive. The diskette drive components are shown in Figure 4-4. To insert a diskette into a diskette drive: 1. Set the write-protect switch on the diskette to either the write-protected or writeenabled position. 2. Insert the diskette as shown in the figure. The activity indicator lights when the systems reads the diskette.
Using a CDROM Drive CDROM drives read information from removable CDROMs (read-only compact discs).Your system uses a CDROM drive that has an automatic loading/ejection feature that is functional only when power is supplied. The CDROM drive on your system may or may not use a disc caddy. Figure 4-5 shows the components of a caddyless CDROM drive. Caution: Handle a CDROM by its edges. Do not touch the surface of a CDROM. Fingerprints and dust can cause the CDROM to malfunction.
To remove a caddyless disc from the drive: 1. Press the drive Eject button (5). The CDROM drawer opens approximately one inch. 2. Gently pull the drawer out far enough so that you can remove the compact disc. 3. Remove the disc from the drawer. 4. Push the drawer back into the drive. Note: If the CDROM drawer will not open when you press the Eject button, use the following emergency procedure: Insert the end of a paper clip (no more than 2.
Figure 4-6 Inserting a Disc in a Drive with a Caddy 1 2 3 4 52XXX XX XXXX X MA004 XXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXX XX XXXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XX XXXX XXXXX MA00452 To remove a disc from a drive with a caddy: 1. Press the drive Eject button (4). The CDROM caddy ejects from the drive. 2. Remove the disc from the caddy.
Using a StorageWorks Disk Drive StorageWorks disk drives are mass storage devices. They are located in a seven-bay shelf on the front right of the system unit, behind the door. When the system is turned on and during periods of activity, the StorageWorks disk drive indicator lights blink, but do not stay on. Table 4-5 explains the meaning of the indicator lights.
Cleaning Your Keyboard From time to time, your keyboard keys may get dirty with use. Clean them with a clean cloth that has been lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution. Moving Your System Perform the following steps before moving or shipping the system: 1. Back up all files stored on the hard disk drive. 2. Turn off the system, the external peripherals, and the monitor or terminal. 3. Disconnect the power cord for each power supply from the wall outlet and from the back of the system unit. 4.
5 Installing and Removing Components Introduction This chapter explains how to prepare for and perform installation and removal of your system's components. You need to perform these procedures in order to upgrade your system or replace defective components. Topics covered in this chapter are listed below. Caution: Be sure to follow the appropriate antistatic precautions whenever handling internal components.
Preparing to Install or Remove Components To prepare your system for installation and removal of components, you will need to assemble the required equipment, familiarize yourself with antistatic precautions, and remove the top and side panels of the system unit. Required Equipment You need the following equipment to perform the installation and removal procedures described in the following sections.
Figure 5-1 Attaching the Antistatic Wrist Strap MA00913 Top Cover and Side Panels Depending on the components involved, you may not need to remove all panels from the system unit. The top cover and left side panel must be removed to install or remove any internal component; the right side panel, to install or remove a power supply or second SCSI controller that will connect to internal drives.
3. Set the On/Off switch on the system unit to the off position. An interlocking sensor switch inside the system unit (see Figure 9-4) will automatically turn off the system if you remove the top cover and have not turned off the system. 4. Turn the front door lock to the right to unlock the system unit. 5. Pull down the top cover release latch on the front of the system until it catches in the down position. 6.
Replacing the Top Cover and Side Panels Follow these steps and refer to Figure 5-3 to replace the top cover and side panels of the system unit: 1. Align the guides on the top and bottom inside of the side panel with the lip of the system unit frame. 2. Tilt the side panel top towards the unit and lift the flange at the top of the panel over the system unit frame. 3. Slide the panel forward into position. (Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the other panel.) 4.
Memory Modules The system unit supports 20 single in-line memory module (SIMM) connectors on the system board. The SIMM connectors are grouped in four memory banks consisting of five memory modules, including one for ECC (Error Correction Code). Figure 5-4 shows the four memory banks and their memory module connectors. Keep in mind the following rules when installing memory modules: A memory option consists of five memory modules.
Removing Memory Modules Caution: To avoid electrostatic damage to components, use an antistatic wrist strap while handling these components (see the section, "Antistatic Precautions"). You may need to remove memory modules to either remove or install another memory module. Note the position of any memory modules that you remove. Figure 5-5 shows the removal procedure for a memory module. To remove a memory module: 1.
Figure 5-5 Removing a Memory Module MA00233 1 2 Installing Memory Modules You need to install a new memory module to replace a faulty module or when upgrading a memory bank. You may need to remove memory modules in order to access the memory slots for any new modules (see the earlier section, "Removing Memory Modules"). To install a memory module, refer to Figure 5-6 and follow these steps: 1.
Figure 5-6 Installing a Memory Module 1 MA00234 2 AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide Installing and Removing Components • 5-9
PCI, EISA, and ISA, Option Cards For a description of available system options, see the section, "Upgrade Options," in Chapter 7, "Upgrading." Installing and removing PCI, EISA, and ISA, option cards includes these tasks: Installing an Option Card Removing an Option Card Testing an Option Card Installation Configuring an Option Card Figure 5-7 shows the option card slots on the system board.
Installing an Option Card To install a PCI, EISA, or ISA option card on the system board, refer to Figures 5-8 and 5-9, and follow the steps below. Note: If you want to install a high-performance graphics option card, you must disable the SVGA jumper (J27) on the system board. Figure 9-6 in Chapter 9, "Quick Reference" shows the jumper location.
Figure 5-8 PCI, EISA, and ISA Option Cards ISA EISA MA00236 PCI 2. Remove the screw securing the slot cover to the chassis. 3. Remove the slot cover from the system unit and store it for future use. 4. Carefully install the option card into the appropriate connectors on the system board and press it firmly into place. 5. Secure the option card to the chassis using the screw you removed. 6.
Figure 5-9 Installing or Removing an Option Card Slot Cover Screw Option Card MA00917 Removing an Option Card To remove an EISA, ISA, or PCI option card from the system unit, refer to Figure 59 and follow the steps below. Caution: Static electricity can damage electronic components. Use an antistatic wrist strap while handling these components. 1. Disconnect any cables connected to the external or internal ports on the option card you want to remove. 2.
