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October 1996

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Document:	Personal Workstation (Alpha) User Information
Order Number:	EK-ALMIA-UI
Revision:	A01
Pages:	123
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OCR Text

Personal Workstation (Alpha)
User Information
Order Number: EK-ALMIA-UI. A01

October 1996

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

October 1996
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment
by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this document.
The software, if any, described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software or
equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
Copyright  1996 Digital Equipment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
AlphaStation, DEC, Digital, Digital Semiconductor, OpenVMS, ThinWire, and the DIGITAL logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusively through X/Open
Company Ltd.
All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
This document was produced with Microsoft Word for Windows, V6.0c.

FCC Information - Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to
Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. Stock No. 004-00398-5.
All external cables connecting to this basic unit need to be shielded. For cables connecting to option boards, see
the option manual or installation instructions.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Contents
Preface
1 Getting Started
Introduction........................................................................................................... 1-1
System Inventory............................................................................................ 1-2
Before Starting Your System .......................................................................... 1-3
Posture and Work Habits ................................................................................ 1-4
Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord.......................................................... 1-6
Installing Your System.......................................................................................... 1-7
Connecting System Parts ................................................................................ 1-8
Network Connection................................................................................ 1-9
Starting Your System ................................................................................... 1-10
Preloaded Operating System Software.......................................................... 1-11
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation ..................................................... 1-11
Turning Off Your System.................................................................................... 1-12
Computer Security .............................................................................................. 1-13
Chassis Lockdown Hasp............................................................................... 1-13
Optional Lock .............................................................................................. 1-14
Passwords..................................................................................................... 1-14

Contents

2 System Overview
Introduction ..........................................................................................................2–1
System Features ....................................................................................................2–1
System Front View................................................................................................2–2
System Rear View.................................................................................................2–4
System Unit Components......................................................................................2–6
Motherboard .........................................................................................................2–8
Riser Card........................................................................................................... 2–10

3 Configuring Your System
Introduction ..........................................................................................................3–1
Configuring with AlphaBIOS Firmware................................................................3–1
Starting AlphaBIOS .......................................................................................3–1
Booting the System ........................................................................................3–2
AlphaBIOS Setup...........................................................................................3–3
Displaying Your Configuration................................................................3–4
Setting Up the Hard Disks .......................................................................3–5
CMOS Setup Tasks .................................................................................3–5
Advanced CMOS Setup...........................................................................3–8
Utilities ...................................................................................................3–9

4 Installing System Options
Introduction ..........................................................................................................4–1
Removing the System Cover .................................................................................4–2
Removing Front Door ...........................................................................................4–4
Adding Memory Modules .....................................................................................4–5
Installing Expansion Boards..................................................................................4–7
Drive-Installation Overview..................................................................................4–9
Removing the Front Bezel..............................................................................4–9
Configuration Guidelines for EIDE ..............................................................4–11
Configuration Guidelines for SCSI...............................................................4–11
SCSI Bus Length ...................................................................................4–11
Termination........................................................................................... 4–11

Contents
Installing Storage Devices...................................................................................4–12
Front-Accessible Bays..................................................................................4–12
Internal Bays ................................................................................................4–13
Cabling for a Printer or Other Parallel Device ..............................................4–16
External Options...........................................................................................4–17
Internal Cable Layout...................................................................................4–18
Replacing the Battery..........................................................................................4–25
Replacing the System Cover................................................................................4–27
Installing Optional Lock......................................................................................4–28
Kensington Lock ..........................................................................................4–28

5 Troubleshooting
Introduction...........................................................................................................5–1
Initial Troubleshooting..........................................................................................5–1
Equipment Log .....................................................................................................5–2
General Troubleshooting .......................................................................................5–2
Error Beep Codes ................................................................................................5–10
LEDs...................................................................................................................5–10

A System Care
B Technical Specifications
C Device Mapping
D Updating System Firmware
E Starting an Operating System Installation
F Equipment Log

vii

Contents

FIGURES
Figure 1–1: Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha).............................................. 1-1
Figure 1–2: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits.............................. 1-4
Figure 1–3: System Airflow ............................................................................... 1-7
Figure 1–4: Voltage Selector Switch .................................................................. 1-8
Figure 1–5: Connecting Cables and Power Cords ............................................... 1-9
Figure 1–6: Starting Your System .................................................................... 1-10
Figure 1–7: Chassis Lockdown Hasp................................................................ 1-14
Figure 2–1: Front View of System......................................................................2–2
Figure 2–2: Rear Connectors..............................................................................2–4
Figure 2–3: System Unit Components ................................................................2–6
Figure 2–4: Motherboard Components ...............................................................2–8
Figure 2–5: Riser Card Components................................................................. 2–10
Figure 3–1: AlphaBIOS Boot Screen..................................................................3–2
Figure 3–2: AlphaBIOS Setup Screen ................................................................3–3
Figure 3–3: Display System Configuration Screen .............................................3–4
Figure 3–4: Hard Disk Setup Screen...................................................................3–5
Figure 3–5: CMOS Setup Screen........................................................................3–6
Figure 3–6: Advanced CMOS Setup Screen .......................................................3–8
Figure 3–7: Operating System Selection...........................................................3–10
Figure 4–1: Unlocking and Removing the System Cover ...................................4–3
Figure 4–2: Removing the Front Door................................................................4–4
Figure 4–3: Memory Installation ........................................................................4–6
Figure 4–4: Installing an Expansion Board.........................................................4–8
Figure 4–5: Removing Front Bezel .................................................................. 4–10
Figure 4–6: Attaching Brackets to a Drive .......................................................4–12
Figure 4–7: Installing an Additional Drive .......................................................4–13
Figure 4–8: Adding a Drive in the Internal Bay................................................ 4–14
Figure 4–9: Mounting the 3.5-inch Drive .........................................................4–15
Figure 4–10: Cabling for Printer or Other Parallel Device.................................. 4–16
Figure 4–11: Power Supply Cable Configuration................................................4–18
Figure 4–12: Audio Cable Layout ...................................................................... 4–20
Figure 4–13: MAU or MII Cabling..................................................................... 4–21
Figure 4–14: CD-ROM Cabling ......................................................................... 4–22
Figure 4–15: FDC Cabling ................................................................................. 4–23
Figure 4–16: SCSI Cabling ................................................................................4–24
Figure 4–17: Replacing the Battery ....................................................................4–26
Figure 4–18: Replacing the System Cover..........................................................4–27
Figure 4–19: Using the Optional Kensington Lock............................................. 4–28
Figure A–1: Cleaning the System Mouse .......................................................... A–3
Figure B–1: CPU Frequency Switch Settings (433-MHz System)...................... B–7

viii

Contents

TABLES
Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits ............................... 1-5
Table 2–1: Front Components ............................................................................2–3
Table 2–2: Rear Connectors ...............................................................................2–5
Table 2–3: System Unit Components .................................................................2–7
Table 2–4: Motherboard Components.................................................................2–9
Table 2–5: Riser Card Components .................................................................. 2–11
Table 4–1: Power Supply Cable Configuration.................................................4–19
Table 4–2: Audio Cable Layout .......................................................................4–20
Table 4–3: MAU or MII Cabling...................................................................... 4–21
Table 4–4: CD-ROM Cabling...........................................................................4–22
Table 4–5: FDC Cabling .................................................................................. 4–23
Table 4–6: SCSI Cabling.................................................................................. 4–24
Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting ...................................................................5–2
Table 5–2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting..............................................................5–7
Table 5–3: Audio Troubleshooting .....................................................................5–8
Table 5–4: Monitor Troubleshooting ..................................................................5–9
Table 5–5: Error Beep Codes ...........................................................................5–10
Table B–1: Processor Features .......................................................................... B–2
Table B–2: System Specifications ..................................................................... B–2
Table B–3: System Dimensions......................................................................... B–2
Table B–4: System Environmental Specifications ............................................. B–3
Table B–5: Acoustics: Preliminary Declared Values ......................................... B–3
Table B–6: Bidirectional Parallel Port Pinouts .................................................. B–4
Table B–7: 9-Pin Serial Port Pinouts ................................................................. B–5
Table B–8: Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts......................................... B–6
Table B–9: System Input Power Requirements.................................................. B–6
Table B–10: System Output Power Specifications............................................... B–6
Table C–1: Default System Interrupt Assignments ............................................ C–2
Table C–2: DMA Channel Assignments............................................................ C–3
Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation ............................ E–3
Table E–2: Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Installation....................... E–6
Table F–1: Hardware Components .................................................................... F–2
Table F–2: ISA Equipment Configuration ......................................................... F–3
Table F–3: Hardware Configuration .................................................................. F–3
Table F–4: Installed Software............................................................................ F–4
Table F–5: Additional Component Information ................................................. F–4

Preface
Welcome to the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha)
This guide introduces the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha), the latest in the series of
Digital Personal Workstation products.
Use this information to start, use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your workstation.
You can also find general system information such as console commands and system care
here.

Audience
If you are operating, configuring, or adding options to the Digital Personal Workstation
(Alpha), the information included here is helpful to you.

Preface

Organization of the Information
This guide includes information on Digital Personal Workstations (Alpha). The following
topics (see the Table of Contents for a detailed listing) are covered:

xii

•

Chapter 1, Getting Started. Installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the system.

•

Chapter 2, System Overview. Motherboard, keyboard, system controls, indicators,
ports, and connections.

•

Chapter 3, Configuring Your System. Using AlphaBIOS firmware.

•

Chapter 4, Installing System Options. Installing hard disk, compact disc, and tape
drives; memory; option cards; printer cable; and external SCSI cable.

•

Chapter 5, Troubleshooting. Possible causes and actions to solve problems.

•

Appendix A, System Care. Cleaning your system, monitor, and mouse.

•

Appendix B, Technical Specifications.

•

Appendix C, Device Mapping. I/O addresses and interrupts.

•

Appendix D, Updating System Firmware.

•

Appendix E, Starting an Operating System Installation.

•

Appendix F, Equipment Log.

Preface

Conventions
This guide uses the following conventions:
Example

Description

c:\windows

Monospaced text indicates file names, path names,
directories, or screen text. Each operating system has its
own specific syntax.

[Enter]

Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the
keyboard.

[Ctrl]+[R]

A plus sign indicates that you press both the keys shown at
the same time.

A pointing hand indicates a reference to additional
information.

Abbreviations
This guide uses the following abbreviations:
Abbreviation

Meaning

Compact disc.

CD-ROM

Compact disc read-only memory.

CPU

Central processing unit.

DIMM

Dual inline memory module.

DMA

Direct memory access.

DRAM

Dynamic random access memory.

DROM

Diagnostic read only memory.

EIDE

Enhanced integrated drive electronics.

FDC

Floppy disk controller.

flashROM

Electrically erasable, rewriteable, nonvolatile memory.

A GB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in gigabytes
(for example, 1 GB). A gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.

IRQ

Interrupt request.

ISA

Industry-standard architecture.

A Kb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in kilobits (for
example, 512 Kb). A kilobit equals 1024 bits.

