Digital Equipment mach64 User manual

AlphaStation2004/100
mach64GraphicsAcceleratorInstallation
Guide
Part Number: EK-PCDGA-DI. A01
February 1995
This document is a guide for installing the mach64 (PB2GA-FA/FN/FV) graphics
option in Digital AlphaStation 200 4/100 systems.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

January 1995
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 1995. All rights reserved..
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: AlphaStation, DEC, DECwindows, Digital, OpenVMS, and the
DIGITAL logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
mach64 is a registered trademark of ATI Technologies, Inc. Motif and OSF/1 are registered trademarks of the Open Software
Foundation, Inc. Windows and Windows NT are trademaks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
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1.0 Overview
This document is a guide for installing the mach64 (PB2GA-FA/FN/FV) graphics option in
Digital AlphaStation 200 4/100 systems. If the particular system platform in use is not
covered herein, please contact Digital at 800-DIGITAL (800-344-4825) for technical
assistance.
2.0 General Description
The mach64 graphics accelerator is a single-slot PCI-bus graphics option for use in
Digital’s AlphaStation 200 4/100 computers. The 2 MByte DRAM accelerator supports a
range of resolutions and flicker-free refresh rates up to 80 Hz. Resolution and refresh rate
combinations vary depending upon operating system. Please refer to specific sections
below for additional details.
3.0 Specifications
Below is a list of general specifications relative to the mach64 graphics accelerator.
System requirements: AlphaStation 200 4/100
Monitors supported: VRC15, VRT17, VRC21, or hi-res RGB multi-sync
Display memory: 2 MByte DRAM
I/O addresses used: 102, 1CE, 1CF, 2E8, 2EC-2EF, 3D4, 3D5, 3D8-3DB,
3C0-3CA, 3CC, 3CE-3CF, 3DC, and all aliases; 46E8
Video output connector: 15-pin D shell (female)
VGA feature connector: 26-pin header, VGA output only, VESA std.
Sync signals: separate horizontal and vertical sync at TTL levels
Power: +5V ±5%, @ 1.3A typical
Ambient temperature: 50 to 122 deg. F (10 to 50 deg. C) in operation
32 to 162 deg. F (0 to 70 deg. C) in storage

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Relative humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing in operation
0% to 95% in storage
MTBF: 120,000 hours.
4.0 Configuration Options
Jumper (JU10) is the only manually selectable option on the card. The mach64 can
request and be allocated hardware interrupt resources by the system. The request for such
interrupt resources can be enabled or disabled by removing or installing the jumper JU10
on the card. The factory default is jumper installed at JU10 to disable interrupt request.
This jumper should be in place when using this card in AlphaStation 200 4/100 platforms.
__________________________Note______________________________
Certain PCI options, including the mach64, have been observed to generate
invalid parity under certain PCI-bus loading conditions. Please ensure that
your specific configuration will operate without system errors prior to turning
on PCI parity checking.
____________________________________________________________
5.0 Hardware Installation
Before installing this option in a Windows NT system, please refer to conditions outlined
in the Windows NT Installation Procedure within section 5.2.
To ensure successful installation, please follow the initial instructions below:
1. Use a grounding strap when handling the card to eliminate damaging electrostatic
discharge.
2. Remove the cover from the system enclosure.
3. Carefully insert, seat and properly secure the card in a free PCI slot.
4. Replace the cover of the system enclosure.
5. Properly secure the RGB and sync cable connections.
6. Turn on the power to the monitor.
7. Turn on the power to the system (Note: auto-boot must be disabled).

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The mach64 option automatically boots to the console level in VGA text mode (“blue
screen”). If the display remains black (no video) for more than a minute, re-check all
criteria listed above. If the option still does not produce a display, the system may have an
incompatible firmware revision level on the system. Contact Digital field service for
technical assistance.
5.1 DEC OSF/1 Installation Procedure
Below are the characteristics of the PB2GA-FA option for DEC OSF/1 systems.
Firmware requirements: SRM x3.9-1387 or higher
Operating system requirements: DEC OSF/1 V3.2 or higher
Resolutions supported: Display Vert. Freq. Pixel Freq.
640x480 72 Hz 31.5 MHz
800x600 72 Hz 50 MHz
1024x768 70 Hz 75 MHz
1280x1024 66 Hz 119 Mhz
__________________________Note_____________________________
Once the DEC OSF/1 system is powered on, the mach64 runs in VGA text mode
as a terminal device. If a graphics option other that the mach64 (e.g., ZLXp)
was previously running in the system, be advised that X/Motif cannot be started
until the OS kernel has been reconfigured.
____________________________________________________________
With the mach64 installed, the following procedure applies:
1. Reboot using “genvmunix”:
boot -fi “/genvmunix”
2. Log in as a “superuser” with full privileges.
3. Copy the “vmunix” file within root to a backup file:
cp /vmunix /vmunix.sav
4. Run the “doconfig” program from /usr/sbin/ to create a new kernel file. For additional
details on reconfiguring the kernel, please refer to the Guide to System Administration
(#AAPS2RA-TE).

