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EK-PM30E-RB-003

May 1992

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Document:	Personal DECstation 5000 User's Guide
Order Number:	EK-PM30E-RB
Revision:	003
Pages:	210
Original Filename:

OCR Text

Personal DECstation 5000
User’s Guide
Order Number: EK–PM30E–RB.003

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

Second Printing, Sept, 1992
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation
assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied
only in accordance with the terms of such license.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1992.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments forms at the end of this document request your critical
evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DEC, DECconnect, DECnet,
DECstation, DECsystem, DECUS, DESTA, ThinWire, Turbochannel, ULTRIX, ULTRIX-32, and
the DIGITAL logo.
Motif is a trademark of the Open Software Foundation, Inc. MS–DOS is a registered trademark
of Microsoft Corporation. PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. VELCRO
is a trademark of VELCRO USA, Inc.
FCC NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

This document is available on CD–ROM.

S2076

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.0.

Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part I Introducing Your Workstation
1 The Five Basic Parts
1.1
The System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.1
The Front of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.2
The Back of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.3
Inside the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.3.1
To Open the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.3.2
To Close the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
The Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.1
Connecting a Monitor to the System Unit Video
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.2
Connecting a Monitor to a TURBOchannel Connector . . . . . .
1.3
The Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.1
Connecting the Keyboard to the Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4
The Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.5
Power Cord and Monitor Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–3
1–4
1–5
1–7
1–7
1–10
1–11
1–11
1–15
1–15
1–16
1–19
1–20

2 The Environment
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.2

Site Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleanliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–1
2–2
2–2
2–2
2–3

iii

3 Starting and Testing
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9

Turning On Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Power-Up Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the System Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Workstation Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting Factory-Installed Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting the Software from a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting the Software from an External Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Workstation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–2
3–2
3–3
3–5
3–5
3–5
3–5
3–6

4 Taking Your Workstation Apart
4.1
4.2

Dismantling Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Packing Your Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–1
4–2

Part II External Additions to Your Workstation
5 Ethernet
5.1
5.1.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.3
5.4
5.4.1
5.4.2
5.5
5.5.1
5.6

If Your Workstation Is Not Part of a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Your Workstation to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Sliding Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to a ThickWire Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to a ThinWire Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect the ThickWire-to-ThinWire Adapter . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect the Workstation to the ThinWire Network . . . . . .
Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect the ThickWire-to-Twisted-Pair Adapter . . . . . . . .
Finding Your Ethernet Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–2
5–2
5–3
5–3
5–4
5–6
5–10
5–10
5–11
5–15
5–17

6 External Storage Devices
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.4
6.5
iv

Storage Devices You Can Add to Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . .
Guidelines for Connecting SCSI Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Factory-Assigned SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect an Expansion Box to the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . .
Linking Storage Devices Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–2
6–3
6–4
6–4
6–4
6–6
6–6
6–8

6.6

Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes a New Drive . . . . . . .

6–12

7 Communication Devices
7.1
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3

Connecting Communication Devices to Your Workstation . . . . . .
To Connect a Device with a 25-Pin Connector . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect a Device with a Telephone-Jack Type of
Connector (MMJ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Activate the Terminal as the System Console . . . . . . . . . .
To Make Your Workstation Monitor the System Console . . . .

7–2
7–2
7–3
7–4
7–5
7–5
7–5

8 The Server Configuration
8.1
8.2
8.2.1
8.2.2

Connecting a Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halting a Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Default Settings for Using the Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . .
Operational Background Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8–3
8–3
8–4
8–4

Part III Internal Additions to Your Workstation
9 Internal Storage Devices
Disk Drives That Digital Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Floppy Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Check the Drive Select Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Install the Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Floppy Disk
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.4
Removing a Floppy Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5
Installing a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.1
To Set SCSI IDs for the RZ23L, RZ24, and RZ25 . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.1.1
RZ23L Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.1.2
RZ24 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.1.3
RZ25 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.2
To Install the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.6
Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Hard Disk
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.7
Removing a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.1
9.2
9.2.1
9.2.2
9.3

9–1
9–2
9–2
9–2
9–6
9–7
9–8
9–8
9–9
9–10
9–11
9–14
9–17
9–18

10 Memory Modules
10.1
Adding Memory to Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1.1
Identifying Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1.2
To Install Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1.3
Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes Its Memory
Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.2
Removing Memory from Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10–1
10–2
10–5
10–7
10–8

11 CPU Modules
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4

Removing a CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing Your CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TURBOchannel Option Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11–3
11–5
11–6
11–7

Part IV Workstation Management
12 Using the Console Program
12.1
Operating and Console Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.2
Entering Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.1
The ? Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.2
The Boot Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.2.1
Setting the Boot Path Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.3
The Configuration Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.4
The Password Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.4.1
To Enter a Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.4.2
To Clear an Existing Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.4.3
To Set a New Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.5
The Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.5.1
The Setenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.5.2
The Printenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.5.3
The Unsetenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.6
The Test Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12–1
12–2
12–3
12–3
12–3
12–4
12–5
12–5
12–5
12–5
12–5
12–5
12–6
12–6
12–6
12–6

13 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking the Powerup Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting Video Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting and Using an Alternate Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum Configuration Troubleshooting With the System
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.6
Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.6.1
The Power-up Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.7
What to Do When the Powerup LED Indicator is Inactive . . . . . .

13.1
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.5

13–2
13–3
13–4
13–6
13–8
13–9
13–10
13–13

Part V Appendices
A Equipment Specifications
A.1
A.2
A.3
A.4
A.5
A.6
A.7
A.8
A.9

Personal DECstation 5000 System Unit Equipment
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRC16 Monitor Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRM17 Monitor Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LK501-AA Keyboard Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSXXX-BB Mouse Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications . . . . . . .
RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . .
RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . .
RX26 Diskette Drive Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A–2
A–4
A–6
A–9
A–11
A–13
A–15
A–17
A–19

B The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia
C Part Numbers
D Connector Pin Assignments
D.1
D.2
D.3
D.4
D.5
D.6
D.7
D.8

SCSI Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments . . . . .
Power Supply Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDN Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERIAL.bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loopback Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D–2
D–3
D–4
D–6
D–7
D–7
D–9
D–9
vii

E Regulatory Information for the UK
E.1
E.2
E.3
E.4
E.5
E.6
E.7

Service Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication Port Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Approvals for Digital Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Independent Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Power Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apparatus Between the Approved Apparatus and a Digital
Circuit (PTT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E–2
E–2
E–3
E–4
E–5
E–5
E–5

F Drives You Can Connect to Your Workstation
G Console Commands
G.1
Console Command Conventions and Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.1.1
Conventions Used in This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.1.2
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2
Summary of Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.1
? Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.2
boot Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.3
cat Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.4
cnfg Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.5
d Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.6
erl Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.7
go Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.8
init Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.9
ls Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.10
passwd Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.11
printenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.12
restart Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.13
script Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.14
setenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.15
sh Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.16
t Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.17
test Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2.18
unsetenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

G–1
G–2
G–2
G–4
G–5
G–5
G–7
G–7
G–7
G–8
G–9
G–9
G–9
G–10
G–10
G–11
G–11
G–11
G–13
G–14
G–14
G–15

Index
Figures
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–9
1–10
1–11
1–12
1–13
1–14
1–15
1–16
1–17
1–18
1–19
1–20
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–6
5–7
5–8
5–9

The System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Front of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Back of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors on the Back of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Antistatic Wrist Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the System Tool to Raise the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Cover of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Video Cable to the VRC16 Monitor . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Video Cable to the VRM17 Monitor . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor Cable to the Video Connector on the
Back of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LK501 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilting the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Keyboard Cable to the Workstation . . . . . . . .
Connectors on the LK501 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Cable and Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the Sliding Lock on the System Unit Ethernet
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking the Sliding Lock on the System Unit Ethernet
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts for Connecting to a ThinWire Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the T-connector to the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–8
1–9
1–10
1–12
1–12
1–13
1–14
1–15
1–16
1–17
1–18
1–19
1–19
1–20
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–6
5–7
5–8
5–9
5–9
ix

5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–14
5–15
5–16
6–1
6–2
6–3
6–4
6–5
6–6
7–1
7–2
7–3
7–4
8–1
9–1
9–2
9–3
9–4
9–5
9–6
9–7
9–8
9–9
9–10

Connecting the ThinWire Adapter to the ThickWire
Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a T-connector Terminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts for Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Network . . .
Connecting the Adapter to the ThickWire Cable . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Twisted-Pair Cable to the Adapter . . . . . . . .
SCSI Connector on the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the
SCSI Connector on the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to a
Typical Expansion Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Expansion Boxes in a Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminating the Final Expansion Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Power Cord to an Expansion Box . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors and Adapter for Communication Devices . . . . . . .
Connecting a 25-pin Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Communications Connector Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using an Adapter to Connect a Communications Device to
the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Drive Select Number on a Floppy Disk
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floppy Disk Drive and Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the FDI Cable and the Internal Drive Power
Cable to the Floppy Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Floppy Disk Drive in the System Unit . . . . . . .
Connecting the FDI Cable and the Internal Drive Power
Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Floppy Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI ID Jumper Settings for the RZ23L Hard Disk Drive . .
SCSI ID Jumper Settings for the RZ24 Hard Disk Drive . . . .
SCSI ID Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Side of the
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI ID Settings Using the Pins on the Front of the
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–14
5–15
5–16
6–2
6–7
6–8
6–9
6–10
6–11
7–2
7–3
7–3
7–4
8–2
9–2
9–3
9–4
9–5
9–6
9–8
9–9
9–10
9–12
9–13

9–11
9–12
9–13
9–14
9–15
10–1
10–2
10–3
10–4
10–5
10–6
10–7
11–1
11–2
11–3
11–4
11–5
13–1
13–2
13–3
E–1

Hard Disk Drive and Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the SCSI Cable and the Internal Drive Power
Cable to the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Hard Disk Drive in the System Unit . . . . . . . .
Connecting the SCSI Cable and the Internal Drive Power
Cable to the Base System Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying 2-megabyte Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying 8-megabyte Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Module Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Releasing the Latches on a Slot Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The CPU Module and the Base System Module . . . . . . . . . . .
The CPU and its mounting posts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Releasing the lock on a mounting post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU module and base module connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the CPU module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example of TURBOchannel Error Message Format . . . . . . . .
Flash Sequence of the Diagnostic LED Indicator . . . . . . . . . .
External Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Module J-Connector Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9–17
9–19
10–3
10–4
10–6
10–6
10–7
10–9
10–9
11–2
11–3
11–4
11–5
11–6
13–4
13–11
13–14
E–6

Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commonly Preassigned SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Terminal Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory module configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Tests for Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Codes for Selected TURBOchannel Options . . .
Alternate Terminal Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator at Power-Up . . . . . . .

xv
6–4
8–3
10–2
10–5
11–2
13–5
13–5
13–6
13–12

9–14
9–15
9–16

Tables
1
6–1
8–1
10–1
10–2
11–1
13–1
13–2
13–3
13–4

13–5
13–6

A–1
A–2
A–3
A–4
A–5
A–6
A–7
A–8
A–9
A–10
A–11
A–12
A–13
A–14
A–15
A–16
A–17
A–18
A–19
A–20
A–21
A–22
A–23
A–24
A–25
A–26
A–27
A–28
A–29
B–1
B–2

xii

Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator During First 30
Seconds After Power-Up (Firmware Initialization Period) . . .
Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator During 2nd 30
Seconds Following First Video (Power-Up Self-Test
Period) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustics—Preliminary Declared Values per ISO 9296 and
ISO 7779 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRC16 Monitor Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRC16 Monitor Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRC16 Monitor Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRM17 Monitor Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRM17 Monitor Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRM17 Monitor Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LK501-AA Keyboard Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LK501-AA Keyboard Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LK501-AA Keyboard Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . .
VSXXX-BB Mouse Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSXXX-BB Mouse Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSXXX-BB Mouse Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . .
RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . .
RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . .
RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . .
RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . .
RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . .
RX26 Diskette Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX26 Diskette Disk Drive Specifications (formatted) . . . . . . .
RX26 Diskette Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX26 Diskette Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . .
XMedia (Software) Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DECmedia (Hardware) Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13–12

13–13
A–2
A–2
A–2
A–3
A–4
A–5
A–5
A–6
A–8
A–8
A–9
A–10
A–10
A–11
A–12
A–12
A–13
A–14
A–14
A–15
A–16
A–16
A–17
A–18
A–18
A–19
A–19
A–20
A–20
B–2
B–3

C–1
C–2
C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6
C–7
C–8
D–1
D–2
D–3
D–4
D–5
D–6
D–7
D–8
D–9
D–10
E–1
E–2
E–3
G–1
G–2

Basic System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI and Floppy Disk Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Input Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miscellaneous Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors, Adapters, and Terminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multimedia Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . .
EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments . . .
Power Supply Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDN Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERIAL.bus Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Loopback Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet Loopback Connector Pin Assignments, Part
#12-22196-02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modem Loopback Connector Pin Assignments, Part
#12-15336-13, Option #H3200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PMBA-AA Service Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearance and Creepage Specs for PMBA-AA . . . . . . . . . . . .
Module Power Rating for PMBA-AA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C–2
C–3
C–4
C–4
C–5
C–5
C–6
C–7
D–2
D–3
D–4
D–6
D–7
D–8
D–9
D–9
D–9
D–10
E–2
E–4
E–5
G–4
G–12

xiii

Preface
This guide explains how to operate the hardware components of your Personal
DECstation 5000 workstation.
Table 1 Conventions Used in This Guide
Convention

Use

Monospace type

Anything that appears on your monitor is set in
monospace type like this.

Boldface type

Anything that you are asked to type is set in boldface
type like this.

Caution note

Information that protects the workstation from being damaged
is set off in a caution note.

Warning note

Information that protects you from being harmed is set off in a
warning note.

Part I
Introducing Your Workstation

1
The Five Basic Parts
This chapter tells you about the parts of your system:
•

System unit, including connectors, controls, and indicator lights

•

Monitor

•

Keyboard

•

Mouse

•

Power cord and cable

The Personal DECstation 5000 is a desktop workstation that can be configured
in many different ways. Certain basic parts–the system unit, a monitor, a
keyboard, a pointing device–will always be present1 The type and number
of other parts–such as memory modules and internal and external storage
devices–will vary.
A basic system has 8 megabytes of memory and may include an internal
hard disk drive and an internal floppy disk drive. There are two slots for
TURBOchannel option modules. Later chapters of this guide explain how you
can expand both the workstation’s storage capacity and its memory.

When used as a server, the Personal DECstation is usually configured without a
graphics monitor and its corresponding LK501 keyboard, as explained in Chapter 8.

The Five Basic Parts 1–1

The Five Basic Parts

The following shows the basic parts of your personal DECstation.

Color monitor

Keyboard

Mouse

SCSI terminator
WSMXS002
.

1–2 The Five Basic Parts

Gray-scale monitor

System unit

Power cables (2)

ThickWire Ethernet
loopback connector

System tool

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit

1.1 The System Unit
Figure 1–1 The System Unit

WSMXS103
.

The system unit is designed to sit flat on a level surface with the monitor on
top of or next to it.
Caution
Standing the system unit on its side can block the cooling vents and
damage the unit.

The Five Basic Parts 1–3

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit

1.1.1 The Front of the System Unit
The front of the system unit has a green indicator light (LED). When you turn
on your workstation, the light flickers for a while as the system performs its
self-tests and then glows steadily once the system is up and running.
Figure 1–2 The Front of the System Unit

Power-up
indicator light

WSMXS005
.

1–4 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit

1.1.2 The Back of the System Unit
On the back of the system unit you’ll find:
•

The on/off switch. Press the 1 on the switch to turn the power on. Press
the 0 to turn the power off.

•

The connectors shown in Figure 1–3.

Figure 1–3 The Back of the System Unit
2
1

4
5
6
11

7
10

1. Turbochannel option slot 0
2. Turbochannel option slot 1
3. On/off switch
4. System unit power connector
5. Monitor-to-system-unit power connector
6. Graphics video connector

7. Serial communications connector
8. Keyboard-mouse connector
9. Sound connector
10. Base system ThickWire Ethernet
connector
11. Base system SCSI connector

WSMXS004
.

Above each connector is a small picture, or icon, that describes the purpose of
that connector. Figure 1–4 lists the functions of the connectors that the icons
identify.

The Five Basic Parts 1–5

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit
Figure 1–4 Connectors on the Back of the System Unit

Connector

Icon

Function

SCSI connector

Connects the workstation
to small computer systems
interface (SCSI) devices,
such as disk drives and
CD-ROM drives.

ThickWire Ethernet
connector

Connects the workstation
to a ThickWire Ethernet
network or, with an adapter,
to a ThinWire or twisted-pair
Ethernet network.

Sound I/O

Connects the workstation
to a speaker (such as a
small headset or the handset
of a phone) and a microphone.

Keyboard-mouse
connector

Connects the workstation
to the keyboard and
mouse.

Communications
connector

Connects the workstation
to devices such as a printer,
modem, or console terminal.

Video connector

Connects the monitor to
the workstation.

Power plugs

WSMXS117
.

1–6 The Five Basic Parts

None

The plug on the right
connects the workstation
to a power outlet; the plug
on the left connects the
monitor to the workstation
power supply.

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit

1.1.3 Inside the System Unit
Occasionally you may need to get inside of your system unit–to add optional
modules, for example, or to upgrade your system. The components in the
system unit are delicate and can be damaged by the static electricity conducted
by your body. Digital provides an antistatic wrist strap to ensure that this
static discharge does not cause damage. Wear the antistatic wrist strap
whenever you touch anything inside the system unit or any item stored in an
antistatic bag. To use the wrist strap, follow the directions on the envelope it
comes in.
Figure 1–5 Using the Antistatic Wrist Strap

WSMXS036
.

1.1.3.1 To Open the System Unit
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return. Note: You must be in superuser mode to shut down
the system. This requires that you obtain superuser privileges from your
system manager. Enter superuser mode by typing su, pressing Return, and
entering your password.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit.

The Five Basic Parts 1–7

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit
3. Remove the two screws on the back edge of the system unit cover.
Figure 1–6 System Tool

WSMXS098
.

4. Find the system tool that came with your workstation. Insert the system
tool into one of the two small rectangular holes just beneath the edge of
the cover on the back of the system unit. Lift up on the tool until the cover
loosens. Insert the tool into the other hole and repeat the procedure.
Figure 1–7 Using the System Tool to Raise the Cover

WSMXS088
.

1–8 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit
5. Pressing down on the two black leverage buttons on the back of the system
unit and at the same time pressing up against the cover’s edge, as shown
in Figure 1–8, lift the back end of the cover about 6 inches.
Figure 1–8 Removing the Cover of the System Unit

WSMXS089
.

6. Pivot the cover on the tabs that are along the lower part of the cover’s front
edge.
7. When the tabs are loose in their slots, lift the cover up and away from the
system unit.
8. Notice the diagram on the inside of the cover. It illustrates four
procedures:
•

How to replace the cover

•

How to install a hard disk drive

•

How to install memory modules

•

How to identify memory slots

The Five Basic Parts 1–9

The Five Basic Parts
1.1 The System Unit
Once the cover is off, you will see the base system module and the power
supply. You’ll also see any internal disk drives in your workstation and any
memory cards and TURBOchannel modules.
Figure 1–9 Inside the System Unit

TURBOchannel option modules
CPU module
Power supply

Power supply

System module

Internal drives
WSMXS003
.

Your system unit may not contain everything shown in Figure 1–9.
1.1.3.2 To Close the System Unit
1. Tilt the cover so that the back is about 6 inches higher than the front.
2. Insert the tabs on the front edge of the cover into the slot along the front
edge of the system unit.
3. Lower the back of the cover into place. Replace and tighten the screws that
hold the cover.

1–10 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.2 The Monitor

1.2 The Monitor
Digital offers these two monitors for the Personal DECstation:
•

16-inch color monitor (VRC16)

•

17-inch gray-scale monitor (VRM17)
Both these monitors connect to the video connector on the back of your
system unit. They are 1024 x 768 pixels and have a 72 megahertz refresh
rate. The identification plate on the back of the monitor tells you which
kind of monitor you have.
Caution
Connecting or disconnecting the monitor while the power is on can
damage the monitor.

1.2.1 Connecting a Monitor to the System Unit Video Connector
1. Connect the monitor video cable to the monitor (1–10 and 1–11).
2. The video cable for a color monitor divides into three cables at the end.
Match the colors of the cables (or the letters on the cables) with the letters
on the first three of the five video connectors on the monitor: The red cable
plugs into the connector labeled R, the green cable plugs into the connector
labeled G/S, and the blue cable plugs into the connector labeled B.

The Five Basic Parts 1–11

The Five Basic Parts
1.2 The Monitor
Figure 1–10 Connecting the Video Cable to the VRC16 Monitor

B
G
R

WSMXS007
.

Figure 1–11 Connecting the Video Cable to the VRM17 Monitor

WSMXS013

3. Connect the other end of the monitor video cable to the video connector on
the back of the system unit (Figure 1–12).

1–12 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.2 The Monitor
Figure 1–12 Connecting the Monitor Cable to the Video Connector on the
Back of the System Unit

WSMXS014
.

The Five Basic Parts 1–13

The Five Basic Parts
1.2 The Monitor
4. Find the monitor power cable. Plug the cable into the power connector
on the monitor and into the outlet to the left of the main power outlet on
the back of the system unit. This connects the monitor to the system unit
power supply. Leave the monitor power switch in the on position; when you
turn on the power to the system unit, the monitor will go on, too.
5. You can order an additional power cord and connect your monitor to a
power strip or wall outlet instead of to the system unit, if you want. In this
case, you’ll need to use the monitor’s power switch to turn it on.
Figure 1–13 Connecting the Monitor

WSMXS038
.

