R23RZ Removable SCSI Disk/System

This document is an installation and user guide for the R23RZ Removable SCSI Disk/System, published in March 1991 by Digital Equipment Corporation. It outlines the procedures for installing, configuring, and operating the R23RZ system, which consists of a pedestal accommodating two Removable SCSI Disks (RSDs), each containing an Integrated SCSI Disk (ISD) within a canister.

The R23RZ system is designed for office environments, operates quietly, and is compatible with various DECstations, DECsystems, VAXstations, and MicroVAX models equipped with embedded SCSI controllers. It supports daisy-chaining for expanded storage and ensures data integrity during disk removal.

The guide is primarily intended for computer users familiar with the VMS operating system, but it also provides crucial information for Digital Customer Services personnel regarding system installation, cabling, and complex SCSI bus configurations.

Key aspects covered include:

• General Information: System characteristics, environmental and electrical specifications, and guidelines for selecting an optimal location.
• Unpacking: Instructions for unpacking RSDs (for users) and the entire R23RZ pedestal (for trained service personnel), with emphasis on careful handling due to the precision nature of the equipment and sensitivity to static electricity.
• Usage and Care: Precautions such as keeping liquids away from the pedestal, ensuring proper ventilation, and handling RSDs carefully to avoid mechanical shock. Users are advised to check the RSD's shock detector for damage.
• Operator Control Panel (OCP): Detailed explanation of the OCP's switches and indicators (Power, Ready, Fault, Temperature, Unlocked) and their role in managing the RSDs and system status.
• Mounting and Dismounting: Step-by-step procedures for inserting RSDs into the pedestal and the importance of properly mounting and dismounting them via the operating system (VMS or ULTRIX) before physical removal or powering down to prevent data corruption or system errors.
• Installation (Customer Services): Comprehensive instructions for service personnel on cabling (single and multiple pedestal configurations), installing SCSI Node ID plugs to ensure unique device identification, and the correct power-up sequence for all SCSI devices.
• Troubleshooting: Basic steps for addressing common issues like lack of power to the pedestal or RSD, recommending contact with Digital Customer Services for repairs.
• Repair Services: Information on various service plans offered by Digital Customer Services, including on-site and per-call options, along with international contact numbers.

The document stresses the importance of proper SCSI bus termination and configuration, the need for unique SCSI IDs for all devices, and the warning against dynamic reconfiguration of devices while the system is operational.