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EK-21ALP-IN-A01

March 1996

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Document:	AlphaServer 2100A LP System Installation/Owner's/Service Guide
Order Number:	EK-21ALP-IN
Revision:	A01
Pages:	214
Original Filename:

OCR Text

AlphaServer 2100A LP System
Installation/Owner’s/Service Guide
Order Number: EK-21ALP-IN. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

March 1996
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.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government
is subject to restrictions set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
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.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1996. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments form at the end of this document requests
your critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: AlphaServer,
DEC, DECchip, Digital, Digital UNIX, OpenVMS, StorageWorks, VAX
DOCUMENT, VMScluster, VT, and the DIGITAL logo.
COMPAQ is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
NCR is a registered trademark of NCR Corporation.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
S3041

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

EC:
Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product
may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwerklasse A. In
Wohnbereichen können bei Betrieb dieses Gerätes Rundfunkstörungen
auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen
verantwortlich ist.
Attention! Ceci est un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
domestique, ce produit risque de créer des interférences radioeléctriques,
il appartiendra alors à l’utilisateur de prendre les mesures spécifiques
appropriées.
ACOUSTICS: Preliminary declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779 (March
10, 1994):

Idle
Operating

Sound Power Level
LwAd , B

Sound Pressure Level
LpAm , dBA (Bystander
Positions)

6.5
6.5

43
43

Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital
representatives. 1 B = 10 dBA.
SCHALLEMISSIONSWERTE: Verläufige Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und
ISO 7779/DIN EN27779 (10 March 1994):

Leerlauf
Betrieb

Schalleistungspegel
LwAd , B

Schalldruckpegel
LpAm , dBA
(Zuschauerpositionen)

6.5
6.5

43
43

Aktuelle Werte für spezielle Ausrüstungsstufen sind über die Digital Equipment
Vertretungen erhältlich. 1 B = 10 dBA.

Für Bundesrepublik Deutschland
For Federal Republic of Germany
Pour la République féderale d’Allemagne
Hochfrequenzgerätezulassung und Betriebsgenehmigung
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs:
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß die Einrichtung in Übereinstimmung mit
den Bestimmungen der DBP-Verfügung 523/1969, Amtsblatt 113/1969, und
Grenzwertklasse "A" der VDE0871, funkentstört ist.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation (BZT), hat diesem
Gerät eine EMV-Zulassungsnummer zugeteilt.
Betriebsgenehmigung:
Hochfrequenzgeräte dürfen erst in Betrieb genommen werden, nachdem hierfür
von der für den vorgesehenen Aufstellungsort zuständigen Außenstelle des
Bundesamtes für Post und Telekommunikation (BAPT) die Genehmigung erteilt
ist.
Als Antrag auf Erteilung einer Genehmigung dient eine Anmeldepostkarte
(Anhang des Handbuches) mit Angabe der EMV-Zulassungsnummer.
Der untere Teil der Anmeldepostkarte ist vom Betreiber zu vervollständigen
und an die örtliche Außenstelle des Bundesamtes für Post und
Telekommunikation (BAPT) zu schicken. Der obere Teil bleibt beim Gerät.
Betreiberhinweis:
Das Gerät wurde funktechnisch sorgfältig entstört und geprüft. Die
Kennzeichnung mit der Zulassungsnummer bietet Ihnen die Gewähr, daß
dieses Gerät keine anderen Fernmeldeanlagen einschließlich Funkanlagen stört.
Sollten bei diesen Geräten ausnahmsweise trotzdem, z.B. im ungünstigsten Fall
beim Zusammenschalten mit anderen EDV-Geräten, Funkstörungen auftreten
kann das im Einzelnen zusätzliche Funkentstörungsmaßnahmen durch den
Benutzer erfordern.
Bei Fragen hierzu wenden Sie sich bitte an die örtlich zuständige Außenstelle
Ihres Bundesamtes für Post und Telekommunikation (BAPT).
Externe Datenkabel:
Sollte ein Austausch der von Digital spezifizierten Datenkabel nötig werden,
muß der Betreiber für eine einwandfreie Funkentstörung sicherstellen, daß
Austauschkabel im Aufbau und Abschirmqualität dem Digital Originalkabel
entsprechen.
Kennzeichnung:
Die Geräte werden bereits in der Fertigung mit der Zulassungsnummer
gekennzeichnet und mit einer Anmeldepostkarte versehen. Sollte
Kennzeichnung und Anmeldepostkarte übergangsweise nicht mit ausgeliefert
werden kontaktieren Sie bitte das nächstgelegene Digital Equipment
Kundendienstbüro.

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

1 Introduction
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The AlphaServer 2100A LP System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location of the Controls and Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Front of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel (OCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OCP Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Front Internal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Top of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Rear of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–1
1–3
1–5
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–10
1–11
1–11
1–13

2 Installation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Installing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying the Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the System on the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Slide Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–1
2–2
2–2
2–4
2–6
2–7
2–8
2–8
2–9
2–11
2–11
2–11
2–11
2–14

vii

Cabinet Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cabinet Rail-Hole Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Installation Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Slides to the Cabinet Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the U-Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mounting the System on the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning the System Slides to the Cabinet Rails . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Interlock Actuator Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Interlock Actuator Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Cable Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable Management: Cable Routing Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial/Parallel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Keyboard/ Mouse/Video Extension Cables . . . . . . .
Expanding the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–14
2–15
2–15
2–17
2–18
2–19
2–21
2–22
2–24
2–24
2–26
2–29
2–31
2–33
2–33
2–33
2–34
2–34
2–36
2–38
2–42

3 Setup and Basic Operation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Diagnostic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preboot Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching Between Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Autobooting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extended Power-Down (AC Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

3–1
3–2
3–2
3–2
3–3
3–4
3–6
3–10
3–13
3–14
3–15
3–16
3–16
3–16
3–18
3–19
3–19
3–19
3–19

Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Halt Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–19
3–20
3–20

4 Options and Upgrades
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upgrade Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning Your Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Third-Party Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware Menu Options for Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware Console Commands for Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting and Showing Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard I/O Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISA Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying EISA and ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA and ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Configuration Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Running the ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA/ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Native SCSI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the 5.25-Inch Removable- Media Device . . . . . . . .
Installing Internal DSSI Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal DSSI Cable for EISA-to-DSSI Adapters . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Internal DSSI Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Port Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–1
4–2
4–2
4–3
4–4
4–4
4–5
4–5
4–5
4–6
4–6
4–8
4–10
4–11
4–12
4–13
4–14
4–15
4–16
4–17
4–18
4–19
4–19
4–19
4–20
4–20
4–23
4–25
4–27
4–29
4–29
4–30
4–34
4–34
4–34
4–36

5 Troubleshooting the System
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determine the Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Considerations Before Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying and Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Type of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of System Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precall Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Support Center Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems Getting to Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display . . . . . . . . . .
Console Reported Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show fru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional EISA Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating System Reported Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activating the Fail-Safe Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2
5–2
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–4
5–5
5–5
5–6
5–6
5–6
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–15
5–16
5–18
5–21
5–23
5–24
5–25
5–26
5–27
5–28
5–28

6 Removal and Replacement
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extending the Chassis for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–1
6–2
6–2
6–2
6–3
6–4
6–4
6–5
6–6
6–6
6–7

Operator Control Panel Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU and Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX23L Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote I/O Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Speed-Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermal Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ28 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I/O Backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–8
6–8
6–9
6–10
6–10
6–11
6–12
6–12
6–13
6–14
6–14
6–14
6–16
6–16
6–16
6–18
6–18
6–19
6–20
6–20
6–21
6–22
6–22
6–23
6–24
6–24
6–25
6–26
6–26
6–27
6–28
6–28
6–29
6–30
6–30
6–31
6–33
6–33
6–34
6–35
6–35
6–36

A Hardware Specifications
In This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A–1
A–2
A–2
A–2
A–3

B Field Replaceable Units
In This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B–1

Boot Menu Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–9

AlphaServer 2100A LP System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel (OCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the OCP Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Clearance and Service Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Brackets to the Right Slide Assembly . . . . . . .
Attaching the Slide Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation Area and Mounting Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Slides to the Cabinet Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mounting the System on the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning the System Slides to the Cabinet Rails . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Interlock Actuator Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Cable Management Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–2
1–6
1–7
1–10
1–11
1–12
1–13
2–3
2–5
2–12
2–14
2–16
2–17
2–20
2–21
2–23
2–25
2–28
2–30

Index
Examples
3–1

Figures
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
2–1
2–2
2–3
2–4
2–5
2–6
2–7
2–8
2–9
2–10
2–11
2–12
xii

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

Example of Cable Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Keyboard/Mouse/Video Extension Cables . . . . .
SCSI Expansion and Optional RAID and/or DSSI Ports . . . .
Powered-Down System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Startup Diagnostic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Name Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Bus Option Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA and ISA Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Removable-Media Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding the Device into Enclosure and Mounting to Front
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opening Rear Cover of Enclosure and Connecting Data and
Power Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Internal DSSI Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (W6) on the Standard I/O
Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extending the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Operator Control Panel
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Operator Control Panel
Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the CPU and Memory Modules . . .
Removing and Replacing the Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Safety Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the RX23L Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Remote I/O Module . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Fan Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Fan Speed-Control Module . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Thermal Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–32
2–33
2–35
2–37
2–41
2–43
3–3
3–5
3–6
3–17
3–18
4–8
4–12
4–18
4–28
4–31
4–32
4–33
4–35
5–29
6–3
6–5
6–7
6–9
6–11
6–13
6–15
6–17
6–19
6–21
6–23
6–25
6–27
xiii

6–14
6–15
6–16
6–17

Removing and Replacing the RZ28 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the System Backplane . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the I/O Backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–29
6–32
6–34
6–37

System Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Cord Order Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70-32770-01) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus (EISA
Options Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Identify a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying and Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problem Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Support Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Problems Getting to Console Mode . . . . .
Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AlphaServer 2100A Low-Profile System Chassis FRUs . . . . .

1–3
2–6
2–9

Tables
1–1
2–1
2–2
4–1
4–2
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–6
5–7
5–8
5–9
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–14
A–1
A–2
A–3
B–1

xiv

4–24
4–25
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–7
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–19
5–20
5–22
5–24
5–25
5–26
A–2
A–2
A–3
B–1

Preface
Purpose of This Guide
This guide describes how to install, operate, troubleshoot, and
maintain the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system.
This guide also describes the associated options and upgrades.

Who Should Use This Guide
This guide is for Digital service personnel or qualified selfmaintenance customers who are familiar with installing
computer systems, and for system managers and others who
perform system management tasks.

Structure of This Guide
This guide is organized in the following manner:
•

Chapter 1 — Introduces the system and describes the basic
components and controls.

•

Chapter 2 — Describes how to install the system.

•

Chapter 3 — Describes the setup and basic operation of the
system.

•

Chapter 4 — Describes the associated options and upgrades.

•

Chapter 5 — Explains how to identify and resolve system
problems that prevent proper operation.

•

Chapter 6 — Describes the removal and replacement
procedures for the major system components.

•

Appendix A — Provides the system hardware specifications.

•

Appendix B — Lists all FRUs and their part numbers for
the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system chassis.

Related Documents
Other documents related to the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile
system include the following:

xvi

•

AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware Reference Guide
(EK-AXPFW-RM)

•

AlphaServer 2100 Windows NT Release Notes
(EK-WNTFS-IN)

•

Alpha Systems DSSI VMScluster Installation and
Troubleshooting (EK-D4AXP-TS)

•

OpenVMS Alpha System Dump Analyzer Utility Manual
(AA-PV6UB-TE)

•

Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA-PS2TA-TE)

•

DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s Guide
(AA-PTTMA-TE)

Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide uses the following conventions:
Convention

Meaning

Note

A note calls the reader’s attention to any
item of information that may be of special
importance.

Caution

A caution contains information essential to
avoid damage to the equipment.

Warning

A warning contains information essential to
the safety of personnel.

Circled numbers provide a link between
figures and text.

MONOSPACE

Text displayed on the screen is shown in
monospace type.

bold type

Bold type denotes user input.

italic type

Italic type emphasizes important
information, indicates variables, and
indicates complete titles of manuals.

n.nn

A period in numerals signals the decimal
point indicator. For example, 1.75 equals
one and three-fourths.

Ctrl/x

Ctrl/x indicates that you hold down the Ctrl
key while you press another key or mouse
button (indicated here by x).

Return

Specific keys such as the Return key are
represented in boxes.

A lowercase italic x indicates the generic use
of a letter. For example, xxx indicates any
combination of three alphabetic characters.

A lowercase italic n indicates the generic use
of a number. For example, 19nn indicates a
4-digit number in which the last 2 digits are
unknown.

[]

In format descriptions, brackets indicate
optional elements. You can choose none, one
or more, or all of the options.

xvii

Safety Symbols
The following symbols appear on the system. Please review their
definitions below:
This Attention symbol is used to alert readers
about specific safety conditions. When this symbol
appears on equipment, the user should read separate
instructional material related to the particular safety
condition being addressd.
Warning: CPU and Memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.
Warning: This area contains electrical energy.
Disconnect the ac power cord(s) to the system before
accessing this area.
Warning: High voltage shock hazard present inside
the power supply.

xviii

1
Introduction

In This Chapter

This chapter introduces the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile
system and describes the system components and controls.

The
AlphaServer
2100A LP
System

The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system (refer to Figure 1–1)
is a high-performance superserver for multiuser environments.
The system is contained in a slide-mounted chassis that fits into
a standard 48.26-cm (19-in.) EIA cabinet. The system complies
with the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard 310C
and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 297
standards that enable installation into a cabinet with rails with
the English RETMA (Radio Electronics Television Manufacturers
Association) rail-hole pattern.
The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system is part of the
AlphaServer 2100 product line. This product line is a family
of Alpha, symmetric multiprocessor, server systems that
are supported by multiple operating systems (Digital UNIX,
OpenVMS, and Windows NT). These server systems are
suitable for several computing environments: general-purpose
commercial, high-performance application and database, and PC
LAN server.
The server’s CPU is based on the DECchip 21164 processor chip
running at 250 MHz or 291 MHz.

Introduction 1–1

Introduction

Figure 1–1 AlphaServer 2100A LP System

C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TO P

Co nf ig

ur at io

n
BA -74

BO TT

3-A 9
M0
CP U0

OM
CP U3

/M1

A LPHASERVER
210 0A 5/2

50R M

LJ-04744-TI0

1–2 Introduction

Introduction

Characteristics

Table 1–1 highlights the specific characteristics of the
AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system.

Table 1–1 System Characteristics
Characteristic

Description

Two–processor capability

May be configured as a uniprocessor or as a dual
processor.

High-performance PCI I/O
subsystem

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is the
emerging industry-standard bus that supports Digital
and third-party options.
The current implementation of PCI on the server has a
peak bandwidth of 132 MB/s. The server has two PCI
buses for a total bandwidth of 264 MB/s.

EISA I/O bus

33 MB/s EISA I/O bus supports industry-standard EISA
options, such as:
Network adapters
Video/audio options
Storage adapters

Internal mass storage

One RZ28 hard disk drive storage device is standard in
the system, and contains up to 2 GB of storage space.

External storage devices

Supports external StorageWorks compatible
storage devices for low-cost, high-capacity, flexible
configurations. This provides the ability to have many
independent disks that may be configured in stripe sets,
shadow sets, or RAID sets to optimize performance
according to customer requirements.

High availability

Supports disk hot swap in external StorageWorks
shelves as well as clustering with proper software and
controllers.

CPU chip technology

The DECchip 21164 is manufactured by using Digital’s
state-of-the-art CMOS process.

CPU clock rates

250 MHz and 291 MHz for DECchip 21164

CPU chip design features

Superscalar, superpipelined
(continued on next page)

Introduction 1–3

Introduction

Table 1–1 (Cont.) System Characteristics
Characteristic

Description

System bus bandwidth

667 MB/s (128-bit, 24-ns cycle)

Memory

Up to 1.5 GB of main memory

1–4 Introduction

Components and Controls

Location of the
Controls and
Components

System components and controls are located at the front, top,
and rear of the system.

Introduction 1–5

Components and Controls

Components:
Front of
System

Figure 1–2 shows the components on the front of the system.

Figure 1–2 Front Components

5
6
7
C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TOP

Co nfi gu

rat ion
BA- 743

-A9
M0
CPU 0

BOT TOM

CPU 3/M

A LPHASERVER
2100A 5/25

0RM

1
2

! Front bezel
" OCP door
# Metal insert for optional

5.25-inch removable-media storage
device opening
Front bezel pull loops

1–6 Introduction

4
LJ-04745-TI0

% Front cover
& Operator control panel (OCP)
' RX23L floppy drive
( Space for optional 5.25-inch removable-media
storage device

Components and Controls

Operator
Control Panel
(OCP)

The operator control panel (OCP), shown in Figure 1–3, is
located on the front of the system. It contains a diagnostic
display and buttons that allow the user to power, halt, and reset
the system.
Figure 1–3 Operator Control Panel (OCP)

5
LJ-04746-TI0

! Power-up/diagnostic display
" DC On/Off button
# Halt button (Digital UNIX and

$ Reset button
% Speaker

OpenVMS systems only)

Introduction 1–7

Components and Controls

! Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
The power-up/diagnostic display shows system status
messages during the power-up and diagnostics sequence.
Use the display to check the results of system self-tests.
For information about interpreting specific messages, refer
to the Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
section in Chapter 5.

" DC On/Off

The DC On/Off button controls the flow of dc power to the
system. Use the DC On/Off button and the ac power cord to
apply and disconnect power to the system. The DC On/Off
light, located on the DC On/Off button, is lit whenever dc
power is present.

# Halt (Digital UNIX and OpenVMS systems only)

The Halt light, located on the Halt button, comes on briefly
during the system self-tests. Thereafter, the Halt light comes
on and remains lit whenever dc power is present and the
Halt button is in the in position.
Invoking Console Mode: Pressing the Halt button invokes
console mode when Digital UNIX and OpenVMS are running.
Pressing the Halt button has no effect when Windows NT is
running.
Caution
Pressing the Halt button interrupts your operating
system session. Before pressing the Halt button, shut
down the operating system according to the operating
system shutdown procedure described in your operating
system documentation.

Returning to Operating System Mode: To return to
operating system mode, press the Halt button to the out
position and reboot the operating system.

1–8 Introduction

Components and Controls

Note
If the Halt button is pressed by mistake and few or no
console commands have been entered, it may be possible
to resume your operating system session by entering the
continue command.

