Digital Equipment VAXstation 4000/90 Series User guide

VAXstation4000Model90Series
Owner’s and System Installation
Guide
Order Number: EK–VAXOG–IN. B01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, August 1992
Second Printing, March 1994
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its
products in the manner described in this publication will not infringe on
existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this
publication imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or
software in accordance with the description.
© Digital Equipment Corporation March 1994. All Rights Reserved.
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your critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DEC,
DECconnect, DECwindows, ThinWire, RX, VAX, VAXstation, OpenVMS, and
the DIGITAL logo.
S2530
This document is available on CDROM.
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface ..................................................... xi
1 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System
Introduction . . . ................................... 1–1
Chapter Topics . ................................... 1–1
System Capabilities ................................... 1–1
Overview of Features ............................... 1–1
The VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System ................. 1–2
System Components ................................... 1–3
Components Shipped ............................... 1–3
System Components ................................ 1–4
Front of System Unit ............................... 1–5
Front Components ................................. 1–6
Back of System Unit ............................... 1–7
Component Descriptions . ........................... 1–8
Available Options . . ................................... 1–9
Options ......................................... 1–9
Ordering Options .................................. 1–11
Installing Options ................................. 1–11
2 Installing Your VAXstation 4000
Introduction . . . ................................... 2–1
Chapter Topics . ................................... 2–1
Installing Your System................................. 2–2
Installation Overview ............................... 2–2
Assemble the T-connector . ........................... 2–2
Attach the Loopback and T-connector .................. 2–3
Connect the Mouse and Keyboard . . ................... 2–4
Attach the Monitor Cables ........................... 2–5
Recommended Power Source ......................... 2–5
Universal Strain Relief Strap......................... 2–6
iii

Attach the Monitor Video Cable ....................... 2–7
Video In/Video Out Connectors........................ 2–7
Attach the Monitor Power Cord ....................... 2–8
Factory Installed Software Sticker ..................... 2–9
Connect the System Power Cord ...................... 2–10
Turn On (|) Your System . . . ........................ 2–11
Successful Start-Up Display . . ........................ 2–12
Putting Your System in Console Mode ..................... 2–13
Console Mode ..................................... 2–13
Halt Button ...................................... 2–13
Recording Information About Your System . ................ 2–14
Why Record Information?............................ 2–14
Where to Find Information . . ........................ 2–14
Attaching the Network Label . ........................ 2–16
3 Connecting Your System to the Network
Introduction ...................................... 3–1
Chapter Topics .................................... 3–1
Verifying the Ethernet Subsystem ........................ 3–2
Steps to Verify .................................... 3–2
Connecting to the Network ............................. 3–3
Connecting to Standard Ethernet ..................... 3–3
Connecting to ThinWire Ethernet ..................... 3–5
Verifying the Ethernet Connection ........................ 3–8
Verify Command . . ................................ 3–8
Removing a System from ThinWire Ethernet................ 3–9
Caution: Follow Shutdown Procedures . ................ 3–9
Removal Steps .................................... 3–9
4 Using Your System
Introduction ...................................... 4–1
Chapter Topics .................................... 4–1
Turning Your Workstation On and Off ..................... 4–2
Turning On the Monitor ............................. 4–2
Turning On Your System . . . ........................ 4–2
Adjusting Your Monitor ............................. 4–2
Turning Your System Off ............................ 4–2
Starting Your System . . ................................ 4–3
Enter the Boot Command . . . ........................ 4–3
Reviewing Your System Configuration ..................... 4–3
Console Mode ..................................... 4–3
iv

The SHOW CONFIG Command ....................... 4–3
Error Messages ................................... 4–6
Using Console Commands . . . ........................... 4–7
Using HELP. . . ................................... 4–7
SHOW Commands ................................. 4–7
SET Commands ................................... 4–8
TEST Commands .................................. 4–8
Using the Password Security Feature . . ................... 4–9
Restricted Access .................................. 4–9
Privileged Console Commands ........................ 4–9
Nonprivileged Console Commands . . ................... 4–10
Choosing a Security Password ........................ 4–10
Setting Your Password . . . ........................... 4–10
Enabling the Security Feature ........................ 4–11
Disabling the Security Feature ....................... 4–11
Changing the Password . . ........................... 4–11
Moving Your System .................................. 4–12
Shutting Down . ................................... 4–12
Turning Off the Monitor. . ........................... 4–12
Packing Material .................................. 4–12
Reconnecting Your System ........................... 4–12
5 Testing System Components
Introduction . . . ................................... 5–1
Chapter Topics . ................................... 5–1
Interpreting System Start-Up Displays . ................... 5–1
Start-Up Display .................................. 5–1
Start-Up Display with Error Message .................. 5–2
! The ID Number ................................. 5–3
" and # The Faulty Component . . . ................... 5–4
$ The Error Message Number ........................ 5–5
Interpreting Diagnostic Lights ........................... 5–6
Where the Lights Are............................... 5–6
What the Lights Mean . . . ........................... 5–7
Testing System Components . ........................... 5–8
Testing a Single Component .......................... 5–8
Example ......................................... 5–8
Testing Several Components ......................... 5–9
Example ......................................... 5–9
Testing All Components . . ........................... 5–9
Testing All Components Simultaneously ................ 5–9
Using the System Exerciser .......................... 5–10
v

