DEC 3000 800 User manual

DEC3000Model800/800S/900AXP
Owner’sGuide
Order Number: EK–FLMUL–OG. B01
Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, Massachusetts

Third Printing, May 1994
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S2564
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface ..................................................... xv
Part I Basic Operations
1 Introduction to Your System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 1–1
System Configurations ................................. 1–2
An Overview of the System . . ........................... 1–3
Operating Systems . ................................... 1–6
Software Product Descriptions (SPD) . . . ................... 1–8
Graphics Capabilities .................................. 1–9
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) ................ 1–10
Audio Capabilities . ................................... 1–11
Available Options . . ................................... 1–12
2 Preparing to Install the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 2–1
Choosing a Location ................................... 2–2
Customizing Your Work Area . ........................... 2–4
Moving Your System .................................. 2–6
Unpacking a Workstation System ........................ 2–8
Unpacking a Server System . . ........................... 2–11
A Closer Look at a Pedestal System....................... 2–14
System Unit Symbols .................................. 2–18
Where to Go Next . ................................... 2–19
iii

3 Installing a Workstation System
Chapter Overview .................................... 3–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 3–2
Task Overview ....................................... 3–3
Connecting the Workstation ............................. 3–5
System Unit Cover Lock ............................... 3–19
Checking Your Installation.............................. 3–21
Where to Go Next .................................... 3–22
4 Installing a Server System
Chapter Overview .................................... 4–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 4–2
Task Overview ....................................... 4–3
Connecting the Server . ................................ 4–4
System Unit Cover Lock ............................... 4–12
Checking Your Installation.............................. 4–14
Where to Go Next .................................... 4–15
5 Connecting the System to a Network
Chapter Overview .................................... 5–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 5–2
Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network . . . ................ 5–4
Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network ...................... 5–6
Connecting to a 10BASE2 Network ....................... 5–7
Setting and Verifying the Network Connection .............. 5–11
Completing the Network Connection ...................... 5–13
6 Starting Up the System
Chapter Overview .................................... 6–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 6–2
Turning On the System ................................ 6–3
Reviewing the Startup Display . . ........................ 6–6
Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software ........... 6–8
Loading Operating System Software ...................... 6–13
Where to Go Next .................................... 6–14
iv

7 Turning Off the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 7–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 7–2
Task Overview ....................................... 7–3
Shutting Down the System . . ........................... 7–4
Halting the System ................................... 7–6
8 Maintaining the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 8–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 8–2
Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard ................ 8–2
Cleaning the Monitor .................................. 8–4
Cleaning the Mouse ................................... 8–5
Removing the Front Access Door ......................... 8–6
Part II Advanced Operations
9 Using Console Commands
Chapter Overview . ................................... 9–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 9–2
Modes of System Operation . ........................... 9–3
Console Mode User Interface . ........................... 9–4
Console Commands ................................... 9–6
The boot Command ................................... 9–9
The continue Command ................................ 9–13
The halt Command ................................... 9–13
The help Command ................................... 9–14
The help advanced Command ........................... 9–15
The set or setenv Command. . ........................... 9–16
The show or printenv Command ......................... 9–17
The test Command . ................................... 9–18
10 Changing Environment Variables
Chapter Overview . ................................... 10–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 10–2
Available Environment Variables ......................... 10–2
Displaying Current Environment Variables ................. 10–4
Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action) . .......... 10–5
Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev) . . . .......... 10–7
v

Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick).... 10–9
Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language) . . ....... 10–10
Changing the Default Fast SCSI (fast_scsi_a)(fast_scsi_b) ...... 10–11
11 Using the Password Security Feature
Chapter Overview .................................... 11–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 11–2
Task Overview ....................................... 11–4
Entering a Password . . ................................ 11–5
Enabling System Security .............................. 11–6
Forgetting the Password ............................... 11–7
Disabling or Changing the Password ...................... 11–8
12 Using an Alternate Console
Chapter Overview .................................... 12–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 12–2
Using the Alternate Console Feature ...................... 12–3
Part III Handling Problems
13 Identifying a Problem
Chapter Overview .................................... 13–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 13–2
Task Overview ....................................... 13–3
Determining Type of Problem . . . ........................ 13–4
Startup Problems ..................................... 13–6
Interpreting the show Command Display. . . ................ 13–13
Display Problems ..................................... 13–22
Mouse and Keyboard Problems . . ........................ 13–25
SCSI Device Problems . ................................ 13–26
Network Problems .................................... 13–28
Where to Go Next .................................... 13–29
vi

