KA7AB CPU Installation Card

This document is a quick reference guide for installing or upgrading KA7AB CPU modules in VAX 7000 or 10000 systems.

Key steps include:

1. Pre-installation Preparation:

   • Record current system environment variables.
   • Update existing module firmware using the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility.
   • Crucially, if not replacing all CPUs, rebuild the EEPROMs, as this will reset settings to default.

2. Physical Installation:

   • Power down the system, ensure the Fault LED is off.
   • Use an antistatic wrist strap and open the cabinet/card cage.
   • Determine correct slot placement for CPUs and memory modules (first CPU in slot 0, first memory in slot 7, then alternating).
   • Remove filler modules, prepare the new CPU modules (release clips/levers).
   • Carefully align and insert the modules into their designated slots, then secure them.
   • Replace any unused filler modules and close the card cage and cabinet.

3. Post-installation Verification and Configuration:

   • Power up the system and verify the new modules are recognized via the self-test display.
   • Ensure all CPUs have the same firmware revision level; if not, use the update -f command to synchronize them. (If firmware was updated, rebuild EEPROMs on affected CPUs again).
   • Restore any customized environment variables.
   • Copy environment variables from the primary CPU to the new CPU modules.
   • Connect to each new CPU to store its system serial number and service information (date, reason for service) in its EEPROM.
   • Note: If any CPU module fails self-test, refer to an Advanced Troubleshooting manual.