Digital PDFs

EK-4MMIN-OP-A01

March 1993

216 pages

Original

3.4MB

Document:	DECstation 5000 Model 150 Operator's Guide
Order Number:	EK-4MMIN-OP
Revision:	A01
Pages:	216
Original Filename:

OCR Text

DECstation 5000 Model 150
Operator’s Guide
Order Number: EK–4MMIN–OP. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, March 1993
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation
assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied
only in accordance with the terms of such license.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1993.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments forms at the end of this document request your critical
evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DEC, DECconnect, DECnet,
DECstation, DECsystem, DECUS, DESTA, ThinWire, TURBOchannel, ULTRIX, ULTRIX-32, and
the DIGITAL logo.
Motif is a trademark of the Open Software Foundation, Inc. MS–DOS is a registered trademark
of Microsoft Corporation. PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. VELCRO
is a trademark of VELCRO USA, Inc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
FCC NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

This document is available on CD–ROM.

S2084

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

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

xiii

Part I Introducing Your Workstation
1 Getting Started
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.3

The DECstation 5000 Model 150 Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors, Controls, and Indicator Lights on System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Icons on System Unit and Its Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–4
1–4
1–7
1–8

2 The Environment
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.2

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

2–1
2–1
2–2
2–2
2–2

3 Installing Your DECstation 5000
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

Connecting the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Color Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Gray-scale Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Monochrome Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Dial and Button Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a SCSI Terminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the System Unit to a Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor to a Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–3
3–6
3–7
3–9
3–12
3–13
3–15
3–17

iii

4 Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.3
4.4
4.5

Turning On Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn On External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn On the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn On the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Failure of System Unit to Turn On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run the System Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a Self-Test Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check the Configuration Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Workstation Without Turning It Off . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Workstation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–1
4–2
4–3
4–4
4–5
4–6
4–6
4–6
4–6
4–7
4–8
4–8

5 Moving Your Workstation
5.1
5.2

Dismantling the Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Packing the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2

Part II External Additions to Your Workstation
6 Connecting Your System to a Network
6.1
6.2
6.3

Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–1
6–5
6–9

7 Connecting External Options
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.5.1
7.5.2

Setting Up Storage Expansion Boxes and Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to One Expansion Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to Multiple Expansion Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Communication Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect a Device with a 25-Pin Connector . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Connect a Device with a Telephone-Jack Type of
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7–1
7–3
7–6
7–9
7–11
7–11
7–13

8 The Server Configuration
8.1
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3

Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console . . . . . . . .
To Install a Terminal as a System Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Activate the Terminal as the System Console . . . . . . . . . .
To Make Your Workstation Monitor the System Console . . . .

8–1
8–2
8–4
8–5

Part III Internal Additions to Your Workstation
9 Opening and Closing the System Unit
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5

Removing the System Unit Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Antistatic Wrist Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Front Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Front Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the System Unit Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9–1
9–3
9–4
9–6
9–8

10 Installing and Removing Memory Modules
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4

Memory Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10–1
10–1
10–5
10–5

11 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8

Preparing for an Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting SCSI ID Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing a Hard Disk Drive Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Removable Media Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing a Removable Media Drive Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Drive from the Front Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11–3
11–4
11–15
11–22
11–23
11–23
11–29
11–29

12 Removing and Replacing the CPU Module
12.1
12.2
12.3

Removing CPU Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing a CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12–1
12–3
12–6

Part IV Workstation Management
13 Using the Console Program
13.1
Operating and Console Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.2
Entering Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.3
Console Command Conventions and Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.3.1
Console Command Conventions Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.3.2
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4
Summary of Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.1
? Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.2
boot Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.3
cat Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.4
cnfg Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.5
d Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.6
erl Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.7
go Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.8
init Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.9
ls Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.10
passwd Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.11
printenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.12
restart Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.13
script Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.14
setenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.15
sh Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.16
t Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.17
test Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.4.18
unsetenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13–1
13–2
13–3
13–4
13–4
13–6
13–7
13–7
13–9
13–9
13–11
13–12
13–13
13–13
13–13
13–14
13–14
13–15
13–15
13–15
13–17
13–18
13–18
13–18

14 Troubleshooting
14.1
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5
14.6

Where to Look for Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solving Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running a Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting Self-Test Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contacting Your Digital Service Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14–1
14–2
14–4
14–12
14–13
14–18

Part V Appendixes
A Regulatory Information for the UK
A.1
A.2
A.3
A.4
A.5
A.6

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

A–2
A–2
A–3
A–4
A–4
A–4

B Equipment Specifications
B.1
B.2
B.3
B.4
B.5
B.6
B.7
B.8
B.9

DECstation 5000 Model 150 System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ24L Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ25 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ26 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX23 Diskette Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RRD42 Compact Disc Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TZK10 Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TLZ06 Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B–2
B–3
B–5
B–6
B–7
B–9
B–10
B–11
B–14

C Connector Pin Assignments
C.1
C.2
C.3
C.4
C.5

SCSI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EIA RS232 Communications Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C–1
C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6

Index

vii

Figures
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
2–1
3–1
3–2
3–3
3–4
3–5
3–6
3–7
3–8
3–9
3–10
3–11
3–12
3–13
4–1
4–2
4–3
4–4
6–1
6–2
6–3
6–4
6–5
6–6
6–7
6–8
6–9

viii

Typical DECstation 5000 Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Workstation Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back of System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Icons on the Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltage Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Video Cable Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Color or Gray-Scale Video Cable to System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Video Cable Assembly to a Color Monitor . . . . .
Connecting Video Cable Assembly to 19-Inch Gray-Scale
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Video Cable Assembly to Monochrome
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Keyboard-Mouse Cable Connector . . . . . . . . . .
Hinged Feet on the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dial and Button Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a Terminator to the System SCSI Connector . . . . .
Connecting the Power Cord to the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor to the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expansion Box On/Off Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning on the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning on the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halt Button and System Unit On/Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding Lock on ThickWire Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding Lock on System Unit ThickWire Ethernet
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Used to Connect a ThinWire Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a ThickWire cable to the ThinWire Adapter . . . .
Attaching a T-connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a T-connector Terminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cables and Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Attaching the Twisted-pair Ethernet Cable to the
Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the Adapter and
System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the SCSI Terminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the
System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the
Expansion Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Expansion Box Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Multiple Expansion Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the SCSI Terminator to the Last Expansion
Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication Device Adapter and Connectors . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a 25-pin Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using an Adapter to Connect a Communications Device to
the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a VT320 Terminal to the System Unit . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Cover From the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using an Antistatic Wrist Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Front Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Front Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Cover on the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Slots Inside the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Modules in Memory Slots 0 and 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Install Drives in the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings for an RZ23L Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings for the RZ24L Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Front of the RZ25
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Side of the RZ25
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings for an RZ26 Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . .

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

11–7
11–8
11–9
11–10
11–11
11–12
11–13
11–14
11–15
11–16
11–17
11–18
11–19
11–20
11–21
12–1
12–2
12–3
12–4
12–5
14–1

Jumper Settings for an RRD42 Optical Compact Disc
drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch Settings for RX23 and RX33 Floppy Disk Drives . . . .
TLZ06 Mode and SCSI Address Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jumper Settings for a TZK10 QIC Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locations for Internal Hard Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Cable in the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Cable in the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Cable Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a Removable Media Drive into the Drive
Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Cable Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plugging the Cable Straight into the Connector . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Existing Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a New Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R4000 CPU Module Switch Packet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a CPU Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Nameplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Product Conversion Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11–12
11–13
11–14
11–15
11–16
11–17
11–18
11–19
11–20
11–21
11–24
11–25
11–26
11–27
11–28
12–2
12–3
12–4
12–5
12–6
14–2

Tables
1
1–1
1–2
7–1
11–1
13–1
13–2
13–3
13–4
14–1

Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors, Controls, and Indicator Lights on System
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DECstation 5000 Model 150 Devices and Options . . . . . . . . .
Expansion Box Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Default SCSI ID Numbers for Internal Drives . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Module Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Device Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting Diagnostic Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

xiii
1–6
1–8
7–2
11–4
13–6
13–11
13–11
13–16
14–3

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

Solutions to Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-Test Error Messages for the Base System Slot . . . . . . . .
PMBA-AA Service Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearance and Creepage Specs for PMBA-AA . . . . . . . . . . . .
Module Power Rating for PMBA-AA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustics—Preliminary Declared Values per ISO 9296 and
ISO 7779 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . .
RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . .
RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . .
RZ26 Hard Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ26 Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RZ26 Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX23 Diskette Disk Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX23 Diskette Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX23 Diskette Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . .
RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . .
RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . .
TZK10 Cartridge Tape Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TZK10 Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TZK10 Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TLZ06 Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TLZ06 Drive Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TLZ06 Drive Nonoperating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TLZ06 Cassettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ThickWire Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . .

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

C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6
C–7

xii

EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments . . .
Power Supply Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Loopback Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modem Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C–4
C–5
C–6
C–6
C–6

Preface
This guide explains how to install and test the hardware components of your
DECstation 5000 Model 150 workstation. It also describes how to use your
system as a server.
Table 1 Conventions Used in This Guide
Convention

Use

Monospace type

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

Boldface type

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

Caution

Caution notes provide information that protects your
workstation from being damaged.

italic type

Indicates a variable or a complete title of a manual.

xiii

Part I
Introducing Your Workstation

1
Getting Started
This chapter provides an overview of the following topics:
•

The DECstation 5000 Model 150 Workstation

•

System Unit Components

•

Available Options

1.1 The DECstation 5000 Model 150 Workstation
The DECstation 5000 Model 150 workstation features:
•

50 SPECmarks

•

Graphics, storage, and expansion options

•

On-chip cache of 8 KB instruction and 8 KB data

•

1 MB secondary cache

Figure 1–1 shows a typical DECstation 5000.

Getting Started 1–1

1.1 The DECstation 5000 Model 150 Workstation

Figure 1–1 Typical DECstation 5000 Workstation

Nameplate

dig

ita

WS33O137

In addition to the this manual, you should have the following:
•

Any options you ordered

•

Any software you ordered

•

All the items shown in Figure 1–2, except only one type of video cable
assembly: color, monochrome, or gray-scale.

1–2 Getting Started

1.1 The DECstation 5000 Model 150 Workstation

Figure 1–2 Workstation Components

Color video cable assembly

System unit, power cord, and
monitor-to-system-unit power cable

Monochrome video cable assembly

Gray-scale video cable assembly

Monitor and monitor power cord

Keyboard with cable
Keyboard-mouse cable assembly

(Keyboard ordered may
vary from the one shown)

Communication
connector adapter

Mouse with cable

SCSI terminator

Antistatic wrist strap

ThickWire Ethernet

Screwdrivers

loopback connector
WS33O131

Getting Started 1–3

1.2 System Unit Components

1.2 System Unit Components
The system unit sits flat on a level surface with the monitor on top of or next
to it.
Caution
Do not stand the system unit on its side. This can block the cooling
vents and damage the unit.

1.2.1 Connectors, Controls, and Indicator Lights on System Unit
Figure 1–3 shows the connectors and switches on the back of the system unit.
Table 1–1 explains each item.

1–4 Getting Started

1.2 System Unit Components

Figure 1–3 Back of System Unit

4
5

3
2

PMAG-C

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120/22
A 7.9/4.2

0-240

Hz 50-60
W 359

14
13
12
6

11
10
9
8

TURBOchannel option slot 0.

Communications connector 2

TURBOchannel option slot 1

10.

Communications connector 3

TURBOchannel option slot 2

11.

Halt button

Cover-release screw

12.

Diagnostic indicator lights

Monitor-to-system-unit power connector

13.

Base system ThickWire Ethernet

On/off switch

System unit power connector

Keyboard-mouse connector

connector
14.

Base system SCSI connector

WS33O094

Getting Started 1–5

1.2 System Unit Components

Table 1–1 Connectors, Controls, and Indicator Lights on System Unit
Item

Function

TURBOchannel option slots 0, 1,
and 2

The points at which optional TURBOchannel
hardware can connect to the system unit. (In
Figure 1–3, TURBOchannel slot 0 contains a video
connector, the point at which a video cable connects
the monitor to the system unit.)

Cover-release screw

A captive screw that allows the cover to be removed
from the system unit.

Monitor-to-system-unit power
connector

The point at which power can pass from the system
unit to the monitor.

On/Off switch

The switch that turns the system unit on and off.
Pressing ( | ) turns the system unit on; pressing (O)
turns it off.

System unit power connector

The point at which power from the power source
reaches the system unit.

Keyboard-mouse connector

The point at which the keyboard-mouse cable
connects the keyboard and mouse or tablet to the
system unit.

Communications connectors

The points at which communications devices, such
as modems and printers, connect to the system unit.

Halt button

The switch that stops the worksystem software and
puts the workstation in console mode.

Diagnostic indicator lights

Lights that indicate where system failures occurred;
useful when there is no display on the monitor.

Base system ThickWire Ethernet
connector

The point at which Ethernet network cables connect
to the system unit.

Base system SCSI connector

The point at which external small computer system
interface (SCSI) storage devices connect to the base
system.

1–6 Getting Started

1.2 System Unit Components

1.2.2 Icons on System Unit and Its Cables
Many of your workstation connectors and cables use icons to remind you of
their functions. Figure 1–4 shows the icons used on your workstation system
unit.
Figure 1–4 Icons on the Workstation

Ethernet

Communications

Keyboard

Reset button

Mouse

SCSI
WSE2O003

Getting Started 1–7

1.3 Available Options

1.3 Available Options
Table 1–2 lists the internal and external options for the DECstation 5000
Model 150. Internal options must be installed inside the system unit or in an
expansion box. External options, including expansion boxes and peripheral
devices such as printers and modems, can be attached by a cable to the system
unit.
An ‘‘X’’ in Table 1–2 indicates where the option can be installed; in the system
unit, an expansion box, or both.
Table 1–2 DECstation 5000 Model 150 Devices and Options
Option

System Unit

Expansion
Box

RZ23L, RZ24L, RZ25, RZ26 hard disk drives

RZ58 hard disk drive
RRD42, RX23, TLZ06, TZK10 drives

X
X

RX33, TK50, TKZ08, TZ30 drives

MS01–AA, MS01–CA, MS01L–AB memory modules

TURBOchannel Graphics

1–8 Getting Started

2
The Environment
This chapter describes the following topics:
•

Site Requirements

•

Power Requirements

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

2.1.1 Temperature and Humidity
•

The temperature around the workstation should be between 50° F (10° C)
and 95° F (35° C).
The workstation should be set up away from heaters, photocopiers, and
other sources of heat.
Protect your workstation from direct sunlight.

The Environment 2–1

2.1 Site Requirements

•

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

•

Relative humidity should be between 10 and 90 percent.

•

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

2.1.2 Cleanliness
•

Keep your work area as dust-free as possible.

2.1.3 Interference
•

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

•

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

2.2 Power Requirements
•

Reserve an entire circuit for your workstation power source. The fuse for
the circuit must be at least 20 amperes.

•

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

Many of the devices you connect to your workstation, including most monitors,
must have voltages that match your power source, which is either 110/120 or
220/240 volts. Devices that require matching voltages have a yellow voltage
label covering the power connector. This label tells you that device’s power
requirements. (See Figure 2–1.)
Caution
Connecting your equipment to a power source with the wrong voltage
can damage the equipment.

2–2 The Environment

2.2 Power Requirements

Figure 2–1 Voltage Labels

V 100-120

V 220-240

36-17905-19

V 100-120

V 220-240

36-17905-19

WSE2I021

The Environment 2–3

3
Installing Your DECstation 5000
This chapter explains the following installation steps:
•

Connecting the Monitor

•

Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet

•

Connecting the Dial and Button Box

•

Attaching a SCSI Terminator

•

Connecting the System Unit to a Power Outlet

•

Connecting the Monitor to a Power Outlet

3.1 Connecting the Monitor
Caution
Make sure that both the monitor and system unit are turned off.
Connecting or disconnecting your monitor while power is turned on can
damage the monitor.

1. Select the appropriate video cable assembly for your workstation. (See
Figure 3–1.)
•

The video cable assembly for a color monitor has a set of red, green,
and blue (RGB) signal cables at one end and a 3-pin connector at the
other.

•

The video cable assembly for a gray-scale monitor has a round signal
cable connector at one end and a 3-pin connector at the other end.