A KB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in kilobytes
(for example, 640 KB). A kilobyte equals 1024 bytes.

xiii

Preface

xiv

Abbreviation

Meaning

LED

Light-emitting diode.

MAU

Media adapter unit.

An Mb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabits
(for example, 10 Mb). A megabit equals 1,048,576 bits.

A MB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabytes
(for example, 550 MB). A megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.

MHz

Megahertz.

MII

Media independent interface.

Nanoseconds.

NVRAM

Nonvolatile random access memory.

PCI

Peripheral component interconnect.

RISC

Reduced instruction set computing.

ROM

Read only memory.

SCSI

Small computer system interface.

SDRAM

Synchronous dynamic random access memory.

Preface

Special Notices
This guide uses four kinds of notices to emphasize specific information.
________________________ WARNING __________________________
A WARNING indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause personal
injury.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION___________________________
A CAUTION indicates the presence of a hazard that can damage hardware or
corrupt software.
____________________________________________________________
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
A NOTE gives general information, such as compatibility with other products or
pointers to other information.
____________________________________________________________
__________________________ HINT_____________________________
A HINT includes suggestions to make your computing tasks easier.
____________________________________________________________

Additional Information Resources
You may wish to consult the following information resources on your Digital Personal
Workstation (Alpha):
•

Quick Setup Guide (order number ER-B30WW-IM. A01) presents a graphical
overview of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) system installation. (Note that
not all Digital Personal Workstation [Alpha] systems will be shipping with USB.)

•

Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) Family Technical Information (order number
EK-ALMIA-TI. A01). This optional manual contains detailed technical information
for value-added resellers (VARs) and independent software vendors.

Preface
This guide includes basic information on AlphaBIOS. Those Windows NT operating
system users who would like more detail on AlphaBIOS may wish to consult the Digital
Windows Enterprise Computing Infocenter located at http://www.windows.digital.com/.
Select Service and Support; then under Firmware and Drivers, choose Alpha-based
systems, and press the Go! button. At the Windows NT Drivers and Firmware page, select
the latest Configuration Guide. (The "guide" consists a .zip file containing the AlphaBIOS
information in .hlp and .txt formats.)
For other product-related information, we suggest that you consult our Web site at
http://www.workstation.digital.com/. Your distributor or Digital representative also can
provide you with information on products and services.

Feedback
Our readers' opinions about this guide or any other Digital manual is important to us. If
you have any comments, we'd appreciate your taking the time to send us electronic mail at
reader_comments@eng.pko.dec.com.
Please reference order number EK-ALMIA-UI. A01 in your correspondence about this
manual.

xvi

1
Getting Started
Introduction
Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) is a high-performance system that uses the
latest microprocessor and core logic technology. The system, housed in a mini-tower box,
can stand alone or function as a client in an office network environment. This chapter
includes an inventory list of the items shipped with your system and describes how to start,
install, restart, and turn off your system. You can also find information here about
preloaded software as well as guidelines for system security. Figure 1–1 shows a typical
Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) configuration.

ML013566

Figure 1–1: Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha)

1-1

Getting Started

System Inventory
Check to make sure you received the following components with your system, and note
the items in Appendix F, Equipment Log, for later reference:
Monitor
System box
Keyboard
Mouse

Video cable
Microphone
Headphone
Power cords
Documentation

Your system may include different components. Consult the shipping list that came with
your system for an accurate listing of parts. Also, you may refer to the Quick Setup Guide
(ER-B30WW-IM. A01) you received for a pictorial representation of the system.
If you think something is missing, contact your distributor or Digital representative.

1-2

Getting Started

Before Starting Your System
Before you start your system, perform the following steps:
1.

Review the information supplied with your system.

Select a well-ventilated site for your system near a grounded power outlet and away
from sources of excessive heat. The site also should be isolated from electric noise
(for example, spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air conditioners,
large fans, radios, and televisions.

Save all shipping containers and packing material for repackaging or moving the
system later.
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
Do not install optional hardware or application software until you have
started your system and verified that the base system is working correctly.
____________________________________________________________

________________________ WARNING __________________________
When unpacking and moving system components, be aware that some
components (such as the monitor) may be too heavy for you to safely lift
alone. If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these items alone,
please get assistance.
____________________________________________________________

1-3

Getting Started

Posture and Work Habits
If you exercise poor posture while you work or if your equipment is poorly set up, certain
recent scientific articles suggest that personal injury may result. Other articles suggest that
there is no cause and effect. Because the safety of our users is a great concern to Digital
Equipment Corporation, we strongly urge that you read and follow the precautions
outlined in Figure 1–2 and. In addition, be sure to adjust your work space so that you are
comfortable, and change your position frequently.
Additional ergonomic information is provided on the CD-ROM that you received with
your system.
9
8
7

5
6

4
3
2

MLO-011325

Figure 1–2: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits
________________________WARNING___________________________
If you experience pain or discomfort while using your system, rest and
review the instructions for posture and work habits. If the pain or
discomfort continues after resuming work, discontinue use and report the
condition to your job supervisor or physician.
____________________________________________________________

1-4

Getting Started

Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits
Adjust
Chair

To allow the following conditions
1. Feet are flat on the floor.
2. Legs are vertical and form a right angle to the floor.
3. Your thighs are horizontal, and they are not bearing weight. Keep the backs
of your knees away from the seat so you do not compress the area behind
them, which could restrict the blood flow.
4. Your upper body is erect and your lower back is supported with a backrest.

Keyboard and
Mouse

5. Your wrists are straight and do not flex more than 15 degrees. They are
supported and do not rest on sharp edges. If you use a mouse, rest your
hand on the mouse so your wrist is not on the work surface. Operate the
mouse close to your body's centerline.
6. Upper arms are straight down at your sides, and elbows are close to your
sides and support your arm weight. Forearms are at a 70- to 90-degree
angle.

Head

7. Avoid neck strain. Your head should incline downward, but no more than
15 to 20 degrees.

Monitor

8. No higher than the level of your eyes and at the correct distance for your
vision.
9. Avoid eye fatigue, which can be caused by glare, image quality,
uncomfortable furniture, eye height, and uncorrected vision. If you cannot
focus to read at different distances, you may need special glasses. Relax
your eyes periodically by focusing on distant objects.

Lighting

Avoid direct lighting or sunlight on the screen, which causes glare and
reflections. Place lighting behind or to the side of your work area, and
distribute the lighting evenly on your work area.

Noise

Keep background noise at a minimum. Background noise above 65 dBA is
tiring. Sound-absorbing materials (for example, curtains, carpeting, and
acoustic tile) can help reduce background noise.

Temperature

20 – 23 degrees C (68 - 74 degrees F)

Humidity

30% – 70%

Ventilation

Provide adequate air ventilation to operate the equipment and avoid fatigue.

Work Space

> 70 cm (28 inches) center to center, preferably between > 152 cm (60 inches).

1-5

Getting Started

Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord
Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) came with the customer-selected AC power
cord. Because there are country-specific variations, and systems may be moved, please
inspect your power cord to ensure it is the correct one for your country or region. If you
are not sure that the supplied AC power cord is correct, contact your authorized Digital
service representative before you use it.
________________________WARNING___________________________
Do not attempt to modify or use an external 115-Volt AC power cord for
230-Volt AC input power. Modifying the power cord can cause personal
injury and severe equipment damage.
____________________________________________________________
Power cords supplied with the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) meet the following
criteria:

1-6

•

UL and CSA Certified cord rated for use at 250 Volts AC with a current rating that is
at least 125% of the current rating of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). In
Europe, the cordage carries the <HAR> mark.

•

The AC plug is terminated in a grounding-type male plug designed for use in the
region. It must also have marks showing certification by an agency acceptable in the
region.

•

The connector at the computer end must be an IEC-type CEE-22 female connector.

•

The cord length does not exceed 4.5 meters (14.5 feet).

Getting Started

Installing Your System
The Quick Setup Guide you received with your system graphically outlines the steps to
follow in installing your system.
________________________ CAUTION___________________________
To ensure proper cooling, verify that air can flow freely into the system front
and out the rear of the system.
____________________________________________________________
Position your system so that air can flow freely to and from the vents, as Figure 1–3
shows. Take care not to block any of the vents, especially those on the rear of the system.

MLO-013567

Figure 1–3: System Airflow

1-7

Getting Started

Connecting System Parts
To connect the components of your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha), perform the
following steps:
1.

Confirm that the voltage selector switch matches your local voltage (either 115 Volts
or 230 Volts), as Figure 1–4 shows.

115 V

230 V

MLO-013568

Figure 1–4: Voltage Selector Switch
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
Improper voltage selection can damage the system's power supply!
____________________________________________________________
2.

1-8

Connect the mouse, keyboard, video cable, microphone, headphone, and power cords
to the system components, as Figure 1–5 shows.

Getting Started

MLO-013569

Figure 1–5: Connecting Cables and Power Cords
3.

If a SCSI controller is installed and you have an optional external SCSI (small
computer system interface) device or SCSI storage box, connect the SCSI cable to the
SCSI port on the controller card.

Network Connection
The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) has an embedded Ethernet LAN controller.
Assuming that the appropriate media adapter unit (MAU) or media independent interface
(MII) is already installed, connect your system to the network. Refer to Figure 1–5, which
shows the MAU installed.

1-9

Getting Started

Starting Your System
Perform the following steps, in order, to start (boot) your Digital Personal Workstation
(Alpha):
1.

Plug the power cord into the wall.

Turn on any external devices, system unit power, and monitor power. Figure 1–6
shows the location of the system unit power button.

MLO-013570

Figure 1–6: Starting Your System

1-10

After waiting for the monitor to warm up, if necessary, adjust the contrast and
brightness to obtain a readable screen display. (Refer to the information supplied with
your monitor for adjustment instructions.)

Allow your system to complete any power-on self tests (POST) and device
initialization messages. (This takes approximately 1 minute.) If you are using the
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system and autoboot is enabled, the
system starts after a countdown expires.

Getting Started

Preloaded Operating System Software
The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system is preloaded on all systems. Disk 0 on
the SCSI bus is partitioned and formatted so that all other users can immediately install the
operating system.
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation
You will see the following display after system power-on and initialization:
AlphaBIOS Version x.xx
Please select the operating system to start:

Windows NT Workstation 4.00

Use
and
to move the highlight to your choice.
Press Enter to choose.

Press <F2> to enter SETUP

If autoboot is enabled, a countdown timer [default 10 seconds] is displayed on the boot
screen. Booting occurs when the timer expires.

1-11

Getting Started

Turning Off Your System
Before turning off your system, save and close all open files. If you turn the system off
without saving and closing files, you might lose some or all of your work.
Perform the following steps, in order, to turn off your system:
1.

Close any application data files you have open as well as any applications you have
running. Most application programs prompt you to save the information before
closing.

Shut down the operating system with the appropriate command.

To shut down your operating system, follow these steps:

•

Click on Start on the Windows NT toolbar.

•

Select Shut Down...

