Digital Equipment Digital AlphaServer 400 Series Operation manual

DigitalAlphaServer™400Series
UserInformation
Order Number: EK-PCSVA-UI. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

January 1995
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 might appear in this document.
The software, if any, 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 or
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 1995 Digital Equipment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
AlphaGeneration, AlphaServer, AlphaStation, DEC, Digital, OpenVMS, and the DIGITAL logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
SIMM is a trademark of Molex Corporation.
OSF/1 is a trademark of the Open Software Foundation, Inc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
This document was produced with Microsoft Word for Windows, V2.0c.

FCC Information - Class B
FCC ID: AO9-PB50
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. Any changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 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:
•Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
The keyboard and video ports should be connected only with shielded datacables with an external ferrite bead over
the cable. When either of these ports is connected with cables without such a ferrite bead, the additional ferrite
beads shall be clamped over these cables next to the cable connector.

Contents
Preface
Welcome to the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System........................................................xiii
Audience ...............................................................................................................................xiii
Organization of the Information.............................................................................................xiv
Conventions...........................................................................................................................xiv
Abbreviations.........................................................................................................................xv
Special Notices.....................................................................................................................xvii
Additional Information Resources .......................................................................................xviii
1 Getting Started
Introduction...........................................................................................................................1-1
Before Starting Your System .................................................................................................1-2
Posture and Work Habits ................................................................................................1-2
Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord..........................................................................1-4
System Features.....................................................................................................................1-6
Installing Your System ..........................................................................................................1-8
Connecting System Parts.................................................................................................1-9
Network Connection.....................................................................................................1-11
Starting Your System...........................................................................................................1-11
Preloaded Operating System Software ..........................................................................1-12
Microsoft Windows NT Server...............................................................................1-12
DEC OSF/1............................................................................................................1-12
OpenVMS..............................................................................................................1-13
Switching Console Firmware........................................................................................1-13
If No Operating System Is Installed ..............................................................................1-13
Turning Off Your System ....................................................................................................1-14
Computer Security...............................................................................................................1-15
Chassis Lock.................................................................................................................1-15
v

Contents
Security Loop...............................................................................................................1-15
Passwords.....................................................................................................................1-15
2 System Overview
Introduction...........................................................................................................................2-1
Motherboard..........................................................................................................................2-1
PCI Architecture.............................................................................................................2-1
SCSI Controller..............................................................................................................2-2
Keyboard...............................................................................................................................2-2
System Front View................................................................................................................2-4
System Rear View.................................................................................................................2-6
3 Installing System Options
Introduction...........................................................................................................................3-1
Removing the Side Panels .....................................................................................................3-1
System Unit Components ......................................................................................................3-3
Motherboard..........................................................................................................................3-4
Installing Additional System Memory ...................................................................................3-6
Memory Configurations..................................................................................................3-6
Adding Memory Modules......................................................................................................3-7
Installing Expansion Boards ..................................................................................................3-8
Adding Mass Storage Devices .............................................................................................3-10
Expansion Brackets ......................................................................................................3-10
SCSI Bus Length..........................................................................................................3-10
SCSI Addresses ............................................................................................................3-10
SCSI Termination.........................................................................................................3-11
Internal Termination..............................................................................................3-11
External Termination.............................................................................................3-11
Installing Devices in the Upper Drive Bay Area ...........................................................3-12
Installing Devices in the Lower Drive Bay Area........................................................... 3-17
4 Troubleshooting
Introduction...........................................................................................................................4-1
Initial Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................4-1
Equipment Log......................................................................................................................4-2
General Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................4-2
Error Beep Codes ..................................................................................................................4-7
Diagnostic LEDs...................................................................................................................4-7
Interpreting the LED Indicator Values............................................................................4-8
vi

