Digital Equipment Digital AlphaServer 400 Series Operation manual

Digital AlphaServer™ 400 Series
User Information
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. l'\o responsibility is assumed for the use or rdiability 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. Go\'crnment
is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c)
(I) (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, AlphaServcr, AlphaStation. DEC, Digital, OpenVMS, and the DIGITAL logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
Microsoft and Windows
r-.ri- arc 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.
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FCC Infonnation • Class B
FCC ID, AO9-PB50
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
(I) this device may nol cause ham1ful 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 8 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
int~•rforence to radio communications. However. there is no guarantee
that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. Ifthis equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception. which can be dctem1ined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to
1ry to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
•
•
•
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna
lncrease the separation between the equipment and the receiver
Connect the equipmcnt into
an outlet ori a circuit different from that to which the rcceiver is connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radiofl'V technician for help
The keyboard and video ports should
be connected only with shielded datacahles with an external ferrite bead over
the cable. When either ofthest' 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........................................................................................................................... I-I
Before Staning 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 Pans .................................................................................................1-9
Network Connection.....................................................................................................
1-1 I
Staning Your System...........................................................................................................
1-11
Preloaded Operating System Software .......................................................................... 1-12
Microsoft Windows NT Server............................................................................... 1-12
DEC OSF/l ............................................................................................................ 1-12
OpcnVMS..............................................................................................................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
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Contents
Security Loop........................................................:...................................................... 1-15
Passwords..................................................................................................................... 1-15
2 System Overview
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 2-1
Motherboard..........................................................................................................................2-1
PCJ Architecture............................................................................................................. 2-l
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-I 0
SCSI Termination.........................................................................................................
3-I I
Internal Tcnnination..............................................................................................
3-ll
External Tennination............................................................................................. 3-11
Installing Devices in the Upper Drive
Bay Area ........................................................... 3-12
Installing Devices in the Lower Drive Bay Arca........................................................... 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 Valucs................................................:...........................4-8
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Contents
A Console Commands
Introduction..........................................................................................................................A- l
ARC Console........................................................................................................................
A-l
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 Open VMS or OSF Console .. :...................................................................A-4
SRM Console .......................................................................................................................A-5
SRM Console Conventions ......:..................................................................................... A-5
SRM Console Special Charaeters...................................................................................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 Varia
bl es ................................................................................................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
UO Address Map .................................................................................................................. D-1
Interrupt Map .......................................................................................................................D-2
OMA Channel Assigmnents .................................................................................................D-3
E Updating System Firmware
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... E-1
System Firmware.................................................................................................................. E-1
Update Utility....................................................................................................................... E-1
Rash Enable Jumper...................................................................................................... E-1
Using the Flash Update Utility From the SRM Console ................................................. E-2
Using the
Rash 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
l-1 Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System ...................................................................... 1-l
1-2 Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits......................................................... 1-3
l -3 System Airflow .......................................................................................................... 1-8
1-4 Voltage Selector Switch ............................................................................................. 1-9
1-5
Connecting Cables and Power Cords........................................................................ 1- IO
1-6 Starting Your System ............................................................................................... 1-l l
2-1 Keyboard Layout........................................................................................................2-3
2-2 Front Controls and Indicators .....................................................................................2-4
2-3 Rear Conneetors.........................................................................................................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-l Cleaning the Mouse................................................................................................... B-2
C-l Motherhoard Jumper Locations .................................................................................C-7
C-2 CPU Module Jumper Locations.................................................................................C-8
Tables
1-l 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
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3-1
3-2
3-3
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-IO
A-11
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-15
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-10
C-11
D-1
D-2
D-3
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
G-1
G-2
X
System Unit Components..................................:........................................................3-3
Mothcrooard Componcnts..........................................................................................3-5
SCSI Address Recommendations .............................................................................
3-l l
System Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 4-2
Disk Drive Troubleshooting .......................................................................................4-6
Monitor Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 4-6
Error Beep Codes.......................................................................................................
