ds15 v73 fw relnote

This document comprises the V7.3 Firmware Release Notes for the hp AlphaServer/AlphaStation DS15 and DS15A, published in April 2007.

Key areas covered include:

1. Scope and Audience: The document details significant firmware changes and update procedures for operating system installers/upgraders and those responsible for I/O option firmware updates.
2. Golden Rules for Firmware Updates: Users are advised to update all console firmware (SRM, FSB, RMC, SROM, TIG) to the latest revision before installing or updating an operating system, and to never load firmware older than what is currently installed.
3. Console Changes and Revisions (V7.3):
   • Fixes: Addresses a USB keyboard hang issue with PS/2 adapters when logging into VMS, and resolves KGPSA driver login failures with new Brocade fibre-channel switches by using an SDID of zero.
   • Enhancement: Increases the number of Nx and WWIDx console environmental variables to support more fibre-channel storage volumes for boot and crash dumps.
   • The document specifies the new SRM firmware version as V7.3-2 and FSB as V7.3-3, along with a matrix of compatible operating system and other firmware revisions.
4. Firmware Update Procedure: Updates are performed using the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility, typically from the Alpha Systems Firmware CD. Detailed steps are provided, including how to enter manual update mode (for FSB, RMC Booter, TIG) and a note that a power cycle is only required if TIG firmware is updated.
5. Fail-Safe Boot (FSB) SRM Console: Describes the FSB utility for recovering from firmware corruption, noting it can boot automatically or manually via a jumper (J8).
6. Helpful Hints: Includes information on SRM Console Environment Variables (user_def1, user_def2), KGPSA messages (informational retries), reconfiguring Fiber Channel Switches, updating the FRU table (clearing error flags), the Halt-Continue sequence (warning against changing hardware state), and the memory_test environment variable.
7. Known Anomalies and Restrictions:
   • Halt, Crash, Continue in Graphics Mode: Pressing the HALT button in graphics mode (OpenVMS with DW-Motif or Tru64 Unix with X11) can freeze the monitor, requiring a system reset. Workarounds include switching to serial mode or disabling the graphical environment.
   • KZPEA Notes: Requires init command after powering up attached storage separately and emphasizes proper SCSI bus termination.
   • Hot Swapping: Advises against hot-swapping mice or keyboards due to potential electronic damage or keyboard unresponsiveness.
   • Fiber Channel KGPSA Driver Startup Messages: Explains "Nvram read failed" messages (often due to unformatted NVRAM) and provides wwidmgr commands for reformatting.
   • wwidmgr Known Issues: Notes that "*** MBX not ready ***" errors may require retrying the command, and the -unit qualifier is mandatory for wwidmgr -quickset -item <n>.
   • KVM Console Switch Limitations: The "run bios" command is not supported in graphics mode via KVM; users should use the serial console.
8. Firmware Change History (V7.2, V7.1, V7.0, V6.9): Details significant enhancements and bug fixes from previous versions, such as RoHS part number additions, RMC recognition of DS15A systems, increased Adaptec SCSI support, faster KGPSA retries, various PALCode and environment variable improvements, and fixes for WWIDMGR hangs.