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EK-AL655-UP-A01

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Document:	AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information
Order Number:	EK-AL655-UP
Revision:	A01
Pages:	46
Original Filename:

OCR Text

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A
Upgrade Information
EK-AL655-UP. A01

January 1997

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

January 1997
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this
publication will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication
imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized only pursuant to a valid
written license from Digital or an authorized sublicensor.
Copyright  Digital Equipment Corporation, 1997. All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
Alpha AXP, AlphaGeneration, DEC, DECchip, Digital, OpenVMS, and the DIGITAL logo.
Digital UNIX Version 3.0 is an X/Open UNIX 93 branded product.
The following are third party trademarks:
Microsoft is a registered trademark, and Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Windows NT are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

S3418

Table of Contents
1 Preparing for the Upgrade
Upgrade Kit Inventory..........................................................................................................1-1
Upgrade Kit Documentation .................................................................................................1-2
Preparing the System ............................................................................................................1-2
Upgrade Task Summary .......................................................................................................1-3
Removing the Left Side Panel ..............................................................................................1-4

2 Performing the Upgrade
Removing Components from the System Unit ......................................................................2-1
Removing a Memory Tower Board................................................................................2-1
Removing Memory Modules..........................................................................................2-3
Removing Option Modules ............................................................................................2-4
Removing the Drive Assembly ......................................................................................2-7
Disconnecting Cables ....................................................................................................2-8
Removing the System Board..........................................................................................2-9
Preparing the Chassis.....................................................................................................2-9
For Upgrades of Model 266 Systems Only ................................................................... 2-16
Installing Components ........................................................................................................ 2-19
Installing the Main Logic Board .................................................................................. 2-19
Installing the EMI Shield ............................................................................................. 2-21
Re-installing Memory Modules....................................................................................2-22
Re-installing Option Modules ......................................................................................2-24
Installing the 600A CPU Card...................................................................................... 2-28
Replacing the Drive Assembly..................................................................................... 2-28
Reconnecting Cables ..........................................................................................................2-29
Using the Fail-Safe Loader to Load Firmware .................................................................... 2-30

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information iii

2 Performing the Upgrade (continued)
Replacing the Left Side Panel............................................................................................. 2-32
Running the EISA Configuration Utility............................................................................. 2-33
Completing the Upgrade..................................................................................................... 2-33

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Unlocking and Removing the Left Side Panel ..................................... 1-6
Figure 2-1 Removing a Memory Tower Board ..................................................... 2-2
Figure 2-2 Removing a Memory Module.............................................................. 2-3
Figure 2-3 Removing an Option ........................................................................... 2-5
Figure 2-4 Option Module Slots on the Model 600 System Board......................... 2-6
Figure 2-5 Removing the Drive Assembly............................................................ 2-7
Figure 2-6 Disconnecting Cabling ........................................................................ 2-8
Figure 2-7 Rubber Bumpers and Metal Standoffs ................................................. 2-9
Figure 2-8 Rerouting the Diskette Drive Cable ................................................... 2-10
Figure 2-9 Removing the Front Panel ................................................................. 2-11
Figure 2-10 Removing Power Supply Cover and OCP........................................ 2-12
Figure 2-11 Removing Power Supply ................................................................. 2-13
Figure 2-12 Attaching Ferrite Beads to Harness.................................................. 2-14
Figure 2-13 Attaching Ferrite Bead to OCP Cables............................................. 2-15
Figure 2-14 Removing the OCP Cables .............................................................. 2-17
Figure 2-15 Rerouting the OCP Cable ................................................................ 2-18
Figure 2-16 Installing the EMI Gaskets .............................................................. 2-19
Figure 2-17 Attaching EMI Clips ....................................................................... 2-20
Figure 2-18 Installing the EMI Shield................................................................. 2-21
Figure 2-19 Memory Banks and Connectors ...................................................... 2-22
Figure 2-20 Installing a Memory Module ........................................................... 2-23
Figure 2-21 Moving Sound Card Jumpers........................................................... 2-25
Figure 2-22 Option Module Slots on the 600A System Board............................. 2-26
Figure 2-23 Installing Option Modules ............................................................... 2-27
Figure 2-24 Installing CPU Card ........................................................................ 2-28
Figure 2-25 Reconnecting Cables ....................................................................... 2-29
Figure 2-26 J1 Jumper on the CPU Card (Normal Position)................................ 2-31
Figure 2-27 Replacing the Left Side Panel.......................................................... 2-32
Figure 2-28 Installing FCC and Product ID Labels ............................................. 2-34