4- 7
LED Codes ................................................................................................................4-8
SRM Console Conventions........................................................................................ A-5
SRM Console Special Characters.............................................................................. A-6
SRM Boot Command Options................................................................................... A-7
SRM Boot Command Examples................................................................................ A-8
SRM Set Command Options ..................................................................................... A-9
SRM Set Command Examples .................................................................................. A-9
SRM Show Command Options................................................................................ A-IO
SRM Show Command Examples.............................................................................
A-11
SRM Examine Command Options........................................................................... A-12
SRM Examine Command Examples........................................................................ A-13
SRM Deposit Command Options ............................................................................ A-14
SRM Deposit Command Examples ......................................................................... A-15
SRM Environment Variables................................................................................... A-16
SRM ISACFG Command Options........................................................................... A-17
Adding Options to OpenVMS or DEC OSF/1 Systems............................................ A-19
Computer Perfonnance Specifications.......................................................................
C-1
Computer Dimensions............................................................................................... C-2
Computer Environmental Specifications ................................................................... C-2
Acoustics-Declared Values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779............................................ C-2
Bidirectional Parallel
Pon Pinouts............................................................................. C-3
E-Pin Serial Port Pinouts........................................................................................... C-4
Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts................................................................... C-4
SCSI Port Pinouts...................................................................................................... C-5
_Computer Input Power Requirements........................................................................ C-6
Motherboard Jumper Settings.................................................................................... C-8
CPU Module Jumper Settings.................................................................................... C-9
UO Address Map....................................................................................................... D-1
System Interrupt Assignments................................................................................... D-2
DMA Channel Assignments...................................................................................... D-3
Starting a Windows NT Server Installation ................................................................F-2
Setting
Up Partitions for a Windows NT Server Installation.......................................F-3
Starting a DEC OSF/1 Installation..............................................................................F-5
Starting an
Open VMS lnstallation..............................................................................F-6
Hardware Components..................................................................:...........................G-2
ISA Equipment Configuration Chart .........................................................................G-3
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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
stan, use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your Digital
AlphaScrvcr 400 Series system. You also can find general system information such as
console commands and system care here.
Audience
If you arc operating, configuring, or adding options to the Digital AlphaScrver 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
I, 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.
1/0 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 spe-cific syntax.
[Enter]
Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the
keyboard.
[Ctrll+[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 tex.t. Also. titles of
information sources arc shown in italic type.
sir
A pointing hand indicates a reference to additional
information.
xiv
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Preface
Abbreviations
This guide uses the following abbreviations:
Abbreviation Meaning
ARC
Advanced RISC Computing (the Windows NT Console).
CD
Compact disc.
CD-ROM Com pad disc fe:id only melllory.
CPU
Central processing unit.
DMA Dir{'ct memory access.
DRAM
Dynamic random access memory.
DROM
Diagnostic read only memory.
FAT
File allocation table.
FDC Floppy disk controller.
flashROM Ek·ctrically erasable. rewriteable, nonvolatile memory.
GB
A GB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in gigabyres
(fot<·xamplc, I GB). A gigabyte equals 1.073.741.824 bytes.
IRQ
Intenupt 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 nume1ical value: indicates size in megabits
(for example, 10 Mb). A megabit equals 1.048.576 bits.
MB A MD suffix to a· nume1ical value indicates size in megabytes
(for example, 550 Mil). Amegabyte equals l.048.576 bytes.
MHz Megahertz.
ns Nanoseconds.
NVRAM
Nonvolatile random acc:ess memory.
OSF DEC OSF/ 1 operating system.
PCI Peripheral component interconnect.
RAID Redundant aiTay of inexpensive disks.
RISC Reduced instrnction set computing.
ROM Read only memory.
SCSI Small computer system interface.
SIMM Single in-line mcmo1y modules.
SRM System reference manual. ll1e OSF/1 and OpcnVMS console.
SROM Sctial read only memory.
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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 infonnation.
