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EK-D5AXP-OG-A01

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Document:	DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Owner's Guide
Order Number:	EK-D5AXP-OG
Revision:	A01
Pages:	275
Original Filename:

OCR Text

DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
Owner’s Guide
Order Number: EK-D5AXP-OG. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, March, 1993
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1993.
All Rights Reserved.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment
that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated
companies.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and
should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that
may appear in this document.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments forms at the end of this document request
your critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: Alpha
AXP, AXP, Bookreader, DEC, DECaudio, DECchip 21064, DECconnect, DEC
GKS, DECnet, DEC PHIGS, DECsound, DECwindows, DECwindows Motif,
DECwindows Mail, DECwrite, DELNI, DESTA, OpenVMS, OpenVMS AXP,
RX26, ScriptPrinter, ThinWire, TURBOchannel, ULTRIX, XMedia, VAX, VAX
DOCUMENT, VAXcluster, VAXstation, the AXP logo, and the DIGITAL logo.
CD is a trademark of Data General Corporation.
Open Software Foundation is a trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc.
Motif, OSF, OSF/1 and OSF/Motif are registered trademarks of Open Software
Foundation, Inc.
ISDN is a registered trademark of Fujitsu Network Switching of America
Mylar is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company, Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
FCC NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users
will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
S2234

This document is available on CD–ROM.

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

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

xiii

Part I Basic Operations
1 Introduction to Your System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System . . . . . .
Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software Product Descriptions (SPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–2
1–4
1–6
1–6
1–9
1–10
1–11

2 Preparing to Install the System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customizing Your Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moving Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Closer Look at Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–2
2–4
2–6
2–8
2–11
2–16

iii

3 Installing the System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation . . . . . .
System Unit Cover Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–2
3–3
3–5
3–17
3–20
3–21

4 Connecting the System to a Network
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to a ThinWire Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting and Verifying the Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completing the Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–1
4–2
4–4
4–6
4–8
4–12
4–14

5 Starting Up the System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System . . . . . . . . .
Reviewing the Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Operating System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2
5–3
5–6
5–8
5–13
5–14

6 Turning Off the System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shutting Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–1
6–2
6–3
6–3
6–5

7 Maintaining the System
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Front Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7–1
7–2
7–2
7–4
7–4
7–6

Part II Advanced Operations
8 Using Console Commands
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modes of System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Mode User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The boot Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The continue Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The halt Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The help Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The help advanced Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The set or setenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show or printenv Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The test Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8–1
8–2
8–3
8–4
8–6
8–8
8–11
8–11
8–12
8–13
8–14
8–15
8–16

9 Changing Environment Variables
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying Current Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action) . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick) . . .
Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language) . . . . . . . .

9–1
9–2
9–2
9–4
9–5
9–7
9–9
9–10

10 Using the Password Security Feature
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Can Use This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering a Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling System Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forgetting the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disabling or Changing the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10–1
10–2
10–3
10–5
10–5
10–7
10–8
10–9

11 Using an Alternate Console
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Alternate Console Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11–1
11–2
11–3

Part III Handling Problems
12 Identifying a Problem
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining Type of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting the show Command Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daily Operations Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12–1
12–2
12–3
12–4
12–6
12–12
12–21
12–24
12–25
12–28
12–29

13 Running Diagnostic Tests
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Problems to Digital Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling Problems Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13–1
13–2
13–3
13–4
13–8
13–10
13–16

Part IV Appendixes
A Hardware Specifications
Appendix Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A–1
A–2

B Port Pin-outs
Appendix Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Console/Printer Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port . . . . . . . . . . .
External SCSI Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUI Ethernet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDN Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10BASE-T Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B–1
B–2
B–3
B–5
B–7
B–8
B–10
B–11
B–12

C European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations
Appendix Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EEC Installation Instructions for Nonshielded Cables . . . . . . . .

C–1
C–2

D Associated Documents
Appendix Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Associated Printed Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OpenVMS AXP Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D–1
D–2
D–5
D–6

E Special Information for PTT Network Users
Appendix Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Power Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Module Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Warnings for UK Installations Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital Circuit
(PTT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E–1
E–2
E–3
E–4
E–5
E–7
E–8
E–9

vii

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

viii

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Ports on the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System Handle . . . . . . . . .
Lifting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Required Workstation Components and Parts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components and Parts to Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back of System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front of System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Needed to Install Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Ethernet Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Keyboard/Mouse Extension Cable . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse to the Keyboard/Mouse
Extension Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Universal Strain Relief Strap . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor Video Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Factory-Installed Software Sticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the System Power Cord to System . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Video Refresh Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Alternate Console Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Cover Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking the System Unit Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Connected Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a 10BASE-T Network Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the AUI Ethernet Cable to the DECXM
Transceiver or a DESTA Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the ThinWire Cables and T-Connector to the
DECXM Transceiver or a DESTA Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminating the Ethernet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System . . . . . . .
Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OpenVMS AXP Initial Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OpenVMS AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session Screen . . .
DEC OSF/1 AXP Initial Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC OSF/1 AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressing the Halt Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Halt Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing/Replacing the Mouse Cover Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Front Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show device Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a Device to the
Alternate Console/Printer Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Alternate Console Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display with Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration Display with Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show device Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show error Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show memory Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCC Diagnostic Test Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCC Test Display with Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initializing Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initializing the System with the SCC Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position of Diagnostic Display Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Mode Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial and Model Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the 10BASE-T Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Alternate Console/Printer Loopback
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Modem Loopback Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Console/Printer Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port . . . . . . . . .
External SCSI Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–5
5–6
5–9
5–10
5–11
5–12
6–4
6–6
6–7
7–5
7–7
9–8
11–4
11–5
12–7
12–9
12–13
12–15
12–19
12–20
13–5
13–6
13–7
13–7
13–8
13–9
13–11
13–13
13–14
13–15
B–2
B–3
B–5
B–7

B–5
B–6
B–7
B–8
C–1
E–1
E–2

AUI Ethernet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDN Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10BASE-T Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Pigtail Grounding Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connector Pin Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B–8
B–10
B–11
B–12
C–3
E–6
E–7

Parts Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Capabilities for OpenVMS AXP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Capabilities for DEC OSF/1 AXP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up Multiple Graphics Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning Your System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front of the System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Install Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Monitor Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Monitor Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Required Network Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps for Connecting an AUI Ethernet Network . . . . . . . . . .
Steps for Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Network . . . . . . .
DECXM and DESTA Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps for Starting Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Factory-Installed Software Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Go Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current System Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Shutting Down Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating System Shutdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halting the Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

xiii
1–7
1–8
1–8
2–5
2–13
2–15
2–16

Tables
1
1–1
1–2
1–3
2–1
2–2
2–3
2–4
3–1
3–2
3–3
3–4
4–1
4–2
4–3
4–4
4–5
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
6–1
6–2
6–3
6–4

3–4
3–10
3–11
3–21
4–3
4–4
4–8
4–11
4–12
5–4
5–7
5–8
5–13
5–14
6–2
6–3
6–3
6–5

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

Steps for Cleaning the Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Remove the Front Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Keys and Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Command Parameters/Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameters for Setting Startup Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Command Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Making the System Secure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering a Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling System Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Access System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering a Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current System Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Console/Printer Port Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Alternate Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Identify a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Indicator Light Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Missing Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Without Booting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information Provided by the show Console Commands . . . . .
The show config Display Described . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The show device Display Described . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Device Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error Message Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installed Disk Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7–5
7–6
8–5
8–6
8–7
8–8
8–9
8–16
9–3
9–5
9–7
10–4
10–5
10–6
10–7
10–8
10–9
11–2
11–2
11–3
12–2
12–3
12–5
12–6
12–8
12–10
12–11
12–12
12–14
12–16
12–18
12–19
12–22
12–23
12–24
12–24
12–25

12–18
12–19
12–20
12–21
13–1
13–2
13–3
A–1
A–2
A–3
A–4
A–5
B–1
B–2
B–3
B–4
B–5
B–6
B–7
B–8
D–1
D–2
D–3
D–4
D–5
D–6
D–7
D–8
D–9
E–1
E–2
E–3
E–4
E–5

xii

Installed Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software on Diskette Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resolving NI Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems When Booting from the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps to Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone Numbers of Digital Support Centers . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Dimensions: Pedestal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Unit Dimensions: Rackmount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Console/Printer Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port
Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External SCSI Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUI Ethernet Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISDN Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10BASE-T Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Port Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Associated Printed Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbook Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TURBOchannel-Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General OpenVMS AXP Operating System Documents . . . . .
DECconnect System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
User Documentation, QA–MT4AB–GZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Server Documentation Kit, QA–MT4AL–GZ . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BABT-Approved Service Specifications for the 54-21147
Module for UK Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Module Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearance and Creepage Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connector Pin-Outs Described . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cables Supported by the 54-21147 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12–26
12–27
12–28
12–29
13–3
13–4
13–12
A–2
A–2
A–2
A–3
A–4
B–2
B–3
B–5
B–7
B–9
B–10
B–11
B–12
D–2
D–3
D–3
D–4
D–4
D–5
D–6
D–7
D–8
E–2
E–3
E–5
E–7
E–8

Preface

Purpose of
This Guide

This guide is intended for all users of the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system. It describes how to install and operate the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation. To install options in
the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, refer to the DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP Options Guide.

Structure of
This Guide

This guide consists of 13 chapters, 5 appendices, a glossary of
technical terms, and an index, and is organized into four parts
as Table 1 describes:
Table 1 Parts Description
Part

Title

Description

Basic Operations

Chapters in Part I describe basic
operations for using your system,
including installing, turning on, and
maintaining your system. These
chapters are for all DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system users.

Advanced
Operations

Chapters in Part II describe
advanced operations for your
system, including use of console
commands and the alternate console
feature. These chapters are for
users who understand advanced
system operations.
(continued on next page)

xiii

Table 1 (Cont.) Parts Description

xiv

Part

Title

Description

III

Troubleshooting

Chapters in Part III describe what
to do in the event of a system
problem. These chapters are
applicable only if your system is not
working properly or is displaying
error messages.

Appendixes

The appendixes in Part IV provide
information such as specifications,
and port pinouts.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this guide:
Convention

Description

RZ2x

RZ2x refers to the RZ-series fixed disk
drives, including the RZ24L, RZ25, and
RZ26.

Return

A key name in a box indicates that you
press a named key on the keyboard.

Ctrl/x

A sequence such as Ctrl/x indicates that
you must hold down the key labeled
Ctrl while you press another key.

show config

Lowercase color type in this format
indicates a command that you must
enter exactly as shown. For example:
>>> show config

variable

Return

Lowercase color italics indicate a
variable value that you must provide.
For example:
>>> set variable

Return

CAUTION

Cautions provide information to prevent
damage to equipment or software. Read
these carefully.

WARNING

Warnings contain information to
prevent personal injury. Read these
carefully.

Task Symbols

All of the tasks described in this guide have been assigned a
symbol indicating the level of difficulty in completing the task.
The task symbols that appear in the margin next to the task
should be used as a guide to help you decide whether you wish to
complete the task, or request help.
Different tasks within a category may require different levels
of expertise. For instance, one intermediate task may require
software expertise, while another intermediate task may require
hardware expertise. Check the Before You Begin section at the
beginning of most chapters, for the specific kind of experience
required to complete a task. This section will be identified by the
information icon, defined below.

i
Task
Categories

Information
This section contains important background information that
will help you to perform the tasks listed and to operate your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP correctly.
The tasks fall into four categories indicated by four symbols:

Basic Task
This task does not require any specific experience to complete.
Intermediate Task
Some specific experience is required to complete this task.
Advanced Task
Specific experience is highly desirable to complete this task.

xvi

Part I
Basic Operations
Part I provides an overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system and its configurations. It also describes how to install the
system and how to perform basic operations. This part includes
the following chapters:
Chapter

Title

Introduction to Your System

Preparing to Install the System

Installing the System

Connecting the System to a Network

Starting Up the System

Turning Off the System

Maintaining the System

1
Introduction to Your System
Chapter Overview
Introduction

Congratulations on choosing a DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
workstation. These high-performance deskside systems use
Digital’s DECchip 21064 RISC processor, part of the Alpha AXP
architecture, making them the most powerful low-end systems
ever designed.
The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is based on the Digital
Alpha AXP architecture, providing all the advantages of a 64-bit
computing environment.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

•

Operating Systems

•

Software Product Descriptions (SPD)

•

Graphics Capabilities

•

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

•

Audio Capabilities

•

Available Options

Introduction to Your System

1–1

An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

System
Components

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system consists of four
components: a system unit, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse.
Figure 1–1 shows a basic workstation configuration.
Figure 1–1 The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

MLO-007581

1–2 Introduction to Your System

An Overview of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

System
Highlights

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system provides the following
special features:
This system feature...

Provides...

Full 64-bit Alpha RISC
architecture

Double the 32-bit memory address.

Up to 256 megabytes of
memory

Expandable memory using 32- and 64megabyte memory options.

Accelerated 2D graphics

8-plane, accelerated 2D graphics and
windowing operations.

Multi-head graphic support

Support for multiple graphic heads.
The number of graphics heads
supported depends on the operating
system.

Internal and external options

Increased storage capacity, graphics,
communications, and other capabilities
to your system.

An Attachment Unit
Interface (AUI) Ethernet
port

Connection to an AUI Ethernet
network.

A 10BASE-T network port

Connection to a twisted-pair network

ISDN network ready

An industry-standard port for an ISDN
network connection.

Five TURBOchannel slots

Access to high-performance module
interconnect technology that allows a
variety of options, including graphics,
multimedia, communications, and other
third-party options.

Audio technology

Built-in telephone-quality audio input
and output capabilities.

Secure console mode feature

Limited access to core console functions
for added system security.

A password security feature

Additional system security for
privileged commands when the system
is in secure console mode.

Two supported operating
systems

Support for the OpenVMS AXP and the
DEC OSF/1 AXP operating systems.

Introduction to Your System

1–3

Operating Systems

A Choice of
Operating
Systems

Digital’s Alpha AXP architecture allows you to choose from
various operating systems for use on your DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP system. The operating system is the core software installed
on your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, which allows you to
install and run applications.

Supported
Operating
Systems

Currently, both of the following operating systems are supported
for use on your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system:
•

OpenVMS AXP

•

DEC OSF/1 AXP

These two are the operating systems supported with the first
shipments of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system. Other
operating systems may be supported at a later time.

OpenVMS AXP
Operating
System

The OpenVMS AXP operating system is a general purpose,
multiuser operating system that can be used in many different
environments for a wide variety of applications.

Features of
OpenVMS AXP

The OpenVMS AXP operating system promotes ease-of-use and
improved programming productivity, and it facilitates system
management.
OpenVMS AXP offers a combination of commercial features and
open system benefits, including the following capabilities:
•

Integrated networking

•

System security

•

Distributed computing

•

Windowing capabilities

Additionally, OpenVMS AXP supports a large number of
industry standards to facilitate application portability and
interoperability.

1–4 Introduction to Your System

Operating Systems

DEC OSF/1
AXP Operating
System

DEC OSF/1 AXP is Digital Equipment Corporation’s
implementation of the Open Software Foundation (OSF)
operating system components and Motif graphical user interface
and programming environment.

Description
of DEC OSF/1
AXP

DEC OSF/1 AXP is compliant with the OSF Application
Environment Specification (AES), which specifies the interface
to support portable applications designed to run on a variety of
hardware platforms.
In addition, the DEC OSF/1 operating system complies with
these standards and industry specifications:

DEC OSF/1 AXP
Architecture

•

FIPS 151-1

•

POSIX (IEEE Std. 1003.1-1988)

•

XPG3 BASE branding

•

XTI

•

AT&T System V Interface Definition (SVID) Issue 2 (Base
System and Kernel Extensions)

The DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system is an advanced kernel
architecture based on Carnegie Mellon University’s Mach
V2.5 kernel design with components from Berkeley Software
Distribution 4.3 (BSD) and other sources. DEC OSF/1 AXP
provides numerous features to assist application programmers
in developing applications that use shared libraries, multithread
support, and memory mapped files.
To ensure a high level of binary compatibility with the ULTRIX
operating system, the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system is
compatible with the Berkeley 4.3 programming interfaces.

You May Have
Factory-Installed
Software

If there is a yellow sticker over the system power connector on
your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, the operating system
is factory-installed on an internal fixed disk drive, and you can
start it on your system using either the OpenVMS AXP Factory
Installed Software (FIS) procedure, or the DEC OSF/1 AXP
Factory-Installed Software (FIS) Startup Procedure.
Chapter 5 describes how to start your system if it has a
factory-installed operating system.

Introduction to Your System

1–5

Software Product Descriptions (SPD)

SPD
Description

The Software Product Description (SPD) is the official defining
document for software products licensed by Digital Equipment
Corporation, including third-party products licensed by Digital.
An SPD describes all important functional characteristics of the
software. The terms and conditions under which the corporation
sells and licenses its software products identify SPDs as the
documents that specify Digital’s obligation under software
warranty.
SPDs also describe a software product’s system environment
and identify required and optional hardware and software. All
information contained in the SPD is valid in the international
marketplace.
For more information on the SPD for your operating system,
please contact your Digital sales representative.

Graphics Capabilities

Standard
and Optional
Graphics

All DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP systems are shipped with the
HX 2D graphics capabilities integral to the system module.
This provides 8-plane, accelerated 2D graphics and windowing
operations for your system.
Additional graphics and multimedia capabilities are available via
a TURBOchannel graphics module that can be installed in your
system. Digital and third-party suppliers provide a wide variety
of TURBOchannel-based graphics options.

1–6 Introduction to Your System

Graphics Capabilities

DEC Open3D
Software

Three dimensional (3D) graphics support is provided by the DEC
Open3D software. Contact your Digital sales representative for
availability of the DEC Open3D software as a layered product
for both the OpenVMS AXP and the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating
systems.

OpenVMS AXP
Graphics

If your system is running the OpenVMS AXP operating system,
the two-dimensional (2D) graphics TURBOchannel option
described in Table 1–1 is available.
Table 1–1 Graphics Capabilities for OpenVMS AXP
Graphics
Option

Capabilities Provided

8-plane, accelerated 2D graphics and windowing
operations.

PXG+1

Configurable 3D graphics: either 8- or 24-plane graphics,
double buffered and optional 24-bit Z-buffer graphics.

PXGT+1

96-plane 3D accelerated graphics: 24-plane frame and
double buffer graphics, 24-bit Z-buffer and additional
24-bit configurable buffer graphics.

1 Requires DEC Open3D software

3D Applications
for the
OpenVMS AXP
Operating
System

In addition to the hardware three-dimensional (3D) graphics
described in Table 1–1, there are also 3D software applications
available for use on the OpenVMS AXP operating system.
Two applications, DEC PHIGS (Programmer’s Hierarchical
Interactive Graphics System) and DEC GKS (Graphics Kernel
System) can be run as layered products. For more information,
contact your Digital sales representative.

Introduction to Your System

1–7

Graphics Capabilities

DEC OSF/1
AXP Graphics

If your system is running the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system,
the TURBOchannel graphics options listed in Table 1–2 are
available.
Table 1–2 Graphics Capabilities for DEC OSF/1 AXP
Graphics
Option
HX

Capabilities Provided
8-plane, accelerated 2D graphics and windowing
operations.

24-plane, true-color 2D graphics.
1

PXG+

Configurable 3D graphics: either 8- or 24-plane graphics,
double buffered and optional 24-bit Z-buffer graphics.

PXGT+1

96-plane 3D accelerated graphics: 24-plane frame and
double buffer graphics, 24-bit Z-buffer and additional
24-bit configurable buffer graphics.

1 Requires DEC Open3D software

Multiple
Graphic
Devices

Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is capable of supporting
multiple 2D graphics devices. For information about installing
another graphics option in your system, see the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP Options Guide.
Information about setting up your system to use more than one
monitor is provided in the documents listed in Table 1–3.
Table 1–3 Setting Up Multiple Graphics Devices
For this operating
system...

See this document...

OpenVMS AXP

OpenVMS Alpha Version 1.0 Upgrade and
Installation Manual

DEC OSF/1 AXP

X Window System Administrator’s Guide,
vol. 8, available from O’Reilly and
Associates, Inc.

1–8 Introduction to Your System

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Note: ISDN Not
Yet Available

Though your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system can provide
ISDN capabilities, they are not yet agency approved or available.
Currently, a plug has been placed in the ISDN port pending
approval of ISDN licenses. Once agency approval of ISDN for the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system has been granted, you will
be contacted by your Digital sales representative to inform you of
the ISDN certification. At that point, you must remove the plug
from the ISDN port before connecting the ISDN network.
The following information explains the ISDN capabilities for your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system pending license approval.

ISDN
Capabilities

ISDN is a digital telecommunications network, providing
connectivity for voice and data applications.
Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system includes an ISDN Basic
Rate S/T interface, which includes:
•

two 64 kilobits per second B channels

•

one 16 kilobits per second D channel

Use of ISDN B
Channels

The B channels can be used for digitized voice and circuitswitched data at up to 64 kilobits per second, or for packetswitched data transmission.

Use of ISDN D
Channels

The D channel uses a protocol standardized by the International
Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Commiittee (CCITT) for
setting up these connections. The D channel can also be used for
low-speed packet transmission.

Introduction to Your System

1–9

Audio Capabilities

Audio Overview

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system features telephonequality audio features, providing audio input and output
capabilities. The audio ports are located on the front of the
system unit, behind the front access door. Figure 1–2 shows the
audio ports: the microphone input jack , the speaker/
headphone jack , the telephone handset jack , and the audio
input jack .

Figure 1–2 Audio Ports on the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP

Line
In

1
2
3
Line
In

MLO-007498

Port pin-outs for the telephone handset jack on the system unit
are provided in Appendix B.

1–10 Introduction to Your System

Audio Capabilities

DECsound
Application

The DECsound application, shipped with your DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP workstation as part of the OpenVMS AXP
DECwindows Motif layered product kit, is an easy-to-use
software application that lets you play back recorded messages,
record audio messages, mail recorded messages, and include
recorded messages in compound documents.

XMedia
Application

Audio support for DEC OSF/1 AXP systems is provided by
XMedia, Digital’s distributed multimedia software development
environment.

Available Options

Internal
Options

You can install the following hardware options inside the DEC
3000 Model 500X AXP system unit:
Option

Capabilities Provided

Four RZ2x-series
3½-inch fixed disk
drives

Up to 4 gigabytes of additional storage
capacity.

Two 5¼-inch
removable media
devices (RMD)

Additional data storage on any of several
devices: the RX26 diskette drives, the
RRD42 compact disc drive, the TLZ06
tape drive, the TZK10 quarter-inch
cartridge tape drive, and the TZ30 tape
drive.

Up to 256 megabytes
of total memory

Increased performance.

Up to five
TURBOchannel
modules

A variety of TURBOchannel options,
including 2D and 3D graphics options.

Introduction to Your System

1–11

Available Options

TURBOchannel
Options

There are a total of five TURBOchannel option slots on your
system. Since your 2D graphics capabilities are integral to your
system, you have all five TURBOchannel slots available for other
options.

Installing
Internal
Options

For more information about internal and TURBOchannel options
and how to install them in your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system, see the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Options Guide.

External
Options

You can add one or more of the following external options to your
system.
•

A printer such as a PostScript laser printer.

•

A modem

•

A puck or stylus tablet

•

A BA350 expansion box that can hold the following devices:
•

RZ2x-series fixed disk drives

•

TLZ06 DAT (digital audio tape) drive

•

RRD42 compact disc drive

•

TZK10 quarter-inch cartridge tape drive

Adding
External
Options

For more information about external options and how to add
them to your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, see the DEC
3000 Model 500X AXP Options Guide.

Ordering
Options

Contact your Digital sales representative for more information
about ordering DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system options.

1–12 Introduction to Your System

2
Preparing to Install the System
Chapter Overview

Introduction

Before you install your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, you
need to prepare your site, and familiarize yourself with your
system hardware.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Choosing a Location

•

Customizing Your Work Area

•

Moving Your System

•

Unpacking Your System

•

A Closer Look at Your System

•

Where to Go Next

Preparing to Install the System 2–1

Choosing a Location

Space
Requirements

When choosing a location, consider the system measurements
as shown in Figure 2–1, and allow 7.6 cm (3 inches) ventilation
space between the system unit and the desk.
Figure 2–1 Dimensions of System
7.6 cm
(3 inches)

63 cm
(25 inches)

75 cm
(29 inches)

32 cm
(13 inches)
MLO-007592

Monitor
Requirements

When allocating space for your new DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP workstation, consider also the size of your monitor and the
length of your monitor video cable.

