VAXft Systems Site Preparation and Installation Guide

This document, the "VAXft Systems Site Preparation and Installation Guide (EK-VXFT1-IN.004)", published by Digital Equipment Corporation in December 1991, serves as a comprehensive technical manual for personnel responsible for the planning, preparation, and physical installation of fault-tolerant VAXft computer systems.

The guide is structured into several parts covering various aspects of system setup:

1. Site Preparation: Provides detailed guidelines for preparing the computer facility, including:

   • Adherence to fire and safety codes, and computer/data security measures.
   • Specifications for floor space requirements (dimensions, weights, clearances for various VAXft models including 110, 310/410, and 610/612, both pedestal and expander cabinets).
   • Environmental limits covering temperature, humidity, air filtration, and shock/vibration.
   • Extensive power requirements, including distribution, electrical system standards, feed line capacity, circuit breaker sizing, and AC power connector types for both single-phase (Models 110, 310/410) and three-phase (Models 610/612) systems.

2. System Installation Procedures: Offers step-by-step instructions for installing different VAXft models:

   • Model 110 System: Covers unpacking, inspecting the shipment, hardware installation (removing base cap, checking AC voltage, logic modules, cross-link cables, facility power connections), power-on tests, and final system tests.
   • Model 310 and 410 System: Details unpacking and inspection, preparing system cabinets (opening, checking AC voltage selector switches, logic modules, installing options), installing various cables (cross-link, DSSI, PCIM, ground straps), and completing the installation (connecting to facility power, power-on tests, final system tests).
   • Model 610 and 612 System: Similar to the 310/410, it outlines unpacking, cabinet preparation (opening, AC voltage, logic modules, bolting and leveling cabinets), cable installation (cross-link, power, PCIM, DSSI), and final installation steps including power-on and system tests.

3. Appendices for Specific Procedures and Rackmount Systems:

   • Module Handling, Removal, and Installation/Replacement: Emphasizes electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions and procedures for logic modules.
   • DEC WANcontroller 620 Configuration and Installation: Guides on configuring and installing WAN modules and Y-boxes, including cable requirements and managing failover sets.
   • System Drive Removal and Replacement: Instructions for handling and replacing system storage drives (cannister and carrier drives).
   • Rackmount System Site Preparation and Installation (Models 110, 310/410): Provides detailed design concerns and considerations for OEM customers mounting BA22 boxes into custom 19-inch cabinets, covering unit weight, dimensions, center of gravity, rack construction, heat/airflow management, data cable management, grounding, and power distribution for rackmount environments.

The document consistently highlights critical safety warnings (e.g., handling heavy equipment, electrical precautions) and notes important considerations for maintaining system integrity and performance throughout the installation process.