•

The video cable assembly for a monochrome monitor has a threaded
video cable connector on one end and a slotted connector on the other
end.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–1

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

Figure 3–1 Video Cable Assemblies

Threaded video

Slotted signal

cable connector

For a monochrome monitor

3-pin connector

Signal cable
connector

RGB connectors

For a color monitor

For a gray-scale monitor

WS33O040

3–2 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

2. Place the monitor next to or on top of the system unit.
Caution
Do not place the monitor near an electromagnetic device, such as a
printer or an electric pencil sharpener, or near magnetized objects, such
as filing cabinets or steel beams in walls. This can interfere with its
performance.

3. Turn off the monitor. Figure 3–2 illustrates the different switches.
Figure 3–2 Turning Off the Monitor

Press the 0 on

Press and release this

Press this type

this type of switch.

type of switch.

of switch so it is out.

WSE2I101

4. Connect the video cable assembly to the system unit and monitor with one
of the following procedures.

3.1.1 Connecting a Color Monitor
a. Hold the 3-pin connector of the cable assembly so that the widest part of
the connector is on top. See Figure 3–3.
b. Firmly push the cable connector into the video option connector on the
system unit.
c.

Tighten the screws on the 3-pin connector to lock the connector securely in
place. Check to see that the connection is correct. If the 3-pin connector is
inserted upside down, the colors red and blue are displayed in reverse on
color monitors.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–3

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

Figure 3–3 Connecting Color or Gray-Scale Video Cable to System Unit
Video connector in
TURBOchannel option slot 0

Video cable
3-pin connector

Screws

0
V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

1
2

V~100-12
A 7.9/4

.2
Hz 50-6
0
W 359

0/220-24

WS33O028

d. Connect the red, green, and blue signal cables to the round connectors
on the monitor labeled R, G, and B.
If your monitor has two sets of round RGB connectors, use the ones
labeled VIDEO IN. (The monitor will have no display if you use the
VIDEO OUT connectors.)
•

Align the slots on the collar of the red signal cable connector with
the pins on the monitor connector labeled R.

•

Push the signal cable connector onto the monitor connector. Then
twist the cable connector to the right to lock it.

3–4 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

Repeat this procedure with the green and blue signal cables. The green
signal cable connects to the monitor connector labeled G; the blue
signal cable connects to the monitor connector labeled B.
Figure 3–4 Connecting a Video Cable Assembly to a Color Monitor

Monitor
video connectors
Signal cable
connectors

R
G
B

R
G

WS33O071

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–5

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

3.1.2 Connecting a Gray-scale Monitor
a. Hold the 3-pin connector of the cable assembly so that the widest part of
the connector is on top.
b. Firmly push the cable connector into the video option connector on the
system unit.
c.

Tighten the screws on the 3-pin connector to lock the connector securely in
place.

d. Align the slots on the collar of the signal cable connector with the pins on
the monitor video connector.
e.

Push the slotted signal cable connector onto the monitor video connector.
Then twist the cable connector to the right to fasten it.

Figure 3–5 Connecting Video Cable Assembly to 19-Inch Gray-Scale Monitor

Cable mounting detail
Monitor video connector

Connector block

Slotted signal cable connector
WS33O095

3–6 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

3.1.3 Connecting a Monochrome Monitor
a. Press the threaded signal cable connector onto the system unit video
connector to tighten it. (See Figure 3–6.)
b. Align the slots on the collar of the signal cable connector with the pins on
the monitor video connector.
c.

Push the slotted signal connector onto the monitor video connector. Then
twist the connector to the right to lock it.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–7

3.1 Connecting the Monitor

Figure 3–6 Connecting Video Cable Assembly to Monochrome Monitor

Turn the signal cable

Monitor video

connector to your

connector

right until it slides
forward and locks
into place.

0
PMAG-A

V~100-120

V~220-240

2
V~100-12

A 7.9/4.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

3
2

System unit
Turn the threaded
connector to your right.

video connector

PMAG-A

WS33O075

3–8 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.2 Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet

3.2 Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet
1. Insert the mouse cable connector and the keyboard cable connector into the
connector block of the keyboard-mouse cable assembly.
Figure 3–7 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

1. Position the mouse cable
connector so the icon
on it is under the
mouse icon on the
connector block.

2. Position the keyboard
cable so the clip is on
the bottom.

WS33I043

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–9

3.2 Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet

2. Plug the keyboard-mouse cable assembly connector into the keyboardmouse connector on the system unit.
Figure 3–8 Attaching the Keyboard-Mouse Cable Connector

PMAG-C

0
V~100-12

0 A 3.0
0 A 1.7

V~220-24

2
V~100-12

0/220-24

A 7.9/4.2

Hz 50-60
W 359

3
2

Position the keyboard-mouse
cable connector so the widest
part of the connector is on top.
Keyboard and
mouse icons

Turn the screws to your right
to hold the connector in place.
WS33I042

3–10 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.2 Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse or Tablet

3. You can tilt the keyboard or let it lie flat. To tilt it, press up on the hinged
feet.
Figure 3–9 Hinged Feet on the Keyboard

Hinged feet

WS33O105

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–11

3.3 Connecting the Dial and Button Box

3.3 Connecting the Dial and Button Box
You can use the optional dial and button box with your workstation to move
data on the monitor screen. The documentation supplied with these options
explains their installation and use.
Figure 3–10 Dial and Button Box

Communication
device cable
Power strip

WS33M057

3–12 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.4 Attaching a SCSI Terminator

3.4 Attaching a SCSI Terminator
A connector for a small computer system interface (SCSI) is built into the
base system hardware, as shown in Figure 3–11. When the connector is not
connected to a SCSI device (a disk drive or other device that uses a SCSI
interface), it must be terminated with a SCSI terminator to avoid problems on
the internal bus.
For the time being, put a SCSI terminator on the SCSI connector on the
system unit. You can remove the terminator later if you connect SCSI devices
to the system unit.
Your system unit may have additional SCSI connectors in option slots. Do
not attach SCSI terminators to these connectors. Option SCSI buses do not
interface with the internal devices so failure to terminate these connectors has
no effect on internal SCSI performance.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–13

3.4 Attaching a SCSI Terminator

Figure 3–11 Attaching a Terminator to the System SCSI Connector
Base system
SCSI connector
SCSI terminator

Handle

SCSI icon

PMAG-C

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120/22
A 7.9/4.2

0-240

Hz 50-60
W 359

WS33O087

3–14 Installing Your DECstation 5000

3.5 Connecting the System Unit to a Power Outlet

3.5 Connecting the System Unit to a Power Outlet
Follow these instructions to connect the system unit power cables:
1. Plug the connector on the power cord into the system unit power connector
on the back of the system unit.
2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–15

3.5 Connecting the System Unit to a Power Outlet

Figure 3–12 Connecting the Power Cord to the System Unit

PMAG

-C

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120
/2
A 7.9/4
.2

3
2

V~100120 A
3.0
V~220240 A
1.7

V~100120/2
A 7.9/4.2

WS33O113

3–16 Installing Your DECstation 5000

Power cord

System unit

connector

power connector

3.6 Connecting the Monitor to a Power Outlet

3.6 Connecting the Monitor to a Power Outlet
Follow these instructions and refer to Figure 3–13 to connect the monitor to
the system unit:
1. Plug the connector on the monitor-to-system-unit power cable into the
power connector on the back of the monitor.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the extra power outlet on the back of
the system unit.

Installing Your DECstation 5000 3–17

3.6 Connecting the Monitor to a Power Outlet

Figure 3–13 Connecting the Monitor to the System Unit

Monitor power

connector

PMAG-C

0
V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2

3
2

Monitor-to-system-unit
power connector

Monitor-to-system-unit
power cable
System unit power cord

WS33I001

3–18 Installing Your DECstation 5000

4
Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware
This chapter describes the following steps:
•

Turning On Your Workstation

•

Testing the Workstation

•

Stopping the Workstation Without Turning It Off

•

Turning Off the Workstation

•

Installing Workstation Software

4.1 Turning On Your Workstation
Turn on the components of your workstation in the following order:
1. External devices
2. Monitor
3. System unit

Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware 4–1

4.1 Turning On Your Workstation

4.1.1 Turn On External Devices
1. Turn on each expansion box. Most boxes have rocker switches; some have
push switches.
2. Turn on your communications device, if you have one.
Figure 4–1 Expansion Box On/Off Switches
On/off switches

d i g it a

WSE2O019

4–2 Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware

4.1 Turning On Your Workstation

4.1.2 Turn On the Monitor
Most monitor On/Off switches are rocker switches marked | for on and O
for off. Press the | to turn on the power. Some monitors have a push switch
instead of a rocker switch. Press the switch in to turn on the power.
Figure 4–2 Turning on the Monitor

Press the I on

Press and release this

Press this type

this type of switch.

type of switch.

of switch in.

WSE2I142

If your monitor receives power from the system unit, the screen remains blank
after you turn on the monitor. The system unit must be turned on before the
screen can display anything.

Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware 4–3

4.1 Turning On Your Workstation

4.1.3 Turn On the System Unit
The system unit On/Off switch is on the back of the system unit. Turn on the
system unit by pressing | on the On/Off switch.
Figure 4–3 Turning on the System Unit

PMAG-C

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120
A 7.9/4

/22

.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

On/off switch
in the on position

WS33O037

When the system unit turns on:
•

The power indicator light on the front of the system unit glows.

•

If the monitor takes power from the system unit, the monitor turns on.

•

The system unit runs the automatic power-up self-test. At the bottom of
the screen, it displays the names of each subtest that it runs.

4–4 Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware

4.1 Turning On Your Workstation

•

If your workstation language has been set, the system unit displays text
like the following:
KN04
>>

V1.0a

If the workstation language has not been set, the system unit displays the
following language menu first:
1) Dansk
9) Français (Suisse Romande)
2) Deutsch
10) Italiano
3) Deutsch (Schweiz)
11) Nederlands
4) English
12) Norsk
5) English (British/Irish) 13) Portûgues
6) Español
14) Suomi
7) Français
15) Svenska
8) Français (Canadien)
16) Vlaams
(1..16): _
Type the number displayed to the left of the language you want to use. Then
press Return.
The console prompt (>>) appears when your language is set.
You can change the workstation language by redisplaying the language menu.
Use the setenv command (see Section 13.4.14) to set the console environment
variable to 0 (zero). The language selection menu will immediately appear, and
a new language can be selected.

4.1.4 Failure of System Unit to Turn On
If nothing happens when you turn on the system unit, turn it off and check the
following:
•

Make sure that it is plugged into a live power outlet.

•

Determine whether both ends of the power cable are plugged securely into
the appropriate connectors.

•

If you are using a power strip, make sure it is turned on.

•

Determine whether you have pressed the correct On/Off switch.

If the system unit still fails to work, turn to Chapter 14 for troubleshooting
instructions.

Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware 4–5

4.2 Testing the Workstation

4.2 Testing the Workstation
4.2.1 Run the System Self-Test
Type test and press Return to run the system self-test. As the system performs
the subtests that make up the self-test, it briefly displays the name of each
subtest on the screen. The tests can take 15 minutes or more to run. When
all tests have been completed successfully, the system unit displays the console
prompt (>>).

4.2.2 If a Self-Test Fails
At the end of the system self-test, error messages that have been generated
display above the console prompt (>>). You should also use the erl command
to look for other messages. Type erl at the console prompt and press Return.
Chapter 14 explains all the test messages.

4.2.3 Check the Configuration Displays
The configuration test tells you which option modules are in your system unit.
It identifies each module in your system unit by slot number and a special
option module code.
Use the cnfg command to check the workstation configuration (see
Section 13.4.4.) Check to be sure that the screen display lists all the modules
ordered for your workstation. The packing list for your shipment shows the
modules you ordered.

4–6 Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware

4.3 Stopping the Workstation Without Turning It Off

4.3 Stopping the Workstation Without Turning It Off
If ULTRIX is your workstation software, you can shut it down by typing
shutdown -h now at the ULTRIX prompt and pressing Return.
If you are unable to return to console mode using this shutdown command,
you can stop your workstation and all workstation software by pressing the
halt button on the back of the system unit. The workstation and software stop
whatever they were doing, and the monitor displays the console prompt (>>).
It may take several seconds after pressing the halt button for your system to
respond. Save your work, if you can, before pressing the halt button.
Caution
Do not press the halt button if your workstation software is running.
Doing so can result in the loss or corruption of data.

Figure 4–4 Halt Button and System Unit On/Off Switch

PMAG

-C

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

V~100-120
A 7.9/4

.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

/220-240

Halt button
On/off switch
WS33O003

The specific result of pressing the halt button is determined by the setting
of the haltaction environment variable. (Chapter 13 explains how to set this
variable.)

Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware 4–7

4.4 Turning Off the Workstation

4.4 Turning Off the Workstation
1. If your workstation software has been installed, follow the instructions that
came with that software to shut down the software.
2. Turn off the power.
•

If your workstation takes power from a power strip, turn off the power
strip.

•

If your workstation is not on a power strip,
Turn off any communications device.
Turn off each expansion box.
If the monitor receives its power from a separate wall outlet, turn
off the monitor.
Turn off the system unit.

4.5 Installing Workstation Software
The software for your system can be installed by you, or come factory-installed.
If you are installing the software, follow the instructions in the Guide to
Installing ULTRIX.
If you have factory-installed software, follow these instructions to start the
software:
1. At the console prompt (>>) type setenv boot "3/rz2/vmunix -a" and press
Return.
2. Then type boot and press Return.
See the ULTRIX Guide to Starting the Factory-Installed Software System for
further instructions.
After installing the software, you can start it up in subsequent sessions just by
typing boot at the console prompt and pressing Return.
You will see some ULTRIX start up messages, and then the log-in screen
appears. This is where you type your user name and your password, if you
have one. Both your user name and password are given to you by your system
manager when you first begin using your workstation.

4–8 Starting and Testing Workstation Hardware

5
Moving Your Workstation
This chapter tells you how to disassemble your workstation and pack it for
moving.

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

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

•

If the monitor is plugged into a wall outlet, press the O on the On/Off
switch.

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

Moving Your Workstation 5–1

5.2 Packing the Equipment

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

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

•

Any documentation that came with that device

5–2 Moving Your Workstation

Part II
External Additions to Your Workstation

6
Connecting Your System to a Network
This chapter describes the following steps:
•

Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable

•

Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable

•

Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable

6.1 Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable
Figure 6–1 ThickWire Ethernet Cable

To the ThickWire

Ethernet connector

on the wall panel

on the system unit

ThickWire Ethernet cable
WS33I039

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–1

6.1 Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable

1. Use a simple tool, such as a flat-blade screwdriver, to slide the lock on the
base system ThickWire Ethernet connector to the right.
Figure 6–2 Sliding Lock on ThickWire Ethernet Connector

Sliding lock on the base system
ThickWire Ethernet connector

PMAG-C

0
V~100-12
0 A 3.0
V~220-24
0 A 1.7

1
2

V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

WS33I098

6–2 Connecting Your System to a Network

6.1 Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable

2. Hold the ThickWire Ethernet cable connector so that the widest part is
on top and push the connector directly into the base system ThickWire
connector.
Figure 6–3 Attaching the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the System Unit

PMAG-C

0
V~100-12

0 A 3.0
0 A 1.7

V~220-24

2
V~100-120/22
A 7.9/4.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

ThickWire Ethernet
cable connector

WS33I099

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–3

6.1 Connecting a ThickWire Ethernet Cable

3. Slide the lock on the base system ThickWire Ethernet connector to the
left.
Figure 6–4 Sliding Lock on System Unit ThickWire Ethernet Connector

PMAG-C

0
V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

1
2

V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2

Hz 50-60
W 359

WS33I100

4. Connect the other end of the ThickWire Ethernet cable to the Ethernet
cable coming from the wall.
After you test the workstation, use the config command (see Section 13.4.4) to
find the Ethernet station address of your workstation. Give the address to your
system manager, and ask the manager to complete the network connection.

6–4 Connecting Your System to a Network

6.2 Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable

6.2 Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable
Connect the DECstation 5000 Model 150 workstation to the ThinWire Ethernet
network cable using the ThickWire-to-ThinWire adapter, as follows:
1. Follow the instructions in Section 6.1 to connect the ThickWire cable to the
system unit.
2. Find the ThickWire-to-ThinWire adapter, the T-connector, and the
T-connector terminator that you ordered for your workstation.
Figure 6–5 Parts Used to Connect a ThinWire Network
ThinWire Ethernet connector

ThickWire
Ethernet
connector

ThickWire-to-ThinWire adapter

T-connector
terminator

T-connector

T- connector and terminator
WS3PO078

3. Find the connector with the sliding lock on the other end of the ThickWire
Ethernet cable you conneced to the workstation.
Make sure the sliding lock on the cable connector is in the unlocked
position.