Interrupting the System Exerciser ..................... 5–11
Successful Test .................................... 5–12
Unsuccessful Test . . ................................ 5–13
Requesting a Test Summary . ........................ 5–14
Requesting No Test Summary Display . . ................ 5–15
After Any Testing . . ................................ 5–15
Resuming Normal Operation After Testing . ................ 5–15
Two Ways to Reboot ................................ 5–15
Device Mnemonic . . ................................ 5–16
Example . ........................................ 5–16
6 Handling Problems
Introduction ...................................... 6–1
Chapter Topics .................................... 6–1
Checking Cable Connections ............................ 6–2
Shut Down the System ............................. 6–2
Check Cable Connections ............................ 6–2
Turn System Back On .............................. 6–3
Troubleshooting System Components ...................... 6–3
Troubleshooting Overview . . . ........................ 6–3
System Unit ...................................... 6–4
Monitor . ........................................ 6–5
Mouse/Tablet ..................................... 6–6
Keyboard ........................................ 6–6
Network ........................................ 6–7
Audio . . . ........................................ 6–7
Reporting Problems to Your Digital Service Representative..... 6–8
Before You Call . . . ................................ 6–8
A Alternate Start-Up Procedures
Introduction ...................................... A–1
Appendix Topics . . . ................................ A–1
Changing the Keyboard Language ........................ A–2
Turning Off Your System ............................ A–2
Steps to Change Keyboard Language . . . ................ A–2
Setting the Default Boot Device . . ........................ A–3
The Default Boot Device ............................ A–3
Changing the Boot Device . . . ........................ A–3
Example . ........................................ A–4
Short-Cut ........................................ A–4
Changing the Default Recovery Action..................... A–4
vi

Default Recovery Options. ........................... A–4
Changing Default Recovery Action . . ................... A–5
Setting the Default Boot Flags ........................... A–6
Who Should Set the Boot Flag ........................ A–6
Setting the Boot Flag ............................... A–6
Using the Alternate Console Feature . . . ................... A–6
If Monitor Screen Is Blank........................... A–6
Connecting a Terminal as an Alternate Console .......... A–7
B DSW21 Synchronous Communications Adapter Installation
Information for the United Kingdom
Appendix Topics ................................... B–1
Cables . . ........................................... B–1
Approval ........................................ B–1
Safety Warning Conditions........................... B–2
Equipment Between the DSW21 Adapter and a Digital
Circuit . . ........................................... B–2
Equipment Requirements ........................... B–2
Host Power Rating . ................................... B–3
Module Power . ................................... B–3
Approved Service Specifications .......................... B–4
UK Compliance ................................... B–4
BABT Host-Independent Approvals ....................... B–5
Approval Criteria .................................. B–5
Clearance ........................................ B–6
Checking Creepage Distances ........................ B–7
Warning: Approval Invalidated ....................... B–7
C Model 90 System Specifications
Appendix Topics ................................... C–1
System Specifications .................................. C–2
Dimensions . . . ................................... C–2
Electrical Specifications . . ........................... C–2
General Specifications . . . ........................... C–3
Storage Specifications . . . ........................... C–4
Operating Conditions............................... C–4
Nonoperating Conditions . ........................... C–4
vii

