DEC ChannelServer II Installation

This document is an installation and troubleshooting manual for the DEC ChannelServer II.

Purpose: It guides qualified service personnel through the complete process of setting up the DEC ChannelServer II system and diagnosing minor installation problems. This includes site preparation, unpacking, physical cabling, and utilizing diagnostic software.

System Function: The DEC ChannelServer II is a communications device designed to connect a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Ethernet local area network (LAN) to an International Business Machines (IBM) System-370 compatible mainframe. It uses DECnet/SNA Gateway-CT software to enable Ethernet nodes to communicate via Systems Network Architecture (SNA) protocols.

Key Areas Covered:

• System Components: Detailed descriptions of the ChannelServer II's hardware, including its power supply, Central Processing Unit (CPU), main memory, DESQA Ethernet Network Controller, Channel Interface, and Q22A-Bus Backplane.
• Site Preparation: Guidelines for environmental requirements (temperature, humidity, cleanliness), physical dimensions, power specifications for various countries, and software prerequisites for diagnostic testing on a host system.
• Hardware Installation: Step-by-step procedures for unpacking the unit, connecting the console terminal and power cord, and setting critical hardware switches (Halt Enable/Disable, Mode, Baud, Channel Enable/Disable) to prepare for operation.
• Cabling: Comprehensive instructions for connecting the ChannelServer II to the IBM mainframe using bus and tag cables (including daisy-chaining and terminators) and to the Ethernet LAN (supporting both Thickwire and Thinwire, with details on configuring the Ethernet module).

• Software Diagnostics:

  • MDM (MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor): Explains how to install and use this diagnostic software (down-line loaded from a VMS host) to identify and isolate faults within the ChannelServer II's Field Replaceable Units (FRUs).
  • DESNX Diagnostics: Details the use of DESNX for troubleshooting channel-related communication problems between the ChannelServer II and the mainframe. It describes interpreting various message types (informational, warning, error, fatal) and provides solutions for common issues like "Channel Interface Not Found" or "No Channel Connection."

• Problem Solving: Offers a general guide for typical installation issues, such as power-up failures, console display problems, and difficulties loading diagnostics or the Gateway-CT software. It also describes basic firmware diagnostics built into the ChannelServer II for initial troubleshooting.

The document also includes important international safety warnings and cautions.