14 Running Diagnostic Tests
Chapter Overview . ................................... 14–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 14–2
Task Overview ....................................... 14–3
Running Diagnostic Tests............................... 14–4
Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern . . . .......... 14–10
Reporting Problems to Digital Services . ................... 14–12
Handling Problems Worksheet ........................... 14–18
Part IV Appendixes
A Hardware Specifications
Appendix Overview ................................... A–1
System Specifications .................................. A–2
B Port Pin-outs
Appendix Overview ................................... B–1
Alternate Console/Printer Port........................... B–2
Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port . . .......... B–3
External SCSI Port ................................... B–5
Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port .......................... B–7
AUI Ethernet Port . ................................... B–8
ISDN Port .......................................... B–10
10BASE-T Port . . . ................................... B–11
Audio Port .......................................... B–12
C European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations
Appendix Overview ................................... C–1
EEC Installation Instructions for Nonshielded Cables ......... C–2
D Associated Documents
Appendix Overview ................................... D–1
Associated Printed Documents ........................... D–2
OpenVMS AXP Documentation .......................... D–3
DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation ......................... D–4
vii

E Special Information for PTT Network Users
Appendix Overview . . . ................................ E–1
Service Categories .................................... E–2
Host Power Rating .................................... E–3
Module Isolation ..................................... E–4
Safety Status ........................................ E–5
Cable Approval ...................................... E–6
Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital Circuit
(PTT) .............................................. E–8
Glossary
Index
Figures
1–1 The DEC 3000 Model 800/900 AXP Workstation . . . ....... 1–3
1–2 The DEC 3000 Model 800S AXP Server . ................ 1–4
1–3 Audio Ports on the DEC 3000 Model 800/800S/900 AXP .... 1–11
2–1 Dimensions of System .............................. 2–2
2–2 Positioning Components ............................. 2–4
2–3 The System Handle ................................ 2–6
2–4 Lifting the System Unit ............................. 2–7
2–5 Workstation Components and Parts .................... 2–9
2–6 Components and Parts to Save ....................... 2–10
2–7 Required Server Components and Parts ................ 2–12
2–8 Components and Parts to Save ....................... 2–13
2–9 Back of System Unit ............................... 2–14
2–10 Front of System Unit ............................... 2–16
3–1 Parts Needed to Install Your Workstation ............... 3–3
3–2 Attaching the Ethernet Loopback Connector ............. 3–5
3–3 Connecting the Keyboard/Mouse Extension Cable . . ....... 3–6
3–4 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse to the Keyboard/Mouse
Extension Cable . . . ................................ 3–7
3–5 Connecting the Universal Strain Relief Strap ............ 3–9
3–6 Connecting the Monitor Video Cable . . . ................ 3–12
3–7 Factory-Installed Software Label ...................... 3–13
viii