If you want to connect your monitor at a distance from your system unit,
you may need longer cords and cables than the ones that come with the
workstation. You can order the following cables from Digital:
•

10-foot color video cable (customer order #BC29G-09)

•

10-foot grayscale cable (customer order #BC09M-10)

1–14 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.2 The Monitor

1.2.2 Connecting a Monitor to a TURBOchannel Connector
You can connect the following Digital monitors to your workstation by means of
an optional TURBOchannel graphics module installed in your system unit:
•

VRT16

•

VRT19

•

VR319

•

VR320

The TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide tells how to install, test, and
troubleshoot monitors connected to a TURBOchannel option module.

1.3 The Keyboard
The LK501 keyboard comes with your workstation. Most of its keys work
just like the keys on a typewriter keyboard. The keyboard also includes some
special keys: function keys, an editing keypad, and a numeric/application
keypad. Your software manuals explain how to use these special keys.
Figure 1–14 LK501 Keyboard

Indicator lights

Function keys

Main keys

Special editing keypad

WSMXS009

Keyboard cable

Numeric/application keypad

The Five Basic Parts 1–15

The Five Basic Parts
1.3 The Keyboard
You can use the LK501 keyboard in either of two positions, depending on which
you find more comfortable: The keyboard can lie flat on your work surface, or
it can be tilted slightly up.
To tilt the keyboard, move the two legs on the bottom into the upright
position.
Figure 1–15 Tilting the Keyboard

Hinged feet on keyboard

WSMXS010
.

1.3.1 Connecting the Keyboard to the Workstation
1. Plug one end of the keyboard cable (it doesn’t matter which end) into the
keyboard-mouse connector on the back of the system unit.

1–16 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.3 The Keyboard
Figure 1–16 Connecting the Keyboard Cable to the Workstation

WSMXS056
.

The Five Basic Parts 1–17

The Five Basic Parts
1.3 The Keyboard
2. Plug the other end of the cable into either of the connectors at the
keyboard’s rear edge. (The other connector is for the mouse.)
Figure 1–17 Connectors on the LK501 Keyboard

Connectors

WSMXS097

If you want to connect your keyboard so you can use it at a distance from
your system unit, you may need a longer cable than the one that comes
with the workstation. You can order a 12-foot system-to-keyboard cable
(customer order #17-03248-07) from Digital. This replaces the shorter cable
that comes with the workstation.

1–18 The Five Basic Parts

The Five Basic Parts
1.4 The Mouse

1.4 The Mouse
You use a mouse to move the pointer on the screen.
Figure 1–18 Mouse

WSMXS012
.

Connect the mouse by plugging its cable into either of the connectors at the
rear edge of the keyboard.
Figure 1–19 Connecting the Mouse

Connectors

WSMXS011

The Five Basic Parts 1–19

The Five Basic Parts
1.4 The Mouse
If you are using computer-aided design (CAD) applications with your
workstation, you may want to connect a dial box or a button box as a
pointing device. Connect these to the keyboard-mouse connector on the back of
the system unit.

1.5 Power Cord and Monitor Cable
The workstation comes with a power cord for the system unit and a power
cable that connects the monitor to the system unit.
Figure 1–20 Power Cable and Power Cord

Monitor-to-system-unit
power cable

System unit and monitor
power cord

WSMXS099
.

•

Use the power cord to connect the system unit to a wall outlet or power
strip.

•

Use the power cable to connect the monitor to the power outlet on the back
of the system unit.
Caution
Only one device can be connected to the outlet on the back of the
system unit. Do not use power cords to link devices together in a chain.

If your monitor is at a distance from the system unit, you may need to order a
longer power cord from Digital to connect the monitor to a wall outlet or power
strip. For more information about connecting a monitor at a distance from the
system unit, see ‘‘Section 1.2.1’’ on page 1-10.

1–20 The Five Basic Parts

2
The Environment
This chapter describes:
•

The environment in which your workstation functions most efficiently

•

The voltage requirements for your workstation

2.1 Site Requirements
To operate at its best, your workstation must be set up in a place that meets
certain requirements.
Caution
Failure to meet these requirements can damage the equipment.

2.1.1 Temperature and Humidity
•

The temperature around the workstation should be between 5° F (10° C)
and 104° F (40° C).
The workstation should be set up away from heaters, photocopiers, and
other sources of heat.
Protect your workstation from direct sunlight.

The Environment 2–1

The Environment
2.1 Site Requirements
•

Air should flow freely around your workstation to keep heat from building
up and damaging the equipment.
Leave 4 inches (10 centimeters) between system unit vents and other
objects.
Leave 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) between monitor vents and other objects.

•

Relative humidity should be between 10 and 80 percent.

•

Store supplies (such as tape cartridges) within these same temperature and
humidity limits.

2.1.2 Cleanliness
•

Keep your work area as dust-free as possible.

2.1.3 Interference
•

Set up your workstation at least 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) from any
sources of electrical interference, such as other terminals or monitors,
printers, or electric pencil sharpeners.

•

To limit its exposure to static electricity and magnetized objects, set up
your workstation away from busy corridors and other high-traffic areas and
away from filing cabinets and steel beams in walls.

2.1.4 Power
•

Reserve an entire circuit for your workstation power source. The fuse for
the circuit must be at least 15 amperes.

•

Be sure your electrical circuit is properly grounded and free from electrical
noise. If possible, connect a surge-protected power strip to the outlet and
plug your workstation power cord into the power strip.

•

Be sure the voltage of the devices you connect to your workstation matches
the voltage of your power source (see the following section, ‘‘Section 2.2’’).

2–2 The Environment

The Environment
2.2 Voltage Requirements

2.2 Voltage Requirements
Many of the devices you connect to your workstation, including most monitors,
must have voltages that match your power source, which is either 110/120 or
220/240 volts. Devices that require matching voltages have a yellow voltage
label covering the power connector. This label tells you that device’s power
requirements.
Caution
Connecting your equipment to a power source with the wrong voltage
can damage the equipment.

The Environment 2–3

3
Starting and Testing
This chapter tells you how to:
•

Turn on your workstation

•

Use the power-up and system self-tests

•

Check your workstation configuration

•

Boot the workstation software if your workstation has factory-installed
software

•

Boot the workstation software if your workstation is on a network

•

Boot the workstation software if you are installing it from an external
drive

•

Turn off your workstation

3.1 Turning On Your Workstation
To turn on your workstation:
1. Press the 1 on the on/off switch on the back of the system unit.
2. If necessary, turn on your monitor.
•

If the monitor gets its power through the system unit, it will go on
when you turn on the system unit.

•

If the monitor is plugged into a wall outlet, press the 1 on its on/off
switch to turn it on.

3. As soon as you’ve turned on the system unit, the following things happen:
•

A green indicator light glows on the front of the system unit.

•

A green indicator light flashes quickly twice on the front of the
monitor.

Starting and Testing 3–1

Starting and Testing
3.1 Turning On Your Workstation
•

The system unit and the monitor run their power-up self-tests.

3.2 Using the Power-Up Self-Test
The power-up self-test verifies that the system is working correctly. It begins
automatically when you turn on your workstation. As the system performs
the test, you’ll see flickering text in the lower-left corner of the screen. This
flickering stops when the self-test is complete. If the test was successful, you’ll
see one of two console prompts on your screen:
•

>> When this prompt is displayed, anyone can enter console commands.

•

R > When this prompt appears, full console use is restricted to users who
know the password.

If you don’t know the password, you can use only two console commands: the
boot command (type boot and press Return) and the password command (type
passwd and press Return). If the software has been installed on your hard
disk or another storage drive, and if the boot path is correctly set the boot
command will start up the workstation software. (See Section 12.3.2.1.)
If your system fails to turn on, or if the self-test is unsuccessful, see Chapter 13
for instructions.

3.3 Using the System Self-Test
The system self-test, like the power-up self-test, checks to see that the system
is functioning correctly. It’s a more thorough test than the power-up self-test.
Caution
Before running the system self-test, make sure that your workstation
is either connected to a network or has a loopback connector in the
Ethernet connector on the back panel. Otherwise the test will fail.
See Chapter 5 of this guide for more information about Ethernet
connections.
Run the system self-test by following these steps:
1. Turn on your workstation and wait until the power-up self-test is complete.
2. When you see the console prompt (>>), type test and press Return.

3–2 Starting and Testing

Starting and Testing
3.3 Using the System Self-Test
3. The system self-test may take anywhere from one to five minutes,
depending on how much memory you have in your system. As the system
performs the test, you’ll see flickering text in the lower-left corner of the
screen. You’ll also hear a beep when the system tests the speaker. When
the self-test is complete, the flickering stops. If the self-test is successful,
the console prompt (>> or R>) appears on your screen.
If your system fails to turn on, or if the self-test is unsuccessful, see Chapter 13
for instructions.

3.4 Checking Your Workstation Configuration
The configuration test tells you what modules are present in your system unit
and where they are. Run this test to make sure the workstation recognizes
any optional memory, TURBOchannel modules, serial bus devices, or disk
drives you have.
To run the configuration test, type cnfg and press Return.
You’ll see a display that looks something like this:
3: KN02-CA DEC x1.2g TCF0 (16 MB)
(CX - d=8)
(Sb: devs = 2)
(FDI: 1)
(enet: 08-00-2b-xx-xx-xx)
(SCSI = 7)
0: PMAG-DA DEC V5.3g TCF0 (PMAGB-EA: PXG- d=24)
The lines beginning with numbers (in the example, 3: and 0:) indicate the
workstation slots: the connectors inside the system unit to which modules
can be attached. The example shows two slots: slot 3, which is the base
system module and will always be present, and slot 0, which is one of the
TURBOchannel option modules. Listings for slot 0 and slot 1 appear only if
you have a TURBOchannel option module in one or both of those slots.
Each item following the 3: refers to a feature of the base system module. In
the example, these features are as follows:
(16 MB)
(CX - d=8)
(Sb: devs = 2)
(FDI: 1)
(enet: 08-00-2b-xx-xx-xx)
(SCSI = 7)

The amount of memory installed
The base system video
The keyboard and mouse
The internal floppy disk drive
Your workstation Ethernet address
The ID of the SCSI connector on the
base system module

Starting and Testing 3–3

Starting and Testing
3.4 Checking Your Workstation Configuration
The items following the 0 tells you what is in TURBOchannel option slot 0.
In the example, this slot contains a graphics card to which you can connect a
monitor. For more information about TURBOchannel option slot displays, turn
to the TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide.
You can also use the configuration test to see what devices are connected to a
particular slot. To do this, type cnfg and the slot number and press Return.
For example, to see the configuration for slot 3, the base system module, you
would type cnfg 3.
The last several lines of the display you will see look something like this:
DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI
DEV
______________________________________________
rz2
tz5

RZ25
TZK10

(C)DEC
(C)DEC

DEC
DEC

0400
00AA

DIR
SEQ

Look at the column headed DEV (device). This column lists the device code and
SCSI ID for each drive your system recognizes. All the SCSI drives connected
to the SCSI connector on the back of the system unit should be listed here. The
sample shows the internal hard disk, with SCSI ID 2, and a tape drive, with
SCSI ID 5.
The column headed PID (product ID) lists the names of the devices–in the
sample, RZ25 and TZK10. Some device names will not appear in this column,
so you should use the DEV column to verify the presence of SCSI drives.
Once you’ve turned on your workstation and checked its configuration, you’re
ready to boot the workstation software.
If your workstation has factory-installed software, you will see a sticker on the
back of the system unit that reads: ‘‘If this system contains a hard disk with
pre-installed software, see your Installation Guide before booting the system.’’
If your workstation has factory-installed software, see the next section.
If your workstation will be accessing software through a network, see
Section 3.6.
If you will be installing software from an external drive, see Section 3.7.

3–4 Starting and Testing

Starting and Testing
3.5 Booting Factory-Installed Software

3.5 Booting Factory-Installed Software
At the console prompt (>>), type setenv boot ‘‘3/rz2/vmunix -a’’ and press
Return.
Then type boot and press Return.
See the ULTRIX Guide to Starting the Factory-Installed Software System for
further instructions.

3.6 Booting the Software from a Network
Your system manager will boot the software for you if your workstation is on a
network. Make sure he or she has the following:
•

The Ethernet station address for your workstation. (See Section 5.6 to find
your Ethernet station address.)

•

The Guide to Installing ULTRIX

•

The ULTRIX release notes

3.7 Booting the Software from an External Drive
If you are installing software from a CD–ROM or external tape drive, make
sure you have the following before you begin the software installation:
•

The Guide to Installing ULTRIX

•

The ULTRIX release notes

•

An ULTRIX TK50 Tape Cartridge Kit or an ULTRIX CD–ROM Optical
Compact Disc Kit containing media and installation documents

•

An optical compact disc or tape drive for loading the compact disc or tape

•

The owner’s guide for the drive you will use

•

A hard disk drive on which to install the workstation software

3.8 Using the Workstation Software
Once you’ve installed the software, you can start it up in subsequent sessions
just by typing boot at the console prompt and pressing Return.
The first thing you see once you’ve booted your workstation software is the
log-in screen. This is where you type your user name and your password, if
you have one. Both your user name and password are given to you by your
system manager when you first begin using your workstation.

Starting and Testing 3–5

Starting and Testing
3.8 Using the Workstation Software
Once you’ve entered your user name and password, you can begin using your
workstation software. When you’re ready to conclude your session, choose Quit
from the Session menu in your session manager window.

3.9 Turning Off Your Workstation
To turn off your workstation:
1. If the workstation software is running, type shutdown -h now and press
Return. Note: You must be in ‘‘superuser’’ mode in order to shut down
the system. This requires that you obtain superuser privileges from your
system manager. Enter superuser mode by typing su, pressing Return, and
entering your password.
2. Turn off any devices connected to your workstation, such as printers,
modems, or external hard disks.
3. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.
4. If necessary, turn off the monitor.
•

If the monitor gets its power through the system unit, it will go off
when you turn off the system unit.

•

If the monitor is plugged into a wall outlet, press the 0 on its on/off
switch to turn it off.

3–6 Starting and Testing

4
Taking Your Workstation Apart
This chapter tells you how to disassemble your workstation and pack it for
moving.

4.1 Dismantling Your Workstation
1. If the workstation software is running, type shutdown -h now and press
Return.
2. Turn off any devices connected to your workstation, such as printers,
modems, or external hard disks.
3. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.
4. If necessary, turn off the monitor.
•

If the monitor gets its power through the system unit, it will go off
when you turn off the system unit.

•

If the monitor is plugged into a wall outlet, press the 0 on its on/off
switch to turn it off.

5. Unplug all power cords from their power sources.
6. Disconnect all external devices, including the monitor and the keyboard,
from the system unit. If two or more disk drives or other devices are
chained together, disconnect them from each other.
7. If the SCSI connector on the back of the system unit contains a terminator,
remove the terminator.
8. Disconnect the mouse from the keyboard.
9. If you’re on a network, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the system unit.
Otherwise, remove the loopback connector.

Taking Your Workstation Apart 4–1

Taking Your Workstation Apart
4.2 Packing Your Equipment

4.2 Packing Your Equipment
Pack each piece of equipment in the carton it came in. Use any padding that
came in the carton to hold the equipment securely in place.
Be sure to include the following in each carton:
•

Any cables, power cords, and terminators that came with that device

•

Any documentation that came with that device

4–2 Taking Your Workstation Apart

Part II
External Additions to Your Workstation

5
Ethernet
This chapter tells you:
•

How to connect your workstation to a ThickWire, ThinWire, or Twisted-pair
Ethernet network

•

How to find the Ethernet station address for your system

The Personal DECstation is designed so that you can connect it easily to a
ThickWire, ThinWire, or Twisted-pair Ethernet network. You can also use it as
a stand-alone workstation, not connected to any network.

Ethernet 5–1

Ethernet
5.1 If Your Workstation Is Not Part of a Network

5.1 If Your Workstation Is Not Part of a Network
If your workstation is not part of an Ethernet network, you must have a
loopback connector in the Ethernet connector on the back of the system unit
to run the system self-test successfully. The system self-test will fail if your
workstation is not connected to a network and has no loopback connector
installed. The loopback connector comes with your workstation.

5.1.1 Connecting the Loopback Connector
1. Hold the loopback connector so its widest part is on top.
2. Push the loopback connector all the way into the ThickWire Ethernet
connector on the system unit.
Figure 5–1 Connecting the Loopback Connector

WSMXS062
.

5–2 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.2 Connecting Your Workstation to a Network

5.2 Connecting Your Workstation to a Network
The Personal DECstation has a ThickWire Ethernet connector on the back
of the system unit. If your workstation is going to be part of a ThickWire
network, you’ll use the ThickWire cable to make a direct connection between
the workstation and the network cable that comes from the wall. If you
have a ThinWire or Twisted-pair network, you’ll use an adapter to make this
connection.

5.2.1 Using the Sliding Locks
There are sliding locks on the Ethernet connector on the system unit and on
one end of the ThickWire Ethernet cable.
•

To unlock a sliding lock, use a flat-blade screwdriver to slide the lock in the
direction of the small, u-shaped notch (either left or right, depending on
the way the lock is mounted on your system).

Figure 5–2 Unlocking the Sliding Lock on the System Unit Ethernet
Connector

Sliding lock on the base system
ThickWire Ethernet connector

Large notch

Small notch

WSMXS080
.

Ethernet 5–3

Ethernet
5.2 Connecting Your Workstation to a Network
•

To lock a sliding lock, use a flat-blade screwdriver to push the protruding
edge of the lock toward the center of the connector until it clicks into
place.

Figure 5–3 Locking the Sliding Lock on the System Unit Ethernet Connector

WSMXS081
.

The procedure you follow to connect your workstation to an Ethernet network
depends on the kind of Ethernet network you have.
•

To connect to a ThickWire network, see Section 5.3.

•

To connect to a ThinWire network, see Section 5.4.

•

To connect to a Twisted-pair network, see Section 5.5.

You can also connect your workstation to additional Ethernet networks, or
to other kinds of networks, by using a TURBOchannel module. See the
TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide for information on how to do this.

5.3 Connecting to a ThickWire Network
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit.

5–4 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.3 Connecting to a ThickWire Network
3. If a loopback connector is in the ThickWire connector on the system unit,
pull it out.
4. Find the ThickWire Ethernet cable. Note that one end of the cable has a
sliding lock on it and the other does not.
5. Find the end of the cable that doesn’t have the sliding lock. Position it so
its widest part is on top.
Figure 5–4 ThickWire Ethernet cable

Sliding lock on
Thickwire Ethernet connector
WSMXS019
.

Ethernet 5–5

Ethernet
5.3 Connecting to a ThickWire Network
6. Push the cable connector all the way into the ThickWire connector on the
system unit.
7. Lock the sliding lock on the system unit connector.
Figure 5–5 Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System Unit

WSMXS081
.

8. Do not attach the other end of the ThickWire cable at this time. Turn
to Section 5.6. Report your address to your system manager, who will
complete the connection to the network.

5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit.
3. If a loopback connector is in the ThickWire connector on the system unit,
pull it out.

5–6 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network
4. Find the ThickWire Ethernet cable. Note that one end of the cable has a
sliding lock on it and the other does not.
5. Find the end of the cable that doesn’t have the sliding lock. Position it so
its widest part is on top.
Figure 5–6 ThickWire Ethernet Cable

Sliding lock on
Thickwire Ethernet connector
WSMXS019
.

6. Push the cable connector all the way into the ThickWire connector on the
system unit.
7. Lock the sliding lock on the system unit connector.

Ethernet 5–7

Ethernet
5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network
Figure 5–7 Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System Unit

WSMXS081
.

5–8 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network
8. Find the T-connector with its two terminators and the ThickWire-toThinWire adapter.
Figure 5–8 Parts for Connecting to a ThinWire Network

ThinWire Ethernet connector

T-connector
terminators

ThickWire Ethernet connector

T-connector

WSMXS039
.

9. Notice that the ribbed part of the T-connector can be twisted from side to
side. Press this ribbed part onto the ThinWire connector on the adapter
and turn it to the right until it slides forward and locks into place.
Figure 5–9 Attaching the T-connector to the Adapter
ThickWire-to-ThinWire
adapter

Press the T-connector into the
adapter and turn the connector
to the right until it slides forward
and locks into place.

To the ThickWire Ethernet
connector on the system unit
WSMXS083
.

Ethernet 5–9

Ethernet
5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network

5.4.1 To Connect the ThickWire-to-ThinWire Adapter
1. If necessary, unlock the sliding lock on the cable connector. (See
Section 5.2.1.)
2. Hold the ThickWire cable so the widest part of its connector aligns with the
widest part of the ThickWire connector on the adapter.
3. Push the cable connector and the adapter connector together.
4. Push the sliding lock on the cable connector toward the connectors until it
locks them in place.
Figure 5–10 Connecting the ThinWire Adapter to the ThickWire Cable

ThickWire Ethernet cable
WSMXS084

Base system
ThickWire Ethernet
connector

5.4.2 To Connect the Workstation to the ThinWire Network
Your workstation may be either within a ThinWire cable segment or at the end
of a segment. You connect your workstation differently depending on where it
is.
•

If your workstation is to be connected at the end of a ThinWire segment,
attach a terminator to one end of the T-connector on the adapter.

•

If your workstation is to be connected within a ThinWire segment, leave
both ends of the T-connector free for attaching your in-house network
cables

5–10 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.4 Connecting to a ThinWire Network
CAUTION
Never attach a network cable directly to the adapter without using the
T-connector.

Figure 5–11 Attaching a T-connector Terminator

ThickWire-to-ThinWire
adapter

Press the T-connector terminator into
the T-connector and turn the terminator
to the right until it slides forward and
locks into place.

