DECsystem 5500 Operation

This document is an operation manual for the DECsystem 5500, a RISC-based computer system running the ULTRIX operating system and housed in a BA430 pedestal enclosure.

The manual is structured into three main chapters:

• System Overview (Chapter 1): Provides a physical description of the DECsystem 5500, detailing its BA430 enclosure, internal components such as the card cage, CPU, memory, various controllers, power supply, and fans. It outlines the base system components, including embedded DSSI and SCSI adapters, and lists various optional components for mass storage, communications, and printing.
• Operating the System (Chapter 2): Covers fundamental system operation procedures. This includes setting switches for normal or special use, turning the system on and off, and booting the system (either manually from console mode or automatically via environment variables). It explains console security features, how to halt and restart the system, and how to recover from over-temperature conditions. A comprehensive section describes console commands for tasks like booting, depositing/examining memory, setting environment variables, and displaying device information, along with console control characters.
• Operating the System Options (Chapter 3): Focuses on the use of optional hardware. It provides detailed instructions for managing mass storage options like the TK70 and TLZ04 tape drives (including handling, write-protection, inserting/removing cartridges, and head cleaning), and RF/RZ-series Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs), including their controls and bus node ID plugs. The chapter also briefly touches upon communications controllers and printer interfaces, often referring users to specific manuals for more detailed instructions on these options.

The document also includes a preface, an appendix for related documentation, and a glossary of key terms.