Digital Equipment VAX 4000 Series Guide

VAX4000
Model500A/505A/600A/700A/705A
TroubleshootingandDiagnostics
Order Number: EK–495AB–TS. B01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, December 1991
Revised, February 1992
Revised, April 1992
Revised, July 1992
Revised, July 1993
Revised, July 1994
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
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document.
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at DFARS 252.227–7013.
Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994. All Rights Reserved.
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The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: CompacTape, CX, DDCMP, DEC,
DECconnect, DECdirect, DECnet, DECscan, DECserver, DECUS, DECwindows, DELNI, DEMPR,
DESQA, DESTA, DSRVB, DSSI, IVAX, KDA, KLESI, KRQ50, MicroVAX, MSCP, Q–bus, Q22–bus,
RA, RQDX, RV20, SA, SDI, ThinWire, TK, TMSCP, TQK, TS05, TU, VAX, VAX 4000, VAXcluster,
VAX DOCUMENT, VAXELN, VAXlab, VAXserver, VMS, VT, and the DIGITAL logo.
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FCC NOTICE: The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and may emit radio
frequency. The equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such radio frequency interference.
Operation of the equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which case the user
at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the
interference.
S2580
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface ................................................ v
1 Troubleshooting During Power-Up
1.1 Autobooting the System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
1.2 Troubleshooting Power-Up Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
1.2.1 Problems During Self-Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
1.2.2 General Problems During Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
1.2.3 Problems Booting from an EF/RF-Series Integrated
Storage Element (ISE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
1.2.4 Problems Booting from a Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
2 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation
2.1 SystemProblems ................................ 2–1
2.2 EF/RF-Series Integrated Storage Element (ISE)
Problems ...................................... 2–4
2.3 RRD3 Compact Disc Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
2.4 TF-Series Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
2.5 TK50 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
2.6 TK70 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
2.7 TLZ07 Cassette Tape Drive and Autoloader Problems . . . . 2–9
2.8 TZ86 Tabletop Cartridge Tape Subsystem Problems . . . . . 2–10
2.9 TZ87 Tabletop Cartridge Tape Subsystem Problems . . . . . 2–12
3 Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM)
3.1 MDMLimitations ............................... 3–1
3.2 PreparingtoRunMDM........................... 3–2
3.2.1 Preparing to Run MDM on a Diskless or Tapeless
System..................................... 3–2
3.2.2 Preparing to Run MDM on an EF/RF-Series
Integrated Storage Element (ISE) or Hard Disk . . . . . 3–3
iii

3.2.3 Preparing to Run MDM on a DSSI VAXcluster . . . . . . 3–3
3.2.3.1 MDM on a DSSI VAXcluster with One TK70 Tape
Drive ................................... 3–4
3.2.3.2 MDM on a DSSI VAXcluster with Two TK70 Tape
Drives .................................. 3–5
3.3 StartingMDM .................................. 3–6
3.3.1 Tape Drive Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
3.3.1.1 Booting MDM Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
3.3.1.2 Booting MDM Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
3.3.2 RRD-Series Disc Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
3.4 MDM Introductory Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
3.5 MainMenuOptions.............................. 3–9
3.5.1 Test the System Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10
3.5.2 Display System Configuration and Devices Option . . . 3–11
3.5.3 Display the System Utilities Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
3.5.3.1 IOADDRESFunction....................... 3–13
3.5.3.2 Update Drive Unit Number for RRD-Series
Function................................. 3–14
3.5.4 Display the Service Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
3.5.5 Display the Connect/Ignore Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
3.5.6 Select Single Device Tests Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–15
3.6 ExitingMDM................................... 3–16
A System Controls and Indicators
B Write-Protecting an EF/RF-Series ISE
B.1 Software Write-Protect for EF/RF-Series ISEs . . . . . . . . . . B–1
B.2 Hardware Write-Protect for EF/RF ISEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2
Index
Figures
A–1 System Control Panel and Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . A–2
A–2 EF/RF-Series ISE and Console Module . . . . . . . . . . . . A–3
A–3 TK70 and TK50 Tape Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–4
A–4 TF-Series Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–5
iv