2–2 Preparing to Install the System

Choosing a Location

Location
Requirements

What to Avoid
in a Location

Choose a location for your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system
that meets the following requirements:
Requirement

Explanation

Appropriate dedicated power
source with an isolated
ground

Power source must be 110–120 volts
alternating current (VAC) or 220–240
VAC, used solely for system unit and
monitor.

Moderate temperature

Room temperature should remain
between 15°C and 32°C (59°F and
90°F).

Relative humidity

Relative humidity should range
between 30 percent and 70 percent.

Ample circulation

Provide a minimum of three inches of
clearance all around the workstation.
This allows air to circulate around the
workstation to prevent excess heat
buildup and to keep the system air
vents clean.

Working room

Leave enough room on your desktop
for your keyboard, mouse pad, and any
papers and materials that you may
need.

When choosing a location for your workstation, try to avoid the
following hazards:
Hazard

How to Avoid

Dust and dirt

Position the system unit in a clean, dust-free
location. Dust and dirt damage system components.

Heat and
sunlight

Do not place your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system in direct sunlight, close to a heater, or near
a photocopier.

Preparing to Install the System 2–3

Customizing Your Work Area

Ergonomic
Considerations

Considering the ergonomics of your working environment before
installing your system can help you to perform your job more
effectively once you begin using your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system.
Comfort in your workplace can be achieved by making sure that
your chair, monitor, keyboard, and mouse are set at the right
height and distance for you and the work that you are doing, as
shown in Figure 2–2 and explained in Table 2–1.
Figure 2–2 Positioning Components
9
8
7

5
6

4
3
2

MLO-010354

2–4 Preparing to Install the System

Customizing Your Work Area

Positioning
Components

Table 2–1 explains the numbered elements in Figure 2–2.
Table 2–1 Positioning Your System Components

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
)

Adjust your chair so that...

Your feet are flat on the floor—use a footrest if
needed.
Your legs form a right angle to the floor.
The backs of your knees are free from the seat
pan.
The body weight rests on the spine with support
at the lower back region.
Adjust your monitor and keyboard so that...

Your wrists are straight and supported. Keyboard,
mouse, and mousepad are at elbow height.
Your elbows are close to your sides, with your
upper arms perpendicular to the floor.
You maintain a neutral neck posture with the top
of the video screen no higher than eye level.
Adjust lighting and monitor so that...

Light is directed away from the screen to reduce
glare. Look away to distant objects frequently.
Use the tilt and swivel capabilities of your monitor
to place it in the most comfortable position for
your own use.
The screen is at the correct distance for your
vision.

Preparing to Install the System 2–5

Moving Your System

Locate the
Handle

The handle by which to move your system unit is located on
the front, at the top, under the product medallion , as shown
in Figure 2–3. Grasp this area firmly and pull the system unit
towards you any time you wish to move it. The low-friction feet
on the bottom of the pedestal allow the unit to be moved easily
across the floor.

Figure 2–3 The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System Handle

MLO-007579

2–6 Preparing to Install the System

Moving Your System

CAUTION: Two
People to Lift
the System Unit

Two people are needed to lift the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system unit, which is quite heavy. The unit is designed to be
lifted using the front handle
and the rear of the system unit
at the top , as shown in Figure 2–4.

Do not attempt to lift the system unit from the bottom, as you
may cause damage to the front or side panels, which are not
designed to hold the weight of the system unit.
Figure 2–4 Lifting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP

MLO-009873

Preparing to Install the System 2–7

Unpacking Your System

Checking the
Box Contents

Your system arrives in two boxes, one for the system unit and
accessories, the other for the monitor.
Before installing your system, check to see that you have all
of the parts shown in Figure 2–5. The contents shown are for
preconfigured systems. If you did not order a preconfigured
system, check your packing slip to make sure that whatever you
ordered has arrived in your shipment.

If Parts Are
Missing

If you are missing any parts for your DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP workstation, contact your Digital sales representative
immediately.

WARNING:
Two People
Required

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation and the monitor
shipped with your system are both quite heavy. Have someone
help you remove these items from the shipping boxes, as
indicated on the packing cartons.

2–8 Preparing to Install the System

Unpacking Your System

Parts Required
for Installation

The accessory kit for your system includes many parts, some
of which you do not need during the system installation. See
Figure 2–5 for the parts you need.
Figure 2–5 Required Workstation Components and Parts

Monitor
Video Cable

Monitor Power Cord

System Unit
Keyboard/Mouse
Extension Cable
Owner’s Guide,
Options Guide,
Other Documentation

System Power Cord
Universal
Strain Relief
Strap

Keys
(Attached to
System Unit)

Ethernet Loopback
Connector

Keyboard

Mouse with
Mousepad
MLO-010456

Preparing to Install the System 2–9

Unpacking Your System

Save These
Parts for Later

The parts shown in Figure 2–6 can be stored for use later. You
do not need them for system installation.
Figure 2–6 Components and Parts to Save

Network
Label

Antistatic
Wrist Strap (2)
Screwdriver

10BASE-T Loopback
Connector

Modem Loopback
Connector

Printer Port
Terminator
MLO-010457

For Users in
Germany

To comply with certain international standards, Digital includes
German regulatory information (sometimes referred to as the
FTZ card) in every system and monitor box. Disregard this
material if your system is not located in Germany.

For Users in
Australia

The yellow Austel warning label, part number 36-39563-01,
attached to the shipping container and system unit, is required
by the country of Australia for systems that provide ISDN
functionality but are not yet certified for use in Australia.
Disregard these labels if your system is not located in Australia.

2–10 Preparing to Install the System

A Closer Look at Your System

System Unit
Symbols

On the front and rear of your system unit symbols appear next
to most of the controls and ports. The following list explains
these symbols.
Halt Button
Press the halt button to halt the system and put the system into
console mode.
Network Interface Port
Insert the cable for a network connection.
ISDN Interface Port
Insert the cable for an ISDN network connection.
Handset Jack
Insert a telephone-style handset into this jack to use the audio
input and output features of the system.
Alternate Console Switch
Indicates the alternate console switch that directs console output
to the monitor or to an alternate console, such as a terminal.
Alternate Console/Printer/Communications Port
Connect an alternate console, such as a terminal or a printer, to
this port. You can also connect a communications device, such as
a modem, here.
Keyboard/mouse Port
Attach the Keyboard/mouse extension cable to this port.
Communications/Printer Port
Connect a communications device, such as a modem, to this port.
You can also connect a printer or terminal to this port.
SCSI Port
Attach a SCSI cable or terminator to this port.

Preparing to Install the System 2–11

A Closer Look at Your System

Back of the
System Unit

Familiarize yourself with the ports, switches, and indicators on
the back of the system unit, shown in Figure 2–7, and explained
in Table 2–2.
Figure 2–7 Back of System Unit

1
2

ISDN
S3

5
4

12
7
5

MLO-010568

2–12 Preparing to Install the System

A Closer Look at Your System

Table 2–2 Back of the System Unit
Feature

! 10BASE-T port
" AUI port
# ISDN port
$ Alternate
console/printer port
% Keyboard/mouse
port
& Synchronous/

asynchronous
communications port

' Regulator module
slot

( External SCSI port
) Alternate console
switch

+> TURBOchannel
slots

+? Video refresh
switch
+@ Monitor video port
+A System power

Function
To connect a 10BASE-T Ethernet network
cable.
To connect an AUI (Attachment Unit Interface)
Ethernet network cable (sometimes referred to
as standard or thickwire Ethernet).
To connect an Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) cable.
To connect a terminal as an alternate console,
or a printer.
To connect the keyboard/mouse extension
cable.
To connect a communications device such as a
printer, plotter, modem, or console terminal.
Contains a regulator module which regulates
the power flow from the power supply to the
DECchip 21064 Alpha microprocessor.
To connect Small Computer System Interface
(SCSI) peripheral devices. The SCSI port has
the SCSI terminator shipped in place.
Toggle switch to direct console output to a
monitor (switch right) or to an alternate
console such as a terminal (switch left).
To connect TURBOchannel options, such as 2D
or 3D graphics modules. There are a total of
five slots.
To choose the correct video refresh rate (66Hz
or 72Hz) for your monitor.
To connect the monitor video cable.
To connect the system unit power cord.

socket

Preparing to Install the System 2–13

A Closer Look at Your System

Front of the
System

Familiarize yourself with the front of the system unit, shown in
Figure 2–8 and explained in Table 2–3.
Figure 2–8 Front of System Unit

7
8

6
13

1
9

2
10

11
Line
In

3
4
5

MLO-007553

2–14 Preparing to Install the System

A Closer Look at Your System

Table 2–3 Front of the System Unit
Feature

! and " Removable media
devices (Optional)

# Power indicator light
$ Power On/Off switch
% Fan failure light
Feature
(Behind front access
door )

' Halt button
( Diagnostic display
) Microphone input jack
+> Speaker output jack
+? Telephone handset jack
+@ Audio input port
+A Model and serial number
label
+B Network label position

Function
Devices that provide additional data
storage on removable media, such as
diskettes, compact discs, cassette tapes,
or cartridge tapes.
When lit, indicates that the system unit
is on.
To turn the system unit power on ( | )
and off (O).
When lit, indicates that a fan has failed
and the power supply has been shut
down.

Function
To place the system in console mode.
Used for diagnostic testing purposes.
To connect a microphone to the system.
To connect a speaker or headphone for
audio output.
To connect a telephone handset.
To connect an audio input line.
To find the model number and serial
number of your system.
Area to place optional network label
that is included in the system’s
accessory kit.

Preparing to Install the System 2–15

Where to Go Next

Determine Your
Next Step

Use Table 2–4 to determine which chapter to read next.
Table 2–4 Where to Go Next
If you...

Go to...

Are installing a workstation

Chapter 3

Installed your system using the Setting
Up Your Workstation card and you want
to:
a. Connect to a network

Chapter 4

b. Start up your system

Chapter 5

2–16 Preparing to Install the System

3
Installing the System
Chapter Overview

Introduction

Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation is designed to be
installed quickly and easily. The information in this chapter
explains how to connect the cables to the system unit and to the
monitor, and how to prepare the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
workstation for startup. Starting your workstation is explained
in Chapter 5.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Task Overview

•

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

•

System Unit Cover Lock

•

Checking Your Installation

•

Where to Go Next

Installing the System 3–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Have
Done Already

Before you install your system components, you should have
already completed the following tasks:
•

Determined any ergonomic considerations you may have.

•

Chosen a location for your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
workstation.

•

Unpacked your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation.

•

Familiarized yourself with the ports and controls on the rear
of the system unit.

If you have not performed all of these tasks, do so now. They are
covered in Chapter 2.

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

Note that:
•

Installing your system requires little or no previous
knowledge of computer systems. Connecting your DEC
3000 Model 500X AXP workstation should take about 15
minutes.

•

This chapter covers connecting your DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP as a standalone workstation. You may connect your
workstation to a network with a few minor adjustments to
the procedures in this chapter. Chapter 4 explains how to
connect to a network.

•

The accessory bag shipped with your workstation includes
parts that you do not need during installation. Save any
terminators and additional parts in case you need them later.

3–2 Installing the System

Task Overview

Parts for
Installation

Figure 3–1 lists the parts required to install your workstation.
Figure 3–1 Parts Needed to Install Your Workstation

Monitor
Video Cable

Monitor Power Cord

System Unit
Keyboard/Mouse
Extension Cable
Owner’s Guide,
Options Guide,
Other Documentation

System Power Cord
Universal
Strain Relief
Strap

Keys
(Attached to
System Unit)

Ethernet Loopback
Connector

Keyboard

Mouse with
Mousepad
MLO-010456

Installing the System 3–3

Task Overview

Installation
Steps

Table 3–1 gives an overview of the steps involved in installing
your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation system
components.
Table 3–1 Steps to Install Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
Workstation
Step

Connect or attach the...

To the...

Ethernet loopback connector

AUI Ethernet port

Keyboard/mouse extension
cable

Keyboard/mouse port

Keyboard and mouse cables

Keyboard/mouse extension cable

Universal strain relief strap

Monitor video cable

Monitor cables

Rear of the monitor and an
appropriate outlet

Monitor video cable

Monitor video cable port

System unit power cord

System unit power socket

System unit power cord

Appropriate outlet

Step

Check the...

On the...

Video refresh switch to make
sure it is in the correct
position

Rear of the system unit

Alternate console switch to
make sure it is in the correct
position

Rear of the system unit

3–4 Installing the System

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 1: Attach
the Ethernet
Loopback
Connector

Attach the Ethernet loopback connector to the AUI Ethernet
port on the system unit, as shown in Figure 3–2. If you plan to
connect to an AUI Ethernet network or a ThinWire Ethernet
network using a DECXM transceiver (or a DESTA unit), you
may omit this step. After you have completed the connections
in this chapter, see Chapter 4 for information about network
connections.
Figure 3–2 Attaching the Ethernet Loopback Connector

ISDN
S3

4
1

MLO-007543

Installing the System 3–5

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 2:
Connect the
Keyboard/Mouse
Extension
Cable

Connect the keyboard/mouse extension cable to the keyboard/
mouse port on the system unit, as shown in Figure 3–3.
Figure 3–3 Connecting the Keyboard/Mouse Extension Cable

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-007542

3–6 Installing the System

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 3:
Connect the
Keyboard Cable
and Mouse
Cables

Connect the keyboard cable and the mouse cable to the connector
block on the keyboard/mouse extension cable , as shown in
Figure 3–4. The extension cable is provided so that the mouse
and keyboard can be located away from the system unit.

Figure 3–4 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse to the
Keyboard/Mouse Extension Cable

MLO-010362

The Plastic
Mylar Tab

To keep the keyboard/mouse extension cable in one location, you
can place the plastic Mylar tab
on the connector block of the
keyboard/mouse extension cable under the base of your monitor.

Installing the System 3–7

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 4: Attach
the Universal
Strain Relief
Strap

Attaching the universal strain relief strap to your monitor
video cable can prevent the weight of the cable’s junction block
from pulling the cables out of the connectors on the back of the
monitor.
Attach the universal strain relief strap to the monitor video cable
by performing the following tasks:

and cable junction block
1. Insert the three BNC connectors
of the video cable through the center slot of the universal
strain relief strap , making sure the strap is under the
cable junction block.

2. Pull the video cable into the slotted hole at the bottom end of
the universal strain relief strap. Bring the strap flush with
the cable junction block.
3. Align the green (G) BNC connector with the two keyslots of
the closed hole at the top end of the universal strain relief
strap, and snap the BNC connector into the hole.
Figure 3–5 shows a universal strain relief strap properly
attached.

3–8 Installing the System

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Figure 3–5 Connecting the Universal Strain Relief Strap

1
R
G
B

MLO-008592

Installing the System 3–9

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 5: Monitor
Cables to
Monitor

Complete the following steps to connect the monitor cables to the
back of the monitor.

! for a color monitor.
• Step " for a monochrome or greyscale monitor.
• Step # for all monitors. Table 3–3 shows the locations of the
•

Step

connectors on the backs of various monitors. Shaded areas
indicate location of connectors.

Table 3–2 Making Monitor Connectors
Step

"
#

3–10 Installing the System

See diagram with...

Then...

Three connectors
(color monitor)

Connect all three cable connectors
to the monitor, matching the color
cables, red (R), green (G), and
blue (B), with the corresponding
connectors marked R, G, and B on
the monitor.

Five connectors
(color monitor)

Do not use the H/C and V
connectors. Connect the other
three cable connectors as
described above.

Six connectors
(Video In and
Video Out)

Use the three Video In connectors.
Connect the three cable connectors
as described above.

One connector
(monochrome
or greyscale
monitor)

Connect only the middle, green
(G) cable connector.

Monitor power
cord

Connect the monitor power cord
to the power socket on the rear of
your monitor. The power socket
may be in a different location than
the position shown here. Make
sure the On/Off switch is in the
Off (O) position, and then plug the
other end of the monitor cord into
an appropriate outlet.

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Table 3–3 Connecting the Monitor Cords

Connect the cable to a color monitor...

Like this...
R
R

G
G

R
R

G/S

H/C

MLO-010574

Connect the cable to a monochrome monitor...

Like this...

G
B

MLO-010662

Connect the monitor power cord...

Like this...

MLO-009415

Installing the System 3–11

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 6:
Connect the
Monitor Video
Cable

Connect the monitor video cable to the monitor port on the rear
of the system unit, as shown in Figure 3–6.
Figure 3–6 Connecting the Monitor Video Cable

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-007544

3–12 Installing the System

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Yellow Sticker
on Power
Socket

If there is a sticker similar to the one shown in Figure 3–7
covering the system power socket on the rear of the system unit,
your system already has either the OpenVMS AXP or the DEC
OSF/1 AXP operating system, factory-installed on an internal
fixed disk.
Figure 3–7 Factory-Installed Software Sticker
Attention:

Software is preinstalled on the hard disk. See
installation guide before booting system.

Attention:

Logiciels preinstalles sur le disque dur. Consultez le
guide d’utilisation avant de demarrer le systeme.

Achtung:

Software ist bereits auf def Festplatte installiert. Vor
dem Systemstart installationsanleitung lesen.

Attenzione: Software gia installato sul disco fisso. Consultare il
manuale di installazione prima di avviare il sistema.
Atencion:

El software esta preinstalado en el disco duro. Vease
la guia de instalacion antes de arrancar el sistema.
36-28979-01.D01
MLO-007596

When you are ready to start your system, refer to the OpenVMS
AXP Factory Installed Software (FIS) User Information to start
your OpenVMS AXP operating system, or to the DEC OSF/1
AXP Factory-Installed Software (FIS) User Information to start
your DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system. One of these documents
will be shipped with your system, depending on which operating
system you have ordered.

Installing the System 3–13

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 7:
Connect the
System Power
Cord

Connect the system power cord to the DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP unit, as shown in Figure 3–8. The system power cord is the
thicker of the two power cords shipped with your system, and is
specially keyed to fit in the system power socket.
Figure 3–8 Connecting the System Power Cord to System

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

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3–14 Installing the System

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 8: Plug
Cord Into
Power Outlet

Make sure that the power On/Off switch is in the Off (O)
position, and then plug the other end of the power cord into a
power outlet of the correct voltage.

Step 9: Check
the Video
Refresh Switch

Check to make sure the video refresh switch on the system
unit is set to the correct position, according to your monitor
documentation’s frequency refresh rate. For monitors that run
at 72 Hz, the switch should be in the up, or two-dot position, as
shown in Figure 3–9. For monitors that run at 66 Hz, the switch
should be in the down, or one-dot position.
Figure 3–9 Checking the Video Refresh Switch

3
2

ISDN

4
1

5
0

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Installing the System 3–15

Connecting the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Workstation

Step 10: Check
the Alternate
Console Switch

Check to make sure the alternate console switch on the system
unit is set to the correct position, which is to the right when you
are using a monitor, as shown in Figure 3–10.
Figure 3–10 Checking the Alternate Console Switch

3
2

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S3

4
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3–16 Installing the System

System Unit Cover Lock

Additional
System Unit
Security

Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation comes with a
cover lock on the system unit to provide additional security. The
system is shipped with a set of two keys attached to the top
cover of the system unit, as shown in Figure 3–11.
Figure 3–11 System Unit Cover Keys

SN: nnnnnn

MLO-008595

Installing the System 3–17

System Unit Cover Lock

Recording the
Serial Number
of the Keys

If there is a serial number engraved on the system unit keys,
record the number in case you lose the keys in the future. (See
Figure 3–11.)
Record the serial number of the cover lock keys here:

_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _

What to Do if
You Lose the
Keys

If you lose the keys to your sytem unit cover lock, you will
need to call your Digital service representative, as described in
Chapter 13. Make sure that you have the keys’ serial number.
If there were no serial numbers on the keys, provide this
information to your Digital service representative.

3–18 Installing the System

System Unit Cover Lock

Locking the
Cover

To lock the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP unit, insert the key and
turn it clockwise, as shown in Figure 3–12.
Figure 3–12 Locking the System Unit Cover

3
2

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S3

4
1

5
0

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Installing the System 3–19

Checking Your Installation

An Installed
Workstation

Check your system against the diagram in Figure 3–13 to make
sure that you have connected everything correctly.
Figure 3–13 A Connected Workstation

ISDN
S3

MLO-010459

3–20 Installing the System

Where to Go Next

Determine Your
Next Step

After you have completed the tasks in this chapter, refer to
Table 3–4 for information on where to go next.
Table 3–4 Where to Go Next
If you want to...

Go to...

Connect your system to a network

Chapter 4

Start up your system

Chapter 5

Installing the System 3–21

4
Connecting the System to a Network
Chapter Overview

Introduction

At some point, you may want to connect your DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system to a network at your site. There are two parts
to the task: making the hardware connections and establishing
the networking software connection.

In This Chapter

This chapter describes how to complete the hardware connections
to a network. For the networking software connection, see your
system or network administrator at your site.
This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network

•

Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network

•

Connecting to a ThinWire Network

•

Setting and Verifying the Network Connection

•

Completing the Network Connection

Connecting the System to a Network 4–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do First

Before connecting your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system to a
network, you need to:
1. Turn off your system if it is already on. See Chapter 6.
2. Determine the network type at your site.
3. Understand the network connectors on your system.
4. Obtain the correct Ethernet cables or connectors to connect to
the appropriate network port on the rear of your workstation.
5. Obtain and register your network information, if necessary.

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

For the tasks described in this chapter, only basic hardware
knowledge is desirable, as for the tasks you performed when you
installed your system.

Determining
Your Network
Type

See your network administrator to find out the network type at
your site. If there is more than one network, find out to which
one you will be connecting your system.

Network Labels

For your convenience, network labels are shipped with your
system. Use the network labels to record pertinent information
about your system, such as the network node name and/or
number. You can adhere the label to the front of your system
behind the front access door on the front of the system. (See
Figure 2–8 for the location of the front access door.)

4–2 Connecting the System to a Network

Before You Begin

Available
Networks

You can connect three different types of networking cables to
your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system:
1. AUI Ethernet
2. ThinWire Ethernet (by attaching a DECXM transceiver or a
DESTA unit to the AUI Ethernet port)
3. 10BASE-T Ethernet
4. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), when available.
See Chapter 1 for a description of the ISDN services and
availability.

Network Cables
and Adapters

Once you determine your network type, be sure that you have
the cables and connectors listed in Table 4–1 before trying to
connect your system to a network.

Table 4–1 Required Network Cables
Network

Cable

Adapter

AUI Ethernet

BNE4C-xx

–

10BASE-T Ethernet

BN24F-xx or BN26K-xx
twisted-pair cable

–

ThinWire Ethernet

BNE4C-xx or BNE4D-xx,
BC16M-xx ThinWire cable

DECXM-AA transceiver (or DESTA-BA) and
H8225 ThinWire terminator1

1 Terminator required only if DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is the last one on a ThinWire cable

Registering
Network
Information

All networks require you to register network information, such
as a node name and number. You must complete this task
before you can start using your system on the network. See your
system or network administrator for assistance.

Connecting the System to a Network 4–3

Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network

Procedure
Overview

To connect your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system to an
AUI Ethernet network, sometimes referred to as thickwire or
standard Ethernet, complete the steps in Table 4–2.
Table 4–2 Steps for Connecting an AUI Ethernet Network
Step

Action

Removing loopback connector.

Connect the AUI Ethernet cable.

Move the sliding lock.

Step 1:
Loopback
Connector

If the loopback connector is still connected to your system,
remove it now. Keep the loopback connector in a safe place. You
may need it later for testing purposes.