3–8 Connecting the System Power Cord to System. . .......... 3–14
3–9 Connecting the Headset . . ........................... 3–15
3–10 Connecting a Modem ............................... 3–16
3–11 Connecting a Printer ............................... 3–17
3–12 Checking the Alternate Console Switch ................. 3–18
3–13 System Unit Cover Keys . ........................... 3–19
3–14 Locking the System Unit Cover ....................... 3–20
3–15 A Connected Workstation . ........................... 3–21
4–1 Parts Needed to Install Your Server. ................... 4–3
4–2 Connecting the Ethernet Loopback Connector . . .......... 4–5
4–3 Connecting a Terminal to the Server ................... 4–6
4–4 Factory Installed Software Label . . . ................... 4–7
4–5 Connecting Power Cord to System Unit ................. 4–8
4–6 Connecting a Modem ............................... 4–9
4–7 Connecting a Printer Cable .......................... 4–10
4–8 Checking the Alternate Console Switch ................. 4–11
4–9 System Unit Cover Keys . ........................... 4–12
4–10 Locking the System Unit Cover ....................... 4–13
4–11 A Connected Server ................................ 4–14
5–1 Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network ................ 5–5
5–2 Connecting a 10BASE-T Network Cable ................ 5–6
5–3 Connecting the AUI Ethernet Cable to the DECXM
Transceiver . . . ................................... 5–8
5–4 Connecting the ThinWire Cable and T-Connector to the
DECXM Transceiver ............................... 5–9
5–5 Terminating the Ethernet Connection .................. 5–9
6–1 Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 800/800S/900 AXP
System .......................................... 6–5
6–2 Startup Display ................................... 6–6
6–3 OpenVMS AXP Initial Startup Display ................. 6–9
6–4 OpenVMS AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session Screen . . . 6–10
6–5 DEC OSF/1 AXP Initial Startup Display ................ 6–11
6–6 DEC OSF/1 AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session
Screen .......................................... 6–12
7–1 Turning Off the System Unit ........................ 7–5
7–2 Pressing the Halt Button . ........................... 7–7
7–3 System Halt Message ............................... 7–8
ix

8–1 Removing/Replacing the Mouse Cover Plate ............. 8–5
8–2 Removing the Front Access Door ...................... 8–7
10–1 The show device Display ............................ 10–8
12–1 Attaching a Device to the
Alternate Console/Printer Port........................ 12–4
12–2 Changing the Alternate Console Switch . ................ 12–5
13–1 Power Indicator Light .............................. 13–7
13–2 Position of Diagnostic Display Lights. . . ................ 13–8
13–3 Startup Display with Error . . ........................ 13–10
13–4 Configuration Display with Error...................... 13–14
13–5 The show device Display ............................ 13–16
13–6 The show error Display ............................. 13–20
13–7 The show memory Display . . ........................ 13–21
14–1 SCC Diagnostic Test Display . ........................ 14–5
14–2 SCC Test Display with Error . ........................ 14–6
14–3 Initializing Your System............................. 14–8
14–4 Initializing the System with the SCC Test ............... 14–9
14–5 Position of Diagnostic Display Lights. . . ................ 14–10
14–6 Diagnostic Display Lights . . . ........................ 14–11
14–7 Serial and Model Numbers . . ........................ 14–13
14–8 Connecting the 10BASE-T Loopback Connector ........... 14–15
14–9 Connecting the Alternate Console/Printer Loopback
Connector ........................................ 14–16
14–10 Connecting the Modem Loopback Connector ............. 14–17
B–1 Alternate Console/Printer Port........................ B–2
B–2 Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port . . ....... B–3
B–3 External SCSI Port ................................ B–5
B–4 Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port ....................... B–7
B–5 AUI Ethernet Port . ................................ B–8
B–6 ISDN Port ....................................... B–10
B–7 10BASE-T Port . . . ................................ B–11
B–8 Audio Port ....................................... B–12
C–1 Connecting a Pigtail Grounding Wire . . ................ C–3
E–1 Connector Pin Layout .............................. E–6
x