ThickWire Ethernet cable

T-connector

WSMXS085
.

Do not attach the other end of the ThickWire cable at this time. Turn to
Section 5.6 for instructions. Report your address to your system manager, who
will complete the connection to the network.

5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down. Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit.
3. If a loopback connector is in the ThickWire connector on the system unit,
pull it out.

Ethernet 5–11

Ethernet
5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network
4. Find the ThickWire Ethernet cable. Note that one end of the cable has a
sliding lock on it and the other does not.
5. Find the end of the cable that doesn’t have the sliding lock. Position it so
its widest part is on top.
Figure 5–12 ThickWire Ethernet Cable

Sliding lock on
Thickwire Ethernet connector
WSMXS019
.

6. Push the cable connector all the way into the ThickWire connector on the
system unit.
7. Lock the sliding lock on the system unit connector.

5–12 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network
Figure 5–13 Connecting the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System Unit

WSMXS081
.

Ethernet 5–13

Ethernet
5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network
8. Find the ThickWire-to-twisted-pair adapter and the twisted-pair Ethernet
cable.
Figure 5–14 Parts for Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Network

Twisted pair phone-jack
ThickWire Ethernet
connector

Front view

Twisted pair phone-jack
type of connector

Back view

ThickWire-to-twisted-pair adapter
WSMXS040
.

5–14 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network

5.5.1 To Connect the ThickWire-to-Twisted-Pair Adapter
1. If necessary, unlock the sliding lock on the cable connector. (See
Section 5.2.1.)
2. Hold the ThickWire cable so that its widest part aligns with the widest
part of the ThickWire connector on the adapter.
3. Push the cable connector and the adapter connector together.
4. Push the sliding lock on the cable connector toward the connectors until it
locks them in place.
Figure 5–15 Connecting the Adapter to the ThickWire Cable

ThickWire-totwisted-pair adapter

ThickWire Ethernet cable
WSMXS086

Base system
ThickWire Ethernet
connector

Ethernet 5–15

Ethernet
5.5 Connecting to a Twisted-Pair Network
5. Find the twisted-pair cable. It has a telephone-jack type of connector.
6. Position the connector on the cable so the clip is on the bottom. Then push
the connector into the empty connector on the adapter until you feel the
connector click into place.
Figure 5–16 Connecting the Twisted-Pair Cable to the Adapter

To ThickWire Ethernet
connector on system unit

ThickWire-totwisted-pair adapter

Hold the telephone-jack
type of connector so the
clip is on the bottom.
WSMXS087
.

7. Do not attach the other end of the twisted-pair cable at this time. See
the next section for instructions on finding your Ethernet station address.
Report this address to your system manager, who will complete the
connection to the network.

5–16 Ethernet

Ethernet
5.6 Finding Your Ethernet Address

5.6 Finding Your Ethernet Address
To complete the connection to the network, you’ll need to find your Ethernet
station address.
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down. Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. When you see the prompt (>>), type cnfg and press Return.
You’ll see a display something like this on your screen:
3:KN02-CA DEC T1.2a TCF0 (16 MB)
(CX -- d=8)
(Sb: devs = 0)
(FDI: 1)
(enet: 08-00-2b-xx-xx-xx)
(SCSI = 7)
3. Look at the leftmost column in the display and find the line that begins
with 3:. The entries that follow the 3: describe the configuration of your
base system.
4. Once you’ve found the 3:, look at the rightmost column in the display and
find the entry that begins with enet:.
The letters and numbers that follow enet: are the Ethernet station
address for your base system. The address begins with 08-00-2b; the
remaining characters, indicated in the example by x’s, will be unique to
your workstation.
5. Give your Ethernet station address to your system manager, who will
complete the network installation.
If you must complete the installation yourself, follow the instructions in
the networking guide for your workstation software.

Ethernet 5–17

6
External Storage Devices
This chapter tells you:
•

What external storage devices you can add to your basic workstation

•

The rules for connecting SCSI devices to your workstation

•

How to verify and assign SCSI IDs

•

How to link storage devices together

External Storage Devices 6–1

External Storage Devices
6.1 Storage Devices You Can Add to Your Workstation

6.1 Storage Devices You Can Add to Your Workstation
A basic Personal DECstation system that includes internal drives will come
with one 426-megabyte internal hard disk drive and one extra density (2.8megabyte) internal floppy disk drive. You can expand your workstation storage
capacity by adding other drives to your system. These can be tabletop drives,
or they can be drives contained within an expansion box. For a list of the
drives that can be connected to your workstation, see Appendix F.
All external storage devices are connected either by means of the SCSI
connector on the back of the system unit or by means of a SCSI connector on a
TURBOchannel option module.
Figure 6–1 SCSI Connector on the System Unit

SCSI connector
WSMXS041
.

The system unit also has an internal SCSI connector to which the internal
hard disk drive is connected. (The internal floppy disk drive is not a SCSI
device.) For more information about connecting internal drives, see Chapter 9,
‘‘Internal Storage Devices.’’

6–2 External Storage Devices

External Storage Devices
6.2 Guidelines for Connecting SCSI Storage Devices

6.2 Guidelines for Connecting SCSI Storage Devices
SCSI storage devices must be connected to your workstation according to the
following guidelines for the system to work properly:
•

If no external drives are connected, the SCSI connector on the back of the
system unit must contain a SCSI terminator.

•

A SCSI connector can accommodate up to seven drives, linked together in
a chain. (On your workstation, the internal hard disk counts as the first
drive; you can connect six more external drives to the SCSI connector on
the back of the system unit.)

•

Each drive enclosure (such as the SZ12 expansion box, for example) has
two connectors, except for the TURBOchannel extender box, which has only
one.

•

The second connector of the last expansion box or tabletop drive enclosure
in the chain must contain the large SCSI terminator that comes with
the drive. The TURBOchannel extender (TCE) box has its own internal
terminator. If you’re using the TCE, you must always place it last in the
chain.

•

Each drive in the chain must have a unique SCSI ID. See the next section,
‘‘Section 6.3,’’ for information about determining and assigning IDs.

•

No more than three external expansion boxes can be connected to the base
SCSI connector on the system unit. (You can connect additional expansion
boxes using a PMAZ-AB TURBOchannel SCSI adapter.)

•

When you’re starting up your system, turn on the devices attached to it
first (in any order) and then turn on the system unit.

If you’re connecting a TURBOchannel expansion box (TCE), refer to the
instructions that come with it for additional information.

External Storage Devices 6–3

External Storage Devices
6.3 SCSI IDs

6.3 SCSI IDs
Every SCSI device attached to a given connector must have a unique SCSI
ID. If two or more devices have the same ID, your workstation won’t operate
correctly.
SCSI storage drives are usually assigned a SCSI ID number at the factory
where they’re made. Certain kinds of drives have certain numbers, and the
numbers are planned in such a way as to make it easy to link different types
of drives together without running into number conflicts.
In some cases, however, a device may have a nonstandard ID, or you may want
to link several of the same kinds of devices together. For these cases, you need
to know how to determine the SCSI IDs of the devices you’re using and how to
change these numbers if necessary.

6.3.1 Factory-Assigned SCSI IDs
Table 6–1 shows the SCSI IDs usually preassigned to each kind of drive.
Table 6–1 Commonly Preassigned SCSI IDs
TYPE OF DRIVE

SCSI ID

Internal hard disk drive

Expansion box containing two hard disk
drives

0 and 1

External floppy disk drive

CD–ROM drive

Tape drive

System SCSI connector

Because the internal floppy disk drive used in the Personal DECstation is not
a SCSI drive, it does not have an ID.

6.3.2 Verifying SCSI IDs
To check the IDs of the SCSI devices connected to the base SCSI connector on
the back of your system unit, follow these steps:
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. When you see the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return.

6–4 External Storage Devices

External Storage Devices
6.3 SCSI IDs
The screen display will list the drives connected to slot 3 of your system,
which is the base system module. The last several lines of the display you
see will look something like this:
DEV PID
VID
REV SCSI DEV
-------------------------------------rz2 RZ25 (C)DEC DEC 0400 DIR
tz5 TZK10 (C)DEC DEC 00AA SEQ
3. Look at the column headed PID (product ID). This column lists the drives
your system recognizes: in the sample, a hard disk (RZ25) and a tape drive
(TZK10). All the SCSI drives connected to the SCSI connector on the back
of the system unit should be listed here.
4. Look at the column headed DEV (device). This column lists the device code
and the SCSI ID for each listed drive. In the sample, the number of the
hard disk is 2, and the number of the tape drive is 5. No two of your drives
may have the same number. If they do, one of the drives won’t appear in
this display.
If any of the drives you’ve connected to your system do not appear in your
configuration display, or if the information provided for a drive is incorrect,
you may have two or more devices set to the same SCSI ID. You’ll need to
change the number for one or more of those drives before your system will
work properly.

External Storage Devices 6–5

External Storage Devices
6.3 SCSI IDs
To check the IDs of SCSI devices connected to a TURBOchannel option
module, follow the same steps as for checking devices connected to the SCSI
connector on the system unit, except type cnfg 0 or cnfg 1 at the console
prompt, depending on the TURBOchannel slot to which your external drive is
connected.

6.3.3 Changing SCSI IDs
All SCSI storage devices have a set of small switches or a row of small pins
and jumpers that are used to set the SCSI ID. You change the ID by flipping
these switches or moving jumper blocks into different positions on the pins.
The switches on the various kinds of storage devices are all slightly different.
For instructions on identifying or changing the SCSI IDs on the RZ23L, RZ24,
and RZ25 hard disk drives, see Section 9.5.1. For information about other SCSI
devices, refer to the guide that came with the expansion box that contains the
device, and to the documentation that came with the device itself.

6.4 To Connect an Expansion Box to the System Unit
If you’re connecting a TURBOchannel extender box (TCE) to the SCSI
connector, see the guide that comes with the TCE.
To connect other expansion boxes to the SCSI connector, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the system unit.
2. Find the system-unit-to-expansion-box cable, which has a small metal
connector on one end. Hold this connector so that its widest part is on top.
3. Pinch together the sides of the cable connector to open it. Push the cable
connector all the way into the SCSI connector on the system unit.

6–6 External Storage Devices

External Storage Devices
6.4 To Connect an Expansion Box to the System Unit
Figure 6–2 Attaching a System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the SCSI
Connector on the System Unit

SCSI icon
Position the smaller
cable connector
so the widest part
is on top.

Base system
SCSI connector
WSMXS091
.

4. Attach the free end of the system-unit-to-expansion-box cable to one of the
SCSI connectors (it doesn’t matter which one) on the back of the expansion
box.
a. Press the two wire brackets on the expansion box connector away from
the connector.
b. Hold the cable connector so that its widest part is on top.
c.

Push the cable connector into the expansion box connector as far as it
will go.
If the expansion box is a TK50Z tape drive, slide the cable connector up
between the handle and the back of the box.

d. Press the two wire brackets firmly against the sides of the cable
connector until they click into place.

External Storage Devices 6–7

External Storage Devices
6.4 To Connect an Expansion Box to the System Unit
Figure 6–3 Attaching a System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to a Typical
Expansion Box

WSMXS094
.

5. If this is the only expansion box you’re connecting, place a terminator on
the unused expansion box SCSI connector. Use the terminator that came
with the expansion box.
Caution
The second connector of the last drive in a chain of SCSI devices must
always contain a SCSI terminator. The TURBOchannel extender box
(TCE) has its own internal terminator. If you’re using the TCE, you
must always place it last in the chain.
6. Turn on the expansion box power. Then turn on the system unit.

6.5 Linking Storage Devices Together
You can connect up to three expansion boxes, or a total of six individual drives,
to the base system SCSI connector. Once you’ve connected one expansion box
or drive, connect others as follows:
1. Plug one end of an 18-inch box-to-box expansion cable into the unused
SCSI connector on the back of the expansion box you’ve already connected
to your system unit.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into one of the SCSI connectors (it doesn’t
matter which one) on the new box in the chain.
If the box is a TK50Z tape drive, slide the end of the cable up between the
box and its handle.
6–8 External Storage Devices

External Storage Devices
6.5 Linking Storage Devices Together
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each additional box.
Figure 6–4 Connecting Expansion Boxes in a Chain

1. Gently press the two wire brackets
on the SCSI connector away from
the connector.
2. Hold the connector so the
widest part of the connector
is on top and push it into
the SCSI connector on the
expansion box.

3. Press the two wire brackets
firmly against the side of
the cable connector until
they lock into the groves on
the sides of the connector.

d i g

i t a

RRD42 optical
compact disc drive
expansion box

Wire bracket

d i g

i t a l

TK50Z tape drive
expansion box

SZ12 storage
expansion box

d i g

i t a

Connector
WSMXS092
.

4. On the last box in the chain, connect an expansion box terminator to the
unused SCSI connector. (If you’re using a TURBOchannel extender box,
place it last in the chain. It has its own internal terminator.)

External Storage Devices 6–9

External Storage Devices
6.5 Linking Storage Devices Together
Figure 6–5 Terminating the Final Expansion Box

Hold the terminator so
the widest part of its
connector is on top
and push the terminator
onto the unused SCSI
connector.

Terminator

t a l

d i g

i t a l
d i g

d i g
l

i t a

d i g i

t a l

6–10 External Storage Devices

i t a

d i g

WSMXS093

d i g i

Wire brackets

i t a l

External Storage Devices
6.5 Linking Storage Devices Together
5. Plug the end of a power cord into the power connector on each expansion
box.
Figure 6–6 Connecting a Power Cord to an Expansion Box

d i g i

t a l

d i g

i t a l

d i g

i t a

i t a
l

WSMXS095
.

6. Plug the other end of each cord into a power outlet.
7. Turn on each expansion box and then the system unit.

External Storage Devices 6–11

External Storage Devices
6.6 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes a New Drive

6.6 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes a New Drive
To verify a drive attached to the base system SCSI connector, follow these
steps:
1. At the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return.
2. The screen display lists the drives connected to slot 3 of your system, which
is the system module. The last several lines of the display you see will look
something like this:
DEV PID
VID
REV SCSI DEV
--------------------------------------rz2 RZ25 (C)DEC DEC 0400 DIR
tz5 TZK10 (C)DEC DEC 00AA SEQ
3. Look at the column headed DEV (device). This column lists the device code
and SCSI ID for each drive your system recognizes. All the SCSI drives
connected to the SCSI connector on the back of the system unit should be
listed here. The sample shows the internal hard disk, with SCSI ID 2, and
a tape drive, with SCSI ID 5.
The column headed PID (product ID) lists the names of the devices–in
the sample, RZ25 and TZK10. Some device names will not appear in this
column. Use the DEV column to verify the presence of SCSI drives.
4. If the drives you’ve connected aren’t listed in the configuration display or if
they’re listed incorrectly, turn off the system power, open the system unit,
and check to make sure the drives are properly installed.
If you’ve made sure the drives are properly installed and the configuration
display still does not list them correctly, you may have two or more devices
set to the same SCSI ID. You’ll need to change the ID for one of these
drives before your system will work properly. (See Section 6.3.3.)

6–12 External Storage Devices

7
Communication Devices
This chapter describes:
•

Communication devices, such as printers, plotters, and modems, that can
be used with your workstation

•

How to connect communication devices directly to the system unit

•

How to use a communications connector adapter

Communication Devices 7–1

Communication Devices
7.1 Connecting Communication Devices to Your Workstation

7.1 Connecting Communication Devices to Your Workstation
Communication devices, such as printers, modems, and plotters, connect to
your system unit by means of one of these types of connectors:
•

A 25-pin connector, which attaches directly to the communications
connector on the system unit

•

A telephone-jack type of connector (MMJ, modified modular jack), which
requires an adapter before it can be connected to the system unit

Figure 7–1 Connectors and Adapter for Communication Devices

25-pin
communications
connector
adapter

Telephone-jack
type of
connector

25-pin
communications
connector

WSMXS042

7.1.1 To Connect a Device with a 25-Pin Connector
1. Prepare your printer, plotter, or modem according to the instructions that
came with the device:
•

Set the proper baud rate, if necessary, and other controls.

•

Set up the device and attach its cable and power cord.

2. Connect the free end of the device cable to the communications connector
on the back of the system unit:
a. Align the widest part of the cable connector with the widest part of the
connector on the system unit.

7–2 Communication Devices

Communication Devices
7.1 Connecting Communication Devices to Your Workstation
b. Press the cable connector all the way into the system unit connector.
Figure 7–2 Connecting a 25-pin Connector

d i
g i
t a
l

Hold the 25-pin cable
connector so the widest part
of the connector is on top.
Turn the screws to your right to
hold the connector in place.
WSMXS043
.

7.1.2 To Connect a Device with a Telephone-Jack Type of Connector
(MMJ)
1. Find the communications connector adapter that came with your
workstation.
Figure 7–3 A Communications Connector Adapter

WSMXS045

2. Hold the adapter so the widest part of the 25-pin connector is on top.

Communication Devices 7–3

Communication Devices
7.1 Connecting Communication Devices to Your Workstation
3. Press the adapter connector all the way into the communications connector
on the system unit and tighten the screws until they hold the adapter
firmly in place.
4. Hold the connector on your device cable so the clip is on your left.
5. Push the cable connector into the connector on the adapter until the cable
connector clicks into place.
Figure 7–4 Using an Adapter to Connect a Communications Device to the
System Unit

Hold the cable connector
so the clip is to your left.
d i
g i
t a
l

Hold the 25-pin communications
connector adapter so its widest
part is on top.
WSMXS044
.

If your printer, plotter, or modem fails to work, see the troubleshooting
instructions in the documentation that came with the device or ask your
system manager for help.

7.2 Installing a Console Terminal
If you are using one of the workstations on your network as a server, you may
connect a terminal to it as a system console if a monitor is not available. The
system console displays error messages and other system messages from the
workstation, from networks, and from the workstation software. You also use
the system console to enter console commands, and to read error messages if
the monitor is not working.

7–4 Communication Devices

Communication Devices
7.2 Installing a Console Terminal
A terminal can display text only; it cannot display illustrations or windowing
applications. You cannot use a terminal as a standard workstation monitor,
but it is adequate as a system console. Some users prefer to connect both a
monitor and a terminal to their workstations. In console mode, with both a
monitor and a terminal connected, graphics tests display on the monitor while
other tests and text input display on the terminal.

7.2.1 To Connect the Terminal
1. Connect the terminal to the communications connector on the back of the
system unit. If the terminal has a telephone-jack type of connector, use an
adapter to make the connection.
2. Connect a power cord to the terminal and to a power outlet.
3. Turn on the terminal and set its transmit and receive speed to 9600 bps
(bits per second).

7.2.2 To Activate the Terminal as the System Console
The system uses the presence or absence of an LK501 keyboard to determine
the console device.
•

If an LK501 keyboard is not detected during the power-up self-test, the
system will use the terminal as the console device.

•

If an LK501 keyboard is detected during the power-up self-test, the system
checks the console environment variable to determine whether to use the
monitor or the terminal as the console device.

You must set the console variable to s to make the terminal your system
console. Do this by typing setenv console s at the workstation monitor
console prompt. Then press Return.
The operating system will then be under the control of the terminal each time
you boot the system, until you change the console environment variable again.

7.2.3 To Make Your Workstation Monitor the System Console
1. Type setenv console * at the console prompt on the terminal and press
Return.
2. Turn off the terminal when it is not in use.
For information about using a console terminal as a troubleshooting device, see
Chapter 13.

Communication Devices 7–5

8
The Server Configuration
The Personal DECstation has been designed to be configured as either a
workstation or a server. (A server is used to provide other client systems in a
network with distributed services such as filing, computation and printing.)
When performing distributed network server tasks, the Personal DECstation
has no need for the expensive graphics hardware usually associated with
workstations, so it is configured without a graphics monitor. However, to
maintain a console window, you should connect the Personal DECstation to the
input and output from a VT320-type terminal attached to the RS232 port in
the rear of the system unit, as shown in Figure 8–1.

The Server Configuration 8–1

The Server Configuration

Figure 8–1 Installing a Console Terminal
Regular system monitor

Alternate
console
terminal

1
0

Alternate
terminal cable
Communications
connector
Communications
line adaptor
LK201 or LK401
keyboard

Alternate
terminal cable

WSMXM074

8–2 The Server Configuration

The Server Configuration
8.1 Connecting a Console Terminal

8.1 Connecting a Console Terminal
Connect your terminal to the 25-pin RS232 connector, and set your terminal
as described in Table 8–1. You may notice that these settings are the
standard default settings for Digital terminals. Some terminals may use the
modular MMJ telephone style connectors. If this is the case, an adapter (Part
#H8571-A) can be used to make the connection.
Note
Customers who have multiple servers may not have a terminal plugged
into each unit. In this type of configuration, the system manager
generally accesses the server via the Ethernet.

Table 8–1 Alternate Terminal Settings
Setting

Value

Baud rate

9600

Bits

Parity

None

Stop bits

Flow Control

Xon/Xoff

Mode

Full duplex

Once you have connected the terminal to the RS232 port, you can now use the
messages displayed on the terminal to perform system operations.

8.2 Halting a Server
In general a server does not need to be halted during normal operations: it is
usually shut down from the operations system with the shut -a now command.
However, you may at times wish to abruptly halt the server to examine the
contents of memory during code development and debug.
The Personal DECstation is halted as a server by the same technique that is
used when it is halted as a workstation: namely, plug in an LK501 keyboard
and type Ctrl Alt Return . Digital recommends that developers who do this type
of work also set the console environmental variable to s, as explained in the
next section.

The Server Configuration 8–3

The Server Configuration
8.2 Halting a Server
Note
The Personal DECstation does not have an explicit Halt switch.

