VAX 4000 Site Preparation

This document, "VAX 4000 Site Preparation," outlines the crucial requirements and specifications for preparing a physical site to ensure the proper installation and operation of VAX 4000 systems and their expanders (e.g., BA42B, BA430, BA440, BA215, B400X, R400X, SF12). Digital Equipment Corporation recommends professional installation and offers site preparation services.

The guide covers two main areas:

1. General Requirements:

• Space: Specifies minimum clearances needed for unpacking (1.5-1.8 meters to the side), accessing system controls (1 meter front), and adequate airflow (5 cm sides/rear). Space for peripheral equipment is also required.
• Operating Environment: Addresses static electricity control (recommending ≥40% relative humidity, avoiding carpeting, and using antistatic mats), and maintaining stable temperature and humidity within specified ranges to prevent performance issues and data loss.
• Electrical: Emphasizes the need for dedicated circuits for each system and expander to ensure electrical isolation and prevent interference. It details various electrical considerations (voltage, frequency, current, power consumption) and provides critical guidelines for proper grounding by a qualified electrician to prevent "ground offset voltages" that can disrupt data transmission. Specialized power cables (e.g., 240-Vac or for regions outside North America) must be ordered separately.
• Acoustics: Notes that systems generate noise and suggests placement in an open office environment.
• Shipment Arrival: Advises inspecting the shipment for damage upon arrival and utilizing the provided Customer Hardware Information Kit and Installation manual.

2. Specific Requirements:

• Dimensions: Provides detailed measurements and weights for both the shipping cartons and the enclosures themselves for different VAX 4000 models and expanders (e.g., BA430/BA440, BA215). It warns that moving cartons requires at least two people.
• Detailed Specifications: Presents tables with precise heat dissipation figures (e.g., 2980 BTU/h for BA430/BA440, 1178 BTU/h for BA215), specific operating and non-operating temperature and humidity ranges, maximum altitude limits (with adjustment notes for higher altitudes), and comprehensive electrical specifications (voltage ranges, steady-state and inrush currents, power consumption) for various nominal AC voltages (100-120 Vac, 220-240 Vac). Acoustic emission levels are also provided for different enclosures.
• Expander-Specific Notes: Highlights that B400X and R400X expanders require dedicated wall outlets and must be installed by a Digital service representative unless factory-configured.

An appendix lists country-specific part numbers for power and ground cables for the various VAX 4000 enclosures and expanders.