Index
Figures
1–1 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System ................ 1–2
1–2 System Components ................................ 1–4
1–3 Front of System Unit ............................... 1–5
1–4 Back of System Unit ............................... 1–7
2–1 Assembling the T-connector . . ........................ 2–2
2–2 Attaching the Loopback and T-connector ................ 2–3
2–3 Connecting the Mouse and Keyboard . . . ................ 2–4
2–4 Attaching the Monitor Cable . ........................ 2–5
2–5 Attaching the Universal Strain Relief Strap ............. 2–6
2–6 Attaching the Monitor Cable to the Monitor ............. 2–7
2–7 Attaching the Monitor Power Cord .................... 2–8
2–8 OpenVMS Factory Installed Software Sticker ............ 2–9
2–9 Attaching the System Power Cord ..................... 2–10
2–10 On/Off Switch .................................... 2–11
2–11 Successful Start-Up Display . . ........................ 2–12
2–12 Press Halt Button for Console Mode . . . ................ 2–13
2–13 Attaching the Network Label . ........................ 2–16
3–1 Start-Up Display . . ................................ 3–2
3–2 Network Switch . . . ................................ 3–4
3–3 Ethernet Cable in Ethernet Port ...................... 3–5
3–4 Adding ThinWire Cable ............................. 3–6
3–5 Reconnecting ThinWire Cable ........................ 3–6
3–6 Connecting to the DECconnect Faceplate................ 3–7
3–7 Removing the T-connector from the System .............. 3–9
4–1 SHOW CONFIG Display ............................ 4–4
4–2 SHOW CONFIG Display with Error . . . ................ 4–6
5–1 Start-Up Display with Error Message . . ................ 5–2
5–2 Diagnostic Lights . . ................................ 5–6
5–3 Successful System Exerciser Test ...................... 5–12
5–4 System Exerciser Display with an Error Line ............ 5–13
5–5 Test Summary Display With Error..................... 5–14
A–1 Changing the Keyboard Language ..................... A–2
B–1 Creepage Distance . ................................ B–7
viii

Tables
1–1 Components: Front of System Unit . ................... 1–6
1–2 Components: Back of System Unit . ................... 1–8
1–3 VAXstation 4000 Devices and Options .................. 1–10
2–1 Installation Steps for Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90
System .......................................... 2–2
2–2 Your System Information . ........................... 2–14
4–1 Graphics Board Mnemonics .......................... 4–5
4–2 SHOW Commands ................................. 4–7
4–3 SET Commands ................................... 4–8
4–4 TEST Commands .................................. 4–8
4–5 Nonprivileged Console Commands . . ................... 4–10
4–6 Setting Your Password . . . ........................... 4–10
4–7 Enabling the Password Security Feature................ 4–11
4–8 Disabling the Password Security Feature ............... 4–11
4–9 Changing Your Console Password . . ................... 4–11
5–1 ID Numbers and Definitions ......................... 5–3
5–2 Component Numbers and Mnemonics .................. 5–4
5–3 Error Messages ................................... 5–5
5–4 Diagnostic Light Patterns of Common Problems .......... 5–7
5–5 OpenVMS Device Mnemonic ......................... 5–16
6–1 Problems with the System Unit ....................... 6–4
6–2 Problems with the Monitor .......................... 6–5
6–3 Problems with the Mouse or Tablet . ................... 6–6
6–4 Problems with the Keyboard ......................... 6–6
6–5 Problems with the Network .......................... 6–7
6–6 Audio Problems ................................... 6–7
A–1 OpenVMS Device Mnemonic ......................... A–3
A–2 Values for Recovery Action ........................... A–4
B–1 Module Power . ................................... B–3
B–2 BABT Approved Service Specifications for the DSW21
Synchronous Communications Adapter for UK
Compliance . . . ................................... B–4
B–3 Clearance and Creepage Distances . ................... B–6
C–1 System Unit Dimensions (Diskless System) .............. C–2
C–2 System Electrical Specifications ....................... C–2
C–3 System Component Specifications . . ................... C–3
ix

C–4 System Storage Specifications ........................ C–4
C–5 VAXstation 4000 Operating Conditions . ................ C–4
C–6 VAXstation 4000 Nonoperating Conditions .............. C–4
x

Preface
Purpose This guide describes how to install, use, and troubleshoot the
hardware components of a VAXstation 4000 Model 90 system.
This guide also includes information on how to connect your
system to an Ethernet network.
Intended
Audience This guide is for anyone installing and using the VAXstation
4000 Model 90 workstation.
Structure This guide contains six chapters, three appendixes, and an index.
It is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1 provides an overview of the Model 90 workstation.
It introduces you to some of the features and options
available.
• Chapter 2 explains how to install the standalone system,
run system start-up tests, and record information about your
system.
• Chapter 3 explains how to connect your system to a ThinWire
Ethernet network or to a standard Ethernet network.
• Chapter 4 tells you how to use your system, including how
to start up and turn off your system, display the system
configuration, use commands in console mode, and how to set
up the console security feature.
• Chapter 5 explains how to perform and interpret system
tests, and how to reboot your system after testing.
• Chapter 6 provides basic information to help you diagnose
and solve problems.
xi