•

The Shut Down Windows menu displays.

•

Select Shut down the computer?

Wait for the operating system to complete the shutdown process. Your system
displays a message indicating it is safe to turn off or restart the system.
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
Do not turn off power to your system or peripherals until the shutdown sequence
has completed.
____________________________________________________________

To turn off power, press the momentary contact power pushbutton.

Disconnect the power cord from the wall before servicing your system.
________________________WARNING___________________________
Always disconnect the power cord from the wall before servicing your
system.
____________________________________________________________

1-12

Getting Started

Computer Security
Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) includes several security-related features. See
your operation system documentation for more information on the use of these options.

Chassis Lockdown Hasp
A chassis lockdown hasp is secured to the side of the chassis at the lower-left rear of your
workstation. When secured with a customer-supplied lock, this hasp prevents others from
opening and removing the workstation's outside cover. Using a chain or cable lock, you
can secure your workstation to your desk or table as well.
________________________ WARNING __________________________
Some power continues to be supplied to the system whenever the system is
plugged into the wall.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION___________________________
To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________
The system is shipped with the lock attached; the customer must orient the hasp to allow
correct functioning of the lock. Refer to Figure 1–7 and follow these steps:
1.

Turn off power to all external devices connected to the workstation.

Turn your workstation off, if necessary, by pressing the momentary power pushbutton.

Unplug the workstation power cord from the wall outlet.
________________________ WARNING __________________________
Allow 15 seconds for your system's power supply to discharge before
removing the cover.
____________________________________________________________

Disconnect the power cord from your workstation.

Remove the outside cover, according to the steps outlined in Chapter 4 in the section
on Removing the System Cover.

Insert the hasp tab and pull it through the rear panel of the chassis.

1-13

Getting Started
7.

Slide the foot of the hasp behind the rear-panel tongue and seat the foot securely.

Replace the outside cover, carefully sliding the left, rear-edge slot over the hasp.

Connect the power cord to the workstation and to a wall outlet.

10. Turn on all external devices and then turn on workstation.

ML013514

Figure 1–7: Chassis Lockdown Hasp

Optional Lock
You may wish to purchase a Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG) for your Digital
Personal Workstation (Alpha). See Chapter 4, Installing System Options, for instructions
on installing this lock.

Passwords
For additional security, most screen saver and pause screen displays can have password
protection enabled. Also, see the discussions of AlphaBIOS passwords and console
security in Chapter 3, Configuring Your System, and Chapter 5, Troubleshooting.

1-14

2
System Overview
Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). Topics
covered include the hardware components, such as the motherboard, PCI (peripheral
component interconnect) architecture, front panel, rear panel, system unit components, and
keyboard.

System Features
Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) uses a high-performance Digital
Semiconductor chip 21164 CPU. System features include:
•

32 to 384 MB synchronous DRAM main memory currently

•

ECC protection for main memory

•

1 MB flashROM

•

Enhanced IDE (EIDE) interface with up to four internal devices

•

Standard keyboard, mouse, floppy, parallel, and dual serial ports

•

10/Mb/s (10Base2, ThinWire) or optional 100 Mb/s (10BaseT,Twisted Pair) Ethernet

•

CD-quality audio

•

Eight diagnostic LEDs and one power-on LED

•

Mini-tower desktop enclosure

•

300-watt power supply

2–1

System Overview
•

Five option slots, including: one 32-bit half-size PCI slot; one 64-bit full-size PCI slot
(can accommodate either a 32-bit or 64-bit option); one 32-bit half-size PCI/ISA
combination slot; one 64-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot (can accommodate
either a 32-bit or 64-bit option); and one 32-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot.

•

Six drive bays, including: one front-access 3.5-inch floppy bay; three front-access
5.25-inch by 1.6-inch half-height drive bays; and two internal 3.5-inch by 1.0-inch
bays for hard disk drives (HDDs).

Windows NT operating system

•

Refer to Appendix B, Technical Specifications, for additional information.

System Front View
Figure 2–1 is a front view of the system (with the door open) showing the location of the
controls and indicators. Table 2–1 describes these items.
8

7
6

5
4
11
12
3

2
1

MLO-013571

Figure 2–1: Front View of System

2–2

System Overview

Table 2–1: Front Components
Figure
Legend

Control or Indicator

Function

Front door (shown in
the open position)

Removable front door.

CD-ROM headphone
jack

This jack enables you to connect standard
stereo headphones so you can listen to audio
output from your CD-ROM drive.

CD-ROM volume dial

This dial enables you to control the volumes
of the CD-ROM headphone audio output
from your CD-ROM drive. Volume
decreases as the dial is turned to the left and
increases as it is turned to the right.

Floppy diskette activity
LED

Lights when the floppy drive is in use.

Disk activity LED

Lights when IDE or the SCSI bus is active.

Headphone jack
(located on side)

This jack enables you to connect standard
stereo headphones to your workstation.

Microphone jack
(located on side)

This jack enables you to connect a standard
microphone to your workstation.

Momentary power
switch

Turns workstation on or off.

Power LED

Lights when your workstation is on.

Reset switch

Resets your workstation and causes power-on
self-test to run.

Floppy diskette eject
button

Releases a 3.5-inch floppy diskette from the
diskette drive.

Drive bays

Enable you to add a mass storage device to
your workstation

CD-ROM eject button

Pressing this button opens and closes the CDROM drive cavity so that you can insert or
remove CD-ROM disks from the drive.

CD-ROM activity light

This LED lights during power-up and during
CD-ROM disk access.

12 & 13

2–3

System Overview

System Rear View
Figure 2–2 shows the rear connectors. Table 2–2 lists the rear connectors and lock and
describes their functions.
6

5
4

3
2

10
11

12
13
14
15
16
MLO-013572

Figure 2–2: Rear Connectors

2–4

System Overview

Table 2–2: Rear Connectors
Figure
Legend

Connector

Function

AC power connector

Connects the system to AC power.

Voltage selector switch

Allows you to set your system to work with 115 or
230 Volts AC power.

Audio line IN

Brings audio signals into the system (for example,
from a stereo amplifier).

Speaker OUT

Brings audio output signals to a speaker or
headphone.

MIDI/joystick

Allows you to connect a MIDI adapter or joystick.

Ethernet Twisted Pair

Connects to the embedded Ethernet controller.

ThinWire Ethernet

Connects to the embedded Ethernet controller.

COM ports 1 (bottom)
and 2 (top)

Connectors for communication ports 1 and 2.

Mouse

Connects a PS/2-compatible mouse.

Keyboard

Use to connect a 101- or 102-key keyboard.

Parallel port

Connects an industry-standard parallel printer or
other parallel device to the enhanced bidirectional
parallel controller.

Slot 1: PCI expansion slot

Used for 32-bit PCI expansion options.

Slot 2: PCI/ISA
combination slot

Used for either an ISA option or a 32-bit PCI
option (for example, SCSI controller, as shown).

Slot 3: PCI/ISA
combination slot

Used for either an ISA option or a 32-bit PCI
option.

Slot 4: PCI/ISA
combination slot

Used for either an ISA option or a 64-bit PCI
option.

Slot 5: PCI expansion slot

Used for 64-bit PCI expansion options (for
example, video option, as shown).

Note: Slots 1 and 2 are half-size; slots 3 through 5 are full-size.

2–5

System Overview

System Unit Components
Figure 2–3 shows the location of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) unit
components. Table 2–3 lists the system unit components.
5

8
9

4
3

MLO-013573

Figure 2–3: System Unit Components

2–6

System Overview

Table 2–3: System Unit Components
Figure
Legend

Component

Front door assembly.

Front-access 5.25-inch drive bay with CD-ROM drive.

3.5-inch floppy diskette drive.

Fan pipe.

Motherboard retainer bracket. See CAUTION below.

Motherboard.

Power supply.

Ethernet connector card (MAU or MII).

Audio connector card.

Internal 3.5-inch drive bay(s) to support EIDE or SCSI devices.

64-bit (or 32-bit) PCI option installed on the riser card.

ISA card installed in a PCI/ISA combination slot.

Riser card.

________________________ CAUTION___________________________
The motherboard retainer bracket must be placed over the front-most dimple on
the top of the chassis, as shown in Figure 2–3. Placing the bracket elsewhere
can damage the system circuits.
____________________________________________________________

2–7

System Overview

Motherboard
Figure 2–4 shows the locations of the motherboard components. Table 2–4 lists the
motherboard components.
5

4
10
3

2
12
1

13
14

15
N
M0
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6

Figure 2–4: Motherboard Components

2–8

MLO-013574

System Overview

Table 2–4: Motherboard Components
Figure
Legend

Component

SROM socket (manufacturing use).

SROM diagnostic serial port (manufacturing use).

Digital Semiconductor 21164 CPU (in zif socket).

CPU voltage regulator.

Cache connectors.

Bank of eight diagnostic LEDs.

Six DIMM (dual in-line memory module) sockets 0 (bottom slot) through
5 (top slot).

Reset button.

Power LED.

COM port 2.

COM port 1.

Mouse port.

Keyboard port.

Parallel port.

Battery.

Connections for riser card.

CPU clock frequency selection switch bank.

2–9

System Overview

Riser Card
Figure 2–5 shows the riser card for the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). Table 2–5
lists the riser card components.
15
5

4
16
3

17
18

20
23

Figure 2–5: Riser Card Components

2–10

MLO-013612

System Overview

Table 2–5: Riser Card Components
Figure
Legend

Component

MIDI /game connector.

CD audio IN (J11).

Audio connector (J13).

FAX/modem IN (J12).

5
6 &7

Front panel and side audio (J15).
Fan IN connectors.

Power for Alpha systems.

Power for Intel systems (unused).

FDD connector for floppy diskette drive.

Secondary EIDE connector (J20).

Primary EIDE connector (J21).

Power (+3.3, ±5, ± 12) (J9).

Not used.

Riser card connectors.

32-bit half-size PCI slot (slot 1).

32-bit half-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 2).

32-bit half-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 3).

64-bit full-size (or 32-bit half-size) PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 4).

64-bit full-size (or 32-bit half-size) PCI slot (slot 5).

MII connector for 100 Mb/s (10BaseT, Twisted Pair) Ethernet (J26).

HD active LED (J10).

AUI Ethernet connector for ThinWire (10Base2) and Twisted Pair
(10BaseT) (J7).

2–11

3
Configuring Your System
Introduction
This chapter shows you how to configure your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha)
running the Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system use the AlphaBIOS
firmware.
The screens in this chapter are examples only. Your system display may vary from the
examples shown.

Configuring with AlphaBIOS Firmware
AlphaBIOS firmware supports the Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system.
You can use AlphaBIOS firmware to perform various configuration tasks, such as:
•

Selecting a copy of the Windows NT system to boot.

•

Displaying system configuration information.

•

Setting up the hard disk.

•

Setting the date and time.

•

Enabling and setting the delay for auto start.

•

Setting or changing the AlphaBIOS password.

•

Setting up boot utilities.