iv AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Preface
Introduction
This guide, intended for Digital service representatives and for customers, describes the
procedure for upgrading the AlphaStation 600 system to the AlphaStation 600A system.
The upgrade is a multi-step procedure requiring that you remove the system unit’s left side
panel, remove components from the system unit, replace the system board and CPU card,
and reinstall components in the system.

Special Notices
In this guide, warning notices provide information to prevent personal injury, and caution
notices emphasize important information that can affect the operation of your system.
Notes are used to provide information of general interest. Conventions used in entering
commands are shown in the table below:
Convention

Meaning

Ctrl/x

Ctrl/x indicates that you hold down the Ctrl key while you press another
key, indicated here by x.

boot

Commands that you enter are shown in this special typeface. Commands
shown in lowercase letters can be entered in either uppercase or
lowercase. Commands shown in uppercase letters must be entered in
uppercase for the command to work.

show config

Console command abbreviations must be entered exactly as shown.

[]

In command descriptions, brackets indicate optional elements.

{}

In command descriptions, braces containing items separated by commas
indicate mutually exclusive items.

italic type

Italic type in console command sections indicates a variable.

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information v

Preface

Additional Information
For additional information, consult the AlphaStation 600 User Information manual and
AlphaStation 600A User Information manual, which contain information on how to start,
use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your system. General system information such as
console commands and care of the system are also available in the User Information
manuals.

vi AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

1
Preparing for the Upgrade

Upgrade Kit Inventory
Table 1 lists the contents of the AlphaStation 600 to 600A upgrade kit.
Table 1 Parts List for Upgrade Kit
Kit Item

Part Number

Comment

EMI shield

74-52196-01

Locate between CPU and 1st
EISA Slot

EMI ground clip

74-52197-01

Locate top of I/O area

EMI ground clip

74-51392-01

Locate bottom of I/O area

CPU retaining bracket

74-50086-01

One metal standoff

74-49394-01

Finger stock (2)

74-46930-01

Power supply front cover

70-31343-01

Main Logic Board - 600A

54-23499-02

CPU module - 600A

54-24799-03

10-mm screws: (2)

90-09984-21

Conversion product ID label

36-46138-03

FCC label

36-44492-05

Cable assembly

17-04179-01

External drives to system
board

Clip-on ferrite beads (2)

16-25205-18

For AC Power Cord

Clips on EMI shield

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 1-1

Preparing for the Upgrade
Table 2 Parts List for Upgrade Kit (cont.)
Kit Item

Part Number

Comment

Clip-on ferrite bead (1)

16-25205-14

For OCP cable

EMI gaskets (4)

12-46730-01,
12-46730-02

Rubber bumpers (5)

12-28717-03

Copper tape (1/2 inch)

12-23743-05

J55 jumper

12-18783-02

Add to sound card bracket

Upgrade Kit Documentation
In addition to the items listed above, the following documentation is included in the
upgrade kit:
Item

Part Number

AlphaStation 600 to 600A Upgrade Information
manual

EK-AL655-UP.A01

AlphaStation 600A User Information manual

EK-AL655-UI.A01

Preparing the System
To prepare your system for the upgrade:
1.

Shut down the operating system following the instructions listed in the
operating system documentation.

Set the On/Off switches on all external options connected to the system
to the off position.

Set the On/Off switch on the system unit to the off position. An
interlocking sensor switch inside the system unit will automatically
turn off the system if you remove the side panel and have not turned
off the system.

1-2 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Preparing for the Upgrade

Upgrade Task Summary
The steps required to complete the upgrade are summarized below:
1.