HINT __________ _
A HINT includes suggestions to make your computing tasks easier.
xvii

Preface
Additional Information Resources
xviii
You may wish to consult the following information resources on your Digital AlphaServer
400 Series system:
• Digital AlphaSen•errn 400 Series Installation Information (order number EK-PCDSA-
11) presents a graphical overview of the Digital AlphaServer 400 Series installation.
• Digital AlphaStationT'1 200/400 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
infonnation.
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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 tum offyour Digital AlphaServer
400 Series system. You can also find infonnation here about preloaded software as well as
guidelines for system security. Figure
1-1 shows a typical Digital AlphaServer 400 Series
system.
Figure 1-1. Digital AlphaServer 400 Series System
1-1

_L
Getting Started
Before Starting Your System
Before you stan your system, perform the following steps:
l, Read and understand the information supplied with your system.
2. Select a well-ven1ilated 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 __________ _
\-\rhen unpacking and moving system components, be aware that some
components (such as the system unit or monitor) may he too heavy for you
to safely lift alone. If you arc doubtful about whether you can lift these
items alone, please get assistance.
Posture and Work Habits
1-2
If you exercise poor posture while you work or ifyour equipment is poorly set up. certain
recent scientific articles suggest that personal injury may result. Other aniclcs 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. he sure to adjust your work space so that
you arc comfonablc, and change your position frequen1ly.
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Getting Started
0 0 I
, • r'-----..C,
0
MLC-011325
Figure 1-2. Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits
Table
1-1. Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits
Adjust
To allow the following conditions
Chair I. Feet are tlat on the floor.
2. Legs are vertical and fotm a right angle to the floor.
3. Your thighs are horizontal, and they are not beating weight. Keep thl' backs
of your knees away from the seat so you do not compress the area behind
them, which could restrict the blood flow.
4. Your upper body is ere<..·t and your lower back is supportl'd with a backrest.
Keyboard and 5.
Your wrists an· straight and do not flex more than 15 d('grecs. They are
Mouse supported and do not n:st
on sharp edges. If you use a mouse. rest your hand
on the mouse so your wrist is not on the work surface. Operate the mouse
close
to your body's centerline.
6.
Upper arn1s are straight down at your sides, and elbows arc close to your sides
and support your am1 weight. Forcanns are at a 70- to 90-degree angle.
"
1-3

.. L
Getting Started
Table 1-1. Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits (continued)
Adjust
To allow the following conditions
Head 7. Avoid·ncck strain. Your head should incline downward. but no more than
15
to 20 degrees.
Monitor 8.
No higher than the level of your eyes a_nd at the concct distance for your
vision.
9.
Avoid eye fatigue, which can be caused by glare, image quality,
uncomf011ablt> furniture. eye height. and uncom;•ctcd vision. If you cannot
focus to read at different distances. you may need special glasses. Relax your
eyes periodically
by focusing on distant objects.
Lighting Avoid direct lighting
or sunlight on the scn·en. which causes glare and
reflections. Place lighting behind
or to the side of your work arc:a, and distribute
the lighting evenly on your work area.
Noise Keep background noise
at a minimum. Background noise above 65 dBA is tiring.
Sound-absorhing materials (for example. cur1ains. cmpeting. and acoustic tile)
can help reduce background noise.
Temperature 20
-23 degrees C (68 -74 degrees F)
Humidity
30%-70%
Ventilation Provide adequate air ventilation to operate the equipment and avoid fatigue.
Work Space > 70 cm (28 inches) center to center, preferably
between> 152 cm (60 inches).
__________ WARNING __________ _
If you experience pain or discomfort while using your system, rest and
review the instructions for posture and work habits, If the pain or
discomfort continues after resuming work, discontinue use and report the
condition to your
joh supervisor or physician.
Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord
1-4
Your Digital AlphaServer 400 Series system came with the proper AC power cord.
Because there are variations from one country to another, and systems may be relocated,
please inspect your power
cord to ensure it is the correct one for your country or region. If
you are not sure that the supplied AC power cord is correct, contact your authorized
Digital service representative before you use it.
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