8.2.1 Default Settings for Using the Console Terminal
As an advanced user, you may from time to time wish to alternate back and
forth between use of a graphics monitor and a console terminal. When using
your console terminal, you can defeat the default power-up console assignment
by issuing the following console command:
>>setenv console s
You can switch your console back to your graphics monitor with the command:
>>setenv console *

8.2.2 Operational Background Information
Your system has the ability to display console and diagnostic messages, either
on the graphics monitor, or on a VT320-type terminal connected to the RS232
port located on the rear of the unit.
At powerup, the system looks for a keyboard plugged into the SERIAL.bus.
If one is found, the system will route all console messages to the graphics
monitor. If, however, no keyboard is detected on the SERIAL.bus, all text will
be sent directly to the RS232 port.
Therefore, if you are using the Personal DECstation as a server and you have
an LK501 keyboard plugged in when the system is powered on, the system
will attempt to display console output on a non-existent graphics monitor. To
prevent this from happening, you should establish your terminal as the default
console device by issuing the setenv console s command, as described in the
previous section.

8–4 The Server Configuration

Part III
Internal Additions to Your Workstation

9
Internal Storage Devices
This chapter tells you:
•

Which internal disk drives can be installed in your system unit

•

How to install and remove a floppy disk drive

•

How to install and remove a hard disk drive

•

How to set SCSI IDs

•

How to be sure your workstation recognizes the drives you’ve installed

9.1 Disk Drives That Digital Supports
You can install several different drives inside your system unit, including:
•

RX26 floppy disk drive (2.8 megabytes)

•

RZ23L hard disk drive (121 megabytes)

•

RZ24 hard disk drive (209 megabytes)

•

RZ25 hard disk drive (426 megabytes)

The hard disk drives are SCSI devices; the floppy disk drive is not. Digital
will make other drives available from time to time. Please consult your Digital
representative about these devices as they are released.
All disk drives other than these must be connected externally. Chapter 6
describes external storage devices you can connect to your workstation.
The TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide tells you about SCSI devices you can
connect to the TURBOchannel option slots in the system unit.
Caution
Don’t touch anything inside the system unit until you put on the
antistatic wrist strap provided by Digital. See Figure 1–5.

Internal Storage Devices 9–1

Internal Storage Devices
9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive

9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive
The internal floppy disk drive is not a SCSI drive, but it does have a drive
select number, which should be set at 0. This number is preassigned at the
factory; you will probably not need to change it, but you can, if you wish, check
the number before you install the drive. If the workstation does not seem to
recognize the floppy drive, however, or if the message device off-line appears
on your screen, the floppy drive number may be incorrectly set.

9.2.1 To Check the Drive Select Number
1. Remove the drive from its metal mounting bracket and from its perforated
floppy drive shield.
2. The drive select switch is on the right side of the drive (as you face the
front of the drive), toward the rear. Small numbers are printed on the
green surface next to the switch. The switch should be set at 0.
Figure 9–1 Checking the Drive Select Number on a Floppy Disk Drive

Identification label

FDI connector
LUN switch

Power connector

WSMXS104
.

9.2.2 To Install the Floppy Drive
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off your workstation by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the
back of the system unit.
3. Open the system unit. (See ‘‘Section 1.1.3.1’’ on page 1-6.)

9–2 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive
4. The floppy disk drive comes in a metal mounting bracket. Hold the drive
so that the bracket is on the bottom.
Figure 9–2 Floppy Disk Drive and Mounting Bracket

WSMXS046

Mounting
bracket

5. Connect the FDI cable to the drive.
6. Connect the long end of the internal drive power cable to the drive.

Internal Storage Devices 9–3

Internal Storage Devices
9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive
Figure 9–3 Connecting the FDI Cable and the Internal Drive Power Cable to
the Floppy Disk Drive

WSMXS057
.

7. Stand facing the front of the system unit. The space for the drive is in the
right front corner. Fit the tabs on the left side of the mounting bracket into
the slots in the base of the system unit.

9–4 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive
Figure 9–4 Installing the Floppy Disk Drive in the System Unit
Sliding latch

Post
Tabs
Slot
WSMXS100
.

8. Lower the right side of the disk drive assembly so the hole in the mounting
bracket fits over the post on the base of the system unit. Press the drive
down firmly.
9. Slide the latch beside the post into the locked position.
10. Connect the floppy disk interface (FDI) cable to the FDI connector on the
base system module as shown in Figure 9–5.
11. Connect the internal drive power cable to the drive power connector on the
base system module. (Note: The internal drive power cable serves both the
floppy drive and the hard drive. If you’ve installed a hard drive, the power
cable will already be connected to the base system module.)

Internal Storage Devices 9–5

Internal Storage Devices
9.2 Installing a Floppy Disk Drive
Figure 9–5 Connecting the FDI Cable and the Internal Drive Power Cable

WSMXS101
.

12. Replace the cover of the system unit. (See ‘‘Section 1.1.3.2’’ on page 1-9.)
13. Turn on the workstation by pressing the 1 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.

9.3 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Floppy
Disk Drive
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. When you see the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return.
The display lists the drives connected to slot 3 of your system; this is the slot
number for the base system module. The upper part of the display will look
something like this:
3: KN02-CA DEC

x1.2g

9–6 Internal Storage Devices

TCF0

(16 MB)
(CX - d=8)
(_b: devs = 2)
(FDI:1)
(enet: 08-00-2b-xx-xx-xx)
(SCSI = 7)

Internal Storage Devices
9.3 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Floppy Disk Drive
The characters (FDI:1) tell you that the workstation recognizes the floppy disk
drive. If you see (FDI:0) instead, or if the message device off-line appears
on your screen, you either have no floppy drive installed in your system unit, or
else the drive is not installed properly and the workstation does not recognize
it. You’ll need to open the system unit and check the drive’s installation.

9.4 Removing a Floppy Disk Drive
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the workstation by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.
3. Open the system unit. (See ‘‘Section 1.1.3.1’’ on page 1-6.)
4. Stand facing the front of the system unit. The floppy disk drive is in the
right front corner.
5. Disconnect the FDI cable from the drive and from the connector on the
base system module.
6. Disconnect the drive power cable from the drive. Disconnect the power
cable from the drive power connector on the base system module, unless
the cable is also providing power to an internal hard drive.
7. On the right side of the disk assembly, you’ll see a sliding latch. Slide the
latch backward to unlock it.
8. Raise the right side of the floppy disk assembly off the small post that
holds it.
9. Keep lifting the disk assembly until you can slide the tabs on its left side
out of the slots in the base of the system unit.

Internal Storage Devices 9–7

Internal Storage Devices
9.4 Removing a Floppy Disk Drive
Figure 9–6 Removing a Floppy Disk Drive
Sliding latch

Post
Tabs
Slot
WSMXS048
.

10. Replace the cover of the system unit. (See ‘‘Section 1.1.3.2’’ on page 1-9.)

9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Before you install a hard disk drive in your system unit, you need to make sure
its SCSI ID is correct. (See Section 6.3 for general information about SCSI
IDs.) The next section gives you instructions for setting the SCSI IDs of the
three most commonly used internal hard disk drives.

9.5.1 To Set SCSI IDs for the RZ23L, RZ24, and RZ25
The internal hard disk drive is usually set to SCSI ID 2. To set the SCSI ID of
the three drives described here, you use a row of small pins and jumper blocks.
You set the ID by moving the jumpers to different positions on the pins.
Caution
Each SCSI device attached to a given connector must have a unique
ID. If two or more devices have the same ID, your workstation won’t
recognize one or the other of those drives.

9–8 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
9.5.1.1 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive
The SCSI jumpers are on the underside of the RZ23L drive. Position the
jumpers as shown in Figure 9–7 to set the SCSI ID. The ID should be 2 unless
you have another device with SCSI 2 already attached to the SCSI connector
at the back of the system unit.
Figure 9–7 SCSI ID Jumper Settings for the RZ23L Hard Disk Drive

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID pins

SCSI ID 6

SCSI connector
Power supply connector
WSMXS060
.

Internal Storage Devices 9–9

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
9.5.1.2 RZ24 Hard Disk Drive
The SCSI jumpers are on the underside of the RZ24 drive. Position the blocks
as shown in Figure 9–8 to set the SCSI ID. The ID should be 2 unless you have
another device with SCSI 2 already attached to the SCSI connector at the back
of the system unit.
Figure 9–8 SCSI ID Jumper Settings for the RZ24 Hard Disk Drive

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID pins

SCSI ID 6

SCSI connector
Power supply connector

WSMXS059
.

9–10 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
9.5.1.3 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive
The RZ25 drive has two sets of pins, one on the side of the drive and one at the
front.
Note
The drive ships with a jumper on pin 4 on the front of the drive. This
jumper does not affect the SCSI ID number of the drive and must
not be removed. If the jumper is removed, the drive will not function
correctly.
The SCSI ID is factory-set at 2. If you need to change the setting, you can use
either set of pins. To set the ID, do the following:
•

If you use the pins on the side of the drive, remove all jumpers from the
pins on the front of the drive except for the jumper located on pin 4.

Internal Storage Devices 9–11

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–9 SCSI ID Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Side of the Drive

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID 6

Front SCSI ID pins

WSMXS058
.

•

If you use the pins on the front of the drive, remove all jumpers from the
pins on the side of the drive before setting the ID.

9–12 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–10 SCSI ID Settings Using the Pins on the Front of the Drive

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 6

Side SCSI
ID pins

RZ 25 drive
WSMXS108
.

Internal Storage Devices 9–13

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
To set the SCSI ID on other disk drives, refer to the manual that comes with
the drive.
Once you have verified or changed the SCSI ID, you can install the drive in the
system unit.

9.5.2 To Install the Hard Disk Drive
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the workstation by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.
3. Open the system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.1 .)
4. The hard disk drive comes in a metal mounting bracket. Hold the drive so
the bracket is on the bottom.
Figure 9–11 Hard Disk Drive and Mounting Bracket

Power
connector
SCSI
connector
WSMXS050
.

5. Connect the SCSI cable to the drive.
6. Connect one of the short ends of the internal drive power cable to the
drive.

9–14 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–12 Connecting the SCSI Cable and the Internal Drive Power Cable
to the Hard Disk Drive

Power cable

SCSI signal cable
WSMXS049
.

7. Stand facing the front of the system unit. The space for the hard disk drive
is at the front of the unit, in the center. Fit the tabs on the left side of the
mounting bracket into the slots in the base of the system unit.

Internal Storage Devices 9–15

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–13 Installing the Hard Disk Drive in the System Unit

Tabs

Cutouts
Locking post
WSMXS102
.

8. Lower the right side of the disk drive assembly so the hole in the mounting
bracket fits over the post on the base of the system unit. Press the drive
down firmly.
9. Slide the latch beside the post into locked position.
10. Connect the SCSI cable to the SCSI connector on the base system module.
11. Connect the internal drive power cable to the drive power connector on the
base system module. (Note: The internal drive power cable serves both
the floppy drive and the hard drive. If you’ve installed a floppy drive, the
power cable will already be connected to the base system module.)

9–16 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.5 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–14 Connecting the SCSI Cable and the Internal Drive Power Cable
to the Base System Module

WSMXS096
.

12. Replace the cover of the system unit.
13. Turn on the workstation by pressing the 1 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.

9.6 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Hard Disk
Drive
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: Type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. At the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return.
3. The screen display lists the drives connected to slot 3 of your system; this
is the slot number for the system module. The last several lines of the
display you see will look something like this:
DEV PID
VID
REV SCSI DEV
--------------------------------------rz2 RZ25 (C)DEC DEC 0400 DIR
tz5 TZK10 (C)DEC DEC 00AA SEQ

Internal Storage Devices 9–17

Internal Storage Devices
9.6 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes the Hard Disk Drive
4. Look at the column headed DEV (device). This column lists the device code
and SCSI ID for each drive your system recognizes. All the SCSI drives
connected to the SCSI connector on the back of the system unit should be
listed here. The sample shows the internal hard disk, with SCSI ID 2, and
a tape drive, with SCSI ID 5.
5. The column headed PID (product ID) lists the names of the devices–in
the sample, RZ25 and TZK10. Some device names will not appear in this
column. Use the DEV column to verify the presence of SCSI drives.
6. If the drives you’ve connected aren’t listed in the configuration display or
if they’re listed incorrectly, turn off the system unit, remove the cover, and
check to make sure the drives are properly installed.
If you’ve made sure the drives are properly installed and the configuration
display still does not list them correctly, you may have two or more devices
set to the same SCSI ID. You’ll need to change the ID for one of these
drives before your system will work properly. (See Section 9.5.1 or refer to
the guide that came with the drive.)

9.7 Removing a Hard Disk Drive
1. Turn off the workstation by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the system unit.
2. Open the system unit. (See ‘‘Section 1.1.3.1’’ on page 1-6.)
3. Stand facing the front of the system unit. The hard disk drive is at the
front of the unit, in the center.
4. Disconnect the SCSI cable from the SCSI connector on the base system
module.
5. Disconnect the power cable from the drive power connector on the base
system module, unless the cable is also providing power to an internal
floppy disk drive.
6. On the right side of the disk assembly, you’ll see a sliding latch. Slide the
latch backward to unlock it.
7. Raise the right side of the hard disk assembly off the small post that holds
it.
8. Keep lifting the disk assembly until you can slide the tabs on its left side
out of the slots in the base of the system unit.

9–18 Internal Storage Devices

Internal Storage Devices
9.7 Removing a Hard Disk Drive
Figure 9–15 Removing a Hard Disk Drive

Tabs

Cutouts
Locking post
WSMXS052
.

9. Disconnect the SCSI cable from the drive.
10. Disconnect the drive power cable from the drive.
11. Replace the cover of the system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.2.)

Internal Storage Devices 9–19

10
Memory Modules
This chapter tells you:
•

What options you have for expanding your workstation’s memory

•

How to install memory modules inside the system unit

•

How to remove memory modules from the system unit

•

How to make sure your workstation recognizes all your memory modules

Your workstation comes with 8 megabytes of memory built in. By adding
memory modules, you can increase the amount of memory in your system to as
much as 40 megabytes.

10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
Caution
Touching the contacts that run along the bottom of a memory module
can damage or destroy the module.

Caution
Don’t touch anything inside the system unit until you put on the
antistatic wrist strap provided by Digital. See Figure 1–5.
Inside the system unit are the two pairs of connectors that hold your
workstation’s memory modules. They can hold either 2-megabyte or
8-megabyte modules. You can tell which type you have by looking at the
location of the nine-digit etched part number on the module.

Memory Modules 10–1

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation

10.1.1 Identifying Memory Modules
Table 10–1 shows how to identify the two 2-megabyte modules from each other
and the 8-megabyte module.
Table 10–1 Identifying Memory Modules
Customer
Order No.

Module Part No.

Size

Distinguishing Features

MS01-AA

57-30735-02

2MB

Etched part number (of the form 50xxxxx-xx)1 is at the center of the top edge
of the back of the module.

MS01-CA

57-34320-01

8MB

Etched part number (of the form 50xxxxx-xx)1 is at the top left corner on the
front of the module.

MS01L-AA

54-21213-012

2MB

There are no chips on one side of this
module.

1 Do not confuse the etched part number with the module part number, which has the prefix form

54-xxxxx-xx or 57-xxxxx-xx.
2 The 54-21213-01 (MS01L-AA) memory module can be used interchangeably with the 57-30735-02
(MS01-AA) module and can be used with the DECstation 5000 Model 100 as well as the Personal
DECstation but cannot be used with either the 2100 or 3100 models because of base system
hardware incompatibility.

Figure 10–1 and Figure 10–2 show how to identify the earlier 2MB module
versus the 8MB module.
•

On the 2-megabyte module, the etched part number (not the module part
number) is in the center of the top edge of the back of the module. (You
are looking at the back of the module when you see a notch in its lower-left
corner.)

10–2 Memory Modules

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
Figure 10–1 Identifying 2-megabyte Memory Modules

Front view

2-Mbyte SIMM:
Etch part number
in the center

XX-XX

XXXXX

Notch

Back view
WSMXM021

•

On the 8-megabyte module, the etched part number is on the top left
corner on the front of the module. (You are looking at the front of the
module when you see a notch in the lower right corner of the module.)

Memory Modules 10–3

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
Figure 10–2 Identifying 8-megabyte Memory Modules
8-Mbyte SIMM:
Etch part number
at the end farthest
from the notch

XX-XX

XXX-X

Notch

Front view

Back view
WSMXM022

10–4 Memory Modules

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
Table 10–2 shows how to configure memory modules for the amount of memory
you want in your system.
Table 10–2 Memory module configurations
SYSTEM
MEMORY

MEMORY MODULES TO ADD

8 megabytes

None

12 megabytes

Two 2-megabyte modules

16 megabytes

Four 2-megabyte modules

24 megabytes

Two 8-megabyte modules

40 megabytes

Four 8-megabyte modules

Caution
The connectors in your system unit must all contain the same type
of memory module: either 2-megabyte or 8-megabyte modules. Your
system won’t work properly if you mix the two types.

10.1.2 To Install Memory Modules
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit. Unplug the system unit power cord.
3. Open the system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.1.)
4. Put on the antistatic wrist strap. (See Figure 1–5.)
5. Stand in front of the system unit. You’ll see the two pairs of memory
connectors on the base system module. Each pair constitutes one slot. The
slot number is printed to the left of each pair of connectors. The slot closest
to you is slot 1. Behind slot 1 is slot 0. Locate the lowest-numbered empty
slot.

Memory Modules 10–5

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
Figure 10–3 Memory Module Connectors

0 Slot
1 Slot
0
1

WSMXS053

Figure 10–4 Inserting a Memory Module

WSMXS055
.

6. Memory modules are always installed in pairs. (See Table 10–2.) Install
the left module of the pair first, then the right.
Keeping your fingers away from the contacts that run along the bottom of
the memory module, hold the module so that the notch is on your right.
7. Tilt the top of the module toward the front of the system unit until you can
push the connector on the module into the connector in the memory slot.

10–6 Memory Modules

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
8. Move the top of the memory module back into the upright position until
the latches snap into place.
Figure 10–5 Installing a Memory Module

WSMXS028
.

9. When you’ve installed all your memory modules, replace the cover of the
system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.2.)

10.1.3 Making Sure Your Workstation Recognizes Its Memory Modules
Once you’ve installed new memory, you need to make sure your workstation
recognizes it.
1. Turn on your system unit.
2. If your workstation software is set to start automatically, shut it down:
Type shutdown -h now and press Return.
3. When you see the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return.
You’ll see a display that begins with a line more or less like this:
3: KN02-CA

DEC

T1.2a

TCF0

(16 MB)

Below this line you’ll see several more lines of information. At the bottom
of the display is a section that looks like this:
dcache ( 64 KB), icache ( 64 KB)
mem( 0): a0000000: a03fffff ( 4 MB)
mem( 1): a0400000: a07fffff ( 4 MB)
mem( B): a0800000: a0ffffff ( 8 MB)
4. The information in the parentheses at the end of the last three lines tells
you how much memory your system is recognizing.

Memory Modules 10–7

Memory Modules
10.1 Adding Memory to Your Workstation
In this example, the workstation recognizes 4 megabytes of memory in slot
0, 4 megabytes in slot 1, and 8 megabytes in the base system module (B).
If the configuration display shows some amount of memory other than what
you’ve installed, turn to Chapter 13 for troubleshooting instructions or ask
your system manager or Digital service representative for help.

10.2 Removing Memory from Your Workstation
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: type shutdown -h
now and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back
of the unit. Unplug the system unit power cord.
3. Open the system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.1.)
4. Locate the slot from which you want to remove the memory modules.
(Modules should always be removed in pairs.)
If a module is in front of the one you’re removing, you must remove that
module first to gain access to the one you want to take out.

10–8 Memory Modules

Memory Modules
10.2 Removing Memory from Your Workstation
5. Pull out the latches on the ends of the connector until you can feel them
release.
Figure 10–6 Releasing the Latches on a Slot Connector

WSMXS054
.

6. Tilt the memory module toward the front of the system unit until you can
lift it out of the slot connector.
Figure 10–7 Removing a Memory Module

WSMXS029
.

Memory Modules 10–9

11
CPU Modules
This chapter tells you:
•

What CPU modules your workstation can use

•

How to remove and install CPU modules

•

How to test CPU modules

The CPU module and the base system module, in combination, provide the
computing power of your workstation. Your workstation can use any of these
three CPU modules:
•

20-megahertz module

•

25-megahertz module

•

33-megahertz module

CPU Modules 11–1

CPU Modules

Figure 11–1 The CPU Module and the Base System Module
CPU module

Base system module

WSMXS030
.

To tell what kind of CPU module you have, look at the part number on it while
referring to Table 11–1.
Table 11–1 CPU Modules
CPU type

FRU number

Customer order number

20-megahertz

54-20615-01
54-21337-011

KN02-BC

25-megahertz

54-20615-02
54-21337-021

KN02-CC

33-megahertz

54-21331-01

KN02-DA

1 These are the newer plastic (as opposed to ceramic) parts; they are functionally equivalent to the

earlier variety listed.

The CPU modules are similar in appearance. Look on the module for the
adhesive label displaying the part number suffix (01 or 02) for help in
identifying modules.
To upgrade your system–that is, to replace a 20- or 25-megahertz CPU module
with either a 25- or 33-megahertz CPU module–follow the steps in this chapter.