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–5

6.2 Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable

4. Hold the ThickWire-to-ThinWire adapter and the free end of the ThickWire
cable so that the connectors match. Push the ThickWire cable connector
with the sliding lock onto the ThickWire connector on the adapter.
5. Slide the lock on the cable attached to the adapter to the locked position.
Figure 6–6 Connecting a ThickWire cable to the ThinWire Adapter

ThickWire-to-ThinWire
adapter

PMAG-C

0
1

Base system
ThickWire
Ethernet
connector
ThickWire Ethernet cable
WS3PO089

6–6 Connecting Your System to a Network

6.2 Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable

6. Attach the T-connector to the ThinWire Ethernet connector on the adapter.
Figure 6–7 Attaching a T-connector

ThickWire-to-ThinWire
adapter

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

To the ThickWire Ethernet
connector on the system unit
WS3PO074

7. If you are connecting the workstation within a network cable segment,
leave both ends of the T-connector free to attach your in-house network
cables.
If you are connecting the workstation at the end of a network cable
segment, attach a T-connector terminator to the open end of the T-connector
on the adapter.

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–7

6.2 Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Cable

Figure 6–8 Attaching a T-connector Terminator

ThickWire-to-ThinWire
adapter

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

T-connector
To the ThickWire Ethernet
connector on the system unit
WS3PO093

8. Put an Ethernet loopback conector on any unused Ethernet connectors in
the TURBOchannel slots.
After you test the workstation, use the config command (see Section 13.4.4) to
find the Ethernet station address of your workstation. Give the address to your
system manager, and ask the manager to complete the network connection.

6–8 Connecting Your System to a Network

6.3 Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable

6.3 Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable
Figure 6–9 shows the Twisted-Pair Ethernet cables and adapter.
Figure 6–9 Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cables and Adapter

Twisted-pair Ethernet cable

Twisted pair phone-jack
ThickWire Ethernet connector

type of connector

Back view

Front view
ThickWire-to-twisted-pair adapter

To the ThickWire Ethernet
To the base system

connector on the

ThickWire Ethernet

ThickWire- to-twisted-pair

connector

adapter

Twisted-pair-adapter-to-ThickWire cable
WS33I048

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–9

6.3 Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable

1. Plug one end of the twisted-pair Ethernet cable into the twisted-pair
phone-jack type of connector on the ThickWire-to-twisted-pair adapter.
Plug the other end of the twisted-pair Ethernet cable into the phone-jack
type of connector on the wall panel.
Figure 6–10 Attaching the Twisted-pair Ethernet Cable to the Adapter

ThickWire-totwisted-pair adapter

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

WS33I065

2. Plug the ThickWire connector on the twisted-pair-adapter-to-ThickWire
cable into the base system ThickWire Ethernet connector.
3. Plug the other end of the ThickWire connector on the twisted-pairadapter-to-ThickWire cable into the ThickWire Ethernet connector on the
ThickWire-to-twisted-pair adapter.

6–10 Connecting Your System to a Network

6.3 Connecting a Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cable

Figure 6–11 Attaching the ThickWire Ethernet Cable to the Adapter and
System Unit

Hold the ThickWire Ethernet connector so
the widest part of the connector is on top.

PMAG-C

0
1

ThickWire-totwisted-pair adapter

Twisted-pair-to-ThickWire cable

Base system
ThickWire
Ethernet
connector

WS33I064

After you test the workstation, use the config command (see Section 13.4.4) to
find the Ethernet station address of your workstation. Give the address to your
system manager, and ask the manager to complete the network connection.

Connecting Your System to a Network 6–11

7
Connecting External Options
This chapter describes the following steps:
•

Setting Up Storage Expansion Boxes and Cables

•

Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit

•

Connecting to One Expansion Box

•

Connecting to Multiple Expansion Boxes

•

Connecting Communication Devices

7.1 Setting Up Storage Expansion Boxes and Cables
Some storage expansion boxes, such as a tape drive box or a floppy disk drive
box have only one drive inside. The BA42 expansion box can have up to two
drives preinstalled at the factory. For a list of those types of drives, see the
BA42 Storage Expansion Box Installation Guide.
You install SCSI devices, such as storage expansion boxes, in chains,
connecting each chain of devices to a separate SCSI connector on the system
unit: one chain to the base system SCSI connector and a chain to each of the
three connectors you may have in TURBOchannel option slots 0, 1, and 2.
Arrange the storage expansion boxes and cables as follows:
1. Set up your expansion boxes so that the drives inside them are distributed
evenly among the SCSI connectors on the system unit.
For example, if you have seven drives and two SCSI connectors, plan to
install four drives on one connector and three drives on the other connector.
If your workstation has internal drives, count them as drives connected to
the base system SCSI connector.
2. Lay out your expansion box cables.

Connecting External Options 7–1

7.1 Setting Up Storage Expansion Boxes and Cables

Use Table 7–1 to compute the total cable length for each chain. If any
chain length exceeds 236 inches (6 meters), put some of the devices on
another chain or check the possibility of shorter cables.
Caution
If the chain length on one SCSI connector exceeds 236 inches
(6 meters), the drives attached to that connector will be unreliable.

Table 7–1 Expansion Box Cables
Cable

Length

Internal cable for the base system SCSI connector

52 inches
(132.1 centimeters)

BA42 (SZ12) expansion box internal cable

31 inches
(78.7 centimeters)

BA40 expansion box internal cable
- For TK50Z tape/drive
- For RRD42 optical compact disk drive
- For TLZ04 tape drive

14 inches
(35.6 centimeters)
2.5 inches
(6.4 centimeters)
38 inches
(96.5 centimeters)

Box-to-box expansion cable

26 inches
(66.0 centimeters)

System-unit-to-expansion-box cable

74 inches
(188.0 centimeters)

TZK08 tape drive external butterfly cable

10 inches
(25.4 centimeters)

7–2 Connecting External Options

7.2 Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit

7.2 Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit
Figure 7–1 System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable
To a SCSI connector
on the system unit

To a SCSI connector
on the expansion box

System-unit-to-expansion-box cable
WS33I046

1. Remove the SCSI terminator from the base system SCSI connector if you
previously terminated the connector. (See Figure 7–2.)

Connecting External Options 7–3

7.2 Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit

Figure 7–2 Removing the SCSI Terminator

Base system
SCSI connector

SCSI terminator

SCSI icon
Pull tab

PMAG-C

V~100-12

0 A 3.0
0 A 1.7

V~220-24

V~100-12

0/220-24

A 7.9/4.2

Hz 50-60
W 359

WS33I094

7–4 Connecting External Options

7.2 Connecting the Expansion Box to the System Unit

2. Connect the system-unit-to-expansion-box cable to the base system SCSI
connector on the system unit.
Figure 7–3 Connecting the System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the
System Unit

Base system unit
SCSI connector

SCSI icon

d i g i

PMAG-C

Position the metal
cable connector
so the flat side
of the connector
is on the bottom.

t a l

0
V~100-120
V~220-240 A 3.0
A 1.7

1
2

V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2 20
Hz 50-60
W 359

3
2

WS33I049

Connecting External Options 7–5

7.3 Connecting to One Expansion Box

7.3 Connecting to One Expansion Box
1. Connect the appropriate end of the system-unit-to-expansion-box cable to
one of the SCSI connectors on the back of the expansion box.

7–6 Connecting External Options

7.3 Connecting to One Expansion Box

Figure 7–4 Connecting the System-Unit-to-Expansion-Box Cable to the
Expansion Box

1. Pull the two wire brackets on
the SCSI connector away from
the connector.

2. Hold the cable connector
so the widest part is on
the top and push the
cable connector into the
SCSI connector as far
as it will go.

Wire bracket

Groove

3. Press the two wire brackets
firmly against the sides of
the cable connector until
they click into the grooves
on the connector.

BA42 storage expansion box
WS33I053

Connecting External Options 7–7

7.3 Connecting to One Expansion Box

2. Put an expansion box SCSI terminator on the empty SCSI connector on the
expansion box. The location of the SCSI connector is shown in Figure 7–5
3. Connect a power cord to the expansion box and to a power outlet.
Figure 7–5 Connecting the Expansion Box Power Cord

Power cord

SCSI terminator
WS33I097

7–8 Connecting External Options

7.4 Connecting to Multiple Expansion Boxes

7.4 Connecting to Multiple Expansion Boxes
1. Connect the system-unit-to-expansion-box cable to one of the SCSI
connectors on the back of the first box.
2. Connect a SCSI box-to-box expansion cable to the other SCSI connector
on the first box and connect the other end of the cable to one of the SCSI
connectors on the second box.
Figure 7–6 Connecting Multiple Expansion Boxes

1. Hold the connector so
the widest part of the
connector is on top.

2. Be sure the wire brackets
are locked into the grooves
on the sides of the connectors.

RRD40 optical
compact disc drive
expansion box
TK50Z tape drive
expansion box

BA42 storage
expansion box

System unit-to-expansion
box cable from system unit
WS33I083

Connecting External Options 7–9

7.4 Connecting to Multiple Expansion Boxes

3. Connect each of the remaining boxes with SCSI box-to-box expansion
cables as described in step 2.
4. Put an expansion box SCSI terminator on the unused SCSI connector on
the last box as shown in Figure 7–7.
5. Connect power cables to the boxes and to power outlets.
Figure 7–7 Attaching the SCSI Terminator to the Last Expansion Box

Power cord connector

1. Hold the terminator so
the widest part of its
connector is on top
and push the terminator
onto the empty expansion
box connector.

Wire brackets

2. Be sure the wire
brackets are locked
into the grooves
on the sides of the
connectors.

To power outlet
WS33I084

7–10 Connecting External Options

7.5 Connecting Communication Devices

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

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

•

A telephone-jack type connector (MMJ, modified modular jack), which
requires a 25-pin communications connector adapter to connect it to the
system unit.

Figure 7–8 Communication Device Adapter and Connectors

25-pin

Telephone-jack

25-pin

communications

type of

communications

connector

adapter

WS33I061

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

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

•

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

Connecting External Options 7–11

7.5 Connecting Communication Devices

2. Connect the free end of the device cable to the communications connector
on the back of the system unit:
a. Align the widest part of the cable connector with the widest part of the
connector on the system unit.
b. Press the cable connector all the way into the system unit connector.
Figure 7–9 Connecting a 25-pin Connector

digital

PMAG-C

0
V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

PMAD-A

2
V~100-120/220
A 7.9/4.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

System unit
communications
connector

25-pin connector
2

WS33I008

7–12 Connecting External Options

7.5 Connecting Communication Devices

7.5.2 To Connect a Device with a Telephone-Jack Type of Connector
1. Find the communications connector adapter that came with your
workstation. Hold it so that the widest part of the 25-pin connector is
on top.
2. Press the adapter connector all the way into the communications connector
on the system unit and tighten the screws until they hold the adapter
firmly in place.
3. Hold the jack connector on your device cable so that the clip is on your left.
and push the jack connector into the connector on the adapter until the
jack clicks into place.
Figure 7–10 Using an Adapter to Connect a Communications Device to the
System Unit

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

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

If your printer, plotter, or modem fails to work, see the troubleshooting
instructions in Chapter 14, or ask your system manager for help.

Connecting External Options 7–13

8
The Server Configuration
The DECstation 5000 Model 150 can be configured as either a workstation or
a server. (A server is used to provide other client systems in a network with
distributed services such as filing, computation, and printing.)
This chapter explains how to use a terminal or the workstation monitor as the
system console.

8.1 Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console
The system console displays error messages and other system messages from
the workstation, from networks, and from the worksystem software. You also
use the system console to enter console commands, such as the cnfg command.
You generally use your workstation monitor in console mode as the
system console. If a monitor is not available, you can use a terminal as
an alternate system console. A terminal can display text only; it cannot display
illustrations, DECwindows, or DECwindows applications; therefore, you cannot
use a terminal as a standard workstation monitor.
Some users prefer to connect both a monitor and a terminal to their
worksystems. In console mode, with both a monitor and a terminal configured,
the monitor screen displays graphics tests while the terminal screen displays
other tests and text input. (See Section 13.4.14 for information on selecting the
system console.)
The following instructions describe how to install a terminal and keyboard as a
system console.
Contact your Digital service representative if you have questions about using a
terminal.

The Server Configuration 8–1

8.1 Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console

8.1.1 To Install a Terminal as a System Console
1. Follow the instructions that came with your worksystem software to shut
down the software.
2. Turn off the system unit by pressing the O on the On/Off switch on the
back of the system unit.
3. Plug a communications connector adapter into one of the serial
communications connectors on the system unit (communications port 3
is preferred).
4. Find the terminal-to-system-unit cable that came with your terminal.
Notice that it has telephone-jack-type connectors on both ends.
Plug one end of the terminal-to-system-unit cable into the communications
connector adapter (see Figure 8–1).
5. Plug the other end of the terminal-to-system-unit cable into the modular
connector on the back of the terminal.

8–2 The Server Configuration

8.1 Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console

Figure 8–1 Connecting a VT320 Terminal to the System Unit

Terminal

PMAG-C

0
1

Terminal-to-system-unit cable
WS3PO056

The Server Configuration 8–3

8.1 Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console

6. Find the coiled keyboard cable that came with your terminal. Notice that
it has telephone-jack-type connectors at both ends, and that one end has a
keyboard icon.
Plug the end of the keyboard cable with the keyboard icon into the
connector on the side of the terminal.
7. Plug the other end of the keyboard cable into the modular connector on the
end of the terminal keyboard.
8. Connect a power cord to the terminal and to a power outlet.
9. Turn on the terminal and the system unit and wait for the system self-test
to finish before proceeding. The workstation monitor, rather than the
terminal, is still acting as the system console at this point.

8.1.2 To Activate the Terminal as the System Console
You must set the console environment variable to s to make the terminal
your system console. The operating system will then be under the control
of the terminal each time you boot the system, until you change the console
environment variable again.
If you are using a terminal and have no graphics monitor, you need not set the
variable to s because the system will default to the terminal.
1. Follow the instructions that came with your worksystem software to shut
down the software.
2. To activate the terminal as the system console, type setenv console s at
the workstation monitor console prompt and press Return.

8–4 The Server Configuration

8.1 Installing a Terminal as an Alternate System Console

8.1.3 To Make Your Workstation Monitor the System Console
The workstation monitor is the system console by default. If you have set
the console environment variable to s, your terminal is currently the system
console. To make your monitor the system console again,
1. Follow the instructions that came with your worksystem software to shut
down the software.
2. Type setenv console * at the console prompt on the terminal and press
Return.
3. Turn off the terminal if you are using the monitor as the system console.
(You need not turn off the terminal in console mode and turn it on again to
boot ULTRIX.)

The Server Configuration 8–5

Part III
Internal Additions to Your Workstation

9
Opening and Closing the System Unit
This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Removing the System Unit Cover

•

Attaching the Antistatic Wrist Strap

•

Removing the Front Drive Panel

•

Replacing the Front Drive Panel

•

Replacing the System Unit Cover

9.1 Removing the System Unit Cover
1. Follow the instructions that came with your workstation software to shut
down the software.
2. Turn off the system unit off by pressing O on the On/Off switch on the back
of the system unit.
3. Remove the system unit cover. Using a medium Phillips screwdriver,
loosen the cover-release screw on the back of the system unit. This is a
captive screw; it can be loosened but not removed.
4. Grasp each side of the cover with your hands, and pull the cover toward
the front, about 2 inches (5.5 cm). Then pull up, as shown in Figure 9–1.

Opening and Closing the System Unit 9–1

9.1 Removing the System Unit Cover

Figure 9–1 Removing the Cover From the System Unit

PMAG-C

0
1

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

2
V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2

20-240

Hz 50-60
W 359

Captive screw
On/off switch
WS33O102

9–2 Opening and Closing the System Unit

9.2 Attaching the Antistatic Wrist Strap

9.2 Attaching the Antistatic Wrist Strap
Follow these instructions to attach the antistatic wrist strap that came in the
workstation accessories kit.
Figure 9–2 Using an Antistatic Wrist Strap

MLO-010161

1. Unwrap the first section of the antistatic wrist strap and wrap the adhesive
side firmly around your wrist.
2. Peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end and attach the copper
foil to the metal frame that encloses the unit.
Caution
Always use the antistatic wrist strap when working inside the system
unit or handling items stored in antistatic bags. Failure to use the
antistatic wrist strap can result in damage to equipment.