Testing an Option Card Installation To test an option card installation, follow the steps in Table 5-1 and refer to Example 5-1. Caution: Reassemble the system following the procedures listed in "Replacing the Top Cover and Side Panels." Table 5-1 Testing with the show config Display Step Action Result 1 Enter the show config command to display the system configuration. The system responds with a display similar to that shown in Example 5-1.
Example 5-1 The show config Command Display >>> show config Firmware SRM Console: X4.4-5365 ARC Console: 4.43p PALcode: VMS PALcode X5.48-115, OSF PALcode X1.35-84 Serial ROM: X2.1 Processor DECchip (tm) 21064A-6 266 MEMORY 32 Meg of System Memory Bank 0 = 32 Mbytes (8 MB Per Simm) Starting at 0x00000000 PCI Bus Bus 00 Bus 00 Slot 07: Intel 8275EB PCI to Eisa Bridge Slot 08: Digital PCI to PCI Bridge Chip Bus 02 Slot 00: ISP1020 Scsi Controller pka0.7.0.2000.0 Scsi Bus ID 7 dka0.0.0.2000.
Configuring an Option Card Depending on the type of option card you install, you may or may not need to configure it. When installing EISA and ISA option cards, refer to the system startup display screen to see if configuration of the card is required. After you turn on the system, the system startup sequence examines the EISA option slots and reports whether you need to run the EISA Configuration Utility. See the section, "EISA and ISA Options" in Chapter 6, "Configuring" for more information.
Identifying the Drive Bays The system contains four storage drive bays, shown in Figure 5-10.
Installing a Tape Drive To install or replace a tape drive, refer to Figure 5-11 and follow these steps: 1. If you have not done so already, remove the original drive that you want to replace. To remove the tape drive, reverse the order of steps 3 to 7 in this installation procedure. 2. If you are replacing a drive, set the SCSI ID jumpers on the replacement drive to the same ID as the original drive. If you are installing a drive, set the SCSI device ID to 5.
Figure 5-11 Installing a Tape Drive Bracket Screw Tape Drive and Bracket Bracket Screw Data Cable Bracket Screw Power Cable MA00942 Removing a Tape Drive To remove a tape drive, reverse the order of steps 3 to 7 in the installation procedure.
Installing a CDROM Drive To install or replace a CDROM drive, refer to Figure 5-12 and follow these steps: 1. Before you can install the CDROM drive, you must first remove the tape drive and tape drive bracket. See "Removing a Tape Drive" earlier in this section. 2. If you have not done so already, remove the drive you want to replace. 3. Set the SCSI ID on the replacement drive to the same ID as the original drive. If you are installing a drive, set the SCSI drive ID to 4.
Figure 5-12 Installing a CDROM Drive Drive Bracket Screws Data Cable Power Cable MA00918 To install a StorageWorks drive, refer to Figure 5-13 and follow these steps: 1. If your StorageWorks drives are plugged into a RAID controller, go to step 2. If your drives are not plugged into a RAID controller, shut down the operating system before you go to step 2. 2. Remove a blank bezel or drive by pressing the two mounting tabs and pull the unit out of the shelf.
3. Insert the hard disk drive into the guide slots and push the drive in until its tabs lock in place. 4. Check the configuration of the drive. See the section "Determining SCSI Storage Device IDs" in Chapter 6, "Configuring" for more information. Figure 5-13 Installing a StorageWorks Disk Drive MA00240 Removing a StorageWorks Disk Drive To remove StorageWorks disk drives, reverse all steps in the installation procedure.
Removing a Diskette Drive To remove the diskette drive, reverse steps 3 to 5 in the installation procedure, and refer to Figure 5-14.
Power Supply The following procedures describe how to install and remove the primary and optional power supplies. The primary power supply resides in the bottom position, the secondary power supply in the top position. The procedures for installing and removing both power supplies are similar, unless otherwise noted. Installing the Power Supply To install a power supply, refer to Figure 5-15, and follow these steps: 1.
Figure 5-15 Installing the Power Supply Connecting Cable Cable Connections Internal Second Power Supply Position for Second Power Supply Rear Screws 6/32 Inch (4) Internal Screws 3.
Removing the Power Supply To remove a power supply, refer to Figure 5-16 and follow these steps: 1. If an optional power supply is installed, you must remove it before removing the primary power supply. 2. Disconnect all internal and external cables from the power supply. 3. Loosen the four screws that secure the power supply to the outside rear of the unit. 4. Loosen the two screws that secure the internal end of the power supply to the system unit. 5.
CPU Card Your system comes with the CPU installed on a board that connects to the system board. To upgrade to another CPU type, you need to replace the CPU card. Warning: CPU and memory modules have hot components. Wait 2 minutes after power is off before handling these modules. Take appropriate antistatic precautions when handling internal parts. Removing the CPU Card To remove the CPU card, refer to Figure 5-17 and follow these steps: 1. Unscrew the crossbar that secures the outer edge of the CPU card.
Installing the CPU Card To install the CPU card, refer to Figure 5-17 and follow these steps: 1. Slide the card into its designated slot on the system board making sure it slips entirely into the slot. 2. Press inward on the handle clip on each end of the card until they catch in a closed position. 3. Place the crossbar in position and screw in the single retaining screw.
6 Configuring Introduction This chapter covers the following topics: Viewing the System Configuration Memory Network Connections Power Supply Keyboard Type EISA and ISA Option Cards PCI Option Cards Storage Devices Viewing the System Configuration Several SRM console commands or ARC console menu options allow you to examine your system configuration and environment variable settings. To use these commands or menu options, you need to invoke console mode.
ARC Console Configuration Options On systems running the Windows NT operating system, the following Windows NT (ARC) menu options are used to verify system configuration: "Display Hardware Configuration" Displays system information, devices detected by the firmware, and PCI and EISA slot information. "Set Default Variables" Allows you to select values for Windows NT firmware environment variables. A sample of the "Display Hardware Configuration" display is shown in Example 6-1.
3/12/1996 Tuesday 9:06:23 AM Devices detected by the firmware: eisa(0)video(0)monitor(0) multi(0)key(0)keyboard(0) eisa(0)disk(0)fdisk(0) multi(0)serial(0) multi(0)serial(1) scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0) scsi(0)cdrom(4)fdisk(0) (Removable) (4 Partitions) (Removable) DEC DEC RZ29B RRD45 (C)DEC007 (C)DEC 1084 Press any key to continue...
