VAX 6000 Series Owners Manual

This VAX 6000 Series Owner's Manual, with order number EK–600EB–OM.002, is designed for system managers and system operators and focuses on the daily operations of a VAX 6000 series system.

The manual provides a comprehensive overview of the system, covering:

• System Introduction: Details the VAX 6000 series system characteristics, architecture (including the high-speed XMI bus for processors, memory, and I/O adapters like VAXBI and VMEbus), and an introduction to its various components and configurations.
• Hardware Components: Describes the console load devices (Ethernet-based compact disk server, in-cabinet tape drives), the power system (AC power controller, power regulators, battery backup unit), the XMI card cage (housing processors, memories, and I/O adapters), I/O connections, and the cooling system. It emphasizes that internal components are primarily for service engineers.
• Controls and Indicators: Explains the functions of the control panel, including the upper and lower key switches (Off, Standby, Enable, Secure, Update, Halt, Auto Start positions), the Restart button, and status indicator lights (Run, Battery, Fault) that indicate system operational status.
• Booting Procedures: Details how the system boots, various boot devices (local disk, HSC disk, Ethernet-based CD server), boot processor selection, and step-by-step examples for different booting scenarios.
• Console Operations: A significant portion is dedicated to the console environment, its functions, and command language. This includes a detailed breakdown of console commands (e.g., BOOT, DEPOSIT, EXAMINE, HALT, HELP, INITIALIZE, SET, SHOW, START, STOP, TEST, UNJAM, UPDATE, Z) for system management, diagnostics, and configuration adjustments.
• Self-Test and Troubleshooting: Provides guidance on interpreting system self-test displays and error messages to diagnose and troubleshoot issues, particularly during the booting process.
• Appendices: Offer in-depth information on specific topics like compact disk and tape drive instructions, device type code assignments for XMI and VAXBI adapters, the EVUCA program for EEPROM updates, control flags for booting, and extensive lists of console error messages and boot status messages specific to various VAX 6000 models.

In essence, this manual serves as a practical guide for system personnel to understand, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the VAX 6000 series computer system.