Step 2: AUI
Ethernet Cable

Connect the AUI Ethernet cable (BNE4C–xx) to the AUI port on
the rear of the system unit as shown in Figure 4–1. Be sure to
attach the cable securely.

4–4 Connecting the System to a Network

Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network

Figure 4–1 Connecting to an AUI Ethernet Network

3
2

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1

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0

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Step 3: Sliding
Lock

Push the sliding lock on the AUI Ethernet cable connector up,
using your finger. The sliding lock prevents the cable from
becoming disconnected.
Connect the other end of the cable to the AUI Ethernet network
transceiver or DELNI unit.

Connecting the System to a Network 4–5

Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network

Procedure
Overview

To connect your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system to a
10BASE-T network, sometimes referred to as a twisted-pair
network, complete the following tasks.
1. Connect the 10BASE-T cable to the 10BASE-T port on the
back of the system unit as shown in Figure 4–2, making sure
that the cable is attached securely.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the network connection.

4–6 Connecting the System to a Network

Connecting to a 10BASE-T Network

Figure 4–2 Connecting a 10BASE-T Network Cable

3
2

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1

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Connecting the System to a Network 4–7

Connecting to a ThinWire Network

ThinWire
Ethernet
Connection
Procedure

You can connect your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system to
a ThinWire Ethernet network by attaching an Ethernet cable
(BNE4C–xx) to the AUI Ethernet port on the system unit, and
then attaching a a DECXM transceiver (or a DESTA unit) to the
cable.
To connect your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP to a ThinWire
Ethernet network, complete the steps listed in Table 4–3.
Table 4–3 Steps for Connecting a ThinWire Ethernet Network

Step 1:
Loopback
Connector

Step

Action

Remove loopback connector.

Connect a standard Ethernet cable to the AUI port on the
system unit.

Attach the cable to a DECXM transceiver (or a DESTA
unit).

Connect ThinWire cables and T-connector to the DECXM
transceiver (or a DESTA unit).

Terminate the T-connector (if necessary).

If the Ethernet loopback connector is still connected to your
system, remove it now. Keep the loopback connector in a safe
place. You may need it for testing purposes later.

4–8 Connecting the System to a Network

Connecting to a ThinWire Network

Step 2:
Ethernet Cable

Connect an AUI Ethernet cable to the AUI port on the rear of
the system unit, shown in Figure 4–1 of this chapter.

Step 3:
DECXM
Transceiver or
a DESTA Unit

Connect the other end of the AUI Ethernet cable to the AUI port
on the DECXM transceiver , or a DESTA unit , as shown in
Figure 4–3.

Figure 4–3 Connecting the AUI Ethernet Cable to the DECXM
Transceiver or a DESTA Unit

MLO-010365

Connecting the System to a Network 4–9

Connecting to a ThinWire Network

Step 4:
ThinWire
Cables and
T-Connector

Connect the ThinWire network cables to the T-Connector and
then the T-connector to the DECXM transceiver , or a DESTA
unit, as shown in Figure 4–4.
unit

Figure 4–4 Connecting the ThinWire Cables and T-Connector
to the DECXM Transceiver or a DESTA Unit

MLO-010368

Step 5:
Terminate
Connection

If your workstation is the last one on a ThinWire network, you
need to terminate the network connection. Do this by connecting
a terminator, rather than a ThinWire network cable, to one side
of the T-connector on the DECXM transceiver , or a DESTA
unit , as shown in Figure 4–5.

4–10 Connecting the System to a Network

Connecting to a ThinWire Network

Figure 4–5 Terminating the Ethernet Connection

MLO-010369

For information on correct settings for your DECXM or DESTA
unit, refer to Table 4–4 for documentation shipped with the
units.
Table 4–4 DECXM and DESTA Documentation
For this transceiver or
adapter...

See this document...

DECXM transceiver

DECXM–AA Transceiver Installation,
Part Number EK–DECXM–IC.

DESTA unit

Digital ThinWire Ethernet Station
Adapter (DESTA–BA) Installation Card,
Part Number EK–DEST1–IN.

Connecting the System to a Network 4–11

Setting and Verifying the Network Connection

After Cable
Connections

After completing the hardware network connections to your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, you must complete the
following tasks:
1. Set the network connection type.
2. Verify the network connection.

Two Network
Settings

There are two network settings recognized by your system–
THICK (for an AUI Ethernet or a ThinWire Ethernet network),
and TENBT (for a 10BASE-T network). The default setting is
THICK. See Table 4–5 for the network setting you should use.
Table 4–5 Network Settings
For this network...

Use this network setting...

AUI Ethernet

THICK

ThinWire Ethernet

THICK

10BASE-T Ethernet

TENBT

4–12 Connecting the System to a Network

Setting and Verifying the Network Connection

Setting the
Network Type

You set the network type from console mode. To set the network
type, complete the following steps:
1. Start your system as Chapter 5 describes.
2. If your system does not stop at the console prompt after
the startup tests, press the halt button on the front of
your system unit to display the console prompt (>>>). See
Figure 2–8 for the location of the halt button.
3. Enter the following command and press the Return key:
>>> set ethernet network_type
ETHERNET = network_type

Return

The variable network_type is either THICK or TENBT,
depending on which network you are using.

Verify the
Network
Connection

Once you have set the network type, you can verify the network
connections by entering the test ni command at the console
prompt as follows. The test ni command tests the Ethernet
network interface (NI).
>>>test ni

Successful
Result of
test ni

Return

If the test ni test is successful, you will see a display similar to
the following:
>>> test ni

Return

T-STS-NI - OK
>>>

Error Detected
During test ni

If the network test detects an error, you will see a display similar
to the following:
>>> test ni

Return

T-ERR-NI - Ext Lpbk test failed
?? 000 NI 0x00f2
84 FAIL
>>>

Connecting the System to a Network 4–13

Setting and Verifying the Network Connection

If there is an error message, check to make sure the cable is
connected securely to the system unit, or see Chapter 12 for
more information.

Restarting Your
Operating
System

To restart your operating system, enter the boot command at the
console prompt as follows:
>>> boot

Return

This is the default command to start your operating system from
the disk that was shipped with your system.
If you have modified the default startup procedure by changing
the environment variables (described in Chapter 9), enter the
appropriate boot command for your system.

Completing the Network Connection

Contact Your
Network
Administrator

Once you determine that your network cables are connected
securely, and your system starts up and tests without errors,
contact your network administrator to configure your DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP workstation as part of your network.
If your system displays any error messages during the startup
test, see Chapter 12 to determine the problem.

4–14 Connecting the System to a Network

5
Starting Up the System
Chapter Overview

Introduction

Once you have installed your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
workstation, and optionally connected to a network, you are
ready to start the system.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

•

Reviewing the Startup Display

•

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

•

Loading Operating System Software

•

Where to Go Next

Starting Up the System 5–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Have
Done Already

Before you start up your system, you should have already
completed the following tasks:
•

The installation tasks described in Chapter 3.

•

The network connection steps described in Chapter 4 if your
system is to be networked.

If you have not performed these tasks, do so now.

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

The tasks in this chapter require some experience with computer
tasks such as turning on the power switch, entering console
commands, and responding to questions that appear on-screen
during the factory-installed software procedures.

Factory-Installed
Software

Preconfigured systems with an internal fixed disk drive include a
factory-installed operating system.

5–2 Starting Up the System

Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

Turning on
Your System
in the Correct
Order

Whenever you turn your system on, always turn on the system
unit last.
For example, if your system has a monitor or an expansion box
connected to it, turn on the units in this order:
1. Monitor
2. Expansion box
3. System unit
By turning on your system components in the correct order, your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system will detect all connected
devices.

CAUTION:
System Unit
Cover

If you have removed the system unit cover for any reason, be
sure to replace it on the system unit and close it securely before
turning on the system. It is important that the system unit
cover and side panels be in place while the system is operating
to ensure proper cooling of the system components and devices.

Starting Up the System 5–3

Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

System Startup
Procedure

To start up the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation system,
perform the steps in Table 5–1.
Table 5–1 Steps for Starting Your System
Step

Description

Turn the monitor power switch to the On position ( | ).

Turn on the power switch to any other devices, such as
a BA350 expansion box.

Turn the On/Off switch
on the front of the system
unit to the On ( | ) position, as shown in Figure 5–1.

The power indicator light
on the front of the system unit lights
if the system has started up successfully.
If the power light does not come on, or the fan failure light
comes on, see Chapter 12.

What You
Should See on
a Workstation

When you turn on your workstation monitor and then the system
unit, you should see the graphics option diagnostic startup tests
displayed on the monitor screen. During this time the monitor
display will flash colors (if you have a color monitor), and/or
change patterns for a few seconds.

5–4 Starting Up the System

Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

Figure 5–1 Turning On the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP System

2
3

MLO-007597

Starting Up the System 5–5

Reviewing the Startup Display

Startup Display

As your system starts up, it performs a series of diagnostic tests.
A display similar to the one in Figure 5–2 appears on the screen
before the console prompt appears. The console prompt is three
greater-than symbols (>>>).
Figure 5–2 Startup Display
DEC 3000 - M500
Digital Equipment Corporation
System conducting power up tests.
---------------------------------------------------Devnam
Devstat
----------------CPU
OK KN15-CA - V2.x-S080-IO60 - DECchip 21064 P3.0
ASIC
OK
MEM
OK 128MB
NVR
OK
CXT
OK
SCC
OK ptr(0) = Present keybd(2) = Present
NI
OK Ethernet Address: 08-00-2B-1D-1E-EF , THICK
SCSI
OK
ISDN
OK
TC0
OK
---------------------------------------------------System power up OK.
Enter B to boot software from DKA300
>>>

Understanding
the Startup
Display

The startup display provides the status of hardware components
in your system. The two columns provide the following
information:
•

Devnam indicates the device (or component) name

•

Devstat lists the device status following the initial hardware
startup tests.

5–6 Starting Up the System

Reviewing the Startup Display

Table 5–2 describes the startup display in more detail.
Table 5–2 Startup Display Information

Startup Errors

Item

Description

CPU

Lists the revision level of the system board, the firmware
revision numbers and the type of processor.

ASIC

Status of the two application-specific integrated circuits
(ASICs), one on the system board and one on the I/O board.

MEM

Total amount of memory and its status.

NVR

Status of non-volatile RAM and time of year (TOY) component.

CXT

Status of the integral two-dimensional graphics.

SCC

Status of the Serial Communication Controller, which includes
the keyboard and mouse tests.

Status of the Ethernet network interface(NI).

SCSI

Status of SCSI bus.

ISDN

Status of ISDN/Audio chip.

TC0

Status of TURBOchannel device(s). There are five
TURBOchannel slots available, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. This example
indicates one TURBOchannel device installed in slot 0.

If you see any error messages on the startup display screen, see
Chapter 12 for more information.

Starting Up the System 5–7

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

Factory-Installed
Software
Procedure

If your system has factory-installed software (a yellow sticker
was covering the power connector), the factory-installed software
startup procedure will run the first time you start your system.

Factory-Installed
Software
Documentation

For more information about using the factory-installed software
on your system, refer to the documents listed in Table 5–3.
Depending on the operating system ordered with your system,
one of these documents is included with your shipment.
Table 5–3 Factory-Installed Software Documentation
For information
on...

Refer to the...

OpenVMS AXP
operating system

OpenVMS AXP Factory Installed Software
(FIS) User Information shipped with your
system.

DEC OSF/1 AXP
operating system

DEC OSF/1 AXP Factory-Installed Software
(FIS) User Information shipped with your
system.

5–8 Starting Up the System

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

OpenVMS AXP
Initial Startup
Screen

If your system has the OpenVMS AXP operating system factoryinstalled, you will see a display similar to the one shown in
Figure 5–3 when you first turn on your system and after the
system startup messages are completed.
Figure 5–3 OpenVMS AXP Initial Startup Display
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
OpenVMS Operating System
|
|
|
|
Factory Installed Software Procedure
|
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Welcome to the OpenVMS Factory Installed Software (FIS) procedure.
Please wait while the FIS procedure initializes the system. This will
take between one and five minutes, depending on the type of computer.
System initialization continuing, please wait...
System initialization continuing, please wait...
System initialization continuing, please wait...

OpenVMS AXP
Startup Dialog

The OpenVMS AXP Factory Installed Software (FIS) procedure
that runs when you first start your system prompts you to
answer some questions, and then restarts your system. To get
help on any question, press ? and press the Return key at any
of the prompts. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete
the dialog.

After the OpenVMS AXP Factory Installed Software (FIS)
procedure is complete, you can log in to your system by entering
the necessary information at the DECwindows Motif Start
Session screen, shown in Figure 5–4.

Starting Up the System 5–9

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

Figure 5–4 OpenVMS AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session
Screen

Start Session
Username
Password

Clear

C Digital Equipment Corporation. 1988, 1991

ZK−3620A−GE

Screen Prompt:

Your Input:

Username:

Type SYSTEM, and press Return to get to the
next prompt.

Password:

Enter the password you entered during the FIS
procedure, and press Return to continue.

5–10 Starting Up the System

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

DEC OSF/1
AXP Initial
Startup Screen

If your system has the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system
factory-installed, you will see a display similar to the one shown
in Figure 5–5 when you first turn on your system and after the
system startup messages are completed.
Figure 5–5 DEC OSF/1 AXP Initial Startup Display
***********************************************************
* Welcome to the DEC OSF/1 AXP(tm) Factory-Installed
*
* Software Startup Procedure.
*
***********************************************************
During this startup procedure, you will be prompted to enter
the following information:
o a system name
o a new superuser password
o your local time zone
o the date and time
To discontinue this procedure and halt your system,
enter n at the following prompt.
Would you like to continue? (y/n):

DEC OSF/1
AXP Startup
Dialog

The DEC OSF/1 AXP Factory-Installed Software procedure that
runs when you start your system prompts you to answer some
questions and gives you instructions for completing installation
of your DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system.

Starting Up the System 5–11

Starting a System with Factory-Installed Software

After the DEC OSF/1 AXP FIS procedure completes, you can log
in to your system by entering the necessary information at the
DECwindows Motif Start Session screen, show in Figure 5–6.
Figure 5–6 DEC OSF/1 AXP DECwindows Motif Start Session
Screen

DEC OSF/1:

my.system

Password:

Abort

Digital Equipment Corporation. 1988, 1992
All Rights Reserved.

ZK−0766U−R

Screen Prompt:

Your Input:

Type root, and press Return to get to the next
prompt.

Password:

Enter the password you entered during the FIS
procedure, and press Return to continue.

5–12 Starting Up the System

Loading Operating System Software

No
Factory-Installed
Software

If your system was not preconfigured with an internal fixed disk
drive, you do not have factory-installed software on your system.
To install the operating system, you must start your system
and load your operating system software from a compact disc.
Instructions for handling and using compact discs are included
with the operating system software.

Loading the
Operating
System

Loading your operating system software from a compact
disc requires specific operating system instructions. These
instructions are available in the documents listed in Table 5–4.
These documents are included with your operating system
software shipment.
Table 5–4 Start the Operating System

Note:
OpenVMS AXP
Conversational
Boot

For this operating system...

Refer to...

OpenVMS AXP

OpenVMS Alpha Version 1.0
Upgrade and Installation
Manual

DEC OSF/1 AXP

Guide to Installing DEC/OSF1
Alpha

If your system hangs or fails to boot completely, you may need
to perform a conversational boot, also known as a minimum
boot. Information on this procedure is described in detail in the
document listed in Table 5–4.

Starting Up the System 5–13

Where to Go Next

After Your
System Starts

Once your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system has started, use
Table 5–5 to determine what to read next.
Table 5–5 Where to Go Next
If you want to...

Go to...

Start using your system

Your operating system
or application software
documentation for more
information.

Connect your system to a
network

Chapter 4

Change the default startup
procedure for your system

Chapter 9

5–14 Starting Up the System

6
Turning Off the System
Chapter Overview

Introduction

This chapter describes the steps you should take to turn off your
system.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Task Overview

•

Shutting Down the System

•

Halting the System

Turning Off the System 6–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do First

Before turning off your system, determine the current status of
your system, as Table 6–1 describes.
Table 6–1 Current System Status

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

If your system is...

Then you should...

Networked, or part of a
cluster

See your system manager before
shutting down your system.

Not networked, but running
the operating system

See Step 1: Shut Down
Operating System.

At the console prompt (>>>)

See Step 2: Turn Off the
Hardware.

Shutting down your system may require knowledge of file backup
and operating system shutdown procedures.
The following privileges may also be required:
•

For the OpenVMS AXP operating system, the shutdown
procedure usually requires certain software privileges

•

For the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system, you may require
superuser privileges to shutdown the system

If you do not have the required system privileges, ask your
system manager for assistance in this task.

6–2 Turning Off the System

Task Overview

System
Shutdown
Steps

Table 6–2 gives an overview of the steps involved in shutting
down your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system.
Table 6–2 Steps to Shutting Down Your System
Step

Action

Shut down the operating system (if it is running).

Turn off the hardware.

Shutting Down the System

Step 1:
Shut Down
Operating
System

If your system is connected to a network or is part of a cluster,
be sure to contact your system manager for further instructions
before shutting down the operating system on your system.
Refer to the documentation in Table 6–3 for information about
the operating system shutdown procedure:
Table 6–3 Operating System Shutdown Procedure
For...

Refer to...

OpenVMS AXP

OpenVMS Alpha Version 1.0 Upgrade
and Installation Manual or the OpenVMS
System Manager’s Manual

DEC OSF/1 AXP

System Management, Vol 2, Guide to System
Shutdown and Startup.

Turning Off the System 6–3

Shutting Down the System

Step 2:
Turn Off the
Hardware

After shutting down the operating system software, you can turn
off the hardware by completing the following steps.
1. Turn off (O) the system unit by pressing the On/Off switch,
Figure 6–1.
2. Turn off (O) all expansion boxes.
3. Turn off (O) all peripheral devices (such as printers and
modems).
4. Turn off (O) the monitor.
Figure 6–1 Turning Off the System Unit

MLO-007571

6–4 Turning Off the System

Halting the System

i
When to Halt
the System

While turning off the hardware usually requires that you first
run the operating system shutdown procedures, it may be
necessary to halt your system for other reasons. Halting the
system returns control from program mode (operating system) to
the console mode, and displays the console prompt (>>>).
Table 6–4 describes when to halt the system.
Table 6–4 Halting the Operating Systems
For this
operating
system...

Halt the system if you...

DEC OSF/1
AXP

Cannot run the operating system shutdown procedures
and need to reboot the system. Do not halt the system
while the operating system is actively running, since
you may lose data or damage the system disk.

OpenVMS
AXP

Cannot run the operating system shutdown procedures
and need to reboot the system
Want to return to console mode to issue the console
commands listed later in this chapter.

Table 6–2 lists the documentation describing operating system
shutdown procedures.

Turning Off the System 6–5

Halting the System

Pressing the
Halt Button

To halt the system, locate the halt button on the front of the
system unit, press it once and release it, as shown in Figure 6–2.

Figure 6–2 Pressing the Halt Button

Line
In

MLO-007497

6–6 Turning Off the System

Halting the System

System Halt
Display

When you press the halt button, you may see a system halt
message similar to the one shown in Figure 6–3.
Figure 6–3 System Halt Message
>>>
?02 EXT HLT
PC= 00000000.20000000 PSL= 00000000.00001F00
This message indicates that the halt button has been pressed. It
does not signify an error. Note that a halt message is not always
displayed.
If you have halted your system to access console commands, you
can continue now.

Screen Display
When You Halt
a Workstation

If you press the halt button on a workstation system running
DECwindows Motif with the OpenVMS AXP operating system,
the console prompt appears in the top left-hand corner of the
screen. Approximately four lines of console information are
displayed at a time. The remainder of the screen continues to
display the DECwindows Motif session.

Console
Commands You
Can Issue

You can use only the following commands when your system is
halted while running the OpenVMS AXP operating system:
•

continue, to exit from console mode and return to the
operating system

•

help

•

help advanced

•

help mips_emulator

•

help set

•

help show

•

printenv

•

set

•

show

Using other console commands may affect memory contents
and thus prevent the system from being able to return to the
operating system.
Turning Off the System 6–7

Halting the System

Returning to
Program Mode

To return to program mode of your operating system, enter the
continue command as follows:
>>>continue

Return

Press the Ctrl and F2 keys to remove the console display area
from the top of your screen and return to a full DECwindows
Motif display.

6–8 Turning Off the System

7
Maintaining the System
Chapter Overview

Introduction

While your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is designed to
function in a range of environmental conditions, it is an electrical
device that should be treated with care and maintained properly.
Correct use and maintenance of your system unit, monitor,
keyboard, and mouse not only ensures that the system functions
properly, but also helps avoid more serious problems that could
cause permanent damage.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the correct use and maintenance of your
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, but does not cover the
maintenance that your Digital service representative can
perform. The following topics are included:
•

Before You Begin

•

Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard

•

Cleaning the Monitor

•

Cleaning the Mouse

•

Removing the Front Access Door

Maintaining the System 7–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do
First

Before performing any maintenance tasks, take these steps:
1. Complete the tasks outlined in Chapter 6 to turn off your
system.
2. Prepare any cleaning materials you may need.
You can then complete your system maintenance tasks.

Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard

Caring for the
System Unit

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system unit requires adequate
ventilation. Ideally, the system unit should be positioned in as
dust-free an environment as possible. Also, never position the
system unit in direct sunlight where it may become too hot.
Clean your system regularly by wiping dust and particles from
the system unit and the keyboard with a soft cloth.

CAUTION: Food
and Liquid

Do not place food or liquid on or near your DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system.

7–2 Maintaining the System

Maintaining the System Unit and Keyboard

Liquid on the
System Unit

If you inadvertently spill liquid on the system unit and it goes
inside, turn off the system as soon as possible and contact your
Digital service representative as indicated in Chapter 12.

Accidental
Spills on the
Keyboard

While care should be taken not to spill food or liquid on the
system unit or the keyboard, follow these steps if you spill water
on the keyboard:
1. Unplug the keyboard from the system unit.
2. Wipe up the excess water immediately.
3. Turn your keyboard over to drain any remaining water.
4. Leave the keyboard to dry on its own for several hours before
connecting it to your system again.
If the keyboard does not work correctly when you reconnect
it, contact your Digital service representative, as described in
Chapter 12.
If you spill something like a carbonated drink, tea, or coffee on
the keyboard, disconnect the keyboard from the system unit and
call your Digital service representative immediately.

Maintaining the System 7–3

Cleaning the Monitor

Cleaning
Procedure

To clean the monitor screen, follow these steps:
Step

Action

Result or Comment

Turn the monitor power
switch to the off position (O).

The monitor is powered
off.

Using any reputable
household glass cleaner,
spray the cleaner onto a soft
cloth and wipe the screen.

Do not spray the cleaner
directly onto the monitor
screen.

Remove dust and particles
from the monitor casing with
a soft, dry cloth.

Cleaning the Mouse

When to Clean
the Mouse

Clean the outside of the mouse with a soft damp cloth whenever
necessary.

7–4 Maintaining the System

Cleaning the Mouse

When to Clean
the Rubber Ball

If the arrow or pointer on your screen does not move freely as
you direct it with the mouse, you may need to clean the rubber
ball inside the mouse as Table 7–1 describes.
Table 7–1 Steps for Cleaning the Mouse
Step

Description

Turn the mouse upside down and remove the cover plate
shown in Figure 7–1.

! as

Figure 7–1 Removing/Replacing the Mouse Cover Plate

MLO-010355

Remove the rubber ball and clean it with lukewarm water. If
necessary, use a mild soap. Do not use any kind of organic
solvents to clean the rubber ball as they can damage the
coating. Dry the rubber ball with a soft cloth.

Return the rubber ball to the mouse unit and replace the cover
plate
making sure that it is locked into position so that the
rubber ball cannot fall out.

Maintaining the System 7–5

Removing the Front Access Door

Procedure to
Remove Front
Access Door

If you wish to remove the front access door to have improved
access to the audio ports, halt switch and indicator lights, follow
the steps listed in Table 7–2 and see Figure 7–2.
Table 7–2 Steps to Remove the Front Access Door
Step

Procedure

Place thumbs in center of front access door

Place index fingers on either end of door

Gently apply pressure to middle of door with thumbs

As door is bent inward, slide door free of hinge

7–6 Maintaining the System

Removing the Front Access Door

Figure 7–2 Removing the Front Access Door

MLO-010461

Maintaining the System 7–7

Part II
Advanced Operations
Part II describes how to perform advanced operations with the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system. This part includes the
following chapters:
Chapter Title

Using Console Commands

Changing Environment Variables

Using the Password Security Feature

Using an Alternate Console

8
Using Console Commands
Chapter Overview

Introduction

This chapter explains how to use the DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP system in console mode and describes some of the available
console commands.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Modes of System Operation

•

Console Mode User Interface

•

Console Commands

•

The boot Command

•

The continue Command

•

The halt Command

•

The help Command

•

The help advanced Command

•

The set or setenv Command

•

The show or printenv Command

•

The test Command

Using Console Commands 8–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do First

Before using any console commands, you should complete these
tasks:
•

Put your system in console mode. If your system is not
displaying the >>> prompt, refer to Chapter 6 to shut down
your operating system and/or halt your system.

•

Read this entire chapter before continuing.

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

Using console commands requires at least an intermediate,
and sometimes advanced, knowledge of your system and its
components, and the effect that console commands can have on
your system.

CAUTION:
Control of
System Devices

Console commands control system devices and memory. Do not
use console commands without fully understanding the effect
that they can have on your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system.
For instance, some advanced-level commands, such as deposit
and set let you manipulate nonvolatile and system memory.
Using the deposit command to place a value in a location of
memory containing the actual console firmware could either hang
the system or prevent it from restarting after it was powered off.
If you are not sure about using console commands, ask your
system manager for help.

Advanced
Console
Command
Information

This document does not describe all console commands, especially
those commands requiring extensive technical knowledge. For
a complete description of all console commands and how to use
them, see the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Service Documentation
Kit.

8–2 Using Console Commands

Modes of System Operation

Two Modes of
Operation

Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP can run in either of two modes:
1. Console mode
2. Program mode

Console Mode:
Definition

In console mode, the system operates under the control of the
console subsystem, rather than the operating system. All user
input is passed directly to the console.
Console mode is in effect when the system is turned on and the
operating system software has not been started, or has been
interrupted, by pressing the halt button, for example.

Program Mode:
Definition

In program mode, the system and console are under control of
the operating system. All user input is passed to the operating
system. You cannot issue console commands without returning
to console mode.
Program mode is in effect when the system is turned on and
the operating system software has started. In program mode,
the user can manage the system, run software applications, and
perform network tasks.

When Console
Mode is Used

By definition, you will interact directly with the console
subsystem under the following circumstances:
•

Before booting the operating system software

•

While setting environment variables (see Chapter 9 )

•

When using the Firmware Update Utility (see the DEC
3000 and DEC 4000 AXP Firmware Release Notes for more
information)

•

When trying to identify and resolve system problems or
errors (see Chapter 12 )

Using Console Commands 8–3

Console Mode User Interface

Console
Interface
Components

Console
Prompt

The console mode user interface is made up of the following
elements:
•

Console prompt

•

Special keys and control characters

•

Console commands

The console mode prompt looks like this:
>>>
You can enter control characters and console commands at the
console prompt.

Console
Mode Keys
and Control
Characters

Control characters are entered by holding down the key labeled
Ctrl while pressing another key, for example, Ctrl/C .
Table 8–1 lists the keys and control characters that you can use
while operating in console mode.

8–4 Using Console Commands

Console Mode User Interface

Table 8–1 Supported Keys and Control Characters
Key or Control
Character

Function

Return

The Return key executes the command that you enter
at the console prompt.

The delete key deletes one character to the left of the
current command line position. On video terminals,
deleted characters will be erased from the screen.
On hardcopy terminals, deleted characters display
within a pair of backslash delimiters (\ \ ) as they are
deleted.

Ctrl/C

This character aborts the current command. This
command has no effect once control has been passed
from console mode to another program, such as the
operating system or a loadable diagnostic application.
This command appears as ^C on the screen.

Ctrl/O

This character suppresses output to the console
terminal until the Ctrl/O control character is pressed
again.
This command appears as ^O on the screen.

Ctrl/S

This character suspends output to the console terminal
until you press Ctrl/Q .

Ctrl/Q

This character resumes the display that was
previously suspended by pressing Ctrl/S .

Using Console Commands 8–5

Console Commands

Levels of
Commands

Advanced
Console
Commands List

Console commands can be divided into two groups:
•

Advanced

•

Basic

It should rarely be necessary for you to use the advanced
console commands. Table 8–2 provides a brief explanation of the
advanced commands and tells where to find information about
using them.

Table 8–2 Advanced Console Commands
Command

Function

See

deposit

Writes to specific memory, I/O, and
register locations from the console

The help advanced
Command

examine

Displays contents of specific memory,
I/O, and register locations from the
console

The help advanced
Command

initialize

Initializes the console, a device, or a
specified processor

The help advanced
Command

Accesses the system when the password
security feature is in use

Chapter 10

repeat

Executes diagnostic tests repeatedly

The help advanced
Command

start

Starts program execution at a given
address

The help advanced
Command

The remainder of this chapter describes the basic console
commands.

8–6 Using Console Commands

Console Commands

Basic Console
Commands List

All of the basic commands are described in this document.
Table 8–3 lists the basic commands and where you can find
information about using them.

Table 8–3 Basic Console Commands
Command

Function

See

boot

Starts the operating system or other
loadable software

The boot Command

continue

Returns from console mode to operating
system level

The continue Command

halt
help
help advanced

Halts the system

The halt Command

Displays help for console commands

The help Command

Displays help about comprehensive help
commands

The help advanced
Command

help mips_emulator

Displays help for various
TURBOchannel device tests

The help Command

help set

Displays information about the set or
setenv command

The help Command

help show

Displays information about the show or
printenv command

The help Command

printenv

Shows environment variables

The show or printenv
Command , Chapter 9,
and Chapter 13

set

Sets an environment variable

The set or setenv Command
and Chapter 9

setenv

Sets an environment variable

The set or setenv Command
and Chapter 9

show

Shows environment variables

The show or printenv
Command , Chapter 9,
and Chapter 13

test

Executes diagnostic tests

The test Command and
Chapter 13

Using Console Commands 8–7

The boot Command

Description

The boot command initializes the system and starts the boot
program, which loads and starts the operating system software.

Command
Syntax

Issue the boot command using the following syntax:

Command
Description

The boot command and its parameters are described in
Table 8–4.

>>> boot <-flags> <-filename> boot_device

Return

Table 8–4 Boot Command Parameters/Qualifiers
Parameter

Specified as

Description

-flags

-fl <value>
-fi <filename>

ASCII string of up to 23 characters.

Device name,
such as DKA200

A device from which the system
attempts to boot.

-filename

boot_device

Default Boot
Flags

A filename of up to 23 characters,
used when booting across a network
device to specify the name of a file to
load into the system.

If you do not use the -fl and -fi parameters with the boot
command, the system uses the default boot flag values (0, 0).
Information about using boot flags is provided in your operating
system documentation:
For the...

Refer to the...

OpenVMS AXP operating
system

OpenVMS Alpha Version 1.0
Upgrade and Installation
Manual

DEC OSF/1 AXP operating
system

Guide to Installing DEC/OSF1
Alpha

8–8 Using Console Commands

The boot Command

Overriding the
Default Boot
Flag Value

You can override any current default settings by specifying a
parameter with the boot command, for example:
>>> boot -fi "myboot.com"

Return

The parameter you specify overrides any current default settings,
but does not change the default values stored as environment
variables. See Chapter 9 for information about changing
environment variables.

Boot Device
Naming
Conventions

You can specify the boot device name in two ways, using either
an OpenVMS- or a DEC OSF/1-style device name. Table 8–5
provides a list of the device naming conventions, which can be
used for the boot command in either operating system. The
command syntax is described in the example boot commands
that follow Table 8–5.
Table 8–5 Device Naming Conventions
OpenVMS AXP

DEC OSF/1 AXP

Device Type

Fixed or removable disk

Tape

Ethernet, MOP protocol

N/A

Ethernet, BOOTP
protocol

For operating system-specific information about how to use the
boot command, see your operating system documentation. Refer
to Table 5–4 for more information.

Using Console Commands 8–9

The boot Command

Example:
OpenVMS AXP
boot Command

The following example indicates the command to boot the
OpenVMS AXP operating system without any flags from a fixed
disk drive:
>>> boot dka100

Return

The device name elements in this boot command are defined as
follows:

Example: DEC
OSF/1 AXP
boot Command

•

dk–the device type, in this instance an internal fixed disk
drive

•

a–the SCSI device controller (could be a or b)

•

100–the SCSI ID number

The following example indicates the command to boot the DEC
OSF/1 AXP operating system without any flags from an internal
fixed disk drive:
>>> boot rz1a

Return

The device name elements of the OSF/1-style boot command are
defined as follows:
•

rz–the device type, in this instance an internal fixed disk
drive

•

1–the SCSI ID number (unlike the OpenVMS-style command,
only the single digit number is used, such as 1 rather than
100)

•

a–the SCSI device controller (could be a or b )

8–10 Using Console Commands

The continue Command

Description

The continue command returns the system to operating system
level after console mode has been invoked.

DEC OSF/1
AXP Operating
System

This command is not applicable for systems running the DEC
OSF/1 AXP operating system. You can halt the system, enter
console commands, and then return to program mode using the
continue command only on systems running the OpenVMS AXP
operating system.

Command
Syntax

Issue the continue command as follows:
>>> continue

Return

Your operating system should resume execution after you enter
this command, providing that the contents of memory used
by the operating system have not been altered or corrupted.
Commands that can corrupt or alter system memory include the
test, init, and deposit commands.

The halt Command

Description

The halt command halts the system. There are no parameters
associated with this command.

Using Console Commands 8–11

The halt Command

Command
Syntax

Issue the halt command as follows:
>>> halt

Return

The system halts and the following message displays:
?2E HLTD
>>>

The help Command

Description

Command
Syntax

The help command displays a brief list of console commands,
parameters, and qualifiers. You can specify one of the following
topics with the help command, to display specific information:
•

help mips_emulator

•

help set

•

help show

Issue the help command as follows:
>>> help

Return

Your system displays a list of topics similar to the following:
BOOT
HELP ADVANCED
INITIALIZE
SET[ENV] <envar> <value>
SHOW | PRINTENV [<envar>]
TEST
>>>

8–12 Using Console Commands

The help Command

Command
Example

The following command indicates how to obtain help on the show
command:
>>> help show

Return

The system responds with the following display:
PRINTENV |
SHOW { AUTO_ACTION
BOOT_RESET
DIAG_LOE
ENABLE_AUDIT
LANGUAGE
RADIX
SCSI_RESET
TRIGGER }

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

BOOTDEF_DEV
CONFIG
DIAG_QUICK
ETHERNET
MEMORY
SCSI_A
SECURE

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

BOOT_OSFLAGS
DEVICE
DIAG_SECTION
ERROR
MOP
SCSI_B
SERVER

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

>>>

The help advanced Command

Description

The help advanced command displays a list of all help topics
available, including advanced console commands, parameters,
and qualifiers.

Command
Syntax

Issue the help advanced command as follows:
>>> help advanced

Return

Using Console Commands 8–13

The help advanced Command

Command
Example

When you issue the help advanced command, your system
displays a list of topics similar to the following:
BOOT [- FL <bflg> ] [-FI <filnam> ] <devlist>
CONTINUE
DEPOSIT [{-B | -W | -L | -Q | -A }][{-PM | -VM }][-G][-U][-N:<n>]
[{<addr> | <sym>| + | - | * | @ } [<datum>]]
EXAMINE [{-B | -W | -L | -Q | -A }][{ -PM | -VM }][-G][-U][-N:<n>]
[{<addr> | <sym>| + | - | * | @ }]
HALT
HELP [MIPS_EMULATOR | SET | SHOW]
INITIALIZE
LOGIN
REPEAT <cmd>
SET[ENV] <envar> <value>
SHOW | PRINTENV <envar>
START <addr>
TEST <devnam> [<tstnam>]

The set or setenv Command

Description

The set or setenv command lets you set an environment
variable.

Command
Syntax

Issue the set or setenv command as follows:
>>> setenv environment_variable

Return

The environment_variable parameter can be any of the
environment variables listed in Table 9–1. Setting the password
environment variable is described in Chapter 10.

Command
Example

See Chapter 9 to see how to use the set command to change
environment variables.

8–14 Using Console Commands

The show or printenv Command

Description

The show or printenv command provides information about the
current setting for one or all environment variables. Entering
the show or printenv without a parameter displays a list of all
current environment variable settings.

Command
Syntax

Issue the show or printenv command as follows:
>>> show variable_name

Return

In the command above, variable_name can be any of the
environment variables described in Chapter 9.

Command
Example

To show the current setting for the auto_action environment
variable, enter the following command:
>>> show auto_action

Return

The system responds with the following information:
AUTO_ACTION=HALT
>>>
Information about the show command is also provided in
Chapter 9.

Using Console Commands 8–15

The test Command

Command
Description

The test command lets you run diagnostic tests on the
components listed in Table 8–6:
Table 8–6 Diagnostic Tests
Test Name

Device Tested

ASIC

Application-specific integrated circuit

MEM

Memory

NVR

Non-volatile RAM

CXT

Integral two-dimensional graphics

SCC

Serial communications controller

Network interface (Ethernet)

SCSI

SCSI device(s)

ISDN1

79C30A AMD chip

TCn

TURBOchannel options, where n is the number of
the TURBOchannel device you wish to test

1 Running ISDN diagnostic tests also tests the audio port

Command
Syntax

Issue the test command as follows:
>>> test component

Return

where component is any of the components listed previously. If
you issue the test command without specifying a component, the
system will test all components. For more information about the
test command, see Chapter 13.

8–16 Using Console Commands

9
Changing Environment Variables
Chapter Overview

Introduction

Environment variables are firmware parameters that can be
changed to suit your specific system needs. You set environment
variables while your system is in console mode. Your system is
shipped with default values set for all available environment
variables. The environment variable settings include the
following startup information:
•

The device from which your system boots

•

The default startup action each time your system is turned
on or a halt instruction is executed by software

•

The language used in console mode

This chapter describes the available environment variables and
how to display or change the current settings.

In This Chapter

This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Available Environment Variables

•

Displaying Current Environment Variables

•

Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action)

•

Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev)

•

Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick)

•

Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language)

Changing Environment Variables 9–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do
First

What You
Should Know
Beforehand

Before changing any environment variables, you should complete
these tasks:
•

Put your system in console mode. If your system is not
displaying the >>> prompt, refer to Chapter 6 to shut down
your operating system, and/or halt your system.

•

Read Chapter 8 and the rest of this chapter before
continuing.

Changing environment variables requires an understanding
of what each of the environment variables does, and how
changing the defaults will affect your system. Do not change
any environment variable without fully understanding the effect
that the change may have on your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system.
If you are not sure about changing environment variables, ask
your system manager for help.

Available Environment Variables

Description of
Environment
Variables

Table 9–1 describes the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system
environment variables and their default values. Information
about environment variables not documented in this chapter or
in Chapter 10 can be obtained via the help advanced command,
or in the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Service Documentation
Kit.

9–2 Changing Environment Variables

Available Environment Variables

Table 9–1 Environment Variables
Variable

Description

Default

auto_action

Specifies the action the console should take any
time the system is turned on.

BOOT

bootdef_dev Sets the default boot device.
boot_osflags Sets the boot flags. This environment variable is

{null}
0, 0

usually operating system-dependent.

boot_reset

Determines whether the system should be reset
before attempting to boot.

diag_loe

Determines whether the diagnostic test loop-onerror flag is set. This is available for loadable
diagnostics only.

OFF

diag_quick

Sets the diagnostic startup mode to normal or fast
startup testing.

OFF

diag_section Sets the diagnostic operating environment. (Used

by Digital Services.)

enable_audit Sets whether console audit messages are displayed

during the boot process.

ethernet

Sets the Ethernet type for the system, either
THICK or TENBT.

THICK

language

Sets the console keyboard mapping to a supported
language.

English (3)

mop

Sets the Ethernet network listener during console
mode.

password

Sets the password to enable the password security
feature.

No password

radix
scsi_a
scsi_b
scsi_reset

Sets the default input radix to a specified value.

0 (Hexadecimal)

Sets the host ID number for the SCSI_A port.

Sets the host ID number for the SCSI_B port.

Sets the time to wait to reset the SCSI device before
booting.

secure
server

Sets the password security feature.

OFF

Sets the system to server status, thus determining
which startup tests are performed.

ON for DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP server

trigger

Sets the remote trigger to On or Off.

OFF

Changing Environment Variables 9–3

Displaying Current Environment Variables

Using the show
Command

You can use the show command to display one or all of the
environment variables in Table 9–1.

Displaying
Current
Environment
Variable Values

To display a list of the current values for all environment
variables, enter the show command as follows and press the
Return key.
>>> show

Return

AUTO_ACTION = BOOT
BOOTDEF_DEV = {null}
BOOT_OSFLAGS = 0,0
ENABLE_AUDIT = ON
BOOT_RESET = ON
SCSI_RESET = 4
DIAG_LOE = OFF
DIAG_QUICK = OFF
DIAG_SECTION = 1
ETHERNET = 08-00-2B-10-07-29, THICK
LANGUAGE = 3
MOP = ON
SECURE = OFF
RADIX = 0
SCSI_A = 7
SCSI_B = 7
SERVER = OFF
TRIGGER = OFF
You can change any of the environment variables with the set or
setenv command.

9–4 Changing Environment Variables

Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action)

Description

The auto_action environment variable determines the default
startup action–the action the console takes any time the system
is halted by software (not by pressing the halt button) or turned
on.

Available
Settings for
auto_action

Table 9–2 lists the three different startup actions you can specify
for the auto_action environment variable and the command
parameters to use for each. Note that the parameter can be
either a word, such as boot, or a corresponding number, such as
2.
Table 9–2 Parameters for Setting Startup Action
Startup Action

Parameter

Restart. Boot automatically when
system is turned on or following a
software halt instruction.

restart or 1

Boot. Boot automatically only when
system is turned on.

boot or 2

Halt. Halt at the console prompt
(>>>) when system is turned on or
following a software halt instruction.

halt or 3

Changing Environment Variables 9–5

Changing the Default Startup Action (auto_action)

Default Setting

The default setting for the auto_action environment variable
depends on whether your system is preconfigured at the factory
with factory-installed software. All preconfigured systems are
set to BOOT, all other systems are set to HALT.

Command
Syntax

To set the auto_action environment variable, enter the following
command:
>>> set auto_action parameter
Return

Enter the parameter of your choice from Table 9–2 to set the
default startup action.

Command
Example

This command sets the default startup action to halt at the
console prompt each time your system is turned on. The system
responds with a confirmation of the action you have chosen.
>>> set auto_action 3
AUTO_ACTION = HALT
>>>

9–6 Changing Environment Variables

Return

Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev)

Description

The bootdef_dev environment variable determines the default
boot device, or devices, from which the system attempts to boot.
The system boots from the default boot device each time it is
turned on (if auto_action is set to boot or restart), or each time
the user enters the boot command.

Available
Settings

You can set the bootdef_dev environment variable to any
appropriate device or devices on your system.

Boot Device
Naming
Conventions

You can specify the boot device name in two ways, using either
an OpenVMS- or a DEC OSF/1-style device name. Table 9–3
provides a list of the device naming conventions, which can be
used for the boot command in either operating system. For a
description of the boot device name elements, see Chapter 8.
Table 9–3 Device Naming Conventions

Default Setting

Device Naming Conventions
OpenVMS AXP
DEC OSF/1 AXP

Device Type

Fixed or removable disk

Tape

Ethernet, MOP protocol

N/A

Ethernet, BOOTP
protocol

The default setting for the bootdef_dev environment variable is
set at the factory to boot from the internal fixed disk drive that
has been loaded with factory-installed software.

Changing Environment Variables 9–7

Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev)

Command
Syntax

To set the bootdef_dev environment variable, enter the following
command:
>>> set bootdef_dev device

Return

Enter the device from which you want your system to boot. If
you do not know which devices your system contains, enter the
show device command as the next section explains.

Listing
Available
Devices

To see a list of devices installed in your system, issue the show
device command at the console prompt and press the Return
key. The system responds with a display similar to the one
shown in Figure 9–1.
Figure 9–1 The show device Display
>>> show device

Return

BOOTDEV
ADDR
DEVTYPE
---------------ESA0
08-00-2B-12-00-9C
DKA0
A/0/0
DISK
DKA100
A/1/0
DISK
DKA200
A/2/0
DISK
DKA300
A/3/0
DISK
DKA400
A/4/0
RODISK
..HostID.. A/7
INITR
..HostID.. B/7
INITR

Understanding
the show
device Display

NUMBYTES
--------

RM/FX
-----

WP DEVNAM
-- ------

REV
---

1.05GB
426.25MB
426.25MB
426.25MB
.....

FX
FX
FX
FX
RM

RZ26
RZ25
RZ25
RZ25
WP RRD42

T368
0700
0700
0700
4.3d

The show device command displays several columns of
information. The sample show device display indicates that
there is one RZ26 with device name DKA0 and three RZ25
devices with device names DKA100, DKA200, and DKA300
installed in the system. For a complete description of the show
device command, see Chapter 13.

9–8 Changing Environment Variables

Changing the Default Boot Device (bootdef_dev)

Command
Example Using
a Device List

You can set the bootdef_dev environment variable so that the
systems tries to boot from a list of devices, rather than from a
single device.
To set the bootdef_dev environment variable to a list of devices,
enter a command similar to the following, substituting your
system’s boot device names:
>>> set bootdef_dev dka100,esa0

Return

In this instance, the system would first try to boot from the drive
called dka100. If that drive was unavailable, or the boot failed,
the system would then try to boot from a remote device across an
Ethernet connection (esa0).

Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick)

Description

The diag_quick environment variable determines the diagnostic
test mode. The system enters the diagnostic test mode each time
the system is powered on.

Available
Settings

You can set the diag_quick environment variable to on or off:

Default Setting

•

on to perform quick diagnostic tests of TURBOchannel
devices

•

off to perform normal diagnostic tests of TURBOchannel
devices

The default setting for the diag_quick environment variable is
off, so that normal diagnostic tests of TURBOchannel devices are
performed at each system startup.

Changing Environment Variables 9–9

Changing the Default Diagnostic Startup Mode (diag_quick)

Command
Syntax

To set the diag_quick environment variable, enter the following
command. The system responds as shown.
>>> set diag_quick on

Return

DIAG_QUICK = ON
>>>
Using the on parameter changes the default setting.

Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language)

Description

The language environment variable sets the console keyboard
layout to one of sixteen available languages. This command is
applicable only for a DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP workstation.

Available
Settings for
language

You can set the language environment variable to any of the
supported languages.

Default Setting

The default setting for the language environment variable is
English.

Command
Syntax

To set the language environment variable, enter the following
command:
>>> set language

9–10 Changing Environment Variables

Return

Changing the Default Keyboard Language (language)

Command
Example

The system displays a list of languages, each with a designated
number. To set the language environment variable to Svenska,
for example, you would enter 14 as shown in the example.
>>> set language
0)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Return

Dansk
8)
Deutsch
9)
Deutsch (Schweiz)
10)
English
11)
English (British/Irish) 12)
Espanol
13)
Francais
14)
Francais (Canadien)
15)

3 >>>14

Francais (Suisse Romande)
Italiano
Nederlands
Norsk
Portugues
Suomi
Svenska
Vlaams

Return

LANGUAGE = 14
>>>

Changing Environment Variables 9–11

10
Using the Password Security Feature
Chapter Overview

Introduction

The DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system password security
feature lets you prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing
privileged console commands system.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Can Use This Chapter

•

Before You Begin

•

Task Overview

•

Entering a Password

•

Enabling System Security

•

Forgetting the Password

•

Disabling or Changing the Password

Using the Password Security Feature 10–1

Before You Can Use This Chapter

i
Important:
Secure Console
Mode

In order to use the password security feature, your system
must be in secure console mode, with the secure system
jumper inside the system unit enabled. Your DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system is shipped from the factory with
this secure system jumper disabled. You must contact your
Digital service representative to have the jumper enabled. See
Chapter 13 for information on how to contact your Digital service
representative.

Note: No
Functionality

Please note that none of the functionality of the password
security feature will be available until your system is set to
secure console mode. Once your system has been set to secure
console mode by your Digital service representative, you can
proceed with this chapter.

10–2 Using the Password Security Feature

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Do First

What You
Should Know

Before using the password security feature, you should complete
the following tasks:
•

Put your system in console mode. If your system is not
displaying the >>> prompt, refer to Chapter 6 to halt your
system.

•

Read Chapter 8 and this chapter before continuing.

Using the password security feature requires an intermediate
knowledge of your system, and it is advised that you have some
level of software experience. Do not use the password security
feature without fully understanding the effect that the change
may have on your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system. Using
console commands incorrectly could lock you out of your system.
Make sure that you note your password once you have set it.
If you are not sure about using the password security feature,
ask your system manager for help.

When to Use
the Security
Feature

If the password security feature is not enabled, whenever a user
enters console mode, he or she can use all of the the privileged
console commands, such as halt, set, deposit, and boot. By
using the password security feature, you can restrict access to
these key console mode functions.

Privileged
Commands

Once you invoke the password security feature, certain console
commands become privileged—you can issue these commands
only if you use the password when you enter the login command
at the console prompt.
In general, any commands that modify memory and registers, or
that transfer CPU control from the console monitor to another
program, such as boot or start, are considered privileged
commands.

Using the Password Security Feature 10–3

Before You Begin

List of
Privileged
Commands

Table 10–1 lists both privileged and nonprivileged console
commands.
Table 10–1 Console Command Access
Privileged Commands

Nonprivileged Commands

boot (with parameters)
deposit

boot (with no parameters)
login (to allow password entry
to the privileged state)

examine

continue (if you inadvertently
push the halt button, this
command lets you continue
operations in a nonprivileged
mode)

halt
initialize

help
! (to enter comment text that
the system does not act upon)

repeat
set
show
start
test

Continuing
Privileged
Access

–
–
–
–
–

Access to privileged console commands continues until you leave
the console mode by using the boot, continue, halt, or start
commands. You can then enter the privileged mode only by using
the 16-character password.

10–4 Using the Password Security Feature

Task Overview

Steps to
Making the
System Secure

Making your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system secure requires
software and hardware tasks. Table 10–2 describes the steps
required to secure your system.
Table 10–2 Steps to Making the System Secure
Step

Description

Enter a password

Enable security

Each of these tasks is described in this chapter.

Entering a Password

Enter a New
Password

When your system arrives from the factory, the password
security feature is not enabled and no password has been
entered in the system. The password you enter must be a
character string of exactly 16 hexadecimal characters (0 through
9, A through F). To enter a password on your system, enter the
commands shown in Table 10–3, starting at the console prompt.

Using the Password Security Feature 10–5

Entering a Password

Table 10–3 Entering a Password
Enter this command:

System responds...

>>> set password

PSWD1>

PSWD1> new_password Return

PSWD2>

PSWD2> new_password Return

>>>

As you enter the password, what you type does not display
on the screen. If the two passwords you entered match, your
password is preserved in nonvolatile memory, which means that
the system saves your password value even when the system
unit is turned off.

If You Make an
Error

If the two passwords you enter do not match, the console aborts
the password command and displays the following error message:
? 30 ILL PSWD

Note Your
Password

Be sure to make a note of your password and store it in a secure
place. If you forget your console mode password, see Forgetting
the Password later in this chapter, or call your Digital service
representative to regain access to the privileged console mode.

10–6 Using the Password Security Feature

Enabling System Security

Enable Secure
Environment
Variables

Once you have entered and confirmed your password, you must
enable the password security feature by following the steps listed
in Table 10–4.
Table 10–4 Enabling System Security
Step

Description

Check the current status of the password security feature
by entering the show secure command at the console
prompt as follows:
>>> show secure

Return

SECURE = OFF
A zero response indicates that the password security
feature is not enabled.
2

Enable the password security feature with the following
command:
>>> set secure on Return
The system responds with the following display:

SECURE = ON

Using the Password Security Feature 10–7

Forgetting the Password

Erase the
Current
Password

If you forget your password, you must complete the steps in
Table 10–5 to erase your password and regain access to your
system.
Table 10–5 Steps to Access System

Entering
the deposit
Command

Step

Description

Make sure the secure system jumper is in the disabled
position. See Chapter 13 for information on how to
contact your Digital service representative to have him
perform this task.

Enter the deposit command as explained in the next
section.

To erase the current password, enter the deposit command with
the exact parameters shown. There is no system response to this
deposit command.
>>> deposit /u/q-n:2 1E0200088 0

Return

Once your password is erased, you can enter a new password
as explained in the section Entering a Password earlier in this
chapter.

10–8 Using the Password Security Feature

Disabling or Changing the Password

Disabling the
Password

To disable the password security feature, enter the login
command and your password. Then enter the following command
at the console prompt:
>>> set secure off
The system responds with the following display:
SECURE = OFF

Changing the
Password

To change the password, enter the commands listed in
Table 10–6. Note that passwords must be exactly 16 digits
in length and use the values 0 through 9 or A through F.
Alphanumeric passwords are not accepted as console passwords.
Table 10–6 Entering a Password
Enter this command:

System responds...

>>> set password

PSWD0>

PSWD0> old_password Return

PSWD1>

PSWD1> new_password Return

PSWD2>

PSWD2> new_password Return

>>>

If the two passwords you entered match, your password is
changed.

If You Make an
Error

If the two passwords you enter do not match, the console aborts
the password command and displays the following error message:
? 34 ILL PSWD

Using the Password Security Feature 10–9

11
Using an Alternate Console
Chapter Overview

Introduction

The alternate console feature of your system lets you direct
console input and output from a monitor to another device, such
as a terminal.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Using the Alternate Console Feature

Using an Alternate Console 11–1

Before You Begin

i
What You
Should Know
Beforehand

If you do not understand the alternate console feature, read the
next section, Using the Alternate Console Feature , and then
return to Table 11–1 to determine the status of your system and
where to go next.
Table 11–1 Current System Status

Alternate
Console/Printer
Port
Information

If your system is...

Refer to...

Running the operating
system

Chapter 6 to get to the console
prompt (>>>).

At the console prompt
(>>>)

Step 1: Connect a Terminal or
Printer, in this chapter.

The alternate console/printer port is set to the parameter
settings listed in Table 11–2. These settings cannot be changed.
Table 11–2 Alternate Console/Printer Port Parameters
Parameter

Setting

Baud rate

9600

Parity

None

Stop bit

Bits per character

11–2 Using an Alternate Console

Using the Alternate Console Feature

When to Use
an Alternate
Console

Task Overview

The alternate console feature lets you direct console output to an
output device such as a terminal or a printer. Possible reasons
for using an alternate console are these:
•

You cannot display output on your monitor because it is not
working properly.

•

You want to save a hard copy of screen display output. For
example, when installing the OpenVMS AXP operating
system, you can connect a printer to the alternate console
port and direct screen output to that printer to create a
printed copy of the installation screens.

Table 11–3 describes the steps to complete to use the alternate
console feature.
Table 11–3 Using the Alternate Console
Step

Procedure

Connect a terminal or printer.

Change the alternate console switch.

Redirect output to an alternate console if you started by
displaying console output on a monitor.

The following sections describe these steps in detail.

Using an Alternate Console 11–3

Using the Alternate Console Feature

Step 1:
Connect a
Terminal or
Printer

To connect a terminal or printer as an alternate console device,
connect the terminal or printer cable to the alternate console/
printer port on the system unit as shown in Figure 11–1.
Figure 11–1 Attaching a Device to the
Alternate Console/Printer Port

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-008593

11–4 Using an Alternate Console

Using the Alternate Console Feature

Step 2: Change
the Alternate
Console Switch

The alternate console switch on the rear of the system unit
directs console output to one of two destinations: a monitor or an
alternate console device, such as a terminal or a printer.
To direct console output to a console device, the alternate console
switch should be set to the left as shown in Figure 11–2.
Figure 11–2 Changing the Alternate Console Switch

3
2

ISDN

4
1

5
0

MLO-008573

Using an Alternate Console 11–5

Using the Alternate Console Feature

Step 3:
Redirect
Console Output

If you were using a monitor to display console output before you
connected an alternate console device, you must restart your
system to redirect console output. (Restarting the system is
sometimes referred to as power cycling the system.) If you do not
restart your system, the console output will not display on the
terminal or printer you connected.

Restarting the
System

To change console output from the monitor to the alternate
console, restart your system as follows:
1. Turn off your system unit by switching the power On/Off
switch to the off (O) position. See Figure 6–1 for the location
of the power switch.
2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
3. Turn on the system unit (by switching the power On/Off
switch to the on ( | ) position).

Look for
Display

Console output should now be displayed on the alternate console
device.

11–6 Using an Alternate Console

Part III
Handling Problems
Part III describes how to handle problems with the DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system. This part includes the following
chapters:
Chapter Title

Identifying a Problem

Running Diagnostic Tests

12
Identifying a Problem
Chapter Overview

Introduction

Though your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system is a highquality, thoroughly tested product, it is also an electrical device
that may exhibit problems on occasion. If you are experiencing
problems with your system, this chapter will help you identify
and possibly fix the problem.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Task Overview

•

Determining Type of Problem

•

Startup Problems

•

Interpreting the show Command Display

•

Display Problems

•

Daily Operations Problems

•

SCSI Device Problems

•

Network Problems

•

Where to Go Next

Identifying a Problem 12–1

Before You Begin

i
Two Ways to
Solve System
Problems

There are two ways to solve problems with the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system:
1. Use the chapters in Part III of this manual to help identify
and possibly fix the problem yourself.
2. Contact your Digital service representative to diagnose and
fix the problem for you.

Methods
to Identify
Problems

Table 12–1 lists ways to identify problems, and indicates where
each method is described:
Table 12–1 How to Identify a Problem
To identify a problem this way...

Refer to...

Use the troubleshooting
tables

This chapter

Run diagnostic tests

Chapter 13

Using the troubleshooting tables in this chapter is the easiest
and most direct approach to identifying and correcting a problem
with your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system. Therefore, this is
the method with which you should begin.
The diagnostic tests described in Chapter 13 let you test specific
devices and provide information on the source of your problem.

12–2 Identifying a Problem

Task Overview

Steps to
Identifying a
Problem

Table 12–2 describes the steps required to identify and possibly
fix system problems.
Table 12–2 Steps to Resolving Problems
Step

Description

Determine type of problem.

Locate problem in troubleshooting tables.

Follow suggested actions to resolve problem.

If unable to resolve problem, see Chapter 13.

The next sections describe these steps.

Identifying a Problem 12–3

Determining Type of Problem

Types of
System
Problems

The following sections describe various problems and their
possible causes, as well as some corrective actions that you can
take.
If you cannot isolate the problem, or if the corrective actions do
not resolve the problem, see the section Reporting Problems to
Digital Services .
Table 12–3 lists the problems described in the following sections.

12–4 Identifying a Problem

Determining Type of Problem

Table 12–3 Type of Problem
This section...

Describes these problems...

Startup Problems

Power indicator light off
No startup display
Error message in startup display
Boot failure

Errors in the show Command

Error in show config Command
The show device Command
Error in show error Command
The show memory Command

Display Problems

Cursor in corner of screen
Distorted display on monitor
No display on monitor

Daily Operations Problems

Pointer missing from screen
Keyboard keys not working

SCSI Device Problems

Internal device not working
Software does not boot
Diskette device problems

Network Problems

NI error message
Unable to boot from network

Identifying a Problem 12–5

Startup Problems

Overview

There are many different causes of system startup problems.
Locate the problem you are having in the following sections.

Power Indicator
Light Off

If the power indicator light does not come on when you turn on
your system, see Table 12–4. The indicator light
is shown in
Figure 12–1.

If the fan failure lights
comes on, you will need to contact your
Digital Services representative, as described in Chapter 13.
Table 12–4 Power Indicator Light Failure
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Power cord is not connected.

Check the power cord connections at
both ends.

Wall socket is inoperative.

Try a different wall socket, or try an
electrical device that you know works
in the wall socket.

Defective power supply.

Contact your Digital service
representative.

12–6 Identifying a Problem

Startup Problems

Figure 12–1 Power Indicator Light

MLO-008922

Identifying a Problem 12–7

Startup Problems

No Startup
Display

If there is no startup display after one minute when you turn on
your system, see the possible causes in Table 12–5.
Table 12–5 Missing Startup Display
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Monitor is not plugged in.

Plug the monitor power cord into a
power outlet of the correct voltage.

Monitor is not turned on.

Turn on the monitor.

Monitor brightness and
contrast controls are too dark
to see the screen display.

Adjust the monitor brightness and
contrast controls. Verify that the
monitor power switch is on.

Monitor cable or video cable
is not connected.

Check that the monitor cable and video
cable are plugged in at both ends. (See
Chapter 3 for installation instructions.)

Monitor fuse is blown.

See the monitor guide for fuse
replacement instructions.

Wall socket may not be
operative.

Try a different wall socket, or try an
electrical device that you know works
in the wall socket.

12–8 Identifying a Problem

Startup Problems

Error in Startup
Display

After the system startup messages, you may see an error
message rather than the System power up OK message.
Figure 12–2 shows a startup display with an error message.
Figure 12–2 Startup Display with Error
DEC 3000 - M500
Digital Equipment Corporation
System conducting power up tests.
---------------------------------------------------Devnam
Devstat
----------------CPU
OK KN15-AA - V2.x-S080-IO60 - DECchip 21064 P3.0
ASIC
OK
MEM
OK 128MB
NVR
OK
CXT
OK
SCC
?? 003 0050 ptr(0) = Not Present keybd(2) = Not Present
NI
OK Ethernet Address: 08-00-2B-1D-1E-EF
SCSI
OK
ISDN
OK
TC0
OK
---------------------------------------------------System power up tests detected error(s).
See your system documentation for more information.
>>>

Whenever errors are detected, a line on the system startup
display begins with two question marks, followed by a message.

Common
Startup Errors

There are many reasons for startup errors. When you first
install your system, one of the most common causes of startup
errors is loose cable connections. Table 12–6 provides the device
components likely to have loose connections.

Identifying a Problem 12–9

Startup Problems

Table 12–6 Startup Error Codes
If ?? appears next to
this component...

This item may be loose or missing...

Ethernet loopback connector or cable

SCC

Keyboard/mouse cable to keyboard/
mouse port

SCC

Keyboard or mouse to keyboard/mouse
connector block

If an error indicator appears next to one of the Devnam items
listed above, check the appropriate cable or connector to make
sure it is connected securely. Instructions on how to complete
workstation connections are described in Chapter 3.
If the cables or connectors are not loose, or an error indicator
appears next to other items in the Devnam column, refer to
Chapter 13, which explains how to run diagnostic tests.

12–10 Identifying a Problem

Startup Problems

Boot Failure

If your system does not boot the operating system after
completing system startup tests, see Table 12–7.
Table 12–7 Startup Without Booting
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

The default startup action
environment variable is set to
halt at the console.

Change default startup action as
Chapter 9 describes.

Software is not installed.

Install the system software. Refer
to the software documentation for
installation instructions.

Incorrect boot device was
specified.

Change the default boot device
(bootdef_dev) environment variable,
explained in Chapter 9.

Boot device is not properly
configured.

Enter a show device command as
described in the next section, and check
to see that all devices are configured
properly. If not, check the SCSI
ID numbers and SCSI cables, also
described in that chapter.

The scsi_reset variable is
not properly set.

Set scsi_reset to 4 to allow the SCSI
devices enough time to recover from a
SCSI bus reset.

The boot_reset variable is
not properly set.

Set boot_reset to ON so that
firmware will initialize the kernel
hardware and any TURBOchannel
devices.

Software problem.

Check your operating system
documentation for information or call
your Digital service representative.

Identifying a Problem 12–11

Interpreting the show Command Display

Overview

Your system includes various elements: components, memory
modules, and optional devices. The show console commands test
your system and display the status of these elements. Table 12–8
lists some of the show console commands and the information
each provides:
Table 12–8 Information Provided by the show Console
Commands
This command...

Lists the status of...

show config
show device

System components

show error
show memory

Any errors detected on your system

The Ethernet interface and any optional
devices, such as SCSI internal disk
drives
All memory modules

Each of these commands is described in the following sections.

Error in show
config Display

The show config command tests and displays information about
system components and memory modules. The command also
indicates whether errors were detected during the diagnostic
test.

12–12 Identifying a Problem

Interpreting the show Command Display

show config
Error Display

Figure 12–3 shows a show config command display that includes
an error.
Figure 12–3 Configuration Display with Error
>>>show config

Return

DEC 3000 - M500
Digital Equipment Corporation
VPP PAL X4.18-82000101 - Built on 10-MAR-1992 00:00:00.00
TCINFO
------

DEVNAM
-------CPU
ASIC
MEM

DEVSTAT
--------OK KN15-AA-V1.x-SO86-IO62-DECchip 21064 P3.0
OK
OK

8
CXT

NVR
SCC
NI
ISDN

OK
? 60
OK
OK

SCSI
TC1

OK
OK

6
1-PMAGB-BA
>>>

Identifying a Problem 12–13

Interpreting the show Command Display

Elements in the
show config
Display

The show config command displays three columns of information
described in Table 12–9.
Table 12–9 The show config Display Described

Interpreting the
show config
Display

Display Heading

Description

TCINFO

TURBOchannel device information.
Information next to the TCx component
indicates which TURBOchannel option
is installed and the slot number it
occupies.

DEVNAM

Name of system component or module.

DEVSTAT

Status of system component or module.

If no errors are detected when you enter a show config
command, you will see the message OK next to each device
name. If an error is detected for one or more system components,
a question mark (?) error indicator will be displayed in the
DEVSTAT column next to the corresponding device name.
If you see an error indicator next to any device name, as shown
in Figure 12–3, note the error number and the DEVNAM on the
Handling Problems worksheet at the end of Chapter 13. If you
wish, you can test the device that shows an error in the show
config display by following the instructions in Chapter 13.

12–14 Identifying a Problem

Interpreting the show Command Display

The show
device Display

The show device command provides a list of all installed devices
on your system, including information about the type of device,
its write/read capabilities, its capacity, and the device name.
Figure 12–4 shows an example of a show device command
display.
Figure 12–4 The show device Display
>>>show device

Return

BOOTDEV
ADDR
DEVTYPE
NUMBYTES
----------------------ESA0
08-00-2B-12-00-9C , THICK
DKA0
A/0/0
DISK
1.05GB
DKA100
A/1/0
DISK
426.25MB
DKA200
A/2/0
DISK
426.25MB
DKA300
A/3/0
DISK
426.25MB
DKA400
A/4/0
RODISK
.....
..HostID.. A/6
INITR
..HostID.. B/6
INITR

RM/FX
-----

WP DEVNAM
-- ------

REV
---

FX
FX
FX
FX
RM

RZ26
RZ25
RZ25
RZ25
WP RRD42

T368
0700
0700
0700
4.3d

While the show device display does not indicate the status of
a device, it can be used for troubleshooting problems that may
occur due to duplicate SCSI device ID numbers.

Identifying a Problem 12–15

Interpreting the show Command Display

Elements in the
show device
Display

The show device command displays eight columns of information
described in Table 12–10.
Table 12–10 The show device Display Described
Display Heading

Description

BOOTDEV

The boot device name. In this example, the
boot device name of the RRD42 compact
disc drive is DKA400. Boot device names
for disk drives also indicate the SCSI bus
and ID number–DKA400 indicates that the
RRD42 disc drive is connected to the SCSI_
A bus, and that the SCSI ID number is 4.

ADDR

The internal address of the device. For SCSI
devices, indicates the SCSI bus and SCSI ID
number.

DEVTYPE

The type of device. DISK indicates a disk
drive, and RO indicates a Read-Only device,
such as an RRD42 compact disc drive.

NUMBYTES

The disk drive capacity in megabytes.

RM/FX

Type of drive–RM indicates removable, and
FX indicates fixed.

Write protection indicator–if WP appears,
the drive is write-protected.

DEVNAM

Device name. This column usually lists the
Digital product name of the drive, such as
the RZ25 disk drive.

REV

The revision number of the disk drive’s
firmware.

12–16 Identifying a Problem

Interpreting the show Command Display

Interpreting the
show device
Display

The information presented in the show device display should
correspond to the devices that are installed in your system. For
instance, if you install a new drive in your system, that drive
should be listed on the show device display after you complete
the installation instructions. If you inadvertently used a SCSI ID
number for the new drive that was already in use, the new drive
would not be listed when you issue the show device command.
For more information about SCSI ID numbers, see the next
section.
You can also use the show device command to determine device
names when setting the bootdef_dev environment variable.
Chapter 9 describes how to set and change environment
variables.

Understanding
SCSI ID
Numbers

Your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system contains SCSI devices,
and allows you to add SCSI devices. Each SCSI device has an ID
number (from 0 to 7) that must be unique within your system.
A common error is to add a SCSI device with an ID number
that is already being used by another device in your system.
Since this error does not produce an error message, you must
determine whether there are duplicate numbers yourself.
Do not set any of the SCSI device ID numbers to 7. This number
is used for the SCSI controller on the system.

Determining
Duplicate SCSI
ID Numbers

To see whether two SCSI devices have the same ID number,
perform the following steps:
1. Use the show device command to see which devices are
installed in your system.
2. Record which SCSI ID number is assigned to each device.
3. See if the list of devices that your system displays matches
the number of devices that are actually installed or attached
to your system.
If the system list does not correspond with the number of devices
actually installed, one of the devices may have a duplicate SCSI
ID. If no SCSI ID numbers are duplicated, you will see the new
device with a new SCSI ID number on the show device display.

Identifying a Problem 12–17

Interpreting the show Command Display

The show error
Command

The show error command displays specific information about any
error that is occurring within your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system.
Table 12–11 lists the devices that the show error command
provides information about.
Table 12–11 System Device Errors
Test Name

Device Tested

ASIC

Application-specific integrated circuit

MEM

Memory

NVR

Non-volatile RAM

CXT

Integral two-dimensional graphics

SCC

Serial communications controller

Network interface (Ethernet)

SCSI

SCSI device(s)

ISDN1

79C30A AMD chip

TCn

TURBOchannel options, where n is the number of
the TURBOchannel device you wish to test

1 Running ISDN diagnostic tests also tests the audio port

Error information about TURBOchannel devices is not displayed
by the show error command. Refer to the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP Service Documentation Kit for error information on
TURBOchannel devices.

12–18 Identifying a Problem

Interpreting the show Command Display

The show error
Display

Figure 12–5 shows an example of a show error command
indicating a device that is failing.
Figure 12–5 The show error Display
>>>show error

Return

? 003
SCC 0x0050
? T-ERR-SCC-LK401 - 0 char rcvd
T-STS-SCC-LK401 - char = 700

Elements in
the show error
Display

If any errors are detected, the show error command displays an
error message, described in Table 12–12.
Table 12–12 Error Message Elements
Error Message
Element

Description

?
003

Error message indicator.

SCC

The name of the diagnostic test that detected
an error.

0x0050

The error number in hexadecimal format.

Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) number. The
FRU is a Digital number allocated to a
component or module in your system.

For a complete list of FRU numbers and diagnostic test
error numbers, see the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Service
Documentation Kit.

Interpreting
the show error
Display

In addition to displaying an error message, the show error
display also indicates test status messages, such as the message
T-ERR-SCC-LK401 shown in Figure 12–5. Information about
interpreting these messages is beyond the scope of this
document. If you are contacting Digital Services, record the
test status message(s) on the Handling Problems Worksheet at
the end of Chapter 13.

Identifying a Problem 12–19

Interpreting the show Command Display

The show
memory
Command

The show memory command displays information about all of
the memory in your system. This command lists a line of
information about each memory bank. Note that the display will
not indicate an error found in memory. You can only display
memory errors using the show error or the test mem command.
The test commands are described in Chapter 13.

The show
memory
Display

Figure 12–6 shows an example of a show mem command display.
Figure 12–6 The show memory Display
>>> show memory
DEC 3000 - M500 Memory: 128 Mbytes
-----------------------------------------BANK #
MEMORY_SIZE
START_ADDRESS
---------------------------0
032 Mbytes
0x00000000
1
032 Mbytes
0x02000000
2
032 Mbytes
0x04000000
3
032 Mbytes
0x06000000
4
000 Mbytes
0x00000000
5
000 Mbytes
0x00000000
6
000 Mbytes
0x00000000
7
000 Mbytes
0x00000000
>>>

Elements in the
show memory
Display

Figure 12–6 indicates that memory banks 0, 1, 2, and 3 each
have 32 megabytes of memory. Memory banks 4, 5, 6, and 7 are
not in use on this system.

12–20 Identifying a Problem

Display Problems

Overview

If there appears to be some problem with your monitor display,
try to locate the problem in this section.

Cursor in
Corner of
Screen

If your monitor displays diagnostic startup tests when you turn
on your system, but then displays only the cursor in the lower
left-hand corner of the screen (rather than displaying the system
startup test information), the alternate console switch is in the
wrong position.

Corrective
Action

Locate the alternate console switch, on the rear of the system
unit. Refer to Figure 11–2 to see the switch position. If the
switch is set to the left, it is incorrect for a workstation.
Complete these steps to change the switch position:
1. Turn off the system unit (power switch to the O position).
2. Move the alternate console switch to the right. Use a small
pointed object to set the switch, but do not use a pencil; the
graphite will damage the switch. See Chapter 11 for more
information.
3. Turn on the system unit (power switch to the | position).

Identifying a Problem 12–21

Display Problems

Distorted
Display on
Monitor

If your monitor is displaying information but appears distorted
or unclear, see the possible causes in Table 12–13.
Table 12–13 Monitor Display Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

If your monitor has a total
of six connectors, marked
Video In and Video Out, the
monitor video cable may be
connected to the Video Out
ports.

Turn the monitor power switch to the
off (O) position. Unscrew the video
monitor cable from the Video Out
ports and connect them instead to the
Video In ports. See Table 3–3 for more
information. Turn the monitor power
switch to the on ( | ) position.

Video refresh switch may be
set to the wrong position.

Switch the video refresh switch to
the up, or two-dot position for 72 Hz
monitors, and to the down, or one-dot
position for 66 Hz monitors. Refer to
your monitor documenation for your
monitor’s Hz rating.

12–22 Identifying a Problem

Display Problems

No Display on
Monitor

If your monitor does not display information after system
startup, see Table 12–14.
Table 12–14 Monitor Display Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Monitor is not plugged in.

Plug the monitor power cord into a
power outlet of the correct voltage.

Monitor is not turned on.

Check the monitor on/off switch.
Check that the monitor power cord
is connected at both ends.

Contrast and brightness
controls are too dark to see
the screen display.

Adjust the contrast and brightness
controls. Refer to the monitor guide for
more information.

System board or graphics
board failure.

Refer to Chapter 13 for information on
running diagnostic tests.

Monitor cable or video cable
is not connected.

Check that the monitor cable and video
cable are connected at both ends.

Monitor fuse is blown.

See your monitor guide for fuse
replacement instructions.

Defective monitor.

Contact your Digital service
representative.

Identifying a Problem 12–23

Daily Operations Problems

Overview

The problems described in the next sections can occur during
normal day-to-day operations.

Pointer Missing
from Screen

If the mouse or optional tablet pointer does not appear on the
screen, or if the monitor does not respond to your pointing device
commands, see Table 12–15.
Table 12–15 Mouse Problems

Keyboard Keys
Not Working

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Pointing device cable is
installed incorrectly or is
loose.

Turn off the system unit. Unplug
and then replug the keyboard/mouse
connector block as Chapter 3 describes.
Turn on the system unit again.

The system is in console
mode. No pointer appears on
the screen.

Change the system to operating system
level by entering boot at the console
prompt ( >>> ).

Faulty pointing device.

Replace the pointing device.

If you are having trouble with the keys on your keyboard, see
Table 12–16.
Table 12–16 Keyboard Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Hold Screen key is active.

If the Hold screen light is on, press
the Hold Screen key to release hold on
screen.

Keyboard cable is loose or not
connected.

Check the keyboard cable at both ends.

Keyboard has failed.

Replace the keyboard. If the problem
persists, contact your Digital service
representative.

12–24 Identifying a Problem

Daily Operations Problems

SCSI Device Problems

Overview

If you are having trouble with a SCSI device, such as an internal
disk drive, or a tape drive in an expansion box, locate the
problem in the next sections. For specific information about your
SCSI device, refer to the documentation that was shipped with
your system, or in the case of an option, with the option kit.

Internal Device
Not Working

If you are having problems with an installed disk drive, see
Table 12–17. Do not set any of the SCSI device ID numbers to 7.
This number is used for the SCSI controller on the system.
Table 12–17 Installed Disk Drive Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Two SCSI identifiers are set
to the same number.

Enter the show device command as
described earlier in this chapter. If
a drive is not recognized, reset each
SCSI ID to a unique number. (See
the previous section on Understanding
SCSI ID Numbers, or refer to the DEC
3000 Model 500X AXP Options Guide
for more information on setting SCSI
IDs for optional devices.)

Loose cables.

Check to make sure all cables are
connected.

Defective drive.

Refer to Chapter 13 for information on
running diagnostic tests.

Identifying a Problem 12–25

SCSI Device Problems

Software on
Disk Drive
Does Not Boot

If you know that the operating system is installed on the
installed disk drive, but you cannot boot the operating system
software, see Table 12–18.
Table 12–18 Installed Software Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Default boot device is set
incorrectly.

See Chapter 9 to set or change the
default boot device.

Default startup action may
be set to halt.

See Chapter 9 to change the default
startup action.

System startup command
procedure was modified
incorrectly.

Refer to your operating system
documentation for help.

A problem exists with the
fixed disk.

Refer to Chapter 13 for information on
running diagnostic tests.

A problem exists with the
operating system software (if
installed) on the fixed disk.

Refer to your operating system software
documentation for help.

The scsi_reset variable is
not properly set.

Set scsi_reset to 4 to allow the SCSI
devices enough time to recover from a
SCSI bus reset.

The boot_reset variable is
not properly set.

Set boot_reset to ON so that
firmware will initialize the kernel
hardware and any TURBOchannel
devices.

Incorrect SYSGEN
parameters for OpenVMS
AXP operating system.

Perform conversational or minimum
boot. Refer to your OpenVMS AXP
operating system documentation listed
in Table 5–4.

12–26 Identifying a Problem

SCSI Device Problems

Unable to
Access
Diskette Drive

If you are having problems with software installed on a diskette,
or the system is displaying disk read or write errors, see
Table 12–19.
Table 12–19 Software on Diskette Problems
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

No diskette is in the diskette
drive.

Insert a software diskette. Use
the instructions in your software
documentation.

Diskette was inserted
incorrectly.

Check that the write-protect notch on
the diskette is to your left when you
insert the diskette and that the label
is up.

Diskette is damaged or does
not contain software.

Try another diskette that contains
software.

Two SCSI identifiers are set to
the same number.

Reset each SCSI ID to a unique
number. (See the previous section on
Understanding SCSI ID Numbers,
or refer to DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP Options Guide for information on
setting SCSI IDs.)

Identifying a Problem 12–27

Network Problems

Overview

If you are having trouble with your network, locate the problem
in this section.

NI Error
Message
in Screen
Displays

If an error message is displayed next to the identifier ‘‘NI’’ in the
device name column in the startup display or when verifying or
testing the Ethernet connection, see Table 12–20.
Table 12–20 Resolving NI Errors
Possible Cause

Corrective Action

No Ethernet loopback
connector or cable was
installed.

Attach the Ethernet loopback
terminator shipped with your system.
See Figure 3–2.

Terminator is missing from
network.

Check to see if a ThinWire cable was
removed. If so, replace the cable with a
terminator.

Ethernet cable connection is
loose.

Check that all connections on the
Ethernet segment are secure.

Incorrect network type.

Use the set ethernet command
described in Chapter 4 to make sure
that the Ethernet type is set correctly.

12–28 Identifying a Problem

Network Problems

Unable to Boot
from Network

If you are unable to boot from the network, but there is no error
message on the system startup display, see Table 12–21.
Table 12–21 Problems When Booting from the Network

After Solving
an NI Problem

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Local network problem.

Problem is most likely caused by the
customer server system or the network.

Defective network interface.

Refer to Chapter 13 for information on
running diagnostic tests.

After solving a network problem, type test ni and press the
Return key to run the Ethernet test again. This either clears
the error or displays a message to let you know the problem still
exists.

Where to Go Next

Determine Your
Next Task

If you were unable to resolve your problem using the information
in this chapter, contact Digital Services (instructions are
provided in Chapter 13), or run system tests, also described in
that chapter.

Identifying a Problem 12–29

13
Running Diagnostic Tests
Chapter Overview

Introduction

This chapter contains information about running diagnostic tests
and contacting Digital Services. Diagnostic tests can help you
identify the specific part or module that is causing errors in your
system.

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before You Begin

•

Task Overview

•

Running Diagnostic Tests

•

Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern

•

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

•

Handling Problems Worksheet

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–1

Before You Begin

i
Purpose of
Tests

If you cannot locate and/or resolve the system problem using
the troubleshooting tables in Chapter 12, you can run diagnostic
tests. Diagnostic tests can help to identify the source of a
problem and provide specific information to present to your
Digital service representative over the telephone.
Your Digital service representative may also request that you
run diagnostic tests.

What You
Should Have
Done Already

Before running diagnostic tests on your system to identify
a defective component or module, you should have already
completed these tasks:
•

Put your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system in console
mode. (See Chapter 6.)

•

Tried to locate and resolve the problem with the information
in Chapter 12.

•

Used the show commands to determine the system component
or device with an error. (See Chapter 12.)

If you have not completed any of these tasks, please refer to the
relevant section in this guide.

13–2 Running Diagnostic Tests

Task Overview

Steps to
Running
Diagnostic
Tests

Table 13–1 summarizes the steps to perform when running
diagnostic tests in order to identify or resolve a system problem.
Table 13–1 Steps to Diagnostic Tests
Step

Procedure

Run the diagnostic test on the component, module or
device that is causing an error.

Note the diagnostic test results.

Record the diagnostic display lights pattern.

Contact your Digital service representative.

Connect loopback connectors if necessary.

These steps are described in detail in the following sections.

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–3

Running Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic
Tests

If an error message is displayed next to a device name when you
issue one of the show commands described in Chapter 12, you
can test the device listed in the error message by using the test
command.
Using this command, you can run a number of diagnostic tests to
help you determine the status of a system module or device.

List of Device
Tests

Table 13–2 provides a list of the available diagnostic tests
and indicates whether the tests require a loopback connector.
The tests are listed by the name of the device they test. Refer
to Figure 3–2 to see how to connect the Ethernet loopback
connector.
Table 13–2 Diagnostic Tests
Device
Name

Device Tested

ASIC

Application-specific integrated circuit

MEM

Memory

NVR

Non-volatile RAM

CXT

Integral two-dimensional graphics

SCC

Serial communications controller

Network interface (Ethernet)

Yes

SCSI device(s)

ISDN

79C30A AMD chip

TCn

TURBOchannel options, where n is
the number of the TURBOchannel
device you wish to test

SCSI
1

1 Running ISDN diagnostic tests also tests the audio port

13–4 Running Diagnostic Tests

Loopback Required

Running Diagnostic Tests

Using the test
Command

Depending on the way you enter the test command, you can run
a single test or multiple tests on a component.

Single Test
Syntax

Use the following syntax to run a single test:
>>> test device_name

Return

where device_name is one of the device names listed in
Table 13–2.

Multiple Test
Syntax

Use the following syntax to run multiple tests:
>>> test device_name1:device_name2

Return

where device_name1 is the device you want to start with, and
device_name2 is the last device you want to test. The diagnostic
tests are run in the same order as the list of device name tests
in Table 13–2.

Example
Diagnostic Test

One diagnostic test is the SCC test, which tests the
communication devices attached to your system unit, such
as the keyboard and mouse. Figure 13–1 shows an example of
an SCC test display.
Figure 13–1 SCC Diagnostic Test Display
>>> test scc

Return

T-STS-SCC-OK
>>>

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–5

Running Diagnostic Tests

Example
Diagnostic Test
with Error

If a diagnostic test fails, a display similar to the one shown
in Figure 13–2 appears, containing information important to
helping you determine the source of the problem.
Figure 13–2 SCC Test Display with Error
>>> test scc
? T-ERR-SCC-MOUSE - 0 char rcvd
?? 004
SCC 0x0060
84 FAIL
>>>

Understanding
the test
Command
Display

In the previous example, the SCC test failed during testing of
the mouse line. This means that the mouse is not being seen
by the system. Check the mouse connector to make sure that it
is properly connected to the mouse/keyboard connector. If it is
properly seated, you may have a defective mouse. Contact your
Digital service representative, as described in Chapter 12.

Initializing Your
System

After you have run a test, you should use the following command
to initialize your system to clear the error log from the system
register. Figure 13–3 shows an example of the init command.

13–6 Running Diagnostic Tests

Running Diagnostic Tests

Figure 13–3 Initializing Your System
>>> init

Return

INIT-S-CPU...
INIT-S-RESET_TC...
INIT-S-ASIC...
INIT-S-MEMO...
INIT-S-NVR...
INIT-S-CXT...
INIT-S-SCC...
INIT-S-NI...
INIT-S-SCSI...
INIT-S-ISDN...
>>>
If the problem with your system has been fixed, after you
initialize your system, you should be able to issue the show
config command and not see any errors listed in the screen
display.

Note: Another
Way to Initialize
Your System

You can also initialize your system after running diagnostic tests
by running the same test again. If the problem has been fixed,
the test, which failed before, will complete successfully.
Figure 13–4 shows a sample display of a successful SCC test.
Figure 13–4 Initializing the System with the SCC Test
>>> test scc
T-STS-SCC-OK
>>>

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–7

Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern

Diagnostic
Display Lights
Location

On the front of the system unit, there are two diagnostic display
lights, as shown in Figure 13–5.
Figure 13–5 Position of Diagnostic Display Lights

Line
In

MLO-007570

The diagnostic display lights can provide your Digital service
representative with important information in determining the
source of a problem.

13–8 Running Diagnostic Tests

Recording the Diagnostic Display Light Pattern

Understanding
the Diagnostic
Lights

During system startup, the diagnostic display lights flash on
an array of different numbers and letters as the system startup
tests are performed. The numbers on the display are not
random. They represent the hexadecimal number of a test action
or result.
For instance, when the startup tests are completed successfully
and your system is in console mode, the diagnostic display lights
display the hexadecimal code DD, as shown in Figure 13–6.
Figure 13–6 Console Mode Diagnostic Lights

MLO-010467

When your system is in program mode, the diagnostic display
lights display the hexadecimal code 00.

When to
Record the
Diagnostic
Display Lights

If a problem is detected during system startup or when you run
diagnostic tests, you should record the diagnostic display light
pattern on the appropriate section of the Handling Problems
Worksheet at the end of this chapter.
Be sure to note when the display occurred, for instance, during
startup or after entering the show config command.

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–9

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

How to
Continue

If you are able to locate the source of the system problem, run a
test, and initialize the system, but are still having problems with
your DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system, you should contact
your Digital service representative.

Digital Support
Centers

Digital service representatives are available at Digital support
centers for on-site warranty and service contract customers.
If you are not currently eligible to receive this support, but
wish to, please contact either a Digital support center listed in
Table 13–3, or your local Digital office.

How to Report
Problems

If you are unable to locate the problem from the descriptions in
the previous sections of this chapter, or the corrective actions
suggested could not resolve the problem, you need to contact
your Digital service representative. Before calling your Digital
service representative to report a problem, complete these steps.

1. Write down the the model and serial number
of your
system on the Handling Problems Worksheet at the end of
this chapter.
Both of these numbers are located on a label on the front
door of the system unit, as indicated in Figure 13–7. Your
Digital service representative will need this information
when you call.

13–10 Running Diagnostic Tests

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

Figure 13–7 Serial and Model Numbers

Line
In

MLO-008571

2. Fill in the status checklist on the Handling Problems
Worksheet at the end of this chapter.
3. Note the problem, possible causes if you know them, and
solutions suggested in the previous sections. Also indicate
what actions (if any) you have already taken to try to correct
the problem.
4. Be prepared to read information from the screen and to enter
commands at the keyboard while you talk to your Digital
service representative on the telephone.

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–11

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

Digital Support
Center Contact
Numbers

Table 13–3 lists the telephone numbers for contacting a Digital
service representative at your Digital support center.
If a Digital support center for your area is not listed below,
please contact your local Digital office for assistance.
Table 13–3 Telephone Numbers of Digital Support Centers

Installing
Loopback
Connectors

Country

Telephone Number

United States

1-800-354-9000

Canada

1-800-267-5251

Canada (Quebec)

1-800-267-2603

United Kingdom

[44]256 59200

France

[33]92955111

Germany

[49]-(89)-95913218

Your Digital service representative may ask you to install one or
more of the following loopback connectors that were shipped with
your system:
•

10BASE-T loopback connector

•

Alternate console/printer port loopback connector

•

Modem loopback connector

While your Digital service representative will provide verbal
instructions, the following diagrams indicate where these
loopback connectors should be attached to your system unit.

13–12 Running Diagnostic Tests

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

10BASE-T
Loopback
Connector

If your Digital service representative requests that you connect
the 10BASE-T loopback connector, connect it as shown in
Figure 13–8.
Figure 13–8 Connecting the 10BASE-T Loopback Connector

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-009713

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–13

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

Alternate
Console/Printer
Loopback
Connector

If your Digital service representative requests that you connect
the alternate console/printer loopback connector, connect it as
shown in Figure 13–9.
Figure 13–9 Connecting the Alternate Console/Printer
Loopback Connector

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-009413

13–14 Running Diagnostic Tests

Reporting Problems to Digital Services

Modem
Loopback
Connector

If your Digital service representative requests that you
connect the modem loopback connector, connect it as shown
in Figure 13–10.
Figure 13–10 Connecting the Modem Loopback Connector

3
2

ISDN
S3

4
1

5
0

MLO-009418

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–15

Handling Problems Worksheet

Taking Notes

Use the worksheet on the next page to record system
information. After your have recorded all system information
indicated on the worksheet, have the sheet available when you
call your Digital service representative.

13–16 Running Diagnostic Tests

Handling Problems Worksheet

DEC 3000 AXP
Handling Problems Worksheet
DEC service representative telephone number:
Model (circle one):

500

500S

Serial #:

System Status (indicate which applies):
Item:
System plugged into outlet
Power indicator light lit
Diagnostic display lights lit*
Monitor power light lit
Keyboard working
Mouse working
Console prompt appears
Startup error message displayed
Operating system boots
Software is frozen

Yes

*Indicate diagnostic display lights here:
Diagnostic test screen display:

Actions taken so far:

Additional notes:

MLO-009875

Running Diagnostic Tests 13–17

Part IV
Appendixes
Part IV provides technical and other information about your
system. This section includes the following appendixes:
Appendix Title

Hardware Specifications

Port Pin-outs

European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations

Associated Documents

Special Information for PTT Network Users

A
Hardware Specifications
Appendix Overview

Introduction

This appendix lists the hardware specifications for your DEC
3000 Model 500X AXP system.

In This
Appendix

This appendix covers the following topics:
•

System Unit Dimensions: Pedestal, Table A–1.

•

System Unit Dimensions: Rackmount, Table A–2.

•

System Electrical Specifications, Table A–3.

•

General System Specifications, Table A–4.

•

Environmental Limitations, Table A–5.

Hardware Specifications A–1

System Specifications

System Unit
Dimensions:
Pedestal

Table A–1 lists the dimensions of the DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP pedestal system.
Table A–1 System Unit Dimensions: Pedestal

System Unit
Dimensions:
Rackmount

Weight

Height

Width

Depth

34.92–42.18 kg

62.74 cm

33.66 cm

75.44 cm

(77–93 lb)

(24.7 in)

(13.25 in)

(29.7 in)

Table A–2 lists the dimensions of the DEC 3000 Model 500X
AXP rackmount system.
Table A–2 System Unit Dimensions: Rackmount

System
Electrical
Specifications

Weight

Height

Width

Depth

29.48 kg

44.45 cm

21.34 cm

68.58 cm

(65 lb)

(17.5 in)

(8.4 in)

(27 in)

Table A–3 lists the electrical specifications for the DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system.
Table A–3 System Electrical Specifications
Input voltage

Automatically adjusting AC input from 100–
120 VAC to 220–240 VAC

Amperage

10/5 A

Frequency range

50 to 60 Hz

Power

400  686 watts input maximum, system only,
power factor 0.6 maximum

A–2 Hardware Specifications

System Specifications

General System
Specifications

Table A–4 lists specifications of the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
system components.
Table A–4 General System Specifications
Processor

DECchip 21064 CMOS-4 KN15 CA Alpha
microprocessor, with 8 KB data cache, 8 KB
instruction cache and floating-point unit,
running at 200 MHz, 5 nanoseconds.

Secondary cache

512 KB

SIMM memory

32 MB minimum

Optional SIMM

256 MB maximum for system

ROM memory

512 KB

Standard coprocessor

HX 2D graphics coprocessor

Optional fixed disk

Four 3½-inch fixed disks

Optional RX26
diskette drive

2.88-MB, 3½-inch, half-height diskette drive

Optional RRD42
compact disc

600-MB, 5¼-inch, half-height compact disc
drive

Optional TLZ06 tape

2 to 4-GB, 5¼-inch, half-height tape drive

Optional TZK10

525-MB, 5¼-inch, half-height, quarter-inch
cartridge (QIC) tape drive

Optional expansion
box

BA350 Expansion Box

Interfaces

Two single-channel SCSI-II compliant
controllers (one internal and one external) that
support both synchronous and asynchronous
devices, one 10BASE-T Ethernet port, one
AUI Ethernet port, one ISDN port, one
synchronous/asynchronous communications
port, one printer port, one MMJ alternate
console port, four audio ports.

Hardware Specifications A–3

System Specifications

Environmental
Limitations

Table A–5 provides information about the environmental
conditions in which the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system can
operate.
Table A–5 System Environmental Specifications
Nonoperating Conditions, Packaged
Temperature range

–40°C to 66°C (–40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 95% (noncondensing)

Altitude

0 to 3600 m (0 to 12,000 ft)

Maximum wet bulb
temperature

46°C (115°F)

Minimum dew point

N/A

Temperature rate of change

20°C per hour (36°F per hour)

Storage Conditions, Unpackaged
Temperature range

5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 95% (noncondensing)

Altitude

0 to 3600 m (0 to 12,000 ft)

Maximum wet bulb
temperature

32°C (90°F)

Minimum dew point

2°C (36° F)

Temperature rate of change

20°C per hour (36°F per hour)
(continued on next page)

A–4 Hardware Specifications

System Specifications

Table A–5 (Cont.) System Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions
Temperature range

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Temperature change rate

11°C per hour (20°F per hour)
maximum

Relative humidity

10% to 90% (noncondensing, no
diskette)

Maximum altitude

2000 m (6562 ft)

Maximum wet bulb
temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew point

2°C (36°F)

Hardware Specifications A–5

B
Port Pin-outs
Appendix Overview

Introduction

This appendix is for users who want to connect communications
devices to their system. The tables in this appendix explain the
functions of the pins on the system unit ports.

