Digital Equipment DEC 3000 500X AXP User manual

DEC3000Model500XAXP
Owner’sGuide
Order Number: EK-D5AXP-OG. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, March, 1993
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1993.
All Rights Reserved.
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S2234
This document is available on CD–ROM.
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface ..................................................... xiii
Part I Basic Operations
1 Introduction to Your System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 1–1
An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System ...... 1–2
Operating Systems ................................... 1–4
Software Product Descriptions (SPD) . . ................... 1–6
Graphics Capabilities ................................. 1–6
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) ................ 1–9
Audio Capabilities . ................................... 1–10
Available Options . ................................... 1–11
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 Your System ............................... 2–8
A Closer Look at Your System .......................... 2–11
Where to Go Next . ................................... 2–16
iii

3 Installing the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 3–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 3–2
Task Overview . . . ................................... 3–3
Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation ...... 3–5
System Unit Cover Lock ............................... 3–17
Checking Your Installation . . ........................... 3–20
Where to Go Next . ................................... 3–21
4 Connecting the System to a Network
Chapter Overview . ................................... 4–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 4–2
Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network .................. 4–4
Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network . . . ................... 4–6
Connecting to a ThinWire Network ....................... 4–8
Setting and Verifying the Network Connection .............. 4–12
Completing the Network Connection . . ................... 4–14
5 Starting Up the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 5–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 5–2
Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System ......... 5–3
Reviewing the Startup Display .......................... 5–6
Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software .......... 5–8
Loading Operating System Software . . . ................... 5–13
Where to Go Next . ................................... 5–14
6 Turning Off the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 6–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 6–2
Task Overview . . . ................................... 6–3
Shutting Down the System . . ........................... 6–3
Halting the System ................................... 6–5
iv

7 Maintaining the System
Chapter Overview . ................................... 7–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 7–2
Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard ................ 7–2
Cleaning the Monitor ................................. 7–4
Cleaning the Mouse .................................. 7–4
Removing the Front Access Door ........................ 7–6
Part II Advanced Operations
8 Using Console Commands
Chapter Overview . ................................... 8–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 8–2
Modes of System Operation . ........................... 8–3
Console Mode User Interface ........................... 8–4
Console Commands ................................... 8–6
The boot Command ................................... 8–8
The continue Command ............................... 8–11
The halt Command ................................... 8–11
The help Command ................................... 8–12
The help advanced Command ........................... 8–13
The set or setenv Command . ........................... 8–14
The show or printenv Command ......................... 8–15
The test Command ................................... 8–16
9 Changing Environment Variables
Chapter Overview . ................................... 9–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 9–2
Available Environment Variables ........................ 9–2
Displaying Current Environment Variables ................ 9–4
Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action) .......... 9–5
Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev) . . . .......... 9–7
Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick) . . . 9–9
Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language) ........ 9–10
v

10 Using the Password Security Feature
Chapter Overview . ................................... 10–1
Before You Can Use This Chapter ....................... 10–2
Before You Begin . . ................................... 10–3
Task Overview . . . ................................... 10–5
Entering a Password .................................. 10–5
Enabling System Security . . . ........................... 10–7
Forgetting the Password ............................... 10–8
Disabling or Changing the Password . . ................... 10–9
11 Using an Alternate Console
Chapter Overview . ................................... 11–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 11–2
Using the Alternate Console Feature . . ................... 11–3
Part III Handling Problems
12 Identifying a Problem
Chapter Overview . ................................... 12–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 12–2
Task Overview . . . ................................... 12–3
Determining Type of Problem ........................... 12–4
Startup Problems . ................................... 12–6
Interpreting the show Command Display .................. 12–12
Display Problems . ................................... 12–21
Daily Operations Problems . . ........................... 12–24
SCSI Device Problems ................................. 12–25
Network Problems ................................... 12–28
Where to Go Next . ................................... 12–29
13 Running Diagnostic Tests
Chapter Overview . ................................... 13–1
Before You Begin . . ................................... 13–2
Task Overview . . . ................................... 13–3
Running Diagnostic Tests . . . ........................... 13–4
Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern . . . .......... 13–8
Reporting Problems to Digital Services . ................... 13–10
Handling Problems Worksheet .......................... 13–16
vi

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–5
DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation ........................ D–6
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 Warnings for UK Installations Only ................. E–5
Cable Approval . . . ................................... E–7
Supported Cables . ................................... E–8
Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital Circuit
(PTT) . . ........................................... E–9
vii

Glossary
Index
Figures
1–1 The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation . . .......... 1–2
1–2 Audio Ports on the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP .......... 1–10
2–1 Dimensions of System . . . ........................... 2–2
2–2 Positioning Components . . ........................... 2–4
2–3 The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System Handle ......... 2–6
2–4 Lifting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP ................. 2–7
2–5 Required Workstation Components and Parts . . .......... 2–9
2–6 Components and Parts to Save ....................... 2–10
2–7 Back of System Unit ............................... 2–12
2–8 Front of System Unit ............................... 2–14
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 Sticker . . ................... 3–13
3–8 Connecting the System Power Cord to System. . .......... 3–14
3–9 Checking the Video Refresh Switch . ................... 3–15
3–10 Checking the Alternate Console Switch ................. 3–16
3–11 System Unit Cover Keys . ........................... 3–17
3–12 Locking the System Unit Cover ....................... 3–19
3–13 A Connected Workstation . ........................... 3–20
4–1 Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network ................ 4–5
4–2 Connecting a 10BASE-T Network Cable ................ 4–7
4–3 Connecting the AUI Ethernet Cable to the DECXM
Transceiver or a DESTA Unit ........................ 4–9
4–4 Connecting the ThinWire Cables and T-Connector to the
DECXM Transceiver or a DESTA Unit ................. 4–10
4–5 Terminating the Ethernet Connection .................. 4–11
viii

5–1 Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System ....... 5–5
5–2 Startup Display ................................... 5–6
5–3 OpenVMS AXP Initial Startup Display ................. 5–9
5–4 OpenVMS AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session Screen . . . 5–10
5–5 DEC OSF/1 AXP Initial Startup Display ................ 5–11
5–6 DEC OSF/1 AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session
Screen .......................................... 5–12
6–1 Turning Off the System Unit ........................ 6–4
6–2 Pressing the Halt Button . ........................... 6–6
6–3 System Halt Message ............................... 6–7
7–1 Removing/Replacing the Mouse Cover Plate . . . .......... 7–5
7–2 Removing the Front Access Door . . . ................... 7–7
9–1 The show device Display . ........................... 9–8
11–1 Attaching a Device to the
Alternate Console/Printer Port........................ 11–4
11–2 Changing the Alternate Console Switch................. 11–5
12–1 Power Indicator Light . . . ........................... 12–7
12–2 Startup Display with Error .......................... 12–9
12–3 Configuration Display with Error. . . ................... 12–13
12–4 The show device Display . ........................... 12–15
12–5 The show error Display . . ........................... 12–19
12–6 The show memory Display .......................... 12–20
13–1 SCC Diagnostic Test Display ......................... 13–5
13–2 SCC Test Display with Error ......................... 13–6
13–3 Initializing Your System. . ........................... 13–7
13–4 Initializing the System with the SCC Test ............... 13–7
13–5 Position of Diagnostic Display Lights................... 13–8
13–6 Console Mode Diagnostic Lights . . . ................... 13–9
13–7 Serial and Model Numbers .......................... 13–11
13–8 Connecting the 10BASE-T Loopback Connector . .......... 13–13
13–9 Connecting the Alternate Console/Printer Loopback
Connector ........................................ 13–14
13–10 Connecting the Modem Loopback Connector . . . .......... 13–15
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
ix

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 Front View ....................................... E–6
E–2 Connector Pin Layout . . . ........................... E–7
Tables
1Parts Description .................................. xiii
1–1 Graphics Capabilities for OpenVMS AXP ............... 1–7
1–2 Graphics Capabilities for DEC OSF/1 AXP .............. 1–8
1–3 Setting Up Multiple Graphics Devices .................. 1–8
2–1 Positioning Your System Components .................. 2–5
2–2 Back of the System Unit . ........................... 2–13
2–3 Front of the System Unit . ........................... 2–15
2–4 Where to Go Next ................................. 2–16
3–1 Steps to Install Your DEC 3000 Model 500X 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 ................................. 3–21
4–1 Required Network Cables ........................... 4–3
4–2 Steps for Connecting an AUI Ethernet Network .......... 4–4
4–3 Steps for Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Network ....... 4–8
4–4 DECXM and DESTA Documentation ................... 4–11
4–5 Network Settings .................................. 4–12
5–1 Steps for Starting Your System ....................... 5–4
5–2 Startup Display Information ......................... 5–7
5–3 Factory-Installed Software Documentation .............. 5–8
5–4 Start the Operating System .......................... 5–13
5–5 Where to Go Next ................................. 5–14
6–1 Current System Status . . ........................... 6–2
6–2 Steps to Shutting Down Your System .................. 6–3
6–3 Operating System Shutdown Procedure ................. 6–3
6–4 Halting the Operating Systems ....................... 6–5
x

7–1 Steps for Cleaning the Mouse ........................ 7–5
7–2 Steps to Remove the Front Access Door ................. 7–6
8–1 Supported Keys and Control Characters ................ 8–5
8–2 Advanced Console Commands ........................ 8–6
8–3 Basic Console Commands. ........................... 8–7
8–4 Boot Command Parameters/Qualifiers .................. 8–8
8–5 Device Naming Conventions ......................... 8–9
8–6 Diagnostic Tests ................................... 8–16
9–1 Environment Variables. . . ........................... 9–3
9–2 Parameters for Setting Startup Action.................. 9–5
9–3 Device Naming Conventions ......................... 9–7
10–1 Console Command Access ........................... 10–4
10–2 Steps to Making the System Secure . ................... 10–5
10–3 Entering a Password ............................... 10–6
10–4 Enabling System Security ........................... 10–7
10–5 Steps to Access System . . ........................... 10–8
10–6 Entering a Password ............................... 10–9
11–1 Current System Status . . ........................... 11–2
11–2 Alternate Console/Printer Port Parameters .............. 11–2
11–3 Using the Alternate Console ......................... 11–3
12–1 How to Identify a Problem ........................... 12–2
12–2 Steps to Resolving Problems ......................... 12–3
12–3 Type of Problem ................................... 12–5
12–4 Power Indicator Light Failure ........................ 12–6
12–5 Missing Startup Display . ........................... 12–8
12–6 Startup Error Codes................................ 12–10
12–7 Startup Without Booting . ........................... 12–11
12–8 Information Provided by the show Console Commands . . . . . 12–12
12–9 The show config Display Described . ................... 12–14
12–10 The show device Display Described . ................... 12–16
12–11 System Device Errors............................... 12–18
12–12 Error Message Elements . ........................... 12–19
12–13 Monitor Display Problems ........................... 12–22
12–14 Monitor Display Problems ........................... 12–23
12–15 Mouse Problems ................................... 12–24
12–16 Keyboard Problems ................................ 12–24
12–17 Installed Disk Drive Problems ........................ 12–25
xi