Note: You can also list options recognized by your system by entering the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha commands described in the next section "SRM Console Configuration Commands." To enter these commands, you must switch from the Windows NT (ARC) console to the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) console. For information about switching to the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) console, refer to "Switching to the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) Console" in Chapter 4, "Basic Operation.
1. Version numbers for the firmware code, PALcode, SROM chip, and CPU; CPU speed 2. Memory size and configuration for each bank of memory 3. PCI bus information: Bus 0, Slot 7 = PCI to EISA bridge chip Bus 0, Slot 8 = PCI to PCI bridge chip Bus 2, Slot 0 = SCSI controller on backplane, along with storage drives on the bus.
Example 6-2: The show config Command Display >>> show config Firmware SRM Console: ARC Console: PALcode: Serial ROM: X4.4-5365 4.43p VMS PALcode X5.48-115, OSF PALcode X1.35-84 X2.1 Processor DECchip (tm) 21064A-6 266 MEMORY 32 Meg of System Memory Bank 0 = 32 Mbytes (8 MB Per Simm) Starting at 0x00000000 PCI Bus Bus 00 Bus 00 Slot 07: Intel 8275EB PCI to Eisa Bridge Slot 08: Digital PCI to PCI Bridge Chip Bus 02 Slot 00: ISP1020 Scsi Controller pka0.7.0.2000.0 Scsi Bus ID 7 dka0.0.0.2000.
Device Name Convention dka0.0.0.0.0 Hose Number: 0 PCI_0 (32-bit PCI); 1 EISA Logical Slot Number: For EISA options---Correspond to EISA option physical slot numbers (1 and 2) For PCI options: Slot 7 = PCI to EISA bridge chip Slot 8 = PCI to PCI bridge chip Slot 0 = SCSI controller on system backplane Slots 1--4 = (Secondary bus) Correspond to physical PCI option slots: PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, and PCI4 Slots 11--13 = (Primary bus) Correspond to physical PCI option slots: PCI11, PCI12, and PCI13.
Figure 6-1 System Board Connectors and Slots Power Connectors Diskette Drive Connector Upper Fan Connector Bank 3 Bank 2 Memory Module Connectors (20) Lower Fan Connector Bank 1 Bank 0 ECC Banks CPU Module Connector NVRAM Chip (E14 On Board) EISA 1 EISA 2 PCI Primary Slots PCI Secondary Slots TOY/NVRAM Chip (E78 On Board) 11 12 13 1 2 3 4 Removable Media Internal SCSI Connector (50 Pin Narrow) Speaker Connector StorageWorks Internal SCSI Connector (68 pin Wide) MA00923 The show device Command
Example 6-3 The show device Command Display >>> show device dka400.4.0.6.0 dva0.0.0.0.1 ewa0.0.0.2004.0 ewb0.0.0.11.0 pka0.7.0.6.0 DKA400 RRD45 2893 DVA0 EWA0 08-00-2B-E5-6A-41 EWB0 08-00-2B-E1-03-19 PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7 2.10 The show memory Command The show memory command displays information for each memory module in the system. A sample of the show memory display is shown in Example 6-4.
envar The name of the environment variable to be modified (auto_action, bootdef_dev, boot_file, boot_osflags). value The value that is assigned to the environment variable. Options: -default -integer -string Restores variable to its default value. Creates variable as an integer. Creates variable as a string (default). Note: Use the init command to initialize the firmware whenever you reset the following environment variables: auto_action, console, language, os_type, bus_probe_algorithm..
Memory The system unit supports 20 single in-line memory modules (SIMM) on the system board. The SIMM modules are grouped in four memory banks consisting of five modules: four memory modules plus one module for ECC (Error Correction Code). Figure 6-2 shows the memory bank groupings on the system board. A minimum of one memory bank (five modules) is required. Warning: Before installing a memory module, turn off all power to the system.
Network Connections Your system supports various Ethernet network options. You can connect to ThinWire, AUI, or 10Base-T Ethernet networks as shown in Figure 2-5. With the correct option, you can also connect to FDDI and token ring networks.
Keyboard Type Your system comes equipped with a 101-key enhanced keyboard that allows you to communicate with your system by entering data or commands. Note that some European language keyboards have 102 keys. Use the ARC console Setup menu to change the keyboard configuration. Refer to your operating system or application software documentation for software-specific key functions.
EISA and ISA Options You can determine whether an option card is an EISA or ISA option by examining the contacts of the card (see Figure 6-3): EISA cards have two interlocking rows of gold contacts. ISA cards have a single row of gold contacts. Figure 6-3 EISA and ISA Cards ISA MA00278 EISA EISA Bus The EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus is a 32-bit industry standard input/output bus. EISA is a superset of the well-established 16-bit ISA bus.
Figure 6-4 EISA, ISA, and PCI Option Slots EISA/ISA Option Slots PCI Primary Slots 11 12 13 PCI Secondary Slots 1 2 3 4 MA00916 For information about installing a specific option, refer to the documentation for that option. For information about configuring an EISA option, refer to the sections, "EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)" and "Configuring EISA Options," later in this chapter. Warning: Before installing EISA bus options, turn off all power to the system.
ISA modules can be used in your system, provided the operating system supports the device. Two EISA or ISA modules can reside in the EISA bus portion of the system board. Figure 6-4 shows the location of the ISA option slots on the system board. To access the system board, you need to remove the top and left panels of the system enclosure. Be sure to replace the panels before attempting to turn on the system again. Caution: Do not remove the system's top cover when the system is running.
a safe place. Use the backup copies when you are configuring the system. The System Configuration Diskettes must have the volume label SYSTEMCFG. Note: The CFG files supplied with the option you want to install may not work if the option is not supported on your system. Before you install an option, check your system's product literature to verify that your system supports the option. Refer to Chapter 7, "Upgrading" for instructions on obtaining information on options.