Starting AlphaBIOS
When the system is powered on, and the power-on self-tests (POST) successfully
complete, the AlphaBIOS firmware is loaded and started. AlphaBIOS performs several
initialization tasks, including: initialize the keyboard and video devices, test memory, and

3–1

Configuring Your System
detect and initialize disk controllers. After the video device is initialized, subsequent steps
are displayed on the monitor in an initialization window.
When initialization is complete, AlphaBIOS leaves the initialization window and displays
the boot screen.

Booting the System
The system is booted from the boot screen (Figure 3–1). The boot screen lists each of the
different copies of the Windows NT operating system that have been installed on your
system. Choose the operating systems to boot and press [Enter]. Enter the AlphaBIOS
Setup program by pressing [F2].

Figure 3–1: AlphaBIOS Boot Screen

3–2

Configuring Your System

AlphaBIOS Setup
Start the AlphaBIOS Setup program by pressing [F2] while the boot screen is displayed.
Figure 3–2 shows the AlphaBIOS Setup screen. Use the setup screen to select the desired
task. Press [Escape] to return to the boot screen.

Figure 3–2: AlphaBIOS Setup Screen

3–3

Configuring Your System
Displaying Your Configuration
AlphaBIOS provides a clear, easy-to-read display of the system configuration. The display
is organized by systemboard, memory, hard disk, PCI, and integrated devices. From the
AlphaBIOS Setup screen, select Display System Configuration and press [Enter]. From
the Display System Configuration screen, use the arrow keys to select the configuration
category you wish to view. Figure 3–3 shows the Systemboard Configuration category.

Figure 3–3: Display System Configuration Screen
Memory Configuration
The memory configuration display shows bank size, the starting address of each bank, and
the capacity of the DIMMs in the bank.
PCI Configuration
The PCI configuration screen displays both the embedded and the slot-mounted PCI
devices. The device names and types, along with their respective revision levels, are
displayed.

3–4

Configuring Your System
SCSI Configuration
If you ordered a base system configuration, you have the option of ordering either an
Adaptec 2950 ultrawide SCSI adapter or a Qlogic 1040B ultrawide adapter (SN-KZPBACA). If you ordered a packaged system, your system came with an embedded Qlogic
adapter.
Integrated Peripherals
The integrated peripherals screen display shows the addresses and IRQs of the serial and
parallel ports.
Setting Up the Hard Disks
AlphaBIOS makes it easy to format and partition hard disks on the system. Typically, you
partition and format drive 0. Using the Windows NT Disk Administrator, you can quickly
partition and format the other drives. Select Hard Disk Setup from the AlphaBIOS Setup
screen. Figure 3–4 shows the Hard Disk Setup screen.

Figure 3–4: Hard Disk Setup Screen
Press [F7] to perform an express disk setup. The express setup command partitions and
formats the selected disk in the recommended manner (6 MB FAT system partition)
CMOS Setup Tasks
Use the CMOS setup program to configure system parameters such as the date and time,
floppy drive types and capacities, keyboard country and style, and auto start enabling and
delay. There also is an advanced CMOS setup mode used to control PCI parity checking,
memory testing, and AlphaBIOS password.
To enter CMOS Setup, select CMOS Setup from the AlphaBIOS Setup screen. Use [Tab]
to move among the fields.

3–5

Configuring Your System

Figure 3–5: CMOS Setup Screen
Date and Time
When setting the time, use the 24-hour format; for example, 10:00 P.M. should be
expressed as 22:00:00.

3–6

Configuring Your System
Floppy Drive
AlphaBIOS supports the following drive types:
•

3.5-inch, 1.44-MB (shipped with system)

•

5.25-inch, 1.2-MB

•

3.5-inch, 2.88-MB

Keyboard
The keyboard setting allows the use of nearly any language keyboard available. To ensure
correct character mappings, make sure that the language of your keyboard, Microsoft
Windows NT Workstation, and the keyboard-language selection in CMOS setup all match.
Auto Start and Auto Start Count
The Auto Start setting determines whether the primary operating system is automatically
started after the system is reset or power-cycled. The Auto Start Count setting is the
amount of time the boot screen is displayed before the default system is automatically
started. This delay gives you the opportunity, after resetting or power-cycling the system,
to select another operating system to start or to enter AlphaBIOS setup.
CMOS Setup Options
• Color. Pressing [F3] repeatedly cycles through the available AlphaBIOS color
schemes.
•

Advanced. Pressing [F6] displays the Advanced CMOS Setup screen.

•

Defaults. Pressing [F7] restores the default standard CMOS setup values without
affecting the advanced CMOS setup values.

•

Discard Changes. Pressing [Escape] restores the settings that were in effect when
you started CMOS setup. This option also discards changes made in advanced CMOS
setup.

•

Save Changes. Pressing [F10] saves changes made in both the standard and advanced
modes of CMOS setup.

3–7

Configuring Your System
Advanced CMOS Setup
Enter the advanced CMOS setup screen by pressing [F6] in the CMOS Setup screen.

Figure 3–6: Advanced CMOS Setup Screen
PCI Parity Checking
This setting controls PCI parity checking at the PCI bridge chip. Parity checking is
performed if enabled and ignored if disabled. The default is disabled. Certain PCI
adapters have been known to generate bad parity on the PCI under certain loading
conditions, which results in system errors. Ensure that your specific PCI configuration will
operate correctly prior to turning on parity checking.
Extended Memory Test
Extended memory test can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, the memory test writes
and then reads several patterns of data to main memory. This testing verifies the integrity
of the memory but causes a slightly longer boot time.

3–8

Configuring Your System
Password Setup
To help maintain system security, AlphaBIOS provides two levels of password protection:
system setup and system startup. When system setup protection is enabled, you need a
password to enter the AlphaBIOS setup program. When system startup protection is
enabled, you must enter a password before system initialization will take place. Startup
password protection provides more comprehensive protection than setup password
protection because the system cannot be used until you enter the correct password.
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
To change the password, simply set up your password again.
____________________________________________________________
Advanced CMOS Setup Options
• Discard changes. Pressing [Escape] restores the settings in effect when you entered
advanced CMOS setup. This does not discard changes made to standard CMOS setup.
•

Save changes. Pressing [F10] saves changes you have made in advanced CMOS
setup. When exiting CMOS setup, you also must save your changes at the CMOS
setup screen for the changes to be stored permanently.

Utilities
Two utilities, operating system selection and run a maintenance program, are available
from the utilities menu.
OS Selection Setup
Each operating system selection is a set of information that describes the disk and partition
containing OSLOADER.EXE.

3–9

Configuring Your System

Figure 3–7: Operating System Selection
Running a Maintenance Program
A maintenance program, such as a RAID configuration utility, is run directly from the
AlphaBIOS utility menu.
To run a maintenance program, follow this procedure:

3–10

Start AlphaBIOS setup, select Utilities, select Run Maintenance Program from the
submenu, and press [Enter].

In the Current Partition field, select the hard-disk partition, floppy disk, or CD drive
from which to run the program. Type the program name into the Program Name field.

4
Installing System Options
Introduction
This chapter covers the following topics related to installing options on your Digital
Personal Workstation (Alpha) system:
•

Removing and replacing the system cover

•

Removing the front door

•

Installing additional system memory

•

Installing expansion boards/PCI bus options

•

Installing internal drives

•

Connecting external devices

•

Replacing the battery

4–1

Installing System Options

Removing the System Cover
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________
To remove the system cover, refer to Figure 4–1 and perform the following steps:
1.

Shut down your system and all peripheral devices.

Unplug the power cord.
________________________WARNING___________________________
Allow at least 15 seconds for the power supply capacitors to discharge
safely.
____________________________________________________________

4–2

Remove the system lock, if necessary.

Locate and loosen the three thumb screws that fasten the system cover to the rear
panel. Place your thumbs on the upper corners of the system cover, pull back on the
cover, and slide the cover back and away from the system enclosure. Then lift the
cover up and away from the system.

Installing System Options

MLO-013575

Figure 4–1: Unlocking and Removing the System Cover

4–3

Installing System Options

Removing Front Door
Some users may wish to remove the system front door. This is a matter of personal
preference and does not affect the use of front-accessible devices.
To remove the front door, refer to Figure 4–2 and perform the following steps:
1.

Open the system door to allow access to the front-accessible devices.

While supporting the door, press the top tab down and slide the hinge to the right until
it comes free.

Lift the door slightly and slide the lower hinge out of the front bezel.

Pull the door away from the system.

MLO-013576

Figure 4–2: Removing the Front Door

4–4

Installing System Options

Adding Memory Modules
The procedures for adding DIMMs to the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) are
outlined below.
There are three memory banks (J1/J2, J3/J4, and J5/J6) in the system; each bank consists of
two DIMMs. Two DIMMs are required because the memory bus width is 144-bits (128
bits of data and 16 bits of ECC). Each DIMM in a bank supplies 72 bits of the 144-bit bus
width. Both DIMMs in a bank must be identical, and both must be populated.
To add memory modules (DIMMs), refer to Figure 4–3 as you perform the following steps:

Install the DIMM straight into the socket. Position the DIMM so that both the
retaining clips at the socket ends engage. Pay close attention to the keying on the
DIMM and the socket.

Repeat step 1 for the remaining modules.

4–5

Installing System Options

J6
J5
J4
J3
J2
J1

1
MLO-013643

Figure 4–3: Memory Installation

4–6

Installing System Options

Installing Expansion Boards
The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) has five option slots, including:
•

one 32-bit half-size PCI slot (slot 1)

•

one 32-bit half-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 2)

•

one 32-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 3)

•

one 64-bit (or 32-bit) full-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 4)

one 64-bit (or 32-bit) full-size PCI slot (slot 5)

•

Refer to your option module documentation for instructions on configuring a PCI
or an ISA option module.

To install an expansion board, refer to Figure 4–4 as you perform the following steps:
1.

Unlock and remove the system cover.

Pick an available slot

for your board.

4–7

Installing System Options

MLO-013595

Figure 4–4: Installing an Expansion Board

4–8

Unscrew and remove the metal filler plate for the slot you have chosen.

Insert the new expansion card into the riser card slot. (See Figure 4–4.) Push the
board firmly into the socket.

Replace the screw

to secure the module at the rear panel.

Installing System Options

Drive-Installation Overview
This section covers configuration guidelines, general drive-installation information, and
cable layouts.
The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) supports a maximum of six mass storage devices
internally.
•

The front 3.5-inch bay contains a factory-installed 3.5-inch diskette drive.

•

The front 5.25-inch bay contains a factory-installed CD-ROM and room for two
additional 5.25-inch half-height devices; 3.5-inch devices are supported with adapters.

•

The internal device bay is not accessible from the front of the workstation and
contains a factory-installed, low-profile (1-inch high), 3.5-inch hard disk drive. This
device bay also has room to install a second low-profile (1-inch high), 3.5-inch hard
disk drive.

Removing the Front Bezel
To install a device into the front bays, you must first remove the workstation's front bezel.
Refer to Figure 4–5 and follow the steps outlined below:
1.