Contents
A Console Commands
Introduction..........................................................................................................................A-1
ARC Console........................................................................................................................A-1
Commands You Need to Know......................................................................................A-2
Display Hardware Configuration.............................................................................A-2
Set Default Environment Variables.........................................................................A-2
Set Default Configuration .......................................................................................A-2
Manage Boot Selection Menu .................................................................................A-2
Machine Specific Setup...........................................................................................A-3
Boot "boot selection identifier"...............................................................................A-3
Boot an Alternate Operating System .......................................................................A-3
Other Commands of Interest ..........................................................................................A-3
Setup Autoboot.......................................................................................................A-3
Install New Firmware..............................................................................................A-3
Install Windows NT from CD-ROM .......................................................................A-4
Switch to OpenVMS or OSF Console......................................................................A-4
SRM Console .......................................................................................................................A-5
SRM Console Conventions ............................................................................................A-5
SRM Console Special Characters...................................................................................A-6
Boot Command..............................................................................................................A-7
Boot Command Examples.......................................................................................A-8
Set Command ................................................................................................................A-9
Set Command Examples .........................................................................................A-9
Show Command...........................................................................................................A-10
Show Command Examples....................................................................................A-11
Examine Command .....................................................................................................A-12
Examine Command Examples ..............................................................................A-13
Deposit Command .......................................................................................................A-14
Deposit Command Examples ................................................................................A-15
Environment Variables ................................................................................................A-16
ISA Configuration Utility ............................................................................................A-17
Command Format .................................................................................................A-17
Adding ISA Options to OpenVMS and DEC OSF/1 Systems ................................A-19
ISACFG Command Examples...............................................................................A-20
B System Care
Introduction..........................................................................................................................B-1
Cleaning Your System Unit..................................................................................................B-1
Cleaning Your Monitor.........................................................................................................B-1
Cleaning Your Mouse...........................................................................................................B-2
Cleaning Your Keyboard......................................................................................................B-2
vii

Contents
Moving Your System............................................................................................................ B-3
Packing Your System..................................................................................................... B-3
Installing Your System at a New Location..................................................................... B-3
C Technical Specifications
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... C-1
System Specifications........................................................................................................... C-1
External System Connectors................................................................................................. C-3
Bidirectional Parallel Port Connector............................................................................. C-3
Serial Port Connectors................................................................................................... C-4
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors................................................................................... C-4
SCSI Port Connector...................................................................................................... C-5
Expansion Slots.................................................................................................................... C-6
Power Supply and Input Power Requirements....................................................................... C-6
Jumpers................................................................................................................................ C-6
Motherboard Jumpers .................................................................................................... C-6
CPU Module Jumpers.................................................................................................... C-8
D Device Mapping
Introduction..........................................................................................................................D-1
I/O Address Map ..................................................................................................................D-1
Interrupt Map .......................................................................................................................D-2
DMA Channel Assignments .................................................................................................D-3
E Updating System Firmware
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... E-1
System Firmware.................................................................................................................. E-1
Update Utility....................................................................................................................... E-1
Flash Enable Jumper...................................................................................................... E-1
Using the Flash Update Utility From the SRM Console................................................. E-2
Using the Flash Update Utility From the ARC Console ................................................. E-4
F Starting an Operating System Installation
Introduction...........................................................................................................................F-1
Starting a Windows NT Server Installation............................................................................F-2
Starting a DEC OSF/1 Installation.........................................................................................F-5
Starting an OpenVMS Installation.........................................................................................F-6
viii

Contents
G Equipment Log
Introduction..........................................................................................................................G-1
Equipment Log.....................................................................................................................G-1
Index
Figures
1-1 Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System......................................................................1-1
1-2 Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits.........................................................1-3
1-3 System Airflow ..........................................................................................................1-8
1-4 Voltage Selector Switch.............................................................................................1-9
1-5 Connecting Cables and Power Cords........................................................................1-10
1-6 Starting Your System ...............................................................................................1-11
2-1 Keyboard Layout........................................................................................................2-3
2-2 Front Controls and Indicators.....................................................................................2-4
2-3 Rear Connectors.........................................................................................................2-6
3-1 Unlocking and Removing Left Side Panel..................................................................3-2
3-2 System Unit Components...........................................................................................3-3
3-3 Motherboard Components ..........................................................................................3-4
3-4 Memory Banks...........................................................................................................3-6
3-5 Installing a SIMM......................................................................................................3-7
3-6 Installing an Expansion Board....................................................................................3-9
3-7 Removing Plastic Filler Panel from the Upper Drive Bay.........................................3-12
3-8 Removing the Metal Plate........................................................................................3-13
3-9 Exchange Bracket Mounting ....................................................................................3-13
3-10 Inserting a Device into the Upper Drive Bay............................................................3-14
3-11 SCSI and FDC Cable Configuration.........................................................................3-15
3-12 Power Cable Configuration ......................................................................................3-16
3-13 Removing the Lower Drive Bay Assembly...............................................................3-18
3-14 Removing the Lower Drive Bay Devices..................................................................3-19
B-1 Cleaning the Mouse...................................................................................................B-2
C-1 Motherboard Jumper Locations.................................................................................C-7
C-2 CPU Module Jumper Locations.................................................................................C-8
Tables
1-1 Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits.........................................................1-3
2-1 Key Groups and Functions .........................................................................................2-3
2-2 Front Controls and Indicators.....................................................................................2-5
2-3 Rear Connectors.........................................................................................................2-7
ix