Opening and Closing the System Unit 9–3

9.3 Removing the Front Drive Panel

9.3 Removing the Front Drive Panel
Follow these steps to remove the front drive panel:
1. Unhook the power supply cable from the white loop on the inside of the
front drive panel, as shown in Figure 9–3.
Figure 9–3 Inside the System Unit

Power supply
cable clip

WS33O101

2. Loosen the two screws on the end of the drive bracket. They are captive
screws and cannot be removed.
3. Loosen the two captive screws that hold the front drive panel on the system
unit.
4. Pull up carefully on the end of the drive bracket, as shown in Figure 9–4.
As you raise the end of the bracket, be sure not to damage any SCSI and
power supply cables that pass through the cutout in the end of the bracket.

9–4 Opening and Closing the System Unit

9.3 Removing the Front Drive Panel

Set the front drive panel aside. Handle it carefully if a drive is in the
bracket.
Figure 9–4 Removing the Front Drive Panel
Captive screw

Power supply cable

SCSI cable

Captive screw
Front drive panel

This is one of five tabs.

Captive screw
WS33O107

Opening and Closing the System Unit 9–5

9.4 Replacing the Front Drive Panel

9.4 Replacing the Front Drive Panel
Follow these instructions to replace the front drive panel:
1. Insert the tabs on the front drive panel into the cutouts on the system unit
and tilt the panel halfway down into the system unit.
2. If you disconnected cables from a drive in the drive bracket, hold the panel
while you pass the loose ends of the cables through the large cutout in the
end of the drive bracket. Plug the ends of the cables into the connectors on
the drive.
If there is no drive in the drive bracket, pass the cables through the large
cutout and tuck the ends of the cables into the bracket.
3. Carefully lower the end of the bracket onto the two posts that support it.
If you cannot seat the drive bracket on the two posts, lift the end of the
bracket and rearrange the cables. Then lower the bracket again.

9–6 Opening and Closing the System Unit

9.4 Replacing the Front Drive Panel

Figure 9–5 Replacing the Front Drive Panel
Captive screw

Power supply cable

SCSI cable

Captive screw
Front drive panel

This is one of five tabs.

WS33O114

Captive screw

4. Tighten the two captive screws on the end of the bracket until they are
tight.
5. Tighten the two captive screws that hold the front drive panel on the
system unit.
6. Remove the antistatic wrist strap from your wrist and from the system
unit.

Opening and Closing the System Unit 9–7

9.5 Replacing the System Unit Cover

9.5 Replacing the System Unit Cover
Follow these instructions to replace the system unit cover:
1. Position the cover slightly above the system unit about 2 inches (5.5 cm)
from the back of the unit.
2. Rest the cover on the system unit. Then slide it all the way to the back of
the unit, as shown in Figure 9–6.
3. Press the cover-release screw on the back of the unit and tighten it.
Figure 9–6 Replacing the Cover on the System Unit

PMAG-C

0
1

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

2
V~100-120/2
A 7.9/4.2

20-240

Hz 50-60
W 359

Captive screw
On/off switch
WS330122

9–8 Opening and Closing the System Unit

10
Installing and Removing Memory Modules
This chapter describes the following topics:
•

Memory Configurations

•

Installing Memory Modules

•

Testing Memory Modules

•

Removing Memory Modules

10.1 Memory Configurations
DECstation 5000 Model 150 workstations use pairs of 2-MB and 8-MB memory
modules. Your workstation can hold up to eight pairs of memory modules.
The system unit comes with at least 8 MB in place.
•

With pairs of 2-MB memory modules, you can install up to 32 MB of
memory.

•

With pairs of 8-MB memory modules, you can install up to 128 MB of
memory.

The cnfg command shows how much memory is installed in your workstation.
Chapter 13 explains how to use the cnfg command.

10.2 Installing Memory Modules
Caution
Do not mix 2 MB and 8 MB memory modules in the same system.
This will result in your system not recognizing some of your memory
modules.

Installing and Removing Memory Modules 10–1

10.2 Installing Memory Modules

1. Look at the numbers printed beside the memory slots inside the system
unit. Find the empty slot with the lowest number.
Notice that each memory slot has two connectors. You must install memory
modules in pairs, one in each connector of a slot.
Figure 10–1 Memory Slots Inside the System Unit
Four memory modules
already installed

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Memory
slot numbers

WS33O033

2. Hold the memory module so that the notched end faces right and the
contacts face down.
Caution
Do not touch the contacts on the memory modules. A static charge
could cause damage.

10–2 Installing and Removing Memory Modules

10.2 Installing Memory Modules

Figure 10–2 Memory Module

Memory chips

Mounting holes (2)

Contacts

Notched end
WS33O103

3. Tilt the top of the memory module toward the front of the system unit and
insert the memory module into the empty connector.
4. Make sure the mounting holes in the module line up with the mounting
posts at the ends of the connector, as shown in Figure 10–3.

Installing and Removing Memory Modules 10–3

10.2 Installing Memory Modules

Figure 10–3 Inserting a Memory Module

Mounting post

Spring clip

Mounting hole

Four memory modules
already installed

0
1
2
3
4
5
6

Memory slot numbers

WS33I104

5. Tilt the top of the memory module up and press the module against the
mounting posts until the module snaps past the spring clips. These clips
lock the memory module onto the mounting posts.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 to install another memory module in the other empty
connector of the same slot.

10–4 Installing and Removing Memory Modules

10.2 Installing Memory Modules

Repeat the installation for every pair of memory modules that you are
installing. Be sure to install each pair of modules in the slot with the
lowest number.

10.3 Testing Memory Modules
1. Turn on the monitor. Then turn on the system unit.
When the system unit completes the power-up self-test successfully, the
console prompt (>>) appears on the screen.
2. Type t 3/mem followed by a space and the number of the memory slot into
which you installed the modules. Then press Return. For example, to test
the modules in memory slot 2, type t 3/mem 2.
A display similar to the following appears on your screen as the memory
test progresses:
**\
When the test is done, the console prompt (>>) appears. If something other
than the console prompt appears, turn to Chapter 14 for troubleshooting
instructions.
3. Type cnfg at the console prompt and press Return to see the total amount
of memory in the workstation. A display like the following appears on your
screen:
>>cnfg
3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)

This example shows a workstation with 4 megabytes (4 MB) of memory.
The display shows the total amount of memory in your workstation. If it
does not, turn to Chapter 14 for troubleshooting instructions.

10.4 Removing Memory Modules
Follow these rules when you remove memory modules:
•

Remove memory modules from one memory slot at a time, starting with
the highest-numbered slot.

•

Remove both memory modules from a slot.

•

You need at least 8 megabytes of memory to use your workstation.

Installing and Removing Memory Modules 10–5

10.4 Removing Memory Modules

Remove memory modules by following these steps:
1. Locate the memory modules in the highest numbered memory slot.
Figure 10–4 Memory Modules in Memory Slots 0 and 1

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Memory slot
numbers

WS33O090

2. Release, but do not remove, one of the two memory modules in the
highest-numbered memory slot.
Press the spring clip on one end of the memory slot connector away from
the mounting post on the connector (see Figure 10–5.) At the same time,
press the memory module toward the front of the system unit.

10–6 Installing and Removing Memory Modules

10.4 Removing Memory Modules

Release the other end of the memory module the same way.
Figure 10–5 Removing a Memory Module

Mounting post

Spring clip

WS33O099

3. Lift the memory module out of the connector. Store the module in an
antistatic bag.
4. Remove the other memory module from the same slot.
5. Keep removing memory modules two at a time until you have removed
all that you intend to. Always remove memory modules from the highestnumbered memory slots first.

Installing and Removing Memory Modules 10–7

11
Installing and Removing Drives in the
System Unit
You can install drives in three places:
•

In the base of the system unit (hard disk drives)

•

In the front drive panel of the system unit (removable media drives)

•

In expansion boxes that can be connected to the system unit (see
Chapter 7)

Hard disk drives are drives in which the recording media are disks fastened
permanently inside the drive. To install hard disk drives in the base of the
system unit, see Section 11.3.
Removable media drives are drives where the recording media are disks and
tapes that you can remove and insert as you need them. Diskette drives and
tape drives are examples of removable media drives. To install removable
media drives in the front drive panel, see Section 11.6.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–1

Figure 11–1 Where to Install Drives in the System Unit
System unit cover

Locations for hard disk drives
Bezel (for front drive panel)

Base of system unit

Bracket for removable
Front drive panel

media drive

WS33O088

11–2 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.1 Preparing for an Installation

11.1 Preparing for an Installation
The workstation distinguishes each internal and external drive connected to a
small computer system interface (SCSI) connector by the SCSI ID number (0
to 6) assigned to that drive. Before you begin an installation, you must check
your configuration to see which SCSI ID numbers are unavailable, as follows:
1. Shut down the software by following the instructions that came with your
worksystem software.
2. Type cnfg 3 at the console prompt and press Return. The workstation
displays the configuration for the base system hardware and any previously
installed SCSI drives.
The following example of a cnfg 3 display shows no drives or other options
connected to the base system unit. (The 3 following >>cnfg 3 and 3: on
the next line represents the base system unit.)
>>cnfg 3
3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)
--------------------------------------------------DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI DEV
===== ================== ========= ====== ========
cache: I(8 KB), D(8 KB), S(1024 KB); Scache line (32 bytes)
R4000 revision (3.0)
mem( 0): a0000000:a03fffff ( 4 MB)

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–3

11.1 Preparing for an Installation

This example shows a previously installed internal tape drive (tz1)
connected to the system unit or base slot 3. Note that in this second
example tz1 appears in column 1 (DEV). Write down any device codes that
appear in that column of your display.
>>cnfg 3
3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)
--------------------------------------------------DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI DEV
===== ================== ========= ====== ========
tz1 TZK10
(C) DEC 00AA SEQ
cache: I(8 KB), D(8 KB), S(1024 KB); Scache line (32 bytes)
R4000 revision (3.0)
mem( 0): a0000000:a03fffff ( 4 MB)

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers
Each drive comes from the factory with a SCSI ID number already set. These
factory settings, called default settings, are listed in Table 11–1.
Table 11–1 Default SCSI ID Numbers for Internal Drives
Drive

Type

Default Setting

RZ23L

Hard disk

2 (and 3)1

RZ24L

Hard disk

2 (and 3)1

RZ25

Hard disk

2 (and 3)1

RZ26

Hard disk

2 (and 3)1

RRD42

Compact disc drive

RX23

Diskette drive

RX33

Diskette drive

TLZ04

Tape drive

TLZ06

Tape drive

TZK10

Tape drive

1 If the system contains two RZ23L, RZ24L RZ25, or RZ26 drives, the ID numbers are preset to 2

and 3 at the factory.

11–4 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

If you are changing the SCSI ID numbers on your drives, follow these steps:
•

Choose a SCSI ID number (0 to 6) for the drive. Be sure to choose a
number that is different from any SCSI ID numbers noted in the DEV
column of the display. (In the example, tz1 displays, thus 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6,
are available.)

•

Write down the new number on the same paper where you wrote the device
codes.

•

Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to set the SCSI ID on the drive that you
are installing. Set the ID to the new number that you chose by arranging
the SCSI switches or jumpers to indicate the number. Jumpers are
small rectangular collars that fit over the ID pins on drives and other
components. If your drive uses jumpers, the jumpers are already on the
pins, and you have to arrange them appropriately. Figures 11–2 through
11–10 show the jumper settings for each internal drive.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–5

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–2 Jumper Settings for an RZ23L Hard Disk Drive

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID pins

SCSI ID 6

SCSI connector

Power supply connector

WS33O078

11–6 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–3 Jumper Settings for the RZ24L Hard Disk Drive

A0 A1

SCSI
Address
Settings: 0

4
A0 A1

A0 A1

5
A0 A1

6
A0 A1

A0 A1

3
MLO-010264

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–7

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

The RZ25 drive has two sets of pins, one on the side of the drive and one at the
front.
Note
The drive ships with a jumper on pin 4 on the front of the drive. This
jumper does not affect the SCSI ID number of the drive and must
not be removed. If the jumper is removed, the drive will not function
correctly.

The SCSI ID is factory-set at 2. If you need to change the setting, you can use
either set of pins. To set the ID, do the following:
•

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

•

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

11–8 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–4 Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Front of the RZ25 Drive

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID 6

Front SCSI ID pins

WSMXS058
.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–9

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–5 Jumper Settings Using the Pins on the Side of the RZ25 Drive

SCSI ID 3

SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 6

Side SCSI
ID pins

RZ 25 drive
WSMXS108
.

11–10 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–6 Jumper Settings for an RZ26 Hard Disk Drive

2
0 1

SCSI
Address
Settings: 0

MLO-010258

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–11

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–7 Jumper Settings for an RRD42 Optical Compact Disc drive

Mode

5V+5%

GND

DC INP

GND

AUDIO

OUT

0 1 2

12V+10

ID SELEC

MODE

F.GND

SCSI
Address
Settings: 0

Mode

MLO-010275

11–12 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–8 Switch Settings for RX23 and RX33 Floppy Disk Drives
SCSI ID 0

SCSI ID 4

SCSI ID 1

SCSI ID 5

SCSI ID 2

SCSI ID 6

SCSI ID 3

SCSI connector

Power supply
connector

WS33O065

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–13

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–9 TLZ06 Mode and SCSI Address Switches

O
F
F

1
6

O
F
F

SCSI
Address
Settings: 0

11–14 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

MLO-010277

11.2 Setting SCSI ID Numbers

Figure 11–10 Jumper Settings for a TZK10 QIC Tape Drive

Parity 2 1 0

SCSI
Address
Settings: 0

Parity

MLO-010276

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive
1. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to remove the front drive panel.
2. Choose the location for the hard disk drive that you are installing.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–15

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

If you are installing one drive, it is usually convenient to install it next to
the power supply. If you are installing two drives, install the one farthest
from the power supply first.
Figure 11–11 Locations for Internal Hard Disk Drives

Power supply

System module

Hard disk drive
location nearest to
the power supply
Hard disk drive
location farthest
from the power
supply
WS33O111

3. Find the connectors on the power supply and SCSI cables that correspond
to the drive location that you chose.
Figures 11–12 and 11–13 show the power supply and the SCSI cables and
their connectors. Figures 11–14 and 11–15 show close-up views of the
connectors.

11–16 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Figure 11–12 Power Supply Cable in the System Unit

Power supply

Drive next to
power supply
Drive away from
power supply

Drive in drive bracket
WS33O050

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–17

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Figure 11–13 SCSI Cable in the System Unit
Power supply

Drive next to
power supply

Pull on
this flap.
Drive away from power supply

Drive in drive bracket
Terminator
WS33O110

4. Plug the power supply cable connector into the power supply connector on
your hard disk drive. The connectors are shaped so that they fit together
only one way.

11–18 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Figure 11–14 Power Supply Cable Connector
Power supply cable
connector

WS33O012

5. Position the SCSI cable connector so the key is on top, as shown in
Figure 11–15.
6. Plug the cable connector into the SCSI connector on the hard disk drive.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–19

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Figure 11–15 SCSI Connector

Pull on this
flap.
Key
SCSI cable
connector

WS33O106

7. If you are installing two hard disk drives, unpack the second drive, and
connect the appropriate power supply cable and SCSI cable to it.
8. Tilt the hard disk drive as shown in the large circle in Figure 11–16.

11–20 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Figure 11–16 Inserting the Hard Disk Drive

Tabs

Cutouts

Locking post

Sliding latch
WS33O051

9. Insert the tabs on the hard disk drive into the cutouts in the bottom of the
system unit. Then carefully swing the drive down onto the locking post.
Move the cables so that they are not underneath the drive.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–21

11.3 Installing a Hard Disk Drive

The drive should rest flat in the system unit, and the locking post should
stick up through the mounting hole on the drive mounting bracket.
10. Press the sliding latch so that it snaps firmly onto the post.
11. If you are installing two hard disk drives, insert the tabs on the second
drive into the system unit cutouts and lock the drive onto the mounting
post.
12. Press all the cables carefully around the hard disk drive or drives, so that
there is room for the drive bracket on the front drive panel.
13. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to replace the front drive panel and
the system unit cover.

