alpha8200 v20 fw relnote

This document, titled "Digital AlphaServer 8200 and AlphaServer 8400 Systems V6.4 Firmware Update Procedures And Release Notes," dated December 17, 2002, provides guidance for managers of these systems on updating console firmware and related components.

Key areas covered include:

1. Introduction:

   • It details the V6.4 console firmware and Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility V20, including their components (SRM Console Code, SROM, PALcode, AlphaBIOS) and compatibility with various operating systems (OpenVMS, Tru64 UNIX, Windows NT).
   • It specifies minimum required revisions for EISA and RAID Configuration Utilities.
   • Crucially, it notes that this firmware is not for GS60/GS60E/GS140 systems.

2. Firmware Update Procedures:

   • It stresses critical cautions, particularly that all CPUs in a multiprocessor system must have the same console firmware revision to avoid system hangs or CPU inoperability.
   • It explicitly warns against downgrading below specified minimum required console firmware revisions for various CPU types.
   • Detailed steps are provided for booting the LFU utility from a local CD-ROM drive or an InfoServer, including console commands and examples.
   • Instructions are given for updating CPU modules and I/O firmware using specific LFU commands (AS8X00FW, AS8X00CP, AS8X00AB, AS8X00IO).
   • Procedures for saving and restoring EEPROM settings and rebuilding Non-Volatile RAM (NVR) after a firmware update are also outlined.

3. Console and Diagnostic Release Notes:

   • Enhancements: Lists improvements such as fixes for bootp failures and secondary galaxy instance hangs.
   • Diagnostic Features: Details the supported TEST commands for various components (memory, XMI, PCI, SCSI adapters), explicitly stating that CPU tests (test kn7c*) are not supported via this command.
   • Bugs and Restrictions: Highlights known issues, including NVRAM read failures, intermittent hangs with the EISA Configuration Utility in advanced console mode (recommending diagnostic mode), unsupported operation of the RA200FL utility from CD, console hangs with mixed-speed CPUs or certain booting scenarios, and limitations with network booting (bootp retries).

4. Invoking ARC Utility Programs:

   • Explains how to run ARC-based utilities (EISA Configuration Utility, RAID Configuration Utility, etc.) from the console.
   • Requires setting the ARC_ENABLE environment variable to ON and using a serial interface.
   • Provides command examples for RUNECU and RUN, noting that certain utilities like RA200FL must be run from a floppy disk.

5. Manual Discrepancies:

   • Lists specific corrections and clarifications for console command behaviors (e.g., Ctrl-D, Ctrl-H, Back Space, F12 key) that differ from descriptions in the AlphaServer GS60/140 and 8200/8400 Operations Manual. It also clarifies how to display the system serial number.