Digital Equipment AlphaServer 2000 User manual

AlphaServer2000
Owner’sGuide
Order Number: EK–400MP–OP. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

Preliminary Version, September 1994
First printing, October 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.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication
is authorized only pursuant to a valid written license from Digital or an
authorized sublicensor.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1994. All Rights Reserved.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments forms at the end of this document request
your critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment
Corporation: AlphaGeneration, AlphaServer, AXP, DEC, DECchip, DECconnect,
Digital, OpenVMS, StorageWorks, VAX, VT, the AlphaGeneration logo, and the
DIGITAL logo.
OSF/1 is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc. PostScript
is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Microsoft Windows and
Microsoft Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective holders.
S2635
FCC Notice:
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. It has been type
tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such radio and television interference
in a residential installation.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
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, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference.
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

EC Notice: This equipment complies with CE Class B requirements.
EU-Hinweis: Dieses Gerät entspricht den EU-Bestimmungen der Klasse B.
Avis de conformité aux normes CEE : Cet équipement est conforme aux
normes CEE pour la classe B.
Acoustics: Preliminary declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779:
Sound Power Level
LwAd,B
Sound Pressure Level
LpAm, dBA (Bystander
Positions)
Idle (lightly
loaded) 6.3 45
Operating (lightly
loaded) 6.4 45
Idle (fully loaded) 6.4 45
Operating (fully
loaded) 6.5 45
Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital
representatives. 1B=10dBA.
Schallemissionswerte: Verläufige Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und ISO
7779/DIN EN27779:
Schalleistungspegel
LwAd,B
Schalldruckpegel
LpAm, dBA
(Zuschauerpositionen)
Leerlauf (leicht
belastet) 6,3 45
Betrieb (voll
belastet) 6,4 45
Leerlauf (leicht
belastet) 6,4 45
Betrieb (voll
belastet) 6,5 45
Aktuelle Werte für spezielle Ausrüstungsstufen sind über die Digital Equipment
Vertretungen erhältlich. 1 B = 10 dBA.

Contents
Preface ..................................................... xiii
1 Basic Operation
Before Using this Guide . . ........................... 1–1
In This Chapter ................................... 1–2
System Features . . ................................... 1–3
Overview ........................................ 1–3
Characteristics . ................................... 1–3
Architecture . . . ................................... 1–5
Environmental and Power Requirements ................... 1–6
In This Section . ................................... 1–6
System Dimensions ................................ 1–6
Environmental Specifications ......................... 1–7
Power Requirements ............................... 1–8
Power Cords . . . ................................... 1–9
Moving the System ................................ 1–10
Repositioning the System . ........................... 1–10
Opening the System Door ........................... 1–11
Turning the System On ................................ 1–12
Overview ........................................ 1–12
Checking System Settings ........................... 1–13
Powering Up the System . ........................... 1–14
Displaying Power-Up Information . . ................... 1–14
Checking the Power-Up Displays . . . ................... 1–16
Preboot Tasks. . ................................... 1–20
Booting an Operating System ........................ 1–23
Autobooting an Operating System . . ................... 1–25
Powering Down the System . . ........................... 1–26
Before You Begin .................................. 1–26
Turning Off DC Power . . . ........................... 1–26
Extended Power-Down (AC Power) . ................... 1–27
Invoking Console Mode ................................ 1–28
v

Console Subsystem. ................................ 1–28
Console Terminal . . ................................ 1–28
Console Mode ..................................... 1–28
Invoking Console Mode ............................. 1–28
Remote Access .................................... 1–29
Switching Between Operating Systems . ................ 1–29
Network Options ..................................... 1–31
Overview ........................................ 1–31
Connecting Peripherals ................................ 1–32
Serial/Parallel Connections . . ........................ 1–32
Terminal Connections .............................. 1–34
Operating Storage Devices .............................. 1–36
Overview ........................................ 1–36
For Additional Information . . ........................ 1–36
Before You Operate Mass Storage Devices ............... 1–36
Identifying Mass Storage Compartments ................ 1–37
Operating Storage Devices . . . ........................ 1–37
Operating a CD–ROM Drive ............................ 1–38
CD–ROM Drive Description . . ........................ 1–38
Caddyless Drive . . . ................................ 1–38
Drive with Caddy . . ................................ 1–40
Inserting and Removing a Compact Disc ............... 1–42
Operating a DAT Tape Drive ............................ 1–46
DAT Description. . . ................................ 1–46
Inserting a Tape . . . ................................ 1–46
Removing a Tape . . ................................ 1–46
Operating a Diskette Drive ............................. 1–48
Diskette Drive Description . . . ........................ 1–48
Inserting a Diskette ............................... 1–48
Removing a Diskette ............................... 1–48
Operating a QIC Drive . ................................ 1–50
QIC Drive Description .............................. 1–50
Inserting a QIC Tape ............................... 1–50
Removing a QIC Tape .............................. 1–50
2 Hardware Components
In This Chapter . . . ................................ 2–1
Operator Control Panel (OCP) . . . ........................ 2–2
Power-Up Display . ................................ 2–2
DC On/Off Button . ................................ 2–2
Halt Button ...................................... 2–3
Reset Button ..................................... 2–4
vi