Preface
Troubleshooting is the process of isolating and diagnosing problems. When
your system does not operate as described in your Operation manual, use the
information in this manual to isolate and diagnose the problem.
This manual contains three chapters and two appendixes:
• Chapter 1 lists problems you may experience at power-up and provides
corrective actions.
• Chapter 2 lists problems you may experience during normal operation and
provides corrective actions.
• Chapter 3 tells you how to run the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM),
a diagnostic tool you can use to test your system periodically or to isolate a
particular problem.
• Appendix A contains illustrations showing the location of your system controls
and indicators.
• Appendix B describes how to write-protect your EF/RF-Series ISE.
If the corrective actions suggested in Chapters 1 and 2 do not solve the problem,
call your Digital Services representative.
The following conventions are used in this manual.
Convention Meaning
Key A terminal key used in text and examples. For example, Break
indicates that you press the Break key on your terminal keyboard.
Ctrl/C Hold down the Ctrl key while you press the C key.
NOTE Provides general information about the current topic.
CAUTION Provides information to prevent damage to equipment or software.
v

1
Troubleshooting During Power-Up
After you turn on your system, the processor performs a series of self-tests
and startup routines. After successful completion of the self-tests, if the Break
Enable/Disable switch is set to disable (down), your system autoboots system
software.
1.1 Autobooting the System Software
Your system boots automatically (autoboots) from a specified drive if you have
specified a boot device by way of the command SET BOOT device-name from
console mode. Your system continues to boot from the specified drive each time
it is turned on, until you specify a different device by entering the SET BOOT
device-name command again.
Your system stores the following console parameters in nonvolatile memory.
Parameter Values Comment
Language 1 - 15 Sets the language and the
keyboard type used under the
console
ControlP 0,1 (disabled,enabled) Sets ControlP as a halt condition
instead of a break, if the break
enable switch is set for enable.
Halt 0 - 4 (or DEFAULT,
RESTART, REBOOT,
HALT, RESTART_
REBOOT)
Defines the action on halt
DSSI_ID Bus 0/A 0 - 7 The DSSI node ID for the CPU
DSSI adapter 0
DSSI_ID Bus 1/B 0 - 7 The DSSI node ID for the CPU
DSSI adapter 1
Troubleshooting During Power-Up 1–1

Parameter Values Comment
DSSI_ID Bus 2/C 0 - 7 The DSSI node ID for the CPU
DSSI adapter 2
DSSI_ID Bus 3/D 0 - 7 The DSSI node ID for the CPU
DSSI adapter 3
BFLG Hex number up to 8
digits Sets the default R5 boot flag
BOOT Boot device Sets the default boot device
If ac power is lost, this information is retained. When ac power is restored,
type SHOW SAVED_STATE at the >>> prompt. Your system displays these
parameters with the values they had at the time of the ac power loss. You can
then change any of these values. To boot your system, type Bat the >>> prompt.
If you do not enter the SET BOOT device-name command, your system boots
from the Ethernet port, EZA0.
1.2 Troubleshooting Power-Up Problems
Refer to the descriptions of problems and corrective actions in the following
sections. If the action(s) listed do not solve the problem, call your Digital service
representative.
1.2.1 Problems During Self-Tests
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
No response when
Power switch turned
on; AC
Present indicator not lit.
System not plugged in. Set Power switch to 0. Plug in
system. Set Power switch to 1.
No power at wall outlet. Use different wall outlet or check
circuit breaker controlling power to
wall outlet.
Power switch (circuit
breaker) tripped (in
position 0).
Wait 1 minute, then set Power
switch to position 1. If it trips
again, call your Digital Services
representative.
Power cable incorrectly
installed. Set Power switch to 0. Check that
cable is fully seated in socket. Set
Power switch to 1.
1–2 Troubleshooting During Power-Up