4. Familiarize yourself with the configuration procedure for your system: If you are installing, moving, or removing an EISA option, refer to "Configuring EISA Options" later in this chapter. If you are installing, moving, or removing an ISA option, refer to "Configuring ISA Options" later in this chapter. 5. Locate the ECU diskette for your operating system. It is shipped in the accessories box with your system. Make a copy of the diskette and keep the original in a safe place.
a. Insert the ECU diskette for Digital UNIX (Digital UNIX) or OpenVMS Alpha into the diskette drive. b. At the SRM prompt, enter the ecu command. The message "loading ARC firmware" is displayed. There may be a 10 to 20 second delay in system activity while the system recognizes the ECU. When the firmware has finished loading, the ECU program is booted. If the ECU locates the required CFG configuration files, it displays the main menu.
a. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary menu. b. From the Supplementary menu, select the "Set up the system" menu. c. From the Setup menu, select "Switch to OpenVMS or Digital UNIX console." This allows you to select your operating system console. d. Select your operating system, then press enter on "Setup menu." e. When the message "Power-cycle the system to implement the change" is displayed, press the Reset button. (Do not press the On/Off switch.
Use the "Add or Remove Boards" ECU option to add the configuration (CFG) file for the ISA option and to select an acceptable slot for the option. In some cases, the CFG file for the ISA option may reside on a configuration diskette packaged with the option. If so, insert that diskette and follow its directions. For most ISA options, the configuration (CFG) file is not on a diskette. If it is not, you need to use the Generic ISA Adapter Definition option on the ECU diskette. 3.
b. From the Setup menu, select "Switch to OpenVMS or Digital UNIX console." This option allows you to select your operating system console. c. Select your operating system; then press Enter on the Setup menu. d. When the message "Power-cycle the system to implement the change" is displayed, press the Reset button. (Do not press the On/Off switch.) Once the console firmware is loaded and device drivers are initialized, you can boot the operating system. 7.
Storage Devices Configuring the storage devices on your system requires assigning the correct SCSI IDs according to the type of configuration you choose: single-controller, dualcontroller, or triple-controller. Determining SCSI Storage Device IDs When you add or remove a CDROM drive, a tape drive, or StorageWorks drives, you may want to consider how these storage devices are configured and whether you want to reconfigure them.
Example 6-6 The show device Display >>> show device dka400.4.0.6.0 dva0.0.0.0.1 ewa0.0.0.2004.0 ewb0.0.0.11.0 pka0.7.0.2001.0 DKA400 RRD45 2893 DVA0 EWA0 08-00-2B-E5-6A-41 EWB0 08-00-2B-E1-03-19 PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7 2.10 On-board SCSI Bus Configuration A fast-wide SCSI-2 controller chip connects directly to the PCI bus to support 16-bit SCSI devices. Two connectors on the system board can be used to connect internal devices.
exceed 6 meters for single-ended SCSI-2 at 5 MB per second, or 3 meters for single-ended SCSI-2 at 10 MB per second. When configuring a 16-bit SCSI bus (wide), up to 15 devices are allowed on Windows NT systems, 7 devices on Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha systems. Bus length must not exceed 3 meters. For systems running Windows NT, no more than fifteen devices can be on any one wide SCSI-2 controller; for systems running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha, no more than seven devices are allowed.
Table 6-3 SCSI Bus Configurations Controller Description Single In a single-controller configuration, the Fast SCSI-2 controller on the system board supports the devices on the removable-media bus and up to five StorageWorks drives in the internal StorageWorks shelf. See Figure 6-7. Dual In a dual-controller configuration, the Fast SCSI-2 controller on the system board provides 8-bit SCSI support for the devices on the removable-media bus.
Single-Controller Configuration The base configuration for the system, the single-controller configuration, is shown in Figure 6-7. In this configuration, the SCSI bus is configured as a purely internal bus that must be terminated at the rear of the system unit using an external SCSI terminator and at the StorageWorks backplane using an internal active SCSI terminator. External expansion from the rear of the system unit cannot exceed the SCSI bus length limit of one-half meter.
5. A jumper cable (17-04021-01) connects the 68-pin connectors (J11 and J16) in the center of the backplane. This connection unites the upper four and the bottom three drives to the bus. 6. The bus is terminated by an active internal SCSI terminator (12-45490-01) at the 68-pin connector (J10) on the backplane. See Figure 6-7. 7. Jumper W1 in the J3 set of jumper pins on the backplane is installed, and the W2 and W3 jumpers are removed.
Figure 6-7 Single-Controller SCSI Configuration Bus ID 4 Bus ID 5 Bus A 12-45490-01 J10 0 J1 1 J12 2 J2 3 J11 J16 J14 17-04233-01 4 J13 5 12-41667-05 17-04021-01 J15 6 External Terminator W3 W2 W1 17-04022-02 J3 J17 StorageWorks Backplane (Rear) StorageWorks Shelf (Front) MA00900 AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide Configuring • 6-29
Table 6-4 SCSI IDs for Configuration SCSI Device SCSI ID CDROM drive 4* Tape drive 5* Slot 0 0 Slot 1 1 Slot 2 2 Slot 3 3 Slot 4 4* Slot 5 5* Slot 6 6 Note: The system does not recognize two drives with the same ID number. Seven drives is the maximum number this configuration can recognize. If you use StorageWorks slots 4 and 5, you must disable the CDROM drive and the tape drive. If you use the CDROM drive and tape drive, you must remove drives from StorageWorks slots 4 and 5.
1. One end of the internal 50-pin SCSI cable (17-04233-01) connects to its system board connector. 2. The CDROM drive connector on the SCSI cable connects to the rear of the CDROM drive. 3. The remainder of the cable connects to the rear of the tape drive, if one is installed, and the A bus is terminated by an external SCSI terminator (12-4166705) at the rear of the system unit. (See Figure 6-6.) 4.
Figure 6-8 Dual-Controller SCSI Configuration Bus ID 4 Bus ID 5 Bus A 12-45490-01 Bus B J10 0 J1 Controller Option Card 1 J12 2 J2 3 J11 J16 J14 17-04233-01 4 J13 5 17-04021-01 12-41667-05 External Terminator J15 6 W3 W2 W1 17-04022-01 J3 J17 StorageWorks Backplane (Rear) StorageWorks Shelf (Front) MA00901 6-32 • Configuring AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide
Table 6-5 SCSI IDs for Dual-Controller Configuration SCSI Device SCSI ID Bus A CDROM drive 4 Tape drive 5 Bus B Slot 0 0 Slot 1 1 Slot 2 2 Slot 3 3 Slot 4 4 Slot 5 5 Slot 6 6 Dual-Controller, Split-Backplane Configuration In the dual-controller configuration shown in Figure 6-9, the seven StorageWorks devices are divided between the on-board, 68-pin wide SCSI controller and a PCI or EISA SCSI option controller adapter.