Before Power-Up: Pressing the Halt button before
turning the system on prevents the system from booting the
operating system. Instead, the system will remain in console
mode. To boot the operating system and continue system
operation, press the Halt button to the out position.

$ Reset

Pressing the Reset button resets the system. The system
aborts all current processes, initializes, and then performs
startup self-tests. Use the Reset button to reset the system
if it hangs, or to initialize the system if you have changed
system settings.
Caution
Pressing the Reset button halts all system processes. Do
not press the Reset button while the operating system is
running unless your system is hung and all other ways of
terminating the process have been exhausted.

Introduction 1–9

Components and Controls

After the system is installed in a cabinet, the OCP door allows
access to the OCP controls without removing the front bezel.
To open the OCP door, unlock the door
and pull the upperright edge
of the door away from the system as shown in
Figure 1–4.

OCP Door

Figure 1–4 Unlocking the OCP Door

2
C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TO P

Co nf ig

ur at io

n
BA -74

BO TT

3-A 9
M0
CP U0

OM
CP U3

/M1

A LPHASERVER
210 0A 5/2

50R M

LJ-04747-TI0

1–10 Introduction

Components and Controls

Components:
Front Internal

Figure 1–5 shows the CPU and memory module card-cage area
that is located behind the front cover.
Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.

Figure 1–5 Front Internal Components

C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TOP

Co nfi gu

rat ion
BA- 743

BOT TOM

-A9
M0
CPU 0

CPU 3/M

95%

LJ-04749-TI0

Components:
Top of System

Figure 1–6 shows the location of the top cover to the area
containing the PCI and EISA interface boards, the fan, the fan
speed-control module, the power supply, the remote I/O module,
and the RZ28 hard disk drive.

Introduction 1–11

Components and Controls

Figure 1–6 Top Components

1
C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TO P

Co nf ig

ur at io

n
BA -74

BO TT

3-A 9
M0
CP U0

OM
CP U3

/M1

7
8

10
LJ-04748-TI0

! Top cover
" Safety cover
# Fan
$ Fan speed-control module
% Power supply

1–12 Introduction

& RZ28 hard disk drive
' Remote I/O module
( PCI/EISA interface card cage
) Standard I/O card
+> Thermal sensor

Components and Controls

Figure 1–7 shows the major components at the rear of the
system.

Components:
Rear of System

Figure 1–7 Rear Components
10

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

PCI6

Hose 0/Bus 0

! PCI board slots
" EISA board slot
# PCI/EISA board slot
$ Parallel port
% Serial port (COM1)
& Serial port (COM2)

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

LJ-04750-TI0

' Keyboard port
( Mouse port
) SCSI-3 port knockouts
+> SCSI-2/DSSI port knockouts
+? Standard I/O card
+@ AC input receptacle

Introduction 1–13

2
Installation

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Verifying the Site Preparation

•

Tools Required

•

Unpacking the Shipment

•

Installing the System Slides

•

Mounting the System on the Slides

•

Using the Interlock System

•

Installing the Cable Management System

•

Connecting to Networks

•

Connecting Peripherals

Before
Installing the
System

Warning
Only a qualified service person should install the system.
A qualified service person is an individual who has the
technical training and experience necessary to be aware
of the:
•

Hazards to which they are exposed in performing a
task

•

Measures to minimize the danger to themselves or
other persons.

A qualified service person need not be a Digital service
representative.

Installation 2–1

Verifying the Site Preparation

Verifying the Site Preparation
Overview

The installation instructions that follow assume that:
•

All cables that you plan to connect to your system are in
place and clearly labeled. These cables are:
Terminal data cables
Telephone cables
Network cables

•

The specifications and conditions listed in Appendix A have
been met.

•

The system is located in an area that provides sufficient
clearance for ventilation and servicing. Figure 2–1 shows the
recommended clearance for the system.

Caution
Do not impede airflow by obstructing the front and rear
of the unit. Exceeding internal thermal limits can affect
system reliability/availability.

Warning
The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system can weigh
up to 34.02 kg (75.0 lb). To prevent personal injury and
equipment damage, ensure that the system is contained
in an enclosure that can be stabilized when the system is
pulled out on its slides.

2–2 Installation

Verifying the Site Preparation

Figure 2–1 System Clearance and Service Area

80%
48.3 cm
(19 in)

61.0 cm
(24 in)

68.6 cm
(27 in)

61.0 cm
(24 in)

LJ-04751-TI0

Installation 2–3

Verifying the Site Preparation

Power
Requirements

Your system has one power supply. Figure 2–2 shows the power
requirements for the power supply.
Voltage selection is not required. This equipment is intended for
use at all rated ac-input voltages.
Warning: High voltage shock hazard present inside
the power supply.

2–4 Installation

Verifying the Site Preparation

Figure 2–2 Power Requirements

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

100-120 V (8.2 A)
220-240 V (4.1 A)

= Properly Grounded Power Receptacle
LJ-04752-TI0

Installation 2–5

Verifying the Site Preparation

Power Cords

Power cords for the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system are
country-specific. The system is shipped with two U.S. power
cords [PN: 17-00083-49 (120 V) and PN: 17-00083-50 (240 V)].
For a list of the available power cords and their appropriate part
numbers, refer to Table 2–1 and note the following:
•

If a customer, use the Power Cord BN Number to identify
the power cord that you need.

•

If a Digital service representative, use the Digital Number to
identify the power cord that you need.
Note
One power cord is needed for the power supply in your
system.

Table 2–1 Power Cord Order Numbers
Country

Power Cord BN Number

Digital Number

U.S., Japan, Canada 1

—

17-00083-49
17-00083-50

Australia, New Zealand

BN19J-2E

17-00198-13

Central European (Aus,
Bel, Fra, Ger, Fin, Hol,
Nor, Swe, Por, Spa)

BN19D-2E

17-00199-22

U.K., Ireland

BN19B-2E

17-00209-12

Switzerland

BN04B-2E

17-00210-12

Denmark

BN19L-2E

17-00310-06

Italy

BN19N-2E

17-00364-17

India, South Africa

BN19T-2E

17-00456-15

Israel

BN19Y-2E

17-00457-15

1 These power cords are included with the system.

2–6 Installation

Tools Required

Tools Required
The tools required to install the rackmount system are:
•

Scissors

•

Flat-blade screwdriver

•

Phillips-head screwdriver

•

Adjustable wrench

Installation 2–7

Unpacking the Shipment

Unpacking the Shipment
Checking the
Shipment

Note
Save all packing materials in case you need to return the
system for service or to reship the system.

Check the packing list to ensure that all items listed have
been received. If any item is missing or damaged, contact
your delivery agent immediately and notify your Digital sales
representative.
Your shipment may include several cartons. One carton contains
the system, hardware documentation, software documentation,
system software, diagnostic software, and software licenses.
Depending on your order, your shipment may also include some
of the following components:
•

Terminals

•

Printers

•

Modems

•

Options
Warning
The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system can weigh
up to 34.02 kg (75.0 lb). Use sufficient personnel and
the proper equipment to remove the system from the
shipping carton.

2–8 Installation

Unpacking the Shipment

Accessories

Table 2–2 lists the mounting hardware included with the system
for installation in a standard 48.26-cm (19-in.) EIA cabinet.
Table 2–2 Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70-32770-01)
Description

Part Number

Quantity

Rubber grommet

12-31734-01

Ethernet loopback connector

12-22196-02

Serial line adapter

H8571-J

Power cord, term 3-14 SJT 120 V

17-00083-49

Power cord, term 18-3 SJT 240 V

17-00083-50

Chassis slide assembly

12-46462-01

1 pair

Cable management bracket (cabinet)

74-50691-01

Cable management bracket (system)

74-51123-01

Interlock actuator bracket

74-48999-17

Stabilizer bracket

74-48996-01

Actuator latch

74-48997-02

Stabilizer bracket nut plate

74-48998-01

Screw, 10-32 truss-head

90-00063-37

Set screw, 6-32

90-06291-10

Screw, 10-32 truss-head

90-00063-39

Cable tie, 1.25-inch diameter

90-07031-01

U-nut, 10-32 x 0.615L

90-07786-00

Key

90-11194-01

Kepnut, M4 x 7 mm

90-40203-02

Pan-head screw, M4 x 8 mm

90-09984-19

Pan-head screw, M3 x 6 mm

90-09984-20

Laminate

99-08213-01

Rubber bumper

12-09750-02

Push-pin jumpers

12-14314-00

(continued on next page)

Installation 2–9

Unpacking the Shipment

Table 2–2 (Cont.) Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70-32770-01)

2–10 Installation

Description

Part Number

Quantity

Removable-media enclosure

70-32896-01

RZ28 hard disk drive top drive
mounting bracket

74-51331-01

Keyboard/Mouse/Video extension cable
kit

2T-450KM-AA

AlphaServer 2100A LP System
Installation/Owner’s/Service Guide

EK-21ALP-IN

AlphaServer 2100A Customer Kit

QZ-00TAA-GC

Installing the System on the Slides

Overview

The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system is shipped with one
pair of slide assemblies (PN: 12-46462-01), which include:
•

Four brackets for standard 48.26-cm (19-in.) EIA cabinet
installation

•

Pair of slide assemblies

•

Attaching hardware

Installing the system on the slides involves the following major
steps:
1. Preparing the slides
2. Attaching the slide races
3. Attaching the slides to the cabinet rails
4. Mounting the system on the slides

Tools Required

A Phillips-head screwdriver and a small adjustable wrench are
needed to install the rackmount system.

Preparing the
Slides

Refer to Figure 2–3 and prepare the slides as follows:
Caution
To avoid damaging the slides, it is important that the
installation be performed as instructed in the following
procedure.

! for the right-hand side that is

1. Find the slide assembly
shipped with the system.

2. Pull out the inside race
until it locks. Do not remove the
race from the slide assembly at this time.

Installation 2–11

Installing the System on the Slides

3. Slide a long mounting bracket
slide assembly .

# onto the rear end of the

Figure 2–3 Attaching the Brackets to the Right Slide Assembly

1
4

5
14

3
7

10
2

LJ-04753-TI0

4. Attach the rear mounting bracket
to the slide assembly
using the mounting hole shown in Figure 2–3 and one 8-32
screw , flat washer , lock washer , and nut , but do
not tighten. The mounting bracket must be loose enough to
adjust later.

5. Press in on the locking lever
the slide assembly .

(, and pull the race " out of

6. Slide a short mounting bracket
slide assembly .

2–12 Installation

) onto the front end of the

Installing the System on the Slides

7. To fasten the front mounting bracket to the slide assembly,
proceed as follows:

a. Pull out the inside slide
about halfway, enough to align
one half-inch access hole on the inside slide with the
on the slide assembly
and the front
mounting hole
mounting bracket . The hole on the slide assembly
aligns with the hole on the mounting bracket as shown
in Figure 2–3.

)

)
+@

b. Attach the front mounting bracket
to the slide
assembly
using one 8-32 screw , flat washer , lock
washer , and nut . Tighten the screw.

Slide the race
back into the slide assembly and set this
assembly aside.

8. Find the slide assembly for the left-hand side that is shipped
with the system.
Caution
To avoid damaging the slides, it is important that the
installation be performed as instructed in the procedure
previously outlined in steps 2 through 7.

9. Attach the rear and front mounting brackets (following steps
2 through 7) using a long mounting bracket for the rear end
of the slide assembly and a short mounting bracket for the
front end of the slide assembly.

Reminder
Figure 2–3 shows how to attach the front and rear
mounting brackets to a right slide assembly. Use this
figure as a reference only when assembling the left slide
assembly.

Installation 2–13

Installing the System on the Slides

Attaching the
Slide Races

To attach the slide races, refer to Figure 2–4 and proceed as
follows:
1. Remove the race from the right slide assembly.
2. Attach the right slide race to the right side of the system
chassis (as viewed from the front) using four pan-head
screws.
3. Remove the race from the left slide assembly.
4. Attach the left slide race to the left side of the system chassis
(as viewed from the front) using four pan-head screws.

Figure 2–4 Attaching the Slide Races

LJ-04754-TI0

Cabinet
Stability

Warning
To ensure cabinet stability, Digital does not recommend
installing the system in the top area of the cabinet.

2–14 Installation

Installing the System on the Slides

Cabinet
Rail-Hole
Pattern

In a standard 48.26-cm (19-in.) EIA cabinet, the holes in the
cabinet rails follow a pattern of 1.27 cm (0.50 in.), 1.59 cm (0.625
in.), and 1.59 cm (0.625 in.). This pattern is repeated for the
length of the cabinet rails.

Determining
the Installation
Area

To determine the installation area, perform the following steps
at the front and rear cabinet rails (refer to Figure 2–5).
Step

Action

Select a section of the cabinet rail where there is a
1.27 cm (0.50 in.) space between two holes.

Make a mark between the holes. This is the starting
point of the installation area.

Count up or down three holes. This is one set and
equals 4.45 cm (1.75 in.).

Count up or down four sets and make a mark. The
area between the marks is the installation area.

The total installation area is 17.8 cm (7.0 in.). The equation for
calculating the total installation area is:
4.45 cm (1.75 in.) 2 4 sets = 17.8 cm (7.0 in.)
Note
The hole count described in this section determines the
system installation location in any 17.8-cm (7-in.) area of
the cabinet.

Installation 2–15

Installing the System on the Slides

Figure 2–5 Installation Area and Mounting Holes

7 "

"Installation Area"
5 1/4"

6
5
4
3
2
1

0.625 inch
0.625 inch
0.500 inch
0.625 inch
0.625 inch
0.500 inch
0.625 inch
0.625 inch
0.500 inch
0.625 inch

3 1/2"

1 3/4"

"1.75 Rule"

Scale = 17/64

LJ-04756-TI0

! Hole 1 for attaching slide bracket $ Bar nut (placed behind rail [front and back
" Hole 2 for attaching slide bracket rails])
# Hole 3 for attaching slide bracket % Hole 6 for U-nut used to secure system to
front rails
& Hole 11 for U-nut used to secure system to
front rails

2–16 Installation

Installing the System on the Slides

To attach the slides to the cabinet rails, refer to Figure 2–6 and
proceed as follows:

Attaching the
Slides to the
Cabinet Rails

1. Locate the right slide assembly. Attach the right slide
assembly
to the right front cabinet rail
(facing the front
and a
of the cabinet) using three 10-32 truss-head screws
bar nut . Do not tighten the screws at this time.

!
$

2. Attach the right slide assembly
to the right rear cabinet
rail
using three 10-32 truss-head screws
and a bar nut
. Do not tighten the screws at this time.

3. Tighten the 8-32 screw attaching the rear mounting bracket
to the right slide assembly (shown in Figure 2–3).
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to attach the left slide assembly to
the left cabinet rails.
5. Tighten the screws on the front and rear cabinet rails only
enough to allow play for the slides to self-align when the
system is installed.
Figure 2–6 Attaching the Slides to the Cabinet Rails

6
1
2

5
4

LJ-04757-TI0

Installation 2–17

Installing the System on the Slides

Installing the
U-Nuts

Four U-nuts must be installed on the cabinet rails to receive the
screws that secure the system to the rails. To install the U-nuts,
proceed as follows:
1. Locate the 6th and 11th holes on the front rails in the
installation area (refer to Figure 2–5).
2. Install a U-nut over each mounting hole identified in step
1 by sliding the U-nut over the edge of the cabinet rail and
aligning it with the hole. Ensure that the threaded half of
the U-nuts are toward the inside of the cabinet.

2–18 Installation

Installing the System on the Slides

Mounting the
System on the
Slides

To mount the system on the slides, refer to Figure 2–7 and
proceed as follows:
Warning
The fully-loaded AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
can weigh up to 34.02 kg (75 lb). Use sufficient personnel
and the proper equipment when lifting or moving the
system.

Stabilize the cabinet before installing the system into the
cabinet. Figure 2–7 shows an example of a cabinet with the
extended.
stabilizer foot

1. Pull both equipment slides
positions.

" out fully to their locked

2. Lift the chassis and position it so that the slide races
into the front end of the slides.

# fit

3. Push the system into the slides until it stops. Push in on
the two locking levers , and then push the system into the
cabinet.

Installation 2–19

Installing the System on the Slides

Figure 2–7 Mounting the System on the Slides

3
SCALE=1/10

2–20 Installation

LJ-04758-TI0

Installing the System on the Slides

Aligning the
System Slides
to the Cabinet
Rails

To align the system slides to the cabinet rails and ensure smooth
operation in and out of the cabinet, refer to Figure 2–8 and
proceed as follows:
1. Pull up on the front of the system and secure the system to
the front cabinet rails using four 10-32 truss-head screws.
The screws go through the system brackets and into the
four U-nuts previously installed on the cabinet rails (refer to
Figure 2–5).
2. Securely tighten all twelve screws fastening the slides to the
cabinet rails. These were installed earlier in the Attaching
the Slides to the Cabinet Rails section (refer to Figure 2–6).
Figure 2–8 Aligning the System Slides to the Cabinet Rails

LJ-04759-TI0

Installation 2–21

Installing the System on the Slides

Attaching the
Power Cord

To install the power cord, refer to Figure 2–9 and attach the
power cord to the ac input receptacle on the rear of the system.
Note
At this time, leave the other end of the power cord
disconnected from the cabinet power distribution unit.
This connection serves as an ac power switch.

2–22 Installation

Installing the System on the Slides

Figure 2–9 Attaching the Power Cord

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

100-120 V (8.2 A)
220-240 V (4.1 A)

= Properly Grounded Power Receptacle
LJ-04752-TI0

Installation 2–23

Using the Interlock System

Using the Interlock System
The interlock system helps prevent cabinet instability by
allowing only one system at a time to be pulled out of the
cabinet.
The interlock system consists of a vertical bar on which are
mounted actuator latches for each product installed in the
cabinet. These actuator latches engage the interlock actuator
bracket on the rear of rackmount systems. When a rackmount
system is pulled out of the cabinet, the actuator latches rotate
to prevent any other rackmounted system that has an interlock
actuator bracket from being pulled out of the cabinet.

Installing
the Interlock
Actuator
Bracket

The interlock actuator bracket helps to prevent cabinet
instability by allowing only one system at a time to be pulled
out of the cabinet. Install the interlock actuator bracket if the
system cabinet has an interlock system.
Note
In some cabinets the interlock bar in the cabinet may not
engage the interlock actuator bracket properly. In these
cases, do not install the interlock actuator bracket.

