SAX05 Storage Array User Guide

This document is the SAx05 Storage Array User Guide (Order Number EK-SAx05-UG-001), published by Digital Equipment Corporation in December 1991.

Purpose: It serves as a comprehensive guide for end-users on how to install and operate the SAx05 storage array family, which includes the SA705 and SA905 storage arrays.

Key Components Covered:

• SAx05 Storage Arrays: The overall storage system, consisting of either the SA705 or SA905.
• H9xxx Cabinets: The physical enclosures (H9646 for SA705, H9A00 for SA905) that house the storage components.
• SA70R-AK Enclosure: A module within the cabinet that provides power, control, and cooling for up to four disk drives.
• RA7x-RK Removable Disk Drives: The actual disk drives (RA70-RK, RA71-RK, RA72-RK) designed for easy insertion and removal from the SA70R-AK enclosure.

Main Topics Addressed:

• Introduction and Specifications: Provides an overview of the SAx05 family, its configurations, and detailed electrical, physical, and environmental specifications for all components.
• Unpacking and Installation: Covers procedures for unpacking the storage array, installing deskidding ramps, leveling the cabinet, assembling rear panels (for SA905), affixing labels, connecting external SDI cables, selecting appropriate input voltage, applying power, and performing a post-installation checkout, including setting drive unit numbers. A strong caution is given that Digital recommends installation by qualified Customer Services engineers only.
• Operation: Explains how to open and close cabinet doors, use the front and rear panel switches and indicators of the SA70R-AK enclosure, and bring disk drives online and offline.
• Handling Removable Disk Drives: Details handling procedures for RA7x-RK drives, including understanding the Shockwatch indicator for potential damage, environmental stabilization, and instructions for inserting, removing, transporting, and storing the drives.
• Installing Additional Enclosures: Provides steps for integrating additional SA70R-AK enclosures into an existing SAx05 storage array, covering preparation, unpacking, installation, and internal cabling.
• Troubleshooting: Offers guidance on diagnosing and resolving common issues such as inoperative enclosures, flashing indicators, non-communicating disk drives, noisy fans, and recovering from drive fault conditions.
• Appendices: Include information on environmental stabilization times and minimum software/hardware version requirements for supporting the RA71/RA72 disk drives.