Turn off your workstation and monitor.

Disconnect all external devices, AC power, and monitor power.

Remove the outside cover, according to the steps outlined earlier in the section,
Removing the System Cover.

From the top of the workstation, looking down toward the bottom of the front of the
chassis, view the two tabs from the front bezel that hold the bezel in place and secure
it to the chassis. Find both tabs (one on the left and one on the right).

Push both tabs toward the center of the workstation to release the top of the bezel.

Gently pull the top of the bezel approximately 1 inch away from the top of the chassis.

Gently, but firmly, pull up on the bezel to unhook the bottom bezel mounts.

4–9

Installing System Options

ML013593

Figure 4–5: Removing Front Bezel

4–10

Installing System Options

Configuration Guidelines for EIDE
The system EIDE controller supports up to four drives: two on the primary port and two on
the secondary port. The first drive attached to each port must be set up as master. The
second drive on each port must be set up as slave. A full configuration of four drives
would consist of a master drive and a slave drive on the primary port as well as a master
drive and a slave drive on the secondary port.

Configuration Guidelines for SCSI
System configurations ordered with a SCSI chip ship with a Qlogic 1040bUX controller.
An ultrawide SCSI device can connect computers to other computers or peripheral devices,
such as CD-ROM drives, tape drives, or hard drives. Ultrawide SCSI allows up to 15 SCSI
or ultrawide SCSI devices to be connected to a single port using a daisy chain. (A daisy
chain is a series of connections in which the first device is connected to the computer, the
second device is connected to the first, and so forth.) Each SCSI device must have a
unique SCSI ID.
SCSI Bus Length
For Ultra drives, the total length of all the cables cannot exceed 3 meters (9.9 feet) if your
system has four or fewer SCSI devices attached to the board. If your system has five or
more devices, the total cable length cannot exceed 1.5 meters (4.95 feet).
The first SCSI card handles only the internal drives. Use another card for external devices.
Termination
The adapter provides active, software-controlled termination.
There are three connectors on the SCSI adapter:
•

68-pin, high-density external SCSI-2 connector

•

68-pin, high density internal SCSI-2 connector

•

50-pin internal ribbon connector

You can use up to two of the connectors on the card. Using three violates the SCSI rules.

Refer to the SCSI controller documentation for more information.

4–11

Installing System Options

Installing Storage Devices
This section describes how to install drives in the front-accessible bays and the internal
bays.
_________________________ NOTE ____________________________
Be sure to read the instructions that come with your new equipment as well as
the appropriate instructions in this section.
____________________________________________________________

Front-Accessible Bays
Normally, the front-accessible bays arrive with a floppy diskette drive in the top bay and a
CD-ROM drive in the bottom bay. There are two 5.25-inch bays available for additional
drives. Perform the following steps to add a drive in a front-accessible bay:
1.

Remove the system cover. (Refer to the section, Removing the System Cover, earlier
in this chapter.)

Remove the front bezel assembly. (Refer to the section, Removing the Front Bezel,
earlier in this chapter.)

Remove the appropriate filler panel from the front bezel (for drives requiring front
access).

Refer to the drive's documentation and set the drive jumpers (master or slave for IDE
drives, SCSI ID for SCSI drives).

If you are installing a 3.5-inch drive, attach the expansion brackets to the sides of the
drive, as Figure 4–6 shows.

MLO-013715

Figure 4–6: Attaching Brackets to a Drive
6.

4–12

Remove the appropriate metal filler plate.

Installing System Options
7.

Remove the left side rail from the bay. Do not use sharp instruments that could
damage the bay.

3
2

1
4

MLO-013596

Figure 4–7: Installing an Additional Drive

(in this example, a CD-ROM drive).

Install the side rail onto the drive assembly
Use two screws to attach the side rail.

Slide the drive, with the rail attached, into the bay and secure it with screws

10. Connect the data and power cables to the drive.
11. Replace the front bezel assembly.
12. Replace the system cover. (Refer to the section, Replacing the System Cover, later in
the chapter.)

Internal Bays
Usually, the internal bays arrive with a hard drive in the bottom bay. There is one 3.5-inch
bay available for an additional drive. Perform the following steps to add a drive in the
internal bay:
1.

Remove the system cover. (Refer to the section, Removing the System Cover, earlier
in this chapter.)

4–13

Installing System Options
2.

See Figure 4–8, and remove the two screws

from the internal bay cage .

MLO-013598

Figure 4–8: Adding a Drive in the Internal Bay

4–14

Carefully swing the cage outward and lift it out of the chassis. Take care not to
damage the cables attached to the drive in the lower bay.

Refer to the drive's documentation and set the drive jumpers (master or slave for the
IDE drives and SCSI ID for SCSI drives).

Mount the new 3.5-inch drive into the top position using four screws (two on each
side). See Figure 4–9.

Installing System Options

MLO-013597

Figure 4–9: Mounting the 3.5-inch Drive
6.

Connect the data and power cables to the drive.

Reinstall the bay cage and swing it back into position.

Fasten the bay cage with two screws: one at the power supply and one in the chassis
support bracket.

Replace the system cover. (Refer to the section, Replacing the System Cover, later in
this chapter.)

4–15

Installing System Options

Cabling for a Printer or Other Parallel Device
Connect the cable to the parallel port, as Figure 4–10 shows. Be sure that you are using
the correct type of printer cable. If your cable has the incorrect type of connector, you
need an adapter or a different cable.

MLO-013600

Figure 4–10: Cabling for Printer or Other Parallel Device

4–16

Installing System Options

External Options
You might wish to connect an external device or an expansion box: for example, a SCSI
storage expansion box. To add external devices, follow these steps:
1.

Set the drive jumpers or switches for the desired ID.

Connect the option's cable to the external port. Use a cable with a 68-pin high-density
type connector to connect to the system.

You may need to use a 68- to 50-pin adapter to connect narrow SCSI devices.

4–17

Installing System Options

Internal Cable Layout
Figure 4–11 through Figure 4–16 show system-box cabling; Table 4–1 through Table 4–6
list components.
2
3

4
8
9
5
6
7
MLO-013601

Figure 4–11: Power Supply Cable Configuration

4–18

Installing System Options

Table 4–1: Power Supply Cable Configuration
Legend

Component

Power supply.

+/- 12, +/-5, +3.3V DC to motherboard.

Alpha power connector.

Floppy drive.

Power connector for optional hard drive.

CD-ROM drive.

Internal hard drive.

4–19

Installing System Options

1
2
4

MLO-013603

Figure 4–12: Audio Cable Layout
Table 4–2: Audio Cable Layout
Legend
1

4–20

Component
Audio card. MIDI/game connector (J4).

Riser card. MIDI/game connector (J14).

Audio card. Audio signal connector (J3).

Riser card. Audio signal cable (J13).

Installing System Options
3

MLO-013604

Figure 4–13: MAU or MII Cabling
Table 4–3: MAU or MII Cabling
Legend

Component

AUI cable to MAU.

Riser card. AUI connector (J7).

MII cable.

Riser card. MII connector (J26)

4–21

Installing System Options
2
4

3
MLO-013599

Figure 4–14: CD-ROM Cabling
Table 4–4: CD-ROM Cabling
Legend

4–22

Component

IDE cable to CD-ROM drive.

IDE cable connection on riser card (J21).

CD audio cable to CD-ROM drive.

CD audio cable connection on riser card (J11).

Installing System Options
2

MLO-013577

Figure 4–15: FDC Cabling
Table 4–5: FDC Cabling
Legend

Component

FDC cable to floppy diskette drive.

FDC cable connection on riser card (J16).

4–23

Installing System Options

2
3

8
4
5
7
6

MLO-013602

Figure 4–16: SCSI Cabling
Table 4–6: SCSI Cabling
Legend
1

SCSI drive activity cable (J10) connection to riser card.

SCSI drive activity cable.

SCSI bus cable into SCSI adapter.

Optional SCSI hard drive.

SCSI hard drive.

6&7

Optional slots.

4–24

Component

Internal SCSI bus terminator.

Installing System Options

Replacing the Battery
The battery supplies power to the real time clock while the system is off. If necessary,
replace the lithium battery with a Digital (P/N 12-41474-05), Toshiba (P/N CR2032) ,or
equivalent 3-Volt DC lithium battery. After replacing the battery, you must verify the
system configuration and setup data.
________________________ WARNING __________________________
If the battery is incorrectly replaced, there is danger of explosion. Replace
the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer's
instructions. Be certain to follow any state or local statutes for proper
battery disposal.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION___________________________
Take care not to bend the spring that holds down the battery. A bent spring
could result in poor battery contact and intermittent system problems.
____________________________________________________________
1.

Gently press down on the battery and push it out sideways, as Figure 4–17 shows.

Insert the new battery, positive side (+) up, into the holder.

4–25

Installing System Options

MLO-013591

Figure 4–17: Replacing the Battery

4–26

Installing System Options

Replacing the System Cover
To replace the system cover, see Figure 4–18 and follow the next procedure.

MLO-013605

Figure 4–18: Replacing the System Cover
1.

Line up the flanges on the inside of the bottom-left portion of the cover so that they
overlap the edge of the chassis body.

Then slide the cover forward to secure it into place. Fasten the system cover with the
three thumbscrews provided.

4–27

Installing System Options

Installing Optional Lock
If you ordered an optional Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG), see the section
below for installation instructions.

Kensington Lock
To install a Kensington lock, refer to Figure 4–19 and secure the lock onto your system as
shown.
1.

Insert the lock into the opening at the back of the system.

Turn the lock clockwise to secure it.

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.

Turn on the system.

MLO-013714

Figure 4–19: Using the Optional Kensington Lock

4–28

5
Troubleshooting
Introduction
This chapter describes initial and system troubleshooting for your Digital Personal
Workstation (Alpha).

Refer to the documentation supplied with additional options if you are
experiencing problems with specific options that you have installed.

Initial Troubleshooting
Follow these general procedures to initially troubleshoot your Digital Personal Workstation
(Alpha):
1.

Check that the power indicator is on and that the fan is running.

Check the power indicator on the monitor. Also, check the monitor, keyboard, and
mouse cables to ensure that they are connected and seated properly.

Press the Reset button. Try rebooting your system.

Make sure that all cables and connections are secure.

Contact Digital Services or your service provider for software- or hardware-related
problems.
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
If you need to return a failed component, pack it in its original container and
return it to Digital Equipment Corporation or your service provider.
____________________________________________________________

5–1

Troubleshooting

Equipment Log
For your convenience, Appendix F, Equipment Log, includes a form on which you can
record all model numbers and serial numbers of your hardware components (system unit,
monitor, keyboard, and mouse) and system hardware configuration information (CPU,
memory size, drive size, ports, and so on).

General Troubleshooting
Table 5–1 lists how to identify and solve problems that could occur with your system, disk
drive, audio, and monitor.
Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting

5–2

Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Power indicator not on.

System is not plugged in.

Plug the system in, and then turn it
back on.

System is not turned on.