Remove the following components:
•
•
•
•
•
•

memory tower brackets (discard)
memory towers (return to Digital--54-23244-01)
memory modules from the SIMM connectors (set aside for reuse)
option modules from the option slots (set aside for reuse)
the I/O subsystem module (set aside for reuse)
the drive assembly (set aside for reuse)

Disconnect the following cables:
•
•
•
•
•
•

power supply (3 cables)
interlock
speaker
OCP
fan
diskette drive

Remove the system module (return to Digital--54-23242-01, -02, or -03).

Prepare the chassis:
•
•
•
•

Add rubber bumpers to the rear wall.
Reposition the metal standoffs on the rear wall, adding one.
Reroute the diskette drive cable.
Attach three ferrite beads: two to the internal power supply harness (remove
power supply), and one to the OCP twisted-pair cables and the OCP ribbon cable
(remove OCP assembly).

For upgrades of Model 266 systems only:
•
•
•

Add EMI gaskets.
Reroute the OCP cable, and reposition the ferrite bead on the cable.
Remove the power supply front cover, and replace it with a new cover.

Before installing the new main logic board, attach the two clips with supplied
mounting screws to the I/O area. Install main logic board, and install one jumper on
the J55 connector.

Install the EMI shield directly under the CPU card guide on the main logic board.
Attach the supplied 10 mm screw to the system board standoff, and one of the
previously set aside screws through the rear of the system.

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 1-3

Preparing for the Upgrade

)

Install the previously set aside components on the new main logic board:
•
•

memory modules
option modules

Important: Move both jumpers on the Microsoft sound card (part number

AVA01-AA) one pin to the left, and install the card in EISA slot 2.

10. Install the I/O subsystem module in one of the first three (primary) PCI slots.
11. Connect one end of the new SCSI cable to the on-board SCSI controller, and
install a bulkhead connector on the rear of the system to connect an external SCSI
device.
12. Replace the drive assembly.
13. Reconnect cables.
14. Install the CPU card on the main logic board, and install the retaining bracket.
15. Replace the left panel on the system unit.
16. Connect a serial terminal to COM port 1 on the rear of the system unit.
17. Load new firmware from the diskette. Open the system unit, and move the J1
jumper on the CPU card to position 8 (fail-safe loader). Replace the left panel on
the system unit. When the firmware is loaded, re-open the system unit and move
the J1 jumper on the CPU card to position 1 (normal operation).
18. Replace the left panel on the system unit.
19. Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) to disable the onboard graphics
controller and select slot 2 for the Microsoft sound card.
20. Run system self-tests.
21. Run or install the operating system
22. Attach new FCC label and new product ID label.

Removing the Left Side Panel
To remove the left side panel, follow this procedure:
1.

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Wait at least 15 seconds, to allow time for the power supply capacitors to
discharge safely.

Unlock the left side panel by turning the key counterclockwise to a vertical
position, as shown in Figure 1-.

1-4 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Preparing for the Upgrade
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________
4.

Slide the panel toward the rear of the system unit (as shown
in Figure 1-) and remove it.
__________________________ Note _____________________________
The upgrade procedure requires a #1 Phillips screwdriver and a 5/16-inch
nutdriver.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 1-5

Preparing for the Upgrade

c Finger grip

ML013887

Figure 1-1 Unlocking and Removing the Left Side Panel

1-6 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

2
Performing the Upgrade

Removing Components from the System Unit
The following components must be removed from your Model 600 system unit:
•

Memory tower brackets (discard)

•

Memory tower boards (return to Digital)

•

Memory modules from the SIMM connectors (set aside for reuse)

•

Option modules from the option slots (set aside for reuse)

•

I/O subsystem module (set aside for reuse)

•

Drive assembly (set aside for reuse)

________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
To avoid electrostatic damage to components, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________

Removing a Memory Tower Board
To remove a memory tower board, refer to Figure 2-1 and follow steps 1 through 3.

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-1

Performing the Upgrade

DEC0A027.AI

Figure 2-1 Removing a Memory Tower Board
1.
2.

