Digital Equipment DECstation 212LP User manual

DECstation
212LP/316SX/320SX
ServiceGuide
Order Number EK-PC44A-SV-002
Digital Equipment Corporation

Second Edition, October 1990
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear
in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may
be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment
that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U. S. Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227–7013.
Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation 1990
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
FCC NOTICE: The equipment described in this manual has been certified to
comply with the limits for a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart
J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etcetera) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be
attached to this computer. Operation with noncertified peripherals may result
in interference to radio and television reception. This equipment generates and
uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in
strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to
radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications
in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient the receiving antenna.
– Move the computer away from the receiver.
– Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are
on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. 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
US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004–000–
00398–5

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
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DEC/MMS IAS VAXcluster
DECnet MASSBUS VMS
DECsystem–10 PDP VT
DECSYSTEM–20 PDT
DECUS RSTS
DECwriter RSX
dt
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Velcro is a trademark of VELCRO USA Inc.
IBM and IBM-PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
This document was prepared and published by Educational Services Development
and Publishing, Digital Equipment Corporation.

Contents
About This Guide vii
1 Overview
1.1 Introduction ...................................... 1–1
1.2 DECstation Base System ............................ 1–2
1.3 DECstation Options ................................ 1–3
1.3.1 System Unit Layout .............................. 1–4
1.4 DECstation System Configurations .................... 1–4
1.4.1 DECstation 212LP Main Logic Board . . ............... 1–6
1.4.2 DECstation 316SX Main Logic Board . . ............... 1–6
1.4.3 DECstation 320SX Main Logic Board . . ............... 1–6
1.4.4 Power Supply . . . ................................ 1–7
1.4.5 Monitors....................................... 1–7
1.4.6 Enhanced Keyboards ............................. 1–9
1.4.6.1 101-Key Enhanced Keyboard ..................... 1–9
1.4.6.2 LK250 Keyboard .............................. 1–9
1.4.7 Math Coprocessor................................ 1–10
2 Troubleshooting
2.1 Special Tools ..................................... 2–1
2.2 Diagnostics....................................... 2–2
2.3 Normal Power Up . ................................ 2–3
2.4 Troubleshooting Procedures . . ........................ 2–3
2.4.1 Getting Started . ................................ 2–4
2.4.2 No Power ...................................... 2–5
2.4.3 System Does Not Boot ............................ 2–6
2.4.4 System Boots . . . ................................ 2–6
iii

iv Contents
2.5 Error Codes and Messages . . . ........................ 2–7
2.5.1 Power Up Beep Codes ............................ 2–7
2.5.2 Test Messages . . ................................ 2–11
2.6 Troubleshooting by Symptom . ........................ 2–13
2.6.1 System Unit Problems ............................ 2–13
2.6.2 Disk Related Problems ............................ 2–16
2.6.3 Monitor Problems................................ 2–17
2.7 Troubleshooting Problems Occurring During System
Operation ........................................ 2–20
2.8 Using the System Utilities Diskette .................... 2–21
2.8.1 Running the Setup Program ....................... 2–21
3 FRU Replacement
3.1 Introduction ...................................... 3–1
3.1.1 Before Replacing FRUs . . . ........................ 3–5
3.2 Replacing FRUs . . . ................................ 3–5
3.2.1 Keyboard Replacement............................ 3–8
3.2.2 Monitor Replacement............................. 3–8
3.2.3 Mouse Replacement .............................. 3–8
3.2.4 System Cover Removal............................ 3–9
3.2.5 Opening the System Unit. . ........................ 3–10
3.2.6 Option Board Replacement ........................ 3–12
3.2.7 Option Slot Printed Circuit Board Replacement . ....... 3–13
3.2.8 Speaker Replacement ............................. 3–15
3.2.9 Battery Replacement ............................. 3–15
3.2.10 Reset Button Removal ............................ 3–17
3.2.11 Single-In-Line Memory Module Replacement ........... 3–19
3.2.12 Math Coprocessor Replacement ..................... 3–22
3.2.13 Main Logic Board Replacement ..................... 3–26
3.2.14 Floppy Drive Replacement . ........................ 3–30
3.2.15 Replacing An Optional Floppy Drive . . ............... 3–30
3.2.16 Replacing an Optional Hard Disk or Tape Drive . ....... 3–30
3.2.17 DECstation Power Supply Removal . . . ............... 3–32
3.3 Main Logic Board Jumpers . . ........................ 3–34
3.3.1 212LP Main Logic Board Jumpers ................... 3–34
3.3.2 316SX Main Logic Board Jumpers ................... 3–36

Contents v
3.3.3 DECstation 316SX Main Logic Board Switch Settings .... 3–38
3.3.4 320SX Main Logic Board Jumpers ................... 3–40
3.3.5 DECstation 320SX Main Logic Board Switch Settings .... 3–42
A Power Consumption
B Peripheral Interface
Index
Figures
1–1 DECstation Personal Computer ....................... 1–1
1–2 System Unit Layout ................................ 1–4
3–1 Exploded View of DECstation Chassis . . . ............... 3–6
3–2 Exploded View of DECstation Main Logic Board and Options 3–7
3–3 Removing the DECstation System Cover . ............... 3–9
3–4 Opening the DECstation System Unit . . . ............... 3–11
3–5 Removing the Bus Adapter Board ..................... 3–14
3–6 Removing the DECstation 212LP Battery ............... 3–16
3–7 Removing the DECstation 316SX/ 320SX Battery . . ....... 3–17
3–8 Removing the Reset Button . . ........................ 3–18
3–9 Removing and Replacing the 212LP SIMM .............. 3–20
3–10 Removing and Replacing the 316SX/320SX SIMM . . ....... 3–21
3–11 Replacing the 212LP Math Coprocessor . ............... 3–23
3–12 Replacing the 316SX Math Coprocessor . . ............... 3–24
3–13 320SX Math Coprocessor Replacement . . . ............... 3–25
3–14 Removing the 212LP Main Logic Board . . ............... 3–27
3–15 Removing the 316SX Main Logic Board . . ............... 3–28
3–16 Removing the 320SX Main Logic Board . . ............... 3–29
3–17 Replacing the Floppy Disk Drive ...................... 3–31
3–18 Removing the DECstation Power Supply . ............... 3–33
3–19 212LP Main Logic Board Jumper Locations .............. 3–34
3–20 316SX Main Logic Board Jumper Locations .............. 3–36
3–21 DECstation 316SX Main Logic Board Switch Location ...... 3–38

vi Contents
3–22 320SX Main Logic Board Jumper Locations .............. 3–40
3–23 DECstation 320SX Main Logic Board Switch Location ...... 3–42
Tables
1–1 Base System Configurations. . ........................ 1–5
1–2 Monitors. ........................................ 1–7
1–3 Math Coprocessors . ................................ 1–10
2–1 Troubleshooting Tools ............................... 2–2
2–2 Primary Beep Codes................................ 2–8
2–3 Secondary Beep Codes .............................. 2–9
2–4 BIOS Error Messages............................... 2–11
2–5 System Unit Troubleshooting Procedures . ............... 2–13
2–6 Hard Disk and Diskette Drive Troubleshooting Procedures . . 2–16
2–7 Monitor Troubleshooting Procedures ................... 2–17
3–1 DECstation Standard Field Replaceable Units ........... 3–1
3–2 DECstation Optional Field Replaceable Units ............ 3–2
3–3 212LP Main Logic Board Jumper Settings ............... 3–35
3–4 316SX Main Logic Board Jumper Settings ............... 3–37
3–5 DECstation 316SX Main Logic Board Switch Settings ...... 3–39
3–6 320SX Main Logic Board Jumper Settings ............... 3–41
3–7 DECstation 320SX Main Logic Board Switch Settings ...... 3–43
A–1 DECstation Base System Power Consumption ............ A–1
B–1 Parallel I/O Port Connector . . ........................ B–1
B–2 RS-232C Serial Port Connector ....................... B–2
B–3 Keyboard and Mouse Connectors ...................... B–2
B–4 Video Port Connector ............................... B–3

AboutThisGuide
This service guide is designed to help you diagnose and repair
the DECstation 212LP, DECstation 316SX and DECstation
320SX personal computers. This guide contains information on
servicing the base system only. Specific information on installing,
replacing, and configuring options is covered in the individual
option installation guides supplied with those products and is
available to Customer Service personnel in a kit.
Guide Organization
The guide is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1 provides an overview of the DECstation systems.
• Chapter 2 details troubleshooting instructions.
• Chapter 3 contains procedures for removing and replacing
field replaceable units.
For information about network troubleshooting, refer to the PCSA
Network Troubleshooting Guide. For additional information about
PC architecture and the Digital Ethernet Personal Computer Bus
Adapter (DEPCA) and DEC EtherWORKS option boards, refer to
the appropriate Service Guides.
Intended Audience
The procedures in this guide are for service technicians trained
only by Digital Equipment Corporation.
vii

viii About This Guide
Conventions
This document uses the following conventions:
Convention Meaning
Warning Provides information to prevent
personal injury
Caution Provides information to prevent
damage to equipment
Note Provides general information you
should be aware of
Ctrl Alt Del Press and hold Ctrl while you
press both Alt and Del. Control
key sequences have special
functions.
Strike the F1 key What the screen displays as a
prompt or an instruction is shown
in monospaced type.
Throughout this guide, DECstation refers to the DECstation
212LP, DECstation 316SX, and the DECstation 320SX. When
information applies to a specific DECstation, the full title is used.
The computer industry recognizes two open architectures as
industry standards: the IBM-PC/AT bus structure and the
Microsoft disk operating system, MS-DOS. The term industry-
standard refers to compatibility with these architectures. Support
for MS-DOS requires a defined set of ROM-BIOS (read-only
memory basic I/O system services) which the DECstation offers.
Ordering Parts
Customers who maintain their own equipment can order spare
parts by either phone or mail, or through any Digital sales office.
To order parts by phone, call 1-800-DIGITAL from 8:30 am to 8:00
pm (Eastern Standard Time).
To order parts by mail, send a purchase order to Digital
Equipment Corporation, P.O. Box CS2008, Nashua NH 03061.

About This Guide ix
Related Documentation
The following related documents are available as supplements to
the information provided in this guide.
Document Part Number
DECstation 212LP User’s Guide ER-PC441-UG
DECstation 316SX User’s Guide ER-PC442-UG
DECstation 320SX User’s Guide ER-PC443-UG
DECstation 212LP Technical Reference
Manual ER-PC44Y-AA
DECstation 316SX Technical Reference
Manual ER-PC44Y-BB
DECstation 320SX Technical Reference
Manual ER-PC44Y-CC
DECstation Option Installation Guides
Service Kit ER-4XOPS-SV
PCSA Network Troubleshooting Guide AA-JU54A-TH
DEC EtherWORKS Service Guide EK-DE21A-SV
DECconnect System Stand-alone
ThinWire Networks Planning and
Installation Guide
EK-DECSY-TG
DECconnect System Planning and
Configuration Guide EK-DECSY-CG
DECconnect System Installation and
Verification Guide EK-DECSY-VG
Digital personnel may order documents with part numbers
beginning with either ER or EK from:
Digital Equipment Corporation
444 Whitney Street
Northboro, MA 01532
Attn: Publishing and Circulation Services (NRO2-2) Order
Processing Section
On-line orders can be sent ALL-IN-1 mail to Order @NRO or VMS
mail to NEST::ORDER.

x About This Guide
Digital personnel may order documents with part numbers
beginning with AA from:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Drive
Westminster MA 01473-0471
Attn: Attention: Order Administration
Digital self-maintenance customers may order documents with
part numbers beginning with either EK, ER, or AA by mail or
phone from:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Peripherals and Supplies Group
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, NH 03061
Or, by phone, between 8:30am and 8:00pm Eastern Standard
Time, call:
1-800-DIGITAL

1
Overview
1.1 Introduction
The DECstation (Figure 1–1) is a desktop computer. It can
be used as a standalone personal computer or as a node on a
network to a VAX computer or another DECstation with network
server software. The DECstation runs Digital and other industry-
standard applications.
LJ-1713
Figure 1–1 DECstation Personal Computer
1–1

1–2 Overview
As a node on a Personal Computing System Architecture
(PCSA) network, the DECstation is the user’s interface with
the applications and services that the PCSA family of products
provides. As part of a network, the DECstation communicates
with other computers on the network and shares the various
resources and services offered by Digital computers and servers.
1.2 DECstation Base System
The DECstation base system unit consists of the following:
• Main logic board containing:
— 12 MHz Intel 80286 processor (DECstation 212LP only)
— 16 MHz Intel 80386SX processor (DECstation 316SX only)
— 20 MHz Intel 80386SX processor (DECstation 320SX only)
— Socket for optional Intel 80287 (DECstation 212LP only) or
Intel 80387SX (DECstation 316SX only) math coprocessor
— Socket for optional 386SX math coprocessor
— 1 (minimum) to 4 (maximum) Mbytes of SIMM RAM
memory
— Serial and parallel ports
— PS/2 compatible mouse port
— Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE) drive connector
— 16-bit VGA (Video Graphics Array) controller on the main
logic board.
— Three 16-bit (also usable as 8-bit) expansion slots for
industry standard options
• 100 watt power supply with auxiliary power output (IEC)
connector
• 3.5 inch 1.44 Mbyte diskette drive

Overview 1–3
1.3 DECstation Options
The following are options available for the DECstation base
system:
• Color or monochrome VGA analog monitor
• 40, 80, 170, or 320 Mbyte SCSI hard disk drive
• 150 Mbyte SCSI Tape cartridge system
• 20, 40, 120, or 105 Mbyte IDE hard disk drive
• 60 Mbyte streaming tape drive (QIC-40)
• 8514/A-Compatible Graphics Adapter
• 3.5 inch 1.44 Mbyte diskette drive
• 5.25 inch 1.2 Mbyte diskette drive
• 5.25 inch 360 Kbyte diskette drive
• 101-key enhanced keyboard (country-specific)
• PS/2 compatible mouse
• Power cord (country-specific)
• 16-bit SCSI host adapter
• Serial/parallel adapter
• 1200/300 internal baud modem
• 2400 internal baud modem
• 10 MHz Intel 80287 math coprocessor (DECstation 212LP)
• 16 MHz Intel 80387SX math coprocessor (DECstation 316SX)
• 20 MHz Intel 80387SX math coprocessor (DECstation 320SX)
• DEC EtherWORKS bus adapter
NOTE
Options listed were available at the time of printing.
Additional options may be available at this time.

1–4 Overview
1.3.1 System Unit Layout
Figure 1–2 shows the location of both standard and optional
equipment within the system unit. Standard equipment (the
equipment that is included in the base system) is represented by
solid lines. Optional equipment is represented by dotted lines.
LJ-1712
Figure 1–2 System Unit Layout
1.4 DECstation System Configurations
The DECstation personal computers are each available in two
base system configurations (115 or 230 Vac). These systems
are available for customers who elect to purchase DECstation
supported options separately and configure their own systems.

Overview 1–5
Additionally, customers can order one of several packaged systems
which offer optional system memory configurations, mass storage
devices and video adapters installed at the factory. The base
system configurations are listed in Table 1–1. The packaged
systems are listed in Table 1–2.
Table 1–1 Base System Configurations
Model
Number Description
PC441-AA DECstation 212LP; 80286/12 MHz base system box, 1
Mbyte (minimum) SIMM RAM, 3.5 inch 1.44 Mbyte
floppy diskette drive, on-board IDE device interface,
serial/parallel port, mouse and keyboard port, on-board
VGA, 3 PC/AT expansion slots (full size), 2 additional
front panel storage bays (3.5 and 5.25 inch), with the
power supply factory set at 120 Vac, 60 Hz.
PC441-A2 Same as PC441-AA, but with no power cord and
keyboard.
PC441-A3 Same as PC441-A2, but with no power cord and
keyboard, and is factory set at 240 Vac, 50 Hz.
PC442-A2 DECstation 316SX; 80386/16 MHz base system box, 1
Mbyte (minimum) SIMM RAM, 3.5 inch 1.44 Mbyte
floppy diskette drive, on-board IDE device interface,
serial/parallel port, mouse and keyboard port, 3 PC/AT
expansion slots (full size), 2 additional front panel
storage bays (3.5 and 5.25 inch), with the power
supply factory set at 120 Vac, 60 Hz. No power cord or
keyboard.
PC442-A3 Same as PC442-A2, but with the power supply factory
set at 240 Vac, 50 Hz.
PC443-A2 DECstation 320SX; 80386/16 MHz base system box, 1
Mbyte (minimum) SIMM RAM, 3.5 inch 1.44 Mbyte
floppy diskette drive, on-board IDE device interface,
serial/parallel port, mouse and keyboard port, on-board
SVGA, 3 PC/AT expansion slots (full size), 2 additional
front panel storage bays (3.5 and 5.25 inch), with the
power supply factory set at 120 Vac, 60 Hz. No power
cord or keyboard.

1–6 Overview
Table 1–1 (Cont.) Base System Configurations
Model
Number Description
PC443-A3 Same as PC443-A2, but with the power supply factory
set at 240 Vac, 50 Hz.
1.4.1 DECstation 212LP Main Logic Board
The DECstation 212LP main logic board contains a 12 MHz Intel
80286 CPU microprocessor, a socket for an optional Intel 80287
math coprocessor, floppy disk drive controller, serial and parallel
ports, PS/2 compatible mouse port, IDE drive connector, 16-bit
VGA controller (800 x 600), four SIMM memory expansion slots,
and one bus expansion adapter connector. The bus expansion
adapter plugs into the main logic board and contains three 16-bit
(also usable as 8-bit) expansion slots.
1.4.2 DECstation 316SX Main Logic Board
The DECstation 316SX main logic board contains a 16 MHz Intel
80386 CPU microprocessor, a socket for an optional Intel 80387SX
math coprocessor, floppy disk drives controller, serial and parallel
ports, PS/2 compatible mouse port, IDE drive connector, 16-bit
VGA controller (800 x 600), four SIMM memory expansion slots,
and one bus expansion adapter connector. The bus expansion
adapter plugs into the main logic board and contains three 16-bit
(also usable as 8-bit) expansion slots.
1.4.3 DECstation 320SX Main Logic Board
The DECstation 320SX main logic board contains a 20 MHz Intel
80386 CPU microprocessor, a socket for an optional Intel 80387SX
math coprocessor, floppy disk drives controller, serial and parallel
ports, PS/2 compatible mouse port, IDE drive connector, Super
VGA controller (1024 x 768) with 512 Kbytes, 1 Mbyte system
RAM (fixed) with four SIMM video memory expansion slots, and
one bus expansion adapter connector. The bus expansion adapter
plugs into the main logic board and contains three 16-bit (also
usable as 8-bit) expansion slots.

Overview 1–7
1.4.4 Power Supply
The DECstation is supplied with a 100 watt power supply that
includes an auxiliary ac power output (IEC) connector. The power
supply is switch selectable between either 115 Vac, 60 Hz or 230
Vac, 50/60 Hz power input.
1.4.5 Monitors
The DECstation supports both color and monochrome VGA
analog monitors. The monitors are available in different voltage
input variations and video alignments to meet international
requirements. See Table 2–7.
Table 1–2 Monitors
Model
Number Part Number Description
PC4XV-AA 30-32317-01 VGA monochromatic 14" for all
versions of DECstation personal
computers. Requires PC4XG-AA
or -AB VGA adapter, except on the
PC44- models. Displays 64 shades
of grey, 640 x 480 resolution. 120
Vac 60 Hz (US and Canada)
PC4XV-A2 30-32317-01 VGA monochromatic 14"
international version, 120 Vac
60 Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
North Hemisphere (IEC plug)
PC4XV-A3 30-32319-01 VGA monochromatic 14"
international version, 240 Vac
50 Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
North Hemisphere (IEC plug)
PC4XV-A4 30-32320-01 VGA monochromatic 14"
international version, 240 Vac
50 Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
South Hemisphere (IEC plug)

1–8 Overview
Table 1–2 (Cont.) Monitors
Model
Number Part Number Description
PC4XV-A5 30-32318-01 VGA monochromatic 14"
international version, 120 Vac
60 Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
South Hemisphere (IEC plug)
PC4XV-A6 30-33966-01 VGA monochromatic RGB 14"
international version, 240 Vac 50
Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
North Hemisphere (IEC plug)
PC4XV-A7 30-33967-01 VGA monochromatic RGB 14"
international version, 240 Vac 50
Hz, with 640 x 480 resolution,
South Hemisphere (IEC plug)
PC4XV-BA 30-30901-01 VGA color RGB 14" for all versions
of DECstation personal computers.
Requires PC4XG-AA or -AB VGA
adapter, except on the PC44-
models. Displays at 640 x 480
colors. 120 Vac 60 Hz (US and
Canada)
PC4XV-B2 30-32313-01 VGA color RGB 14" international
version, 120 Vac 60 Hz, with 1024 x
768 resolution, North Hemisphere
(IEC plug)
PC4XV-B3 30-32315-01 VGA color RGB 14" international
version, 240 Vac 50 Hz, with 640 x
480 resolution, North Hemisphere
(IEC plug)
PC4XV-B4 30-32316-01 VGA color RGB 14" international
version, 240 Vac 50 Hz, with 640 x
480 resolution, South Hemisphere
(IEC plug)
PC4XV-B5 30-32314-01 VGA color RGB 14" international
version, 120 Vac 60 Hz, with 1024 x
768 resolution, South Hemisphere
(IEC plug)

Overview 1–9
Table 1–2 (Cont.) Monitors
Model
Number Part Number Description
PC4XV-B6 30-33968-01 SVGA color RGB 14" international
version, 240 Vac 50 Hz, with 1024 x
768 resolution, North Hemisphere
(IEC plug)
PC4XV-B7 30-33969-01 SVGA color RGB 14" international
version, 240 Vac 50 Hz, with 1024 x
768 resolution, South Hemisphere
(IEC plug)
1.4.6 Enhanced Keyboards
There are two different keyboards available as options on the
DECstation: The 101-key enhanced keyboard and the LK250
keyboard.
NOTE
Keyboards used with the DECstation 212LP, DECstation
316SX, and DECstation 320SX must be equipped with a 6-pin
miniature PS/2 compatible connector.
1.4.6.1 101-Key Enhanced Keyboard
The 101-key enhanced keyboard provides the industry-standard
IBM-PC/AT-style key arrangement on a smaller, desktop keyboard.
1.4.6.2 LK250 Keyboard
The LK250 keyboard provides the standard Digital key
arrangement available in several country-specific language
variations.