11.4 Testing a Hard Disk Drive Installation
At the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return. The screen shows
the configuration of components in your system unit (also called base slot 3).
Column 1 (DEV) lists the disk drive numbers. The drive that you installed
should be listed in this column with the SCSI ID number that you gave it, as
in this sample display:
>>cnfg 3
3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)
--------------------------------------------------DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI DEV
===== ================== ========= ====== ========
tz1 TZK10
(C) DEC
00AA SEQ
rz2 RZ24
(C) DEC
0700 DIR
cache: I(8 KB), D(8 KB), S(1024 KB); Scache line (32 bytes)
R4000 revision (3.0)
mem( 0): a0000000:a03fffff ( 4 MB)

In this example, the new hard disk drive was given an ID number of 2. The
number is in the device code in the DEV column: rz2. The tape drive that was
already connected to the system unit is also shown: tz1.
If the drive is not listed at all,
•

The cables to the drive might not be plugged in all the way.

•

You might have set a SCSI ID number that was already set on another
drive inside the system unit.

11–22 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.4 Testing a Hard Disk Drive Installation

Open the system unit and check for these two possibilities. Then use the cnfg
command to test the drive again. If your new drive is still not listed properly,
tell your system manager or call your Digital service representative.

11.5 Removing a Hard Disk Drive
Removing a hard disk drive from the system unit involves much of the same
procedure as installing one. Refer to the previous detailed instructions for
installing the drive (Section 11.3) when removing a hard disk drive.
1. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
a. Remove the system unit cover.
b. Attach the antistatic wrist strap.
c.

Remove the front drive panel.

2. Move the sliding latch to unlock the drive. (Sliding latch is shown in
Figure 11–16).
3. Remove the power connector and SCSI connector. Pull on the SCSI
connector flap to remove the connector.
4. Set the drive aside carefully. Store it in an antistatic bag.
5. Press all the cables back into the system unit.
6. Remove the antistatic wrist strap.
7. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to replace the front drive panel and
the system unit cover.
8. Turn on the system unit and monitor and check the workstation with the
cnfg command.

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive
To install a removable media drive in the front drive panel, you need medium
flat-blade and Phillips screwdrivers.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
•

Remove the system unit cover.

•

Attach the antistatic wrist strap.

•

Remove the front drive panel.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–23

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive

Follow these instructions to insert the drive into the drive bracket:
1. Slide the removable media drive that you are installing into the drive
bracket from the front of the front drive panel.
Figure 11–17 Inserting a Removable Media Drive into the Drive Bracket

Captive
screws

RX23 drive
WS33O059

2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to tighten the screws on both sides of the drive
bracket. There are two screws on each side. You may have to push the
screws in first, so that they fit into the threaded holes in the drive.

11–24 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive

Figure 11–18 SCSI Cable Connector

Pull on this
flap.
Key
SCSI cable
connector

WS33O106

3. Plug the SCSI cable connector into the drive.
a. If the notch on the connector on the drive is on the bottom edge, plug
the SCSI cable straight into the connector.
b. If the notch on the connector on the drive is on the top edge, roll the
end of the SCSI cable around the terminator. Then plug the SCSI cable
into the connector on the drive.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–25

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive

Figure 11–19 Plugging the Cable Straight into the Connector

SCSI cable

SCSI terminator

Notch

WS33O121

4. Plug the power supply cable connector into the power supply connector on
the drive. The connectors are shaped so that they fit together only one way.
5. Remove the antistatic wrist strap from your wrist and from the system
unit.
6. Turn the system unit cover upside down, press the tabs that lock the bezel
toward the center of the bezel, then push on the back of the bezel to remove
it from the cover.

11–26 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive

Figure 11–20 Removing the Existing Bezel
Press the four
tabs toward the
System unit cover

center of the

(upside down)

bezel.

WS33O091

7. Find the bezel for the drive that you installed and press the new bezel into
the opening in the system unit cover from the front of the cover.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–27

11.6 Installing a Removable Media Drive

Figure 11–21 Installing a New Bezel

System unit cover

d ig

i ta

DECs

tation

5000

/120

Bezel
WS33M023

8. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
•

Replace the front drive panel.

•

Replace the system unit cover.
Caution

If you install the SCSI cable as shown in Figure 11–19, be careful when
you replace the system unit cover. The cover can catch the end of the
cable and disconnect the cable from the drive. To avoid catching the
cover, tuck the SCSI terminator into the large rectangular cutout in the
drive bracket.

9. Turn on the system unit and monitor.

11–28 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

11.7 Testing a Removable Media Drive Installation

11.7 Testing a Removable Media Drive Installation
Follow these instructions to test the removable media drive installation:
1. At the console prompt (>>), type cnfg 3 and press Return. The screen
shows the detailed configuration (or list of components in your system unit,
or base slot 3). The display should list the drive that you installed along
with the SCSI number that you gave it. Here is a sample display:
>cnfg 3
3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)
--------------------------------------------------DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI DEV
===== ================== ========= ====== ========
tz1
SEQ
rz4 RX23
(C) DEC DEC
0700 DIR
cache: I(8 KB), D(8 KB), S(1024 KB); Scache line (32 bytes)
R4000 revision (3.0)
mem( 0): a0000000:a03fffff ( 4 MB)

In this example, the new drive is an RX23 floppy disk drive. It was given a
SCSI ID number of 4; therefore rz4 is listed in the DEV column.
If the new drive is not listed:
•

The cables to the drive may not be plugged in all the way.

•

You may have set a SCSI ID number that was already set on another
drive inside the system unit.

Open the system unit and check for these two possibilities. Then use the
cnfg command to test the drive again. If your new drive is still not listed
properly, tell your system manager or call your Digital customer support
center.

11.8 Removing a Drive from the Front Drive Panel
Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
•

Remove the system unit cover.

•

Attach the antistatic wrist strap.

•

Remove the front drive panel.

Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit 11–29

11.8 Removing a Drive from the Front Drive Panel

Remove a drive as follows:
1. Unplug the power supply cable and SCSI cable from the drive. Pull on the
SCSI connector flap to remove the connector.
2. Loosen the captive screws on each side of the drive bracket.
3. Slide the drive out of the bracket through the opening in the front drive
panel.
4. Set the drive aside carefully. Store it in an antistatic bag.
5. Replace the drive bezel in the front panel with a blank bezel.
6. Remove the antistatic wrist strap.
7. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
•

Replace the front drive panel.

•

Replace the system unit cover.

11–30 Installing and Removing Drives in the System Unit

12
Removing and Replacing the CPU Module
12.1 Removing CPU Modules
To change CPU modules, you will need the PC removal tool that comes with
your new central processing unit (CPU) module.
Follow these steps to remove a CPU module:
1. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to:
•

Remove the system unit cover.

•

Attach your antistatic wrist strap.

2. Find the CPU module inside the system unit, as shown in Figure 12–1.
3. Press the PC removal tool over each mounting post to unlock them.

Removing and Replacing the CPU Module 12–1

12.1 Removing CPU Modules

Figure 12–1 CPU Module

Lock

CPU module
connector

Heat sink
CPU
module

Mounting
posts
MLO-010080

Caution
Do not pull on the heat sinks. You can damage the CPU module if you
do.

4. Remove the CPU module from the system unit.
5. Set the CPU module aside carefully. Put it in an antistatic bag, if you have
one, or use the bag from the new CPU module after you unpack it.

12–2 Removing and Replacing the CPU Module

12.2 Replacing a CPU Module

12.2 Replacing a CPU Module
Follow these instructions to install a CPU module:
1. Remove the new CPU module from the antistatic bag.
Caution
Be sure to use the antistatic wrist strap when installing a new CPU
module. Do not touch the pins in the module connector. A static charge
could damage the CPU module components.

2. Check the switch packet on the CPU module to make sure the switches are
set as shown in Figure 12–2. (Switch 1 in the Off position, and switch 2 in
the On position.)

Figure 12–2 R4000 CPU Module Switch Packet Settings

MLO-010465

3. Align the mounting holes on the CPU module with the mounting posts in
the system unit. (See Figure 12–3.)
4. Press the CPU module carefully onto the mounting posts. Do not seat the
module fully.

Removing and Replacing the CPU Module 12–3

12.2 Replacing a CPU Module

Figure 12–3 Installing a CPU Module

CPU module
connector

Mounting
posts
MLO-0l0081

5. Press the other end of the CPU module firmly into the CPU module
connector.
6. Secure the mounting posts.
7. If you installed a different model CPU module than the old one, turn the
system unit cover upside down and remove the nameplate medallion.

12–4 Removing and Replacing the CPU Module

12.2 Replacing a CPU Module

Figure 12–4 Removing the Nameplate
Nameplate medallion tabs

Nameplate medallion tabs

System unit cover (upside down)

WS33O104

8. Squeeze the tabs on the back of the medallion and push them through the
holes. Then press the medallion for the new CPU module onto the cover
from the front.
9. Follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to replace the cover on the system
unit.

Removing and Replacing the CPU Module 12–5

12.2 Replacing a CPU Module

10. Place the product conversion label on the top of your system unit cover.
Figure 12–5 Attaching the Product Conversion Label
Product
conversion label

digi

t al

DEC station

5000

MLO-010164

12.3 Testing the CPU Module
Follow these steps to test the installation of a CPU module:
1. Turn on the monitor. Then turn on the system unit.
2. The workstation runs the power-up self-test. When the system completes
the power-up self-test successfully, the console prompt (>>) appears on the
screen.
3. Type the following command and press Return:
t 3/misc/cpu-type
4. When the system recognizes a CPU module, it displays the following
message:
3/misc/cpu-type’s code: NDX-64A
If you install the CPU module incorrectly, the system will not come up. Check
the following:
•

Make sure that the connector on the CPU module is pressed all the way
into the connector on the base system module.

•

Make sure that the connector pins are not bent. If you still have problems,
call your system manager or your Digital service representative.

12–6 Removing and Replacing the CPU Module

Part IV
Workstation Management

13
Using the Console Program
This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Operating and Console Modes

•

Entering Console Mode

•

Console Command Conventions and Terms

•

Summary of Console Commands

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

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

•

Backing up files

•

Sending and receiving electronic mail

At certain other times you will need to use console mode for communicating
directly with your workstation to perform tasks like these:
•

Running workstation self-tests

•

Displaying workstation hardware configurations

Using the Console Program 13–1

13.1 Operating and Console Modes

•

Displaying the list of available console commands and their formats

•

Setting workstation environment variables

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

>> When this prompt appears, anyone can enter console commands.

•

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

If you do not know the password, you can use only two console commands:
the boot command (type boot and press Return) and the password command
(type passwd and press Return). If the operating system software has been
installed on your hard disk or another storage drive, and if the boot path is
correctly set, the boot command will start up the workstation software.
For information about setting the password, see Section 13.4.10.

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

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

•

If the operating system software is hung up and you cannot shut it down,
press the halt button on the back of the system unit.

•

If the system is off, turn it on by pressing | on the On/Off switch on the
back of the system unit. The system will enter console mode unless it has
been set to start the system software automatically. (See Section 13.4.2.)

13–2 Using the Console Program

13.3 Console Command Conventions and Terms

13.3 Console Command Conventions and Terms
Be sure to follow these guidelines when you type console commands:
•

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

•

Press Return after you type a command.

•

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

•

When reading or writing to memory, you have a choice of data sizes:
byte, halfword, or word. Because a word is 4 bytes, successive addresses
referenced by a word are successive multiples of 4. For example, the
address following 0x80000004 is 0x80000008. You must specify an address
that is on a boundary for the data size you are using.

Using the Console Program 13–3

13.3 Console Command Conventions and Terms

•

The following key combinations have an immediate effect in console mode:
Ctrl-s freezes the screen display.
Ctrl-q releases a frozen screen display.
Ctrl-c aborts a command.
Ctrl-u erases a partially typed command line.

13.3.1 Console Command Conventions Used
•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

13.3.2 Definition of Terms
•

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

13–4 Using the Console Program

13.3 Console Command Conventions and Terms

•

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

•

Slot
The physical location of a module or modules.
TURBOchannel option modules occupy slots 0, 1, and 2.
The base system occupies slot 3. Base system hardware includes
the system module, CPU module, and memory modules. The system
module contains the base system SCSI and Ethernet controllers.

Using the Console Program 13–5

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

13.4 Summary of Console Commands
Table 13–1 gives a brief explanation of the function of each of the console
commands. A more detailed explanation of each command follows the table.
Table 13–1 Console Commands
Command

Description

Type

Displays list of console
commands and formats.

Displays system info

boot

Boots system.

Operational commands

cat Script

Lists test contained in script.

Lists Diagnostic routines

cnfg

Shows HW configuration.

Displays system info

Deposits data into memory.

Miscellaneous commands

Examines memory locations.

Miscellaneous commands

erl

Shows error history.

Displays system info

Goto an address.

init

Initializes system.

Operational commands

ls #

Lists scripts.

Lists Diagnostic routines

passwd

Sets console password.

Sets system parameters

printenv

Shows environmental variables.

Displays system info

restart

Restarts the system software.

Restarts software

script_name

Executes script.

Runs Diagnostics

setenv

Sets environmental variables.

Sets system parameters

Executes script with options.

Runs Diagnostics

t #/?

Lists test for slot #.

Lists Diagnostic routines

t #/t_name

Executes test on slot #.

Runs Diagnostics

unsetenv

Removes environmental
variables.

Sets system parameters

13–6 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

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

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

•

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

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Using the Console Program 13–7

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

•

To boot from a drive, use this form:
slot number/(rz | tz) scsi id/filename.
slot number is the SCSI controller slot number.
Use rz to boot from a hard disk or compact disc drive; use tz to boot
from a tape drive.
scsi id is the SCSI ID for the drive you are using to boot.
file name is the name of the specific file you want to boot.
To boot the file called vmunix from a tape drive that has SCSI ID 5 and is
connected to a SCSI option module in slot 1, type boot 1/tz5/vmunix and
press Return.

•

To perform a multiuser boot operation, include the -a argument. If you omit
the -a argument, the system performs a single-user boot. For example, to
boot the file named vmunix in multiuser mode from a hard disk drive
with SCSI ID 2 that is connected to the SCSI connector on the back of the
system unit, type boot 3/rz2/vmunix -a and press Return.

•

The TURBOchannel option in the lowest numbered slot will be your console
device. To use a TURBOchannel graphics option as an additional video
display in part of a multi-screen graphics configuration, include the -mg
argument in the boot command. For example, type boot 3/rz2/vmunix
-a -mg. The -mg argument can also be saved as a boot environment
variable—for example: setenv "boot/rz2/ -a -mg".

•

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

•

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

13–8 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

•

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

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

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

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

•

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

13.4.4 cnfg Command
Use the cnfg command to display hardware configuration information.
The cnfg command format is
cnfg [slot-number]
•

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

•

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

This example shows a previously installed internal tape drive (tz1) connected
to the system unit or base slot 3: The numbers in black circles are explained in
the text that follows the example.

Using the Console Program 13–9

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

>>cnfg 3

3: KN04

DEC

V1.0a

TCF0 ( 4 MB)
(enet: 08-00-2b-30-14-df)
(SCSI = 7)

--------------------------------------------------DEV PID
VID
REV
SCSI DEV
===== ================== ========= ====== ========
tz1
SEQ
cache: I(8 KB), D(8 KB), S(1024 KB); Scache line (32 bytes)
R4000 revision (3.0)

mem( 0): a0000000:a03fffff ( 4 MB)
Slot number.
Model code of the hardware item. For example, KN04 is the model code of
the system module.

Module code. This code shows what kind of module is installed in the slot.
Table 13–2 explains the codes.

Ethernet address number.

Device code with SCSI ID number of the device. For example, the entry of

tz1 means that 1 is the SCSI ID number. Table 13–3 explains each device
code.

Product ID. Some devices have an entry in this column, but others do not.

Device descriptor. This is a general description of the device. There are
three device descriptors: DIR for direct access drives, such as hard disk
and floppy drives; SEQ for sequential access drives, such as tape drives; and
CD--ROM, for optical compact disc drives.

Memory slot number.

Amount of memory in the slot.
Table 13–2 show module codes, including examples of codes for some
TURBOchannel option modules. For more information about specific option
modules, refer to the documentation that came with the module.

13–10 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

Table 13–2 Module Codes
Code

Description

MX
CX
PX
DA: PXG

Monochrome frame buffer.
Color frame buffer.
2D graphics accelerator.
Low 3D graphics accelerator. Installed in two adjacent slots,
but shown as being installed in the lower-numbered slot.

EA: PXG

Mid 3D graphics accelerator. Installed in two adjacent slots,
but shown as being installed in the lower-numbered slot.