System Front ........................................ 2–5
Front Components ................................. 2–5
System Rear......................................... 2–6
Rear Components .................................. 2–6
System Door and Cover ................................ 2–8
Door Removal. . ................................... 2–8
Cover Removal . ................................... 2–9
System Module Locations............................... 2–11
Card Cages . . . ................................... 2–11
Accessing the Card Cages ........................... 2–12
Accessories .......................................... 2–14
Accessories ....................................... 2–14
3 Options and Upgrades
In this Chapter ................................... 3–1
Upgrade Overview . ................................... 3–2
Planning Your Upgrade . . ........................... 3–2
Adding Third-Party Devices .......................... 3–3
Supported Options . ................................... 3–4
Supported Options ................................. 3–4
Access from the Internet . ........................... 3–4
Access from CompuServe . ........................... 3–4
Digital Systems and Options Catalog................... 3–4
Verifying System Configuration .......................... 3–5
Before You Begin .................................. 3–5
Firmware Menu Options for Microsoft Windows NT ....... 3–5
Viewing ARC Hardware Display . . . ................... 3–5
Viewing ARC Environment Variables ................... 3–9
ARC Environment Variables ......................... 3–10
For More Information . . . ........................... 3–11
Firmware Console Commands for DEC OSF/1 and
OpenVMS........................................ 3–11
show config....................................... 3–12
show device . . . ................................... 3–14
show memory . . ................................... 3–16
set and show . . ................................... 3–17
System Bus Options ................................... 3–18
CPU Modules . . ................................... 3–20
Memory Modules .................................. 3–22
Expansion I/O . ................................... 3–24
EISA Bus Options . ................................... 3–25
ISA Bus Options . . ................................... 3–27
vii

Identifying ISA and EISA Options ........................ 3–29
Configuring EISA and ISA Options ....................... 3–30
EISA Configuration Utility . . ........................ 3–30
System Configuration Diskette ....................... 3–30
Before You Run the ECU ............................ 3–30
Starting the ECU . . ................................ 3–31
Configuring EISA Options .............................. 3–34
Configuring EISA/ISA Options . . . ........................ 3–36
PCI Bus Options ..................................... 3–38
Installing PCI Boards .............................. 3–39
SCSI Buses . ........................................ 3–40
Internal SCSI Bus . ................................ 3–41
Configuring the Removable Media Bus . ................ 3–41
SCSI Bus Node IDs ................................ 3–44
Internal StorageWorks Shelves ....................... 3–44
Installing StorageWorks Fixed Disks . . . ................ 3–46
Preferred SWXCR-Ex Cable Routing . . . ................ 3–47
Guidelines for Systems with SWXCR-Ex Controller. ....... 3–49
Power Supply Configurations ............................ 3–50
Power Supply Modes ............................... 3–51
Power Requirements ............................... 3–53
Power Ordering Guidelines . . ........................ 3–54
4 Troubleshooting the System
Introduction ...................................... 4–1
In This Chapter . . . ................................ 4–1
Before You Begin ..................................... 4–2
Determine Service Provider . . ........................ 4–2
Identifying Problems ............................... 4–3
Task Overview ....................................... 4–4
Steps to Identifying a Problem ........................ 4–4
Determining Type of Problem . . . ........................ 4–5
Types of System Problems . . . ........................ 4–5
Reporting Problems to Digital Services .................... 4–6
Pre-Call Checklist . ................................ 4–6
Digital Support Center Contact Numbers ............... 4–6
Power Problems ...................................... 4–10
Problems Getting to Console Mode ....................... 4–11
Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display .... 4–12
CPU Failover ..................................... 4–12
Console Reported Problems ............................. 4–15
show fru . ........................................ 4–17
viii

test . . ........................................... 4–19
Mass Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up .............. 4–21
EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up ................. 4–24
PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up .................. 4–26
Boot Problems ....................................... 4–27
Operating System Reported Problems . . ................... 4–28
Problems with RAID Devices . ........................... 4–29
Glossary
Index
Examples
1–1 Boot Menu Example ................................ 1–19
3–1 Sample Hardware Configuration Display ................ 3–6
3–2 Creating a User-Defined Environment Variable . .......... 3–9
Figures
1–1 System Architecture................................ 1–5
1–2 System Dimensions and Service Area .................. 1–6
1–3 Power Requirements ............................... 1–8
1–4 Leveler Feet . . . ................................... 1–10
1–5 System Keys . . ................................... 1–11
1–6 Powered-Down System Settings ....................... 1–13
1–7 Power Up the System............................... 1–15
1–8 Turning Off the System . . ........................... 1–26
1–9 Unplugging AC Power . . . ........................... 1–27
1–10 Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices ................. 1–33
1–11 Terminal Connections . . . ........................... 1–35
1–12 Storage Compartments . . ........................... 1–37
1–13 Caddyless CD–ROM Drive ........................... 1–39
1–14 CD–ROM Drive with Caddy .......................... 1–41
1–15 Inserting and Removing a Caddyless Compact Disc ....... 1–43
1–16 Inserting and Removing a CD–ROM Caddy .............. 1–45
1–17 Inserting and Removing a Tape: DAT .................. 1–47
1–18 Diskette Drive and Diskette.......................... 1–49
ix

1–19 QIC Tape Drive and QIC Tape ........................ 1–50
2–1 Operator Control Panel ............................. 2–2
2–2 System Front ..................................... 2–5
2–3 System Rear...................................... 2–6
2–4 Door Removal..................................... 2–8
2–5 Cover Removal .................................... 2–10
2–6 System Module Locations............................ 2–13
2–7 Accessories ....................................... 2–15
3–1 Device Name Convention ............................ 3–14
3–2 System Bus Option Locations ........................ 3–19
3–3 System Bus Configurations with One CPU and Two
CPUs . . . ........................................ 3–21
3–4 ISA and EISA Boards .............................. 3–29
3–5 PCI Board ....................................... 3–38
3–6 Removable-Media Bus Configurations . . ................ 3–43
3–7 Internal StorageWorks Configuration. . . ................ 3–45
3–8 Installing Hard-Disk Drives . . ........................ 3–47
3–9 Preferred SCSI Cable Routing with SWXCR Controller ..... 3–48
3–10 Power Supply Configurations . ........................ 3–50
3–11 I/O Backplane Jumpers ............................. 3–52
3–12 Current Share Cable Connection ...................... 3–53
Tables
1–1 System Characteristics.............................. 1–4
1–2 Environmental Specifications . ........................ 1–7
1–3 Power Cord Order Numbers . . ........................ 1–9
1–7 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display .... 1–17
1–5 Booting an Operating System for the First Time . . . ....... 1–23
3–1 Device Names .................................... 3–8
3–2 ARC Firmware Environment Variables . ................ 3–10
3–3 Memory Upgrade Paths ............................. 3–23
3–4 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus (EISA
Options Only) .................................... 3–35
3–5 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA
Options . ........................................ 3–37
3–6 RAID Subsystem Documentation ...................... 3–49
x

4–1 How to Identify a Problem ........................... 4–3
4–2 Steps to Resolving Problems ......................... 4–4
4–3 Problem Reference ................................. 4–5
4–4 Digital Support Centers . . ........................... 4–7
4–5 Troubleshooting Power Problems . . . ................... 4–10
4–6 Troubleshooting Problems Getting to Console Mode........ 4–11
4–7 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display . . . . 4–14
4–8 Troubleshooting Console Reported Problems . . . .......... 4–15
4–9 Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems ................. 4–21
4–10 Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems . . . .......... 4–23
4–11 Troubleshooting EISA Problems ....................... 4–25
4–12 Troubleshooting PCI Problems ........................ 4–26
4–13 Troubleshooting Boot Problems ....................... 4–27
4–14 Troubleshooting Operating System Reported Errors ....... 4–28
4–15 Troubleshooting RAID Problems . . . ................... 4–29
xi

Preface
Purpose of This
Guide This guide describes how to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain
the AlphaServer 2000 computer system.
Online
Information Your system shipment includes a set of diskettes called the
‘‘Fast Track to Information.’’ Fast Track is an easy-to-navigate,
electronic version of the information in this owner’s guide
and the information in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware
Reference Guide.
You can install Fast Track on any personal computer or laptop
computer running Microsoft Windows V3.1 or later or a Windows
emulator. You need to have approximately four megabytes
available on your designated disk.
Note
Future plans call for the Fast Track to Information to be
shipped on CD–ROM with new systems.
xiii