Warning
If the system is installed in a cabinet without an
interlock bar or the bar is not compatible with the
system interlock actuator bracket, it is the customer’s
responsibility to provide a stable cabinet.

Figure 2–10 shows how to mount the interlock actuator bracket.
Mount the interlock actuator bracket
at the rear of the system
using two M4 x 8 mm pan-head screws .

2–24 Installation

Using the Interlock System

Figure 2–10 Installing the Interlock Actuator Bracket

1
2

LJ-04760-TI0

Installation 2–25

Using the Interlock System

Installing
the Interlock
Actuator
Latches

If additional products are installed into the cabinet, actuator
latches for those products should be installed. To install actuator
latches, refer to Figure 2–11 and proceed as follows:
1. Remove the screws securing the bottom mounting bracket to
the cabinet .

2. Slide the mounting bracket off the bottom of the vertical bar
.

3. Slide the stabilizer bracket
bottom of the vertical bar.

% for the new product onto the

4. Slide the actuator latch
for the new product onto the
bottom of the vertical bar.

5. Replace the bottom mounting bracket
and install the
screws removed in step 1 but do not tighten them.
6. Position the stabilizer bracket so that the bottom hole in
aligns with the RETMA rail hole
the stabilizer bracket
adjacent to the top of the installed product. This may require
the loosening and sliding of other latches and stabilizer
brackets to accommodate the new configuration.

7. Place the nut plate behind the RETMA rail and install and
tighten the two 10-32 truss-head screws provided to secure
the stabilizer bracket.

8. Position the new actuator latch
to properly engage the
interlock actuator bracket , and tighten the two 6-32 set
screws to secure the latch.

9. Now tighten the screws to secure the bottom mounting
bracket .

The expanded view (A) shows the position of the actuator latches
when all systems are pushed into the cabinet. The expanded
view (B) shows the position of all actuator latches after one
system has been pulled out.

2–26 Installation

Using the Interlock System

Note
The interlock system is compatible with the AlphaServer
2100A low-profile system. Other systems may not be
compatible because the interlock actuator bracket may
not engage properly. In these cases, do not install the
interlock actuator bracket on those systems.

Warning
If a system is installed without an interlock actuator
bracket or the vertical bar in the cabinet does not engage
properly with the system interlock actuator bracket, it is
the customer’s responsibility to provide a stable cabinet.

Installation 2–27

Using the Interlock System

Figure 2–11 The Interlock System

A
5

1
2

PCI9

PCI8
Hose

PCI7

PCI6
PCI6

0/Bus

PCI7

0
Hose

PCI8
1/Bus

PCI9
EISA1

EISA2

1
4

2–28 Installation

LJ-04761-TI0

Installing the Cable Management System

Installing the Cable Management System
The cable management system consists of two brackets (PN: 7451123-01 and 74-48881-01) and cable tie wraps. When installed,
the cable management system keeps the data cables and power
cord(s) in place to prevent them from being damaged when the
system is pulled out or pushed into the cabinet.
To install the cable management system, refer to Figure 2–12
and proceed as follows:
1. Slide the system into the cabinet.
2. Attach the system cable management bracket
(PN: 74-51123-01)
to the four studs
on the rear of
the system using four M4 x 7 mm kepnuts .

3. Locate the 8th and 11th rear cabinet rail mounting holes
in the installation area established in the Determining the
Installation Area section (refer to Figure 2–5).
4. Slide four U-nuts

$ over the appropriate holes.

5. Attach the cabinet cable management bracket
(PN: 74-48881-01)
to the rear cabinet rails using four
10-32 truss-head screws .

Note
The system cable management bracket shipped with the
system may not look like the one shown in Figure 2–12.
The vertical position of the cabinet cable management
bracket is actually higher than shown in Figure 2–12.

Installation 2–29

Installing the Cable Management System

Figure 2–12 Installing the Cable Management Brackets

2
4
1

1
2

PC I9

PC I8
Ho se

PC I7
0/B us

PC I6

PC I7

0
Ho se

PC I8
1/B us

PC I9
EIS A1

4
EIS A2

3
6
5
6
LJ-04762-TI0

2–30 Installation

Installing the Cable Management System

Cable
Management:
Cable Routing
Guidelines

When routing the data cables and power cord(s) from the system
to other devices, use the following guidelines:
1. Route the data cables from the system rear ports down to the
system cable management bracket on the rear of the system
and secure them to the bracket using cable tie wraps. There
are holes in the bracket for this purpose.
Refer to Figure 2–13 for an example of how a data cable
connected to the SCSI port would be attached and routed
using the two cable management brackets.
Warning
To prevent any equipment damage and possible injury,
ensure that the cabinet is stabilized before pulling the
system out of the cabinet.

2. Pull the system out of the cabinet to the full travel of the
slides.
3. Route the data cables over the top of the cabinet cable
management bracket. Attach these data cables along the
outside of the cabinet cable management bracket using cable
tie wraps (refer to Figure 2–13).
Ensure that there is enough slack in the data cables to
prevent stress (pulling) where the data cables are attached to
the two cable management brackets.
4. Route the data cables to the appropriate equipment for
connection. The routing of these data cables is dependent
on the location of the network, peripheral, and terminal
connections.

Installation 2–31

Installing the Cable Management System

Figure 2–13 Example of Cable Routing

1
2

PC I9

PC I8
Ho se

PC I7
0/B us

PC I6

PC I7

0
Ho se

PC I8
1/B us

PC I9
EIS A1

EIS A2

LJ-04763-TI0

2–32 Installation

Connecting to Networks

Connecting to Networks
The standard network option for your system is Ethernet.
However, your system can support other network options by
using network adapters that can be connected to the EISA and
PCI buses.

Overview

For information about connecting your system to networks other
than Ethernet, refer to the documentation that came with the
network adapter.

Ethernet

The system can be connected to an AUI or 10BASE-T Ethernet
network as shown in Figure 2–14.

Figure 2–14 Ethernet Network Connections

1
2
1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

LJ-04772-TI0

! AUI Ethernet connector

" 10BASE-T Ethernet connector
Installation 2–33

Connecting Peripherals

Connecting Peripherals
Serial/Parallel
Connections

Connect a serial or parallel printer, modem, or console terminal
to your system through the serial and parallel ports at the rear
of the system (refer to Figure 2–15).
Caution
Before connecting serial or parallel devices to the system,
turn off the dc power to the system as described in the
Turning the System Off section.

For information about connecting a specific device to your
system, refer to the documentation for that device.
Note
The cable that connects to the rear of the VGA terminal
has multiple plugs. These plugs are either color-coded or
coded by letters that indicate the color. Use the coding on
the cable and the corresponding coding on the terminal
to determine where to attach each cable plug.

2–34 Installation

Connecting Peripherals

Figure 2–15 Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices

1
1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

! Parallel port
" Serial port (COM1) (console terminal)
# Serial port (COM2) (auxiliary console device)

LJ-04773-TI0

Installation 2–35

Connecting Peripherals

Terminal
Connections

Either a VGA monitor or a Digital VT–series terminal (VTxxx)
can be connected to the system as shown in Figure 2–16.
Caution
Before connecting a terminal to the system, turn off the
dc power to the system as described in the Turning the
System Off section.

For information about connecting a specific terminal to your
system, refer to the documentation for that terminal.

Note
Digital VT–series terminal (VTxxx) requires an H8571-J
serial adapter that is included with every system.

2–36 Installation

Connecting Peripherals

Figure 2–16 Terminal Connections
1
1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

PCI6

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

2
3

4
1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

LJ-04767-TI0

! VGA monitor
" Digital VT-series terminal

# 9600 baud rate (default)
$ H8571-J serial adapter

Installation 2–37

Connecting Peripherals

Installing
Keyboard/
Mouse/Video
Extension
Cables

The 2T-450KM keyboard/mouse/video extension cable kit is used
with the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system to extend the
keyboard, mouse, and video monitor cables, and to allow the
keyboard, mouse, and video monitor to be located outside the
system equipment cabinet. The 2T-450KM keyboard/mouse/video
extension cable kit consists of two 5 m (16.40 ft) keyboard/mouse
cables and one 2 m (6.56 ft) video cable.
Use Figure 2–17 and the following procedure to install the
2T-450KM keyboard/mouse/video extension cable kit:
1. Open the rear door of the equipment cabinet to access the
rear of the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system chassis.
2. Connect the male end of one of the 5 m (16.40 ft) extension
cables to the keyboard connector
on the rear of the
AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system chassis.

3. Route this extension cable to the cable management bracket
on the rear of the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
chassis and secure it to the bracket using cable tie wraps.

4. Route this extension cable to the cabinet cable management
bracket
and secure it along the outside of the bracket
using cable tie wraps.

Caution
Ensure that there is enough slack in the extension cable
to prevent stress (pulling) where the extension cable is
attached to the two cable management brackets when the
chassis is fully extended on the slides.

5. Route this extension cable down and out through the cable
egress area located at the bottom rear of the equipment
cabinet.
6. Connect the female end of the keyboard extension cable
the keyboard cable .

$ to

7. Connect the male end of the other 5 m (16.40 ft) extension
cable to the mouse connector
on the rear of the
AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system chassis.

2–38 Installation

Connecting Peripherals

8. Route this extension cable to the cable management bracket
on the rear of the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
chassis and secure it to the bracket using cable tie wraps.

9. Route this extension cable to the cabinet cable management
and secure it along the outside of the bracket
bracket
using cable tie wraps.

10. Route this extension cable down and out through the cable
egress area located at the bottom rear of the equipment
cabinet.
11. Connect the female end of the mouse extension cable
the mouse cable .

(

' to

12. Connect the male end of the 2 m (6.56 ft) extension cable to
the video card connector
on the rear of the AlphaServer
2100A low-profile system chassis.

)

13. Route this extension cable to the cable management bracket
on the rear of the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
chassis and secure it to the bracket using cable tie wraps.

14. Route this extension cable to the cabinet cable management
bracket
and secure it along the outside of the bracket
using cable tie wraps.

15. Route this extension cable down and out through the cable
egress area located at the bottom rear of the equipment
cabinet.

Installation 2–39

Connecting Peripherals

16. On the female end of the video extension cable , ensure
are installed.
that two washers and standoffs

17. Connect the female end of the video extension cable
male end of the BC13L-10 video monitor cable .

+> to the

18. Connect the female end of the BC13L-10 video monitor cable
to the video monitor.
19. Close the rear door of the equipment cabinet.

2–40 Installation

Connecting Peripherals

Figure 2–17 Installing the Keyboard/Mouse/Video Extension Cables

1
2

PC I9

PC I8
Ho se

PC I7
0/B us

PC I6

PC I7

0
Ho se

PC I8
1/B us

PC I9
EIS A1

EIS A2

2
8

5
12

11
LJ-04764-TI0

Installation 2–41

Connecting Peripherals

Expanding the System
The AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system can be expanded by
installing SCSI, RAID, and/or DSSI options, internally cabling
them to the appropriate SCSI-2/DSSI or SCSI-3 port knockouts,
and then connecting the appropriate cable from the SCSI device
connector (refer to Figure 2–18).

2–42 Installation

Expanding the System

Figure 2–18 SCSI Expansion and Optional RAID and/or DSSI Ports

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

! SCSI-2/DSSI port knockouts

LJ-04765-TI0

" SCSI-3 port knockouts

Installation 2–43

3
Setup and Basic Operation

In This Chapter

This chapter describes the setup and basic operation of the
AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system. It contains the following
topics:
•

Turning the System On

•

Turning the System Off

•

Invoking Console Mode

Setup and Basic Operation 3–1

Turning the System On

Turning the System On
Overview

Turning on the system involves the following major steps:
1. Checking the system settings
2. Applying power to the system
3. Checking the diagnostic indicators
4. Booting the operating system

Before You
Begin

To perform some of the instructions in this procedure, the OCP
door will need to be opened. The key used to lock and unlock the
OCP door is shipped with the system in the system accessories
carton. The keylock on the front of the system is shown in
Figure 1–4.

3–2 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

Checking
the System
Settings

Before turning the system on, ensure that the system buttons
are in the positions shown in Figure 3–1.

Figure 3–1 Powered-Down System Settings

LJ-04766-TI0

Setup and Basic Operation 3–3

Turning the System On

Applying Power
to the System

Note
If there are any external expansion boxes (for example,
expansion boxes that house storage devices) connected
to the system, turn the power to those devices on first
before applying power to the system.

Apply power to the system as shown in callouts
Figure 3–2.

3–4 Setup and Basic Operation

! through # in

Turning the System On

Figure 3–2 Applying Power to the System

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

LJ-04768-TI0

Setup and Basic Operation 3–5

Turning the System On

Checking the
Diagnostic
Indicators

After the system is turned on, check the status of three
diagnostic indicators (refer to Figure 3–3): the power-up
/diagnostic display
on the operator control panel, the system
startup screen , and the console prompt
(Digital UNIX or
OpenVMS systems) or Main menu (Windows NT systems).

If any of the diagnostic indicators do not appear as described,
refer to Chapter 5 for help.
Figure 3–3 System Startup Diagnostic Indicators

LJ-04769-TI0

Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
The power-up/diagnostic display will display the following
message for several seconds:
starting console
Once the system has completed self-tests, the power-up
/diagnostic display will display the value of the ocp_text
environment variable (default value is ‘‘Alpha xx MHz’’).
For information about changing the value of the ocp_text
environment variable, refer to the ‘‘set ocp_text’’ section in
Chapter 1 of the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

3–6 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

System Startup Screen
The system startup screen will scroll. To stop the screen display
from scrolling, enter Ctrl/S . To resume scrolling, enter Ctrl/Q . To
display any error messages that may have scrolled by, enter the
cat el command.
The screen will look similar to the following example:
VMS PALcode V1.17-1, OSF PALcode V1.21-1
starting console on CPU 0
initialized idle PCB
initializing semaphores
initializing heap
initial heap 1c0c0
memory low limit = 154000
heap = 1c0c0, 13fc0
initializing driver structures
initializing idle process PID
XDELTA not enabled
initializing file system
initializing timer data structures
lowering IPL
CPU 0 speed is 4.00 ns (250MHz)
access NVRAM
entering idle loop
Starting Memory Diagnostics
Testing CSIC on Memory Module 2
Testing all memory banks in parallel
Testing Memory bank 0
Testing Memory bank 1
Testing Memory bank 2
Testing Memory bank 3
Configuring Memory Modules
Configured memory size = 8000000
Memory Diagnostics completed
probing hose 0, PCI
probing PCI-to-EISA bridge, bus 1
probing PCI-to-PCI bridge, bus 2
bus 2, slot 0 -- ewa -- DECchip 21040-AA
bus 2, slot 1 -- pka -- NCR 53C810
bus 0, slot 6 -- pkb -- NCR 53C810
bus 0, slot 8 -- vga -- S3 Trio64/Trio32
probing hose 1, PCI
bus 0, slot 6 -- ewb -- DECchip 21040-AA
bus 0, slot 7 -- ewc -- DECchip 21040-AA
bus 0, slot 8 -- pkc -- DEC KZPSA
initializing keyboard

Setup and Basic Operation 3–7

Turning the System On

Memory Testing and Configuration Status
Module Size
Base Addr Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
------ ----- --------- ---------- ---------- -----2
128MB 00000000
1-Way
0
Passed
Total Bad Pages 0
Testing the System
Testing the Disks (read only)
Testing the Network
environment variable mopv3_boot created
AlphaServer 2100A Console X4.4-8615, built on Dec 19 1995 at 14:39:09
Console Prompt or Main Menu
The appropriate response on your console terminal depends on
the operating system that you plan to boot.
Note
If neither a console system prompt or a Main menu is
displayed, press Return several times.

Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Systems
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS systems are supported by the SRM
firmware. Refer to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM) for an
overview of the console subsystem.
If booting Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, the following
console prompt for the SRM firmware should be displayed:
P00>>> (1 CPU or multiple CPUs)

3–8 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

Windows NT Systems
Windows NT systems are supported by the ARC firmware. Refer
to Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM) for an overview of the console
subsystem.
If booting Windows NT systems, the following screen should be
displayed:
Example 3–1 Boot Menu Example
ARC Multiboot Alpha Version n.nn
Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft Corporation
Copyright (c) 1993 Digital Equipment Corporation
Boot menu:
Boot Windows NT
Boot an alternate operating system
Run a program
Supplementary menu...
Use the arrow keys to select, then press Enter.
Note
If the response on your terminal does not correspond to
the operating system that you plan to boot, you are using
the wrong console interface for your operating system.
Switch to the other console as described in the following
information.

Switching from SRM to ARC
To switch from the SRM console interface to the ARC console
interface, enter the arc command as follows:
P00>>> arc
Once the console firmware is loaded and the system is initialized,
the first screen of the ARC console interface is displayed.

Setup and Basic Operation 3–9

Turning the System On

Switching from ARC to SRM
To switch from the ARC console interface to the SRM console
interface, perform the following steps:
1. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary menu.
2. From the Supplementary menu, select Set up the system.
3. From the Setup menu, select Switch to OpenVMS or Digital
UNIX console. The operating system console can be selected.
4. Select the operating system and press Enter on Setup menu.
5. When the message Power-cycle the system to implement
the change displays, press the Reset button. (Do not press
the DC On/Off button.)
Once the console firmware is loaded and the system is initialized,
the SRM console interface prompt is displayed.

Preboot Tasks

You may need to perform some of the following tasks before
booting your operating system:
•

Run the EISA Configuration Utility.

•

Check the required environment variable settings.

•

Change the way that your system powers up or boots.

•

Verify your configuration.

The remainder of this section contains more information about
each of these tasks.
Run the EISA Configuration Utility
If an EISA or ISA module has been added, removed, or moved,
the EISA Configuration Utility must be run before booting the
operating system. Refer to the EISA Bus Options section in
Chapter 4.

3–10 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

Check the Required Environment Variable Settings—Digital
UNIX or OpenVMS
If running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, check that the settings for
the following environment variables match your configuration.
The console command to reset the variable is shown in
parentheses. Refer to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000
/2100/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM) for
more information on these commands.
•

Operating system (set os_type)

•

Ethernet device type (set ew*0_mode)

•

Speed for Fast SCSI devices (set pk*0_fast)

•

Boot device (set bootdef_dev)

•

Boot flags (set boot_osflags)

Reminder
Except for the set bootdef_dev and the set
boot_osflags commands, the environment variables
are set by initializing the system before booting the
operating system. The system can be initialized either by
entering the init command at the P00>>> prompt or by
pressing the Reset button on the OCP.