FA:PXG_T

High 3D graphics accelerator. Installed in all three slots, but
shown as being installed in slot 1.

SCSI
enet:

SCSI module. Base slot 3 always has a SCSI module.

4 MB

Ethernet module. Base slot 3 always has a ThickWire
Ethernet module. Every Ethernet module has a unique
Ethernet station address which identifies the module for the
network software. The number after enet: is the Ethernet
station address.
Memory module. Base slot 3 always contains a memory
module. The number indicates how many megabytes of
memory are installed.

Table 13–3 describes each SCSI device code.
Table 13–3 SCSI Device Codes
Device Code

Device Descriptor

Type of Drive

rx
rz
rz
tz

DIR

Floppy disk and diskette

CD–ROM

Optical compact disc

DIR

Hard disk

SEQ

Tape

13.4.5 d Command
Use the d command to deposit values in memory.
The d command format is
d [-(b | h | w)] [-S count] rng

Using the Console Program 13–11

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

13.4.6 erl Command
Use the erl command to display or clear the log of the errors that occurred
since the most recent power-up or reset operation.
The erl command format is
erl [-c]
•

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

•

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

13–12 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

13.4.7 go Command
Use the go command to transfer system control to a specific system address.
The go command format is
go [address]
•

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

•

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

13.4.8 init Command
Use the init command to initialize module hardware.
The init command format is
init [slot-number] [-m]
•

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

•

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

•

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

13.4.9 ls Command
Use the ls command to list the scripts and other objects that are in system
ROM.
The ls command format is
ls [slot-number]
•

To display a list of scripts or other objects that are available in an
individual module, replace the optional slot number parameter with
the slot number of the module that contains the files you want to display.

Using the Console Program 13–13

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

13.4.10 passwd Command
Use the passwd command to enter, set, or clear a password.
The passwd command format is
passwd [-c] [-s]
•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

The password must have between 6 and 32 characters. The system is
case-sensitive and treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different
characters.

13.4.11 printenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display
(using printenv), set or change (using setenv), and remove (using unsetenv)
environment variables with console commands. Table 13–4 later in this
appendix lists the environment variables you can set.
The printenv command format is
printenv [variable]
•

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

•

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

13–14 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

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

13.4.13 script Command
Use the script command to create a temporary set of console commands that
run in an order you specify.
The script command format is
script name
•

When you type the script command, replace name with the name you are
giving the script. Then press Return.
After you press Return, type the commands you want to include in the
script. Press Return after each command you type. Commands can be t or
sh commands. Enter one command per line. When you finish typing the
commands, press Ctrl-d or press Return twice to complete the script.

•

To run the script, use the sh command. When you run the script, the
commands execute in the order in which you entered them when you
created the script.

13.4.14 setenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display
(using printenv), set or change (using setenv), and remove (using unsetenv)
environment variables with console commands. Table 13–4 lists the
environment variables you can set.
The setenv command format is
setenv variable value
•

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

•

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

Using the Console Program 13–15

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

Table 13–4 Environment Variables
Environment
Variable

Description

boot

Sets the default boot path.

console

Selects the system console.
•

Set the console variable to s to enable the terminal connected to the
communications connector as the active console.
If the console variable is set to anything other than s, the monitor
connected to the graphics module in the lowest-numbered slot is enabled.

haltaction

osconsole

Specifies how the system responds if it halts.
•

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

•

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

•

Set the haltaction variable to r to cause the console to restart and then
attempt to boot if the restart operation fails.

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

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

•

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

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

testaction

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

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

•

Specify t to run a thorough test when the power-up self-test runs.
(continued on next page)

13–16 Using the Console Program

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

Table 13–4 (Cont.) Environment Variables
Environment
Variable
#

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

13.4.15 sh Command
Use the sh command to run a script.
The sh command format is
sh [-b] [-e] [ -l] [-v] [-S] [slot-number/script] [arg...]
•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Using the Console Program 13–17

13.4 Summary of Console Commands

13.4.16 t Command
Use the t command to run individual tests.
The t command format is
t [-l] slot name/test name [arg...]
•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

13.4.18 unsetenv Command
Environment variables set system operating conditions. You can display
(using printenv), set or change (using setenv), and remove (using unsetenv)
environment variables with console commands. Table 13–4, earlier in this
appendix, lists the environment variables you can set.
The unsetenv command removes a standard environment variable (except
osconsole and #) during the current session only. When the system is reset,
reinitialized, or powered up, the values of the standard environment variables
revert to their previously set values.
The unsetenv command format is
unsetenv variable
When you type the unsetenv command, replace variable with the name of the
environment variable you want to remove.

13–18 Using the Console Program

14
Troubleshooting
This chapter describes the following topics:
•

Where to Look for Troubleshooting Information

•

Checking the Diagnostic Lights

•

Solving Common Problems

•

Running a Self-Test

•

Interpreting Self-Test Messages

•

Contacting Your Digital Service Representative

14.1 Where to Look for Troubleshooting Information
•

If some part of your workstation fails to turn on, see Section 14.2.

•

If the workstation turns on, but a component does not function properly,
see Section 14.3.

•

If the workstation turns on and everything is connected, but the
workstation still does not function properly, see Section 14.4 and
Section 14.5.

•

If you need to contact your Digital service representative, see Section 14.6.

Troubleshooting 14–1

14.2 Checking the Diagnostic Lights

14.2 Checking the Diagnostic Lights
The diagnostic indicator lights are eight small lights on the back of the system
unit. They show whether the basic components of the workstation are turned
on and ready for use.
If the workstation does not turn on and no error message appears on the
monitor, the pattern of the indicator lights indicates which portion of the
power-up self-test failed.
Figure 14–1 Diagnostic Indicator Lights

Diagnostic indicator lights

d i g

i t a
l

PMAG

-C

PMA

V~100-120
A 3.0
V~220-240
A 1.7

1
2

PMAD

-A

V~100-120
A 7.9/4

.2
Hz 50-60
W 359

/220-240

WS33I010

Table 14–1 explains how to interpret the diagnostic indicator lights. If you
have a problem, call your system manager or Digital service representative.
This information will be useful in diagnosing the problem.

14–2 Troubleshooting

14.2 Checking the Diagnostic Lights

Table 14–1 Interpreting Diagnostic Indicator Lights
Lights1

1 Light on =

Meaning
Workstation hardware initialization could not begin.
The firmware could not calculate the cache size.
The firmware could not calibrate the millisecond delay
loop.
The firmware could not start the power-up vs. reset code.
Memory bank 0 could not be initialized.
The firmware could not initialize the IO ASIC to a known
state.
The read-only memory (ROM) in the system module or in
one of the option modules could not be initialized.
The system console programs could not be initialized.
The system module or one of the option modules could not
be initialized. The lights on the left show the slot number
) to
of the module. This table shows slot numbers 0 (
).
3(

The workstation was initialized, but there is a problem
in the system module or one of the option modules. The
lights on the left show the slot number of the module with
the problem. This table shows slot numbers 0 (
) to 3
).
(

The workstation software could not be loaded. The lights
on the left show the slot number of the module where the
software is stored. This table shows slot numbers 0
) to 3 (
).
(

off =

Troubleshooting 14–3

14.3 Solving Common Problems

14.3 Solving Common Problems
Many problems that you might have can be solved easily. Table 14–2 lists
some problems and gives some solutions. If these solutions do not work, call
your system manager or Digital service representative.
Table 14–2 Solutions to Common Problems
Problem

Solution

The screen is blank.

The screen display is
distorted or unstable.

•

Press any key on your keyboard. If your screen saver was active,
the display will reappear (if the operating system is up and in
multi-user).

•

Make sure the system unit and monitor are turned on.

•

Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.

•

Turn off the system unit and monitor.

•

Make sure the system unit power cord and the monitor-tosystem-unit power cable or the monitor power cord are connected
correctly.

•

Make sure the video cable is securely connected to the monitor
and system unit.

•

Turn on the system unit and monitor.

•

Shut down your workstation software, if necessary, and turn off
the system unit and monitor.

•

Make sure the video cable connectors are correctly attached to the
monitor and system unit.

•

Turn on the system unit and monitor.
(continued on next page)

14–4 Troubleshooting

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem
Color is distorted or
unclear.

Red or blue is missing
from the display on your
color monitor.

The DIGITAL logo is
red instead of blue on
the login screen on your
color monitor.

Solution

•

Move electromechanical devices, such as magnetic paper clip
holders and electric pencil sharpeners, away from the monitor.

•

If your monitor has a degauss button, press it for 5 seconds. If
the monitor has no degauss button, turn the monitor off and then
on again.

•

See the manuals for your monitor for further troubleshooting
instructions.

•

Shut down your workstation software and turn off the system
unit and monitor.

•

Make sure that the video cable connectors are attached correctly
to the monitor. (Chapter 3 explains how to connect the monitors.)

•

Turn on the system unit and monitor.

•

Shut down your workstation software and turn off the system
unit and monitor.

•

Remove the video cable connector from the video connector on the
system unit.

•

Unplug the cable connector. Holding the cable connector so that
the widest part of the connector is on top, reattach the cable
connector to the system unit.

•

Turn on the system unit and monitor.
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting 14–5

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem
Nothing happens on the
screen when you type.

You cannot connect to
your networks, and you
know the workstation
and network software
are functioning.

Solution

•

Check the Hold Screen indicator light on the keyboard. If the
light glows green, press the Hold Screen key. If you are in console
mode, press Ctrl/Q to release the Hold Screen.

•

Turn your system off, and back on.

•

Disconnect the keyboard cable from its connector on the keyboardmouse connector block and then reconnect it.

•

Make sure that the keyboard-mouse cable is firmly attached to
the system unit and turn on the system unit.

•

Turn off the system unit and monitor, connect another keyboard,
and turn on the system unit and monitor again.

•

Shut down your workstation software and turn off the system
unit.

•

Make sure that the Ethernet connectors on the system unit are
attached correctly (see Chapter 6). If you are using adapters
to connect ThinWire or twisted-pair Ethernet cable to your
workstation, check those connectors, too.

•

Turn on the system unit.
(continued on next page)

14–6 Troubleshooting

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem
No cursor appears on
the screen.

The cursor on the
screen fails to follow
the movement of your
pointing device (mouse,
puck, or stylus).

Solution

•

Check the Hold Screen indicator light on the keyboard. If the
light glows green, press the Hold Screen key.

•

Move the mouse around on your desktop, or move the puck or
stylus around on your tablet, to see if you accidentally moved the
cursor off the screen.

•

Shut down your workstation software and turn off the system
unit.

•

Make sure that the mouse cable is correctly connected to the
keyboard-mouse connector blocks and the keyboard-mouse cable
is correctly connected to the system unit.

•

Turn on the system unit.

•

If the problem is not fixed, install another mouse or tablet.

•

Shut down your workstation software and turn off the system
unit.

•

Make sure that the cable for the device is connected securely to
the keyboard-mouse connector block and to the device itself.

•

Turn on the system unit.

•

If the problem is not fixed, install another pointing device.
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting 14–7

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem

Solution

You cannot install
workstation software
from an external storage
device.

If you have only one external storage device,
•

Make sure that the device is turned on, and that the power outlet
it is plugged into has power.

•

Use the cnfg command to determine whether the workstation is
configured for the device.

•

If the device is missing from the display, turn off the device and
the system unit.

•

Make sure that the system unit expansion cable is correctly
connected to the device and the system unit.

•

Make sure that a terminator is correctly attached to the second
SCSI connector on the device.

•

Turn on the device and the system unit.

•

If the problem is still not fixed, look in the manuals for the
devices and the installation guide for your workstation software.
(continued on next page)

14–8 Troubleshooting

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem

Solution
If you have more than one external storage device,
•

Make sure that all the devices are turned on, and that the power
outlets they are plugged into have power.

•

Type cnfg and the number of the slot in which the device is
connected.
If the device does not appear in the configuration display on the
screen, turn off all devices connected to the system unit and then
turn off the system unit. Then see the instructions for installing
the device in Chapter 11. (For a discussion of configuration
displays, see Section 13.4.4.)

•

If the device is listed properly in the configuration display and it
is an external device, make sure the SCSI and power cables are
connected to all the devices in the chain and to the system unit.
The SCSI cables between devices should be 18-inch Digital cables.
Make sure that a terminator is firmly attached to the second
connector on the last device in the chain.

A red light blinks
rapidly on the front
of your TK50Z tape
drive.

•

Make sure that the total length of all internal and external SCSI
cable does not exceed 236 inches (6 meters). (See Table 7–1
for a list of SCSI cable lengths.) Remember that cable length
calculations must include the length of the cable in each device
box and in the base system.

•

Turn on the system unit and the devices.

•

If the problem is not fixed, look in the manuals for the devices
and in the installation guide for your workstation software.

•

Push the load/unload button four times.

•

Turn the tape drive off and then on once.
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting 14–9

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem

Solution

Nothing happens when
you try to use your
printer.

•

Make sure the printer is turned on.

•

Check your workstation and communications software to be sure
that the device is installed and enabled properly.

•

Check your system software to be sure that the printer is
installed in the software.

•

Shut down your workstation software, if necessary, and turn off
the printer and the system unit.

•

Make sure that the printer power cord is connected to an active
power source.

•

Make sure that the printer cable connector is correctly attached
to one of the communications connectors on the system unit.

•

Turn on the system unit and the printer.

•

If the problem is not fixed, see the manuals for your printer.
(continued on next page)

14–10 Troubleshooting

14.3 Solving Common Problems

Table 14–2 (Cont.) Solutions to Common Problems
Problem

Solution

Nothing happens
when you try to use a
communications device.

•

Make sure that the device is turned on.

•

Shut down your workstation software, if necessary, and turn off
the device and the system unit.

•

Make sure that the device power cord is connected to an active
power source.

•

Make sure that the connector on the communications device cable
is correctly attached to the communications connector or the
communications connector adapter on the system unit.

•

Make sure that the right type of cable is connected to the device.
Check the guide that came with the device to determine the
proper cables.

•

Verify that the proper type of cable is being used.

•

Turn on the system unit and the device.

•

If the problem is not fixed, see the manuals for the device.

Troubleshooting 14–11

14.4 Running a Self-Test

14.4 Running a Self-Test
Self-tests are programs that check your workstation hardware to be sure that
it is functioning properly.
The workstation runs a set of power-up self-tests automatically when you turn
on the power. It can run two versions of the set, depending on the setting
of the testaction environment variable. (Section 13.4.14 explains how to set
environment variables.)
You can run the full set of self-tests, collectively called the system self-test, at
any time. However, you must shut down your ULTRIX workstation software
first. To do so, type shutdown -h now at the ULTRIX prompt and press
Return. Then, at the console prompt (>>), type test and press Return.
Self-tests have numerous subtests that examine specific workstation
components. When a subtest discovers a problem, it displays a coded error
message on the screen. When all the tests are done, the workstation displays
the console prompt (>>).

14–12 Troubleshooting

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages
Self-tests display error messages when they discover problems in the hardware.
•

If the slot number is 0, 1, or 2, the problem is in the TURBOchannel option
slot that has the same number.

•

If the slot number is 3, the problem is in the base system hardware. Copy
the messages and then check in Table 14–3 for a probable solution. If you
cannot fix it, call your system manager or Digital service representative.

The following is a sample error message, with an explanation of each part:

?TFL: 3/ni/promisc (903: LANCE-start timeout.) [KNO4]
Indicates that this is a test failure message. You can fix problems when the
error message begins with TFL.
Slot number of the hardware that reported a problem.

Subtest that found the problem.

Part of the subtest that found the problem. Some messages do not have
this information.

Explanation of the problem.

ID of the module in the slot.