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
AC Present indicator lit;
DC OK indicator not lit. Power Control Bus cable connected to Secondary
In (SI) connector on
power supply.
Turn on system or expander
connected to Power Bus Out (MO)
connector on power supply.
BA400-series expander
not turned on. Turn on expander.
Power supply or module
failure. Call your Digital Services representative.
System has power; AC
Present and DC OK
indicators lit; nothing
displays on console
terminal.
Console terminal off. Turn on console terminal.
Console terminal off
line. Put terminal on line as described
in terminal document.
Hold key activated. Deactivate hold key.
Console terminal cable
incorrectly installed. Make sure cable is installed
properly at both ends.
Console terminal setup
not done correctly. Reread setup instructions in terminal manual.
Baud rate of system and
terminal do not match. Set terminal baud rate to match system rate.
Power-Up Mode switch
on console module set to
T.
Set that switch to Run (indicated
by arrow).
Terminal defective. Turn off terminal and turn it on
again. If it fails self-tests, call your
Digital Services representative.
If printer connected to
obtain copy of console
interaction, fault in
printer.
Turn off printer and turn it on
again. If it fails self-tests, call your
Digital Services representative.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital Services
representative.
System has power; DC
OK indicator lit; nothing
displays on console
terminal; LED on
console module displays
E or F.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital Services
representative.
Troubleshooting During Power-Up 1–3

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Self-tests halt; error
message or error
summary displays on
console terminal.
System detected error
while running self-tests. Copy number following question mark in error message or summary
and call your Digital service
representative.
Language Selection
Menu does not appear. Baud rate on console terminal different from
baud rate on system.
Check that baud rate on console
terminal agrees with system rate.
Terminal does not
support multinational
character set (MCS).
Obtain terminal that supports
MCS, or use the default language
(English). If this is not a problem
continue.
1.2.2 General Problems During Boot Sequence
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
System returns to BOOT
prompt after 4 minutes. Sanity timer enabled on DESQA module. Disable sanity timer as described
in DESQA Option Installation
Guide.
>>> displays on console
terminal. Break Enable/Disable switch set to enable (up);
system in console mode.
To autoboot, set Break Enable
/Disable switch on console module
to disable (down). Reset system by
pressing Restart button on system
control panel. To boot manually
from console mode, use BOOT
device-name command.
>>> displays on console
terminal; Break Enable
/Disable switch set to
disable (down).
User-defined halt action
set to HALT. From console mode, enter SET
HALT DEFAULT command.
?54 RETRY displays
twice on console
terminal.
No bootable medium
found. See actions listed for boot device in
subsequent sections.
Countdown does not
continue from 2 through
0; Break Enable/Disable
switch set to disable
(down).
System cannot load
software from disk
drive,
tape drive or Ethernet.
See actions listed for boot device in
subsequent sections.
1–4 Troubleshooting During Power-Up

1.2.3 Problems Booting from an EF/RF-Series Integrated Storage
Element (ISE)
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Countdown continues
from 2 through 0;
console terminal
displays operating
system error messages;
Write-Protect button
in (glows orange). For
EF/RF ISEs,
Mounted
wrtlck
displays when
DCL command SHOW
DEVICE DI is issued.
System disk
write-protected. Push in and release Write-Protect
button to out (unlit) position.
Make sure Write-Protect button
corresponds to system disk. For
EF/RFs, remove Write-Protect per
Appendix B.
Countdown continues
from 2 through 0;
console terminal
displays
console error messages.
System disk contains no
bootable software. Install system software.
Countdown does not
continue from 2 through
0; Break Enable/Disable
switch set to disable
(down); Run/Ready
button out.
System disk off line. Press Run/Ready button to in
position. Press Restart button on
system control panel.
Fault indicator lit or
blinking. Problem in controller or ISE. If Fault indicator stops blinking, system may have corrected
itself. Run MDM as described
in Chapter 3. If Fault indicator
remains lit, call your Digital
Services representative.
Bus node ID plug not
installed. Install unique Bus node ID plug.
Troubleshooting During Power-Up 1–5

1.2.4 Problems Booting from a Tape Drive
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Countdown does not
continue from 2 to 0
or system boots from
another device (wrong
software
displays on console
terminal).
No tape cartridge in
tape drive. Insert cartridge containing system
software into tape drive.
Fixed disk on line. Place fixed disk off line.
Tape not bootable (does
not contain bootstrap
program).
Use bootable tape to start system
software.
Tape worn or damaged. Try another tape cartridge.
Problem in controller or
tape drive. Call your Digital Services
representative.
1–6 Troubleshooting During Power-Up