Contents
3-1 System Unit Components...........................................................................................3-3
3-2 Motherboard Components..........................................................................................3-5
3-3 SCSI Address Recommendations .............................................................................3-11
4-1 System Troubleshooting.............................................................................................4-2
4-2 Disk Drive Troubleshooting.......................................................................................4-6
4-3 Monitor Troubleshooting............................................................................................4-6
4-4 Error Beep Codes.......................................................................................................4-7
4-5 LED Codes ................................................................................................................4-8
A-1 SRM Console Conventions........................................................................................A-5
A-2 SRM Console Special Characters..............................................................................A-6
A-3 SRM Boot Command Options...................................................................................A-7
A-4 SRM Boot Command Examples................................................................................A-8
A-5 SRM Set Command Options .....................................................................................A-9
A-6 SRM Set Command Examples ..................................................................................A-9
A-7 SRM Show Command Options................................................................................A-10
A-8 SRM Show Command Examples.............................................................................A-11
A-9 SRM Examine Command Options...........................................................................A-12
A-10 SRM Examine Command Examples........................................................................A-13
A-11 SRM Deposit Command Options ............................................................................A-14
A-12 SRM Deposit Command Examples .........................................................................A-15
A-13 SRM Environment Variables...................................................................................A-16
A-14 SRM ISACFG Command Options...........................................................................A-17
A-15 Adding Options to OpenVMS or DEC OSF/1 Systems............................................A-19
C-1 Computer Performance Specifications....................................................................... C-1
C-2 Computer Dimensions............................................................................................... C-2
C-3 Computer Environmental Specifications ................................................................... C-2
C-4 Acoustics-Declared Values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779............................................ C-2
C-5 Bidirectional Parallel Port Pinouts............................................................................. C-3
C-6 E-Pin Serial Port Pinouts........................................................................................... C-4
C-7 Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts................................................................... C-4
C-8 SCSI Port Pinouts...................................................................................................... C-5
C-9 Computer Input Power Requirements........................................................................ C-6
C-10 Motherboard Jumper Settings.................................................................................... C-8
C-11 CPU Module Jumper Settings.................................................................................... C-9
D-1 I/O Address Map.......................................................................................................D-1
D-2 System Interrupt Assignments...................................................................................D-2
D-3 DMA Channel Assignments......................................................................................D-3
F-1 Starting a Windows NT Server Installation ................................................................F-2
F-2 Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Server Installation.......................................F-3
F-3 Starting a DEC OSF/1 Installation..............................................................................F-5
F-4 Starting an OpenVMS Installation..............................................................................F-6
G-1 Hardware Components..............................................................................................G-2
G-2 ISA Equipment Configuration Chart .........................................................................G-3
x

Contents
G-3 SCSI Addresses.........................................................................................................G-3
G-4 System Hardware Configuration................................................................................G-4
G-5 Installed Software......................................................................................................G-4
G-6 Additional Component Information...........................................................................G-4
xi

Preface
Welcome to the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System
This guide introduces the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series system.
Use the information here to start, use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your Digital
AlphaServer 400 Series system. You also can find general system information such as
console commands and system care here.
Audience
If you are operating, configuring, or adding options to the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series
system, the information included here is helpful to you.
xiii

Preface
Organization of the Information
This information for users covers the following topics (see the Table of Contents for a
detailed listing):
•Chapter 1, Getting Started. Installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the system
•Chapter 2, System Overview. Motherboard, keyboard, system controls, indicators,
ports, and connections
•Chapter 3, Installing System Options. Installing hard disk, compact disc, and tape
drives, memory, option cards, printer cable, and external SCSI cable
•Chapter 4, Troubleshooting. Possible causes and actions to solve problems
•Appendix A, Console Commands
•Appendix B, System Care. Cleaning your system, monitor, and mouse
•Appendix C, Technical Specifications
•Appendix D, Device Mapping. I/O addresses and interrupts
•Appendix E, Updating System Firmware
•Appendix F, Starting an Operating System Installation
•Appendix G, Equipment Log
Conventions
This guide uses the following conventions:
Convention Example Description
c:\windows Monospaced text indicates file names, path names,
directories, or screen text. Each operating system has its
own specific syntax.
[Enter] Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the
keyboard.
[Ctrl]+[R] A plus sign indicates that you press the keys shown at the
same time.
auto_action Italic text indicates environment variables. Italic is
occasionally used for emphasis in the text. Also, titles of
information sources are shown in italic type.
F
A pointing hand indicates a reference to additional
information.
xiv