Before You Use
This Guide This guide assumes that your system has been installed by a
qualified service person and that it is ready for operation.
Caution
Only qualified service persons should install the system.
Qualified service persons need not be Digital service
representatives, but they should have the technical
training and experience necessary:
• To be aware of physical hazards to which they are
exposed in performing a task.
• To take measures to minimize danger to themselves
and other persons.
If you have not installed the system, refer to the
installation document shipped with the system.
Some procedures in this document require you to refer
to your operating system documentation. Have your
operating system documentation available for use with
this guide.
You will need to become familiar with the console
firmware interfaces that facilitate interaction between
the hardware and the operating system. A document
entitled AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide
was included in your system shipment. Be sure to consult
this guide as directed.
Who Should
Use This Guide This guide is for system managers and others who perform
system management tasks.
Structure of
This Guide This guide contains information about how to use your system to
best advantage:
• Chapter 1 introduces the system and describes basic system
management tasks.
• Chapter 2 describes system components and their functions.
• Chapter 3 describes how to identify and change your system
configuration.
xiv

• Chapter 4 explains how to identify and resolve problems that
may prevent the system from operating correctly.
• The Glossary defines technical terms related to the
AlphaServer 2000 system.
Conventions The following table lists conventions used in this guide.
Convention Meaning
Return A key name enclosed in a box indicates that you press that key.
Ctrl/xCtrl/xindicates that you hold down the Ctrl key while you
press another key, indicated here by x. In examples, this key
combination is enclosed in a box, for example,Ctrl/C .
lowercase Lowercase letters in commands indicate that commands can be
entered in uppercase or lowercase.
Warning Warnings contain information to prevent personal injury.
Caution Cautions provide information to prevent damage to equipment
or software.
[] In command format descriptions, brackets indicate optional
elements.
console command
abbreviations Console command abbreviations must be entered exactly as shown.
boot Console and operating system commands are shown in this
special typeface.
italic type Italic type in console command sections indicates a variable.
< > In console mode online help, angle brackets enclose a
placeholder for which you must specify a value.
{ } In command descriptions, braces containing items separated by
commas imply mutually exclusive items.
!"# . . . In figures, a numbered callout labels a part of the figure. In
text, it refers to a labeled part of a corresponding figure.
xv

Warning
Symbols This symbol indicates components that become
extremely hot.
This symbol indicates a potential hazard of which you
should be aware.
To Find More
Information The Information Map on the following page indicates sources of
information for various tasks related to the AlphaServer 2000
system.
xvi

AlphaServer 2000 Information Map
Systems and Options
Installation
Service Information Kit (QZ-01YAA-HC)
Training
MA00059
Digital Systems
and Options Catalog AlphaServer 2000 Information Sheet
EC-F3713-10
Digital’s
Customer
AlphaServer 2000
Basic Installation
EK-400MP-IN
Factory Installed
Software
Fast Track to
Information AlphaServer 2000
Owner’s Guide
EK-400MP-OP
OpenVMS AXP
Version 6.1 Upgrade
and Installation Manual
AA-PV6XB-TE
DEC OSF/1
Installation Guide
AA-PSZDD-TE
AlphaServer 2000/2100
Service Guide
EK-KN450-SV.B01
AlphaServer 2000
Illustrated Parts Breakdown
EK-400MP-IP
DSSI VMScluster
Installation and
Troubleshooting
EK-410AB-MG.D01
Alpha Architecture Concepts
EY-N389E (DEC OSF/1)
EY-K725E (OpenVMS)
Systems with Factory Installed Software
Fast Track
to Information
AK-QC7RA-CA
(Service Version)
Update
Systems without Factory Installed Software
Customer Information Kit (QZ-01YAA-GZ)
User Information
AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference Guide
EK-AXPFW-RM
ECU Diskettes AlphaServer 2000
Read This First
EK-400MP-CL
xvii

1
Basic Operation
Before Using
this Guide If you have not installed the AlphaServer 2000 system,
refer to the installation document shipped with the
system.
Some procedures in this document require you to refer
to your operating system documentation. Have your
operating system documentation available for use with
this guide.
You need to become familiar with the console firmware
interfaces that facilitate interaction between the
hardware and the operating system. A document entitled
AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide was
included in your system shipment. Be sure to consult that
guide as directed.
Basic Operation 1–1

Basic Operation
In This Chapter This chapter covers the following information:
• System Features
• Environmental and Power Requirements
• Turning the System On
• Powering Down the System
• Invoking Console Mode
• Network Options
• Connecting to Peripherals
• Operating Storage Devices
1–2 Basic Operation