1. One end of a 50-pin internal SCSI cable (17-04233-01) connects to its system board connector. 2. The CDROM connector on the SCSI cable connects to the rear of the CDROM drive. 3. The remainder of the cable passes over the system board and connects to the rear of the tape drive, if one is installed, and this bus (A) is terminated by an external SCSI terminator (12-41667-05) at the rear of the system unit. 4.
Figure 6-9 Dual-Controller, Split-Backplane SCSI Configuration Bus ID 4 Bus ID 5 Bus A Bus B J10 0 J1 1 Controller Option Card J12 2 J2 3 J11 J16 J14 17-04233-01 12-41667-05 0 J13 1 12-45490-01 17-04022-01 J15 17-04019-02 12-41667-04 External Terminators 2 W3 W2 W1 17-04022-02 J17 J3 StorageWorks Backplane (Rear) StorageWorks Shelf (Front) MA00950 AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide Configuring • 6-35
Table 6-6 SCSI IDs for Dual-Controller Split-BackplaneConfiguration SCSI Device SCSI ID Bus A CDROM drive 4 Tape drive 5 Slot 4 0 Slot 5 1 Slot 6 2 Bus B Slot 0 0 Slot 1 1 Slot 2 2 Slot 3 3 Triple-Controller, Split-Backplane Configuration In the triple-controller configuration shown in Figure 6-10, two SCSI controllers are used to configure the StorageWorks backplane. The seven StorageWorks devices are divided between two PCI or EISA SCSI option controller adapters (bus B and bus C).
1. One end of a 50-pin internal SCSI cable (17-04233-01) connects to its system board connector. 2. The CDROM connector on the SCSI cable connects to the rear of the CDROM drive. 3. The remainder of the cable passes over the system board and connects to the rear of the tape drive, if one is installed, and this bus (A) is terminated by an external SCSI terminator (12-41667-05) at the rear of the system unit. (See Figure 6-6.) 4.
Figure 6-10 Triple-Controller, Split-Backplane SCSI Configuration Bus ID 4 Bus ID 5 Bus A Bus B Bus C J10 0 J1 Controller Option Cards 1 J12 2 J2 3 J11 J16 J14 17-04233-01 12-41667-05 0 J13 1 12-45490-01 17-04022-01 J15 17-04019-02 12-41667-04 External Terminators 2 W3 W2 W1 17-04022-01 J17 J3 StorageWorks Backplane (Rear) StorageWorks Shelf (Front) MA00902 6-38 • Configuring AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide
Table 6-7 SCSI IDs for Triple-Controller Configuration SCSI Device SCSI ID Bus A CDROM drive 4 Tape drive 5 Bus B Slot 0 0 Slot 1 1 Slot 2 2 Slot 3 3 Bus C Slot 4 0 Slot 5 1 Slot 6 2 AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide Configuring • 6-39
7 Upgrading Introduction This chapter includes the following topics: Planning Your Upgrade Upgrade Options Planning Your Upgrade The information in this section describes how to plan for upgrading your server. Once you have decided which options to add, refer to Chapter 5, "Installing and Removing Components" in this guide for information on how to install new options or replace existing ones.
1. Determine your current configuration. Refer to your operating system documentation to find out how to get configuration information by using an operating system command. You can also obtain configuration information about your system when the server is in console mode.
4. Order the option(s). 5. Install the option. To install an option, refer to the documentation that is shipped with the option, and to Chapter 5, "Installing and Removing Components." 6. Configure the option. To configure an option, refer to Chapter 6, "Configuring." Access from the Internet If you are an Internet participant, you can obtain information about your AlphaServer 1000A system as follows: From the Digital FTP archive: ftp.digital.
Upgrade Options This section lists the types of upgrade options that you may want to choose for your server. Before you attempt to connect third-party devices or install third-party devices inside your system unit, you should first check with the third-party vendor to ensure that your system hardware and operating system software support the device.
Updating Firmware Using the CDROM Drive To update an OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX system: 1. At the console prompt (>>>), enter the show device command: >>> show device dka0.0.0.6.0 dka400.4.0.6.0 dva0.0.0.0.1 ewa0.0.0.2004.0 ewb0.0.0.11.0 pka0.7.0.2001.0 DKA0 DKA400 DVA0 EWA0 EWB0 PKA0 RZ26L 440C TOSHIBA CD-ROM XM-4101TA 0064 08-00-2B-E5-6A-41 08-00-2B-E1-03-19 SCSI Bus ID 7 2.10 In the above example, the CDROM drive has a device ID of dka400. 2. Load the Firmware Update compact disc into the drive.
To update a Windows NT system: Note: The latest version of the firmware is available on the World Wide Web: http://www.windowsnt.digital.com 1. Shut down the Windows NT operating system. Turn the system off and then on. 2. Load the Firmware Update media into the drive. 3. From the Boot menu, select "Supplementary." From the Supplementary menu, select "Install new firmware." 4. Update the system, entering the following command at the update prompt: APU-> update 5.
>>> show version Note: To update your system using the SRM console, use a diskette formatted with the Alpha boot block. To update using the ARC console, use an FAT formatted diskette.
8 Troubleshooting Introduction This chapter describes procedures for resolving problems with the system. The first section provides an overview and a general guide to determining the type of problem that exists. The next two sections describe diagnostic procedures that you can use to identify the source of a particular problem. To correct a problem, locate the troubleshooting table for that problem type and follow the guidelines provided.
Troubleshooting Overview Before you begin troubleshooting your system, consult your service agreement to determine how much troubleshooting and repair you should undertake yourself. • If you plan to maintain the system yourself, use the information in this guide to help identify and resolve the problem. • If you have a service agreement with a service provider, contact your representative for assistance. Table 8-1 lists possible problems and the relevant sections in this chapter.
System Diagnostics This section describes three sources of error information that can help you diagnose and troubleshoot system problems. Beep codes are audible error codes emitted by the system for specific problems. The console event log is a record of startup status messages, which may contain helpful diagnostic information. Console command displays, such as the test command display, are another source of diagnostic information.