Tables
1Parts Description .................................. xv
2–1 Positioning Your System Components .................. 2–5
2–2 Back of the System Unit . ........................... 2–15
2–3 Front of the System Unit . ........................... 2–17
2–4 Where to Go Next ................................. 2–19
3–1 Steps to Install Your DEC 3000 Model 800/900 AXP
Workstation . . . ................................... 3–4
3–2 Making Monitor Connectors .......................... 3–10
3–3 Connecting the Monitor Cords ........................ 3–11
3–4 Where to Go Next ................................. 3–22
4–1 Steps to Install Your DEC 3000 Model 800S AXP Server. . . . 4–4
4–2 Where to Go Next ................................. 4–15
5–1 Required Network Cables ........................... 5–3
5–2 Steps for Connecting an AUI Ethernet Network .......... 5–4
5–3 Steps for Connecting a 10BASE2 Ethernet Network ....... 5–7
5–4 DECXM Documentation . . ........................... 5–10
5–5 Network Settings .................................. 5–11
6–1 Steps for Starting a Workstation . . ................... 6–4
6–2 Steps for Starting a Server .......................... 6–4
6–3 Startup Display Information ......................... 6–7
6–4 Factory-Installed Software Documentation .............. 6–8
6–5 Start the Operating System .......................... 6–13
6–6 Where to Go Next ................................. 6–14
7–1 Current System Status . . ........................... 7–2
7–2 Steps to Shutting Down Your System .................. 7–3
7–3 Operating System Shutdown Procedure ................. 7–4
7–4 Halting the Operating Systems ....................... 7–6
8–1 Steps for Cleaning the Mouse ........................ 8–5
8–2 Steps to Remove the Front Access Door ................. 8–6
9–1 Supported Keys and Control Characters ................ 9–5
9–2 Basic Console Commands. ........................... 9–7
9–3 Advanced Console Commands ........................ 9–8
9–4 Boot Command Parameters/Qualifiers .................. 9–9
9–5 Device Naming Conventions ......................... 9–10
9–6 Diagnostic Tests ................................... 9–18
xi

10–1 Environment Variables.............................. 10–3
10–2 Parameters for Setting Startup Action. . ................ 10–5
10–3 Device Naming Conventions . ........................ 10–7
11–1 Console Command Access . . . ........................ 11–3
11–2 Steps to Making the System Secure .................... 11–4
11–3 Entering a Password ............................... 11–5
11–4 Enabling System Security . . . ........................ 11–6
11–5 Steps to Access System ............................. 11–7
11–6 Entering a Password ............................... 11–8
12–1 Current System Status ............................. 12–2
12–2 Alternate Console/Printer Port Parameters .............. 12–2
12–3 Using the Alternate Console . ........................ 12–3
13–1 How to Identify a Problem . . . ........................ 13–2
13–2 Steps to Resolving Problems . ........................ 13–3
13–3 Type of Problem . . . ................................ 13–5
13–4 Power Indicator Light Failure ........................ 13–6
13–5 Missing Startup Display ............................ 13–9
13–6 Startup Error Codes................................ 13–11
13–7 Startup Without Booting ............................ 13–12
13–8 Information Provided by the show Console Commands ..... 13–13
13–9 The show config Display Described .................... 13–15
13–10 The show device Display Described .................... 13–17
13–11 System Device Errors............................... 13–19
13–12 Error Message Elements ............................ 13–20
13–13 Monitor Display Problems . . . ........................ 13–23
13–14 Monitor Display Problems . . . ........................ 13–24
13–15 Mouse Problems . . . ................................ 13–25
13–16 Keyboard Problems ................................ 13–25
13–17 Installed Disk Drive Problems ........................ 13–26
13–18 Installed Software Problems . ........................ 13–27
13–19 Resolving NI Errors ............................... 13–28
13–20 Problems When Booting from the Network .............. 13–29
14–1 Steps to Diagnostic Tests ............................ 14–3
14–2 Diagnostic Tests . . . ................................ 14–4
14–3 TURBOchannel Tests ............................... 14–7
14–4 Telephone Numbers of Digital Support Centers ........... 14–14
A–1 System Unit Dimensions: Pedestal .................... A–2
xii