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5. Move the new “vmunix” kernel file (location reported during doconfig) to “vmunix”.
This will overwrite the old kernel file.
mv /sys/<SYSTEM_NAME>/vmunix /vmunix
6. Perform a shutdown with automatic reboot:
shutdown -r now
7. Upon rebooting, the operating system automatically detects the presence of the
mach64 and defaults to the 1024 x 768 display resolution mode.
Changing OSF/1 Display Characteristics
To change to any one of the other supported resolution and refresh modes, continue with
the following steps:
1. Change directory to /var/X11/xdm. Execute the command:
chmod +x Xservers
2. Edit the “Xservers” file.
vi Xservers
3. At the end of the line that reads “:0 local /usr/bin/X11/X -nice -2 ...”, remove any
parameters appearing after the “-2” and append one of the following declarations:
-screen0 640, or
-screen0 800, or
-screen0 1024, or * default setting
-screen0 1280
Example: :0 local /usr/bin/X11/X -nice -2 -screen0 1280
4. When editing is complete, save and perform a shutdown with automatic reboot for
changes to take effect:
shutdown -r now

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5.2 Windows NT Installation Procedure
Below are the characteristics of the PB2GA-FN option for Windows NT systems.
Firmware requirements: ARC 3.5-19 or higher
Operating system requirements: Windows NT V3.5, build 807 or higher
Resolutions supported: Display Colors Vert. Freq
640x480 16, 256, 65k, 16M 60, 72
800x600 16, 256, 65k, 16M 56, 60, 70, 72
1024x768 16, 256, 65k 60, 66, 70, 72
1152x864 16, 256 60, 70, 75, 80
1152x864 65k 60
1280x1024 16, 256 60, 70, 74
_________________________Note______________________________
If a graphics option other than the mach64 (e.g., S3 864, ZLXp) was previously
operating in the system, it will be necessary to keep that graphics option
installed in the system while changing over to the mach64 driver. If the
previously installed graphics option is not available, it will be necessary to re-
install Windows NT using the “Custom” procedure outlined in section 5.2.2.
____________________________________________________________

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After logging on with the previously installed graphics option in the system, the following
procedure applies:
1. To install the mach64 graphics driver from Windows NT, double-click on the Display
icon within the Control Panel and go through the following procedure:
Change Display Type... ,
Change... ,
Other...
2. Load the mach64 Windows NT driver diskette in drive A:\ and press the “OK”
button. Select the “ATI Graphics Accelerators” option and press “Install”. Continue
to follow the on-screen instructions. If difficulty is experienced, please refer to the
Windows NT user’s guide for information on changing graphics drivers.
3. At the end of the driver installation process a dialog box will appear. Press the
“Restart Now” button to invoke a shutdown and reboot process.
4. When the display goes to the ARC Multiboot “blue screen” it is safe to turn off system
power and install the mach64 graphics option as outlined in section 5.0.
5. Upon rebooting the new driver will be loaded and the mach64 comes up in 640 x 480
default mode.
5.2.1 Changing Windows NT Display Characteristics
To change display resolution and refresh from the Windows NT Control Panel, the
following procedure applies:
1. Double-click on the Display icon in the Control Panel and go through the following
process:
List All Modes...
2. Make a selection from the list of supported display modes and go through the
following process:
OK
Test
OK
The testing operation will confirm that the monitor properly synchronizes in the
selected mode. (Note: If the monitor synchronizes but the display appears
geometrically distorted, it will be necessary to adjust the monitor’s geometry controls
after rebooting).