2
Troubleshooting During Normal
Operation
Problems that occur during normal operation of your system may result from a
system defect, faulty setting, or incorrect procedure.
The following sections list problems, possible causes, and corrective actions. If the
action(s) listed do not solve the problem, call your Digital Services representative.
2.1 System Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
System has power; DC
OK indicator lit; nothing
displays on console
terminal; LED on
console module displays
E or F.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital Services
representative.
System loses power; AC
Present indicator not lit. System not plugged into wall outlet. Set Power switch to 0. Plug in system. Set Power switch to 1.
No power at wall outlet. Use different wall outlet or check
circuit breaker controlling power to
wall outlet.
Power cable incorrectly
installed. Set Power switch to 0. Check that cable is seated in socket. Set
Power switch to 1.
System loses power; DC
OK indicator not lit. Power supply failed. Turn off system and call your
Digital Services representative.
System loses power;
Power switch off
(position 0).
Power switch (circuit
breaker) tripped. Wait 1 minute, then set Power
switch to 1. If it trips again,
call your Digital Services
representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–1

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Alarm sounding and
Over Temperature
Warning indicator
flashing.
Systems internal
temperature rising and
approaching maximum
limit.
Make sure that the system air
vents are not blocked. Keep system
away from heat sources, Check
room temperature per your Site
Preperation manual.
Over Temperature
Condition indicator
lit; system loses
power; Power switch
on (position 1).
System shut down to
prevent overheating. Make sure vents are clear, system
is not near heat source, and room
temperature is within guidelines in
Site Preparation manual. Then set
Power switch to 0. Wait 5 minutes.
Set Power switch to 1. If system
shuts down again, call your Digital
Services representative.
System loses power; Fan
Failure indicator lit;
Power switch on
(position 1).
One or two fans failed. Call your Digital Services
representative.
System halts;
>>>
displayed on console
terminal.
Break or Ctrl/P pressed. Type C and press Return . To
prevent recurrences, set Break
Enable/Disable switch to disable
(down) and press Run/Ready
button to restart system. Pressing
Restart button reboots system.
Terminal display halts. Hold Screen key on
terminal pressed. Press Hold Screen key again.
Terminal data cable
disconnected. Reconnect data cable.
System reboots. Restart button pressed. Let rebooting complete. To prevent
recurrences, ask your Digital
Services representative to disable
Restart button.
For DSSI configuration:
performance degrades,
operating system
crashes, or
Closed
Virtual
Circuit
or Closing
Virtual Circuit
displays on console
terminal.
Ground offset voltage
between enclosures
exceeds limit listed
in system Installation
manual.
Make sure site power distribution
system does not have any
grounding faults listed in system
Site Preparation manual. Then
measure ground offset voltage(s)
as described in system Installation
manual.
Make sure ground cable connects
any two enclosures sharing
common DSSI bus.
2–2 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Loose or missing DSSI
terminators. Make sure terminators are
installed properly.
Damaged DSSI cable or
cable connector. Replace cable.
DSSI bus length exceeds
limit specified in DSSI
VMScluster Installation
and Troubleshooting
manual.
Call your Digital Services
representative.
Non-Digital device
connected to DSSI bus. Call your Digital service
representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–3

2.2 EF/RF-Series Integrated Storage Element (ISE)
Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Write error message
displayed; Write-
Protect button glows
orange. For EF/RF
ISEs,
Mounted
wrtlck
displays when
DCL command SHOW
DEVICE DI is issued.
ISE write-protected. Press and release Write-Protect
button. For EF/RF, remove Write-
Protect per Appendix B.
Fault indicator lit or
blinking. Bus node ID plug not
installed. Install that plug.
Two or more devices
have same node ID on
same bus.
Make sure all devices and
controllers or adapters on same
bus have unique IDs.
Problem in controller or
ISE. If Fault indicator stops blinking, system may have corrected
itself. Run MDM as described
in Chapter 3. If Fault indicator
remains lit, call your Digital
service representative.
Read error message
displayed; Run/Ready
button out.
ISE not spun up. Press Run/Ready button to in
position. After green indicator
lights, ISE is available for use.
2–4 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation

2.3 RRD3 Compact Disc Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
The drive does not
accept the disc. The disc is upside-down
in the tray or it is not
placed correctly in the
tray.
Remove the disc from the tray and
reinsert it properly.
A disc is already
present. Remove the disc and replace it
with a new one.
The eject button fails to
release the disc tray. The eject button is
disabled by software. Reenable the eject button or manually release the disc tray.
The system does not
have power. Set the system unit on/off switch to
the on ( | ) position and press the
eject button again.
The RRD43 compact disc
drive is faulty. If you want to release the disc
tray manually, see MicroVAX 3100
Model 85/95 Operator Information
for instructions. If the problem
persists, contact your Digital
services representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–5

2.4 TF-Series Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Tape not software
write-enabled. Drive not loaded, or
unloaded by software. Load drive. Ensure that yellow indicator is lit.
Cartridge has TK50
or TK70 format (drive
cannot write to those
devices).
Use cartridge with correct format.
Bad cartridge or
improperly written
calibration tracks.
Try another cartridge.
Software operating
system error. Reboot operating system.
Problem in drive. Call your Digital Services
representative.
Does not mount or read
/write. Problem in cartridge. Try another cartridge.
Dirty read/write heads. Use yellow head-cleaning cartridge.
Orange Use Cleaning
Tape light lit. Dirty read/write heads. Use yellow head-cleaning cartridge.
Four lights blinking. Failed self-test or
detected hard error. Push Unload button. If lights continue blinking, call your Digital
Services representative.
Green light on; yellow
light not lit. Cartridge load error. Try another cartridge. If problem
persists, call your Digital Services
representative.
Cartridge stuck in drive;
tape on takeup reel. Hard drive error. Press Unload button. If problem
persists, call your Digital Services
representative.
Cartridge does not load. Mispositioned leader. Try another cartridge.
2–6 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation

2.5 TK50 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Red light blinking; no
unusual sounds. Problem in drive. Press Load/Unload button four times. If problem persists, do not
use drive or remove cartridge.
Call your Digital Services
representative.
Red light blinking;
whirring sound. Tape leader not coupled properly. Turn off system. Do not remove
cartridge. Call your Digital
Services representative.
Cartridge release handle
does not move. Self-test in progress. Press Unload button and wait for red light to go out and green light
to remain on. Then try again.
Drive active. Press Unload button and wait for
red light to go out and green light
to remain on. Then try again.
Cartridge release handle
does not lock. Cartridge not inserted properly. Reinsert cartridge. If problem persists, call your Digital Services
representative.
Cartridge does not
unload. Load/Unload button in
load (in) position. Press button to unload (out)
position. Wait for red light to
go out and green light to remain on
before trying to remove cartridge.
Load/Unload button not
working properly. Press button to load (in) position,
wait a few seconds, then press
button to unload (out) position.
After red light goes off and green
light comes on, move cartridge
release handle. If problem
persists, call your Digital Services
representative.
Passes self-test; does not
work. Problem in controller or connection between
drive and controller.
Call your Digital service
representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–7

2.6 TK70 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Green light blinking
after tape insertion. Tape leader defective. Pull handle open and remove cartridge. Use another cartridge.
Orange, yellow, and
green lights blinking. Problem in drive. Press Unload button once. If orange and green lights go out
and yellow light starts blinking,
cartridge is unloading. After green
light comes on and you hear beep,
remove cartridge. If three lights
start blinking after you press
Unload button, fault is not cleared.
Do not remove cartridge. Call your
Digital Services representative.
Handle does not move. Self-test in progress. Do not move handle while yellow
light is on. Press Unload button
and wait for orange and yellow
lights to go off and green light to
remain on. Then try again.
Drive active. Do not move handle while yellow
light is on. Press Unload button
and wait for yellow light to go off
and green light to remain on. Then
try again.
Handle does not lock. Cartridge not inserted
properly. Reinsert cartridge. If problem persists, call your Digital Services
representative.
Cartridge does not
unload. Unload button not
working properly. Unload cartridge with command
described in your system software
manuals.
Passes self-test; does not
work. Problem in controller
or connection between
drive and controller.
Call your Digital Services
representative.
2–8 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation