DEC 7000/10000 AXP Technical Bulletin Number 2

This technical bulletin updates the documentation for DEC 7000/10000 AXP systems, specifically for the DEC OSF/1 AXP Version 1.3 operating system.

It introduces new capabilities enabled by hardware changes to the KN7AA processor module, including enhanced multiprocessing (for OpenVMS AXP) and memory interleaving (for both OpenVMS AXP and DEC OSF/1 AXP systems).

The document also provides user information on:

• Booting from a DEFAA adapter (for InfoServer using FDDI LAN).
• Using the DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool (VET) for system verification and exercising.

A significant portion is dedicated to MS7BB memory module service information. This module provides 16 Mbytes of battery-backed memory, capable of retaining data for up to 48 hours during a power interruption. It details:

• Module switches and LED indicators.
• Installation procedures.
• How to check module status via self-test displays and console commands (prcache, presto, test).
• A critical note that battery backup is only active after a 16-hour charge-up period.
• Routine maintenance, such as battery pack removal and replacement (recommended every two years).
• Module removal.

Finally, an appendix describes "hot wiring" the MS7BB battery status for testing purposes, with a strong caution against using this method with real data before the full 16-hour charge-up period has expired due to potential catastrophic data loss.