Unscrew and remove the SIMM hold-down bracket mounting screws  and the SIMM
hold-down bracket .
Remove the memory tower retaining-bracket mounting screws and the retaining
bracket from the memory tower board (lower tower ; upper tower ).
__________________________ Note ____________________________
The lower memory tower retaining bracket has an integral shield and is secured
to the system unit enclosure with two screws, one at each end of the bracket.
___________________________________________________________

Hold the memory tower board  firmly on both sides and pull it out of the system
unit. Set the board aside for return to Digital.

2-2 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Removing Memory Modules
Note the position of any memory modules that you remove.
Figure 2-3 shows the removal procedure for a memory module.
To remove a memory module:
1.
2.

Remove the appropriate memory modules by pressing the metal clips  on both sides
of the memory module connector to the side.
Tilt the memory module and lift it  out of its connector.

MA00233

Figure 2-2 Removing a Memory Module

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-3

Performing the Upgrade

Removing Option Modules
To remove an EISA or PCI option module from the system board, refer to Figure 2-3 and
follow steps 1 through 4.
1

Unscrew and remove the metal slot cover.

Disconnect any cables connected to the module you are removing.

Remove the screw at the rear of the module.

Gently pull out the module.

Refer also to Figure 2-4, which shows PCI slots  and the EISA slots  on the system
module. Note that the slot configuration on the new AlphaStation 600A main logic
module differs from that on the AlphaStation 600 system module.

2-4 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

DEC0A033.AI

Figure 2-3 Removing an Option

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-5

Performing the Upgrade

ML013852

PCI slots

EISA slots

Figure 2-4 Option Module Slots on the Model 600 System Board

2-6 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Removing the Drive Assembly
To remove the drive assembly from the system unit, see Figure 2-5 and follow this
procedure:
1.

Remove the SCSI and power cables from the devices in the drive assembly. Note the
position of the cables so that you can reconnect them to the correct devices later.

Loosen the two mounting screws

Slide the drive assembly

d just above the power supply in the keyhole slots.

c toward the rear of the system unit and remove it.

ML013876

Figure 2-5 Removing the Drive Assembly

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-7

Performing the Upgrade

Disconnecting Cables
Refer to Figure 2-6 and disconnect the following cables:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Power supply 
Fan

Speaker

Diskette drive 
OCP

System interlock

I/O Subsystem module cables  
4

3
2
1

J2
J1

10
7
9

MLO-013859

Figure 2-6 Disconnecting Cabling

2-8 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Removing the System Board
To remove the system board, follow these steps:
1.

Remove the 15 mounting screws.

To clear the external connectors on the upper left side of the board, pull the right side
of the system board toward the front of the unit first.

Preparing the Chassis
To prepare the chassis for the upgrade, refer to Figure 2-7 and follow these steps:
1.

Attach the five rubber bumpers provided in the upgrade kit (part number 12-28717-03)
to the rear wall of the system unit. The bumpers are self-adhesive and should be
attached at the five circular markings on the wall.

Reposition the metal standoffs on the rear wall and add one more, as shown in Figure
2-7.
1

x5
3

5
6
2

ML013869

Figure 2-7 Rubber Bumpers and Metal Standoffs

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-9

Performing the Upgrade
3.

Reroute the diskette drive cable as shown in Figure 2-8.

ML013870

Figure 2-8 Rerouting the Diskette Drive Cable

2-10 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade
4.

Remove the front panel cover as shown in Figure 2-9.

MLO-013860

Figure 2-9 Removing the Front Panel

Refer to Figure 2-10 and remove the power supply cover  by removing the two
screws , as shown. Remove the OCP assembly .

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-11

Performing the Upgrade

MLO-013862

Figure 2-10 Removing Power Supply Cover and OCP

2-12 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade
6.

To remove the power supply, refer to Figure 2-11 and disconnect the four external
power supply harnesses ; remove the hold-down bracket ; disconnect the screw at
the rear of the power supply ; and slide the power supply forward . Disconnect the
AC power cord , and set the power supply aside.

5
ML013863

Figure 2-11 Removing Power Supply

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-13

Performing the Upgrade
7.

To attach the two ferrite beads to the power harness, refer to Figure 2-12. Attach two
clip-on ferrite beads  to the harness, at the power supply end of the harness (inside
the rear of system chassis). Power harness  is secured to chassis with 2 screws .

