alpha1200 v53 fw relnote

This document provides firmware release notes for the AlphaServer 1200 (SRM Console Version V5.3-1, November 1998), primarily for DIGITAL UNIX and OpenVMS customers, but also detailing changes affecting Windows NT support.

Key Changes and Features in V5.3-1 SRM Console:

• AlphaBIOS Relocation: The AlphaBIOS console has been relocated to a different sector in the flash ROM to accommodate Windows NT serviceability. This change requires specific new steps during the firmware update procedure for all systems, regardless of the operating system used.
• Windows NT Serviceability Support: Error logging support for Windows NT has been added. New SRM eeprom commands (build -eeprom, show eeprom halt, clear eeprom halt) are available to initialize and manage this error logging area. Initialization is required after V5.3 updates.
• PALcode Updates: Includes fixes for incorrect data storage (FILL_SYN/ISR registers) and improved storage of pci_err1 register contents.
• Device Recognition: Added support for revised PBXDP-AB/AC and DEGPA-SA devices.
• Bug Fixes & Workarounds: Addressed "controller not found" errors for NCR 53C896, provided a workaround for Matrox Millennium II Graphics adapters (NT-only), and filtered non-disk/non-tape "JK" devices from show device commands.
• Latent support for I2O and improvements for unattended firmware updates.

Firmware Update Instructions (Critical Information):

• Two-Step LFU Update: When using the SRM console's built-in Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility, the update process must be performed twice. First, update the SRM firmware, then re-run LFU to update the AlphaBIOS firmware. This is essential due to the AlphaBIOS relocation and also applies to downgrades.
• BOOT Command Exception: This two-step process is not necessary if updating firmware by booting the update image directly using the BOOT command (e.g., from a CD-ROM or local MOP server).
• Preparation: Firmware update files (SRM, AlphaBIOS, PALcode, I/O adapter firmware) are available on the Alpha Systems Firmware Update CD-ROM or via Digital's FTP/WWW sites.
• Update Methods: Updates can be performed from local SCSI CD-ROM (CDA0), FAT- or ODS2-formatted floppy diskettes (DVA0), or a local MOP server (network devices like EWA0/FWA0).
• File Transfer for Floppies: When downloading files for FAT-formatted floppy updates, use ASCII transfer for .TXT files and binary transfer for .SYS files.
• System Reset: A system reset is required before running LFU from the SRM console.

General System Information:

• Console Selection: The OS_TYPE and CONSOLE environment variables determine whether the SRM console or AlphaBIOS loads and which display device (serial or graphics) is used.
• Memory Tests: Can take several minutes on power-on/reset. For OpenVMS/DIGITAL UNIX, the MEMORY_TEST environment variable must be set to FULL.
• ARC-based Utilities: Utilities like EISA Configuration Utility (ECU), RAID Configuration Utility (RCU), and KZPSA Configuration utilities run on AlphaBIOS. Minimum versions for these utilities are specified, with a warning about older KZPSA utilities corrupting NVRAM.
• KZPSA Naming: Starting with V5.1 firmware, KZPSA adapters are referred to as "pks" (not "kzpsa") in SRM commands.
• NVRAM Management: Commands save_nvram and restore_nvram are provided to back up and restore system NVRAM data (SRM, AlphaBIOS, TOY) to/from floppy disk.