Change Default Power-Up or Bootstrap
To change the way the system powers up or boots the operating
system, change the default values for your system’s environment
variables. Typical changes would be to set the system to autoboot
or to change the default boot device.
•

For Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, review Chapter 1
in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware Reference
Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM). Also see the console command
pages in that chapter.

•

Windows NT systems boot automatically. To prevent
autoboot, select one of the menu options. Review Chapter
3 and Chapter 4 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

Setup and Basic Operation 3–11

Turning the System On

Verify Your Configuration
•

Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems
The following SRM console commands are used to verify
system configuration on systems running either the Digital
UNIX or OpenVMS operating system:

show config (show_config)—Displays the buses on the
system and the devices found on those buses.

show device (show_device)—Displays the devices and
controllers in the system.

show memory (sho_mem)—Displays main memory
configuration.

set and show (setting and showing environmental
variables)—Set and display environment variable
settings.
For more information about these console commands, refer to
Chapter 4.
•

Windows NT systems
The following ARC menu options are used to verify system
configuration on systems running the Windows NT operating
system:

Available Hardware Devices Display—Lists the ARC
boot devices names for devices installed in the system.

Set Default Variables—Allows you to select values for
Windows NT firmware environment variables.
For more information about these menu options, refer to
Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

3–12 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

Switching
Between
Operating
Systems

Because configuration files are different for each operating
system, you must perform the following tasks to switch from one
operating system to another on your system:
1. Invoke console mode if you are not already in console mode.
For information about invoking console mode, refer to the
Invoking Console Mode section presented later in this
chapter.
2. Insert the System Configuration Diskette for the operating
system that you are going to switch to.
3. Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) from that
diskette.
For information about running the ECU, refer to the
Configuring EISA Options section in Chapter 4.
4. Remove the ECU diskette.
5. Switch operating systems by following the procedure
described in the Console Firmware Overview section in
either Chapter 1 or Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

Setup and Basic Operation 3–13

Turning the System On

Booting the
Operating
System

One of several operating systems can be booted:
•

Digital UNIX

•

OpenVMS

•

Windows NT

In the following instructions, it is assumed that the operating
system has already been booted at least once.
Condition

Reference

If Factory Installed
Software (FIS) has not
been booted

See the Factory Installed Software
document that came with your
system.

If the system was not
shipped with Factory
Installed Software, and
the operating system
software has not been
loaded or booted

See the installation documentation
that came with your operating
system.

Booting Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Software
When booting either Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, the
console prompt P00>>> should be displayed. Boot the operating
system as follows:
Step

Action

Enter boot or b at the console prompt.
P00>>> b
The system boots the operating system using the
default values for the boot device and boot flags. A
‘‘booting system software’’ screen is displayed on the
console terminal.
After several minutes, the operating system login
banner is displayed on the console terminal.

3–14 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System On

For complete information about the boot command, refer to the
‘‘boot’’ section in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).
Booting Windows NT Software
When booting a Windows NT system, the Windows NT menu
should be displayed (refer to Example 3–1).
Windows NT will automatically begin booting after the Main
menu is displayed for several seconds.

Autobooting
the Operating
System

If the system is set to autoboot, the operating system will
automatically boot after you power up the system, press the
Reset button, or after recovery from a system crash.
To autoboot Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems:
•

Set the auto_action environment variable to either ‘‘boot’’ or
‘‘restart.’’ For more information, refer to the set auto_action
command in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

•

Ensure that the default boot device has been set to the
device from which you want the operating system to boot.
(Enter show bootdef_dev to see whether your default boot
device has already been assigned.) For information about
setting the default boot device, refer to the set bootdef_dev
command in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).
Note
The Windows NT operating system will always autoboot.

Setup and Basic Operation 3–15

Turning the System Off

Turning the System Off
Before You
Begin

It may not be necessary to turn the system off to recover from
system problems. Recovery from hangs or other minor problems
are often solved by pressing the Reset button on the OCP.
For maximum reliability, Digital recommends minimizing the
number of times that the system is turned on or off.

Turning Off the
DC Power

If the system needs to be turned off, proceed as follows:
1. Shut down the operating system according to the operating
system shutdown procedure described in your operating
system documentation.
2. Press the DC On/Off button and the Halt button to the
positions shown in Figure 3–4. (If the Halt button is set to
the in position, the system will not boot the next time the
system is turned on.)

3–16 Setup and Basic Operation

Turning the System Off

Figure 3–4 Turning Off the System

LJ-04766-TI0

Setup and Basic Operation 3–17

Turning the System Off

If an extended power-down is required, proceed as follows:

Extended
Power-Down
(AC Power)

1. Turn off the dc power to the system as described in the
previous section.
2. Turn off the ac power to the system by unplugging the ac
power cord as shown in Figure 3–5.

Figure 3–5 Turning Off the AC Power

1
2

PCI9

PCI8

PCI7

Hose 0/Bus 0

PCI6

PCI7

PCI8

PCI9
EISA1 EISA2

Hose 1/Bus 0

LJ-04771-TI0

3–18 Setup and Basic Operation

Invoking Console Mode

Invoking Console Mode
Console
Subsystem

On Alpha systems, underlying control of the system platform
hardware is provided by a console subsystem. The console
subsystem contains firmware code (software code embedded in
the hardware) that offers service functions such as initializing
and testing the hardware and bootstrapping the system software.
Because the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system supports
multiple operating systems, the server has two different versions
of console firmware. They are explained in detail in Chapter 1
(for users running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS) and Chapter 3
(for users running Windows NT) in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

Console
Terminal

A console terminal is required for your system. It allows the
issuing of commands to the system while the operating system is
not running.

Console Mode

Console mode is the state in which the system and the console
terminal operate under the control of the console firmware.
When commands can be issued from the console terminal and
firmware is executing, the system is in the console mode.
On Digital UNIX and OpenVMS systems, the console mode
prompt for a system with one CPU or multiple CPUs is P00>>>.
The control characters and supported keys can be used to enter
console commands at the console mode prompt.

Invoking
Console Mode

Invoke console mode by shutting down the operating system
according to the operating system shutdown procedure described
in your operating system documentation.

Setup and Basic Operation 3–19

Invoking Console Mode

Using the Halt
Button

If running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, the console mode can
be invoked by pressing the Halt button on the operator control
panel. However, ensure that the operating system is shut down
first.
Caution
Press the Halt button only after the operating system
has been shut down using the proper software shutdown
procedure.

Pressing the Halt button has no effect if the system has already
booted Windows NT.
For more information about using the Halt button, refer to
Figure 1–3.

Remote Access

When running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, the console
mode can be invoked from a remote terminal that is connected
to the system through the COM2 port at the rear of the system
(refer to Figure 2–15).
To invoke console mode in this way, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the remote terminal to the system.
2. Shut down the operating system.
3. When the shutdown completes, press Return .
The console prompt (P00>>>) is displayed.

3–20 Setup and Basic Operation

4
Options and Upgrades

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Upgrade Overview

•

Supported Options

•

Verifying System Configuration

•

Configuring System Options
System Bus
EISA Bus
ISA Bus
PCI Bus
SCSI Buses

•

Console Port Configurations

Options and Upgrades 4–1

Upgrade Overview

Upgrade Overview
Planning Your
Upgrade

Plan an upgrade by performing the following tasks:
1. Acquire an accurate list of the modules and devices in
your current configuration.
Refer to your operating system documentation for
information about acquiring configuration information
using an operating system command.
This information can be acquired in console mode. (Refer
to the Invoking Console Mode section in Chapter 3 for
information about invoking console mode.) Once you are in
console mode, find the configuration information as follows:
•

If running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, acquire a list of
your system’s modules and devices by entering the show
configuration command at the console prompt. (Refer
to the Verifying System Configuration section in this
chapter for more information.)

•

If running Windows NT, acquire a list of your system’s
modules and devices by following the instructions in
the Listing ARC Firmware Boot Device Names section
in Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

2. Decide how your system will be changed.
Refer to the Digital Systems and Options Catalog to obtain
the current description of the supported options.
3. Order the option(s).
4. Install and configure the option(s) using the
information in this chapter.

4–2 Options and Upgrades

•

To install the option, refer to the documentation shipped
with the option.

•

To configure the option, refer to the appropriate section
in this chapter.

Upgrade Overview

Adding
Third-Party
Devices

Third-party devices are devices purchased from vendors other
than Digital Equipment Corporation.
Before attempting to connect third-party devices or install
third-party devices inside your system unit, first check with the
third-party vendor to ensure that your system and operating
system support the device.
For information about connecting third-party SCSI or licensed
DSSI devices to the system by extending a mass-storage bus,
refer to the SCSI Buses section presented later in this chapter.

Warning: For protection against fire, only use
modules with current-limited outputs.

Options and Upgrades 4–3

Supported Options

Supported Options
Ordering
Options

For a list of the supported options, refer to the Digital Systems
and Options Catalog.
Digital Equipment Corporation regularly publishes the Digital
Systems and Options Catalog to assist customers in ordering and
configuring systems and hardware options. Each printing of the
catalog presents all of the products that are announced, actively
marketed, and available for ordering. If necessary, past editions
should be retained for reference.
•

To obtain the latest printed catalog, call 1-800-DIGITAL or
contact your Digital service representative.

•

Internet participants can obtain printable PostScript files of
any section of the catalog from the Internet. To access files
over the Internet, issue the following commands:
ftp gatekeeper.dec.com
cd /pub/digital/info/soc

4–4 Options and Upgrades

Verifying System Configuration

Verifying System Configuration
Before You
Begin

Several console commands or menu options allow examination of
the system configuration and environment variable settings.
To use these console commands or menu options, the console
mode must be invoked. For information about invoking console
mode, refer to the Invoking Console Mode section in Chapter 3.

Firmware Menu
Options for
Windows NT

The following ARC menu options are important for verifying
system configuration on systems running the Windows NT
operating system:
•

Available Hardware Devices Display—Lists the ARC device
names for devices installed in the system.

•

Set Default Variables—Allows the selection of values for
Windows NT firmware environment variables.

For information about using these menu options, refer to
Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).
Note
The next sections describe the SRM console configuration
commands. If running the Windows NT operating
system, go to the System Bus Options section in this
chapter.

Options and Upgrades 4–5

Verifying System Configuration

Firmware
Console
Commands for
Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS

show config

The following SRM console commands are important for verifying
system configuration on systems running either the Digital UNIX
or OpenVMS operating system.
•

show config (described in the show config section)—Displays
the buses on the system and the devices found on those
buses.

•

show device (described in the show device section)—Displays
the devices and controllers in the system.

•

show memory (described in the show memory section)–
Displays main memory configuration.

•

set and show (described in the Setting and Showing
Environment Variables section)–Set and display environment
variable settings. For more information about using the
set and show commands to set and display environment
variables, refer to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

The show config command displays all devices found on the
system bus, PCI bus, and EISA bus. The information in the
display can be used to identify target devices for commands such
as boot and test, as well as to verify that the system sees all
the devices that are installed.
The configuration display includes the following:
•

Core system status:
CPU, memory, and standard I/O are shown with the
results of power-up tests: P (pass), F (fail)

The remaining I/O options and devices are displayed beginning
with Hose 0, Bus 0, and proceeding through Hose 1, Bus 0.
•

•

Hose 0, Bus 0:
–

PCI slots 2 and 3 are reserved for the PCI-EISA and
PCI-PCI devices embedded on the standard I/O module.

–

PCI slots 6-9 are user option slots.

Hose 0, Bus 1:
–

4–6 Options and Upgrades

EISA slots 1 and 2 are user option slots.

Verifying System Configuration

•

Hose 0, Bus 2:
–

•

PCI slots 0 and 1 are reserved for the onboard Ethernet
and SCSI controllers located on the standard I/O
module.

Hose 1, Bus 0:
–

PCI slots 6-9 are user option slots.

Synopsis:
show config
Example:
P00>>> show config
Digital Equipment Corporation
AlphaServer 2100A 5/250
SRM Console X4.4-9904

VMS PALcode V1.17-2, OSF PALcode V1.21-1

Component
CPU 0
CPU 3
Memory 0
Memory 2
I/O

Module ID
B2040-AA DECchip (tm) 21164-1
B2040-AA DECchip (tm) 21164-1
B2021-CA 128 MB
B2021-CA 128 MB
24389-01
dva0.0.0.1000.0
RX26

Status
P
P
P
P

Slot
2
3
7

Option
Intel 82375EB
DECchip 21050-AA
DEC KZPSA

Slot
1
2
Slot
0
1

Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI
pkb0.7.0.7.0

Bridge to Bus 1, EISA
Bridge to Bus 2, PCI
SCSI Bus ID 7

Option
DE425
Compaq Qvision

Hose 0, Bus 1, EISA
ewa0.0.0.1001.0

08-00-2B-3E-B6-56

Option
DECchip 21040-AA
NCR 53C810

Hose 0, Bus 2, PCI
ewb0.0.0.2000.0
pka0.7.0.2001.0
dka0.0.0.2001.0

08-00-2B-E4-B0-09
SCSI Bus ID 7
RZ28

Slot Option
6
DEC KZPSA
8
DECchip 21040-AA
P00>>>

Hose 1, Bus 0, PCI
pkc0.7.0.6.1
ewc0.0.0.8.1

SCSI Bus ID 7
08-00-2B-E6-BB-FE

Options and Upgrades 4–7

Verifying System Configuration

show device

The show device command displays the devices and controllers in
the system. The device name convention is shown in Figure 4–1.

Figure 4–1 Device Name Convention

dka0.0.0.0.0
MA043993A

! Driver ID:
Two-letter port or class driver designator
DR–RAID set device
DV–Floppy drive
ER–Ethernet port (EISA)
EW–Ethernet port (PCI)
PK–SCSI port, DK–SCSI disk, MK–SCSI tape
PU–DSSI port, DU–DSSI disk, MU–DSSI tape

" Storage Adapter ID: One-letter storage adapter designator
(A,B,C . . . )

# Device Unit Number: Unique device unit number (MSCP
Unit Number)

SCSI unit numbers are forced to 100 X Node ID

$ Bus Node Number: Bus Node ID
% Channel Number: Used for multichannel devices
& Slot Number:

4–8 Options and Upgrades

•

For EISA options—Correspond to EISA card-cage slot
numbers (1001 = slot 1, 1002 = slot 2)

•

For PCI options:
–

2000 = Onboard Ethernet adapter

–

2001 = Onboard SCSI controller

–

Slots 6–9 = Correspond to PCI card-cage slots

Verifying System Configuration

' Hose Number
Synopsis:
show device [device_name]
Argument:
[device_name]

The device name or device abbreviation.
When abbreviations or wildcards are used, all
devices that match the type are displayed.

Example:
P00>>> show device
dka0.0.0.2001.0
dva0.0.0.1000.0
ewa0.0.0.2000.0
ewb0.0.0.8.1
ewc0.0.0.9.1
pka0.7.0.2001.0
pkb0.7.0.7.0
P00>>>

DKA0
DVA0
EWA0
EWB0
EWC0
PKA0
PKB0

RZ28 D41C
RX26/RX23
08-00-2B-E7-EB-CC
08-00-2B-E4-EC-EB
08-00-2B-E6-B9-A6
SCSI Bus ID 7
SCSI Bus ID 7 L01 A09

Options and Upgrades 4–9

Verifying System Configuration

show memory

The show memory command displays information for each memory
module in the system.
Synopsis:
show memory
Example:

P00>>> show memory

Module Size
Base Addr
------ ----- --------0
128MB 00000000
1
2
3
Total Bad Pages 0
P00>>>

Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
---------- ---------- -----1-Way
0
Passed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed

! Module slot number
" Size of memory module
# Base or starting address of memory module
$ Interleave mode—number of modules interleaved (1–4-way
interleaving)

% Interleave unit number
& Status (passed, failed, or not installed)
' Number of bad pages in memory (8 kB/page)

4–10 Options and Upgrades

Verifying System Configuration

Setting and
Showing
Environment
Variables

Environment variables are typically set when you are configuring
a system.
Synopsis:
set [-default] [-integer] -[string] envar value
show envar
Arguments:
envar

The name of the environment variable to be
modified.

value

The value that is assigned to the environment
variable. This may be an ASCII string.

Options:
-default

Restores variable to its default value.

-integer

Creates variable as an integer.

-string

Creates variable as a string (default).

Examples:
P00>>> set bootdef_dev eaz0
P00>>> show bootdef_dev
eza0
P00>>> show auto_action
boot
P00>>> set boot_osflags 0,1
P00>>>
For more information about using the set and show commands,
including the environment variables that you can set, refer
to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

Options and Upgrades 4–11

System Bus Options

System Bus Options
The system bus interconnects the CPU modules, memory
modules, and the optional PCI extended I/O module. It is
the hardware structure through which data processed by the
microprocessor is transferred throughout the system.

and system
Figure 4–2 shows the location of the system bus
bus options
on the card cage. Your system supports options
for several types of bus architectures; including EISA, ISA, and
PCI. The next sections describe the system bus options for your
system.

Figure 4–2 System Bus Option Locations

EISA2
EISA1
PCI9
PCI8
PCI7
PCI6
I/O
PCI6
PCI7
PCI8
PCI9

HOSE 0/
BUS 1
HOSE 1/
BUS 0

HOSE 0/
BUS 0

A LPHASERVER
2100A 5/250RM

M2
M0
CPU0
M1

CPU3

LJ-04776-TI0

4–12 Options and Upgrades

System Bus Options

CPU Modules

The system can support up to two (2) CPU modules in a
symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) configuration. Note the
following:
•

All systems must have a CPU module installed in system
bus slot 2 (CPU 0).
Warning
Before installing a CPU module, turn off all power to the
system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the System
Off section in Chapter 3 for information about turning off
ac and dc power.

Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.

Options and Upgrades 4–13

System Bus Options

Memory
Modules

The system can support up to three (3) memory modules (for
a maximum memory capacity of 1.5 GB). A minimum of one
memory module is required.
Warning
Before installing a memory module, turn off all power
to the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 3 for information about
turning off ac and dc power.

Memory is available in two variations as follows:
•

MS451–DA (B2021–FA) 128-MB 60-ns memory

•

MS451–FA (B2022–FA) 512-MB 60-ns memory

4–14 Options and Upgrades

Standard I/O Module

Standard I/O Module
Warning
Before installing the standard I/O module, turn off
all power to the system (both ac and dc). Refer to
the Turning the System Off section in Chapter 3 for
information about turning off ac and dc power.

The standard I/O module provides the standard set of I/O
functions and is required in all systems. The standard I/O
module resides in a dedicated slot (SIO) in the I/O card cage
(refer to Figure 4–2). It provides:
•

A Fast SCSI-2 controller chip that supports the internal
storage devices.

•

The firmware console subsystem on 512 kB of Flash ROM.

•

An Ethernet controller with AUI or twisted-pair connectors.

•

A floppy drive controller.

•

Two serial ports with full-modem control and the parallel
port.

•

The keyboard and mouse interface.

•

The speaker interface.

•

The EISA-to-PCI bridge set.

•

The TOY clock.

Options and Upgrades 4–15

EISA Bus Options

EISA Bus Options
The EISA bus (Extended Industry Standard Architecture bus) is
a 32-bit industry-standard I/O bus. The EISA bus is a superset
of the well-established 16-bit ISA bus and has been designed to
accept newer 32-bit components while still remaining compatible
with older 8-bit and 16-bit cards.
EISA offers good performance, up to 33 MB/s for bus masters
and direct memory access (DMA) devices. Up to two (2) EISA or
ISA modules can reside in the EISA bus portion of the card cage.
Figure 4–2 shows the location of the EISA options in the card
cage. Access to the EISA options in the card cage is by way of
the top cover shown in Figure 1–6. Ensure that the top cover is
secured before turning the system on.
For information about installing a specific option, refer to the
documentation for that option. For information about configuring
an EISA option, refer to the Configuring EISA and ISA Options
section.
Warning
Before installing EISA bus options, turn off all power to
the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 3 for information about
turning off ac and dc power.

Warning: For protection against fire, only use
modules with current-limited outputs.

4–16 Options and Upgrades

ISA Bus Options

ISA Bus Options
The ISA bus (Industry Standard Architecture bus) is a 16-bit
industry-standard I/O bus. The EISA bus is a superset of the
well-established ISA bus and has been designed to be backward
compatible with 16-bit and 8-bit architectures. Therefore, ISA
modules can be used in your server, provided the operating
system supports the device.
Up to two (2) EISA or ISA modules can reside in the EISA bus
portion of the card cage. Figure 4–2 shows the location of the
options in the card cage. Access to the options in the card cage
is by way of the top cover shown in Figure 1–6. Ensure that the
top cover is secured before turning the system on.
For information about installing a specific option, refer to the
documentation for that option. For information about configuring
an ISA option, refer to the Configuring EISA and ISA Options
section.
Warning
Before installing ISA bus options, turn off all power to
the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 3 for information about
turning off ac and dc power.

Warning: For protection against fire, only use
modules with current-limited outputs.

Options and Upgrades 4–17

Identifying EISA and ISA Options

Identifying EISA and ISA Options
The option board can be identified as an EISA or ISA by
examining its contacts (refer to Figure 4–3):
•

EISA boards have two rows of contacts with several gaps.

•

ISA boards have one row of contacts and no more than one
gap.

Figure 4–3 EISA and ISA Boards

ISA

EISA

MA046393

4–18 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Configuring EISA and ISA Options
EISA
Configuration
Utility

Whenever adding, removing, or moving an EISA or ISA board
in your system, run a utility called the EISA Configuration
Utility (ECU). Each EISA or ISA board has a corresponding
configuration (CFG) file, which describes the characteristics and
the system resources required for that option. The ECU uses
the CFG file to create a conflict-free configuration. The ECU is
a menu-based utility that provides online help. It serves as a
guide through the configuration process. The ECU is run from
the ARC menu interface.

System
Configuration
Diskette

The ECU is supplied on the System Configuration Diskette
that was shipped with your system. Make a copy of the
System Configuration Diskette and keep the original in a safe
place. Use the backup copy for configuring the system. The
System Configuration Diskette must have the volume label
SYSTEMCFG.
Note
The CFG files supplied with the option to be installed
may not work on this system if the option is not
supported. Before installing an option, ensure that your
system supports the option. The Digital Systems and
Options Catalog lists the supported options.

Options and Upgrades 4–19

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Before Running
the ECU

Before running the ECU, perform the following steps:
1. Install EISA option(s). (Install ISA modules after running
the ECU.)
For information about installing a specific option, refer to the
documentation for that option.
2. Familiarize yourself with the utility.
To find more information about the ECU, read the ECU
online help. To read the online help, start the ECU (refer
to the Starting the ECU section). Online help for the ECU
is located under step 1, ‘‘Important EISA Configuration
Information.’’
3. Familiarize yourself with the configuration procedure for
your system:
•

If you are configuring an EISA bus that contains only
EISA options, refer to Table 4–1.

•

If you are configuring an EISA bus that contains both
ISA and EISA options, refer to Table 4–2.

4. Locate the ECU diskette for your operating system. Make
a copy of the ECU diskette and keep the original in a safe
place. Use the backup copy for configuring options.
•

ECU Diskette DEC Alpha for Windows NT systems

•

ECU Diskette DEC Alpha for Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS systems

The ECU diskette is shipped in the accessories carton with
your system.

Starting the
ECU

Complete the following steps to start the ECU:
1. Invoke the console firmware.

4–20 Options and Upgrades

•

For systems running Windows NT—Shut down the
operating system or power up to the console Boot menu.

•

For systems running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS—
Shut down the operating system and press the Halt
button, or power up with the Halt button set to the in
position. When the console prompt P00>>> displays, set
the Halt button to the out position.

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

2. Start ECU as follows:
•

For systems running Windows NT—Select the
following menus:
a. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary
menu.
b. From the Supplementary menu, select the Setup
menu. Insert the ECU diskette for Windows NT
systems into the floppy drive.
c.

•

From the Setup menu, select Run EISA configuration
utility from floppy. This boots the ECU program.

For systems running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS—
Start the ECU program as follows:
a. Insert the ECU diskette for Digital UNIX or
OpenVMS systems into the floppy drive.
b. Enter the ecu command.
The message loading ARC firmware displays.
Loading the ARC firmware takes approximately two
(2) minutes. When the firmware has finished loading,
the ECU program is booted.

3. Complete the ECU procedure according to the guidelines
provided in the following sections.
•

When configuring an EISA bus that contains only EISA
options, refer to Table 4–1.
Note

When configuring only EISA options, do not perform step
2 of the ECU, ‘‘Add or remove boards.’’ (EISA modules
are recognized and configured automatically.)

•

When configuring an EISA bus that contains both ISA
and EISA options, refer to Table 4–2.

Options and Upgrades 4–21

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

4. After you have saved and exited from ECU:
•

For systems running Windows NT—Remove the ECU
diskette from the floppy drive and boot the operating
system.

•

For systems running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS—
Remove the ECU diskette from the floppy drive. Return
to the SRM console firmware as follows:
a. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary
menu.
b. From the Supplementary menu, select Set up the
system.
c.

From the Setup menu, select Switch to OpenVMS or
Digital UNIX console. This allows the operating
system console to be selected.

d. Select your operating system and then press Enter on
Setup menu.
e.

When the message Power-cycle the system to
implement the change displays, press the Reset
button. (Do not press the DC On/Off button.)

Once the console firmware is loaded and the device
drivers are initialized, boot the operating system.
5. Verify that the new options are configured correctly.

4–22 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA Options

Configuring EISA Options
EISA boards are configured automatically. Refer to Table 4–1
for a summary of steps to configure an EISA bus that contains
no ISA options. Review the Before Running the ECU section
presented earlier in this chapter. Then run the ECU as described
in the Starting the ECU section.
Note
It is not necessary to run step 2 of the ECU, ‘‘Add or
remove boards.’’ (EISA modules are recognized and
configured automatically.)

Options and Upgrades 4–23

Configuring EISA Options

Table 4–1 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus (EISA Options Only)
Step

Explanation

Install the EISA option

Use the instructions provided with the EISA option.

Power up the system and
run the ECU

If the ECU locates the required CFG files, it displays the
Main menu. The CFG file for the option may reside on a
configuration diskette packaged with the option or may be
included on the System Configuration Diskette.
Note
It is not necessary to run step 2 of the ECU, ‘‘Add or
remove boards.’’ (EISA modules are recognized and
configured automatically.)

View or Edit Details
(optional)

The ‘‘View or Edit Details’’ ECU option is used to change
user-selectable settings or to change the resources allocated
for these functions (IRQs, DMA channels, I/O ports, and so
on).
This step is not required when using the board’s default
settings.

Save your configuration

The ‘‘Save and Exit’’ ECU option saves your configuration
information to the system’s nonvolatile memory.

Return to the SRM
console (Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS systems
only) and restart the
system

Refer to step 4 of the Starting the ECU section for
operating-system-specific instructions.

4–24 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA/ISA Options

Configuring EISA/ISA Options
ISA modules are configured manually, whereas EISA modules
are configured through the ECU software (automatically). Refer
to Table 4–2 for a summary of steps to configure an EISA bus
that contains both EISA and ISA options. Review the Before
Running the ECU section presented earlier in this chapter.
Then run the ECU as described in the Starting the ECU
section.
Table 4–2 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA Options
Step

Explanation

Install or move the EISA
option. Do not install the
ISA boards

Use the instructions provided with the EISA option. ISA
boards are installed after the configuration process is
complete.

Power up and run the
ECU

If an EISA option was installed, the ECU will need to locate
the CFG file for that option. The CFG file for the option
may reside on a configuration diskette packaged with the
option or may be included on the System Configuration
Diskette.

Add the ISA board to the
configuration list

Use the ‘‘Add or Remove Boards’’ ECU option to add the
CFG file for the ISA option and to select an acceptable slot
for the option.
The CFG file for the option may reside on a configuration
diskette packaged with the option or may be included on the
System Configuration Diskette.
If the CFG file for the ISA option cannot be found, select
the generic CFG file for ISA options from the configuration
diskette.

View or Edit Details
(optional)

Options and Upgrades 4–25

Configuring EISA/ISA Options

Table 4–2 (Cont.) Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA Options
Step

Explanation

Examine and set the
required switches to
match the displayed
settings

The ‘‘Examine Required Switches’’ ECU option displays the
correct switch and jumper settings that must be physically
set for each ISA option. Although the ECU cannot detect or
change the settings of ISA boards, it uses the information
from the previous step to determine the correct switch
settings for these options.
Physically set the board’s jumpers and switches to match
the required settings.

Save your configuration

The ‘‘Save and Exit’’ ECU option saves your configuration
information to the system’s nonvolatile memory.

Return to the SRM
console (Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS systems
only) and turn off the
system

Refer to step 4 of the Starting the ECU section for
information about returning to the console.

Install the ISA board
and turn on the system

Use the instructions provided with the ISA option.

4–26 Options and Upgrades

PCI Bus Options

PCI Bus Options
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is an industrystandard expansion I/O bus that is the preferred bus for
high-performance I/O options. Your system supports 32-bit PCI
options.
The PCI bus is shown in Figure 4–2. There are eight (8) slots
available for 32-bit PCI options in the chassis. A PCI board is
shown in Figure 4–4.
Install PCI boards according to the instructions supplied with
the option. PCI boards require no additional configuration
procedures; the system automatically recognizes the boards and
assigns the appropriate system resources.
Warning
Before installing a PCI option, turn off all power to the
system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the System
Off section in Chapter 3 for information about turning off
ac and dc power.

Warning: For protection against fire, only use
modules with current-limited outputs.

Options and Upgrades 4–27

PCI Bus Options

Figure 4–4 PCI Board

PCI

MA070193

4–28 Options and Upgrades

SCSI Buses

SCSI Buses
A Fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module provides a
single-ended SCSI bus for the system.
All rackmounted SCSI-2 devices are supported via EISA- or
PCI-based SCSI adapters. Use the following rules to determine
if a device can be used on your system:
•

The device must be supported by the operating system.
Consult the software product description or hardware vendor.

•

No more than seven (7) devices can be on any one SCSI-2
controller, and each must have a unique SCSI ID.

•

The entire SCSI bus length, from terminator to terminator,
must not exceed 6.0 m (19.7 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 5
MB/s, or 3.0 m (9.8 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 10 MB/s.
For the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system, the internal
cabling for the removable-media bus is 2.0 m (6.6 ft).

Native SCSI
Bus

The Fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module supports
one RZ28 hard disk drive and one 5.25-inch removable-media
device. This internal SCSI bus does not support external devices.

Options and Upgrades 4–29

SCSI Buses

Installing the
5.25-Inch
RemovableMedia Device

Warning
Before installing a storage device, turn off all power to
the system (both dc and ac). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 3 for information about
turning off dc and ac power.

To install a removable-media device, refer to Figure 4–5 through
Figure 4–7 and proceed as follows:
1. Extend the chassis for service as described in the Extending
the Chassis for Service section in Chapter 6.
2. Remove the operator control panel cover as described in
the Operator Control Panel Cover section in Chapter 6 (see
Figure 4–5 ).

3. Remove the front cover as described in the Front Cover
section in Chapter 6 (see Figure 4–5 ).

4. Remove the two nuts
that secure the metal insert
in the
removable-media opening on the front bezel , and remove
the insert (see Figure 4–5).

5. Remove the four screws
that secure the removable-media
installation opening cover plate
to the front cover (see
Figure 4–5).

6. Set the removable-media device’s node ID so that there
are no duplicate node IDs, as each device must have a
unique node ID. Nodes 0–6 are available for drives, and
node 7 is reserved for the host adapter. Refer to the device
documentation on how to set the node ID on the device.
7. Install the terminator resistor packs on the rear of the
removable-media device.

4–30 Options and Upgrades

SCSI Buses

Figure 4–5 Installing the Removable-Media Device

A LPHASERVER
2100A 5/25

0RM

6
4
5
LJ-04779-TI0

8. Slide the removable-media device into the open end of the
drive enclosure
(see Figure 4–6).

9. Secure the removable-media device in the enclosure with
(see Figure 4–6).
four screws

10. Attach the removable-media device and the drive enclosure
to the front cover
with four screws
(see Figure 4–6).
Ensure that the front of the drive enclosure fits over the top
lip and under the bottom lip of the front cover opening.

Options and Upgrades 4–31

SCSI Buses

Figure 4–6 Sliding the Device into Enclosure and Mounting to Front Cover
1

d is c

CO M PA

43%

d is c

CO M PA

43%
4

4–32 Options and Upgrades

LJ-04821-TI0

SCSI Buses

11. Loosen the two captive screws
on the rear cover of the
drive enclosure and open the cover (see Figure 4–7).
12. Remove the terminator from the data cable and connect
and the power cable
to the rear of the
the data cable
removable-media device (see Figure 4–7).

13. Close the rear cover of the drive enclosure, ensuring that
the data and power cables fit in the notched openings of the
cover, and tighten the two captive screws.
14. Reinstall the front cover.
15. Reinstall the operator control panel cover.
16. Secure the chassis in the cabinet.
Figure 4–7 Opening Rear Cover of Enclosure and Connecting Data and Power Cables
1

LJ-04755-TI0

Options and Upgrades 4–33

Installing Internal DSSI Cables

Internal DSSI
Cable for
EISA-to-DSSI
Adapters

EISA-to-DSSI adapters provide a DSSI bus for EISA-based
systems. The number of adapters that can be installed in a
single system is only limited by the configuration rules and the
number of available EISA bus slots.
These adapters can be configured as an end-node, with a single
host on a bus, or as a middle-node in a DSSI VMScluster.
End-node configurations do not require the installation of the
internal DSSI cable to provide a second DSSI connection to a
SCSI-2 port at the rear of the system.
Middle-node configurations require the installation of the
internal DSSI cable to provide a second DSSI connection to a
SCSI-2 port at the rear of the system.

Installing the
Internal DSSI
Cable

To install the internal DSSI cable, refer to Figure 4–8 and the
following procedure:

1. Orient the end of the cable , as shown in the top panel of
Figure 4–8, so that it aligns with the adapter connector, and
insert the cable onto this connector.
2. Route the other end of the cable over the top of the other
cards to the right side of the chassis, as shown in the top
panel of Figure 4–8, to a SCSI-2 port
knockout at the rear
of the chassis.

3. Remove the knockout from the SCSI-2 port
used.

# that is to be

into the SCSI-2 port and fasten
4. Insert the cable connector
it with the screws
provided as shown in the bottom panel
of Figure 4–8.

4–34 Options and Upgrades

Installing Internal DSSI Cables

Figure 4–8 Installing the Internal DSSI Cable

2
1

P C I9

P C I8
H os e

P C I7
0/ B us

P C I6

LJ-04781-TI0

Options and Upgrades 4–35

Console Port Configurations

Console Port Configurations
Power-up information is typically displayed on your console
terminal. Your console terminal may be either a graphics
terminal or a serial terminal (one that is connected to your
system through the COM1 serial communication port). The
setting of the console environment variable determines where
the system displays power-up output. Set this environment
variable according to the console terminal that you are using.
Synopsis:
set console output_device
Arguments:
graphics

Displays the power-up output to a graphics
terminal or to a device connected to the VGA
module at the rear of the system.

serial

Displays the power-up output to a device
connected to the COM1 serial communication
port at the rear of the system.

Example:
P00>>> set console serial
P00>>>

4–36 Options and Upgrades

5
Troubleshooting the System

In This Chapter

This chapter provides troubleshooting information and covers the
following topics:.
•

Determining the Service Provider

•

Task Overview

•

Determining the Type of Problem

•

Reporting Problems

•

Power Problems

•

Problems Getting to Console Mode

•

Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

•

Console Reported Problems

•

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

Boot Problems

•

Operating System Reported Problems

•

Fail-Safe Loader

Troubleshooting the System

5–1

Determining the Service Provider

Determining the Service Provider
Determine
the Service
Provider

Considerations
Before
Troubleshooting

Before servicing the system, be aware of any service agreement
that exists for your system. The agreement helps determine the
level of maintenance for self-maintenance customers.
•

For self-maintenance customers, use the information in this
chapter to help identify and resolve the problem.

•

If there is a service agreement with Digital, contact your
Digital service representative for assistance.

Before troubleshooting any system problem, check the site
maintenance log for the system’s service history. Be sure to ask
the system manager the following questions:
•

Has the system been used before and did it work correctly?

•

Have changes to hardware or updates to firmware or
software been made to the system recently?