2
1
ML013865

Figure 2-12 Attaching Ferrite Beads to Harness

To reassemble the power supply, reinsert the internal harness, reinstall the power
supply, connect the AC power cord, attach the two screws, and reconnect the three
power supply harnesses.

2-14 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade
9.

Gather the two OCP twisted-pair cables and the OCP ribbon cable; attach the other
smaller clip-on ferrite bead to them, as shown in Figure 2-13. Position bead behind
the OCP front panel, in the space below the OCP module.

10. Reattach the OCP; close front panel.

4
2

MLO-013868

Figure 2-13 Attaching Ferrite Bead to OCP Cables

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-15

Performing the Upgrade

For Upgrades of Model 266 Systems Only
If you are upgrading an AlphaStation 600 Model 300 or 333, proceed to “Installing
Components.” If you are upgrading an AlphaStation 600 Model 266, perform the
following tasks, then proceed to “Installing Components.”
Model 266 Upgrade Tasks
• Add electromagnetic interference (EMI) gaskets.
• Reroute the operator control panel (OCP) cable and reposition the ferrite bead on the
cable.
• Remove the power supply front cover, and replace it with a new cover.
To complete the tasks, follow these steps:
1.

Remove the front bezel by unsnapping it from the front of the system unit.

Remove the two screws that secure the power supply front cover to the system unit.
Tilt the cover out, then lift up until the tabs along the bottom edge of the cover come
out of the slots at the bottom of the system unit (see Figure 2-14 ).

Unsnap the OCP from the front of the system unit (see Figure 2-14 ).

In the drive assembly area, disconnect the 2-pin safety interlock cable connector.

In the drive assembly area, unsnap and open the ferrite bead and unwrap the ribbon
and twisted-pair OCP cables from around it.

Reach through the drive assembly area to the right side of the system unit and remove
the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables from the two cable clips (see Figure 2-14 ).
One twisted-pair cable should remain in the cable clips.

While guiding the system board connector ends of the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP
cables through the slot in the bottom right system board area (see Figure 2-14 ), pull
the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables out through the drive assembly area.

2-16 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

3
2

1
MLO-011828

Figure 2-14 Removing the OCP Cables
8.

Place the OCP end of the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables on the open ferrite bead
so that the OCP ribbon cable connector and the 4-pin twisted-pair cable connector are
16.51 cm (6.5 in.) from the edge of the ferrite bead.

Wrap the other ends of the cables one complete turn around the ferrite bead and pull
them snug. (See Figure 2-15 )

10. Snap the ferrite bead closed on the cables.
11. Route the system board connector ends of the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables
along the bottom left of the power supply between the power supply and the left side
panel. (See Figure 2-15)
12. Install the new power supply front cover. Ensure that the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP
cables fit through the notched cutout in the upper left part of the cover, and that the
ferrite bead fits behind the protruding portion of the cover that is designed for it. (See
Figure 2-15)
13. Pull the excess ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables into the system board area and
dress the cables under the flat metal fingers along the bottom left of the power supply.
(See Figure 2-15 )

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-17

Performing the Upgrade
14. Feed the 2-pin safety interlock cable connector through the opening in the front of the
system unit into the drive assembly area and reconnect it.
15. Reconnect the ribbon cable connector and the 4-pin twisted-pair cable connector to
the OCP. (See Figure 2-15 )
16. With the ribbon and twisted-pair OCP cables extending out the left side of the OCP,
snap the OCP onto the front of the system unit (see Figure 2-15).

2
4
MLO-011829

Figure 2-15 Rerouting the OCP Cable
17. Reinstall the front bezel on the front of the system unit.
18. Install the four pieces (two long and two short) of EMI gasket material around the
system board I/O opening at the rear of the system unit by removing the paper backing
from each piece and sticking them on the inside edges of the opening.
(See Figure 2-16 )

2-18 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

MLO-011830

Figure 2-16 Installing the EMI Gaskets

Installing Components
The following components must be installed in the system unit:
•

Model 600A main logic board

•

Memory modules removed from the memory tower boards

•

Option modules removed from the Model 600 system board

•

Microsoft sound card

•

I/O subsystem module removed from Model 600 system board

Installing the Main Logic Board
Before installing the main logic board, attach the two EMI clips to the board with the
6-mm screws that hold the I/O bracket to the main logic board, as shown in Figure 2-17.