11–2 CPU Modules

CPU Modules
11.1 Removing a CPU Module

11.1 Removing a CPU Module
1. If the workstation software is running, shut it down: type shutdown -h now
and press Return.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the back.
Unplug the system unit power cord.
3. Open the system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.1.)
4. Put on the antistatic wrist strap. (See Figure 1–5)
5. Locate the three mounting posts that fasten the CPU module to the base
system module.
Figure 11–2 The CPU and its mounting posts

Mounting posts

CPU module

WSMXS032
.

CPU Modules 11–3

CPU Modules
11.1 Removing a CPU Module
6. Use your fingers or a small pair of pliers to squeeze the lock on one of the
mounting posts until it releases the corner of the CPU module. Lift the
corner until it is free from the lock. Repeat this procedure with the posts
on the other two locks.
Caution
Avoid touching the heat sinks on the CPU module; they break easily.

Figure 11–3 Releasing the lock on a mounting post

Lock

Mounting posts

CPU module

WSMXS033

Heat sinks

7. Keeping your hands well away from the heat sinks, grip the edges of
the module and lift it up until it moves out of the connector on the base
module. You may need to rock the CPU module from side to side very
gently to loosen it.

11–4 CPU Modules

CPU Modules
11.1 Removing a CPU Module
Figure 11–4 CPU module and base module connector
Heat sinks

CPU connector

Base module connector

WSMXS031
.

11.2 Installing a CPU Module
1. If necessary, open the system unit. (See (Section 1.1.3.1.)
2. Put on the antistatic wrist strap. (See Figure 1–5.)
3. Keeping your hands well away from the heat sinks, position the CPU
module so its connector aligns with the connector on the base module.

CPU Modules 11–5

CPU Modules
11.2 Installing a CPU Module
4. Align the three holes in the CPU module with the mounting posts on the
base module.
5. Push the CPU module straight down over the mounting posts. Press the
CPU module connector into the connector on the base module. Press each
of the three corner holes onto its corresponding mounting post.
Figure 11–5 Attaching the CPU module

Holes
(one of three)

CPU connector

Mounting posts
(one of three)

Base module
connector

WSMXS035
.

6. Replace the cover of your system unit. (See Section 1.1.3.2.)

11.3 Testing Your CPU Module
Once you’ve installed a new CPU module, you need to make sure your system
recognizes it. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on your workstation.
2. At the console prompt (>>), type 3/misc/cpu-type and press Return.

11–6 CPU Modules

CPU Modules
11.3 Testing Your CPU Module
3. When the system recognizes a CPU module, it displays one of the following
messages:
For a 20-megahertz module:
3/misc/cpu-type’s code: NDX-90A
The 90A at the end of the message tells you that you have a 20-megahertz
CPU.
For a 25-megahertz module:
3/misc/cpu-type’s code: NDX-96A
The 96A at the end of the message tells you that you have a 25-megahertz
CPU.
For a 33-megahertz module:
3/misc/cpu-type’s code: NDX-102A
The NDX-102A at the end of the message tells you that you have a
33-megahertz CPU.
If your workstation fails to recognize the CPU you have just installed,
•

Check to make sure that the connector on the CPU is pressed all the way
into the connector on the base system module.

•

Check to see whether you’ve bent any of the connector pins.

If you still have problems, call your system manager or your Digital service
representative for help.

11.4 TURBOchannel Option Modules
For information about installing TURBOchannel option modules, turn to the
TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide.

CPU Modules 11–7

Part IV
Workstation Management

12
Using the Console Program
This chapter tells you:
•

The difference between operating mode and console mode

•

The uses of console mode

•

How to enter console mode

•

How to use console commands

12.1 Operating and Console Modes
Most of the time, you’ll use your workstation in operating mode–that is, you’ll
use the workstation software for tasks like these:
•

Creating and revising files (letters, charts, spreadsheets, and so on)

•

Backing up files

•

Sending and receiving electronic mail

You use console mode for communicating directly with your workstation to
perform tasks like these:
•

Running workstation self-tests

•

Displaying workstation hardware configurations

Using the Console Program 12–1

Using the Console Program
12.1 Operating and Console Modes
•

Displaying the list of available console commands and their formats

•

Setting workstation environment variables

When you’re using console mode, you see one of these two prompts on the
screen:
•

>> When this prompt is displayed, anyone can enter console commands.

•

R > When this prompt appears, full console use is restricted to users who
know the password.

If you don’t know the password, you can use only two console commands:
the boot command (type boot and press Return) and the password command
(type passwd and press Return). If the software has been installed on your
hard disk or another storage drive, and if the boot path is correctly set. (See
Section 12.3.2.1.) The boot command will start up the workstation software.
For information about setting the password, see Section 12.3.4.

12.2 Entering Console Mode
You can enter console mode in any of these ways:
•

If the workstation software is running, shut it down by typing shut down
-h now and pressing Return.
Note
You must be in superuser mode in order to shut down the system.
This requires that you obtain superuser privileges from your system
manager. Enter superuser mode by typing su, pressing Return, and
entering your password.) Once you’ve shut down the software, the
system enters console mode automatically. This is the most orderly
way to enter console mode; it keeps your data from being lost or
damaged.

•

If the system software is hung up and you can’t shut it down, press and
hold down these three keys on the keyboard: CTRL, ALT, and DELETE.
This resets the system.
(If you’re having a recurring problem and want to make it possible for
the system’s memory to be examined, you can shut down the software by
pressing CTRL, ALT, and Return. This halts the system but does not reset
it.)

12–2 Using the Console Program

Using the Console Program
12.2 Entering Console Mode
•

If the system is off, turn it on by pressing the 1 on the on/off switch on the
back of the system unit. The system will enter console mode unless it’s
been set to start the system software automatically. (See Section 12.3.2.)

12.3 Console Commands
This section explains some of the most frequently used console commands. For
more detailed information on console commands, see Appendix G.
Be sure to follow these rules when you type console commands:
•

Type uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear in command
lines. The system treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different input.

•

Press Return after you type a command.

The following key combinations have an immediate effect in console mode:
•

Ctrl-s freezes the screen display.

•

Ctrl-q releases a frozen screen display.

12.3.1 The ? Command
Use the ? command to display a list of available console commands and their
formats.
Give the ? command by typing ? and pressing Return.

12.3.2 The Boot Command
The boot command tells your system to start up the operating system software.
Give the command by typing boot and pressing Return.
If the boot path variable is set correctly, the system will find the drive on which
the workstation software is stored and start the software up. The boot path
variable tells the system where to look for the software.
To see how the boot path variable is currently set, type printenv boot and
press Return.
You should see this display:
boot = 3/rz2/vmunix -a
Each part of this instruction gives you a different piece of information:
•

The 3 tells the slot number. Slot 3 is the base system module.

•

rz2 describes the drive. The letters rz indicate a hard disk drive (yours
may be the RZ23L, RZ24, or RZ25, for instance), and the 2 is the SCSI ID
of that drive. (For information about SCSI IDs, see Section 6.3.)
Using the Console Program 12–3

Using the Console Program
12.3 Console Commands
•

vmunix names the file. The name of the operating system file is vmunix.

•

-a instructs the system to start up in multi-user mode.

The instruction in this example, then, tells the workstation that the operating
system software is stored in a file called vmunix on the hard disk drive with
SCSI ID 2 connected to the base system module.
12.3.2.1 Setting the Boot Path Variable
If the boot path variable is wrong, or if you wish to change it, follow these
steps:
1. Determine the name of the device that stores the operating system software
and the number of the slot to which that device is connected. Most often,
the software will be stored on the internal hard disk (RZ2x) connected to
the base system module (slot 3). If the software for your workstation is
stored somewhere else, check the configuration display for the device name
and slot number.
2. Using the slot number and device name you determined in step 1, type
setenv boot "[slot number] /[device name]/ vmunix-a" and press Return.
3. Test your correction by typing boot and pressing Return. The operating
system should start up.
You can also set your workstation to start the operating system software
automatically when you turn on the power. Follow these steps:
1. At the console prompt (>>), type setenv haltaction b and press Return.
2. Turn off your workstation by pressing the 0 on the on/off switch on the
back of the system unit.
3. Turn your workstation on again. The operating system should start
automatically after the system has completed its power-up self-test.
If the operating system does not start up, you may have two or more
SCSI devices set to the same SCSI ID number. (See Section 6.3 for more
information.) Or, there may be no software installed on your drive. (See
Chapter 3 for information about software installation).

12–4 Using the Console Program

Using the Console Program
12.3 Console Commands

12.3.3 The Configuration Command
Use the cnfg command to display hardware configuration information.
•

To display general system configuration information, type cnfg and press
Return.

•

To display detailed configuration information for an individual module, type
cnfg and the slot number of the module for which you want a configuration
display. To see the configuration for the base system module, for example,
which is slot 3, type cnfg 3 and press Return.

12.3.4 The Password Command
Use the password command to enter, set, or clear a password.
12.3.4.1 To Enter a Password
Type passwd and press Return.
At the pwd: prompt, enter your password. Then press Return.
12.3.4.2 To Clear an Existing Password
Type passwd and press Return.
At the pwd: prompt, enter the existing password and press Return. When
the console prompt appears, type passwd -c and press Return. The system
removes the password requirement.
12.3.4.3 To Set a New Password
Type passwd and press Return.
At the pwd: prompt, enter the new password. When the pwd: prompt appears
a second time, type the password again. If the two password entries match,
the system sets the new value as the password.
The password must have at least 6 and no more than 32 characters. The
system treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different characters.

12.3.5 The Environment Variables
Environment variables set system operating conditions. For a full list of
environment variables and their formats, see Table G–2 in Appendix G.
You can display, set, and remove environment variables with these three
console commands:
•

setenv

•

printenv

Using the Console Program 12–5

Using the Console Program
12.3 Console Commands
•

unsetenv

12.3.5.1 The Setenv Command
Use this command to set or change environment variables.
The setenv command format is setenv variable value. Give the command
by typing setenv and replacing variable with the name of the environment
variable you want to set. (See Table G–2.) Replace value with the new value
that you want to assign to the environment variable. Then press Return.
Note that if the new value contains blank spaces or tabs, you must use double
quotation marks (") at the beginning and end of the value.
12.3.5.2 The Printenv Command
The printenv command format is
printenv [variable]
•

To display the entire list of environment variables, type printenv and
press Return.

•

To display an individual environment variable, type printenv, replace
variable with the name of the environment variable you want to display,
and press Return.

12.3.5.3 The Unsetenv Command
The unsetenv command removes a standard environment variable during
the current session. When the system is reset, the values of the standard
environment variables revert to their previously set values.
The unsetenv command format is
unsetenv variable
When you type the unsetenv command, replace variable with the name of the
environment variable that you want to remove.

12.3.6 The Test Command
Use the test command to run a thorough test of all system hardware.
To give the command, type test and press Return.
For more information about the test command, see Chapter 3.

12–6 Using the Console Program

13
Troubleshooting
This chapter discusses:
•

How to invoke the powerup self-test

•

How to interpret video error messages

•

How to connect and use an alternate terminal

•

The powerup self-test sequence and the LED display

•

How to perform minimum configuration troubleshooting with the system
LED

•

What to do when the powerup LED indicator is inactive

Troubleshooting 13–1

Troubleshooting
13.1 Troubleshooting Techniques

13.1 Troubleshooting Techniques
The first step in isolating and detecting problems on a Personal DECstation
is to interpret the results of the system’s ROM-based power-up self-test. One
of the three procedures described in this section can be used to identify the
problem module. These techniques will be explained in detail in this chapter.
1. Troubleshooting with the graphics monitor
The primary method of troubleshooting your workstation is to interpret the
console error messages which are displayed on your video screen during the
power-up self-test. Once you have identified the problem module, replace
it. The power-up self-test should then be rerun to verify the system is
operational.
2. Troubleshooting with the alternate video
Some failures can prevent the system from displaying error messages on
the graphics monitor. In this case, connect a VT320 terminal or equivalent
to the RS232 port on the back of the unit. You can then use this alternative
video display to troubleshoot your system.
3. Troubleshooting with the system LED
Customers who do not have access to a VT320 terminal or equivalent can
use the status LED as a troubleshooting aid. A single green LED, mounted
to the front of the power supply, flashes several times during the system
power-up. These flashes indicate how far the the unit has progressed
through the power-up sequence.
By interpreting these flashes one can determine which modules are
operational and which modules are candidates for replacement. How to
interpret the system LED is described in detail later in this chapter.

13–2 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.2 Invoking the Powerup Self-Test

13.2 Invoking the Powerup Self-Test
The most straightforward way to invoke the power-up self-test diagnostics is to
power-cycle the system. This is done by simply turning the power off and then
turning it back on.
Note
Power-cycling the machine will result in the erasure of the contents of
memory.
You can also type the commands pst-q or pst-t at the console prompt. pst-t
will run a thorough test. pst-q will run a reduced version of the power-up
self-test. This version tests all major sub-systems, but has been optimized to
execute quickly.
When running the power-up self-test, it is important to either have a device
connected to the Ethernet and SCSI ports, or to install the Ethernet loopback
connector (Part #12-22196-02) and the SCSI terminator (Part #12-29635-01). If
nothing is connected to these ports, the system may report false errors.
The Ethernet diagnostics used by pst-t actually send data out onto the network
and then listen for a response. If none is received, an error is reported. The
loopback connector routes this transmitted message back to the system,
thereby enabling the Ethernet diagnostic to test the complete circuit path.
The basic design and architecture of the SCSI bus requires that a terminator
be placed on the connector at the end of the bus. The SCSI I/O bus allows you
to daisy chain up to seven devices together. These devices are most often disk
drives that use the SCSI bus as a party line to communicate with the system.
Note
This chapter focuses on how to use the power-up self-test diagnostics to
isolate problem modules. There are additional diagnostics available to
you. Their use is described in Appendix G.

Troubleshooting 13–3

Troubleshooting
13.3 Interpreting Video Error Messages

13.3 Interpreting Video Error Messages
When the powerup self-test diagnostics encounter a failure, a formatted error
message is displayed such as shown in Figure 13–1 below. In this particular
example, a problem was detected with the SCSI control portion of the base
module.
The key pieces of information which led us to this conclusion are that the
failure was detected on TURBOchannel slot 3, the base module. The problem
was with the SCSI subsystem, and was specifically the controller. Finally, the
diagnostic identified the module as the KN02-CA.
Figure 13–1 Example of TURBOchannel Error Message Format
INDICATES THAT AN ERROR OCCURRED
REPRESENTS THE SLOT OF THE MODULE THAT REPORTED THE ERROR:
3=BASE MODULE, CPU AND MEMORY; 0=OPTION IN SLOT 0; 1=OPTION IN SLOT 1
REPRESENTS THE INDIVIDUAL TEST
THAT FAILED
REPRESENTS THE INDIVIDUAL SUB−TEST
THAT FAILED

?TFL 3/scsi/cntrl (3: cntxfr) [KN02−CA]
REPRESENTS NUMBER OF SUB−TEST
THAT FAILED
REPRESENTS A POSSIBLE MESSAGE
THAT DESCRIBES THE FAILURE
REPRESENTS THE MODULE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Table 13–1 and Table 13–2 contain reference material that is useful when
interpreting error messages.

13–4 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.3 Interpreting Video Error Messages
Table 13–1 Diagnostic Tests for Base System
Test

Sub-system

Problem module

SERIAL.bus

Base module, keyboard, or mouse

cache

CPU

CPU daughter card

crt

Video frame buffer

Base module

epm

EEPROM

Base module

fdi

Floppy disk

Base module or floppy drive

fpu

CPU

CPU daughter card

isdn

Isdn and sound

Base module, ISDN peripherals

mem

Memory

Base module, memory SIMMs

Ethernet

Base module, Enet card, Enet
peripherals

rtc

Real time clock

Base module

scc

RS232

Base Module, RS232 peripherals

scsi

Scsi

Base Module, SCSI card, SCSI
peripherals

Table 13–2 Identification Codes for Selected TURBOchannel Options
Module ID

Description

KN02-CA

Base module, CPU, memory

PMAG-AA

MX mono frame buffer

PMAG-BA

CX color frame buffer

PMAG-CA

PX 2D graphics accelerator

PMAG-DA

PXG 3D graphics accelerator

PMAG-FA

PXG turbo graphics accelerator

PMAGB-BA

HX smart frame buffer

PMAG-JA

TX true color frame buffer

PMAD-AA

NI thickwire Enet

PMAZ-BA

SCSI interface module

Troubleshooting 13–5

Troubleshooting
13.4 Connecting and Using an Alternate Terminal

13.4 Connecting and Using an Alternate Terminal
Your system has the ability to display console and diagnostic messages, either
on the graphics monitor, or on a VT320 terminal connected to the RS232 port
located in the rear of the unit. At power-up, the system looks for a keyboard
plugged into the SERIAL.bus. If one is found, the system will route all the
console messages to the graphics monitor. If, however, no keyboard is detected
on the SERIAL.bus, all text will be sent directly to the RS232 port.
Connect your terminal to the 25 pin RS232 connector, and set your terminal
as described in Table 13–3. You may notice that these settings are the
standard default settings for Digital terminals. Some terminals may use the
modular MMJ telephone style connectors. If this is the case, an adapter (Part
#H8571-A) can be used to make the connection.
Table 13–3 Alternate Terminal Settings
Setting

Value

Baud rate

9600

Bits

Parity

None

Stop bits

Flow Control

Xon/Xoff

Mode

Full duplex

13–6 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.4 Connecting and Using an Alternate Terminal
Once you have connected the terminal to the RS232 port, it is important to
remember to disconnect the keyboard from the serial port before turning on
the system power. This will insure that the text is routed to your terminal and
not to the graphics connector.
You can now use the error messages displayed on the terminal to resolve
failures and re-establish video on your graphics monitor.
After you establish video on your graphics monitor, you may from time to time
wish to use a terminal as your console device. The default power-up console
assignment can be defeated by issuing the following console command:
>>setenv console s
You can switch your console back to your graphics monitor with the command:
>>setenv console *
Some users may configure their system with several graphics monitors to take
advantage of the system’s multi-screen capabilities. This raises the question
of which graphics monitor will be used as the default console device after the
system detects the SERIAL.bus keyboard.
The answer to this question in that the system selects the monitor connected
to the video controller with the lowest TURBOchannel device number. Since
the base video operates on slot 3, the system will select the controller located
in slot 0 or 1 as the default console device.

Troubleshooting 13–7

Troubleshooting
13.5 Minimum Configuration Troubleshooting With the System LED

13.5 Minimum Configuration Troubleshooting With the
System LED
The most effective way to use the system LED to troubleshoot is to strip the
unit to its bare essentials. Such a minimal system consists of the CPU module,
base module, and the power supply.
To reduce the unit to a minimum configuration, disconnect all cables in the
rear of the system. Then attach the Ethernet loopback connector (Part #1222196-02) and the SCSI terminator (Part #12-29635-01). Then remove all
TURBOchannel options that may be installed as well as all memory modules.
You can then run the power-up self-test and interpret the flashing system LED
to isolate and correct problems with this core system.
The keyboard and video sub-system can then be reinstalled. If necessary the
power-up self-test can again be used to isolate and correct problems with the
video.
Once the video is re-established, the remaining components can be reinstalled
one at a time. If a problem occurs at this point, the error messages displayed
on the screen can be used to resolve the problem.
More experienced users may not need to strip the system down to a minimum
configuration. However, troubleshooting a fully configured workstation with
the system LED generally requires a significant amount of knowledge of
system operation.

13–8 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED Display

13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the
LED Display
A single LED, mounted on the front of the power supply, flashes several
times during system power-up. These flashes indicate how far the unit has
progressed through the power-up sequence.
By interpreting these flashes you can determine which pieces of the unit are
operational and then deduce which modules are not functional. It is important
to watch the LED closely during the entire power-up sequence.
Note
The front-mounted system LED is a new feature which has been
introduced with the Personal DECstation that is designed as a
diagnostic substitute for the traditional eight-segment LED display
located on the rear of DECstation models 100, 200, and 240. It is not a
DCOK LED.

Troubleshooting 13–9

Troubleshooting
13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED Display

13.6.1 The Power-up Sequence
•

Immediately after the system power comes on, the firmware will begin to
execute code.
2 flashes will be displayed. This indicates that the power supply works,
and that portions of the CPU and Base Module are operational.

•

The LED then goes dark for about 30 seconds. During this time period the
console code will be loaded into the memory. The system will then identify
what hardware is present, and select which device is to be the default video
console.
Continuous flashes will be displayed if a problem is encountered using
the memory contained on the base module.
When the system reaches the point where text will be displayed on the
default console device, the LED will flash one of two patterns:
2 flashes indicate that a graphics monitor has been selected.
3 flashes indicate that the RS232 port has been selected.

•

The LED then goes dark a second time for about 30 seconds. The power-up
self-test diagnostic is executed. At this point, status and error messages
will be displayed on the console device.
When the self-test is complete, the LED will be turned on and will stay
on.

Figure 13–2, Table 13–4, Table 13–5, and Table 13–6 contain additional
information which you may find useful when troubleshooting with the system
LED.

13–10 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED Display
Figure 13–2 Flash Sequence of the Diagnostic LED Indicator

(POWERUP)

30 SECONDS
(INITIALIZING FIRMWARE)

(VIDEO COMES ON
AT THIS POINT)

NORMAL
POWERUP
SELF−TEST

ERRORS
DETECTED

2 SHORT LED FLASHES
(see Table 13−4)

LED STAYS OFF
(see Table 13−4)

LED STAYS OFF
FOR LESS THAN
30 SECONDS
BEFORE...