Push the power button.

No power at the wall
outlet.

Use another wall outlet.

Internal power supply
cables not reconnected
after installing options.

Reconnect cables.

Internal power cable
connected to the wrong
power connector.

Connect to the correct power
connector. (See Chapter 2, System
Overview.)

Power supply failure.

Contact your service
representative.

Correct voltage not set.

Unplug the system, set correct
voltage on system back, and turn
system back on. (Note: The power
supply may have been damaged.)

Fans not connected.

Connect fans to the riser card.

Fan vents blocked.

Remove obstruction from fan
vents.

Power switch cable not
plugged into riser card.

Plug power switch cable into the
riser card.

Troubleshooting
Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Power is on, but there is
no screen display and no
beeps.

Brightness and contrast
controls are not correctly
set.

Adjust the brightness and contrast
controls.

Monitor is off.

Turn on the monitor.

Monitor cable or power
cord is incorrectly
installed.

Check all monitor connections.

Configuration error.

Refer to the video module
documentation for more
information.

Monitor is defective.

Try another monitor.

Defective video controller
module.

Replace the video module.

Keyboard or video
controller missing or
malfunctioning.

AlphaBIOS tests for keyboard and
video before displaying
information. Check connections.

Various possible causes.

See Table 5–5.

Power is on, but there is
no screen display. System
beeps on power-up.

5–3

Troubleshooting
Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued)

5–4

Problem

Possible Cause

Action

System does not boot.

Operating system
software is not installed
on the hard disk drive.

Install the appropriate operating
system.

Hard drive cable is not
connected.

Connect hard drive cable.

System cannot find the
boot device.

Check the system configuration for
correct device parameters. Use the
AlphaBIOS firmware to display
system configuration. Look at the
hard disk configuration to
determine what hard disk is
available. Verify the operating
system selection information.

Environment variables
incorrectly set.

From the Boot screen, press [F2] to
go to setup. From there, go to the
desired location to correctly set the
environment variables.

Hard disk drive is not
correctly formatted or the
requested partition does
not exist.

Format the hard disk drive or
correctly partition the hard disk
drive using the supplied software.

There is no software on
the requested partition.

Install software on the requested
partition or point to the correct
partition.

System boots
automatically when you
don't want it to.

System is set to autoboot.

When AlphaBIOS starts, press a
to stop the autostart countdown.
Go to Setup to change a variable.

Target boot device not
listed in show device,
show config (SRM), or in
the AlphaBIOS display
system configuration.

Loose power and/or data
cable.

Secure all signal and power cable
connections.

SCSI bus too long.

Alter SCSI bus to correct length.

SCSI drive not set as
drive 0.

Reset SCSI drive as drive 0.

Troubleshooting
Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

No response to keyboard
commands.

Keyboard is password
protected.

Enter the keyboard password, if
supported by your operating
system. (See Chapter 3,
Configuring Your System, for help
in resetting your password.)

Keyboard is not connected.

Connect the keyboard to the
keyboard port.

Keyboard is connected to
the mouse port.

Connect the keyboard to the
keyboard port.

Mouse is not connected.

Connect the mouse and restart the
operating system.

Mouse is connected to the
keyboard port.

Connect the mouse to the mouse
port and restart the operating
system.

Mouse driver not installed.

Install the appropriate mouse
driver; refer to your supplied
application software
documentation.

Mouse ball sticking.

Refer to Appendix A.

Dead battery.

Replace the lithium battery. Use a
Digital (P/N 12-41474-05) or type
2032 three-Volt DC lithium
battery. (See Chapter 4, Installing
System Options.)

No contact between battery
holder and battery.

Carefully adjust metal tab on
battery holder to allow contact with
battery.

No response to mouse
commands.

System forgets some
environment variables or
the time-of-day while
powered off.

5–5

Troubleshooting
Table 5–l: System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Security mode is enabled.
Password does not work.

User does not have correct
password.

Perform the following steps:
1. Power off the system.
2. Open the system box.
3. Power on the system and wait
for the console to start.
4. Press the password reset button
on the motherboard.
5. Power off the system.
6. Reassemble system.
7. Power on the system.
8. Set new password if desired.
Get necessary configuration data
from the Equipment Log
(Appendix F), where you recorded
it.

5–6

Troubleshooting

Table 5–2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Hard disk drive cannot
read or write information.

Incorrect SCSI drive ID
settings.

Set the SCSI ID. Refer to the disk
drive installation instructions.

Loose or incorrectly
installed cables.

Make sure all cables are correctly
installed.

Disk drive is not correctly
formatted or partitioned.

Format and partition as required
using the supplied operating
system.

External drive not
powered up.
Floppy drive cannot read
or write information.

Turn on the external drive.

Floppy diskette is not
formatted.

Format the floppy diskette.

Floppy diskette is wrong
density.

Use a floppy diskette of the proper
density for your drive.

Floppy diskette is worn or
damaged.

Try another floppy diskette.

Floppy diskette is write
protected.

Slide the write-protect switch so
the hole is not visible.

Floppy drive is empty.

Insert a floppy diskette.

Floppy drive power or
data cable not connected.

Connect floppy drive power or data
cable.

Floppy drive data cable
connector installed
backwards.

Install floppy drive data cable
connector correctly.

5–7

Troubleshooting

Table 5–3: Audio Troubleshooting
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

No sound.

Cables not plugged in.

Plug in the cables.

Driver not installed.

Install the driver.

Volume control set low.

Use an on-screen volume control (if
available) to increase the volume.

Headset plugged in.

Unplug headset and plug
microphone into correct connector.

No power to external
speakers.

Plug in external speakers.

Internal speakers not
connected.

Connect internal speaker.

Cables not plugged in.

Plug in the cables.

Record volume level set
low.

Use the appropriate control to
increase the record level.

Record volume level set
high.

Reduce the volume level. (Use
amplified speakers.)

Cannot record.

Distorted sound.

5–8

Troubleshooting

Table 5–4: Monitor Troubleshooting
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Monitor power indicator
is not on.

Monitor is turned off.

Turn on the monitor.

Power cord is not
connected.

Connect the power cord to the
system or a wall receptacle.

No power at wall
receptacle.

Use another receptacle.

Monitor is defective.

Try another monitor.

Adjustments incorrect.

Adjust accordingly.

Wrong type of monitor.

Try another monitor.

Defective monitor.

Try another monitor.

Monitor signal cable
loose or damaged.

Inspect connector pins. Replace
cable if damaged.

Monitor cable not
connected.

Connect monitor cable.

Distorted, rolling, or
flickering screen display,
or wrong/uneven color.

Monitor power indicator
is flashing.

5–9

Troubleshooting

Error Beep Codes
Table 5–5 shows error beep codes you may encounter while using the Digital Personal
Workstation (Alpha). For example, if the POST (power-on self-test) code could not find
any good memory, you would hear a 1-3-3 beep code (one beep, a pause, a burst of three
beeps, a pause, and another burst of three beeps).
Table 5–5: Error Beep Codes
Beep Code

Meaning

1-1-4

(1) The POST code could not read the POST or flashROM headers,
or (2) there was a checksum failure.

1-2-1

(1) The POST code detected a TOY failure, or (2) the TOY
interrupt did not occur.

1-2-4

The POST code detected a hard failure.

1-3-3

The POST code could not find at least 2 MB of good memory.

3-2-1

The POST code was unable to read the header of the flashROM, or
the flashROM checksum failed. Therefore, the POST code
attempted to boot from the floppy diskette. The attempt failed
because there was no boot block on the floppy diskette.

3-2-3

The POST code was directed to load the floppy diskette, but there
was no boot block on the floppy diskette.

3-2-4

The POST code detected a failure with the keyboard or mouse
controller.

3-3-1

The POST code detected a hard failure. The LEDs may provide
more diagnostic information.

LEDs
Your system contains eight diagnostic LEDs (visible at the top of the motherboard with the
system cover removed) as well as one power-on LED. During execution of the POST
(power-on self-test), before a console display device is available, some errors are reported
by the LEDs. The LEDs are written with CD once the system is fully functional.
Depending upon your operating system, LEDs may remain lighted even though the system
is functioning properly. If, however, your system is experiencing problems and any of the
LEDs on your system stay lighted, contact your Digital service representative.

5–10

A
System Care
Introduction
This appendix describes how to:
•

Clean the system, including the outside enclosure, monitor screen, mouse, and
keyboard

•

Move the system
________________________ WARNING __________________________
Make sure you turn off the system, disconnect any external devices, and
unplug the power cord from the wall before cleaning any part of your
system. When using a moistened cloth for cleaning, do not allow fluid to
leak into the system, keyboard, or monitor. Wait until the system is
completely dry before applying power.
____________________________________________________________

Cleaning the System Unit
Clean the outside of the system periodically with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild
detergent solution. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning the Monitor
If the monitor screen gets dirty, clean it with a sponge or chamois cloth lightly dampened
with a mild detergent solution. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

A–1

System Care
________________________WARNING___________________________
If you use a prepackaged screen cleaner, ensure that it is nonflammable. To
prevent cleaner from seeping into the system case, never spray the cleaner
directly on the screen. Instead, apply the cleaner to a clean cloth, and then
wipe the screen.
____________________________________________________________

Cleaning the System Mouse
If the mouse does not move smoothly or if the pointer jumps across the screen when you
are using the mouse, the ball inside the mouse may need cleaning. To clean the ball,
perform the following steps as Figure A–1 shows:

A–2

Turn the mouse over and remove the plate on the bottom.

Remove the locking ring and rubber ball

Clean the ball and rollers with a cotton swab that has been lightly dampened with a
mild detergent. Rinse the ball and rollers with a dampened cotton swab.

Replace the ball and plate

System Care
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
Consistent use of a high-quality mouse pad will decrease debris build-up in the
mouse ball.
____________________________________________________________

Figure A–1: Cleaning the System Mouse

A–3

System Care

Cleaning the System Keyboard
From time to time, the keyboard keys might get dirty with use. Wipe the keys with a clean
cloth that has been lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution.

Moving the System
Perform the following steps before shipping or moving the system:
1.

Back up all files stored on the hard disk drive.

Turn off the external peripherals, the system, and the monitor.

Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and from the back of the system unit.

Disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other cables from the back of the
system unit.

Package the system as the next section, Packing Your System, describes.

Packing the System
If you are moving the system a short distance (for example, from one room to another in
the same building), you may not wish to pack it. If you are shipping the system or moving
it by vehicle, though, pack it to avoid damage.
Pack the system in the original packing material and containers. If you did not save the
boxes and packing material, use a sturdy carton and cushion the computer well to avoid
damage.

Installing the System at a New Location
After moving the system to a new location, follow the installation instructions on the
installation information to unpack and install it.