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-19

Performing the Upgrade

MLO-013871

Figure 2-17 Attaching EMI Clips

To install the main logic board:
1.

Insert the left side of the board first, so that the external connectors on the upper left
side of the board can be positioned properly.

Ensure that the two locating pins attached to the back wall of the enclosure engage the
two locating holes in the right corners of the system board.

Reinstall the 13 mounting screws

Ensure that the OCP ribbon and twisted-pair cables are properly reconnected to the
new system board (See Error! Reference source not found.).

2-20 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Installing the EMI Shield
The EMI shield must be installed directly under the CPU card guide on the main logic
board. To install the shield, refer to Figure 2-18 and follow these steps:
1.

Attach two finger stock clips to the EMI shield. Install in the top and bottom pair of
holes.

Attach the shield with two different screws: one 10 mm screw supplied in the upgrade
kit attaches to the system board standoff; one of the shorter screws removed earlier
from the Model 600 system board attaches the shield through rear of the system unit.

MLO-013872

Figure 2-18 Installing the EMI Shield

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-21

Performing the Upgrade

Re-installing Memory Modules
The AlphaStation 600A Series supports 16 single in-line memory module (SIMM)
connectors on the system board. The SIMM connectors are grouped in four memory banks
consisting of four memory modules. Figure 2-19 shows the four memory banks and their
memory module connectors.

Bank 3
Bank 2
Bank 1
Bank 0

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

MLO-013740

Figure 2-19 Memory Banks and Connectors
The Model 600A system supports five sizes of memory options: 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256
megabytes. Using combinations of these five memory options, the system supports from
16 megabytes to one gigabyte of memory.
Keep in mind the following rules when installing memory modules:
A memory option consists of four memory modules.
Bank 0 must contain a memory option.
All memory modules within a bank must be of the same capacity.

2-22 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade
To install a memory module, refer to Figure 2-20 and follow these steps:

Install the module in the socket at a 45-degree angle. Be sure that the notch is
oriented as shown. Rock the module gently until it is seated evenly, and press gently
so it slips over the two posts located at each end of the slot. Tip the module upright
until both retaining clips at the ends of the socket engage.

Reinstall any memory modules you may have removed for access purposes.

Replace the system covers.

Test the memory configuration using the following commands:
>>> show memory
>>> memory

DEC0A026.AI

Figure 2-20 Installing a Memory Module

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-23

Performing the Upgrade

Re-installing Option Modules
To re-install an expansion module, see Figure 2-22 and Figure 2-23, and follow this
procedure:

c, Figure 2-23.

Unscrew and remove the metal slot cover

Insert the new expansion module into the socket in the system board
module firmly into the socket.

Replace the screw that formerly held the slot cover to secure the module

Replace and lock the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet and turn on the system.

d. Push the
d.

__________________________ Note ____________________________
The I/O subsystem module should be installed in one of the first three PCI slots.
___________________________________________________________
Microsoft Sound Card
The Microsoft sound card (part number AVA01-AA) should be installed in EISA slot 2
(see Figure 2-4).

)

Important: Move both jumpers on the Microsoft sound card one pin to the left, as

shown in Figure 2-21.

2-24 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

1
2

MLO-013866

Figure 2-21 Moving Sound Card Jumpers

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-25

Performing the Upgrade

11
12
13
1
2
3
4
ML013853

PCI slots (secondary)  PCI slots (primary)

EISA slots

Figure 2-22 Option Module Slots on the 600A System Board

__________________________ Note ____________________________
For more information on operating system-specific options, refer to your
operating system and option documentation..
___________________________________________________________

2-26 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

MLO-013753

Figure 2-23 Installing Option Modules

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-27

Performing the Upgrade

Installing the 600A CPU Card

Install the 600A CPU card in the CPU slot as shown  in Figure 2-24 . Position the
retaining bracket  as shown, and fasten the screws .
3

ML013861

Figure 2-24 Installing CPU Card

Replacing the Drive Assembly
To replace the drive assembly in the system unit, follow this procedure:

c into place toward the front of the system unit.
2. Fasten the two mounting screws d just above the power supply in the keyhole slots.