A–2 System Electrical Specifications ....................... A–2
A–3 General System Specifications ....................... A–3
A–4 System Environmental Specifications .................. A–4
A–5 Power Cord Part Numbers ........................... A–5
B–1 Alternate Console/Printer Port Pin-outs................. B–2
B–2 Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port
Pin-outs ......................................... B–3
B–3 External SCSI Port Pin-outs ......................... B–5
B–4 Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port Pin-outs ................ B–7
B–5 AUI Ethernet Port Pin-outs .......................... B–9
B–6 ISDN Port Pin-outs ................................ B–10
B–7 10BASE-T Port Pin-outs . ........................... B–11
B–8 Audio Port Pin-outs ................................ B–12
D–1 Associated Printed Documents ........................ D–2
D–2 Handbook Series .................................. D–2
D–3 General OpenVMS AXP Operating System Documents . . . . . D–3
D–4 User Documentation, QA–MT4AB–GZ .................. D–4
D–5 Server Documentation Kit, QA–MT4AL–GZ . . . .......... D–5
E–1 BABT-Approved Service Specifications for the 54-21147
Module for UK Compliance .......................... E–2
E–2 Module Power . ................................... E–3
E–3 Clearance and Creepage Distances . ................... E–5
E–4 Connector Pin-Outs Described ........................ E–7
xiii

Preface
Purpose of
This Guide This guide is intended for all users of the DEC 3000 Model 800
/800S/900 AXP system. It describes how to install and operate
the DEC 3000 Model 800/900 AXP workstation and the DEC
3000 Model 800S AXP server. To install options in the system,
refer to the DEC 3000 Model 800/800S/900 AXP Options Guide
and the documentation for specific options.
Structure of
This Guide This guide consists of 14 chapters, 5 appendices, a glossary of
technical terms, and an index, and is organized into four parts
as Table 1 describes:
Table 1 Parts Description
Part Title Description
I Basic Operations Chapters in Part I describe
basic operations for using your
workstation or server system,
including installing, turning on, and
maintaining your system. These
chapters are for all DEC 3000
Model 800/800S/900 AXP system
users.
(continued on next page)
xv

Table 1 (Cont.) Parts Description
Part Title Description
II Advanced
Operations Chapters in Part II describe advanced operations for your
system, including use of console
commands and the alternate console
feature. These chapters are for
users who understand advanced
system operations.
III Troubleshooting Chapters in Part III describe what
to do in the event of a system
problem. These chapters are
applicable only if your system is not
working properly or is displaying
error messages.
IV Appendixes The appendixes in Part IV provide
information such as specifications,
and port pinouts.
xvi

Conventions The following conventions are used in this guide:
Convention Description
RZ2x RZ2x refers to the RZ-series fixed disk
drives.
Return A key name in a box indicates that you
press a named key on the keyboard.
Ctrl/x A sequence such as Ctrl/x indicates that
you must hold down the key labeled
Ctrl while you press another key.
show config Lowercase type in this format indicates
a command that you must enter exactly
as shown. For example:
>>> show config
Return
variable Lowercase italics indicate a variable
value that you must provide. For
example:
>>> set variable
Return
CAUTION Cautions provide information to prevent
damage to equipment or software. Read
these carefully.
WARNING Warnings contain information to
prevent personal injury. Read these
carefully.
xvii

Task Symbols All of the tasks described in this guide have been assigned a
symbol indicating the level of difficulty in completing the task.
The task symbols that appear in the margin next to the task
should be used as a guide to help you decide whether you wish to
complete the task, or request help.
Different tasks within a category may require different levels
of expertise. For instance, one intermediate task may require
software expertise, while another intermediate task may require
hardware expertise. Check the Before You Begin section at the
beginning of most chapters, for the specific kind of experience
required to complete a task. This section will be identified by the
information icon, explained below.
iInformation
This icon indicates a section that contains important background
information to help you perform required tasks and operate your
system correctly.
Task
Categories The tasks fall into three categories indicated by three symbols:
Basic Task
This task does not require any specific experience to complete.
Intermediate Task
Some specific experience is required to complete this task.
Advanced Task
Specific experience is highly desirable to complete this task.
xviii

PartI
Basic Operations
Part I provides an overview of the DEC 3000 Model 800/800S/900
AXP system and its configurations. It also describes how to
install the system and how to perform basic operations. This
part includes the following chapters:
Chapter Title
1 Introduction to Your System
2 Preparing to Install the System
3 Installing a Workstation System
4 Installing a Server System
5 Connecting the System to a Network
6 Starting Up the System
7 Turning Off the System
8 Maintaining the System