A–4

B
Technical Specifications
Introduction
This appendix describes the following technical characteristics of the Digital Personal
Workstation (Alpha):
•

System specifications

•

External system connectors

•

Expansion slot current limitations

•

System current requirements

•

Motherboard switches and jumpers

B–1

Technical Specifications

System Specifications
Table B–1 lists the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) processor features, performance,
dimensions, environmental, and acoustics specifications.
Table B–1: Processor Features
Feature

Specification

Processor type

DECchip 21164

Core logic

Pyxis chip

Bcache

Optional write-back, 2- and 4-MB

Table B–2: System Specifications
Attributes

Specification

PCI clock

Between 30 and 33.33-Mhz, depending on CPU frequency

Slots

Two PCI and three PCI/ISA combination

Memory

Up to 1.5 GB

Table B–3: System Dimensions

B–2

Dimension

Specification

Depth

44.8 cm (17.5 in.)

Width

22 cm (8.6 in.)

Height

41 cm (16 in.)

Weight

18.6 kg (41 lb.)

Technical Specifications

Table B–4: System Environmental Specifications
Attributes

Specification

Operating temperature

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Storage temperature

−40°C to 65°C (−4°F to 149°F)

Operating humidity
(noncondensing)

10% to 90% relative humidity,
maximum wet bulb 28°C (82°F)

Storage humidity
(noncondensing)

10% to 90% relative humidity,
maximum wet bulb 46°C (114°F)

Altitude
Operating
Nonoperating

3,048 m (10,000 ft) maximum
12,190 m (40,000 ft) maximum

Table B–5: Acoustics: Preliminary Declared Values
per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779
Product

Digital Personal
Workstation 433a
with 0 x disk
with 2 GB disk

Sound Power Level

Sound Pressure Level

LWAd, B
Idle

Operate

LpAm, dBA
(operator position)
Idle
Operate

5.2
5.3

5.2
5.5

36
37

36
39

Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital representatives.
1 B =10 dBA.

B–3

Technical Specifications

External System Connectors
This section lists the pin assignments for your system's external connectors.
•

Bidirectional enhanced parallel port connector, 25-pin D-submini female

•

Two serial connectors, 9-pin D-submini male

•

Keyboard and mouse connectors, 6-pin mini-DIN

Bidirectional Enhanced Parallel Port Connector
The bidirectional connector provides an interface to a printer or other parallel devices.
Table B–6 lists pin assignments. An asterisk (*) after a signal name indicates an active
low signal.
Table B–6: Bidirectional Parallel Port Pinouts
DB25 Pin

Signal

Function

STB-R*

Strobe

PRTD0

Printer data bit 0

PRTD1

Printer data bit 1

PRTD2

Printer data bit 2

PRTD3

Printer data bit 3

PRTD4

Printer data bit 4

PRTD5

Printer data bit 5

PRTD6

Printer data bit 6

PRTD7

Printer data bit 7

ACK*

Acknowledge

BUSY

Busy

Paper end

SLCT

Select

AUTOFDXT*

Autofeed

ERR*

Error

INIT*

Initialize printer

SLCTIN*

Select input

GND

Ground

18 to 25

B–4

Technical Specifications

Serial Port Connectors
The serial port connectors consist of two 9-pin D-subminiature connectors. Table B–7 lists
their pin assignments.
The baud rates supported by the system's serial ports are 50, 75, 110, 134.5, 150, 300, 600,
1200, 1800, 2000, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115,200. The
serial ports have signals for full MODEM control. Refer to your operating system
information to confirm which of the baud rates from the preceding list your operating
system supports.
Table B–7: 9-Pin Serial Port Pinouts
DB9 Pin

Signal

Function

DCD

Data carrier detect

RXD

Receive data

TXD

Transmit data

DTR

Data terminal ready

GND

Ground

DSR

Data set ready

RTS

Request to send

CTS

Clear to send

Ring indicator

B–5

Technical Specifications

Keyboard and Mouse Connectors
The keyboard and mouse connectors consist of two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors. Table B–8
lists their pin assignments.
Table B–8: Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts
Pin

Keyboard Signals

Mouse Signals

KB Data

MS Data

Reserved

Ground

+5 Volts dc

KB Clock

MS Clock

Reserved

Power Supply and Input Power Requirements
The 300-watt voltage-selectable power supply is provided. Table B–9 lists the input power
requirements. Table B–10 shows the output voltage specifications.
Table B–9: System Input Power Requirements
Rated Voltage Range

Rated Input
Current

Operating Frequency
Range

100 Volts AC – 120 Volts AC

5.5 A

47 Hz – 63 Hz

220 Volts AC – 240 Volts AC

47 Hz – 63 Hz

Table B–10: System Output Power Specifications

B–6

Voltage

Output Current (Amps)

+3.3

0.0 – 20

+5.0

1.5 – 20

+12.0

0.2 – 8.0

-5.0

0.0 – 0.3

-12.0

0.1 – 0.5

Technical Specifications

Motherboard Frequency Switches
Figure B–1 shows the switches used to set the CPU clock speed. The settings shown are
for a 433-MHz system. If you perform a CPU upgrade, consult the documentation that
comes with the upgrade for instructions on resetting the switches. Otherwise, do not
change the switch settings.
________________________ CAUTION___________________________
Do not touch any electronic component unless you are safely grounded. Wear a
grounded wrist strap or touch an exposed metal part of the system unit chassis.
A static discharge from your fingers can permanently damage electronic
components.
____________________________________________________________

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

LOCATION1

MLO-013592

Figure B–1: CPU Frequency Switch Settings (433-MHz System)

B–7

C
Device Mapping
Introduction
This appendix lists system device mapping information, including:
•

Interrupt map

•

DMA (direct memory access) channel assignments

For information on the ISA I/O address map, refer to the Digital Personal Workstation
(Alpha) Technical Information (EK-ALMIA-TI. A01).

Interrupt Map
The IRQ (interrupt request) assignments for the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) are
shown in .This information is useful when adding or reconfiguring options on your system.
Avoid conflicts when assigning IRQs by associating one IRQ to one source. PCI interrupt
levels are set by the operating system.

C–1

Device Mapping
The Windows NT operating system preassigns the PCI devices specific IRQs, as
Table C–1 shows. If a PCI device is not installed in a PCI slot, the IRQ
associated with that slot remains unavailable for ISA devices. For example, if
PCI slot 2 is empty, IRQ9 is not available for any other device.

Table C–1: Default System Interrupt Assignments
IRQ#

C–2

Source

Timer/counter.

Keyboard.

Internal cascade of IRQ8-15.

Serial port 2 or ISA slot.

Serial port 1 or ISA slot.

Parallel port or ISA slot or audio.

Floppy controller or ISA slot.

Parallel port or ISA slot or audio.

Reserved.

ISA slot or audio.

Mouse or ISA slot.

Reserved.

ISA slot or IDE primary.

ISA slot or IDE secondary.

Windows NT-Specific
Preassignments

Device Mapping

DMA Channel Assignments
The DMA channel assignments for ISA options are shown in Table C–2. This information
is useful when adding ISA options to your system. Avoid DMA channel conflicts by not
assigning multiple devices to the same channel.
Table C–2: DMA Channel Assignments
Channel

Device

Audio (or 87303 ECP parallel port).

Floppy disk controller (ISA option slot).

Audio (ISA option slot) or parallel port.

Unavailable. (Channels 0-3 are cascaded to this channel.)

Available to ISA slots (audio).

Available to ISA slots.

C–3

D
Updating System Firmware
Introduction
This appendix explains how to use the firmware update utility to install firmware
upgrades.
__________________________ NOTE ____________________________
The user is responsible for performing system firmware upgrades. Consult your
upgrade documentation for more information.
____________________________________________________________

System Firmware
The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) contains 1 MB of flashROM for the console
firmware. The flashROM contains the AlphaBIOS firmware.

Update Utility
Use the update utility to update your AlphaBIOS. The update utility contains two images:
the update utility itself and the AlphaBIOS image.

D–1

Updating System Firmware

Using the Flash Update Utility from AlphaBIOS
You may update the firmware by either using the supplied CD or by copying the firmware
from the Internet onto a floppy diskette.

Updating Firmware from AlphaBIOS
To update the firmware from AlphaBIOS using the firmware CD or floppy diskette, follow
these steps:
1.

Shut down the Windows NT operating system and restart the system.

Insert the Firmware Update CD-ROM or a floppy diskette (prepared as the next
section describes) into the appropriate drive.

From the AlphaBIOS boot screen, press [F2] to enter AlphaBIOS setup.

From the AlphaBIOS setup screen, select Upgrade AlphaBIOS.
__________________________ HINT _____________________________
AlphaBIOS verifies the system image and displays the old and new firmware
versions.
____________________________________________________________

Follow the screen prompts to complete the update.

Preparing a Firmware Floppy Diskette
Copy the firmware over the Internet from the ftp.digital.com/pub/Digital/Alpha/firmware
area and follow these steps:

D–2

Format a blank floppy diskette (FAT).

Copy the appropriate file to Drive a:.

E
Starting an Operating System
Installation
Introduction
This information provides what you need to begin an operating system installation. Once
you have started an installation, follow the on-screen instructions and refer to the
appropriate operating system documentation.
Using the table below, first locate the operating system you want to install and refer to the
appropriate table number:

If you want to:

Go to Table:

Install Windows NT
Workstation on a properly
partitioned and formatted disk

E-1

Set up partitions for a Windows
NT Workstation installation

E-2

E–1

Starting an Operating System Installation

Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation
Digital partitions and formats disk 0 on the first SCSI controller in non-RAID Windows
NT Workstation systems. The partitions are set up as follows:
•

Partition 1 (typically, the "C" drive) is the size of the disk less 6 MB and formatted
FAT. Normally, you select "convert to NTFS" during the Windows NT installation.

•

Partition 2 (typically, the "D" drive) is 6 MB, formatted FAT, and identified as the
system partition.

Refer to Table E–1 for the steps to start installing Windows NT Workstation on a properly
partitioned and formatted disk.
_________________________ NOTE ____________________________
The AlphaBIOS console must be installed and running in order to perform a
Windows NT installation.
____________________________________________________________

E–2

Starting an Operating System Installation

Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation
Step

Action

Result or Displayed Text

Insert the Microsoft Windows NT
Workstation CD-ROM into the CD
drive.

CD-ROM drive is ready.

From the AlphaBIOS boot screen,
press [F2].

AlphaBIOS setup screen displays.

Select
Install Windows NT.

Windows NT setup procedure starts. The
following message is displayed:
Setup could not determine the type of computer
you have, or you have chosen to manually specify
the computer type.
Select the computer type from the following list,
or select "Other" if you have a device support disk
provided by your computer manufacturer.
.
.
.
=> Other

Select Other.
Press [Enter].

"Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturersupplied hardware support disk into drive A:."

You have chosen to configure a
computer for use with Windows NT
using a device support disk
provided by the computer's
manufacturer.
Select the computer type from the
following list, or press [Esc] to
return to the previous screen.
=>Digital Personal Workstation
Family

You have chosen to change your computer type to
one supported by a disk provided by a hardware
manufacturer. "Please insert manufacturersupplied hardware support disk."

Select Digital Personal Workstation
Family.
Press [Enter].