Slide the drive assembly

Reattach the SCSI and power cables to the devices in the drive assembly.

2-28 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Reconnecting Cables
Refer to Figure 2-25 and reconnect the power supply , fan , speaker , diskette
drive , OCP , and interlock cables. Install jumper on J55  and eternal drive cable
.
3
2
1

5
10

MLO-013867

Figure 2-25 Reconnecting Cables

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-29

Performing the Upgrade

Using the Fail-Safe Loader to Load Firmware
The fail-safe loader (FSL) allows you to boot a firmware Update Utility diskette.
__________________________ Note ____________________________
To use the loader, you need to connect a serial terminal to the COM1 port on the
rear of the system unit.
___________________________________________________________
To activate the fail-safe loader:
1.

Install the update utility diskette in the diskette drive.

Enable the fail-safe loader by moving the J1 jumper on the CPU card from the normal
position (see Figure 2-26) to position 7.

Replace the left panel.

Turn on the system, and check the operator control panel for progress messages. The
display reads “Floppy boot.” Press Return.

Type the update command to update the firmware, as shown in the following
example:
UPD> Update
Confirm update on:
ARC SRM
[Y/(N)] y
WARNING: updates may take several minutes to complete for each
device.
DO NOT ABORT!
SRM Updating to V4.7...

Verifying 4.7...

PASSED.

ARC Updating to V5.26...

Verifying 5.26... PASSED.

UPD>

After the update utility has completed, turn off the system.

Disable the fail-safe loader by moving the J1 jumper back to the normal operating
position

Replace the left panel, and turn the system back on.

2-30 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade
8.

At the SRM console prompt, set the console to “graphics,” as shown in the following
example:
>>> set console graphics
>>> init
J1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MLO-013469

Figure 2-26 J1 Jumper on the CPU Card (Normal Position)

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-31

Performing the Upgrade

Replacing the Left Side Panel
Replace the left side panel, as shown in Figure 2-27, and lock it.

DEC0A014.AI

Figure 2-27 Replacing the Left Side Panel

2-32 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information

Performing the Upgrade

Running the EISA Configuration Utility
The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) is run from the AlphaBIOS console. To switch
from the SRM console and access the ECU, type the following command at the SRM
console prompt: ecu.
From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, follow these steps to run the ECU:
1.

Select “Utilities.” From the submenu that appears, select “Run ECU from floppy.”

Select “View and edit details.” From the submenu that appears, select “VGA graphics
controller,” and press Enter. From the next submenu, select “Disabled.”

Return to the ECU main menu and select “Add or remove boards.” From the
submenu that appears, select “slot 2” and “Insert.” Press Enter.

Scroll through the list of option boards and select “Microsoft sound board.”

When the confirmation display appears, press Enter and the F10 key to save and exit.

See Chapter 5 of your AlphaStation 600A User Information manual for more information
on the EISA Configuration Utility.
__________________________ Note _____________________________
To update the system firmware, the flashROM enable jumper (J50) must be in
the write-enabled (default) position.
____________________________________________________________

Completing the Upgrade
To complete the upgrade, verify that the CPU is installed correctly by checking the
operator control panel display:
1.

Check that left side panel is in place and turn the system on.

When the startup procedure is complete, the operator control panel will display the
message “AlphaStation 600A 5/500”

Run startup tests. (See the AlphaStation 600A User Information manual.)

Run or install the operating system. (See operating system documentation.)

Install the new product identification label over the old label on the front of the
system unit. (See  Figure 2-28.)

Install the new FCC label over the old label on the rear of the system unit. (See 
Figure 2-28.)

AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information 2-33

Performing the Upgrade

MLO-013864

Figure 2-28 Installing FCC and Product ID Labels

2-34 AlphaStation 600 to AlphaStation 600A Upgrade Information