•

What is the state of the system—is the operating system
running?
If the operating system is down and you are not able to bring
it up, use the console environment diagnostic tools, such as
the power-up/diagnostic displays and ROM-based diagnostics
(RBD)s.
If the operating system is running, use the operating system
environment diagnostic tools, such as error logs, crash
dumps, and exercisers (DEC VET).

5–2 Troubleshooting the System

Determining the Service Provider

Identifying
Problems

Table 5–1 lists ways to identify problems and indicates where
each method is described.
Table 5–1 How to Identify a Problem
Method

Reference

Using the troubleshooting
tables

This chapter

Running diagnostic tests

test command in the test
section, or show fru command as
shown in the Console Reported
Problems section. Both are in
this chapter.
Note

If you are running Windows NT, you must switch from
the ARC to the SRM console before you can run the test
command. For information about switching to the SRM
console, refer to Chapter 3 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM).

Troubleshooting the System

5–3

Task Overview

Task Overview
Identifying
and Resolving
Problems

Table 5–2 describes the steps required to identify and resolve
system problems.
Table 5–2 Identifying and Resolving Problems
Step

Description

Determine the type of problem.

Locate the problem in the troubleshooting tables.

Follow the suggested actions to resolve the problem.

If necessary, run the diagnostic tests.

Contact your Digital service representative or other
maintenance provider.

The next sections describe these steps in detail.

5–4 Troubleshooting the System

Determining the Type of Problem

Types of
System
Problems

Determine the type of problem that your system is experiencing
from the list in Table 5–3.
Table 5–3 Problem Reference
Problem

Section

The system powers down
unexpectedly or does not
power up

Power Problems

The power-up screens are
not displayed on the console
terminal

Problems Getting to Console Mode

The power-up screens report
an error or do not complete

Console Reported Problems

The system cannot find the
boot device or the device
does not boot

Boot Problems

The operating system
startup screen does
not appear, software
applications do not run,
or the operating system
reports an error

Operating System Reported
Problems

If the system has a problem that is not listed in Table 5–3 or the
corrective actions in the troubleshooting tables do not resolve the
problem, refer to the Reporting Problems section in this chapter.

Troubleshooting the System

5–5

Reporting Problems

Reporting Problems
Precall
Checklist

If you are unable to locate the system problem as outlined
in Table 5–3, or the corrective actions suggested in the
troubleshooting tables in this chapter do not resolve the
problem, contact the nearest Digital support center. Before
calling to report a problem, complete the following steps:
1. Locate the part and serial numbers printed on the label at
the rear of your system. Record these numbers on a copy of
the AlphaServer 2100A LP System Problem Worksheet in
this chapter.
Record the revision of the operating system, the SRM
console, and the ARC console.
For option problems, use the show config command to obtain
option revisions.
The Digital support center will need this information when
you call.
2. Fill in the Status of the System information on the
worksheet.
3. Note the problem, any known possible causes, and the
corrective actions suggested in the troubleshooting tables.
Also indicate what corrective actions (if any) have already
been taken to try to resolve the problem.
4. Be prepared to read information from the screen and to enter
commands at the keyboard while you talk to the Digital
support center representative.

Digital Support
Center Contact
Numbers

Table 5–4 lists the telephone numbers for contacting your Digital
support center.
If your Digital support center number is not listed in Table 5–4,
contact your local Digital office for assistance.

5–6 Troubleshooting the System

Reporting Problems

Table 5–4 Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

UNITED STATES

1-800-354-9000

Colorado Springs, CO
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

719-592-7000

Shrewsbury, MA
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

508-841-3700

Alpharetta, GA
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

404-343-0000

AUSTRALIA

31-2-5615252

AUSTRIA

0222-86630-555

BELGIUM

02-7297744

CANADA
English

1-800-267-5251

French

1-800-267-2603

DENMARK

80301005

FINLAND

90 9800 2878

FRANCE

1-69874123

GERMANY

01307702

HONG KONG

852-4149779

ISRAEL

052-592-300

ITALY

2-1678 20062

JAPAN (Tokyo)
Trouble

0120-113035 (toll-free)

SPS Telephone Support

0120-113036 (toll-free)

Commodity Products Phone

0120-206042 (toll-free)

Special Account Customers

0120-113334 (toll-free)

Windows NT Hot Line

03-3207-2881
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting the System

5–7

Reporting Problems

Table 5–4 (Cont.) Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

KOREA

82-2-7991114

MALAYSIA

60-3-2300111

MEXICO

520140810017

NETHERLANDS

030-832888

NORTHERN IRELAND

0232 381381

NORWAY

02-256300

PHILIPPINES

623-810-5156

PORTUGAL
LISBON

01-3877051

OPORTO

02-6068805

PUERTO RICO

800-981-4764

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

01-381216

SINGAPORE

330-6225

SPAIN
MADRID

34-(9)1-5834257

BARCELONA

34-(9)3-4012222

SWEDEN

08-988835

THAILAND

66-254-8191

UNITED KINGDOM

025 6-59200

5–8 Troubleshooting the System

Reporting Problems

AlphaServer 2100A LP System
Problem Worksheet
Digital service representative telephone number:
Serial Number:
Status of the System (check all that apply):
DC power light is not on

Console program fails to boot

OCP power/diagnostic display
failure message

Console error message
Diagnostic test error message

Operating system fails to boot

OCP powerup/diagnostic display:

Screen error message:

Troubleshooting notes:

LJ-03805-TI0E

Troubleshooting the System

5–9

Power Problems

Power Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
there is no power at the system enclosure or the power supply
subsystem lights indicate power trouble.
Table 5–5 describes possible power problems and their corrective
actions.
Table 5–5 Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

AC power is present, but the
system does not power on.

Check the DC On/Off button
setting on the OCP.
Check that the ambient room
temperature is within the
environmental specifications
(10°C–35°C, 50°F–95°F).

The power supply shuts down
after approximately ten (10)
seconds.

5–10 Troubleshooting the System

Check to see if the system fan
is operating. A failure of the
system fan causes the system to
shut down after approximately
ten (10) seconds.

Problems Getting to Console Mode

Problems Getting to Console Mode
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
powering up the system, but the console terminal does not
display the power-up screen.
Table 5–6 describes possible problems getting to console mode
and their corrective actions.
Table 5–6 Diagnostic Flow for Problems Getting to Console Mode
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power-up screen is not
displayed.

Check the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP
(refer to Table 5–7) for a failure during self-tests.
Check that the keyboard and monitor are properly
connected and powered on (refer to the Terminal
Connections section in Chapter 2).
If the power-up screen is not displayed, yet the
system enters console mode, check that the console
environment variable is set correctly. If a VGA console
terminal is used, set the variable to graphics. If a serial
terminal is used, set the variable to serial.
If console is set to serial, the power-up screen is routed
to the COM1 serial communication port (refer to the
set console command in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer
2000/2100/2100A Firmware Reference Guide (EKAXPFW-RM)) and cannot be viewed from the VGA
monitor.
Try connecting a console terminal to the COM1
serial communication port (refer to the Terminal
Connections section in Chapter 2). If necessary use
a 9-pin connector. Check the baud rate setting for the
console terminal and system. The system baud rate
setting is 9600. When using the COM1 port, set the
console environment variable to ‘‘serial.’’

Troubleshooting the System

5–11

Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
Table 5–7 describes how to interpret messages that may be
displayed on the power-up/diagnostic display located on the
operator control panel on the front of the system (shown in
Figure 1–3).
Table 5–7 Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
Message

Meaning

TEST

This is displayed while the system performs diagnostic tests
and exercisers. The type of module under test, its slot number,
and the currently executing test number are also displayed.

FAIL

If an error is detected, a failure message is displayed (and the
Halt button LED lights) for a few seconds. The error is logged
to the appropriate module via the serial control bus. In nearly
all cases, the power-up tests continue.
The module type and the slot number for the field replaceable
unit (FRU) that failed is also displayed.
The module types and slot numbers are as follows:
CPUnn — CPU modules (0, 3)
MEMnn — Memory modules (0–2)
I/O_0 — Standard I/O module

CPU STATUS

Summary of CPU testing—The status of each CPU from left to
right, starting with CPU0 is displayed:
‘‘P’’ — CPU passed
‘‘F’’ — CPU failed
‘‘–’’ — CPU not present

STARTING CPU #

The console is starting the primary CPU.

SYSTEM RESET

The Reset button has been pressed.

Alpha nnnMHz

When the system is under operating system control, the CPU
speed is displayed unless your own text is supplied using the
ocp_text environment variable.

5–12 Troubleshooting the System

Console Reported Problems

Console Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
self-tests do not complete or when error messages are displayed
on your console terminal in console mode.
Table 5–8 describes possible problems reported by the console
program and their corrective actions.
Table 5–8 Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power-up tests do not
complete.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP (refer
to Table 5–7).

The system powers up to the
ash> prompt.

Reinstall the firmware. Refer to the firmware update
documentation for firmware installation instructions.
Contact your Digital support center if there is no
backup copy of the firmware.

The console program reports
an error.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP (refer
to Table 5–7) to determine the error.
Use the show fru command described in the next
section to see if errors have been logged.
Examine the console event log (enter the cat el
command) or power-up screens to check for embedded
error messages recorded during power-up.
If the power-up screens or the console event log indicate
problems with mass-storage devices, or if the storage
devices are missing from the show config display, use
the troubleshooting flowcharts (refer to Table 5–9 and
Table 5–10) to determine the problem.

•

The OCP displays failure
message at power-up

•

The Halt button LED
lights during power-up

•

The power-up screen
includes error messages

If the power-up screens or the console event log indicate
problems with the EISA devices, or if the EISA devices
are missing from the show config display, use the
troubleshooting flowchart (refer to Table 5–11) to
determine the problem.
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting the System

5–13

Console Reported Problems

Table 5–8 (Cont.) Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

If the power-up screens or the console event log indicate
problems with the PCI devices, or if the PCI devices
are missing from the show config display, use the
troubleshooting flowchart (refer to Table 5–12) to
determine the problem.
Run the test command (refer to the test section in this
chapter) to verify the problem.

5–14 Troubleshooting the System

Console Reported Problems

show fru

The show fru command reports module and error information for
the following field replaceable units based on the serial control
bus EEPROM data:
•

CPU modules

•

Memory modules

•

I/O modules

For each of the above modules, the slot position, option, part,
revision, and serial numbers, as well as any reported symptomdirected diagnostics (SDD) and test-directed diagnostics (TDD)
event logs are displayed.
In addition, installed PCI and EISA modules are displayed with
their respective slot numbers.
Synopsis:
show fru
Example:
P00>>> show fru

! "

Slot
0
1
2
5
4
6

Option
IO
EXTIO
CPU0
CPU3
MEM0
MEM2

Part#
24389-01
24403-01
B2040-AA
B2040-AA
B2021-CA
B2021-CA

Rev
Hw Sw
A3 0
A3 0
B1 34
B1 34
B1 0
B1 0

Serial#
KA24534546
KA12345678
KA521AEAPE
KA506SALA9
AY41123803
AY40912084

Slot

Option

Hose 0, Bus 2, PCI on Primary I/O

Slot
7

Option
DEC KZPSA

Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI on Primary I/O
PCI Option Slot 5

Slot
1
2

Option
DE425
Compaq Qvision

Hose 0, Bus 1, EISA on Primary I/O

Slot Option
6
DEC KZPSA
8
DECchip 21040-AA
P00>>>

&
Events logged
SDD
TDD
00
00
00
00
00
01
00
01
00
01
00
00

Hose 1, Bus 0, PCI on Secondary I/O
PCI Option Slot 0
PCI Option Slot 2

Troubleshooting the System

5–15

Console Reported Problems

! Slot number for module
For the I/O section of the display (the lower portion), this
column determines the location of the module in question.
For example, the PCI Ethernet option module (DECchip
21040-AA) is located in Hose 1, Bus 0, slot 8. Ignore the PCI
option slot information displayed in column 6.
For the system bus and standard I/O section of the display
(the upper portion), the slot numbers are for reference
purposes only. Refer to Figure 4–2 to locate the CPU,
memory, and standard I/O modules.

" Option name (I/O, CPU#, or MEM#)
# Part number of option
$ Revision numbers (hardware and firmware)
% Serial number
& Events logged:

Numbers other than ‘‘00’’ indicate that errors have been
logged.
SDD: Number of symptom-directed diagnostic events
logged by the operating system, or in the case of memory,
by the operating system and firmware diagnostics.
TDD: Number of test-directed diagnostic events logged by
the firmware diagnostics.

test

The test command runs firmware diagnostics for the entire
‘‘core’’ system. The tests are run sequentially and the status of
each subsystem test is displayed on the console terminal as the
tests progress. If a particular device is not available to test, a
message is displayed.
Note
By default, no write tests are performed on disk and tape
drives. Media must be installed to test the floppy drive
and tape drives.

5–16 Troubleshooting the System

Console Reported Problems

The test script tests devices in the following order:
1. Memory tests (one pass)
2. Read-only tests: DK* disks, DR* disks, DU* disks, MK*
tapes, DV* floppy
3. Console loopback tests if lb argument is specified: COM2
serial port and parallel port
4. VGA console tests—These tests are run only if the VGA
terminal is not used as the console terminal; that is, the
console environment variable is set to ‘‘serial.’’
5. Network external loopback tests for EWA0—This test
requires that the Ethernet port be terminated or connected
to a live network, otherwise, the test will fail.
Synopsis:
test [lb]
Argument:
[lb]

The loopback option includes console loopback
tests for the COM2 serial port and the parallel
port during the test sequence.

Example:
P00>>> test
2:32:12 March 4, 1994
Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks(read only)
dkb600.6.0.2.1 has no media present or is disabled via the
RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for dkb600.6.0.2.1
No DR* Disks available for testing
Testing the MK* Tapes(read only)
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks(read only)
file open failed for dva0.0.0.0.1
Testing the VGA(Alphanumeric Mode only)
Testing the EW* Network
2:33:15 March 4, 1994
P00>>>

Troubleshooting the System

5–17

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up
Mass-storage failures at power-up are usually indicated by read
fail messages. Other problems can result in storage devices
missing from the show config display.
Table 5–9 provides information for troubleshooting fixed-media
mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Table 5–10 provides information for troubleshooting removablemedia mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Use these tables to diagnose the likely cause of the problem.

5–18 Troubleshooting the System

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–9 Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failure

The fault LED for the drive
is on (steady).

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
ID(s) (when removablemedia bus is extended to
StorageWorks shelf)

The drives with duplicate
SCSI IDs are missing from
the show config display.

Correct the removablemedia SCSI IDs.

The SCSI ID(s) is set to 7
(reserved for host ID)

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
(7) times on the show config
display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

There are duplicate host
ID(s) on a shared bus.

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
(7) times on the show config
display.

Change the host
ID(s) using the set
pk*0_host_id command
described in Chapter 1
in the AlphaServer 2000
/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EKAXPFW-RM).

An I/O module failure (if
removable-media bus is
extended to StorageWorks
shelf) or PCI or EISA
storage adapter option
failure

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard
I/O or storage adapter
module.

Troubleshooting the System

5–19

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–10 Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failure

The fault LED for the drive
is on (steady).

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
ID(s)

The drives with duplicate
SCSI IDs are missing from
the show config display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

The SCSI ID(s) is set to 7
(reserved for host ID)

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
(7) times on the show config
display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

There are duplicate host
ID(s) on a shared bus

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
(7) times on the show config
display.

Change the host
ID(s) using the set
pk*0_host_id command
described in Chapter 1
in the AlphaServer 2000
/2100/2100A Firmware
Reference Guide (EKAXPFW-RM).

There are missing or loose
cables

The activity LEDs do not
come on. The drive is missing
from the show config display.

Remove the device
and inspect the cable
connections.

A terminator(s) is missing

There are read/write errors
in the console event log; the
storage adapter port may fail.

Attach terminators as
needed: internal SCSI
terminator (12-4129601) or external SCSI
terminator (12-37004-04).

There is an extra
terminator(s)

Devices produce errors or
device IDs are dropped.

Check that only the
beginning and the
end of the SCSI bus is
terminated. Remove the
unnecessary terminators.

There is an I/O module
failure

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard I/O
module.

5–20 Troubleshooting the System

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up
EISA bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the
following messages displayed during power-up:

EISA Configuration Error. Run the EISA Configuration
Utility.
Run the ECU (refer to the Configuring EISA and ISA Options
section in Chapter 4) when such a message is displayed. Other
problems are indicated by EISA devices missing from the show
config display.
Table 5–11 provides information for troubleshooting EISA bus
problems that persist after running the ECU. Use Table 5–11 to
diagnose the likely cause of the problem.

Troubleshooting the System

5–21

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–11 EISA Troubleshooting
Step

Corrective Action

Confirm that the EISA module and any cabling are
properly seated.

Run the ECU to:
•

Confirm that the system has been configured with the
most recently installed controller.

•

See what the hardware jumper and switch setting
should be for each ISA controller.

•

See what the software setting should be for each ISA
and EISA controller.

•

See if the ECU deactivated (<>) any controllers to
prevent a conflict.

•

See if any controllers are locked (!), which limits the
ECU’s ability to change resource assignments.

Confirm that the hardware jumpers and switches on ISA
controllers reflect the settings indicated by the ECU. Start
with the last ISA module installed.

Check for a bad slot by moving the last installed controller
to a different slot.

Call the option manufacturer or the Digital support center
for help.

5–22 Troubleshooting the System

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Additional EISA
Troubleshooting
Tips

The following tips can aid in isolating EISA bus problems:
•

Peripheral device controllers need to be seated (inserted)
carefully, but firmly, into their slot to make all necessary
contacts. Improper seating is a common source of problems
for EISA modules.

•

The CFG files supplied with the option that you want to
install may not work on the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile
system. Some CFG files call overlay files that are not
required on this system or may reference inappropriate
system resources, for example, BIOS addresses. Contact the
option vendor to obtain the proper CFG file.

•

Peripherals cannot share direct memory access (DMA)
channels. Assignment of more than one peripheral to the
same DMA channel can cause unpredictable results or even
loss of function of the EISA module.

•

Systems running Windows NT can assign shared interrupt
lines (IRQs). Digital UNIX and OpenVMS do not allow
shared interrupts.

•

Not all EISA products work together. EISA is an open
standard, and not every EISA product or combination of
products can be tested. Violations of specifications may not
matter in some configurations, but do matter in others.
Manufacturers of EISA options often test the most common
combinations and may have a list of ISA and EISA options
that do not function in combination with particular systems.
Be sure to check the documentation or contact the option
vendor for the most up-to-date information.