Setup could not determine the type of one or more
mass storage devices installed in your system, or
you have chosen to manually specify an adapter.
Currently, Setup will load support for the
following storage devices:
Qlogic PCI SCSI Host Adapter
or
Adaptec Ahxxxx

E–3

Starting an Operating System Installation

Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation (continued)
Step
7

Action

Result or Displayed Text

Type "S" to select additional SCSI
adapters (in this case, to select an
IDE controller).

Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the
following list, or select "Other" if you have a
device support disk provided by an adapter
manufacturer.
.
.
.
=>Other

Select Other.
Press [Enter].

Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturersupplied hardware support disk into Drive A:.

Insert the Adapter hardware support
diskette (CMD CSA-64xxx IDE
driver).
Press [Enter].

You have chosen to configure a SCSI adapter for
use with Windows NT, using a device support
disk provided by an Adapter manufacturer.
Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the
following list, or press [Esc] to return to the
previous screen.
=>CMD CSA-64xx IDE Driver

Press [Enter] to continue.

Setup will load support for the following mass
stprage device(s)"
Qlogic PCI SCSI Host Adapter
CMD CSA-64xx IDE Driver

Press [Enter] to continue.

Setup has determined that your computer contains
the following hardware and software components:
Computer: Digital...
Display:
VGA-Compatible
Keyboard: XT, AT, or Enhanced (83-104 keys)
Keyboard Layout: US
Pointing Device: MousePort Mouse
No Changes: The above list matches my
computer.

E–4

Starting an Operating System Installation

Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation (continued)
Step

Action

Result or Displayed Text

Select Display: (to load a video
driver).
Press [Enter].

You have asked to change the type of display to
be installed.

Insert the provided display driver
diskette.
Press [Enter].

You have chosen to change your computer's
display type to one supported by a hardware
manufacturer-supplied disk.

Select the appropriate display
driver.
Press [Enter].

You can choose your graphics card type from the
list displayed.

Select "The above list
matches my computer."
Press [Enter].

"The list below shows existing partitions and
spaces available for creating new partitions."

Select the desired disk.
Press [Enter].

Follow the on-screen instructions and continue the
installation. For more information, refer to the
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation System
Guide.

E–5

Starting an Operating System Installation
If you are installing the operating system on a disk that has not been partitioned and
formatted, refer to Table E–2.
Table E–2: Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Installation
Step

Action

Result

From the AlphaBIOS boot screen,
press [F2].

AlphaBIOS setup screen displays.

Select Hard Disk Setup...

If disk 0 is not partitioned, a message asking if
you would like to proceed with default disk
partitioning displays.

Press [F10] to continue.

Express Setup Complete screen displays.

Press [Enter].

A list of disks, including partitions, displays.

Press [Escape].

AlphaBIOS setup screen displays.
Refer to Table E–1 to re-attempt a Windows NT
installation.

E–6

F
Equipment Log
Introduction
You can use the Equipment Log to gather information that you may need if problems
occur with your system and you need to call your service representative or Digital
Equipment Corporation for assistance.
Use the Equipment Log to record information about your system hardware and software
components. Update the Equipment Log when you add options.

Equipment Log
The log consists of five tables, which you can use to record the following information:
•

Your system's hardware components (Table F–1).

•

Your system's ISA equipment configuration (Table F–2).

•

Your system's hardware configuration (Table F–3).

•

The operating system or application software installed on your Digital Personal
Workstation (Alpha) (Table F–4).

•

Additional components (Table F–5).

F–1

Equipment Log

Table F–1: Hardware Components
Component

Vendor/
Type/Size

System unit

Digital Personal
Workstation
(Alpha)

Model
Number/
Speed

Serial
Number

Date
Installed

System unit key
number
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Optional drive
Additional storage
device 1
Additional storage
device 2
Additional storage
device 3
Additional storage
device 4

Use Table F–2 to keep track of your Digital Personal Workstation's (Alpha) expansion
options. The upper portion of the table shows the standard devices. You can use the lower
portion of the table to record the parameters of ISA or PCI devices you add to the riser
card.

F–2

Equipment Log

Table F–2: ISA Equipment Configuration
Device

IOBASE

Membase
and
Memlen

DMAmode
and chan

IRQ
0-3

Handle

Slot

Keyboard

KBD

Mouse

MOUSE

Serial Line 1

COM1

3F8

Serial Line 2

COM2

2F8

Parallel Port

LPT1

3BC

3, if used

FDC

FLOPPY

3F2

2, if used

IDE

3
7
6
14, 15

Audio
Riser Card ISA Expansion Slots

Riser Card PCI Slots

Table F–3: Hardware Configuration
Component

Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) Specifics

CPU (central processing unit)
speed and model
Firmware version: AlphaBIOS
Memory size:
Bank 0
Bank 1
Bank 2
Video module (in PCI slot)
SCSI (in PCI slot)

F–3

Equipment Log

Table F–4: Installed Software
Operating System or
Application Software

Version
Number

License
Number

Date
Installed

Which Disk?

Table F–5: Additional Component Information
Component

Vendor

Model
Number

Serial
Number

Date
Installed

Index
A

Abbreviations used, xiii
Additional components
equipment log, F–1
AlphaBIOS
advanced CMOS setup, 3–8
auto start, 3–5
Auto Start and Auto Start Count settings, 3–7
booting the system, 3–2
CMOS setup, 3–5
display configuration, 3–4
firmware
configuration, 3–1
hard disk setup, 3–5
keyboard setting, 3–7
password, 3–8, 3–9
PCI parity, 3–8
setting date and time, 3–5
setup, 3–3
starting, 3–1
Audience, xi
Audio
troubleshooting, 5–8

Battery
disposal, 4–25
replacing, 4–25
type, 5–5
Baud rates
serial port, B–5
Beep codes, 5–10
Booting
auto start with AlphaBIOS, 3–5
with AlphaBIOS, 3–2
Bus length
SCSI, 4–11

C
Cable
for printer or other parallel device, 4–16
internal layout, 4–18
Cable configuration
power supply, 4–18

Index-1

Index
Cabling
audio, 4–20
CD-ROM, 4–22
FDC, 4–23
MAU, 4–21
MII, 4–21
SCSI, 4–24
Channel assignments
DMA, C–3
Cleaning
computer, A–1
keyboard, A–4
monitor screen, A–1
mouse, A–2
CMOS
setup
advanced, 3–8
setup options
AlphaBIOS, 3–5, 3–7
Computer
cleaning, A–1
equipment log, F–1
installing, A–4
moving, A–4
packing, A–4
specifications, B–2
Configuration
AlphaBIOS, 3–1
AlphaBIOS setup, 3–3
displaying with AlphaBIOS, 3–4
hard disk setup
with AlphaBIOS, 3–5
memory, 3–4
PCI, 3–4
SCSI, 3–5
system
with AlphaBIOS firmware, 3–1
Configuration guidelines
EIDE, 4–11

Index-2

SCSI, 4–11
Connector
keyboard, B–6
mouse, B–6
parallel, B–4
serial port, B–5
Connectors
external, B–4
Conventions used, xiii

D
Date
setting with AlphaBIOS, 3–5
DIMMs
adding, 4–5
Disk drive
troubleshooting, 5–7
DMA
channel assignments, C–3
Drive installation
overview, 4–9

E
EIDE
configuration guidelines, 4–11
Equipment log, 5–2, F–1
additional components, F–1
hardware component, F–1
hardware configuration, F–1
ISA equipment, F–1
operating system, F–1
Ergonomics
site preparation, 1-4
Expansion boards, 4–7
installing, 4–7, 4–8
External option
connecting, 4–17

Index

F
Features
processor, B–2
Firmware
AlphaBIOS, D–1
preparing a floppy diskette, D–2
update utility, D–1
Floppy drive
AlphaBIOS support for, 3–7
Front bezel
removing, 4–9
Front door
removing, 4–4

H
Hardware component
equipment log, F–1
Hardware configuration
equipment log, F–1

I
Input power
requirements, B–6
Interrupt assignments
default, C–2
Interrupt map, C–1
IRQ (interrupt request) assignments, C–1
ISA equipment
equipment log, F–1

K
Kensington lock, 1-14, 4–28
Keyboard
cleaning, A–4
connector, B–6

L
LED
diagnostic, 5–10
power-on, 5–10
Lifting components, 1-3

M
Maintenance program
running, 3–10
Memory
adding, 4–5
configuration, 3–4
Memory test, 3–8
Monitor
adjustments, 1-10
troubleshooting, 5–9
Monitor screen
cleaning, A–1
Motherboard
components, 2–8
switches, B–7
Mouse
cleaning, A–2
connector, B–6

N
Network
connection, 1-9

O
Operating system
equipment log, F–1
setup, 3–9

Index-3

Index

P
Password
setup, 3–9
PCI
configuration, 3–4
parity, 3–8
Peripherals
integrated, 3–5
Pinout
bidirectional parallel port, B–4
keyboard, B–6
mouse, B–6
serial connectors, B–5
Posture, 1-4
Power cord
connecting, 1-8
identification, 1-6
specifications, 1-6
Power supply
requirements, B–6
Precautions
system cleaning, A–1
Printer
cable, 4–16
Problem solving, 5–1
Processor
features, B–2

R
Reset button, 5–1
Riser card
components, 2–10

S
SCSI
bus length, 4–11
configuration, 3–5
configuration guidelines, 4–11

Index-4

expansion box, 4–17
external options, 4–17
termination, 4–11
Security
system, 1-13
chassis lockdown hasp, 1-13
Kensington lock, 1-14
passwords, 1-14
Serial port
baud rates, B–5
Software
preloaded, 1-11
Specifications
acoustic, B–3
computer, B–2
environmental, B–3
power cord, 1-6
system dimensions, B–2
Storage bays
front-accessible, 4–12
internal, 4–13
Storage devices
installing, 4–12
Switches
changing precautions, B–7

Index
System
components, 2–6
cover
replacing, 4–27
features, 2–1
front view, 2–2
installation, 1-7
inventory, 1-2
overview, 2–1
proper cooling, 1-7
rear view, 2–4
starting
preliminary steps, 1-3
startup
connecting components, 1-8
power on sequence, 1-10
voltage selection, 1-8
troubleshooting, 5–1, 5–2
turning off, 1-12
typical configuration, 1-1

T
Termination
SCSI, 4–11
Top cover
removing, 4–2, 4–3
unlocking, 4–3
Troubleshooting, 5–2
audio, 5–8

boot device not listed, 5–4
boot problem, 5–4
dead battery, 5–5
disk drive, 5–7
disk read and write problem, 5–7
display problems, 5–9
initial, 5–1
keyboard, 5–5
monitor, 5–9
monitor power indicator problem, 5–9
mouse, 5–5
system forgets settings, 5–5

U
Update utility
firmware, D–1
Utilities
operating system selection, 3–9
run a maintenance program, 3–9

V
Voltage selector switch, 1-8, 2–5

W
Windows NT, 1-11
installation, E–2
setting up partitions for, E–6
installing, E–1

Index-5