DEC EtherWORKS EISA Owner's Manual

This owner's manual provides comprehensive instructions for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting the DEC EtherWORKS EISA board.

The DEC EtherWORKS EISA board is a personal computer option module designed to integrate EISA-compatible PCs into a network using either ThinWire (10Base2) or Twisted-Pair (10BaseT) Ethernet cables. It's important to note that the board cannot connect to both network types simultaneously.

The manual outlines a multi-step process:

1. Configuration: It strongly emphasizes running a Configuration Utility before physical installation to set parameters like Network Interface (default ThinWire), Network Interrupt (default IRQ5), I/O memory address, Network Controller Buffer (default 64KB), and Remote Boot settings (default disabled). This step is crucial to avoid conflicts with other installed boards.
2. Installation: Detailed physical installation steps are provided, including preparing the computer (power off, unplugging cables), selecting the correct network interface via a shunting plug on the board, installing the board into an EISA slot, and carefully reassembling the system.
3. Connectivity: Instructions are given for connecting the board to either a ThinWire Ethernet network (using a BNC T-Connector) or a Twisted-Pair Ethernet network (using an RJ45 connector).
4. Software Installation: Users are directed to README.TXT and RELEASE.NOT files on the installation diskette for loading EISA software drivers and system configuration.

The document also includes essential troubleshooting information:

• Self-Test: It describes the automatic power-up self-test and lists error codes with recommended actions if a diagnostic ROM is present.
• LED Activity: Explains the significance of the Amber (self-test, fault) and Green (link integrity, data traffic) LEDs on the board for diagnostic purposes.
• Fault Isolation: Provides a table linking common symptoms to possible causes and recommended solutions (e.g., checking configuration settings, cables, board seating).

Throughout the manual, there are critical safety and compliance warnings:

• Static Electricity: Repeated cautions are given about protecting components from static discharge during handling and installation.
• FCC Notice: The device complies with FCC Part 15 rules, but warns that unshielded Ethernet cables on ThinWire ports are prohibited for Class B compliance, and any unauthorized changes can void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
• Power Requirements: Users are advised to verify that the combined power requirements of all installed boards do not exceed the PC's power supply rating.

Finally, appendixes provide general information and system specifications, including physical description, functional components (e.g., EISA bus interface, LANCE controller, 10Base2/10BaseT interfaces, RAM, ROM), and detailed cabling requirements for both Twisted-Pair and ThinWire.