In This
Appendix

This appendix covers the following topics:
•

Alternate Console/Printer Port

•

Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port

•

External SCSI Port

•

Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port

•

AUI Ethernet Port

•

ISDN Port

•

10BASE-T Port

•

Audio Port

Port Pin-outs B–1

Alternate Console/Printer Port

Alternate
Console/Printer
Port Diagram

Figure B–1 shows the pin layout for the alternate console/printer
port.
Figure B–1 Alternate Console/Printer Port

MLO-008613

Alternate
Console/Printer
Port Pin-outs

Table B–1 describes pin usage for the alternate console/printer
port.
Table B–1 Alternate Console/Printer Port Pin-outs

B–2 Port Pin-outs

Description

Data terminal ready

Transmit data

Chassis ground

Receive return

Receive data

Data set ready

Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port

Synchronous/
Asynchronous
Communication
Port Diagram

Figure B–2 shows the pin layout for the
synchronous/asynchronous communications port.
Figure B–2 Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port

25
MLO-008585

Synchronous/
Asynchronous
Communications
Port Pin-outs

Table B–2 describes pin usage for the synchronous/asynchronous
communications port.
Table B–2 Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port
Pin-outs
Pin

Source

Signal

CCITT1 EIA2

Description

GND

102

Signal ground

KN15

103

Modem transmitted
data

Modem/printer

104

Modem received data

KN15

RTS

105

Request to send

Modem/printer

CTS

106

Clear to send

Modem/printer

DSR

107

Data set ready

GND

102

Signal ground

1 International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Commiittee (CCITT), an

international consultative committee that sets international communications
standards.
2 Electronic Industries Association

(continued on next page)

Port Pin-outs B–3

Synchronous/Asynchronous Communications Port

Table B–2 (Cont.) Synchronous/Asynchronous
Communications Port Pin-outs
Pin

Source

Signal

CCITT1 EIA2

Description

Modem/printer

109

Carrier detector

Not used

KN15

DTR

108.2

21
22

Data terminal ready
Not used

Modem/printer

125

Ring indicator

Not used

1 International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Commiittee (CCITT), an

international consultative committee that sets international communications
standards.
2 Electronic Industries Association

B–4 Port Pin-outs

External SCSI Port

External SCSI
Port Diagram

Figure B–3 shows the pin layout for the external SCSI port.
Figure B–3 External SCSI Port

MLO-008586

External SCSI
Port Pin-outs

Table B–3 describes pin usage for the external SCSI port.
Table B–3 External SCSI Port Pin-outs
Pin

Description

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [0]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [1]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [2]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [3]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [4]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [5]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [6]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data [7]

Chassis ground

SCSI bus data parity

Chassis ground

Chassis ground
(continued on next page)

Port Pin-outs B–5

External SCSI Port

Table B–3 (Cont.) External SCSI Port Pin-outs

B–6 Port Pin-outs

Description

Chassis ground

Not used

Terminal power

Chassis ground

SCSI bus ATN

Chassis ground

SCSI bus BSY

Chassis ground

SCSI bus ACK

Chassis ground

SCSI bus RST

Chassis ground

SCSI bus MSG

Chassis ground

SCSI bus SEL

Chassis ground

SCSI bus CD

Chassis ground

SCSI bus REQ

Chassis ground

SCSI bus I/O

Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port

Keyboard/Mouse
or Tablet Port
Diagram

Figure B–4 shows the pin layout for the keyboard/mouse port.
Figure B–4 Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port

8
9

15
MLO-008584

Keyboard/Mouse
or Tablet Port
Pin-outs

Table B–4 describes pin usage for the keyboard/mouse port.
Table B–4 Keyboard/Mouse or Tablet Port Pin-outs
Pin

Signal

Description

GND

Chassis ground

KEY.TX

Keyboard transmitted data

KEY.RX

Keyboard received data

+12V

Keyboard/tablet power

GND

Chassis ground

MSE.RX

Mouse received data

MSE.TX

Mouse transmitted data

GND

Chassis ground

GND

Chassis ground

Not used

+5V

Mouse power

-12V

Mouse power

GND

Chassis ground

Source

Keyboard

Mouse/tablet

Port Pin-outs B–7

AUI Ethernet Port

AUI Ethernet
Port Diagram

Figure B–5 shows the pin layout for the AUI Ethernet port.
Figure B–5 AUI Ethernet Port

15
MLO-008583

AUI Ethernet
Port Pin-outs

B–8 Port Pin-outs

Table B–5 describes pin usage for the AUI Ethernet port.

AUI Ethernet Port

Table B–5 AUI Ethernet Port Pin-outs
Pin

Source

Signal

Description
Chassis ground

XCVR

ACOL+

Collision presence

KN15

ATX+

Transmit

GND

Chassis ground

4
5

XCVR

ARX+

Receive

XCVR

GND

Power return

CTL+

Not used

GND

Chassis ground

XCVR

ACOL-

Collsion, active low

KN15

ATX-

Transmit, active low

GND

Chassis ground

11
12

XCVR

ARX-

Receive, active low

KN15

+12V

Power

GND

Chassis ground

CTL-

Control output

Port Pin-outs B–9

ISDN Port

ISDN Port
Diagram

Figure B–6 shows the pin layout for the ISDN port.
Figure B–6 ISDN Port

MLO-008611

ISDN Port
Pin-outs

Table B–6 describes pin usage for the ISDN port.
Table B–6 ISDN Port Pin-outs

B–10 Port Pin-outs

Description

Not used

Transmit-

Receive+

Receive-

Transmit+

Not used

10BASE-T Port

10BASE-T Port
Diagram

Figure B–7 shows the pin layout for the 10BASE-T port.
Figure B–7 10BASE-T Port

MLO-008912

10BASE-T Port
Pin-outs

Table B–7 describes pin usage for the 10BASE-T port.
Table B–7 10BASE-T Port Pin-outs
Pin

Description

Transmit

Transmit, active low

Receive

Not used

Receive, active low

Not used

Port Pin-outs B–11

Audio Port

Audio Port
Diagram

Figure B–8 shows the pin layout for the audio port.
Figure B–8 Audio Port

MLO-008612

Audio Port
Pin-outs

Table B–8 describes pin usage for the audio port.
Table B–8 Audio Port Pin-outs
Pin

Description

Audio in

Audio out

Audio out return

Audio in return (ground)

This adapter is pin-compatible with a telephone handset.

B–12 Port Pin-outs

C
European Economic Community (EEC)
Considerations
Appendix Overview

Introduction

This appendix is for users in the EEC who must attach
nonshielded cables to their DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system.

In This
Appendix

This appendix covers:
•

EEC Installation Instructions for Nonshielded Cables

European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations C–1

EEC Installation Instructions for Nonshielded Cables

Compliance
With EEC
Regulations

Attaching
the Pigtail
Grounding Wire

In order to comply with radio interference regulations in the
European Economic Community (EEC), shielded data cables
must be used. To meet this requirement, users of nonshielded
cables must ground the following ports, which use MMJ
connectors, by using a pigtail ground wire:

! in Figure C–1)

•

ISDN port (

•

Alternate console/printer port (

" in Figure C–1)

To attach the pigtail grounding wire, complete the following
steps and refer to Figure C–1.
1. Unscrew a TURBOchannel slot screw nearest to the port you
are grounding.
2. Align the hook of the pigtail grounding wire with the screw
hole.
3. Tighten the screw of the TURBOchannel slot until the
grounding wire is secure.

C–2 European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations

EEC Installation Instructions for Nonshielded Cables

Figure C–1 Connecting a Pigtail Grounding Wire

1
3

2
ISDN
S3

MLO-007589

European Economic Community (EEC) Considerations C–3

D
Associated Documents
Appendix Overview

Introduction

This appendix provides information about available
documentation. For option and system hardware part numbers,
consult your Digital sales representative.
Not all of the following documents are available in every country.
Check with your Digital sales representative for availability.

In This
Appendix

This appendix covers the following topics:
•

Associated Printed Documents

•

OpenVMS AXP Documentation

•

DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation

Associated Documents D–1

Associated Printed Documents

Related Printed
Books

Table D–1 lists the associated DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP
documents available in printed form.
Table D–1 Associated Printed Documents
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Documentation
Kit

EK–D5AXP–DK

DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP Service
Documentation Kit

EK–HOTPI–SK

DEC 3000 Model 500/500S AXP Technical
Summary

EK–FLMNG–TM

OpenVMS AXP Factory Installed Software
(FIS) User Information

EK–A0377–UG

DEC OSF/1 AXP Factory-Installed Software
(FIS) User Information

EK–SFFIS–UG

Alpha AXP Systems Firmware Release Notes

AA–PW8YA–TE

D–2 Associated Documents

Associated Printed Documents

Drive
Documents

Table D–2 lists the documentation for drives available with the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP.
Table D–2 Drives

Workstation
Handbook

TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

RRD42 Compact Disc Drive Owner’s Manual

EK–RRD42–OM

RX26 Owner’s Reference Card

EK–RX26D–RC

TZK10 Cartridge Tape Drive Owner’s Guide

EK–TZK10–OG

TLZ06 Cassette Tape Drive Owner’s Guide

EK–TLZ06–OM

TZ30 Cartridge Tape Drive Owner’s Guide

EK–OTZ30–OM

TZ30 Cartridge Tape Drive Subsystem
Service Manual

EK–OTZ30–SV

RZ Series Disk Drive Subsystem Pocket
Service Guide

EK–RZXXD–PS

RZ Series Reference Manual

EK–RZXXD–RM

Table D–3 lists the associated workstation handbook
documentation.
Table D–3 Handbook Series
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

Workstation Family Technical Summary

EC–H0742–51

Associated Documents D–3

Associated Printed Documents

TURBOchannel
Documents

Table D–4 lists the TURBOchannel documentation.
Table D–4 TURBOchannel-Related Documents

SCSI
Documents

TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

Smart Frame Buffer TURBOchannel Module

EK–SFBOM–TC

The High Three-Dimensional (3D) Graphics
TURBOchannel Module

EK–H3DOM–TC

The Low Three-Dimensional (3D) Graphics
TURBOchannel Module

EK–L3DOM–TC

The ThickWire Ethernet TURBOchannel
Module

EK–TWETH–TC

TURBOchannel Extender Operator’s Guide

EK–PM32X–EX

TURBOchannel Extender (TCE) Option
Module

EK–TCEIM–TC

SCSI TURBOchannel Options Installation
Kit

EK–PMAZA–UG

FDDIcontroller 700-C Installation

EK–DEFZA–CI

FDDIcontroller 700 Software Product
Description

AE–PE9MD–TE

FDDIcontroller 700 Release Notes

AA–PJKWA–TE

Table D–5 lists the available SCSI documentation.
Table D–5 SCSI Documents
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

Small Computer System Interface: An
Overview

EK–SCSIS–OV

Small Computer System Interface: A
Developer’s Guide

EK–SCSIS–SP

D–4 Associated Documents

OpenVMS AXP Documentation

Available
Documentation

General
Documentation

The following sections list some of the OpenVMS AXP operating
system documentation.
•

General Documentation

•

DECconnect Documents

Table D–6 lists general OpenVMS AXP operating system
associated documents.
Table D–6 General OpenVMS AXP Operating System
Documents
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

OpenVMS Alpha Version 1.0 Upgrade and
Installation Manual

AA–PV6XA–TE

OpenVMS System Manager’s Manual:
Essentials

AA–PV5MA–TK

OpenVMS System Manager’s Manual:
Tuning, Monitoring, and Complex Systems

AA–PV5NA–TK

OpenVMS Alpha Layered Products Compact
Disc User’s Guide

AA–PSQVC–RE

OpenVMS AXP Release Notes

AA–PV72A–TE

Overview of OpenVMS Documentation

AA–PV6YA–TK

Associated Documents D–5

OpenVMS AXP Documentation

DECconnect
Documents

Table D–7 lists available DECconnect documentation.
Table D–7 DECconnect System
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

OPEN DECconnect Building Wiring
Components and Applications Catalog

EC–I1834–29

DECconnect System General Description

EK–DECSY–GD

DECconnect System Requirements
Evaluation Workbook

EK–DECSY–EG

DECconnect System Installation and
Verification Guide

EK–DECSY–SR

DECconnect System Stand-alone ThinWire
Networks: Planning and Installation Guide

EK–DECSY–TG

DECconnect System Planning and
Configuration Guide

EK–DECSY–CG

DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation

Available
Documentation

The following sections list the DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system
documentation kits and their contents:
•

User Documentation

•

Server Documentation

D–6 Associated Documents

DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation

User
Documentation

Table D–8 lists available subkits of the DEC OSF/1 AXP
operating system user documentation.
Table D–8 User Documentation, QA–MT4AB–GZ
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

Startup Documentation Subkit

QA–MT4AC–GZ

Guide to Installing DEC OSF/1

AA–PS2DA–TE

Quick Reference (card)

AV–PS3KA–TE

Read This First Letter

AV–PS3JA–TE

Release Notes

AA–PS2BA–TE

General User Documentation Subkit

QA–MT4AD–GZ

DEC OSF/1 User’s Guide

AA–PS2HA–TE

Network and Communications Overview

AA–PS2MA–TE

Reader’s Guide

AA–PS2JA–TE

System and Network Management
Documentation Subkit

QA–MT4AE–GZ

DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s Guide

AA–PTTMA–TE

Guide to Kernel Debugging

AA–PS2TA–TE

Network Administration and Problem
Solving

AA–PS2SA–TE

Configuring Your Network Software

AA–PS2GA–TE

Guide to Prestoserve

AA–PQT0A–TE

Guide to Software License Management

AA–PS2EA–TE

Guide to System Administration

AA–PS2RA–TE

Migration Documentation Subkit

QA–MT4AF–GZ

System V to DEC OSF/1 Migration Guide

AA–PS3DA–TE

ULTRIX to DEC OSF/1 Migration Guide

AA–PS3EA–TE

Associated Documents D–7

DEC OSF/1 AXP Documentation

Server
Documentation

Table D–9 lists the available documentation about servers.
Table D–9 Server Documentation Kit, QA–MT4AL–GZ
TITLE

ORDER NUMBER

Guide to Sharing Software on a Local Area
Network

AA–PS3LA–TE

D–8 Associated Documents

E
Special Information for PTT Network Users
Appendix Overview

Introduction

The United Kingdom and other countries require that certain
installation information be provided about the DEC 3000 Model
500X AXP system communications, which is hosted within the
DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system.

In This
Appendix

This appendix describes the appropriate installation information
for the 54-21147 module and includes the following topics:
•

Service Categories

•

Host Power Rating

•

Module Isolation

•

Safety Warnings for UK Installations Only

•

Cable Approval

•

Supported Cables

•

Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital
Circuit (PTT)

Special Information for PTT Network Users E–1

Service Categories

Table E–1 describes the services specifications for the 54-21147
module.

Overview

Table E–1 BABT-Approved Service Specifications for the 54-21147 Module for UK
Compliance
Service
Category

Interface Type
(CCITT recommendation)

X.21bis

Service Requirements
(Electrical) (Physical)

Data Rate

Public
Telecommunications
Operators1
BT
Hull
MCL

V.24
/V.28

2400 bps
4800 bps
9600 bps
19200 bps

Yes
Yes
Yes
No

ISO 2110,
BS.6623:
part1, 1985.

Approved extension cables2 :
BC22F-25 (25 feet) and BC22F-10 (10 feet)
1 BT — British Telecommunications plc.

Hull — Kingston Communications (Hull) plc.
MCL — Mercury Communications Limited.
2 The total length of cable used must not exceed 27 feet.

E–2 Special Information for PTT Network Users

Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Host Power Rating

Correct Power
Rating

You must ensure that the total power drawn by the 54-21147
module, the host, and other auxiliary equipment drawing power
from the host, is within the rating of the host power supply.
Digital has designed all permutations of the host configuration
(including the DEC 3000 Model 500X AXP system) to operate
within the limits of the host power rating, as shown in
Table E–2.
Table E–2 Module Power

Nominal
Voltage

Minimum
Voltage
(Volts)

Maximum
Voltage
(Volts)

Maximum
Maximum
Input
Input
Current
Current
(Amperage)1 (Amperage)2

+5.1V

+4.896

+5.304

5.0

17.0

+12.1V

+11.616

+12.584

0.3

1.8

-12.0V

-11.4

-12.6

0.1

1 Without TURBOchannel option slots populated.
2 With three TURBOchannel option slots populated. This is a worst-case current

situation as specified in TURBOchannel hardware specification.

Special Information for PTT Network Users E–3

Module Isolation

Clearance
and Creepage
Defined

Clearance and creepage distances must be maintained on your
54-21147 module. Clearance is the shortest distance in air
between two points. Creepage is the shortest distance along a
continuous surface between those same two points.
Creepage distances apply when the 54-21147 module system is
installed in a controlled environment. You can check creepage
distances by measuring the distance between adjacent parts.
If in doubt, you should seek the advice of a telecommunications
safety engineer. Failure to install the 54-21147 module in
accordance with these instructions will invalidate the approval.

Clearance
and Creepage
Distances

Except at the connector that plugs into the host, clearance and
creepage distances of Xmm and Ymm, as listed in Table E–3,
must be maintained between the approved module and other
parts of the host, including expansion cards. Digital has ensured
that when the 54-21147 module is installed within the DEC 3000
Model 500X AXP system, the creepage and clearance distances
to the host are met.

E–4 Special Information for PTT Network Users

Module Isolation

Table E–3 Clearance and Creepage Distances
Clearance
(Xmm)

Creepage
(Ymm1 )

Voltage Used or Generated by Other
Parts of the Host or Expansion Card
(Vrms or Vdc)

2.0

2.4 (3.8)

Up to 50

2.6

3.0 (4.8)

Up to 125

4.0

5.0 (8.0)

Up to 250

4.0

6.4 (10.0)

Up to 300

1 The distances shown in parentheses apply in an uncontrolled environment

where heat, humidity, and temperature may fluctuate.

Safety Warnings for UK Installations Only

Safety Labels
on Ports

Ports indicated by the safety warning label do not provide
sufficient isolation to satisfy the requirements of the relevant
parts of standard BS6301. Therefore, any product connected to
this port must meet one of the following conditions:
•

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

•

Have been approved to the relevant parts of standard
BS6301

•

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

Any other use of this product invalidates approval.

Special Information for PTT Network Users E–5

Safety Warnings for UK Installations Only

CAUTION:
Hazardous
Conditions on
the Network

If a port has the following label, direct or indirect interconnection
of that port, whether the port is marked or not, may produce
hazardous conditions on the network:
SAFETY WARNING - See Instructions for Use Before Making
Any Connection to This Module

Applicable
Ports for Safety
Label

The "SAFETY WARNING" label applies to all ports shown by
callouts
through
in Figure E–1.

Figure E–1 Front View

7
1
4

10
2
11
5

MLO-009805

Obtain advice from a competent engineer before making such a
connection.

E–6 Special Information for PTT Network Users

Cable Approval

Cable Approval
Cable
Connection to
Digital Circuits

The 54-21147 module is approved for direct connection
to a particular digital circuit. This approval includes an
interconnecting cable with mating connectors that conform to
the British standard BS6623, parts 1 and 4. If the module
is connected to the service with anything other than its own
approved cables, those cables must benefit from relevant
general approval NS/G/1235/100009 and/or conform to any other
applicable requirements.

Connector
Diagram

Figure E–2 shows the pin layout for the connector.
Figure E–2 Connector Pin Layout

25
MLO-008585

Connector
Pin-Outs

Table E–4 describes pin usage for the connector.
Table E–4 Connector Pin-Outs Described
Pin

Description

Ground

Not used

Transmit data

Transmit clock

Receive data

Not used

Request to send

Receive clock
(continued on next page)

Special Information for PTT Network Users E–7

Cable Approval

Table E–4 (Cont.) Connector Pin-Outs Described
Pin

Description

Clear to send

Not used

Data set ready

Not used

Ground

Date terminal ready

Carrier detect

Not used

Ring indicator

Not used

Data signal rate selector

Not used

Speed indicate

Not used

Supported Cables
Cable
Descriptions

The 54-21147 module supports the following cables.

Table E–5 Cables Supported by the 54-21147 Module
Interface

Cable Type

Name

Molding

Pins

V.24

Extension

BC22F-10

Straight

25-25

V.24

Extension

BC22F-25

Straight

25-25

E–8 Special Information for PTT Network Users

Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital Circuit (PTT)

Equipment Between the Approved Module and a Digital
Circuit (PTT)
Equipment
Requirements

If any other equipment, including cables or wiring, is to be
connected between the 54-21147 module and the point of
connection to any particular digital circuit, that equipment must
conform as follows:
•

The overall transmission characteristics of all other
equipment must not have any material effect on the
electrical conditions between the equipment and the digital
circuit.

•

All other equipment must comprise only the following:
Approved equipment, which may be subject to limitations
on its use, for the purpose of connection between it and a
particular digital circuit.
Cable or wiring that complies with a code of practice for
the installation of equipment covered by this standard or
other requirements that may be applicable.

Special Information for PTT Network Users E–9

Glossary
10BASE-T Ethernet network
The IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet products used
for local distribution of data. These networking products
characteristically use a cable made by twisting together two
insulated conductors with no common covering. (Commonly
known as twisted-pair cable.) Compare with thickwire Ethernet
network.
alternate console feature
A feature that allows you to receive system messages on an
alternate console terminal and direct system activities from this
terminal, if necessary, to diagnose problems with the monitor.
ANSI
Abbreviation for American National Standards Institute, an
organization that develops and publishes standards for the
computer industry.
antistatic wrist strap
A grounded strap you connect to your wrist and to the system
unit while handling internal devices that are sensitive to static.
This strap prevents electrostatic discharge that could result in
loss of data.
applications
Programs, such as a financial spreadsheet, that perform end-user
tasks.
architecture
The internal configuration of a computer including its registers,
instruction set, and input/output structure.

Glossary–1

asynchronous communication
A type of communications in which data is transmitted at
different time intervals. Compare with synchronous.
AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) Ethernet network
An IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet network made of
standard Ethernet cable, as opposed to ThinWire Ethernet cable.
Also called standard Ethernet. Compare with ThinWire Ethernet
network. See standard Ethernet network or thickwire Ethernet
network.)
autoboot
The process by which the system boots automatically.
backup copy
A copy of files or software made for safekeeping. Making a
backup copy of the data stored on your disk allows you to recover
that data after an accidental loss. You can make backup copies
on tape cartridges.
baud rate
The speed at which signals are serially transmitted over a
communications line. Baud rates can be measured in bits per
second or characters per second. One baud equals one bit per
second; eight bauds equals one character per second.
bit
A binary digit; the smallest unit of information in a binary
system of notation, designated as a 0 or a 1.
boot
Short for bootstrap, meaning to bring a device or system to a
defined state where it can operate on its own.
boot (or bootstrap) device
The memory storage device that holds the software that carries
out a system bootstrap procedure.

Glossary–2

boot flag
An indicator bit, set by the system manager, that contains
information that is read and used by the bootstrap software
during a system bootstrap procedure. Default boot flags should
already be set when you receive your system.
bootp
An Internet protocol used for network booting. It is based on
UDP (the Internet User Datagram Protocol) which is a simple,
reliable datagram protocol. The bootp protocol allows a diskless
machine to find its Internet address, the address of a bootserver,
and the name of a file to boot.
buffer
An internal memory area used for temporary storage of data
records during input or output operations.
bus
A group of signals consisting of transmission lines or
wires to create a common channel or pathway. The bus
interconnects either internal computer system components
to provide communications paths for addresses, data, and
control information or external terminals and systems in a
communications network.
byte
A group of eight contiguous binary digits (bits). Bits are
numbered from right to left, 0 through 7, with bit 0 being the
low-order bit. See also kilobyte and megabyte.
cable
A sheathed group of electrical conductors.
cable junction block
A small box attached to the monitor cable from which the BNC
connectors emerge.
cache
See cache memory.

