alpha600a v56 fw relnote

This document, "V5.6 Console Firmware Release Notes" for the Compaq AlphaStation 600A, provides essential information for updating and managing the system's console firmware.

Key points include:

1. Purpose and Audience: It outlines significant changes in this firmware release and describes update methods for console and I/O option firmware, targeting individuals responsible for OS installations/upgrades and firmware updates.
2. Firmware Update Rules: Emphasizes updating console firmware before installing or updating an operating system, updating both SRM and ARC/AlphaBIOS consoles, and running the EISA Configuration Utility when switching OS.
3. V5.6 Specifics:
   • The primary functional change for this release is AlphaBIOS Console V5.70.
   • The revision matrix specifies minimum OS versions for compatibility with V5.6 firmware (OpenVMS V7.2, Tru64 Unix V4.0F, Windows NT V4.0).
   • SRM Console version is V5.6-114.
4. Anomalies and Restrictions: Details various issues, such as specific I/O options requiring primary PCI slots, BOOT_RESET settings for certain graphics cards, limitations of the TEST command on shared SCSI, and workarounds for PBXGB-AA blank screens on Tru64 Unix and EISA Configuration Utility settings.
5. Special Console Commands:
   • Instructions for Clear Secure Mode.
   • Save_NVRAM and Restore_NVRAM commands (via Loadable Firmware Utility - LFU) for backing up and restoring NVRAM configuration data, especially useful for motherboard upgrades.
   • Ability to Redirect Console Output to Floppy Disk.
6. Firmware Update Procedure: Provides step-by-step guides for updating firmware via both the SRM Console and ARC/AlphaBIOS, utilizing the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU) list, update, and exit commands. It also includes specific LFU scripts (600A_to_1000A, 1000A_to_600A) to correct console code if the wrong version is installed due to shared motherboard designs.
7. DE500 Ethernet Card Notes: Differentiates supported modes and auto-negotiation capabilities between DE500-FA (no auto-negotiation) and DE500-BA/AA (supports auto-negotiation).
8. Console Environment Variables (FFAUTO & FFNEXT): Explains how to use these variables to force "not connected" devices (e.g., disks on HSZ8x/HSG8x controllers) to a "connected" state for booting. FFAUTO is non-volatile and affects autoboot, while FFNEXT is volatile and applies to the next command.
9. Previous Release Changes: The document also includes an extensive log of changes and bug fixes from previous firmware versions, dating back to V4.8.