LED EXHIBITS A
SERIES OF CONTINUOUS
LONG FLASHES
(see Table 13−5)

1 LONG LED FLASH
FOLLOWED BY EITHER:
1 short LED flash, or
2 short LED flashes
(see Table 13−5)

LED STAYS OFF FOR
MORE THAN 60 SECONDS
(see Table 13−5)

30 SECONDS
(POWERUP SELF−TEST)

LED STAYS ON
(see Table 13−6)

TEST COMPLETE

Troubleshooting 13–11

Troubleshooting
13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED Display
Table 13–4 Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator at Power-Up
Corrective
Action

LED Function

Meaning

2 short flashes at power-up

Power-on indication set immediately after system
firmware begins execution. Indicates that:
1. System is receiving DC power at correct voltage levels.
2. Instructions can be fetched from system ROM via
TURBOchannel Read operations.
3. System processor is able to execute non-cached
instructions.
4. Processor can perform TURBOchannel write operations
to a register in the I/O CTRL ASIC that drives the power
supply LED.

None.

LED stays off at Power-up

Power supply, CPU, TURBOchannel option, system ROM,
or I/O CNTL ASIC could be at fault.

Check power
supply, swap
CPU, swap
base module.

Table 13–5 Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator During First 30 Seconds After
Power-Up (Firmware Initialization Period)
LED Function

Meaning

Corrective Action

Off for less than 30
seconds after first two
flashes.

Power-up self test in progress.

None

Off for more than 30
seconds after first two
flashes.

Some failure has been detected during
the power-up self-test that could not be
isolated.

Swap base module and
/or CPU daughter card.

A continuous series of
long flashes occurs.

Memory failed during firmware
initialization.

Remove all memory
SIMMs and retest
to determine if the
memory on the base
module or on a SIMMs
is faulty.

One long flash followed by
1 short flash

kbd (SERIAL.bus keyboard input) and
crt have been selected as the firmware
console devices: the system is configured
as a workstation.

None.

(continued on next page)

13–12 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
13.6 Understanding the Powerup Self-Test Sequence and the LED Display
Table 13–5 (Cont.) Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator During First 30 Seconds
After Power-Up (Firmware Initialization Period)
LED Function

Meaning

Corrective Action

One long flash followed by
two short flashes

tty (Serial line input/output) connected
to the Personal DECstation’s RS232
port has been selected as the firmware’s
console device: system is configured as a
server.

None, unless you were
expecting a workstation
configuration, in which
case you should
troubleshoot the
SERIAL.bus keyboard.

Note
Actual test time will vary depending on the memory and the
TUROBchannel options which have been installed.

Table 13–6 Interpreting Diagnostic LED Indicator During 2nd 30 Seconds Following
First Video (Power-Up Self-Test Period)
LED Function

Meaning

Corrective Action

LED stays on continuously

Firmware test sequence has completed
without detection of any errors.

None.

13.7 What to Do When the Powerup LED Indicator is Inactive
Sometimes the single powerup indicator of the Personal DECstation is itself
not working.
When the powerup indicator is inactive, it means one of the three following
parts are defective:
•

Power supply

•

CPU daughter card

•

System module

To determine if the power supply is defective, turn on the power supply and
place an Ethernet loopback connector (12-22196-01) on the Ethernet port
(shown as slot number 10 in Figure 13–3. The LED in the loopback connector
will glow when the power supply is generating correctly regulated DC power.

Troubleshooting 13–13

Troubleshooting
13.7 What to Do When the Powerup LED Indicator is Inactive
Figure 13–3 External Connectors

4
5
6
11

7
10

1. Turbochannel option slot 0
2. Turbochannel option slot 1
3. On/off switch
4. System unit power connector
5. Monitor-to-system-unit power connector
6. Graphics video connector

7. Serial communications connector
8. Keyboard-mouse connector
9. Sound connector
10. Base system ThickWire Ethernet
connector
11. Base system SCSI connector

WSMXS004
.

If the loopback connector LED does not glow, replace the power supply.
If the loopback connector does glow and yet the powerup indicator LED is still
inactive, replace the CPU daughter card.
If after having replaced the CPU daughter card problems persist, replace the
system module.

13–14 Troubleshooting

Part V
Appendices

A
Equipment Specifications
This appendix lists the physical specifications, operating conditions, and
nonoperating conditions for the following equipment:
•

Personal DECstation 5000

•

VRC16 monitor

•

VRM17 monitor

•

LK501 keyboard

•

VSXXX-BB mouse

•

RZ23L hard disk drive

•

RZ24 hard disk drive

•

RZ25 hard disk drive

•

RX26 floppy diskette drive

Equipment Specifications A–1

Equipment Specifications
A.1 Personal DECstation 5000 System Unit Equipment Specifications

A.1 Personal DECstation 5000 System Unit Equipment
Specifications
Table A–1 System Unit Description
Weight

6.80 to 9.50 kg (15.00 to 21.00 lb)

Height

9.14 cm (3.60 in)

Width

40.64 cm (16.00 in)

Depth

43.18 cm (17.00 in)

Input voltage

Auto adjust 100–120 Vac or 220–240 Vac

Input current

1.6 A at 100–120 Vac
0.8 A at 220–240 Vac

Power
– Frequency

50 to 60 Hz

– Heat dissipation

123 watts, maximum

Table A–2 System Unit Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (52°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

10% to 90%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

2,400 m (8,000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–3 System Unit Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

5% to 95%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F), packaged

Altitude

4,900 m (16,000 ft) maximum

A–2 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.1 Personal DECstation 5000 System Unit Equipment Specifications
Table A–4 Acoustics—Preliminary Declared Values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779
LWAd

LpAm (operator position)

Idle

4.5 bels

36 dBA

Operating

4.5 bels

36 dBA

(Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital representatives.)

Equipment Specifications A–3

Equipment Specifications
A.2 VRC16 Monitor Equipment Specifications

A.2 VRC16 Monitor Equipment Specifications
Table A–5 VRC16 Monitor Description
Weight

25 kg (55.00 lb)maximum

Height

43.18 cm (17 in)

Width

41.15 cm (16.2 in)

Depth

43.43 cm (17.1 in)

External controls, switches, and
indicators

Brightness
Contrast
Power switch
Power indicator
User interface

Swivel range

90°

Tilt range

5° to

15°

Cathode-ray tube (CRT)

432 mm (17 in) diagonal
INVAR shadow-mask, black matrix screen
0.26 mm maximum triad pitch
90° deflection angle
3 color
Silica antiglare treatment, purity shielding, dynamic
focus correction

Display characteristics

1024 by 768 pixels and 1280 by 1024 pixels
Maximum brightness no less than 30 footlamberts (fl)

Video input
– Termination

75 ohms

– Amplitude

Red: 0.714 Vpp 2%
Green (with sync): 1.0 Vpp 10%
Blue: 0.714 Vpp 2%
Monitor syncs automatically to 66 hz (mode 1) or 72
hz (mode 2)

Horizontal rate timing
– Active video

13.653 s

– Back porch

1.813 s

– Blanking interval

4.0533 s (416 pixels)

– Frequency

56.476 kHz

– Front porch

0.32 s

(continued on next page)

A–4 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.2 VRC16 Monitor Equipment Specifications
Table A–5 (Cont.) VRC16 Monitor Description
– Horizontal period

17.707 s

– Sync pulse

1.920 s

Vertical rate timing
– Active video

13.599 ms

– Blanking interval

39 0.673 ms

– Frequency

70.069 Hz

– Front porch

0.053 ms

– Sync pulse

0.106 ms

– Vertical period

14.272 ms

Power
– ac input voltage

100-120 or 220-240 Vac

– Frequency

47 to 63 Hz

– Power consumption

150 watts maximum

Table A–6 VRC16 Monitor Operating Conditions
Temperature range 1

10°C to 40°C (50° to 104°F)

Relative humidity

10% or less to 95%

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

32°C ( 89°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

10,000 ft maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–7 VRC16 Monitor Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 8°F to 98°F)

Relative humidity

90% to 95%

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

66°C (98°F) packaged

Altitude

12,780 m (50,000 ft) maximum

Equipment Specifications A–5

Equipment Specifications
A.3 VRM17 Monitor Equipment Specifications

A.3 VRM17 Monitor Equipment Specifications
•

Table A–8 contains physical specifications for the VRM17 and the
VR319-C4 monitors.

•

Table A–9 describes operating conditions.

•

Table A–10 describes nonoperating conditions.

Table A–8 VRM17 Monitor Description
Weight

81.57 kg (37 lb)

Height

41.91 cm (16.50 in)

Width

40.64 cm (16.0 in)

Depth

37.47 cm (14.75 in)

External controls, switches, and
indicators

Brightness
Contrast
Power switch
Power indicator
High scan/low scan switch

Cathode-ray tube (CRT)

483 mm (431.8mm (17 in)) diagonal
Monochrome
high efficiency type phosphor

Display characteristics

1280 pixels by 1024 lines (high scan) or 1024 pixels
by 768 lines (low scan)
Picture size 295 by 236 mm (high scan) or 300 by
225mm (low scan)
Maximum brightness no less than footlamberts (fl)

Video input
– Termination

75 ohms

– Amplitude

1.0 Vpp composite video

– Refresh rate

72 Hz
Factory or field service configurable

2% BNC

Horizontal rate timing
– Active video time

9.7853 s (high scan) and 13.7691 s (low scan)

– Back porch

1.7124 s (high scan) and 1.7211 s (low scan)

(continued on next page)

A–6 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.3 VRM17 Monitor Equipment Specifications
Table A–8 (Cont.) VRM17 Monitor Description
– Blanking interval

3.1802 s (high scan) and 3.6574 s (low scan)

– Frequency

77.1273 kHz (high scan) and 57.384 kHz (low scan)

– Front porch

0.2446 s (high scan) and 0.2151 s (low scan)

– Horizontal period

12.9579 s (high scan) and 17.4265 s (low scan)

– Pixels displayed

1280 (high scan) and 1024 (low scan)

– Sync pulse

1.2232 s (high scan) and 1.7211 s (low scan)

Vertical rate timing
– Back porch

0.427864 ms (high scan) and 0.3834 ms (low scan)

– Blanking interval

0.505658 ms (high scan) and 0.5054 ms (low scan)

– Front porch

0.038897 ms (high scan) and 0.0174 ms (low scan)

– Lines displayed

1024 (high scan) and 76 (low scan)

– Vertical period

13.7842 s (high scan) and 13.8889 s (low scan)

– Vertical sync pulse

0.038897 s (high scan) and 0.1046 s (low scan)

– Vertical frequency

72.5562 Hz (high scan) and 72.033 Hz (low scan)

Power
– ac input

88 to 264 volts

– Frequency

47 to 63 Hz

– Power consumption

75 watts

Equipment Specifications A–7

Equipment Specifications
A.3 VRM17 Monitor Equipment Specifications
Table A–9 VRM17 Monitor Operating Conditions
Temperature range 1

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Temperature change rate

11° (20°F) per hour maximum

Relative humidity

10% to 90% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

2400 m (8000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–10 VRM17 Monitor Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

95% to noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

4900 m (16000 ft) maximum

A–8 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.4 LK501-AA Keyboard Equipment Specifications

A.4 LK501-AA Keyboard Equipment Specifications
Table A–11 LK501-AA Keyboard Description
Weight

1.16 kg (2.56 lb)

Height

4.76 cm (1.88 in)

Width

47.80 cm (19.00 in)

Depth

19.20 cm (7.56 in)

Number of keys

108

Number of indicators

2 status LEDs

Language variations

15
Software selectable (keycaps required)

Cable

1.8 m (6 ft) uncoiled length
4-pin mmj connector at one end

Baud rate

4800

Electrical interface

EIA RS 423

Power consumption

2.0 watts maximum

Power input

12 V

6% at 350 ma

Volume control

8 levels, plus off

Keystroke timing

20 ms minimum

Equipment Specifications A–9

Equipment Specifications
A.4 LK501-AA Keyboard Equipment Specifications
Table A–12 LK501-AA Keyboard Operating Conditions
Temperature range 1

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

32°C (90°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

15°C (60°F)

Altitude

2,400 m (8,000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–13 LK501-AA Keyboard Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 95%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

52°C (126°F), packaged

Altitude

4,900 m (16,000 ft) maximum

A–10 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.5 VSXXX-BB Mouse Equipment Specifications

A.5 VSXXX-BB Mouse Equipment Specifications
Table A–14 VSXXX-BB Mouse Description
Weight

0.82 kg (0.37 lb)

Height

39.9 mm (1.57 in)

Diameter

88.9 mm (3.50 in)

Buttons

Cable length

1.5 m (5 ft) shielded, 6 conductors and terminals in a
7-pin micro-DIN-type connector (male)

Accuracy

3% 0 to 24.5 cm (0 to 10 in) per second in any
direction
15% 24.5 to 49 cm (10 to 20 in) per second in any
direction
30% 49 to 73.5 cm (20 to 30 in) per second in any
direction

Baud rate

4800

Data format

Delta binary

Electrical interfaces

Serial.bus

Operating modes

Incremental or polling

Resolution

79 counts per cm (200 counts per in)

Tracking speed

73.5 cm (30 in) per second

Tracking rate

In incremental mode: 55 reports per second
In polling mode: up to 95 reports per second

Equipment Specifications A–11

Equipment Specifications
A.5 VSXXX-BB Mouse Equipment Specifications
Table A–15 VSXXX-BB Mouse Operating Conditions
Temperature range 1

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

2,400 m (8,000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–16 VSXXX-BB Mouse Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C (40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

5% to 95% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

4,900 m (16,000 ft) maximum

A–12 Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications
A.6 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications

A.6 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–17 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description
Internal drive
Weight

0.54 kg (1.20 lb)

Height

2.54 cm (1.00 in)

Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

Depth

14.61 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

121.65 MB

– Blocks per drive

237,588

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB per second

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB per second

– To and from media

1.5 MB per second

Seek time

8 ms track-to-track
19 ms average
35 ms maximum

Average latency

8.8 ms

Interface

SCSI

Equipment Specifications A–13

Equipment Specifications
A.6 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–18 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 128°F)

Temperature change rate
per hour, maximum)

11°C (20°F

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

300 to 4600 m ( 1000 to 15,000 ft)

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–19 RZ23L SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Temperature change rate
per hour, maximum)

20°C (36°F

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

A–14 Equipment Specifications

300 to 12,200 m ( 1,000 to 40,000 ft)

Equipment Specifications
A.7 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications

A.7 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–20 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description
Internal drive
– Weight

0.77 kg (1.70 lb)

– Height

4.14 cm (1.63 in)

– Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

14.61 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

209.7 MB

– Blocks per drive

409,802

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB per second

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB per second

– To and from media

1.5 MB per second

Seek time

5 ms track-to-track
16 ms average
35 ms maximum

Average latency

8.3 ms

Interface

SCSI

Equipment Specifications A–15

Equipment Specifications
A.7 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–21 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 131°F)

Temperature change rate
per hour, maximum)

11°C (20°F

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

300 to 4600 m ( 1000 to 15,000 ft)

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–22 RZ24 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Temperature change rate
per hour, maximum)

20°C (36°F

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

A–16 Equipment Specifications

300 m to 12,200 m ( 1,000 ft to 40,000 ft)

Equipment Specifications
A.8 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications

A.8 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–23 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Description
Internal drive
– Weight

0.82 kg (1.8 lb)

– Height

4.14 cm (1.63 in)

– Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

14.61 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

426 MB

– Blocks per drive

832,527

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB per second

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB per second

– To and from media

2.1–3.2 MB per second

Seek time

2.5 ms track-to-track
14 ms average
26 ms maximum

Average latency

6.8 ms

Interface

SCSI

Equipment Specifications A–17

Equipment Specifications
A.8 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–24 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 131°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Altitude

300 to 3050 m ( 1000 to 10,000 ft)

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft) increase in altitude.

Table A–25 RZ25 SCSI Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Temperature change rate

20°C (36°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

A–18 Equipment Specifications

300 m to 12,200 m ( 1,000 ft to 40,000 ft)

Equipment Specifications
A.9 RX26 Diskette Drive Equipment Specifications

A.9 RX26 Diskette Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–26 RX26 Diskette Drive Description
Weight

Height

Width

Depth

425 g

25.4 mm

101.6 mm

150.0 mm

(0.94 lb)

(1.00 in)

(4.00 in)

(5.91 in)

Table A–27 RX26 Diskette Disk Drive Specifications (formatted)
Number of cyclinders

Number of heads

Track density

135 tracks per inch

Diskette size

8.89 cm (3.50 in)

Recording surfaces per diskette

MFM data bit rate

250, 500, 1000 kHz

Sectors per track

9 double density
18 high density
36 extra density

Capacity

2.88 KB

– Bytes per drive

737,280 double density
1,474,560 high density

– Bytes per track

2,949,120 extra density

– Bytes per track

4608 double density
9216 high density
18,432 extra density

Data transfer rate

250 Kbits per second double density
500 Kbits per second high density
1000 Kbits per second extra density

Seek time

3 ms minimum
15 ms average

Average latency

100 ms

Operating power

1.25 watts (read/write)
4.60 watts (seeking)

Standby power

0.30 watts

Equipment Specifications A–19

Equipment Specifications
A.9 RX26 Diskette Drive Equipment Specifications
Table A–28 RX26 Diskette Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

°5C to 50°C (40°F to 122°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 80%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

25.6°C (78°F)

Altitude

-300 to 3050 m (-1000 to 10,000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1,000 meter (1.0°F for each 1,000 ft.) increase in altitude.

Table A–29 RX26 Diskette Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

-40°C to 66°C (-40°F to 151°F))

Relative humidity

5% to 95%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F), packaged

Altitude

-300 to 12,200 m (-1000 to 40,000 ft) maximum

A–20 Equipment Specifications

B
The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia
Along with the introduction of the Personal DECstation, Digital has introduced
a new line of TURBOchannel-based multimedia 1 hardware options (called
DECmedia) and corresponding multimedia software products (called XMedia
Tools) which have been designed for use with the audio I/O port of the Personal
DECstation (standard with each system).
The Personal DECstation audio I/O port provides for recording and playback,
tone generation, or telephone quality sound generation using a codec (encoder
/decoder) circuit.
The codec can process incoming audio data and store it on magnetic media.
Conversely, the codec can produce a modulated analog output signal from
voice-grade digital audio data stored on magnetic media or CD–ROM.
The analog audio input and output signals of the codec are connected to a
4-wire modular jack (visible on the rear panel), and the output signal also runs
to a small speaker within the system enclosure (not externally visible).
You may connect the 4-wire modular jack to any 4-wire modular jack telephone
handset or headset, though Digital recommends that, for the headset, you
order DEC part number VSXXX-JA.
Note
The 4-wire modular jack is intended to be connected to either a headset
or a handset. It is not intended for connection to a telephone line cord.

In the workstation context, the term multimedia refers to a set of new technologies
that allow for the capture, manipulation, presentation, and integration of information
involving diverse, time-dependent data types such as animated graphics, audio,
scanned still images or video, as well as ordinary text or spreadsheet data. Existing
or anticipated multimedia configurations connect the workstation with various
sources and sinks of these data types: video cameras, tape recorders, laser disks,
analog audio circuits, digital audio recording equipment or musical instrument
interfaces, digital or analog telephone equipment, FAX, and other media.

The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia B–1

The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia

However, you may attach it to a telephone receiver cord (the cord that
connects the receiver to the base of the telephone).
All audio I/O port capabilities require the use of the XMedia Tools version 1.1
(or greater) software. This kit provides the means for application software
to make use of the I/O capability and also includes some sample audio
applications.
XMedia Tools also includes video as well as audio software. However, if you
only require audio capability, you can enable your audio hardware with XMedia
without requiring video hardware, just as you may enable video with XMedia
without requiring audio hardware.
In addition, several independent software vendors have announced application
and application-development products supporting DECmedia hardware and
making use of the XMedia Tools software.
For order information on multimedia kits, refer to Table B–1 and Table B–2.
Table B–1 XMedia (Software) Kits
Order Number

Description

QA-MB4AA-H5/CDC

XMedia Tools Software (TK50) - Includes both the
runtime kit and the developer kit software plus on-line
documentation.

QB-XUVAA-AA/CDC

XMedia Tools Developer Kit - For subscribers to the
ULTRIX software consolidated distribution CD–ROM.
Contains developer kit software licenses and a compact
disc of audio clip art.

QB-XUWAA-AA/CDC

XMedia Tools Full Developer Kit - For customers who
do not subscribe to the ULTRIX consolidated distribution
CD–ROM. Contains developer kit software licenses,
software and on-line documentation on a TK50 tape, and
a compact disc of audio clip art.

Note
All systems require the XMedia Runtime license and software to
operate audio applications.
The XMedia Tools Developer Kit and Runtime Kit require ULTRIX
/UWS V4.2-A and Motif 1.1. To use the on-line documentation,
Bookreader 2.0 is required. (The Bookreader license is included in the

B–2 The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia

The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia

ULTRIX/UWS license, and Bookreader documentation is included with
the ULTRIX/UWS media and documentation kit.)

Table B–2 DECmedia (Hardware) Kits
Order Number

Description

AV10A-AA

DECvideo/IN @ 66Hz (TX + DECvideo/PIP). This is the DECvideo
/Picture-in-a-picture daughter card for the DECstation 5000 TX
frame buffer, with XMedia Tools Runtime licenses.

AV10B-AA

DECvideo/IN @ 72Hz (TX + DECvideo/PIP). This is the DECvideo
/Picture-in-a-picture daughter card for the DECstation 5000 TX
frame buffer, with XMedia Tools Runtime licenses.

