FCO DEBNT-1001, New Firmware/Out of Sequence and Duplicate Packets.

This Field Change Order (FCO DEBNT-1001) details the retrofit of all DEBNT options to Revision Level "B1" to address issues with MicroVAX systems. The problem manifests as LANCE receive buffer mismatches, leading to occasional out-of-sequence and duplicate network packets.

The solution involves installing new firmware (AIE 40.0, specifically ETDRIVER X-13C) and replacing PROMs (Microcode ROMs) on the T1032 module, bringing it to revision "F1/F2". This upgrade is applicable to VAX 8200, 8300, 8500, 8550, 8700, and 8800 systems running VMS 4.4. The installation process, estimated to take 1 hour, requires a Field Service Tool Kit and a VELOSTAT Electrostatic Field Service Kit.

The FCO provides detailed installation procedures in two main sections:

1. Installation of the ETDRIVER X-13C software: This involves mounting a floppy disk, copying save-sets to the system disk, and running the VMSINSTAL procedure, followed by a system reboot.
2. Installation of PROMs on the T1032 module: This requires system shutdown, powering off, applying ESD safety precautions, physically removing the T1032 module, replacing specific PROMs, marking the module, reinstalling it, and then powering on and running diagnostic tests to verify functionality. Separate procedures are outlined for VAX 8500/8550/8700/8800 and VAX 8200/8300 models due to hardware differences.

The document also specifies the kit contents (new PROMs, floppy, wire markers, and FCO document) and lists required approvals. Finally, it instructs users to report the FCO activity on the LARS form.