12–18 Installed Software Problems ......................... 12–26
12–19 Software on Diskette Problems ....................... 12–27
12–20 Resolving NI Errors ............................... 12–28
12–21 Problems When Booting from the Network .............. 12–29
13–1 Steps to Diagnostic Tests . ........................... 13–3
13–2 Diagnostic Tests ................................... 13–4
13–3 Telephone Numbers of Digital Support Centers . .......... 13–12
A–1 System Unit Dimensions: Pedestal . ................... A–2
A–2 System Unit Dimensions: Rackmount .................. A–2
A–3 System Electrical Specifications ....................... A–2
A–4 General System Specifications ....................... A–3
A–5 System Environmental Specifications .................. A–4
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 Drives .......................................... D–3
D–3 Handbook Series .................................. D–3
D–4 TURBOchannel-Related Documents . ................... D–4
D–5 SCSI Documents .................................. D–4
D–6 General OpenVMS AXP Operating System Documents . . . . . D–5
D–7 DECconnect System ................................ D–6
D–8 User Documentation, QA–MT4AB–GZ .................. D–7
D–9 Server Documentation Kit, QA–MT4AL–GZ . . . .......... D–8
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
E–5 Cables Supported by the 54-21147 Module .............. E–8
xii

Preface
Purpose of
This Guide This guide is intended for all users of the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system. It describes how to install and operate the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation. To install options in
the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, refer to the DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP Options Guide.
Structure of
This Guide This guide consists of 13 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 system,
including installing, turning on, and
maintaining your system. These
chapters are for all DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system users.
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.
(continued on next page)
xiii

Table 1 (Cont.) Parts Description
Part Title Description
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.
xiv

Conventions The following conventions are used in this guide:
Convention Description
RZ2x RZ2x refers to the RZ-series fixed disk
drives, including the RZ24L, RZ25, and
RZ26.
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 color type in this format
indicates a command that you must
enter exactly as shown. For example:
>>> show config
Return
variable Lowercase color 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.
xv

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, defined below.
iInformation
This section contains important background information that
will help you to perform the tasks listed and to operate your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP correctly.
Task
Categories The tasks fall into four categories indicated by four 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.
xvi

PartI
Basic Operations
Part I provides an overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X 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 the System
4 Connecting the System to a Network
5 Starting Up the System
6 Turning Off the System
7 Maintaining the System

1
Introduction to Your System
Chapter Overview
Introduction Congratulations on choosing a DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
workstation. These high-performance deskside systems use
Digital’s DECchip 21064 RISC processor, part of the Alpha AXP
architecture, making them the most powerful low-end systems
ever designed.
The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is based on the Digital
Alpha AXP architecture, providing all the advantages of a 64-bit
computing environment.
In This Chapter This chapter covers the following topics:
• An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System
• Operating Systems
• Software Product Descriptions (SPD)
• Graphics Capabilities
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
• Audio Capabilities
• Available Options
Introduction to Your System 1–1

An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System
An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System
System
Components The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system consists of four
components: a system unit, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse.
Figure 1–1 shows a basic workstation configuration.
Figure 1–1 The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation
MLO-007581
1–2 Introduction to Your System

An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System
System
Highlights The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system provides the following
special features:
This system feature... Provides...
Full 64-bit Alpha RISC
architecture Double the 32-bit memory address.
Up to 256 megabytes of
memory Expandable memory using 32- and 64- megabyte memory options.
Accelerated 2D graphics 8-plane, accelerated 2D graphics and
windowing operations.
Multi-head graphic support Support for multiple graphic heads.
The number of graphics heads
supported depends on the operating
system.
Internal and external options Increased storage capacity, graphics,
communications, and other capabilities
to your system.
An Attachment Unit
Interface (AUI) Ethernet
port
Connection to an AUI Ethernet
network.
A 10BASE-T network port Connection to a twisted-pair network
ISDN network ready An industry-standard port for an ISDN
network connection.
Five TURBOchannel slots Access to high-performance module
interconnect technology that allows a
variety of options, including graphics,
multimedia, communications, and other
third-party options.
Audio technology Built-in telephone-quality audio input
and output capabilities.
Secure console mode feature Limited access to core console functions
for added system security.
A password security feature Additional system security for
privileged commands when the system
is in secure console mode.
Two supported operating
systems Support for the OpenVMS AXP and the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating systems.
Introduction to Your System 1–3