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3. If the test bitmap was properly displayed, continue to respond affirmatively to the
dialog boxes and, when prompted, reboot by pressing:
Restart Now
4. Upon rebooting, the new display characteristics will be loaded and the mach64 comes
up in the newly selected display mode.
5.2.2 Custom Windows NT Installation Procedure
If the previously installed graphics option was not available, it will be necessary to re-
install Windows NT using the “Custom” procedure. With the mach64 installed in the
system, the following procedure applies:
1. From the ARC Multiboot “blue screen” menu, index down to “Supplementary
Menu...”. Then index down to “Install Windows NT from CD-ROM”. Within the
Windows NT Workstation Setup process the system queries for either “Express Setup”
or “Custom Setup” installation. Press “C” for custom installation. If difficulty is
experienced, please refer to the Windows NT installation guide for additional
guidance.
2. Early in the Custom Setup process the program queries for either a “New Version” or
an “Upgrade”. Press the “N” to select “New Version”. A list of hardware and
software components is then displayed. Once this list is displayed, simply scroll up to
the “Display” field and press <Return>.
Ensure that the mach64 driver diskette is in the floppy drive. Index down to the
“Other” option and follow the on-screen instructions. When queried, select the “ATI
Graphics Accelerators” option and press <Return>. Press <Return> again to continue.
Continue with the Windows NT installation process by following the on-screen
instructions.
Note: Toward the end of the first half of the Windows NT Setup process an automatic
reboot is invoked. Setup will then continue in graphical mode. If any difficulty is
experienced, please refer to the Windows NT installation guide for additional
guidance.
3. Toward the end of the last half of the Windows NT Setup process, after the point
where the system clock is set, a dialog box will appear acknowledging the presence of
the ATI Technologies mach64 graphics accelerator. Press “OK” to proceed and select
the “List all modes...” option. Set up a new default display mode using the standard
procedure outlined in section 5.2.1.

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4. Upon rebooting Windows NT, the new display characteristics will be loaded and the
mach64 comes up in the selected display mode.
Note: When updating from an older to newer version of the mach64 driver, it may be
necessary to perform a cold reboot process in order to load the new ATI.DLL file.
5.3 OpenVMS Installation Procedure
Below are the characteristics of the PB2GA-FV option for OpenVMS systems.
Firmware requirements: SRM x3.9-1387 or higher
Operating system requirements : OpenVMS V6.1-1-H2 or higher (mach64 kit required)
Resolutions supported: Display Vert. Freq. Pixel Freq.
640x480 72 Hz 31.5 MHz
800x600 72 Hz 50 MHz
1024x768 70 Hz 75 MHz
1280x1024 66 Hz 119 MHz
__________________________Note______________________________
When the OpenVMS system is powered on, the mach64 runs in VGA text mode
as a terminal device. Be advised that Motif cannot be started until the following
procedure has been completed.
____________________________________________________________
1. Log into the system account from the graphics head or serial terminal.
2. Mount the OpenVMS support diskette that accompanies the mach64 option.
mount dva0: /over=id
3. Invoke the VMSINSTAL procedure.
@sys$update:vmsinstal axpgup01_061 dva0:
4. Proceed by following the simple on-screen instructions. When done, this procedure
forces a shutdown and reboot.
5. When rebooting, the operating system automatically detects the presence of the
mach64 and defaults to the 1024 x 768 display resolution mode. (Note: During reboot
the system display may momentarily appear somewhat distorted. This condition will
correct itself once the DECwindows server comes up.)

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Changing OpenVMS Display Characteristics
To change to any one of the other supported resolution and refresh modes, such as
1280x1024, the following procedure applies:
1. Copy the DECwindows server setup template to a “.com” file:
copy sys$manager:decw$private_server_setup.template to file...
sys$manager:decw$private_server_setup.com
2. Edit “sys$manager:decw$private_server_setup.com” and add the appropriate lines
under the “FINAL SET ENTRY” label:
$ decw$xsize_in_pixels == 1280
$ decw$ysize_in_pixels == 1024
$ define/system DECW$SERVER_FIFO_LOW_WATER_MARK 8
Note: Please refer to the mach64 OpenVMS release notes for
“LOW_WATER_MARK” settings for other supported resolutions.
3. Save changes and invoke a shutdown and reboot process for the changes to take effect.
@sys$system:shutdown
Continue using the defaults until prompted to reboot. Press “Y” to reboot.
4. Upon rebooting OpenVMS, the new display characteristics are loaded and the mach64
comes up in the newly selected display mode. (Note: During reboot the system
display may momentarily dim. This condition will correct itself once the
DECwindows server comes up.)
6.0 Technical Assistance
For additional documentation call 800-DIGITAL (800-344-4825) and press 2 for technical
assistance.

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7.0 FCC Compliance Statement
Note: This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• 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. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with manufacturer's 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 receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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.
WARNING!
The use of shielded cables with external ferrite beads for connection of the
monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC
regulations.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.