•

EISA systems will not function unless they are first
configured using the ECU.

•

The ECU will not notify you if the configuration program
diskette is write-protected when it attempts to write the
system configuration file (system.sci) to the diskette.

Troubleshooting the System

5–23

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up
PCI bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the
inability of the system to see the device. Use Table 5–12 to
diagnose the likely cause of the problem.
Table 5–12 PCI Troubleshooting
Step

Corrective Action

Confirm that the PCI module and any cabling are
properly seated.

Check for a bad slot by moving the last installed controller
to a different slot.

Call the option manufacturer or the Digital support center
for help.

5–24 Troubleshooting the System

Boot Problems

Boot Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot problems that occur
while the system is booting the operating system software.
Table 5–13 describes possible problems during booting and their
corrective actions.
Table 5–13 Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

The system cannot find the
boot device.

Check the system configuration for the correct device
parameters (refer to the Verifying System Configuration
section in Chapter 4) (node ID, device name, and so on)
and the environment variables (refer to the boot section
in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100A
Firmware Reference Guide (EK-AXPFW-RM)), such as
bootdef_dev, boot_file, and boot_osflags for Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS; and FWSEARCHPATH, AUTOLOAD,
and COUNTDOWN for Windows NT.

The device does not boot.

Run the test command (refer to the test section in this
chapter) to check that the boot device is operating.

Troubleshooting the System

5–25

Operating System Reported Problems

Operating System Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot system problems that
occur while the operating system software is up and running.
Table 5–14 describes possible operating system problems and
their corrective actions.
Table 5–14 Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating System
Symptom

Corrective Action

The system is hung or has
crashed.

Examine the crash dump file.
Refer to the OpenVMS Alpha System Dump Analyzer
Utility Manual (AA-PV6UB-TE) for information on how
to interpret OpenVMS crash dump files.
Refer to the Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA-PS2TATE) for information on using the Digital UNIX Krash
Utility.

The operating system is up.

Have the Digital support center examine the operating
system error log files to isolate the problem.
If the problem occurs intermittently, have the Digital
support center run an operating system exerciser, such
as the DEC VET, to stress the system.
Refer to the DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s
Guide (AA-PTTMA-TE) for instructions on running
DEC VET.

5–26 Troubleshooting the System

Fail-Safe Loader

Fail-Safe Loader
The fail-safe loader (FSL) allows you to power-up without
initializing drivers running power-up diagnostics.
Note
The fail-safe loader should be used only when a failure
at power-up prohibits you from getting to the console
program. You cannot boot an operating system from the
fail-safe loader.
If a checksum error is detected when loading the SRM
console at power-up, the fail-safe loader is automatically
loaded into memory and the system displays the FSL
prompt ash>. If the system automatically powers up to
the ash> prompt, reinstall the firmware according to the
instructions provided with the firmware.
Whenever the fail-safe loader console is activated, the
power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP displays a FAIL
I/O_00 message.

The FSL permits you to get to a console, with limited
functionality, when one of the following is the cause of a
problem getting to the console program under normal power-up:
•

A power failure or accidental power-down during a firmware
upgrade

•

An error in the nonvolatile nvram file

•

An incorrect environment variable setting

•

A driver error
Note
The FSL program, indicated by the ash> prompt, has
limited functionality (a simple shell is indicated by the
letters ‘‘ash’’ contained in the console prompt).

Troubleshooting the System

5–27

Fail-Safe Loader

Fail-Safe
Loader
Functions

From the FSL program, you can:
•
•

Edit the nvram file (using the edit command).
Assign a correct value to an environment variable (using the

show and set commands).
•

Start individual drivers using the init -driver ew command
to start the Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP) driver
or init -driver dv to start the floppy driver. The init
-driver 6 command in FSL mode starts all available drivers.
Note
The nonvolatile file, nvram, is shipped from the factory
with no contents. The customer can use the edit
command to create a customized script or command file
that is executed as the last step of every power-up.

Activating
the Fail-Safe
Loader

To activate the FSL, perform the following steps:
1. Install jumper W6 on the standard I/O module (refer to
Figure 5–1).
2. Turn on the system.
3. Use the FSL program (indicated by the ash> prompt) to make
corrections, edit the nvram file, set environment variables, or
initialize phase 6 drivers.
4. When you have finished, power-down and remove the FSL
jumper.
Caution
Do not perform console upgrades with the W6 jumper
installed or the system firmware will be corrupted.

5–28 Troubleshooting the System

Fail-Safe Loader

Figure 5–1 Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (W6) on the Standard I/O Module
1

LJ-04865-TI0

! SCSI data cable (50-pin)
" Remote I/O cable (60-pin)
# OCP cable (10-pin)
$ Floppy cable (34-pin)
% Fail-Safe jumper (W6) location
Note
W6–Fail-Safe: When installed, selects the fail-safe loader
firmware.

Troubleshooting the System

5–29

6
Removal and Replacement

In This Chapter

This chapter contains the procedures for removing and replacing
the following major components of the AlphaServer 2100A
low-profile system:
•

Front Bezel

•

Extending the Chassis for Service

•

Operator Control Panel Cover

•

Operator Control Panel Board

•

Front Cover

•

CPU and Memory Modules

•

Top Cover

•

Safety Cover

•

RX23L Floppy Drive

•

Remote I/O Module

•

Fan Assembly

•

Fan Speed-Control Module

•

Thermal Sensor

•

RZ28 Hard Disk Drive

•

Power Supply

•

System Backplane

•

I/O Backplane

Removal and Replacement 6–1

Warning
Before servicing the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile
chassis, ensure that the DC On/Off button on the
OCP is in the OFF position and that the power
cord is disconnected from the receptacle on the
cabinet power distribution unit or the ac input
receptacle on the rear of the chassis.

Tools Required

The following tools are required for servicing the AlphaServer
2100A low-profile system chassis:
•

Phillips-head screwdriver

•

Flat-blade screwdriver

•

Adjustable wrench

Front Bezel

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the front bezel from
the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system chassis:

1. Press in at the bottom of the two pull loops
on the front
bezel
to rotate them down and out from the bezel (see
Figure 6–1).

2. Using the two pull loops, pull the bezel away from the
system.

6–2 Removal and Replacement

Front Bezel

Replacement

To replace the front bezel, refer to Figure 6–1 and proceed as
follows:
1. Align the ball-stud receivers on the front bezel with the ball
studs on the front of the system.
2. Press the front bezel into place.

Figure 6–1 Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

A LPHASERVER
2100A 5/250

LJ-04774-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–3

Extending the Chassis for Service

Extending
Warning
Before extending the chassis for service, ensure
that the cabinet is stable and that all provided
stabilizing features have been activated. The
stabilizing features for the rack or cabinet are
configuration dependent.

Perform the following procedure to extend the AlphaServer
2100A low-profile system chassis for service:

1. Extend the stabilizing legs
at the front of the cabinet (if
stabilizing legs are provided) (see Figure 6–2).
2. Remove the front bezel (see Front Bezel section).
3. Remove the four retaining screws
to the front rails (see Figure 6–2).

" that secure the chassis

Caution
Check and ensure that all cables are free to follow
the chassis before extending the chassis.

4. Carefully pull the chassis forward until the slides lock in the
extended position.

6–4 Removal and Replacement

Extending the Chassis for Service

Securing

To secure the chassis in the cabinet, press in on the left and
right slide locks, and reverse steps 1 through 4 of the extension
procedure.
Figure 6–2 Extending the Chassis

2
2

SCALE=1/10

LJ-04822-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–5

Operator Control Panel Cover

Warning
Before performing the following removal and
replacement procedures, ensure that the DC On/Off
button on the OCP is in the OFF position and that
the power cord is disconnected from the receptacle
on the cabinet power distribution unit or the ac
input receptacle on the rear of the chassis.

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the operator control
panel cover:
1. Remove the front bezel (see Front Bezel section).

2. Loosen the two captive screws
that secure the operator
control panel cover
to the front cover (see Figure 6–3).

3. Tilt the operator control panel cover out from the front cover
and lift the operator control panel cover away from the front
cover until the tabs along the bottom edge come out of the
slots in the front cover (see Figure 6–3).

4. Disconnect the long ribbon cable
from the short ribbon
cable
that comes from the operator control panel board
(see Figure 6–3).

5. Disconnect the speaker cable
Figure 6–3).

6–6 Removal and Replacement

% from the speaker (see

Operator Control Panel Cover

To replace the operator control panel cover, refer to Figure 6–3
and reverse steps 1 through 5 of the removal procedure.

Replacement

Figure 6–3 Removing and Replacing the Operator Control Panel Cover

2
4

3
LJ-04823-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–7

Operator Control Panel Board

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the operator control
panel board:
1. Remove the front bezel (see Front Bezel section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Put on an antistatic wriststrap.
Caution
An antistatic wriststrap must be worn when handling
any module to prevent damage to the module.

4. Unsnap the operator control panel board from the four
standoffs inside the operator control panel cover (see
Figure 6–4).
5. Disconnect the short ribbon cable from the operator control
panel board (see Figure 6–4).

6–8 Removal and Replacement

Operator Control Panel Board

Replacement

To replace the operator control panel board, refer to Figure 6–4
and reverse steps 1 through 5 of the removal procedure.
Figure 6–4 Removing and Replacing the Operator Control
Panel Board

LJ-04824-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–9

Front Cover

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the front cover:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).

3. Remove the two screws
that secure the front cover along
the top edge of the chassis (see Figure 6–5).
4. Lift the front cover until the tabs along the bottom edge come
in the chassis, and then pull the front
out of the slots
cover out and away from the chassis (see Figure 6–5).

5. If an optional removable-media storage device
is installed,
disconnect the data and power cables from the rear of the
device after removing the front cover.

6–10 Removal and Replacement

Front Cover

To replace the front cover, refer to Figure 6–5 and reverse steps
1 through 5 of the removal procedure.

Replacement

Figure 6–5 Removing and Replacing the Front Cover

BO TT

Scaled 1.74 from base file
3
LJ-04869-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–11

CPU and Memory Modules

Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove a CPU or memory
modules:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Put on an antistatic wriststrap.
Caution
An antistatic wriststrap must be worn when handling
any module to prevent damage to the module.

5. Pull out on the levers at each end of the module that is to be
removed (see Figure 6–6).
6. Pull the module out of the card cage (see Figure 6–6).

6–12 Removal and Replacement

CPU and Memory Modules

Replacement

To replace a CPU or memory module, refer to Figure 6–6 and
reverse steps 1 through 6 of the removal procedure.

Figure 6–6 Removing and Replacing the CPU and Memory Modules

LJ-04825-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–13

Top Cover

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the top cover:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the two screws that secure the top cover (see
Figure 6–7).
5. Lift the front edge of the top cover and pull forward until
the rear edge slides out from under the retaining lip (see
Figure 6–7).
6. Lift the top cover off of the chassis (see Figure 6–7).

Replacement

To replace the top cover, refer to Figure 6–7 and reverse steps 1
through 6 of the removal procedure.

6–14 Removal and Replacement

Top Cover

Figure 6–7 Removing and Replacing the Top Cover

C- Bu ss

La yo ut
TO P

Co nf ig

ur at io

n
BA -74

BO TT

3-A 9
M0
CP U0

OM
CP U3

/M1

LJ-04881-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–15

Safety Cover

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the safety cover:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the five screws that secure the safety cover (see
Figure 6–8).
6. Lift the safety cover off of the chassis (see Figure 6–8).

Replacement

To replace the safety cover, refer to Figure 6–8 and reverse steps
1 through 6 of the removal procedure.

6–16 Removal and Replacement

Safety Cover

Figure 6–8 Removing and Replacing the Safety Cover

LJ-04826-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–17

RX23L Floppy Drive

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the RX23L floppy
drive:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).
6. Loosen the two captive screws
chassis (see Figure 6–9).

! that secure the drive to the

7. Push the drive into the chassis until it clears the opening in
the front of the chassis, then lift the drive up and out of the
chassis.

8. Disconnect the data
and power
the drive (see Figure 6–9).

# cables from the rear of

9. Remove the four screws
that secure the drive to the
mounting bracket (see Figure 6–9).

6–18 Removal and Replacement

RX23L Floppy Drive

Replacement

To replace the RX23L floppy drive, refer to Figure 6–9 and
reverse steps 1 through 9 of the removal procedure.
Note
Verify that the new drive’s ID select is set to 1 before
installing the new drive.

Figure 6–9 Removing and Replacing the RX23L Floppy Drive
1

LJ-04827-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–19

Remote I/O Module

Remote I/O Module
Warning
Before performing the following removal and
replacement procedures, ensure that the DC On/Off
button on the OCP is in the OFF position and that
the power cord is disconnected from the receptacle
on the cabinet power distribution unit or the ac
input receptacle on the rear of the chassis.

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the remote I/O
module:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Disconnect any cables that are connected to the remote I/O
module from the rear of the chassis.
3. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
4. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
5. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).

6. Disconnect the wide ribbon cable
from the front edge of
the remote I/O module (see Figure 6–10).
7. Disconnect the speaker cable
(see Figure 6–10).

" from the remote I/O module

8. Put on an antistatic wriststrap.
Caution
An antistatic wriststrap must be worn when handling
any module to prevent damage to the module.

9. Unsnap the front edge of the remote I/O module from the two
standoffs
that secure it to the remote I/O module bracket
(see Figure 6–10).

6–20 Removal and Replacement

Remote I/O Module

10. Tilt the front edge of the remote I/O module up and pull it
forward until the connectors on the rear of the module clear
the cutouts on the rear of the chassis.

Replacement

To replace the remote I/O module, refer to Figure 6–10 and
reverse steps 1 through 10 of the removal procedure.

Figure 6–10 Removing and Replacing the Remote I/O Module
1

LJ-04788-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–21

Fan Assembly

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the fan assembly and
fan:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).

6. Disconnect the fan power connector
(4-pin connector)
between the fan and the fan speed-control module (see
Figure 6–11).

7. Remove the three screws
that secure the fan assembly to
the left side of the chassis (see Figure 6–11).

8. Remove the two screws
that secure the fan assembly to
the top left edge of the chassis (see Figure 6–11).
9. Lift the fan assembly out of the chassis.

10. Remove the two screws
that secure the fan to the fan
assembly. Note the orientation of the airflow and rotation
indicators for installing the new fan.

6–22 Removal and Replacement

Fan Assembly

Replacement

To replace the fan and fan assembly, refer to Figure 6–11 and
reverse steps 1 through 10 of the removal procedure.

Figure 6–11 Removing and Replacing the Fan Assembly

LJ-04783-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–23

Fan Speed-Control Module

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the fan speed-control
module:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).
6. Put on an antistatic wriststrap.
Caution
An antistatic wriststrap must be worn when handling
any module to prevent damage to the module.

7. Unsnap the fan speed-control module from the four standoffs
and lift the module out of the chassis (see Figure 6–12).

8. Disconnect the fan and module power connector
(4-pin connector) and the thermal sensor connector
(2-pin connector) from the fan speed-control module (see
Figure 6–12).

6–24 Removal and Replacement

Fan Speed-Control Module

Replacement

To replace the fan speed-control module, refer to Figure 6–12 and
reverse steps 1 through 8 of the removal procedure.
Figure 6–12 Removing and Replacing the Fan Speed-Control
Module

LJ-04787-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–25

Thermal Sensor

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the thermal sensor:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).

6. Disconnect the thermal sensor connector
(2-pin connector)
from the fan speed-control module (see Figure 6–13).

7. Unclip the thermal sensor from the holder
on the right
side of the CPU and memory card cage (see Figure 6–13).

6–26 Removal and Replacement

Thermal Sensor

To replace the thermal sensor, refer to Figure 6–13 and reverse
steps 1 through 7 of the removal procedure.

Replacement

Figure 6–13 Removing and Replacing the Thermal Sensor

LJ-04828-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–27

RZ28 Hard Disk Drive

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the RZ28 hard disk
drive:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).

6. Push down on the locking tab
and slide the RZ28 hard
toward the front
disk drive and top drive mounting bracket
(when facing the system) until the drive and top bracket are
centered over the large part of the keyhole openings on the
bottom mounting bracket
(see Figure 6–14).

7. Lift the RZ28 hard disk drive and top drive mounting
and the power
bracket enough to disconnect the data cable
cable
from the left side of the RZ28 hard disk drive (see
Figure 6–14).

8. Lift the RZ28 hard disk drive and top drive mounting bracket
up and out of the chassis.

6–28 Removal and Replacement

RZ28 Hard Disk Drive

9. Remove the four 6-32 screws
that secure the top
drive mounting bracket to the RZ28 hard disk drive (see
Figure 6–14).

Replacement

To replace the RZ28 hard disk drive, refer to Figure 6–14 and
reverse steps 1 through 9 of the removal procedure.

Figure 6–14 Removing and Replacing the RZ28 Hard Disk Drive

6
6

LJ-04780-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–29

Power Supply

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the power supply:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
5. Remove the safety cover (see Safety Cover section).
6. Remove the fan assembly (see Fan Assembly section).
7. Remove the RZ28 hard disk drive (see RZ28 Hard Disk Drive
section).
8. Remove the remote I/O module (see Remote I/O Module
section).

9. Remove the two screws
on the rear of the chassis that
to the chassis, and
secure the remote I/O module bracket
lift the bracket out of the chassis (see Figure 6–15).
10. Disconnect the two connectors
supply (see Figure 6–15).

# from the front of the power

11. Remove the four screws
that secure the four power
cables
to the lugs
on the front of the power supply (see
Figure 6–15). Ensure that these power cables are properly
labeled for reconnection.

6–30 Removal and Replacement

Power Supply

12. Remove the two nuts
that secure the power supply to the
bottom of the chassis (see Figure 6–15).

(

13. Remove the three screws
that secure the power supply to
the rear of the chassis (see Figure 6–15).
14. Lift the power supply up and forward out of the chassis.

)

that secure the RZ28 hard disk
15. Remove the four nuts
drive bottom mounting bracket
to the studs on top of the
power supply (see Figure 6–15).

16. Remove the two screws
that secure the mounting bracket
to the front of the power supply (see Figure 6–15).

Replacement

To replace the power supply, refer to Figure 6–15 and reverse
steps 1 through 16 of the removal procedure.