Preface
Abbreviations
This guide uses the following abbreviations:
Abbreviation Meaning
ARC Advanced RISC Computing (the Windows NT Console).
CD Compact disc.
CD-ROM Compact disc read only memory.
CPU Central processing unit.
DMA Direct memory access.
DRAM Dynamic random access memory.
DROM Diagnostic read only memory.
FAT File allocation table.
FDC Floppy disk controller.
flashROM Electrically erasable, rewriteable, nonvolatile memory.
GB A GB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in gigabytes
(for example, 1 GB). A gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.
IRQ Interrupt request.
ISA Industry-standard architecture.
Kb A Kb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in kilobits (for
example, 512 Kb). A kilobit equals 1024 bits.
KB A KB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in kilobytes (for
example, 640 KB). A kilobyte equals 1024 bytes.
xv

Preface
(continued)
LED Light-emitting diode.
MAU Media Adapter Unit.
Mb An Mb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabits
(for example, 10 Mb). A megabit equals 1,048,576 bits.
MB A MB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabytes
(for example, 550 MB). A megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.
MHz Megahertz.
ns Nanoseconds.
NVRAM Nonvolatile random access memory.
OSF DEC OSF/1 operating system.
PCI Peripheral component interconnect.
RAID Redundant array of inexpensive disks.
RISC Reduced instruction set computing.
ROM Read only memory.
SCSI Small computer system interface.
SIMM Single in-line memory modules.
SRM System reference manual, the OSF/1 and OpenVMS console.
SROM Serial read only memory.
xvi

Preface
Special Notices
This guide uses four kinds of notices to emphasize specific information.
________________________ WARNING __________________________
A WARNING indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause personal
injury.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION __________________________
A CAUTION indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause damage to
hardware
or that might corrupt software.
____________________________________________________________
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
A NOTE gives general information, such as compatibility with other products or
pointers to other information.
____________________________________________________________
__________________________ HINT ____________________________
A HINT includes suggestions to make your computing tasks easier.
____________________________________________________________
xvii

Preface
Additional Information Resources
You may wish to consult the following information resources on your Digital AlphaServer
400 Series system:
•Digital AlphaServer™ 400 Series Installation Information (order number EK-PCDSA-
II) presents a graphical overview of the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series installation.
•Digital AlphaStation™ 200/400 Series Technical Information (order number EK-
PCDSA-TI). This optional manual contains detailed technical information for value-
added resellers (VARs) and independent software vendors.
Contact your distributor or Digital representative for other available product-related
information.
xviii

1
Getting Started
Introduction
Your Digital AlphaServer 400 Series system is a high-performance computer that uses the
latest microprocessor technology. The system can stand alone or function as a server in an
office network environment.
This chapter describes how to start, install, restart, and turn off your Digital AlphaServer
400 Series system. You can also find information here about preloaded software as well as
guidelines for system security. Figure 1-1 shows a typical Digital AlphaServer 400 Series
system.
MLO-012663
Figure 1-1. Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System
1-1

Getting Started
Before Starting Your System
Before you start your system, perform the following steps:
1. Read and understand the information supplied with your system.
2. Select a well-ventilated site near a grounded power outlet and away from sources of
excessive heat. The site also should be isolated from electric noise (for example,
spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air conditioners, large fans,
radios, and televisions.
3. Save all shipping containers and packing material for repackaging or moving the
system later.
_________________________ NOTES____________________________
a. Do not install optional hardware or application software until you have
started your system and verified that the base system is working correctly.
b. On systems that have preloaded software, a label attached to the system unit
informs you that licensed software has been installed. Carefully review the
software license agreement shipped with your system.
____________________________________________________________
________________________WARNING __________________________
When unpacking and moving system components, be aware that some
components (such as the system unit or monitor) may be too heavy for you
to safely lift alone. If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these
items alone, please get assistance.
____________________________________________________________
Posture and Work Habits
If you exercise poor posture while you work or if your equipment is poorly set up, certain
recent scientific articles suggest that personal injury may result. Other articles suggest that
there is no cause and effect. Because the safety of our users is a great concern to Digital
Equipment Corporation, we strongly urge that you read and follow the precautions
outlined in Figure 1-2 and Table 1-1. In addition, be sure to adjust your work space so that
you are comfortable, and change your position frequently.
1-2