AV10U-DA

DECvideo/PIP (Upgrade from TX to DECvideo/IN)
– Includes option card for TX 24-plane color frame buffer,
attaches to TX TURBOchannel graphics card
– Provides live NTSC, PAL or SECAM full-motion "video in a
window"
– Supports 8/24-bit access mode, scaling from 1:1 to icon,
graphics overlay, frame grabbing, clipping (X Windows)
– Includes XMedia Tools Runtime licenses required for operation

Note
Multimedia is memory-intensive: at least 16MB is recommended for
video, 24MB or more is required when it is necessary to capture video
frames, and 32MB is suggested for applications combining audio and
video.

The Audio I/O Port and Multimedia B–3

C
Part Numbers
This appendix lists part numbers for the Personal DECstation 5000:
•

Basic System Components

•

SCSI and Floppy Disk Hardware

•

Monitors

•

Input Devices

•

Cables

•

Connectors, Adapters, and Terminators

•

Miscellaneous Hardware

•

Multimedia Devices

Part Numbers C–1

Part Numbers

Table C–1 Basic System Components
Item

FRU No.

Customer
Order No.

System module

54-21325-01

PMBA-AB

CPU module only, 20 MHz

54-20615-01
54-21337-011

KN02-BC

CPU module only, 25 MHz

54-20615-02
54-21337-021

KN02-CC

CPU module only, 33 MHz

54-21331-01

KN02-DA

Power supply assembly

H7817-AA

Memory module (SIMM), 2Mb, single

57-30735-02
54-21213-012

Memory modules, 4Mb pair, (two 2Mb SIMMs)

—

Memory module (SIMM), 8Mb, single

57-34320-01

MS01-AA
MS01L-AA2

Memory modules, 16Mb pair, (two 8Mb SIMMs)

—

MS01-CA

System unit cover

70-28353-01

—

System unit chassis

74-44241-01

—

1 These are the newer plastic (as opposed to ceramic) parts; they are functionally equivalent to the

earlier variety.

2 The 54-21213-01 (MS01L-AA) memory module can be used interchangeably with the 57-30735-02
(MS01-AA) module and can be used with the DECstation 5000 Model 100 as well as the Personal
DECstation but cannot be used with either the 2100 or 3100 models.

C–2 Part Numbers

Part Numbers

Table C–2 SCSI and Floppy Disk Hardware
Item

Part No.

Customer
Order No.

SCSI controller option module

54-19876-01

PMAZ-AB

SCSI system-unit-to-expansion-box cable

17-02641-01

BC09D-03

SCSI controller terminator

12-33626-01

—

SCSI chain terminator

12-30552-01

—

Internal SCSI cable

17-01626-04

RZ23L half-height hard disk drive

RZ23L-E

RZ23L-FL

RZ24 hard disk drive

RZ24-E

RZ24-FL

RZ24 hard disk drive PCB

29-28144-01

—

RZ25 hard disk drive

RZ25-E

RZ25-FL

Internal drive power cable

17-03357-01

Floppy disk mounting bracket

74-44329-01

Floppy disk drive shield

74-44330-01

FDI cable

17-02221-02

Floppy port plug

74-44333-02

RX26 diskette drive

—

RX26 diskette drive unit

RX26-AA

RX26-FN

Part Numbers C–3

Part Numbers

Table C–3 Monitors
Item

Part No.

Customer
Order No.

VRC16, 16-inch color monitor, 120/240 volts,
Northern Hemisphere

–

VRC16-CA

VRC16, 16-inch color monitor, 120/240 volts,
Southern Hemisphere

–

VRC16-C4

VRM17, 17-inch gray-scale monitor, 120/240
volts, Northern Hemisphere

—

VRM17-AA

VRM17, 17-inch gray-scale monitor, 120/240
volts, Southern Hemisphere

—

VRM17-A4

Item

Part No.

Customer
Order No.

Keyboard, extended

—

LK501

Mouse

—

VSXXX-BB

Table C–4 Input Devices

C–4 Part Numbers

Part Numbers

Table C–5 Cables
Item

Part No.

Customer
Order No.

Monitor-to-system-unit power cord (U.S.)

17-00442-25

BN19P-1K

Monitor-to-system-unit power cord (Europe)

17-00365-19

BN19A-2C

System unit or expansion box power cord

17-00606-10

BN19P-K

SCSI expansion-box-to-expansion-box cable

17-01351-04

BC19J-1E

Serial line cable

17-00811-02

BC16E-10

SCSI system-unit-to-expansion-box cable

17-02641-01

BC09D-03

ThickWire transceiver cable

17-01321-01

BNE4C-02

ThinWire cable, 12 ft

17-01241-12

BC16M-12

Video cable, color

17-02906-01

BC29G-09

Video cable, gray-scale

17-02878-01

BC09M-10

Video cable, monochrome

17-03054-01

—

Item

FRU No.

Customer
Order No.

Blank bezel insert

74-44333-01

TURBOchannel cover

74-41143-05

CPU standoff post

12-35477-01

—

CPU standoff rivet

12-35477-02

—

Disposable grounding wrist strap

12-36175-01

Light pipe

74-44244-01

Table C–6 Miscellaneous Hardware

Part Numbers C–5

Part Numbers

Table C–7 Connectors, Adapters, and Terminators
Item

FRU No.

Customer Order No.

MMJ loopback connector

12-25083-01

ThickWire loopback connector

12-22196-02

SCSI controller terminator

12-33626-01

—

SCSI chain terminator

12-30552-01

ThinWire T-connector

12-25869-01

H8223-00

ThinWire terminators

12-26318-01

—

Jumper to clear NVR

12-14314-00

Comm-line-to-MMJ adapter

12-33190-01

—

Comm modem loopback

29-24795-00

ThinWire LAN assembly kit

22-00112-01

BC16T-12

DESTA ThickWire-to-ThinWire Ethernet
adapter

70-22781-02

DESTA-BA

Twisted pair (10 base T) adapter

—

H3350-AA

C–6 Part Numbers

Part Numbers

Table C–8 Multimedia Devices
Customer
Order No.

FRU No.

DECvideo TX color frame buffer
(66 Hz)

—

30-35790-01

DECvideo TX color frame buffer
(72 Hz)

—

30-35790-02

DECvideo Input cable

—

17-03304-01

DECvideo/PIP module

—

30-35788-01

VRT19 color monitor cable

—

17-02906-01

DECaudio TC module

—

54-21123-01

DECaudio cable1

—

17-03089-01

—

70-28758-01

DECaudio power supply

—

30-35431-01

AC cable for power supply

—

17-00606-10

DECvideo/IN @ 66Hz (TX +
DECvideo/PIP)

AV10A-AA

DECvideo/IN @ 72Hz (TX +
DECvideo/PIP)

AV10B-AA

DECvideo/PIP (Upgrade from TX
to DECvideo/IN)

AV10U-DA

DECvideo/OUT

AV11A-AA

Audio headset (for use with the
4-wire audio I/O port)

VSXXX-JA

Item

DECaudio distribution box
1

1 DECaudio devices are not used with the Personal DECstation since the Personal DECstation
already has audio capability built into the base module.

Part Numbers C–7

D
Connector Pin Assignments
This appendix lists pin assignments for the following connectors:
•

SCSI

•

EIA RS232

•

ThickWire Ethernet

•

Power supply

•

ISDN

•

Sound

•

SERIAL.bus

•

Modem loopback

•

Ethernet loopback

Connector Pin Assignments D–1

Connector Pin Assignments
D.1 SCSI Connector Pin Assignments

D.1 SCSI Connector Pin Assignments
Table D–1 SCSI Connector Pin Assignments
Pin

Signal

I/O

GND

REQ

GND

C/D

GND

SEL

GND

MSG

GND

RST

GND

ACK

GND

BSY

GND

34
32

GND
ATN

GND

RSVD

TERMPWR

RSVD

GND

PARITY

GND

DATA<7>

GND

DATA<6>

GND

DATA<5>

GND

DATA<4>

GND

DATA<3>

GND

DATA<2>

GND

DATA<1>

GND

DATA<0>

GND

D–2 Connector Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Assignments
D.2 ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments

D.2 ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments
Table D–2 ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments
Pin

Source

Signal

XCVR

ACOL+

Collision presence

KNO2

ATX+

Transmission

GND

Ground

Description
Shield

XCVR

ARX+

Reception

XCVR

GND

Power return

CTL+

Control output

GND

Ground

XCVR

ACOL–

Collision presence

KNO2

ATX–

Transmission

GND

Ground

XCVR

ARX–

Reception

KNO2

+12V

Power

GND

Ground

CTL–

Control output

Connector Pin Assignments D–3

Connector Pin Assignments
D.2 ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments
Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) refers to signals whose source is in the
Personal DECstation.
Data Communications Equipment (DCE) refers to signals whose source is a
peripheral, like a modem or a printer, that is attached to the system.

D.3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin
Assignments
Table D–3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments
Pin

Source

Signal

CCITT1

EIA2

Description

GND

101

Protective ground

DTE

TxD

103

Transmitted data

DCE

RxD

104

Received data

DTE

RTS

105

Request to send

DCE

CTS

106

Clear to send

DCE

7
8

DCE

DSR

107

Data set ready

GND

102

Signal ground

109

Carrier detect

Unconnected

DCE

SPDMI

112

Speed mode indicator

Unconnected

DCE

TxClock

114

16
17

Transmit signal element timing
Unconnected

DCE

RxClock

115

Receive signal element timing

Unconnected

1 Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique, an international consultative
committee that sets international communications standards
2 Electronic Industries Association

(continued on next page)

D–4 Connector Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Assignments
D.3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments
Table D–3 (Cont.) EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments
Pin

Source

Signal

CCITT1

EIA2

Description

DTE

DTR

108.2

Data terminal ready

DCE

125

Ring indicator

DTE

DSRS

111

Data signal rate select

Unconnected

1 Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique, an international consultative
committee that sets international communications standards
2 Electronic Industries Association

Connector Pin Assignments D–5

Connector Pin Assignments
D.4 Power Supply Pin Assignments

D.4 Power Supply Pin Assignments
Table D–4 Power Supply Pin Assignments
Pin

Signal

Speaker [1]

DCOK

+5.1V

GND

+5.1V

GND

+12.1V

Speaker [2]

System-OK LED

GND

+5.1V

GND

+5.1V

GND

D–6 Connector Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Assignments
D.5 ISDN Connector Pin Assignments

D.5 ISDN Connector Pin Assignments
The external ISDN connector is an 8-wire Modular Jack (RJ45). Pins 1,
2, 7, and 8 are not used. A four wire cable with 2 twisted pairs would be
connected from this jack to an ISDN NT or PAXB card for ISDN voice and data
connections. The following table shows a pinout for the ISDN connector.
Table D–5 ISDN Connector
Pin

Signal

Function

No connection

LOUT1

Line output (-)

LIN1

Line input (-)

LIN2

Line input (+)

LOUT2

Line output (+)

No connection

D.6 SERIAL.bus
The SERIAL.bus uses a 4 pin shielded MOLEX SEMCONN or AMP SDL
modular type connectors. The MOLEX version will be unkeyed. The AMP
version will have key ‘‘D.’’ This provides compatibility between the AMP and
MOLEX part.
Data and power for the SERIAL.bus are transferred over low capacitance
4 wire shielded cable. The four conductors are used for: GND, SDA, SCL,
and +12V (pins 1 through 4 respectively). Capacitance of the SCL and SDA
conductors shall be less than 70pF/m (capacitance between one conductor and
other conductors connected to shield). The S.b connector is located at the rear
of the system enclosure and mounts to the base system module. The following
table shows the pinout for the SERIAL.bus.

Connector Pin Assignments D–7

Connector Pin Assignments
D.6 SERIAL.bus
Table D–6 SERIAL.bus Pin Assignments
Pin

Signal

Function

GND

Ground

SDA

Serial data

SCL

Serial clock

+12V

+12 Volts

D–8 Connector Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Assignments
D.7 Sound Connector

D.7 Sound Connector
A 4-wire Modular Jack is provided for connection to an external telephone
handset or headset. Note that a telephone should not be connected to this jack.
The connection is intended for the external speaker and microphone that are
contained in the headset. The headset or handset are connected to the sound
jack with a 4-wire cable with 2 twisted pairs. The following table shows the
pinout for the sound jack.
Table D–7 Sound Connector
Pin

Signal

Function

Audio In 1

Audio input

Audio Out 1

Audio output (+)

Audio Out 2

Audio output (-)

Audio in 2

Audio Input ground

D.8 Loopback Connector Pin Assignments
Table D–8 Summary of Loopback Connectors
Standard/
Unique

Part Number

Option Number

Communications loopback
connector

Standard

12-15336-13

H3200

ThickWire loopback connector

Standard

12-22196-02

ThinWire T-connector

Standard

12-25869-01

H8223

ThinWire terminator

Standard

12-26318-01

H8225

Function

Table D–9 Ethernet Loopback Connector Pin Assignments, Part #12-22196-02
From
Pin No.

Signal

To
Pin No.

Signal

Description

P6-3

TRA+

P6-5

REC+

Through capacitor

P6-10

TRA–

P6-12

REC–

Through capacitor

P6-13

PWR

P6-6

RET

Through resistor and LED

Connector Pin Assignments D–9

Connector Pin Assignments
D.8 Loopback Connector Pin Assignments
Table D–10 Modem Loopback Connector Pin Assignments, Part #12-1533613, Option #H3200
From
Pin No.

Signal

To
Pin No.

Signal

P4-2

TX2

P4-3

RX2

P4-4

RTS2

P4-5

CTS2

P4-6

DSR2

P4-20

DTR2

P4-12

SPDMI2

P4-23

DSRS2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-8

CI2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-22

RI2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-25

TMI2

D–10 Connector Pin Assignments

E
Regulatory Information for the UK
This appendix provides user information on the Personal DECstation 5000
workstation that is required by the United Kingdom.
The Personal DECstation 5000 workstation is manufactured by Digital
Equipment Corporation. The model number of the communication option is
PMBA-AA.

Regulatory Information for the UK E–1

Regulatory Information for the UK
E.1 Service Requirements

E.1 Service Requirements
The following table describes the service category, interface type, data rate,
service requirements, and PTO for the PMBA-AA.
Table E–1 PMBA-AA Service Requirements

PTO
BT1 /Hull2 /
MCL3

Data Rate

Physical
Electrical
Requirements Requirements

CCITT

2400

ISO 2110

Recommend

4800

X.21bis

9600

BS.6623:

Cable:

Yes/Yes/Yes

19200

Part 1
1985

BC22F-10
BC22F-25

No/No/Yes

Service
Interface
Category Type

V.24/V.28

Yes/Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes/Yes

1 BT - British Telecommunications plc
2 Hull - Kingston Communications (Hull) plc
3 MCL - Mercury Communications Limited

The maximum approved cable length is 25 feet, comprising:
Cat 1

V.24

25 feet for extension

BC22F-25

E.2 Communication Port Pin Assignments
See Appendix D for a complete list of communication port pin assignments.

E–2 Regulatory Information for the UK

Regulatory Information for the UK
E.3 Approvals for Digital Circuits

E.3 Approvals for Digital Circuits
The PMBA-AA is approved for direct connection to a particular digital
circuit. This approval includes interconnecting cable with mating connectors
conforming to BS6623 part 1 and part 4.
If the product is connected to the service with anything other than its own
approved cables, then those cables must benefit from the relevant general
approval and/or conform with any other applicable requirements.
Caution
Ports J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J16, J17, J28, J33, J54, J55, J56, J57
(shown in the diagram at the end of this appendix) do not provide
sufficient isolation to satisfy the requirements of the relevant parts of
standard BS6301. Any product connected to these ports must meet one
of the following conditions:
•

Be covered by OFTEL’s General Approval NS/G/1234/J/100003 (All products
supplied by Digital comply with this General Approval.)

•

Have been approved to the relevant parts of standard BS6301

•

Have previously been evaluated against the British Telecom (Post Office)
Technical Guide 2 or 26 and given permission to attach

Other usage will invalidate any approval given to this apparatus.
Interconnection directly, or by way of other apparatus, of ports marked by the
safety warning label with other ports that are marked or not so marked, may
produce hazardous conditions on the network. Seek advice from a competent
engineer before making any such connection.

Regulatory Information for the UK E–3

Regulatory Information for the UK
E.4 Host Independent Approvals

E.4 Host Independent Approvals
The PMBA-AA is approved only for installation in an approved host with
approved attachments. For approval, the host and host attachments must be
either of the following:
•

Type-approved (meaning the equipment is built exactly like the models
that were originally approved).

•

If the equipment was supplied after 1st March 1989, it must be marked
with or supplied with a statement that the host is supplied under General
Approval Number NS/G/1234/J/100003.

Except at the edge connector which plugs into the host’s expansion slot,
clearance and creepage distances of Xmm and Ymm, as listed below must be
maintained between the PMBA-AA and other parts of the host, including any
other expansion cards fitted.
Table E–2 Clearance and Creepage Specs for PMBA-AA
Clearance
Xmm

Creepage
Ymm

Voltage1

2.0

2.4 (3.8)

up to 50

2.6

3.0 (4.8)

up to 125

4.0

5.0 (8.0)

up to 250

4.0

6.4 (10.0)

up to 300

1 Used or generated by other parts of the host or expansion card (Vrms or Vdc)

The creepage distances apply when installed in a normal office environment.
The creepage distance shown in parentheses apply where the local environment
within the Host Computer is subject to conductive pollution or dry nonconductive pollution which could become conductive due to condensation.
These distances can be checked by measuring between the adjacent parts.
Clearance is the shortest distance in air between two points. Creepage is the
shortest distance along continuous solid parts between the same two points.
If in doubt, advice should be obtained from a competent telecom safety
engineer. Failure to install the PMBA-AA in accordance with these instructions
will invalidate the approval.

E–4 Regulatory Information for the UK

Regulatory Information for the UK
E.5 Host Power Rating

E.5 Host Power Rating
The user must insure that the power drawn by the PMBA-AA together with
the host and other auxiliary apparatus drawing power from the host, is within
the rating of the host power supply.
Digital has designed all permutations of the host configuration to operate
within the limits of the host power rating.
Table E–3 Module Power Rating for PMBA-AA
Supply (+/- 4%)
(Volts)

Maximum Current
( Amps)

Typical Current
(Amps)

+5.1

+12.1

3.0

E.6 Environmental Conditions
See Appendix A for further environmental information.

E.7 Apparatus Between the Approved Apparatus and a
Digital Circuit (PTT)
If any apparatus, including cable or wiring, is to be connected between the
approved apparatus and the point of connection to any particular digital
circuit, then all the other apparatus must conform as follows:
1. The overall transmission characteristics of all the other apparatus shall
be such as to introduce no material effect upon the electrical conditions
presented to one another by the apparatus and the particular digital
circuit.
2. All the other apparatus shall comprise only:
•

Apparatus approved (such apparatus may be subject to limitations on
its use) for the purpose of connection between the apparatus and a
particular digital circuit.

•

Cable or wiring complying with a code of practice for the installation of
apparatus covered by this standard or such other requirements as may
be applicable.

Regulatory Information for the UK E–5

Regulatory Information for the UK
E.7 Apparatus Between the Approved Apparatus and a Digital Circuit (PTT)
Figure E–1 System Module J-Connector Locations

J29

J31

J2
J55
J16
J33
J3

J4
J56
J5
J17

E22

J30

E35

J32

J54

E37
J6

J28

J57
J52
J53

WSMXP004

E–6 Regulatory Information for the UK

F
Drives You Can Connect to Your
Workstation
The following list includes drives available at the time this guide was printed.
However, Digital continues to produce new drives to cover a complete range of
computing needs. For information about drives that may not be included on
this list, please contact your Digital sales representative.
•

In the SZ12 expansion box
Floppy disk drives
RX23 (1.4 megabytes)
RX33 (1.2-megabytes)
3-1/2 inch hard disk drive
RZ25 (426 megabytes)
5-1/4 inch hard disk drives
RZ55 (330 megabytes)
RZ56 (660 megabytes)
RZ57 (1.0 gigabytes)
RZ58 (1.4 gigabytes)
Tape drives
TZ30 (95 megabytes)
TZK10 (525 megabytes)
CD–ROM drives
RRD42

•

In the TURBOchannel extender box
Floppy disk drives
RX23 (1.4 megabytes)

Drives You Can Connect to Your Workstation F–1

Drives You Can Connect to Your Workstation

3-1/2 inch hard disk drives
RZ23L (121 megabytes)
RZ24 (209 megabytes)
RZ25 (426 megabytes)
Tape drives
TZK10 (525 megabytes)
CD–ROM drives
RRD42 (600 megabytes)
•

Tabletop drives
Tape drives
TK50Z (95 megabytes)
TSZ05 (1600 bpi nine-track tape)
TSZ07 (1600/6250 bpi nine-track tape)
TLZ04 (1.2 gigabytes, RDAT tape)
TKZ08 (2.2 gigabytes, 8 mm tape)
CD–ROM drives
RRD42 (600 megabytes)

F–2 Drives You Can Connect to Your Workstation

G
Console Commands
This appendix presents reference information about the console commands. It
discusses:
•

Console command conventions and terms

•

Individual console commands

G.1 Console Command Conventions and Terms
Be sure to follow these rules when you type console commands:
•

Type uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear in command
lines. The system treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different input.

•

Press Return after you type a command.

•

Enter number values as follows:
Enter decimal values as a string of decimal digits with no leading zeros
(for example, 123).
Enter octal values as a string of octal digits with a leading zero (for
example, 0177).
Enter hexadecimal values as a string of hexadecimal digits preceded by
0 and a lower-case letter (for example, 0xFE04).