Troubleshooting 14–13

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages

Table 14–3 Self-Test Error Messages for the Base System Slot
Message

Explanation

cache/data
cache/fill
cache/isol
cache/reload
cache/seg

The RAM cache in the CPU module is faulty. Copy the entire message and
call your system manager or Digital service representative.

fpu

The math coprocessor in the CPU module is faulty. Copy the entire message
and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

mem

RAM is faulty. Make sure that all memory modules are firmly seated in their
connectors in the system unit. Then run the memory test. Type t 3/mem *
and press Return. The memory test checks every memory module, taking
several minutes for each one. If it finds a problem, it displays one of two types
of message. The first type of message has this format:

?TFL: 3/mem (PER, cause=0000001C, DBE = 004000c,
Bank 1, D16-31, d23-d16)
The message identifies the faulty memory modules. The bank number is the
number of the memory slot. Bank 1 is the bank number in the example. Bank
numbers can be 0 to 7. Bank 0 is the memory slot nearest the back of the
system unit; bank 7 is the slot nearest the front. The SIMM number is the
memory module in the slot. D16-31 is the SIMM number in the example.
SIMM numbers can be D0-15 or D16-31. D0-15 is the memory module next to
the power supply; D16-31 is the memory module farthest away from the power
supply.
You should replace every memory module for which an error message appears.
(Chapter 5 explains how to replace memory modules.)
If the messages show that all memory modules are faulty, remove all of them.
Then install at least 8 megabytes of memory with new memory modules and
run the system memory test again. If the test still reports a problem, copy the
entire message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.
The second type of message that the memory test displays has this format:

?TFL: 3/mem (@ A04000000=55550055, sb 55555555)
The message indicates that a memory module does not read and write values
correctly. If this type of message appears, copy the entire message and call
your system manager or Digital service representative.
(continued on next page)

14–14 Troubleshooting

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages

Table 14–3 (Cont.) Self-Test Error Messages for the Base System Slot
Message

Explanation

mem/float10

A part of the memory module failed to read and write a one and zero pattern.
Copy the entire message and call your system manager or Digital service
representative.

mem/init

The system could not write a pattern of zeros to the memory module. Copy the
entire message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

mem/select

The workstation could not read and write a pattern to a memory module
correctly. Copy the entire message and call your system manager or Digital
service representative.

misc/halt

The halt button or the built-in halt program is faulty. Copy the entire message
and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

misc/kbd

The keyboard, keyboard cable, or keyboard connectors are faulty. Make sure
that the cable is connected properly (see Chapter 3). Then turn the system
unit off and on again. If the message appears again, try replacing first the
keyboard cable and then the keyboard. If the message still appears, copy the
entire message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

misc/mouse

The mouse, mouse cable, or mouse connector is faulty. Make sure that the
cable is connected properly (see Chapter 3). Then turn the system unit off
and on again. If the message appears again, replace the mouse. If your
workstation is connected to a network, disconnect from the network, attach
the loopback connector, and retry the test. If the message still appears,
copy the entire message and call your system manager or Digital service
representative.

misc/pstemp

The flow of air through the system unit is inadequate, or the temperature in
your office is more than 104°F (40°C). Make sure that there is at least 4 inches
(10 cm) between the vents in the system unit cover and other items on your
worktable. Then turn the system unit off, wait a moment, and turn it on. If
the message still appears, turn off the system unit, copy the entire message,
and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

misc/wbpart

The CPU module or system memory is faulty. Copy the entire message and
call your system manager or Digital service representative.
(continued on next page)

Troubleshooting 14–15

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages

Table 14–3 (Cont.) Self-Test Error Messages for the Base System Slot
Message

Explanation

ni/cllsn
ni/common
ni/crc
ni/ctrs
ni/dma1
ni/dma2
ni/int
ni/int-lb
ni/m-cst
ni/promisc
ni/regs
ni/setup

The Ethernet controller in the base system slot is faulty. Copy the entire
message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

ni/esar

The Ethernet address chip is faulty. Copy the entire message and call your
system manager or Digital service representative.

ni/ext-lb

The built-in Ethernet connector in the base system slot or the loopback
connector attached to the Ethernet connector is faulty. Replace the loopback
connector, if there is one, or make sure that the network cable is connected
properly (see Chapter 6). If this message still appears, copy the entire message
and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

rtc/nvr
rtc/period
rtc/regs
rtc/time

Interrupt handling or timekeeping in the system module is faulty. Copy the
entire message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

scache/data

The secondary cache on the CPU daughter card is faulty. Copy the entire
message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

scc/access
scc/dma

The controller for a communications connector is faulty. Copy the entire
message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.

scc/int

The controller for a communications device fails to interrupt the communications signals when appropriate. Copy the entire message and call your system
manager or Digital service representative.
(continued on next page)

14–16 Troubleshooting

14.5 Interpreting Self-Test Messages

Table 14–3 (Cont.) Self-Test Error Messages for the Base System Slot
Message

Explanation

scc/io

The controller for one of the communications connectors, the connector itself,
or a cable attached to the connector is faulty. Make sure that the cables to all
your communications devices are plugged in. Then turn the system unit off
and on. If the message still appears, copy the entire message and call your
system manager or Digital service representative.

scc/pins

One of the communications connectors is faulty. Copy the entire message and
call your system manager or Digital service representative.

scc/tx-rx

scsi/cntl

The controller for the built-in SCSI connector in the base system slot is faulty.
Turn the system unit off and on. If the test message still appears, copy the
entire message and call your system manager or Digital service representative.
Note that you can still use SCSI connectors in the option slots.

scsi/sdiag

A SCSI device connected to the built-in SCSI connector in the base system
slot is faulty, or one of the SCSI cables that is connected to a device in that
slot is faulty. Make sure that all SCSI cables are plugged in securely. If you
connected a chain of external devices to the slot, make sure that the last
device has a SCSI terminator on the unused SCSI connector. Then turn the
system unit off and on. If the test message still appears, copy the entire
message and call your system manager or Digital service representative. Note
that you can still use SCSI connectors in the option slots.

tlb/prb
tlb/reg

The CPU module is faulty. Copy the entire message and call your system
manager or Digital service representative.

Troubleshooting 14–17

14.6 Contacting Your Digital Service Representative

14.6 Contacting Your Digital Service Representative
If you follow the recommendations in this chapter and your system problem
continues, call your Digital service representative.
The service representative at the center will ask the following questions, so be
prepared with the answers.
•

What kind of workstation do you have?

•

What is its serial number?

•

How much memory does it have?

•

What kind of monitor is connected to it?

•

What internal drives does it have?

•

What external storage devices and other options does it have?

•

What is wrong?

•

What error messages were displayed? What diagnostic indicator lights
were on?

•

Did you try to fix the problem yourself? What did you do?

The service representative will try to help you fix the problem while you are on
the telephone, so make your call from a telephone near the workstation.

14–18 Troubleshooting

Part V
Appendixes

A
Regulatory Information for the UK
This appendix provides information on the DECstation 5000 Model 150
workstation that is required by the United Kingdom.
•

Service Requirements

•

Approvals for Digital Circuits

•

Host Independent Approvals

•

Host Power Rating

•

Environmental Conditions

•

Apparatus Between the Approved Apparatus and a Digital Circuit (PTT)

The DECstation 5000 Model 150 workstation is manufactured by Digital
Equipment Corporation. The model number of the communication option is
PMBA-AA.

Regulatory Information for the UK A–1

A.1 Service Requirements

A.1 Service Requirements
Table A–1 describes the service category, interface type, data rate, physical and
electrical requirements, and PTO for the PMBA-AA.
Table A–1 PMBA-AA Service Requirements
Service
Category

Data Rate

Physical
Electrical
Requirements Requirements

PTO
BT1 /Hull2 /
MCL3

CCITT

2400

ISO 2110

Yes/Yes/Yes

Recommend

4800

X.21bis

9600

BS.6623:

Cable:

Yes/Yes/Yes

19200

Part 1
1985

BC22F-10
BC22F-25

No/No/Yes

Interface
Type

V.24/V.28

Yes/Yes/Yes

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

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

V.24

25 feet for extension

BC22F-25

A.2 Approvals for Digital Circuits
The PMBA-AA is approved for direct connection to a particular digital
circuit. This approval includes interconnecting cable with mating connectors
conforming to BS6623 part 1 and part 4.
If the product is connected to the service with anything other than its own
approved cables, those cables must benefit from the relevant general approval
and/or conform with any other applicable requirements.
Interconnection directly, or by way of other apparatus, of ports marked by the
safety warning label with other ports that are marked or not so marked, may
produce hazardous conditions on the network. Seek advice from a competent
engineer before making any such connection.

A–2 Regulatory Information for the UK

A.3 Host Independent Approvals

A.3 Host Independent Approvals
The PMBA-AA is approved only for installation in an approved host with
approved attachments. For approval, the host and host attachments must be
either:
•

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

•

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

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

Creepage
Ymm

Voltage1

2.0

2.4 (3.8)

up to 50

2.6

3.0 (4.8)

up to 125

4.0

5.0 (8.0)

up to 250

4.0

6.4 (10.0)

up to 300

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

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

Regulatory Information for the UK A–3

A.4 Host Power Rating

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

Maximum Current
( Amps)

Typical Current
(Amps)

+5.1

4.0

+12.1

3.0

0.4

A.5 Environmental Conditions
See Appendix B for environmental information.

A.6 Apparatus Between the Approved Apparatus and a
Digital Circuit (PTT)
If any apparatus, including cable or wiring, is to be connected between the
approved apparatus and the point of connection to any particular digital
circuit, all the other apparatus must conform as follows:
1. The overall transmission characteristics of all the other apparatus shall
be such as to introduce no material effect upon the electrical conditions
presented to one another by the apparatus and the particular digital
circuit.
2. All the other apparatus shall comprise only:
•

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

•

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

A–4 Regulatory Information for the UK

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

DECstation 5000 Model 150 System Unit

•

RZ23L Hard Disk Drive

•

RZ24L Hard Disk Drive

•

RZ25 Hard Disk Drive

•

RZ26 Hard Disk Drive

•

RX23 Diskette Drive

•

RRD42 Compact Disc Drive

•

TZK10 Tape Drive

•

TLZ06 Tape Drive

Equipment Specifications B–1

B.1 DECstation 5000 Model 150 System Unit

B.1 DECstation 5000 Model 150 System Unit
Table B–1 System Unit Description
Dimensions
– Weight

12.70 to 22.70 kg (28.00 to 50.00 lb)

– Height

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Width

51.03 cm (20.09 in)

– Depth

43.48 cm (17.12 in)

Input voltage

Auto adjust 100–120 Vac or 220–240 Vac

Input current

4.2 A at 100–120 Vac
2.3 A at 220–240 Vac

Power
– Frequency

50 to 60 Hz

– Heat dissipation

302 W, maximum

Table B–2 System Unit Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

10% to 90%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

2438 m (8000 ft) maximum

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1000 meter (1.0°F for each 1000 ft) increase in
altitude.

Table B–3 System Unit Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range
Relative humidity

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)
10% to 95%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F), packaged

Altitude

4977 m (16,000 ft) maximum

B–2 Equipment Specifications

B.1 DECstation 5000 Model 150 System Unit

Table B–4 Acoustics—Preliminary Declared Values per ISO 9296 and ISO
7779
LWAd

LpAm (operator position)

Idle

4.8 bels

32 dBA

Operating

4.8 bels

32 dBA

B.2 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive
Table B–5 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Description
Internal drive
– Weight

0.54 kg (1.20 lb)

– Height

2.54 cm (1.00 in)

– Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

14.61 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

121.65 M

– Blocks per drive

237,588

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB/s

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB/s

– To and from media

1.5 MB/s

Seek time
– Track-to-track

8 ms

– Average

19 ms

– Maximum

35 ms

Average latency

8.8 ms

Interface

SCSI

Equipment Specifications B–3

B.2 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive

Table B–6 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 131°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Minimum dew-point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Altitude

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

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1000 meter (1.0°F for each 1000 ft) increase in
altitude.

Table B–7 RZ23L Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Temperature change rate

20°C (36°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

B–4 Equipment Specifications

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

B.3 RZ24L Hard Disk Drive

B.3 RZ24L Hard Disk Drive
Table B–8 RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Description
Capacity
– Bytes per drive

245.4 M

– Blocks per drive

479,350

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB/s

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB/s

– To and from media

1.5 MB/s

Seek time
– Track-to-track

5 ms

– Average

16 ms

– Maximum

35 ms

Average latency

8.3 ms

Interface

SCSI

Table B–9 RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 131°F)

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Altitude

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

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1000 meter (1.0°F for each 1000 ft) increase in
altitude.

Table B–10 RZ24L Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

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

Equipment Specifications B–5

B.4 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive

B.4 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive
Table B–11 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Description
Internal drive
– Weight

0.82 kg (1.8 lb)

– Height

4.14 cm (1.63 in)

– Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

14.61 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

426 M

– Blocks per drive

832,527

– Block size

512 bytes

Data transfer rate
– Bus asynchronous mode

3.0 MB/s

– Bus synchronous mode

4.0 MB/s

– To and from media

2.1–3.2 MB/s

Seek time
– Track-to-track

2.5 ms

– Average

14 ms

– Maximum

26 ms

Average latency

6.8 ms

Interface

SCSI

B–6 Equipment Specifications

B.4 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive

Table B–12 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

10°C to 55°C (50°F to 131°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 80% noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

26°C (78°F)

Altitude

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

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1000 meter (1.0°F for each 1000 ft) increase in
altitude.

Table B–13 RZ25 Hard Disk Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

40°C to 66°C ( 40°F to 151°F)

Temperature change rate

20°C (36°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 95% packaged, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F) packaged

Altitude

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

B.5 RZ26 Hard Disk Drive

Table B–14 RZ26 Hard Disk Drive Description
Dimensions
– Weight

0.9 kg (1.9 lb)

– Height

4.13 cm (1.625 in)

– Width

10.2 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

14.6 cm (5.75 in)

Capacity
– Bytes per drive

1050 M

– Bytes per surface

75 M

– Bytes per track

29,640
(continued on next page)

Equipment Specifications B–7

B.5 RZ26 Hard Disk Drive

Table B–14 (Cont.) RZ26 Hard Disk Drive Description
– Buffer size

512 KB

Data transfer rate
– To/from media

2.6 MB/s

– Seek time track to track

1 ms

– Seek time average

10 ms

– Seek time maximum (full stroke)

20 ms

Average latency

5.6 ms

Rotational speed

5363 rpm

Table B–15 RZ26 Drive Operating Conditions
Ambient temperature

10°C to 50°C (50°F to 122°F)

Relative humidity

10%–90%

Table B–16 RZ26 Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Ambient temperature

–40°C to 66°C (–40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

8%–95% (non-condensing)

B–8 Equipment Specifications

B.6 RX23 Diskette Drive

B.6 RX23 Diskette Drive
Table B–17 RX23 Diskette Disk Drive Description
Dimensions
– Weight

0.48 kg (1.06 lb)

– Height

3.00 cm (1.18 in)

– Width

10.16 cm (4.00 in)

– Depth

15.01 cm (5.91 in)

Number of cyclinders

Number of heads

Diskette size

8.9 cm (3.5 in)

Recording surfaces per diskette

Sectors per track

9 double-density
18 high-density

Capacity

2.88 KB

– Bytes per drive

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

Data transfer rate

250 Kbits/s double-density
500 Kbits/s high-density
1000 Kbits/s extra-density

Seek time
– Minimum

3 ms

– Average

15 ms

Table B–18 RX23 Diskette Drive Operating Conditions
Temperature range1

°5C to 50°C (40°F to 122°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C (20°F) per hour, maximum

Relative humidity

8% to 80%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

25.6°C (78°F)

Altitude

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

1 Reduce maximum temperature by 1.8°C for each 1000 meter (1.0°F for each 1000 ft.) increase in
altitude.

Equipment Specifications B–9

B.6 RX23 Diskette Drive

Table B–19 RX23 Diskette Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Temperature range

–40°C to 66°C (–40°F to 151°F))

Relative humidity

5% to 95%, noncondensing

Maximum wet-bulb temperature

46°C (115°F), packaged

Altitude

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

B.7 RRD42 Compact Disc Drive

Table B–20 RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Description
Drive Feature

Specification

Capacity per disc

600 MB

Access time
– Full stroke

650 ms (typical)

– Average (1/4 stroke)

380 ms (typical)

Data transfer rate
– Sustained rate

150 KB/s

– Burst rate

1½ MB/s

B–10 Equipment Specifications

B.7 RRD42 Compact Disc Drive

Table B–21 RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Operating Conditions
Environmental Variable

Operating Conditions

Temperature range

5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90%, noncondensing

Altitude

2500 m (8000 ft) at 36°C (96°F)

Maximum wet bulb temperature

29°C (84°F)

Minimum dew point temperature

2°C (36°F)

Table B–22 RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Environmental Variable

Nonoperating Conditions

Temperature range

–30°C to 55°C (–22°F to 131°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90%, noncondensing

Altitude

13,600 m (44,600 ft) at 36°C (96°F)

Maximum wet bulb temperature

46°C (115°F)

