VAXserver 3100/MicroVAX 3100 System Conversion Guide

This document, the "VAXserver 3100/MicroVAX 3100 System Conversion Guide" (EK-V3100-CG-001) from Digital Equipment Corporation (May 1990), provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for converting an existing VAXserver 3100 system (Model 10 or Model 20) into a MicroVAX 3100 timesharing system.

The guide is primarily intended for qualified Digital Customer Services personnel or self-maintenance customers, emphasizing that only trained professionals should perform the installation. Key aspects covered include:

• Conversion Kit Contents: A list of parts included in the conversion kit (310XR-AC and 310XR-AE), notably a new Time Share CPU Module (54-18856-01), various software licenses (VMS, ULTRIX, DECnet), and new system labels/medallions.
• Customer and Digital Responsibilities: Outlines the customer's duty to perform a software backup before conversion and Digital's responsibility to perform the hardware installation and complete necessary forms.

• Hardware Conversion Procedure: Detailed instructions for both Model 10 and Model 20 systems, covering:

  • System shutdown and preparation (including anti-static precautions).
  • Disassembly of the system unit (removing covers, SCSI connectors, DC power harnesses, drive mounting shelves, optional DSH32-B and memory expansion modules).
  • Removal of the old system module and installation of the new CPU module, including transferring the Ethernet ID ROM.
  • Reassembly of the system unit.
  • Physical rebranding by replacing the VAXserver medallion with a MicroVAX 3100 medallion and applying new PTT and PCL labels.

• Post-Conversion Administrative Steps: Procedures for completing the conversion, including cross-referencing server and multiuser model numbers, and filling out required forms (Customer Services Worksheet, Installation Receipt, Return Material Checklist) for returning the old CPU module to Digital for credit. Contact information for Digital's Customer Administrative Services (CAS) offices is provided for obtaining return authorizations.