Reading the Console Event Log The system maintains a console event log consisting of status messages received during startup testing. If problems occur during startup, standard error messages may be embedded in the console event log. To display the console event log, use the cat el command. Or, to display the log screen by screen, use the more el command. The test Command The test command runs firmware diagnostics for the entire core system.
4. Read-only tests: DK, DR, and DU disks, MK tapes, DV diskettes 5. VGA console tests: these tests are run only if the console environment variable is set to "serial." The VGA console test displays rows of the letter "H." Note: By default, no write tests are performed on disk and tape drives. Media must be installed to test the diskette drive and tape drives. Example 8-1 shows a sample of the test command display.
The kill and kill_diags Commands The kill and kill_diags commands terminate diagnostics that are currently executing. The kill command terminates a specified process. The kill_diags command terminates all diagnostics. Note: A serial loopback connector (12-27351-01) must be installed on the COM2 serial port for the kill_diags command to successfully terminate system tests. The show_status Command The show_status command reports one line of information per executing diagnostic.
Power Problems Table 8-3 describes how to troubleshoot the system when there is no power at the system enclosure. Table 8-3 Troubleshooting Power Problems Symptom No AC power Action Check the power source and power cord. Check that the system cover is properly secured. An interlocking sensor switch shuts off power to the system if the cover is removed. If there are two power supplies, make sure that both power supplies are plugged in.
Table 8-4 Troubleshooting Console Problems Symptom Action Startup screen is not displayed. Refer to the table "Error Beep Codes" to interpret the startup beep codes. Check that keyboard and monitor are connected and functioning properly. Check that power is on. If the startup screen is not displayed, yet the system enters console mode when you press the Return key, check that the console environment variable is set correctly.
Boot Problems Table 8-5 describes how to troubleshoot problems that occur while the system is booting operating system software. Table 8-5 Troubleshooting Boot Problems Symptom Action The system cannot find the boot device. Verify that your system recognizes the boot device, using the show device command. Check that the boot device environment variable correctly identifies the boot device: Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha: use the show bootdef_dev command to display the boot device.
There is a software problem or the operating system is not installed correctly. 8-10 • Troubleshooting Refer to your operating system software information. Verify that you have the correct firmware revision for your system. See Chapter 3, "Preparing to Install an Operating System.
Problems Detected by the Operating System Table 8-6 describes possible operating system problems and their solutions. Table 8-6 Troubleshooting Problems Detected by the Operating System Symptom System is hung or has crashed. Action Examine the crash dump file. Refer to the OpenVMS Alpha System Dump Analyzer Utility Manual (AA-PV6UB-TE) for information on how to interpret OpenVMS Alpha crash dump files.
Storage Problems Mass storage device problems at startup are usually indicated by read fail messages or by the omission of storage devices from the show config display. Table 8-7 and Table 8-8 list suggestions for troubleshooting storage problems. Table 8-7 Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems Symptom Problem Action Fault indicator light for drive is on (amber). Drive has failed. Replace drive. Drives are missing from the show config display.
Table 8-8 Troubleshooting Removable Media Problems Problem Symptom Action Drive failure. Drive fault indicator is on. Try the drive in a different slot to eliminate slot failure as the cause. If drive is faulty, replace the drive. If faulty slot is suspected, try a working drive in that slot. If it fails, check for conflicting SCSI IDs. If none, call service representative. Duplicate SCSI IDs. Valid drives are missing from the show config display. Correct removable-media SCSI IDs.
Option Card Problems Option card problems can include problems related to network options, EISA/ISA bus options, and PCI options. Network Problems Network problems can vary depending on the type of network option card that you have installed. See the option card documentation for information on troubleshooting network problems. Make sure you have correctly set the network type for the network interface card. See Chapter 6, "Configuring" for more information.
PCI Bus Problems PCI bus problems at startup are usually indicated by the inability of the system to detect the PCI device. Use Table 8-10 to diagnose the likely cause of the problem. PCI Parity Some PCI devices do not implement PCI parity, and some have a parity-generating scheme that may not comply with the PCI Specification. In such cases, the device functions properly as long as parity is not checked.
Table 8-11 Troubleshooting Monitor and Terminal Problems Possible Cause Action The monitor or terminal are not turned on. Check that the monitor or terminal is turned on. Make sure that all cables are connected at both ends. The monitor or terminal brightness Adjust the monitor or terminal contrast and brightness and contrast controls are incorrectly controls. set. Incorrect graphics configuration. See Chapter 6, "Configuring." The terminal cable is not connected to the correct serial port.
Keyboard and Mouse Problems Table 8-12 lists problems that may occur with the keyboard or mouse. Table 8-12 Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Problems Symptom Possible Cause Action The monitor does not display the character that you type. The keyboard cable is incorrectly connected. Make sure that the keyboard cable is connected correctly in the keyboard connector. The keyboard has failed. Replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, contact your Digital service representative.
Overheating Problems Internal sensors monitor system and power supply temperature and shut down the system if maximum limits are exceeded. If the system shuts down unexpectedly: • Ensure that the top cover and side panels are properly in place. Refer to "Top Cover and Side Panels" in Chapter 5, "Installing and Removing Components" for information on removing and replacing panels. • Verify that the ambient temperature does not exceed the limits specified in Table 2-1, "Optimal Environmental Conditions.
Using the Fail-Safe Loader The fail-safe loader (FSL) allows you to boot an Update Utility diskette in an attempt to repair corrupted console files that reside within the FlashROMs on the system board. Use the FSL only when a failure at startup prevents you from accessing the console mode and you have checked the operator control panel for progress messages. Using the Update Utility To activate the fail-safe loader: 1. Turn off the system 2. Install the update utility diskette in the diskette drive. 3.
Figure 8-1 J1 Jumper on the CPU Card (Normal Position) J1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 MA00926 8-20 • Troubleshooting AlphaServer 1000A Owner's Guide
9 Quick Reference Introduction This chapter contains the following reference information: Messages Hardware Overview Indicator lights System Board and CPU Card Jumper Settings SCSI ID Settings Specifications Architecture Diagram Messages The system maintains a console event log consisting of status messages received during startup testing. If problems occur during startup, standard error messages may be embedded in the console event log.
Hardware Overview This section includes front, rear, and side views of the system unit. System Front View Figure 9-1 shows system components on the front panel.