Minimum dew point temperature

2°C (36°F)

B.8 TZK10 Tape Drive

Table B–23 TZK10 Cartridge Tape Drive Description
Operating Variable

Specification

Mode of operation

Streaming

Drive interface

SCSI-2

Dimensions
– Weight (without cartridge)

1.1 kg (2.4 lb)

– Height

4.39 cm (1.732 in)

(continued on next page)

Equipment Specifications B–11

B.8 TZK10 Tape Drive

Table B–23 (Cont.) TZK10 Cartridge Tape Drive Description
Operating Variable

Specification

– Width

146.05 mm (5.75 in)

– Depth

208.28 mm (8.20 in)

Media

DC6320/DC6525 tape cartridge or Digital approved
equivalent

Track width, write

0.1778 mm +0.0000/–0.0127 mm (0.0070 in
+.0000 in/–0.0005 in)

Track width, read

0.1270 mm +0.0127/–0.0000 mm (0.0050 in
+.0005 in/–0.0000 in)

Data density

16,000 bpi

Number of tracks

Data transfer rate
– Average streaming mode

200 KB

– SCSI maximum

1½ MB

Tape speed

305 cm/s (120 ips)

Track format

Multiple track serpentine recording

Storage capacity

320 MB, formatted (approx. DC6320 cartridge)
525 MB, formatted (approx. DC6525 cartridge)

Power requirements

+12 V 5% @ 1.0 A (2.0 A surge),
150 mV ripple peak-to-peak
+5 V 5% @ 1.2 A (1.8 A surge),
150 mV ripple peak-to-peak

Power consumption
– Nominal

20 W

– Peak

33 W

Table B–24 TZK10 Operating Conditions
Environmental Variable

Operating Conditions

Temperature range

5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)

(continued on next page)

B–12 Equipment Specifications

B.8 TZK10 Tape Drive

Table B–24 (Cont.) TZK10 Operating Conditions
Environmental Variable

Operating Conditions

Relative humidity

20% to 80% maximum

Altitude

3962 m (13,000 ft)

Table B–25 TZK10 Nonoperating Conditions
Environmental Variable

Nonoperating Conditions

Temperature range

–30°C to 60°C (–22°F to 140°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90% maximum

Altitude

12192 m (40,000 ft)

Equipment Specifications B–13

B.9 TLZ06 Tape Drive

Table B–26 TLZ06 Drive Description
Dimensions
– Weight

2.2 kg (4.7 lb)

– Height

4.1 cm (1.6 in)

– Width

14.6 cm (5.75 in)

– Depth

17.8 cm (7.0 in)

Capacity
–Per drive

320 MB, approximate DC6320 cartridge

–Per drive

525 MB, approximate DC6525 cartridge

–Per surface

2.48 MB

–Blocks per drive

649,040

Table B–27 TLZ06 Drive Operating Conditions
Operating temperature

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Operating humidity

20% to 80%, noncondensing

Altitude

0 m to 4572 m (0 ft to 15,000 ft)

Table B–28 TLZ06 Drive Nonoperating Conditions
Nonoperating temperature

–40°C to 70°C (–40°F to 158°F)

Operating humidity

5% to 95%, noncondensing

Altitude

0 m to 15,240 m (0 ft to 50,000 ft)

Table B–29 TLZ06 Cassettes
Cassette

Size

Capacity

TLZ04-CA1

4mm x 60m

1.3 or 2.6 GB

TLZ06-CA

4mm x 90m

2 or 4 GB

1 Can read only if compression is not enabled

B–14 Equipment Specifications

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

SCSI Connector

•

ThickWire Ethernet Connector

•

EIA RS232 Communications Connectors

•

Power Supply

•

Loopback Connector

C.1 SCSI Connector

Connector Pin Assignments C–1

C.1 SCSI Connector

Table C–1 SCSI Connector Pin Assignments
Pin

Signal

I/O

GND

REQ

GND

C/D

GND

SEL

GND

MSG

GND

RST

GND

ACK

GND

BSY

GND

36
34
32

GND
ATN

GND

RSVD

TERMPWR

RSVD

GND

PARITY

GND

DATA<7>

GND

DATA<6>

GND

DATA<5>

GND

DATA<4>

GND

DATA<3>

GND

DATA<2>

GND

DATA<1>

GND

DATA<0>

GND

C–2 Connector Pin Assignments

C.2 ThickWire Ethernet Connector

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

Source

Signal

XCVR

ACOL+

Collision presence

KNO2

ATX+

Transmission

GND

Ground

Description
Shield

XCVR

ARX+

Reception

XCVR

GND

Power return

CTL+

Control output

GND

Ground

XCVR

ACOL–

Collision presence

KNO2

ATX–

Transmission

GND

Ground

XCVR

ARX–

Reception

KNO2

+12V

Power

GND

Ground

CTL–

Control output

Connector Pin Assignments C–3

C.3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors

C.3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors
Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) refers to signals whose source is the system
unit.
Data Communications Equipment (DCE) refers to signals whose source is a
peripheral, like a modem or printer, which is attached to the system.
Table C–3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors Pin Assignments
Pin

Source

Signal

CCITT1

EIA2

Description

GND

101

Protective ground

DTE

TxD

103

Transmitted data

DCE

RxD

104

Received data

DTE

RTS

105

Request to send

DCE

CTS

106

Clear to send

DCE

DSR

107

Data set ready

GND

102

Signal ground

109

Carrier detect

7
8

DCE

Unconnected

11
12

Unconnected
DCE

SPDMI

112

Speed mode indicator

Unconnected

DCE

TxClock

114

16
17

Transmit signal element timing
Unconnected

DCE

RxClock

115

Receive signal element timing

Unconnected

DTE

DTR

108.2

Data terminal ready
Unconnected

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

(continued on next page)

C–4 Connector Pin Assignments

C.3 EIA RS232 Communications Connectors

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

Source

Signal

CCITT1

EIA2

Description

DCE

125

Ring indicator

DTE

DSRS

111

Data signal rate select

Unconnected

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

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

Signal

Speaker [1]

DCOK

+5.1 V

GND

+5.1 V

GND

+12.1 V

Speaker [2]

System-OK LED

GND

+5.1 V

GND

+5.1 V

GND

Connector Pin Assignments C–5

C.5 Loopback Connector

C.5 Loopback Connector
Table C–5 Summary of Loopback Connectors
Standard/
Unique

Part Number

Option Number

Communications loopback
connector

Standard

12-15336-13

H3200

ThickWire loopback connector

Standard

12-22196-02

ThinWire T-connector

Standard

12-25869-01

H8223

ThinWire terminator

Standard

12-26318-01

H8225

Function

Table C–6 Ethernet Loopback Connector
From
Pin No.

Signal

To
Pin No.

Signal

Description

P6-3

TRA+

P6-5

REC+

Through capacitor

P6-10

TRA–

P6-12

REC–

Through capacitor

P6-13

PWR

P6-6

RET

Through resistor and LED

Table C–7 Modem Loopback Connector
From
Pin No.

Signal

To
Pin No.

Signal

P4-2

TX2

P4-3

RX2

P4-4

RTS2

P4-5

CTS2

P4-6

DSR2

P4-20

DTR2

P4-12

SPDMI2

P4-23

DSRS2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-8

CI2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-22

RI2

P4-18

LLPBK2

P4-25

TMI2

C–6 Connector Pin Assignments

Index
A
Adapter
for communications device, 7–13
for ThinWire Ethernet, 6–5
for Twisted-Pair Ethernet (fig.), 6–9
Antistatic wrist strap
attaching (fig.), 9–3

B
Bezel
changing a drive, 11–27
boot command, 13–7

C
cat command, 13–9
Clearance/creepage specs
for United Kingdom, A–3
cnfg command, 13–9
? command, 13–7
Communication devices
connecting, 7–11
Compact disc drive
See also Equipment specifications
installing, 11–26
removing, 11–29
SCSI ID settings, 11–12
testing, 11–29
Connector pin assignments, C–1 to C–6
Connectors
25-pin communications, 7–12
communications, 1–3, 1–6

Connectors (cont’d)
keyboard-mouse, 1–6
monitor-to-system unit, 1–6
on system unit, 1–5
SCSI, 1–6
system-unit power, 1–6
ThickWire Ethernet loopback connectors,
1–3
Console (environment variable), 8–5
Console commands
conventions, 13–3
description of common (tab.), 13–6
entering values in, 13–3
terms, 13–4
Console mode
tasks, 13–1
Controller
definition of, 13–4
Conventions
for console commands, 13–3
in this guide, xiii
Cover-release screw, 1–6
CPU modules, 12–1 to 12–6
installing, 12–3
removing, 12–1
testing, 12–6

D
d command, 13–11
Data sizes
memory, 13–3
Diagnostic indicator lights, 1–6
troubleshooting the workstation, 14–2

Index–1

Dial and Button Box (fig.), 3–12
Digital service representative, 14–18
Drive panel
removing, 9–4
replacing (fig.), 9–7
Drives in front drive panel
installing, 11–23
removing, 11–29
testing, 11–29

E
Electrical
interference, 2–2
Environment variables
console, 4–5, 8–4 to 8–5
haltaction, 4–7
testaction, 14–12
Equipment specifications
RRD42 compact disc drive, B–10
RX23 diskette drive, B–9
RZ23L hard disk drive, B–3
RZ24L hard disk drive, B–5
RZ25 hard disk drive, B–6
RZ26 hard disk drive, B–7
system unit, B–1
TLZ06 tape drive, B–14
TZK10 tape drive, B–11
erl command, 13–12
Ethernet network
ThickWire, 6–2
ThinWire, 6–5
Twisted-Pair, 6–10
Expansion box
cables (tab.), 7–2
connecting a chain of, 7–9
connecting to system unit, 7–6

Floppy disk drives (cont’d)
testing, 11–29
Front drive panel
installing, 9–6 to 9–8
removing, 9–4 to 9–5
replacing (fig.), 9–7

G
go command, 13–13

H
Halt button, 1–6, 4–7
Hard disk drives, 11–1
See also Equipment specifications
installing, 11–1
removing, 11–23
SCSI ID settings for, 11–8
testing, 11–22
Host approvals
for United Kingdom, A–3
Host power rating, A–4

I
Icons, 1–7
init command, 13–13
Interference
electrical, 2–2
Internal drives
See Drives in front drive panel
See Hard disk drives

K
Keyboard, 3–11

Floppy disk drives
See also Equipment specifications
installing, 11–23
removing, 11–30
SCSI ID settings for, 11–13

Language menu, 4–5
Lights
See Diagnostic indicator lights
ls command, 13–13

Index–2

M
Memory
data sizes, 13–3
Memory modules, 10–1 to 10–7
installing, 10–1
memory slots in system unit, 10–2
removing, 10–5 to 10–7
testing, 10–5
Monitors
cables, 1–3
installing, 3–1 to 3–18
On/Off switches (fig.), 3–3

N
Nameplate medallion
replacing, 12–5
Network
ThickWire, 6–2
ThinWire, 6–5
Twisted-Pair, 6–10

O
Operating mode
tasks, 13–1
Optical compact disc drives
See Compact disc drives
Option slots, 1–6
Options
available, 1–8

P
passwd command, 13–14
Pin assignments
Ethernet loopback connector, C–6
I/O cover SCSI cable, C–1
modem loopback connector, C–6
printer/communications connector, C–4
printer/console loopback connector, C–5
summary of loopback connections, C–6
ThickWire Ethernet connector, C–3

Power cable
internal, 11–17
Power requirements, 2–2
printenv command, 13–14
Problems
See Troubleshooting
Product conversion label
attaching (fig.), 12–6
Prompts
console, 4–5

R
restart command, 13–15
RRD42 compact disc drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–12
specificatons, B–10
RX23 floppy disk drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–13
specificatons, B–9
RZ23L hard disk drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–5
specificatons, B–3
RZ24L hard disk drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–7
specificatons, B–5
RZ25 hard disk drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–8
specificatons, B–6
RZ26 hard disk drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–11
specificatons, B–7

S
Script
definition of, 13–5
script command, 13–15
SCSI
internal cable, 11–18
terminator, attaching (fig.), 3–14
SCSI ID settings
RRD42 compact disc drive, 11–12
RX23 floppy disk drive, 11–13
RZ23L hard disk drive, 11–5

Index–3

SCSI ID settings (cont’d)
RZ24L hard disk drive, 11–7
RZ25 hard disk drive, 11–8
RZ26 hard disk drive, 11–11
TLZ06 tape drive, 11–14
TZK10 QIC tape drive, 11–15
Self-tests
messages, 14–13 to 14–17
power-up self-test, 14–12
system self-test, 14–12
Serial cable, 1–3
Server configuration, 8–1
Service requirements
for United Kingdom, A–2
setenv command, 13–15
sh command, 13–17
Site requirements, 2–1
Slot
definition of, 13–5
Small Computer System Interface
See SCSI
Software
booting factory-installed, 4–8
halting, 13–2
Stopping the workstation, 4–7
Storage
additional, 7–1
Superuser mode, 13–2
System console
monitor as system console, 8–5
terminal as system console, 8–1 to 8–4
System unit
bezel for removable media drive, 11–28
cables, 1–3
connectors, 1–5
cooling vents, 1–4
general view of inside, 9–4
installing, 3–18
removing the cover (fig.), 9–2
replacing the cover on (fig.), 9–8
specifications, B–1
SZ12 expansion box
cables for, 7–2

Index–4

T
t command, 13–18
Tape drives
TZK10 QIC, 11–15
Terminals, 8–1 to 8–4
test command, 13–18
Testing
CPU modules, 12–6
drives in front drive panel, 11–29
hard disk drives, 11–22
memory modules, 10–5
the workstation, 4–6
ThickWire Ethernet
cable (fig.), 6–1
connecting, 6–3
sliding lock (fig.), 6–2
ThinWire Ethernet
adapter for, 6–5
connecting, 6–5
TLZ06 tape drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–14
specifications, B–14
Troubleshooting, 14–1 to 14–17
See also Testing
communications devices, 14–11
component connections, 14–4 to 14–11
component functioning, 14–12 to 14–17
contacting Digital service representative,
14–18
cursor, 14–7
diagnostic indicator lights, 14–2 to 14–3
inappropriate colors, 14–5
initializing the workstation, 14–2 to 14–3
interpreting self-test messages, 14–13
keyboard, 14–6
networks, 14–6
pointing devices, 14–7
printers, 14–10
running the power-up self-tests, 14–12
running the system self-test, 14–12
screen blank or distorted, 14–4, 14–614–7
self-test error messages
base system slot, 14–14 to 14–17

Troubleshooting (cont’d)
system self-tests, 4–6
system unit, 4–5
TK50Z tape drive, 14–9
workstation software, 14–8 to 14–9
Turning off the workstation, 4–8
Turning on the workstation, 4–1
Twisted-Pair Ethernet
adapter (fig.), 6–9
connecting, 6–10
TZK08 tape drive
butterfly cable, 7–2
TZK10 tape drive
SCSI ID settings, 11–15
specificatons, B–11

U
United Kingdom

information required for, A–2
unsetenv command, 13–18

V
Video cable assemblies (fig.), 3–2
Voltage, 2–2

W
Workstation
basic parts, 1–3
configuration, 4–6
dismantling, 5–1
stopping, 4–7
testing, 4–6
turning off, 4–8
turning on, 4–1

Index–5

Reader’s Comments

DECstation 5000 Model 150
Operator’s Guide
EK–4MMIN–OP. A01

Your comments and suggestions help us improve the quality of our publications.

Please rate the manual in the
following categories:

Excellent

Good

Accuracy (product works as described)
Completeness (enough information)
Clarity (easy to understand)
Organization (structure of subject matter)
Figures (useful)
Examples (useful)
Table of contents (ability to find topic)
Index (ability to find topic)
Page design (overall appearance)
Print quality
What I like best about this manual:
What I like least about this manual:
Additional comments or suggestions:

I found the following errors in this manual:
Page

Description

For which tasks did you use this manual?
Installation
Maintenance
Marketing
Operation/Use
Name/Title
Company
Address

Programming
System Management
Training
Other (please specify)

Fair

Poor

Do Not Tear – Fold Here and Tape
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 33 MAYNARD MASS.

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
INFORMATION DESIGN AND CONSULTING
PKO3–1/D30
129 PARKER STREET
MAYNARD, MA 01754–9975

Do Not Tear – Fold Here and Tape