VSV21 Peripheral Concentrator User/Installation Guide

This document is the VSV21 Peripheral Concentrator User/Installation Guide, published in May 1987 by Digital Equipment Corporation. It serves as a comprehensive manual for both users and DIGITAL field engineers, providing information for the successful operation, installation, checkout, and acceptance of the VSV21 peripheral concentrator option.

Key aspects covered:

1. Introduction and Physical Description:

   • The VSV21 peripheral concentrator allows VSV21 user devices (keyboard and pointing device) to be located remotely from the host processor while maintaining full functionality.
   • It comprises a remote interface box (converting serial data for user devices, includes power supply), a bulkhead-mounting I/O panel (for serial ports and video output), and a loopback connector. Serial and video cables are ordered separately.
   • Details interfaces, including serial (D-9, D-25, Micro-DIN, keyboard jack) and video (RGB to RS-343 standard), and electrical/environmental specifications.

2. Installation Procedure:

   • Outlines the steps for installing the option, including pre-installation checks, handling serial link and video cables (noting RS232-C limitations and routing precautions), and mounting the remote interface box (desktop, wall, or floor).
   • Provides instructions for connecting the M7656 module, bulkhead panel, and various peripheral and host cables, differentiating between console and terminal connections.

3. Diagnostics and Checkout:

   • Describes the diagnostic philosophy to identify faulty Field-Replaceable Units (FRUs).
   • Power-Up Self-Test: An automatic test performed by the VSV21-AA module upon power-up, indicated by on-board LEDs and a screen self-test pattern. It checks basic microprocessor operation, memory (PROM, NVRAM, RAM), serial communications, and graphics interface.
   • Host-Based Diagnostics: More intensive tests run under specific operating system monitors (XXDP+ for PDP-11, VAX-MDM for MicroVAX). These include tests for DMA, ROM/NVRAM integrity, RAM, processor, internal exceptions, graphics controller (ACRTC), DUARTs, loopback tests, and confidence tests for the keyboard, pointing device, and other peripherals. The manual provides detailed steps and command prompts for running these tests, including handling timeout issues for remote peripherals.

The document emphasizes safety warnings for installation procedures, which involve removing system covers and should only be performed by trained personnel. It also references other related VSV21 manuals for more in-depth information.