Removal and Replacement 6–31

Power Supply

Figure 6–15 Removing and Replacing the Power Supply

1
2
1
2

10
3
7
6

6
7

5
4

11
LJ-04784-TI0

6–32 Removal and Replacement

System Backplane

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the system backplane:
1. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
2. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
3. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
4. Remove the CPU and memory modules (see CPU and
Memory Modules section).
5. Remove the seven screws that secure the system backplane
to the chassis (see Figure 6–16).

on the system backplane and
6. Grasp the plastic handle
pull straight out to disconnect the system backplane from the
I/O backplane (see Figure 6–16).

Removal and Replacement 6–33

System Backplane

Replacement

To replace the system backplane, refer to Figure 6–16 and
reverse steps 1 through 6 of the removal procedure.

Figure 6–16 Removing and Replacing the System Backplane

6–34 Removal and Replacement

LJ-04882-TI0

I/O Backplane

Removal

Perform the following procedure to remove the I/O backplane:
1. From the rear of the cabinet, disconnect all of the cables that
are connected to the PCI/EISA option cards and the standard
I/O card. Ensure that the cables are properly labeled for
reconnection.
2. Extend the chassis for service (see Extending the Chassis for
Service section).
3. Remove the operator control panel cover (see Operator
Control Panel Cover section).
4. Remove the front cover (see Front Cover section).
5. Remove the top cover (see Top Cover section).
6. Remove the CPU and memory modules (see CPU and
Memory Modules section).
7. Remove the system backplane (see System Backplane
section).
8. Disconnect the internal cables from all of the PCI/EISA
option cards and the standard I/O card. Ensure that the
cables are properly labled for reconnection.

9. Remove the standard I/O card
and all of the PCI
/EISA option cards that are installed in the chassis (see
Figure 6–17). Ensure that these cards are properly labled
for replacement into the same slot from which they were
removed.
Removal and Replacement 6–35

I/O Backplane

10. Disconnect the 2 I/O backplane cables
from the cable
on the right side of the chassis (see Figure 6–17).
bracket

11. Lift the plastic shield
and remove the 13 screws
that
to the left side of the I/O
secure the 3 power bus bars
backplane (see Figure 6–17).

12. Remove the 6 screws
that secure the I/O backplane
the chassis (see Figure 6–17).

( to

13. Slide the I/O backplane to the rear of the chassis.
14. Lift the I/O backplane up and out of the chassis.

Replacement

To replace the I/O backplane, refer to Figure 6–17 and reverse
steps 1 through 14 of the removal procedure.

6–36 Removal and Replacement

I/O Backplane

Figure 6–17 Removing and Replacing the I/O Backplane

2
2

5
6

8
7

LJ-04786-TI0

Removal and Replacement 6–37

A
Hardware Specifications

In This
Appendix

This appendix lists the hardware specifications for the
AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system.
This appendix covers the following topics:
•

System Dimensions

•

Electrical Specifications

•

Environmental Conditions

Hardware Specifications A–1

System Specifications

System
Dimensions

Table A–1 provides information about the AlphaServer 2100A
low-profile system dimensions.
Table A–1 System Dimensions

Electrical
Specifications

Weight

Height

Width

Depth

34.02 kg
(75.0 lb)

17.78 cm
(7.0 in.)

48.26 cm
(19.0 in.)

67.31 cm
(26.5 in.)

Table A–2 provides information about the various electrical
specifications for the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system.
Table A–2 System Electrical Specifications
Nominal voltage

100-120 Vac/220-240 Vac with automatic
voltage sensing

Operational voltage
range

90-132 Vac/180-256 Vac

Input current
(maximum)

8.2 A at 100-120 Vac
4.1 A at 220-240 Vac

Phasing

Single-phase

Nominal frequency

50/60 Hz

Frequency range

47-53 Hz/57-63 Hz

Input power

810 W input maximum, power factor .98
minimum

Output power

570 W output maximum, power factor
.98 minimum

U.S.A. power cord
plug

NEMA 5-15P (Mates with receptacle
NEMA 5-15R) for 120 V applications
or NEMA 6-15P (Mates with receptacle
NEMA 6-15R) for 240 V applications.

A–2 Hardware Specifications

System Specifications

Environmental
Conditions

Table A–3 provides information about the environmental
conditions in which the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
can operate.
Table A–3 System Environmental Conditions
Operating Conditions

Temperature range

10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

Temperature change
rate

11°C/hr (20°F/hr) maximum

Wet bulb temperature
(maximum)

28°C (82°F)

Dew point
temperature
(minumum)

2°C (36°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90% (noncondensing)

Air intake location

Front and side

Air exhaust location

Rear

Airflow

100 CFM

Heat dissipation

1535-2763 BTU/hr (450-810 W)

Maximum altitude

3,048 m (10,000 ft)

Mechanical shock

10 ms duration
20 g level

Vibration (.25 g all
axis)

5-15.65 Hz at 0.020-inch DA
15.65-200 Hz at 0.25 g Pk
200-500 Hz at 0.10 g Pk
500-200 Hz at 0.10 g Pk
200-15.65 Hz at 0.25 g Pk
15.65-5 Hz at 0.020-inch DA
Sweep rate of 1 octave/min
(continued on next page)

Hardware Specifications A–3

System Specifications

Table A–3 (Cont.) System Environmental Conditions
Nonoperating
Conditions

Temperature range

-40°C to 66°C (-40°F to 151°F)

Wet bulb temperature
(maximum)

46°C (115°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 95% (noncondensing)

Maximum altitude

12,192 m (40,000 ft)

Vibration (packaged
system)

5-300 Hz at 1.034 g rms

DA = Double Amplitude
g = Gravities
Pk = Peak

A–4 Hardware Specifications

B
Field Replaceable Units

In This
Appendix

This appendix lists the major field replaceable units (FRUs) and
part numbers for the AlphaServer 2100A low-profile system
chassis (see Table B–1).

Table B–1 AlphaServer 2100A Low-Profile System Chassis FRUs
Part Description

Part Number

CPU Module (250 MHz)

B2040-AB

CPU Module (291 MHz)

B2040-BA

Memory Module (128-MB)

B2021-FA (MS451-DA)

Memory Module (512-MB)

B2022-FA (MS451-FA)

Floppy Drive (1.44 MB)

RX23L-AA

Hard Disk Drive (2 MB, 7200 RPM)

RZ28D-E

Front Bezel

70-32510-01

Operator Control Panel Board

54-24393-01

Standard I/O Module

54-24389-01

Remote I/O Module

54-23151-01

Fan

12-45231-01

Fan Speed-Control Module

30-46859-01

Power Supply

30-45270-01

I/O Backplane

54-24403-01
(continued on next page)

Field Replaceable Units B–1

Field Replaceable Units

Table B–1 (Cont.) AlphaServer 2100A Low-Profile System Chassis FRUs
Part Description

Part Number

System Backplane

54-24385-01

Speaker

70-32685-01

DC Power and Signal Harness Assembly

17-04333-01

28-AWG, 10-conductor, SCSI Cable Assembly

17-04271-01

34-conductor, Flat-Ribbon Cable Assembly

17-04273-01

60-conductor, Flat-Ribbon Cable Assembly

17-04274-01

28-AWG, 50-conductor, SCSI Cable Assembly

17-04275-01

18/22/24-AWG, 16-conductor, Harness Assembly

17-04276-01

4-AWG Power Cable with Terminal Lugs

17-04296-01

4-AWG Power Cable with Terminal Lugs

17-04296-02

4-AWG Power Cable with Terminal Lugs

17-04296-03

4-AWG Power Cable with Terminal Lugs

17-04296-04

18-AWG, Discrete-Wire Harness Assembly

17-04299-01

B–2 Field Replaceable Units

Index
5.25-inch tape drive
installation, 4–30

A
AC power connector
location of, 1–13
Accessory kit
contents of, 2–9
Adapter
Fast SCSI-2, 4–29
Alignment
slides to cabinet, 2–21
ARC interface
switching to SRM from, 3–10
Attaching slides
rails, 2–17
Autoboot
Digital UNIX, 3–15
OpenVMS, 3–15

B
Boot diagnostic flow, 5–25
Boot menu (ARC), 3–9
Boot problems
troubleshooting, 5–25
Boot procedure, 3–14
booting Digital UNIX automatically, 3–15
booting OpenVMS automatically, 3–15
Bus
expansion of, 2–42
system, 4–12

Buses, displaying
for Digital UNIX, 4–6
for OpenVMS, 4–6
Buses, displaying (SRM), 4–8

C
Cabinet
stability of, 2–14
Cable management system
cable routing guidelines, 2–31
installation of, 2–29
Cabling DSSI adapters, 4–34
CFG files, 5–23
Checking content of shipment, 2–8
COM2 and parallel port
loopback tests, 5–16
Commands
to examine system configuration, 4–5
Configuration
See ECU
EISA boards, 4–23
EISA/ISA boards, 4–25
of environment variables, 4–11
Configuration file (CFG), EISA and ISA,
4–19
Configuration, examining
for Digital UNIX, 4–5
for OpenVMS, 4–5
for Windows NT, 4–5
Considerations
before troubleshooting, 5–2
Console
diagnostic flow, 5–11

Index–1

Console commands
set bootdef_dev, 4–11
set boot_osflags, 4–11
set envar, 4–11
show auto_action, 4–11
show config, 4–6
show device, 4–8
show envar, 4–11
show fru, 5–15
show memory, 4–10
test, 5–16
Console device, connecting, 2–34
Console mode
defined, 3–19
invoking, 3–19
invoking remotely, 3–19
invoking with Halt button, 3–19
problems, troubleshooting, 5–11, 5–13
prompt, 3–19
troubleshooting, 5–13
Console output, 4–36
Console port configuration, 4–36
Console prompt, 3–19
SRM console, 3–8
Console terminal, 3–19
Console, invoking
See Console mode, 3–19
Consoles
switching between ARC and SRM, 3–9
Controllers, displaying (SRM), 4–8
Controls, accessing, 1–5
CPU, 4–13
CPU and memory modules
removal and replacement, 6–12
CPU module
installation requirements, 4–13
location of, 4–12
SMP configuration and, 4–13
Customer support, 5–6, 5–7

Index–2

D
DC On/Off button, 1–8
DC On/Off light, 1–8
Device naming convention, 4–8
Devices, displaying
for Digital UNIX, 4–6
for OpenVMS, 4–6
Devices, displaying (SRM), 4–8
Diagnostic flow
boot problems, 5–25
console, 5–11
console mode problems, 5–13
errors reported by operating system,
5–26
power problems, 5–10
problems getting to console mode, 5–11
problems reported by console, 5–13
Door, OCP
opening of, 1–10
unlocking of, 1–10

E
ECU
actions after exiting, 4–22
defined, 4–19
invoking console firmware, 4–20
procedure for running, 4–20
procedures, 4–23
starting up, 4–20
edit command, 5–28
EISA, 1–3
EISA boards
configuring, 4–23
EISA boards, identifying, 4–18
EISA bus
features of, 4–16
location of, 4–12
problems at power-up, 5–21
troubleshooting, 5–21
troubleshooting tips, 5–23

EISA configuration procedure, 4–23
EISA Configuration Utility
See ECU
EISA I/O boards
location of, 1–11
EISA/ISA boards
configuring, 4–25
EISA/ISA configuration procedure, 4–25
Enclosure, 1–3
Environment variables
configuring, 4–11
resetting, 3–10
setting and examining, 4–11
Errors
commands to report, 5–15
Ethernet
external loopback, 5–16
Extended I/O module
location of, 4–12
Extending chassis
service, 6–4

F
Fail-safe loader, 5–27
activating, 5–27
power-up, 5–27
Fan
location of, 1–11
Fan assembly
removal and replacement, 6–22
Fan speed-control module
location of, 1–11
removal and replacement, 6–24
Fast SCSI-2 adapter, 4–29
Field replaceable units, B–1
Fixed-media
storage problems, 5–18
Front bezel
removal and replacement, 6–2
Front cover
removal and replacement, 6–10
FRUs
commands to report errors, 5–15

G
Guidelines
cable routing, 2–31

H
Halt button
invoking console mode with, 1–8
invoking operating system mode with,
1–8
Hangs
using Reset button to recover from, 1–9
Hardware specifications, A–1

I
I/O backplane
removal and replacement, 6–35
I/O boards
EISA, location of, 1–11
PCI, location of, 1–11
I/O bus, EISA features, 4–16
I/O module, 4–15
init -driver command, 5–28
Installation
5.25-inch tape drive, 4–30
attaching the slides, 2–14, 2–17
cable management system, 2–29
checking content of shipment, 2–8
interlock actuator bracket, 2–24
interlock actuator latches, 2–26
keyboard/mouse/video extension cables,
2–38
power cord, 2–22
RRD45 CD-ROM drive, 4–30
system slides, 2–11
tools required, 2–7
Installation area, 2–15
Interlock actuator bracket, installation of,
2–24
Interlock actuator latches, installation of,
2–26

Index–3

Interlock system, 2–24
Internal SCSI bus, 4–29
Interrupt lines
and EISA, 5–23
IRQs
and EISA, 5–23
ISA boards, identifying, 4–18
ISA bus
defined, 4–17
ISA/EISA boards
configuring, 4–25
ISA/EISA configuration procedure, 4–25

K
Keyboard/mouse/video extension cables,
installation of, 2–38

L
Loopback tests
COM2 and parallel ports, 5–16

M
Mass storage
described, 4–29
problems, troubleshooting, 5–18, 5–20
Memory module
displaying information for, 4–10
location of, 4–12
variations of, 4–14
Memory, displaying (SRM), 4–10
Modem, connecting, 2–34
Modules
CPU, 4–13

N
Networks
connecting to, 2–33
Ethernet, 2–33
nvram file, 5–28

Index–4

O
OCP
See Operator control panel
Operating system
boot failures, reporting, 5–26
preboot tasks, 3–10
Operating system problems
troubleshooting, 5–26
Operating system, booting, 3–14
Operating systems
switching, 3–13
Operator control panel
controls
location of, 1–6
DC On/Off button, 1–7
DC On/Off light, 1–7
display, interpreting, 5–12
Halt button, 1–8
Halt light, 1–8
location of, 1–6
power-up/diagnostic display, 1–7
Reset button, 1–9
Operator control panel board
removal and replacement, 6–8
Operator control panel cover
removal and replacement, 6–6

P
PCI, 1–3
PCI bus
defined, 4–27
location of, 4–12
troubleshooting, 5–24
PCI I/O boards
location of, 1–11
Peripheral devices, connecting, 2–34
Phone numbers
customer support, 5–7
Power cord
installation of, 2–22

Power cords
types of, 2–6
Power problems
troubleshooting, 5–10
Power requirements, 2–4
Power supply
location of, 1–11
removal and replacement, 6–30
Power-down procedure
turning off dc power, 3–16
Power-up display
interpreting, 5–12
Power-up sequence
mass-storage failures, 5–18
PCI failures, 5–24
Power-up/diagnostic display, 3–6
Printer, connecting, 2–34
Problem reporting, 5–6
Problems
See Troubleshooting
determining type, 5–5
identifying, 5–1, 5–4

R
Rail-hole pattern, 2–15
Rails
attaching slides to, 2–17
Reboot procedure, 3–14
Remote I/O module
location of, 1–11
removal and replacement, 6–20
Removable-media
storage problems, 5–20
Removable-media devices
SCSI support for, 4–29
Removal and replacement
CPU and memory modules, 6–12
fan assembly, 6–22
fan speed-control module, 6–24
front bezel, 6–2
front cover, 6–10
I/O backplane, 6–35
operator control panel board, 6–8
operator control panel cover, 6–6

Removal and replacement (cont’d)
power supply, 6–30
remote I/O module, 6–20
RX23L floppy drive, 6–18
RZ28 hard disk drive, 6–28
safety cover, 6–16
system backplane, 6–33
thermal sensor, 6–26
top cover, 6–14
Reset button
for recovering from hangs, 1–9
RRD45 CD-ROM drive
installation, 4–30
RX23L floppy drive
removal and replacement, 6–18
RZ28 hard disk drive
removal and replacement, 6–28

S
Safety cover
removal and replacement, 6–16
SCSI bus
expansion of, 2–42
internal, 4–29
Serial ports, 4–36
Service
extending chassis, 6–4
set command (SRM), 4–11
Shipment
checking content of, 2–8
show command (SRM), 4–11
show configuration command, 4–6
show device command (SRM), 4–8
show fru command (SRM), 5–15
show memory command (SRM), 4–10
Site preparation
verifying of, 2–2
Slides
alignment of, 2–21
preparation of, 2–11
SMP configuration
CPU modules, 4–13

Index–5

Specifications
dimensions, A–2
electrical, A–2
environmental, A–3
Stability
cabinet, 2–14
Standard I/O module, 4–15
Startup procedure
preboot tasks, 3–10
Sysem Configuration Diskette, 4–19
System
before installing the, 2–1
configuration, examining, 4–5
expansion of SCSI, 2–42
slide mounting of, 2–19
turning off, 3–16
turning on, 3–2
System backplane
removal and replacement, 6–33
System bus, location of, 4–12
System components
front, 1–6
System configuration, examining
for Digital UNIX, 4–5
for OpenVMS, 4–5
for Windows NT, 4–5
System keys, locating, 1–5
System operation
boot, 3–14
reboot, 3–14
System slides
installation of, 2–11
System software
booting, 3–14
System startup screen, 3–6
SYSTEMCFG volume label, 4–19

T
Terminals, connecting, 2–36
test command, 5–16
Thermal sensor
removal and replacement, 6–26

Index–6

Tools required, 2–7
Top cover
removal and replacement, 6–14
Troubleshooting, 5–1
boot problems, 5–25
considerations before beginning, 5–2
console, 5–11
console mode problems, 5–13
EISA problems, 5–21
errors reported by operating system,
5–26
for self-maintenance customers, 5–2
interpreting the operator control panel
power-up display, 5–12
mass-storage problems, 5–18
operating system problems, 5–26
PCI problems, 5–24
power problems, 5–10
problem reference, 5–5
problem worksheet, 5–9
problems getting to console mode, 5–11
problems reported by the console, 5–13
reporting problems, 5–6
task overview, 5–4
test command, 5–2

V
VGA monitor, connecting, 2–36
VT terminal, connecting, 2–36

Reader’s Comments

AlphaServer 2100A LP System
Installation/Owner’s/Service Guide
EK-21ALP-IN. A01

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