System Rear View Figure 9-2 shows system ports and slots on the rear panel.
System Side View Figure 9-3 shows system components on the system board side with the side panel removed.
Figure 9-4 shows system components on the power supply side with the side panel removed.
System Board Connectors, Chips, and Slots Figure 9-5 shows the location of the system board connectors, chips, and expansion slots. (See Table 9-7 for system board jumper settings).
Port Pinouts This section describes pin functions for port connectors on the rear of the system. VGA Port Connector The VGA port provides an interface to a VGA terminal. Table 9-1 lists pin assignments for the VGA port.
Parallel Port Connector The parallel port provides an interface to a printer or other parallel devices. Table 92 lists pin assignments for the parallel port. An asterisk (*) after a signal name indicates an active low signal.
Serial Port Connectors The serial port connectors consist of two 9-pin D-submini connectors. Table 9-3 lists their pin assignments. Table 9-3 Serial Port Pinouts Pin Signal Function 1 DCD Data carrier detect 2 RXD Receive data 3 TXD Transmit data 4 DTR Data terminal ready 5 GND Ground 6 DSR Data set ready 7 RTS Request to send 8 CTS Clear to send 9 RI Ring indicator Keyboard and Mouse Port Connectors The keyboard and mouse connectors consist of two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors.
SCSI Port Connector The external, narrow SCSI connector is a 50-pin high-density connector. Table 9-5 lists the pin assignments.
Indicator Lights Table 9-6 describes system indicator lights and their functions. Table 9-6 Indicator Lights Indicator Light Function On/Off indicator (green) Lights when the system unit is turned on. Diskette drive activity indicator (green) Lights when the system is accessing the diskette drive. CDROM drive activity indicator (green) Lights when the system is accessing the CDROM drive. StorageWorks Disk Drive (green) Blinks when reading or writing to disk.
System Board and CPU Card Jumper Settings Table 9-7 lists the default jumper settings for the system board. The jumper settings are shown in Figure 9-6. Table 9-7 System Board Default Jumper Settings Number Name Description and Default J16 Large fan Allows the large fan to be disabled. Enabled. J27 VGA enable Enables the on-board VGA logic. Enabled. Set to the disabled position (pins 2 and 3) when using a graphics option card.
Figure 9-6 shows the system board jumper settings for normal operation.
Figure 9-7 shows the default settings for jumpers on the CPU card. The J1 jumper on the CPU card activates the SROM tests and the fail-safe loader. The J3 and J4 jumper settings affect clock speed and other critical settings for the AlphaServer 1000A system. The J3 and J4 settings differ according to model.
Model 4/233 J4 J3 MA00791 Figure 9-8 shows jumper locations for the CDROM drive.
Figure 9-9 shows the jumper locations for the hard disk drive.
SCSI ID Settings The system backplane can be configured with a single SCSI controller, with two controllers, or with three controllers. For each configuration, the CDROM drive and tape drive IDs are manually set at address 4 and 5, respectively. StorageWorks drive IDs are set automatically by the backplane using a combination of three jumper settings (W1, W2, W3) on the backplane. Table 9-8, Table 9-9, and Table 9-10 show these settings.
Dual-Controller Configuration Jumper Options Table 9-9 shows the SCSI IDs and jumpers installed (W1, W2, W3) for a system with a dual-controller configuration. A jumper cable is used on the backplane to enable all seven StorageWorks slots on a single bus.
Triple-Controller Configuration Jumper Options Table 9-10 shows the SCSI IDs and jumpers installed (W1, W2, W3) for a system with a triple-controller configuration.
Specifications Table 9-11 System Specifications Attributes Specification PCI clock 233 MHz (Model 233); 266 MHz (Model 266) Data I/O 32-bit PCI System board RAM Expandable up to 1 GB Table 9-12 System Dimensions Dimension Specification Width 35.3 cm (14.1 in.) Length 53 cm (21 in.) Height 44 cm (17.4 in.
Table 9-14 Power Supply Ratings Specification Range Voltage 100-120/220-240 volts AC Frequency 50-60 Hz Current 8.5/4.0 amperes (one power cord) 7.0/3.5 amperes (two power cords) Note: These are the maximum ratings with a fully loaded system enclosure. These ratings do not include those for a monitor or terminal. Table 9-15 Acoustics-Declared Values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779 AlphaServer 1000A (PB73A-A9/PB74A-A9) LwAd, B LpAm, dBA (Bystander Positions) Idle Operating 5.6 5.6 36 36 5.7 5.
System Architecture Figure 9-10 illustrates the server system architecture.
Glossary of Terms 10BASE-T Ethernet network IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet products used for local distribution of data. These networking products characteristically use twisted-pair cable. AlphaGeneration Identifies products and services that take advantage of Digital's Alpha 64-bit computing environments. AlphaServer Digital's new generation of server systems based on the Alpha 64-bit computing architecture ARC Advanced RISC Computing.
availability The amount of scheduled time that a computing system provides application service during the year. Availability is typically measured as a percentage of uptime per year; or, if measured as system unavailability, as the number of hours of downtime per year. backplane The main board or panel that connects all of the modules in a computer system. bandwidth Term used to express the rate of data transfer in a bus or I/O channel.
bus A collection of many transmission lines or wires. The bus interconnects computer system components, providing a communications path for addresses, data, and control information or external terminals and systems in a communications network. byte A group of eight contiguous bits starting on an addressable byte boundary. The bits are numbered right to left, 0 through 7. cache memory A small, high-speed memory placed between slower main memory and the processor.
console mode The state in which the system and the console terminal operate under the control of the console program. console program The code that firmware executes during console mode. console subsystem The subsystem that provides the user interface for a computer system when the operating system is not running. console terminal The terminal connected to the console subsystem. It is used to start the system and direct activities between the user and the computer system.
Digital UNIX operating system A general-purpose operating system based on the Open Software Foundation OSF/1 2.0 technology. Formerly called DEC OSF/1, V3.0 runs on the range of AlphaGeneration systems, from workstations to servers. diagnostic program A program that is used to find and correct problems with a computer system. direct memory access (DMA) Access to memory by an I/O device that does not require processor intervention.
EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) A feature of the EISA bus that helps you select a conflict-free system configuration and perform other system services. The ECU must be run whenever you change, add, or remove an EISA or ISA controller. environment variables Global data structures that can be accessed from console mode. The setting of these data structures determines how a system powers up, boots the operating system, and operates. ERF/UERF Error Report Formatter.
Flash ROM Flash-erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash ROMs can be bank- or bulk-erased. full-height device Standard form factor for 5 1/4-inch storage devices. half-height device Standard form factor for storage devices that are not the height of full-height devices. halt The action of transferring control of the computer system to the console program. hot swap The process of removing a device from the system without shutting down the operating system or powering down the hardware.
loopback test Internal and external tests that are used to isolate a failure by testing segments of a particular control or data path. A subset of ROM-based diagnostics. machine check/interrupts An operating system action triggered by certain system hardware-detected errors that can be fatal to system operation. Once triggered, machine check handler software analyzes the error. mass storage device An input/output device on which data is stored.
NFS Network File System protocol that allows a user to remotely access a host file system as if it were the user's local file system. node A device that has an address on, is connected to, and is able to communicate with other devices on a bus. Also, an individual computer system connected to the network that can communicate with other systems on the network. NTFS Windows NT file system, a high-performance file system. NVRAM Nonvolatile random-access memory.
PALcode Alpha Privileged Architecture Library code, written to support Alpha processors. PALcode implements architecturally defined behavior. PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect. An industry-standard expansion I/O bus that is the preferred bus for high-performance I/O options. Available in a 32-bit and a 64bit version. PCI-to-EISA bridge The capability to transfer commonly available EISA and ISA options to the PCI bus.
reliability The probability that a device or system will not fail to perform its intended functions during a specified time Remote Installation Service (RIS) A tool that allows remote installation of Digital UNIX to Alpha systems through a local area network. RISC Reduced instruction set computer. A processor with an instruction set that is reduced in complexity. ROM-based diagnostics Diagnostic programs resident in read-only memory. SCSI Small Computer System Interface.
SRM User interface to console firmware for operating systems that expect firmware compliance with the Alpha System Reference Manual (SRM). StorageWorks Digital's modular storage subsystem (MSS), which is the core technology of the Alpha SCSI-2 mass storage solution. Consists of a family of low-cost mass storage products that can be configured to meet current and future storage needs. system board The main circuit board of a computer.
wide area network A high-speed network that connects a server to a distant host computer, PC, or other server, or that connects numerous computers in numerous distant locations. Windows NT "New technology" operating system owned by Microsoft Corporation. write-enabled Describes a device onto which data can be written. write-protected Describes a device onto which data cannot be written.
changing, 4-25 Windows NT, 4-22 Index A Accessories identifying, 2-5 optional, 2-6 Acoustics-declared values, 9-21 Antistatic precautions, 5-2 ARC console, 1-3 help, 4-15 menus, 4-11 verifying configuration, 6-2 Architecture system, 9-22 ARCINST utility, 3-4 B Backplane configuring, 6-22, 6-26 configuring with one controller, 6-26 configuring with two controllers, 6-29, 6-32 SCSI ID settings, 9-17 Beep codes interpreting, 8-3 Boot defaults, 4-10 changing, 4-20 Boot device names ARC firmware, 4-24 Boot me
installing, 3-8 preparing to install, 3-7 verifying configuration for, 6-4 Default settings changing, 4-23 Digital UNIX, 4-26 OpenVMS, 4-26 resetting, 4-12 Windows NT, 4-23 Diagnostic tests, 8-3 halting, 8-6 Digital Systems and Options Catalog, 7-3 Dimensions of system, 2-2 Disk drives, See also StorageWorks disk drives hot swapping, 5-19 Disk space requirements CDROM documentation, xi Diskette drive, 4-27 configuring, 4-11 installing, 5-22 removing, 5-23 Drive problems troubleshooting, 8-12 E EISA bus, 6-
Jumper settings, 9-17 CPU card, 9-14 dual controller configuration, 9-18 single controller configuration, 9-17 system board, 9-12 triple controller configuration, 9-19 installation rules, 5-6 installing, 5-8 removing, 5-7 Memory options, 1-12 sizes, 5-6 Memory requirements, 6-11 Messages displaying, 4-5 Monitor, See also SVGA, VGA monitor connecting, 2-6 Monitor problems troubleshooting, 8-15 more el command, 4-12 Mouse cleaning, 4-32 connecting, 2-6 connector, 9-9 Mouse port pin assignments, 9-9 Mouse pro
Operating system problems troubleshooting, 8-11 Operating system type setting for Digital UNIX, 3-7 setting for OpenVMS Alpha , 3-9 setting for Windows NT, 3-2 Operating systems installation, 3-1 memory requirements, 6-10 pre-boot tasks, 4-19 pre-installed, 4-1 supported, 1-2 Operator control panel (OCP) display, 4-5 Option card problems troubleshooting, 8-14 Option cards configuring, 5-14 installing, 5-11 removing, 5-13 testing installation, 5-14 Options EISA, 1-12 external, 1-12 ISA, 1-11 memory, 1-11 sto
SCSI IDs assigning, 5-16, 6-22 dual controller configuration, 6-29, 6-32 duplicate, 8-12 settings, 9-17 single controller configuration, 6-26, storage drive, 6-22 triple controller configuration, 6-35 SCSI port pin assignments, 9-10 Security, 1-5, 2-8, 4-13 Serial port pin assignments, 9-9 Server management, 1-5 set command, 4-23 example, 6-9 set console graphics command, 3-2 Setup overview, 2-1 verifying, 2-7 Setup menu (ARC console) example, 4-16 functions, 4-15 help display, 4-17 show command, 4-23 examp
T Tape drive, installing, 5-18 location, 1-11 removing, 5-19 Temperature sensor, 8-18 Terminal connecting, 2-7 troubleshooting problems, 8-15 test command, 8-4 script, 8-4 Tests halting, 8-6 startup, 4-7 Time setting system, 4-7 Top cover interlock switch, 5-4 removing, 5-3 replacing, 5-5 Troubleshooting overview, 8-2 U Upgrading options, 7-4 Update diskette, 8-19 Updating firmware, 7-4 V VGA console tests, 8-5 VGA monitor connecting, 2-6 VGA port pin assignments, 9-7 Voltage power supply, 2-3 W Windows