•

When reading or writing to memory, you have a choice of data sizes:
byte, halfword, or word. Because a word is 4 bytes, successive addresses
referenced by a word are successive multiples of 4. For example, the
address following 0x80000004 is 0x80000008. An error occurs if you specify
an address that is not on a boundary for the data size you are using.

•

The following key combinations have an immediate effect in console mode:
Ctrl-s freezes the screen display.
Ctrl-q releases a frozen screen display.

Console Commands G–1

Console Commands
G.1 Console Command Conventions and Terms
Ctrl-c aborts a command.
Ctrl-u erases a partially typed command line.

G.1.1 Conventions Used in This Appendix
•

Letters in bold face type like this are to be typed exactly as they
appear.

•

Letters in italic type like this are variables that you replace with actual
values. (Note that the help and menu screens display these variables in all
capital letters.)

•

Arguments enclosed in square brackets ([ ]) are optional.

•

Ellipses (...) follow an argument that can be repeated.

•

A vertical bar ( | ) separates choices. You can think of the bar as a symbol
meaning or.

•

Parentheses enclose a group of values from which you must select one
value. For example, -(b | h | w) means enter -b or -h or -w.

G.1.2 Definition of Terms
•

Controller
A hardware device that directs the operation and communications flow to
and from other devices or other controllers. Each system controller has a
unique controller ID.

G–2 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.1 Console Command Conventions and Terms
•

Script
A collection of console commands that run in a set order. Test scripts,
which are collections of individual tests and may also contain other test
scripts, are commonly used for troubleshooting the system.

•

Slot
The physical location of a module or modules.
TURBOchannel option modules occupy slots 0 and 1.
The base system occupies slot 3. Base system hardware includes
the system module, CPU module, and memory modules. The system
module contains the base system SCSI and Ethernet controllers.

Console Commands G–3

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands

G.2 Summary of Console Commands
Table G–1 gives a brief explanation of the function of each of the console
commands. A more detailed explanation of each command follows the table.
Table G–1 Console Commands
Command

Description

Type

Displays a list of console
commands and formats.

Displays system info

cnfg

Shows HW configuration.

Displays system info

printenv

Shows environmental variables.

Displays system info

erl

Shows error history.

Displays system info

setenv

Sets environmental variables.

Sets system parameters

unsetenv

Removes environmental
variables.

Sets system parameters

passwd

Sets console password.

Sets system parameters

t #/?

Lists out test for slot #.

Lists Diagnostic routines

ls #

Lists out scripts.

Lists Diagnostic routines

cat Script

Lists test contained in a script.

Lists Diagnostic routines

t #/t_name

Executes a test on slot #.

Runs Diagnostics

script_name

Executes a script.

Runs Diagnostics

Executes a script with options.

Runs Diagnostics

boot

Boots the System.

Operational commands

init

Initializes system.

Operational commands

Deposits data into memory.

Miscellaneous commands

Examines memory locations.

Miscellaneous commands

Goto an address.

G–4 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands

G.2.1 ? Command
Use the ? command to display a list of available console commands and their
formats.
The ? command format is
? [cmd]
Keep the following points in mind about the ? command:
•

To display the format for all available console commands, omit the optional
cmd parameter.

•

To display the format for a single command, replace the optional cmd
parameter with the name of the command for which you want the format
displayed.

G.2.2 boot Command
Use the boot command to boot the system software.
The boot command format is
boot [-z seconds] [-n] [bootpath] [-a] [args...]
Keep the following points in mind about the boot command:
•

Include the optional -z seconds parameter to have the system wait a certain
number of seconds before starting. Replace seconds with the number of
seconds the system should wait before starting.

•

Include the optional -n parameter to have the boot command load, but not
execute, the specified file.

•

Replace the optional bootpath parameter with the specification for the file
you are using to boot. The file specification form depends on the type of
boot device you use.

•

To boot from Ethernet, use this form:
slot number/protocol[/file].
slot number is the slot number of the Ethernet controller you are using
to boot.
protocol is the name of the network protocol that performs the boot
operation—either mop or tftp.
file represents a specific file that you use to boot.
For example, to use the protocol named mop to boot from the base system
Ethernet, which uses slot number 3, type boot 3/mop and press Return.

Console Commands G–5

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
•

To boot from a drive, use this form:
slot number/(rz | tz) scsi id/filename.
slot number is the SCSI controller slot number.
Use rz to boot from a hard disk or CD–ROM.
Use tz to boot from a tape drive.
scsi id is the SCSI ID for the drive you are using to boot.
file name is the name of the specific file you want to boot.
For example, to boot the file named vmunix in multiuser mode from a hard
disk drive with SCSI ID 2 that is connected to the SCSI connector on the
back of the system unit, type boot 3/rz2/vmunix -a and press Return. To
boot the file called vmunix from a tape drive that has SCSI ID 5 and is
connected to a SCSI option module in slot 1, type boot 1/tz5/vmunix and
press Return.

•

To perform a multiuser boot operation, include the -a argument. If you
omit the -a argument, the system performs a single-user boot.

•

To use the base system frame buffer as an additional video display in part
of multi-screen graphics configuration, include the -mg argument in the
boot command. For example, type boot 3/rz2/vmunix -a -mg to use the
base frame buffer as an additional graphics display. The -mg argument
can also be saved as a boot environment variable–for example: setenv
"boot/rz2/ -a -mg".

•

If you do not include a bootpath in the boot command, the system uses the
boot environment variable.

•

If you include any additional arguments, you must type the entire boot
command. The system ignores the boot environment variable whenever
you specify any arguments in the boot command.

G–6 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
•

If you use any spaces or tabs in the boot environment variable, you must
surround the entire value with double quotation marks. For example, to
set the boot environment variable to use the mop protocol to perform a
multiuser boot from the base system Ethernet controller in slot 3, type
setenv boot ‘‘3/mop -a’’.

•

For details about the boot command parameters for each TURBOchannel
option module, refer to the TURBOchannel Options User’s Guide.

G.2.3 cat Command
Use the cat command to display the contents of a script.
The cat command format is
cat slot-number/script-name
•

slot-number is the number of the module that has the contents you want to
display. (The base system module is slot 3.)

•

script-name is the name of the script for which you want to display the
contents.

G.2.4 cnfg Command
Use the cnfg command to display hardware configuration information.
The cnfg command format is
cnfg [slot-number]
Keep the following points in mind about the cnfg command:
•

To display general system configuration information, type the cnfg
command without the slot-number parameter.

•

To display detailed configuration information for an individual module,
replace the optional slot-number parameter with the slot number of the
module for which you want a configuration display.

G.2.5 d Command
Use the d command to deposit values in memory.
The d command format is
d [-(b | h | w)] [-S count] rng
Keep the following points in mind about the d command,
•

Use one of the optional parameters -(b | h | w ) to specify whether to
deposit the contents as bytes (-b), halfwords (-h), or words (-w).

Console Commands G–7

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
•

Include the optional -S count parameter to store the same value more than
once. Replace count with the number of times that you want the value to
be stored.

•

Use the rng parameter to set the range of addresses across which the
values are stored.
To deposit values at a single address, replace rng with that address.
To deposit a number of values across a range of addresses, replace
rng with the address range. Use the form address-low:address-high to
define the range.
When you enter the address range, replace address-low with the
starting address for storing values and replace address-high with the
ending address for storing values.

•

To examine values at a series of addresses, replace rng with the starting
address and the number of successive addresses you want to examine.
Use the form address-low # count to specify the addresses where you store
values. When you type this address range format, replace address-low with
the starting address for storing values. Replace count with the number of
addresses at which you want to store values.

•

To specify more than one address range, separate each range specification
with commas. Leave no spaces between the specifications.

G.2.6 erl Command
Use the erl command to display or clear the log of the errors that occurred
since the most recent power-up or reset operation.
The erl command format is
erl [-c]
Keep the following points in mind about the erl command,
•

To display the current error log, use the erl command without the -c option.

•

To clear the error log, include the -c option. When the error log buffer is
full, no more messages are added until the buffer is cleared by the erl -c
command.

G–8 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands

G.2.7 go Command
Use the go command to transfer system control to a specific system address.
The go command format is
go [address]
Keep the following points in mind about the go command.
•

To transfer system control to the address specified in the last boot -n
command, type the go command without the address parameter. If you
omit the address parameter, and if no previous boot -n command has been
issued, the system ignores the go command.

•

To transfer system control to the contents of a specific address, include the
address parameter. Replace the address parameter with the address to
which you want to transfer control.

G.2.8 init Command
Use the init command to initialize module hardware.
The init command format is
init [slot-number] [-m]
Keep the following points in mind about the init command.
•

To initialize the entire system, specify the init command with no additional
arguments.

•

To initialize an individual module, replace the optional slot-number
parameter with the slot number of the module that you want to initialize.

•

If you perform an init operation on the system module (slot 3), include the
optional -m parameter to zero all memory modules in the system module.

G.2.9 ls Command
Use the ls command to list the scripts and other objects that are in system
ROM.
The ls command format is
ls [slot-number]
To display a list of scripts or other objects that are available in an individual
module, replace the optional slot number parameter with the slot number of
the module that contains the files you want to display.

Console Commands G–9

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands

G.2.10 passwd Command
Use the passwd command to enter, set, or clear a password.
The passwd command format is
passwd [-c] [-s]
Keep the following points in mind about the password command:
•

If the console prompt is R>, you can use only the boot and passwd
commands until you enter the correct password.

•

To enter an existing password, type the passwd command without any
additional parameters. At the pwd: prompt, enter the password. Then
press Return.

•

After you enter the correct password, or if the system does not require a
password, the system displays the console prompt (>>). You can use all
console commands whenever the console prompt is >>.

•

To clear an existing password, include the -c parameter when you type the
passwd command. First use the passwd command to enter the existing
password. After the console prompt >> appears, type passwd -c and press
Return. The system then removes the password requirement.

•

To set a new password, include the -s parameter. Enter the new password
at the pwd: prompt. When the pwd: prompt appears a second time, type
the password again. If the two password entries match, the system sets
the new value as the password.

•

The password must have at least 6 and no more than 32 characters. The
system is case sensitive and treats uppercase and lowercase letters as
different characters.

G.2.11 printenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display, set,
and remove environment variables with console commands.
•

Use the setenv command to set or change environment variables.

•

Use the printenv command to display existing environment variables.

•

Use the unsetenv command to remove environment variables.

Table G–2 later in this chapter lists the environment variables you can set.
The printenv command format is
printenv [variable]

G–10 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
Keep the following points in mind about the printenv command:
•

To display the entire list of environment variables, omit the optional
variable parameter.

•

To display an individual environment variable, replace variable with the
name of the environment variable you want to display.

G.2.12 restart Command
Use the restart command to restart the system software. For the restart
operation to succeed, the operating system software must have a restart block
set up in memory.
The restart command format is
restart

G.2.13 script Command
Use the script command to create a temporary set of console commands that
run in an order you specify.
The script command format is
script name
Keep the following points in mind about the script command:
•

When you type the script command, replace name with the name you are
giving the script. Then press Return.
After you press Return, type the commands you want to include in the
script. Press Return after each command you type. Commands can be t or
sh commands. Enter one command per line. When you finish typing the
commands you’re including, press Ctrl-d or press Return twice to complete
the script.

•

To run the script, use the sh command described on page F-14. When you
run the script, the commands execute in the order in which you entered
them when you created the script.

G.2.14 setenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display, set,
and remove environment variables with console commands.
•

Use the setenv command to set or change environment variables.

•

Use the printenv command to display existing environment variables.

•

Use the unsetenv command to remove environment variables.

Console Commands G–11

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
Table G–2 lists the environment variables you can set.
The setenv command format is
setenv variable value
Keep the following points in mind about the setenv command:
•

Replace variable with the name of the environment variable you want to
set.

•

Replace value with the new value you want to assign to the environment
variable. Note that if the new value contains blank spaces or tabs, you
must use double quotation marks (") at the beginning and end of the value.

Table G–2 Environment Variables
ENVIRONMENT
VARIABLE

DESCRIPTION

boot

Sets the default boot path.

console

Selects the system console.

haltaction

•

Set the console variable to s to enable the terminal connected to the
communications connector as the active console.

•

If the console variable is set to anything other than s, the monitor
connected to the graphics module in the lowest-numbered slot is enabled.
If no graphics module is installed and the keyboard is connected, the
monitor is connected to the base system frame buffer. If the system does
not detect a keyboard, even if a graphics option is installed, the terminal
connected to the serial communications connector is the active console,
and no console display will be seen on any of the graphics monitors.

Specifies how the system responds if it halts.
•

Set the haltaction variable to b to cause the console to boot after the
console performs the appropriate initialization and self-tests.

•

Set the haltaction variable to h to cause the console to halt and attempt
no other action.

•

Set the haltaction variable to r to cause the console to restart and then
attempt to boot if the restart operation fails.
(continued on next page)

G–12 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
Table G–2 (Cont.) Environment Variables
ENVIRONMENT
VARIABLE

DESCRIPTION

Sets the way in which the screen scrolls lines of text.

osconsole

•

Set the more variable to 0 to have text scroll to the end before stopping.

•

Set the more variable to a number other than zero to have scrolling pause
after that number of lines has been displayed.

Contains the slot numbers of the console drivers. If a TTY driver from slot x
serves as the console, osconsole is set to x. If a CRT driver from slot y and a
kbd driver from slot z serve as the console, osconsole is set to y,z.
Although the environment variable display includes the osconsole setting, you
cannot set this variable. The system automatically sets the osconsole value.

testaction

Specifies the type of power-up self-test the system runs.

•

Specify q to run a quick test when the power-up self-test runs.

•

Specify t to run a thorough test when the power-up self-test runs.

Specifies the slot number of the module that contains the current script. If no
script is active, the system specifies the base system module, which uses slot
number 3.
Although the environment variable display includes the # setting, you cannot
set this variable.

G.2.15 sh Command
Use the sh command to run a script.
The sh command format is
sh [-b] [-e] [ -l] [-v] [-S] [slot-number/script] [arg...]
Keep the following points in mind about the sh command:
•

Include the optional -b parameter to execute the script directly, instead of
through a subshell.

•

Include the optional -e parameter to stop the script if an error occurs.

•

Include the optional -1 parameter to have the script loop until you press
Ctrl-c.

•

Include the optional -v parameter to echo the script to the console as the
test runs.

Console Commands G–13

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands
•

Include the optional -S parameter to suppress any error messages if the
script is not found.

•

To run a specific script, include the optional slot number/script parameter.
slot number is the slot number of the module that has the script you
want to run.
script is the name of the script you want to run.

•

The use of any additional arguments depends on the particular script you
specified in the sh command.

You can also run a script by typing slot number/script.
slot number is the slot number of the module that contains the script you
want to run.
script is the name of the script you want to run.
For example, to run the thorough power-up self-test script for a SCSI controller
and drives in slot 2, type sh 2/pst-t and press Return.

G.2.16 t Command
Use the t command to run individual tests.
The t command format is
t [-l] slot name/test name [arg...]
Keep the following points in mind about the t command:
•

Include the optional -l parameter to have the test loop until you press
Ctrl-c or reset the system.

•

Replace slot number with the slot number of the module you want to test.

•

Replace test name with the name of the individual test you want to run.

To display the name and format of all individual tests for a module, type t slot
number/?, where you replace slot number with the slot number of the module
for which you want to display tests, and press Return.

G.2.17 test Command
Use the test command to run a thorough test of all system hardware.
The test command format is
test

G–14 Console Commands

Console Commands
G.2 Summary of Console Commands

G.2.18 unsetenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display, set,
and remove environment variables with console commands.
•

Use the setenv command to set or change environment variables.

•

Use the printenv command to display existing environment variables.

•

Use the unsetenv command to remove environment variables.

Table G–2, earlier in this appendix, lists the environment variables you can
set.
The unsetenv command removes a standard environment variable (except
osconsole and #) during the current session only. When the system is reset,
reinitialized, or powered up, the values of the standard environment variables
revert to their previously set values.
The unsetenv command format is
unsetenv variable
When you type the unsetenv command, replace variable with the name of the
environment variable you want to remove.

Console Commands G–15

Index
A
antistatic wrist strap, 1–7
audio I/O port
multimedia, B–1

CPU modules (cont’d)
differentiating 20-megahertz and
25-megahertz, 11–2
heat sinks, 11–4
installing, 11–5
removing, 11–3
testing, 11–6

B
basic system, 1–1
boot command, 12–3
boot path variable, 12–4
button box, 1–20

C
cables
10-foot color video, 1–14
cnfg command, 3–4, 6–4, 6–12
? Command, 12–3
communication devices, 7–2
to connect, 7–2
configuration command, 12–5
configuration test, 3–3
connector pin assignments, D–1 to D–9
connectors, 1–5
console commands, 12–3
console mode, 12–1
entering, 12–2
console program, 12–1
console prompts, 3–2
console terminal, 7–4
to activate, 7–5
CPU modules

D
dial box, 1–20
disk drives
external, 6–1
internal, 9–1
supported by Digital, 9–1

E
environment variables, 12–5
printenv command, 12–6
setenv command, 12–6
unsetenv command, 12–6
equipment specifications, A–1
LK501-AA keyboard, A–9
RX26 diskette drive, A–18
RZ23L hard disk drive, A–13
RZ24 hard disk drive, A–15
RZ25 hard disk drive, A–17
system unit, A–2
VRC16 monitor, A–4
VRM17 monitor, A–6, A–8
VSXXX-BB mouse, A–11
Ethernet, 5–1
ThickWire, 5–6
twisted-pair, 5–11

Index–1

Ethernet network
completing connection, 5–17
finding station address, 5–17
ThickWire, 5–4
ThinWire, 5–4
expansion boxes, 6–6

F
floppy disk drive, 6–4
installing, 9–2
removing, 9–7
to check select number, 9–2
verifying, 9–6

H
hard disk drive
installing, 9–8
hard disk drive, internal
installing, 9–14
removing, 9–18
verifying, 9–17
heat sinks, on CPU modules, 11–4

I
icons, 1–5
indicator light, 3–1
interference, electrical, 2–2
internal disk drives, 9–1

K
keyboard, C–4
longer cables for, 1–18
to connect, 1–16
Keyboard, 1–15

L
LED (indicator light), 1–4
log-in screen, 3–5
loopback connector, 3–2, 5–2
to install, 5–3

Index–2

M
memory modules
differentiating 2-mb and 8-mb, 10–2
removing, 10–8
to install, 10–5
verifying, 10–7
monitor
as system console, 7–5
color, 1–11
connecting to TURBOchannel option
module, 1–15
gray-scale, 1–11
longer cables for, 1–14
position of, 1–3
to connect, 1–11
monitor cable, 1–20
monitor cables
10-foot color video, 1–14
10-foot grayscale, 1–14
monitors
offered by Digital, 1–11
mouse, 1–19, C–4
multimedia
audio I/O port, B–1
kits, B–2

O
on/off switch, 1–5, 3–1
operating mode, 12–1

P
part numbers, C–1
adapters, C–5
basic system components, C–2
bezels, C–5
cables, C–4
connectors, C–5
cords, C–4
Ethernet, C–4, C–5
floppy disk hardware, C–3
hardware documentation, C–6
input devices, C–4

part numbers (cont’d)
internal drives, C–3
keyboard, C–4
major FRUs, C–2
monitors, C–4
mouse, C–4
multimedia devices, C–6
power supply, C–2
SCSI, C–4, C–5
SCSI hardware, C–3
small hardware, C–5
standoffs, C–5
system module, C–2
system unit chassis, C–2
system unit cover, C–2
terminators, C–5
password, 3–2
password command, 12–2, 12–5
pin assignments
Ethernet loopback connector, part
#12-22196-02, D–9
I/O cover SCSI cable, D–2
modem loopback connector, part#1215336-13, Option #H3200,
D–9
printer/communications connector, D–4
printer/console loopback connector, D–5
SERIAL.bus, D–7
sound connector pin assignments, D–9
summary of loopback connections, D–9
ThickWire Ethernet connector, D–3
power cord, 1–20
power-up indicator light, 1–4
power-up self-test, 3–2
printenv command, 12–6

S
SCSI connector, 6–3
SCSI devices, 6–2
guidelines for connecting, 6–3
linking, 6–8
verifying, 6–12
SCSI IDs, 6–3, 6–4
changing, 6–6

SCSI IDs (cont’d)
factory assigned, 6–4
for device connected to TURBOchannel
option module, 6–6
setting, 9–8
for RZ23L hard disk drive, 9–9
for RZ24 hard disk drive, 9–10
for RZ25 hard disk drive, 9–11
verifying, 6–4
setenv command, 12–6
shutting down, 1–7
site requirements, 2–1
static electricity, 1–7
storage devices, 6–2
superuser mode, 12–2
system self-test, 3–2, 5–2
system tool, 1–8
system unit
back, 1–5
connectors on, 1–5
front, 1–4
inside, 1–7, 1–10
memory configurations, 10–5
to close, 1–10
to open, 1–7
turning off, 3–6
turning on, 3–1

T
tablet, C–4
test command, 12–6
TK50Z tape drive, 6–8
TURBOchannel extender box, 6–3, 6–8
TURBOchannel modules
used to connect to additional networks,
5–4
TURBOchannel option modules, 3–3, 11–7
connecting monitors to, 1–15
TURBOchannel SCSI adapter, 6–3

Index–3

unsetenv command, 12–6

workstation
dismantling, 4–1
increasing memory, 10–1
turning off, 3–6
workstation software
halting, 12–2
workstation software, booting
factory installed, 3–5
from external drive, 3–5
from network, 3–5

V
video connector, 1–11
voltage, 2–2, 2–3
voltage requirements, 2–1
VRC16 monitor, 1–11
VRM17 monitor, 1–11

Index–4