• Appendix A tells you how to set alternate startup procedures,
including how to reboot your system and change the default
recovery action. It also describes how to change your
keyboard language setting.
• Appendix B includes installation information that is
applicable to the United Kingdom.
• Appendix C provides hardware specifications for system
components.
Conventions The following conventions are used in this guide:
Return A key name is shown enclosed to indicate 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 or a pointing device
button.
bold Bold type in examples indicates information that you must enter
at the keyboard.
italics Italics indicate important information, a document title, or
variables.
WARNING: Warnings contain information to prevent personal injury. Read
these carefully.
CAUTION: Cautions provide information to prevent damage to equipment or
software. Read these carefully.
xii

1
Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System
Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the Model 90 workstation.
It introduces you to the features and available options.
Chapter Topics This chapter describes the VAXstation 4000 Model 90 system:
• System Capabilities
• System Components
• Available Options
System Capabilities
Overview of
Features The VAXstation 4000 workstation offers all the advantages of an
integrated computing environment based on Digital Equipment
Corporation’s VAX architecture. The Model 90 system offers the
following features:
• Desktop computing
• Industry-standard personal productivity tools
• Transparent access to local or distributed applications and
resources
• An optional DECwindows user interface that provides a
consistent, windows-style of interaction in any application
• 16, 32, 64, 80, or 128 megabytes of memory
Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System 1–1

System Capabilities
• A variety of options for increasing storage capacity, as well
as adding communications, memory, enhanced graphics, and
other capabilities to your system
• Standard Ethernet and ThinWire Ethernet ports for
connection to a DECnet network
• A password security feature for additional system security
The VAXstation
4000 Model 90
System
Figure 1–1 shows a fully configured system.
Figure 1–1 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System
MLO-008071
1–2 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System

System Components
System Components
Components
Shipped Listed below are the basic components of your system.
Figure 1–2 shows each component.
! System unit
" Monitor
# Keyboard
$ Universal strain relief strap
% System power cord
& Monitor power cord
' Loopback connector
( Monitor video cable
) One T-connector and two terminators
+> Network label
+? Mouse with mousepad
+@ Documentation
Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System 1–3

System Components
System
Components Figure 1–2 shows all the basic components of your system.
Figure 1–2 System Components
5
6
7
8
1
2
9
3
11
12
MLO-008074
4
10
1–4 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System

System Components
Front of
System Unit Figure 1–3 shows the ports, switches, and indicators on the front
of the system unit. Table 1–1 explains the function of each.
Figure 1–3 Front of System Unit
1
2
34567
MLO-008072
Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System 1–5

System Components
Front
Components Table 1–1 describes the ports, switches, and indicators on the
front of the system unit.
Table 1–1 Components: Front of System Unit
Number Feature Function
! On/Off switch Power switch for system unit
(shown in Figure 1–3 in off
(O) position).
" Front door Protects switches.
# Headset jack For audio output to
a headset. (software
controlled)
$ Audio speaker switch Turns speaker on (down) and
off (up).
% Halt button Used to put the system into
console mode.
& Alternate console
switch Set to the up position to select a terminal as an
alternate console for testing
purposes, or to the down
position to return to normal
use of the workstation
monitor.
' Diagnostic lights Show status of the system
during diagnostic tests. (See
Chapter 5.)
1–6 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System

System Components
Back of System
Unit Figure 1–4 shows the ports, switches, and indicators on the back
of the system unit. Table 1–2 explains the function of each.
Figure 1–4 Back of System Unit
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
10 11 12
MLO-008073
1
Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System 1–7

System Components
Component
Descriptions Table 1–2 describes the ports, switches, and indicators on the
back of the system unit.
Table 1–2 Components: Back of System Unit
Number Feature Function
! SCSI port Used to connect Small
Computer System Interface
(SCSI) peripheral devices to
the system unit. Your system
comes with a SCSI terminator
pre-installed. Remove this
terminator if you attach
external options to the system
unit or expansion boxes.
" Monitor video port Used to connect the monitor
video cable.
# Monitor power port Used to connect the monitor
power cord.
$ System power port Used to connect the system unit
power cord.
% Remote mouse/
keyboard port Used to connect the remote mouse and keyboard cable.
& Mouse port Used to connect the mouse
cable.
' Keyboard port Used to connect the keyboard
cable.
( Printer/
communications port
(TTA3)
Used primarily to connect a
printer or hardcopy terminal
through an RS423 cable.
OpenVMS does not support
modems on this port.
) Communications/
printer port (TTA2) Used primarily to connect an asynchronous communications
device such as a modem,
through an RS232 cable. The
secondary use is to attach a
printer or hardcopy terminal.
(continued on next page)
1–8 Your VAXstation 4000 Model 90 System