Glossary–3

cache memory
A small, high-speed area of memory placed between slower main
memory and the processor. Cache memory increases memory
transfer rates and processor speed. It contains copies of data
recently used by the processor and fetches several bytes of data
from memory in anticipation that the processor will access the
next sequential series of bytes.
caddy
The holder for an RRD42 compact disc.
CD
See compact disc.
CD–ROM
See compact disc read-only memory.
central processing unit (CPU)
The unit of the computer that is responsible for interpreting and
executing instructions.
channel
A path along which digital information can flow in a computer.
Also, the main current path between the source and drain
electrodes in a semiconductor device. See also bus.
checksum
A sum of digits or bits that is used to verify the integrity of a
piece of data.
CI
See computer interconnect.
CISC
Complex instruction set computer. A computer that uses
an instruction set consisting of a large number of complex
instructions that are managed by microcode. Contrast with
RISC.

Glossary–4

client
A piece of hardware or software that obtains a specific set of
services from a server.
client-server computing
An approach to computing that enables personal computer and
workstation users—the ‘‘clients’’—to work cooperatively with
software programs stored on a mainframe or minicomputer—the
‘‘server.’’
clock
A signal used to synchronize the circuits in a computer system.
cluster
A group of networked computers that communicate over a
common interface to share disk storage, application programs,
and other computer resources. See also VMScluster system.
CMOS
See Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.
coaxial cable
A passive communications media.
command
A request made to the operating system to perform a specific
function, for example, a request to run a program or show the
configuration of a system.
communications
The transmission of digital data from one point (the source) to
another (the receiver).
compact disc
A removable flat circular plate, used in the compact disc drive
on which read-only optical data is stored. A laser optical reader
retrieves this information.
compact disc read-only memory (CD–ROM)
The removable disc used in the compact disc drive. Data can be
stored on this disc and retrieved from it.

Glossary–5

complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
A silicon device that requires very little power and can operate
at very high speeds.
component
A basic part, or element, of your system that can be either
internal or external. Compare with device.
computer interconnect (CI)
A high-speed, fault-tolerant, dual-path bus, which has a
bandwidth of 70 megabits per second. With the CI, any
combination of processor nodes and intelligent I/O subsystem
nodes, up to 16 in number, can be coupled loosely in a
computer-room environment.
configuration
See system configuration.
connector
Hardware that connects directly to a port on the system.
console
A device through which an operator communicates with the
computer.
console commands
Commands that you input when the system is in console mode.
console mode
The state in which the computer is controlled directly by user
commands from the console terminal rather than indirectly
through the operating system. Console mode is in effect when
the system is turned on and the operating system software has
not been started, or the operating system software has been
interrupted by pressing the halt button on the system unit.
Console mode is indicated by the console prompt ( >>> ) on the
monitor screen. Compare with program mode.
console password
The password used to access privileged console commands.

Glossary–6

console program
The code that the CPU executes during console mode.
console prompt
The prompt ( >>> ) that appears on the screen when the system
is in console mode.
console terminal
The video or hardcopy terminal used to start the system and
direct activities between the computer operator and the console
subsystem.
console terminal port
The connector to which the console terminal cable is attached.
controller
A system component, usually a printed circuit board, that
regulates the operation of one or more devices.
CPU
See central processing unit.
cursor
A blinking symbol on the screen that indicates where the next
character you type will appear.
cycle
One clock interval.
data
A formal representation of information suitable for
communication, interpretation, and processing by humans
or computers.
data bus
A pathway used to carry data signals between two or more
components of the system.
data transmission
The movement of data in the form of electrical signals along a
communications line.

Glossary–7

DECconnect
Digital’s cabling system for extending Ethernet and terminal
interconnections into offices and work areas.
DECchip 21064
This CPU microprocessor chip is a CMOS-4 superscalar (dual
instruction issue), super-pipelined implementation of the Alpha
AXP architecture.
DECnet network
Digital networking software that runs on nodes in both local and
wide area networks.
DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system
A general-purpose operating system based on the Open Software
Foundation OSF/1 1.0 technology.
DECwindows Motif
An interface to the operating system that allows a workstation
screen to be divided into windows where several application
programs can appear simultaneously, and commands can be
executed using menus and a mouse. This interface is fully
compliant with the OSF/Motif Graphical User Interface standard
from the Open Software Foundation. See also window.
default
A computer value or setting that is automatically in effect unless
or until another value is specified. There are some default values
that you cannot override.
default recovery action
The action that the system takes after a power or system failure.
desktop enclosure
A type of system cabinet that is small enough to sit on top of a
desk. Compare with rackmount enclosure.

Glossary–8

device
The general name for any hardware unit connected to the
system and capable of receiving, storing, or transmitting data.
Examples of devices are drives and units that you can install
into or externally connect to the system unit or an expansion
box.
device name
The name by which a device or controller is identified in the
system. The name that a particular operating system uses for a
storage device to access that particular device. Also called the
device mnemonic.
diagnostics
Programs, located in read-only memory, that detect and identify
abnormal system hardware operation.
digital data
Information recorded and transmitted in binary coded form.
direct memory access
A processor that transfers data directly from one memory to
another without going through the main processor.
disc
See compact disc.
disk
A flat circular plate with a magnetic coating on which data is
magnetically stored in concentric circles (tracks). A fixed disk
resides permanently inside a disk drive, whereas a diskette is
removable.
disk drive
A device that holds a disk. The drive contains mechanical
components that spin the disk and move the read and write
heads that store and read the information on the surface of the
disks.

Glossary–9

diskette
A disk contained in a square jacket. Diskettes can be inserted
and removed from diskette drives.
diskette drive
A disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable diskette,
such as an RX26 diskette.
diskless system
A system that has no storage capacity of its own.
distributed processing
A processing configuration in which each processor has its own
autonomous operating environment. In a distributed processing
environment, the processors are not tightly coupled and globally
controlled as they are with multiprocessing. Instead, an
application is distributed over more than one system. The
application must have the ability to coordinate its activity over a
dispersed operating environment.
DMA
See direct memory access.
DRAM
See dynamic random-access memory.
dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)
Read/write memory that must be refreshed (read from or written
to) periodically to maintain the storage of information.
ECC error
Describes a memory error. There are two kinds of ECC errors.
ECC correctable errors are errors that are successfully corrected
by the error detection and correction process. ECC uncorrectable
errors are not successfully corrected by this process.
environment variable
A global data structure that can be accessed only from console
mode. The setting of these data structures determines how
a system powers up, boots operating system software, and
operates.

Glossary–10

error correction code (ECC)
Code that carries out automatic error correction by performing
an exclusive OR operation on the transferred data and applying
a correction mask.
error message number
A number that appears on the error line representing a
particular system or component problem.
Ethernet
A local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) that
connects (by coaxial cable) multiple computers that are running
a variety of network operating systems. Ethernet transmits
10 megabits per second and does not require switching logic or
control by a central computer.
Ethernet controller
An interface unit that connects a system to the Ethernet.
Ethernet hardware address
The unique Ethernet physical address associated with a
particular Ethernet communications controller.
Ethernet ports
The connectors on the system unit through which the Ethernet
is connected to the system.
Ethernet subsystem
The Ethernet controller chip built into the system module.
expansion box
An attachable system option that holds one TURBOchannel
option module, two hard disk drives, and one removable-media
drive.
Factory-Installed Software (FIS)
Operating system software that is loaded into an internal fixed
disk and installed in the system unit during manufacture. On
site, the FIS is bootstrapped through the system disk, prompting
a predefined menu of questions on the final configuration.

Glossary–11

FDDI
See Fiber Distributed Data Interface
FEPROM (flash-erasable programmable read-only memory)
A memory device from which data can be erased in large
amounts at a time. Contrast with EEPROM.
Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
An ANSI-standard high-speed network technology that uses
fiber optics as the transmission medium. FDDI employs a ring
topology and operates up to 100 km in total network length. It
uses 1300 nm wavelengths, which optimize fiber bandwidth.
field replaceable unit (FRU)
Any system component that can be replaced by your Digital
service representative.
file
A collection of related information treated by the system as a
unit.
firmware
Software code that is stored in a fixed way (wired in), usually in
read-only memory. The firmware executes when the system is
turned on, during operating system boot and restarts, and as a
result of operator intervention or a fatal system error.
FIS
See Factory Installed Software.
fixed disk
A disk that resides permanently inside a disk drive. Compare
with diskette.
fixed disk drive
The disk drive that holds and reads from or writes to a fixed
disk.

Glossary–12

floating point
A number that may be positive or negative but that has a whole
(integer) portion and a fractional (decimal) portion; an arithmetic
operation in which the decimal point is not fixed, but placed
automatically in a correct position in a computer word.
frame buffer
An area of memory that contains a pixel-level description of a
displayed image. The frame buffer is also used to refresh the
raster display.
FRU
See Field Replaceable Unit.
gigabyte (GB)
The measure used to refer to memory or secondary storage
capacity, equal to 1,024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes.
GKS (Graphical Kernal System) application
An application that uses the GKS graphics system and language
to create two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), and
raster images on the screen. A GKS application can be developed
on one system and easily moved to another system.
graphics
A computer output of drawings, charts, and graphs.
half-height disk
Any 1 5/8-inch fixed drive that is 3½ inches (9-centimeters) wide,
such as those in the RZ family; or a 1 5/8-inch removable drive
that is 5-inches (12.7-centimeters) wide, such as a compact disc.
halt
The action of stopping the CPU from processing. This action
brings the system under the control of the console program. A
halt can occur when an internal system error is detected, when
you enter the HALT command at the console terminal, or when
you press the Halt button on the back of the system unit.

Glossary–13

hardware
The physical equipment—mechanical and electrical—that makes
up a system. Compare with software.
hexadecimal
A numbering system using the base 16 that is a shorthand
method for representing binary numbers. Using this method,
each four bits is converted into a single hexadecimal digit. For
example, 1001 in binary is equal to 9 in hexadecimal.
hit
Indicates that a valid copy of a desired memory location is
currently in cache.
icon
A graphical symbol on the system unit or window that identifies
drives, ports, switches, indicators, and programs running in the
background. Symbols displayed on a window represent an action
the computer can take. The symbol replaces a command you
would otherwise type.
IEEE
Abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers.
initialization
The sequence of steps that prepare the system to start.
Initialization occurs automatically after a system has been
turned on.
input/output (I/O) device
A piece of equipment that transmits data to (input) and from
(output) the system. For example, a terminal or a mouse. See
mouse.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
An international telecommunications standard that allows a
communications channel to simultaneously carry voice, video,
and data.

Glossary–14

interface
An electronic circuit board that links an external device to a
computer. Also, a device or piece of software that allows a user
to communicate with the system or allows the components of the
system to communicate with each other.
internal cache
See memory.
internal processor register (IPR)
A register internal to the CPU chip.
ISDN
See Integrated Services Digital Network.
jack
A receptacle into which you insert a plug, such as an audio jack.
kilobyte (KB)
The measure used to refer to memory or secondary storage
capacity, equal to 1,024 bytes.
LAN
See local area network.
light-emitting diode (LED)
A semiconductor device that glows when supplied with a specific
voltage. The operator control panel contains LEDs that indicate
the status of the modules in the computer.
local
In close proximity to the computer. Compare with remote.
local area network
A high-speed network communications system that connects a
variety of multiple computers within a limited geographical area,
such as one building or a group of buildings. It is a privately
owned communication network whose speed is upward of one
megabit per second. Using a LAN, multiple users can share
devices and files at higher speeds, faster response times, and
lower costs than with telephone lines.

Glossary–15

local area VMScluster system
A type of configuration in which cluster communication is
carried out over the Ethernet by software that emulates certain
computer interconnect (CI) port functions.
local console mode
A mode in which you interact directly with the console subsystem
without requiring the password security feature. Compare with
privileged console mode.
local device
A disk drive, tape drive, or other device that is only available to
the computer to which it is connected.
log in
To identify yourself to the operating system. When you log
in, you type an account name and password. If the name and
password match an account on the system, you are allowed
access to that account.
logic
A sequence of hardware or software operations. Hardware logic
consists of chips and circuits that compute and control computer
operations. Software logic (also called program logic) is the
sequence of program instructions.
logical
The design of a system rather than its implementation.
login command
The command issued at the operating system prompt that allows
access to and communication with the system.
loopback connector
An Ethernet or communications connector used on the back of
the system unit when testing the Ethernet subsystem or the
synchronous/ asynchronous communications adapter, or when
the Ethernet and communications ports are not in use.

Glossary–16

loopback tests
Diagnostic tests used to isolate a failure by testing segments of a
particular control or data path.
magnetic tape
A tape, made of plastic and coated with magnetic oxide, that is
used to store data. Also called magtape.
Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP)
The transport protocol for network bootstraps and other network
operations.
mass storage device
An input/output device on which data is stored. Typical mass
storage devices include fixed disks, compact discs, magnetic
tapes, and diskettes.
Mb
See megabit.
MB
See megabyte.
media
The physical material on which data is recorded, for example,
magnetic disks, diskettes, and compact discs.
megabit
A unit of measure equal to one million bits.
megabyte
A unit of measure equal to 1,024 kilobytes or 1,048,576 bytes.
memory
The area of the system that electrically stores instructions and
data, often temporarily.
memory module
A single in-line memory module (SIMM) that contains memory
for your system.

Glossary–17

miss
Indicates that a copy of a desired memory location is not in a
cache.
mnemonic
The abbreviation used by the system to identify a device or
controller in the system. Also referred to as the device name.
modem
A device that converts computer signals to signals that can be
sent over a telephone line.
module
An etched circuit board that contains electrical components and
electrically conductive pathways between components on which
logic devices (such as transistors, resistors, and memory chips)
are mounted. A module stores data or memory or controls the
functions of a device.
monitor
A video device that displays data.
MOP
See Maintenance Operations Protocol.
mouse
A hand-held input device that is moved across the desktop to
move the pointer or cursor on the monitor screen and to select
menu options and draw graphics. The mouse is palm-sized and
contains up to three buttons (function keys).
multiprocessing
A processing method that replicates the sequential computer and
interconnects the collection so that each processor can execute
the same or a different program at the same time.
multiprocessing system
A system that executes multiple tasks simultaneously.

Glossary–18

multiplex
To transmit several messages or signals simultaneously on the
same circuit or channel.
nanosecond
A unit of measure equal to one billionth of one second used to
measure the speed of memory and logic chips.
network
Two or more computers linked by communication lines to share
information and resources.
network coordinator
The person who manages the network, assigns unique node
names and addresses for each system on the network, and
provides administrative assistance to network users.
node
A device that has an address on, is connected to, and is able
to communicate with other devices on the bus. In a computer
network, an individual computer system connected to the
network that can communicate with other systems on the
network.
node name
A name that identifies a unique node.
nonvolatile random-access memory
Memory, such as magnetic tape or core memory, in which values
are stored even when the system is turned off.
ns
See nanoseconds.
null modem
A connection box that replaces two modems and their connecting
wires. This box allows two devices that are designed to interact
through modems to be locally connected.
NVRAM
See nonvolatile random-access memory.

Glossary–19

online documentation
Documents that can be read directly on your monitor screen.
Online documentation is stored on a compact disc and includes
all text and illustrations found in the printed manuals. Fast
access time and cross-referencing are two advantages of online
documentation.
Open Software Foundation (OSF)
A foundation formed to develop open design software based on
the UNIX standard. Development todate includes the OSF/1
operating system, the Distributed Computing Environment
(DCE), and the Distributed Management Environment (DME).
open system
A system that implements open specifications for interfaces,
services, and supporting formats so that applications software
can:
•

Be ported across a wide range of systems with minimal
changes

•

Interoperate with other applications on local and remote
systems

•

Interact with users in a style that facilitates user portability

operating system
An integrated collection of programs that controls the operation
of the system and allows users access to data files, input/output
devices, and application programs.
operating system mode
The state in which the system console terminal is under the
control of the operating system software. Also called program
mode.
PAL
See Privileged Architecture Library (software) and
Programmable Array Logic (hardware).

Glossary–20

PALcode
Privileged Architecture Library code, written to support Alpha
AXP processors. PALcode implements architecturally defined
behavior.
parameter
A variable given a specific value that is passed to a program
before execution. The system console code uses many such
parameters.
parity
A method for checking the accuracy of data by calculating the
sum of the number of ones in a piece of binary data. Even
parity requires the correct sum to be an even number, odd parity
requires the correct sum to be an odd number.
password
A unique string of characters or numbers, or both that identifies
you to the computer.
password security feature
The feature that restricts access to certain console commands.
To use all console commands, users must enter a password.
pedestal
A system enclosure suitable in size and operating characteristics
for an office environment.
peripheral device
An internal or external device that provides the central
processing unit (CPU) with additional memory storage or
communication capability. Examples are disk and diskette
drives, video terminals, printers, and expansion boxes.
PEX-based application
An application that runs on Software PEX (software PEX server).
Software PEX allows a three-dimensional (3D) application to run
without specialized 3D hardware.

Glossary–21

PHIGS (Programmer’s Hierarchical Interactive Graphics
System) application
An application that uses the PHIGS graphics system and
language to create two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional
(3D) images on the screen.
pipeline
a CPU design technique whereby multiple instructions are
simultaneously overlapped in execution.
pointing device
A terminal input device that allows you to make a selection from
a menu or to draw graphics. See mouse and tablet.
port
A socket on the front or back of the system unit to which a
terminal, printer, modem or other device is connected.
port pin-outs
The description of the function of electronic signals transmitted
through each pin in a port connector.
primary cache
The cache that is the fastest and closest to the processor. The
DECchip 21064 CPU contains an instruction cache and a data
cache.
Privileged Architecture Library (PAL)
A software chip that has a series of logic gates (AND, OR, and
NOT) that are not tied together.
privileged console commands
The commands allowed by the password security feature. See
also password security feature.
privileged console mode
The state the system is in when the password security feature
is enabled. When the system is in this mode, certain console
commands can be issued only after a password is provided. See
also password security feature.

Glossary–22

process
A program currently using memory and running on the system.
processor module
A module that contains the CPU chip.
program
The sequence of instructions the system uses to perform a task.
See also software.
program mode
The state in which the computer is controlled by the operating
system. After the operating system is invoked, the system
always operates in program mode, unless you put it into console
mode. In program mode, the user can manage the system, run
software applications, and perform network tasks. Compare with
console mode.
Programmable Array Logic (PAL)
A hardware device that can be programmed by a process that
blows individual fuses to create a circuit.
prompt
A symbol or message displayed by a program or an operating
system, asking you to provide input.
puck
A palm-sized device that slides on a tablet’s surface. The puck
and tablet together function as a pointing device. See also
pointing device and tablet.
rackmount enclosure
A type of system cabinet for which components are built to fit
into a metal frame.
random access memory (RAM)
Memory that can be both read from and written to and that
can randomly access any one location during normal operations.
The type of memory the system uses to store the instructions of
programs currently being run.

Glossary–23

read-only memory (ROM)
Memory that cannot be modified. The system can use (read) the
data contained in ROM but cannot change it.
Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)
A computer with an instruction set that is reduced in complexity,
but not necessarily in the number of instructions. RISC
architectures typically require more instructions than Complex
Instruction Set Computer (CISC) architectures to perform given
operations, because an individual RISC instruction performs less
work than a CISC instruction.
register
A temporary storage location in hardware logic other than main
memory.
remote
Physically distant from a computer, but linked to a computer by
communication lines. Compare with local.
remote console port
The port that connects a remote access device to a system.
removable-media drive
A drive such as the RRD42, TZK10, TZ30, TLZ06, or RX26 from
which the storage medium is removable.
restore
In software, to recover files or software that were backed up,
copying the material from the backup medium (such as a tape or
diskette) to the medium you normally use.
In hardware, to return the system to an operating condition.
RISC
See Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
ROM
See read-only memory.

Glossary–24

satellite
A node that is booted remotely from the system disk on the
boot node. Also, a computer system that obtains a specific set of
services from a server system.
SCSI
See Small Computer System Interface.
SCSI bus
A communications pathway between the Small Computer System
Interface (SCSI) and other internal devices. The SCSI bus
consists of an address bus, which selects the location of the data,
and a data bus, which transfers the data.
SCSI controller
The device that directs the operations of the Small Computer
System Interface (SCSI) with synchronous and asynchronous
capabilities.
SCSI jumpers
Removable electrical connectors on some of the drives, such
as the RRD42, that determine the SCSI setting on a drive.
Each installed drive must have a unique setting for proper
communication between the system and all drives.
SCSI switches
Electrical switches on the side or back of some drives, such
as the RX26, that determine the SCSI setting of the drive.
Each installed drive must have a unique setting for proper
communication between the system and all drives.
secondary cache
A random access mass storage area implemented on devices such
as disks. Compare with main memory.
segment
A length of ThinWire Ethernet cable made up of one or more
cable sections connected with barrel connectors or T-connectors.
self-test
A test that is invoked automatically when the system starts up.

Glossary–25

serial port
A port dedicated to hookups with serial line devices such as
terminals or printers. Serial devices transmit data one word
after another (serially) along a single pair of lines from a sending
device to a receiving device.
server
Hardware or software that provides a specific set of services to a
satellite or client.
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
An ANSI-standard interface designed for connecting disks and
other peripheral devices to computer systems. SCSI is used by
many computer and peripheral vendors throughout the industry.
smart frame buffer
A separate memory component for graphics images.
soft error
A recoverable error.
software
Instructions executed by the system to perform a chosen or
required function. Compare with hardware.
SROM
Serial read-only memory.
standalone network
A network that starts and operates alone, without being
connected to another network.
standalone workstation
A workstation that starts and operates alone, without being
connected to another computer.
standard Ethernet network
An Ethernet network connected with standard Ethernet cable.
(Also known as thickwire Ethernet). Compare with ThinWire
Ethernet network.

Glossary–26

startup procedure
The sequence of events that occur when you supply power by
turning on the system or its components.
storage device
A device, such as a diskette or tape, capable of recording
information.
storage expansion box
See expansion box.
strain relief strap
See universal strain relief strap.
stylus
A penlike device that draws on the surface of a tablet and
functions as a pointing device.
superpipelined
Describes a pipelined machine that has a larger number of
pipe stages and more complex scheduling and control. See also
pipeline.
superscalar
Describes a machine that issues multiple independent
instructions per clock cycle.
synchronous communication
A type of communication in which data is transmitted at equal
time intervals. This type of communication allows you to connect
your system to others in one of two ways:
•

Through a modem to a Wide Area Network (WAN)

•

Directly to another system through a null modem

system
A combination of hardware, software, and peripheral devices
that together perform specific processing operations.

Glossary–27

system configuration
The combined layout of hardware and software that makes up a
usable computer system.
system disk
The disk that stores the operating system and that starts the
system and allows it to run properly.
system unit
The part of the system that contains the drives, memory, power
supply, and the computer itself.
tablet
An absolute-positioning input device composed of a flat-surfaced
digitizing tablet that functions as a drawing surface. Two
pointing devices, a puck and a stylus, are used with the tablet to
move the cursor on the monitor screen, draw graphics, and make
selections from the menu.
tape cartridge
Housing for magnetic tape. The cartridge contains a reel of tape
and a take-up reel. A cartridge is similar to a cassette, but of
slightly different design.
tape drive
A device that contains mechanical components and holds, turns,
reads, and writes on magnetic tape.
T-connector
A connector used to join ThinWire Ethernet cable sections.
terminal
A device for entering information into a computer system and
displaying it on a screen. A typewriter-like keyboard, mouse,
tablet or other pointing device is used to enter information.
terminator
A connector used on one or both ends of an Ethernet segment
that provides the 50-ohm termination resistance needed for the
cable. A terminator is also required on unused ports and on the
end of a SCSI bus to complete the bus.

Glossary–28

thickwire Ethernet network
See AUI.
thickwire
An IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet network made
of standard Ethernet cable. Also called standard Ethernet.
Contrast with ThinWire.
ThinWire Ethernet network
A Digital trademark used to describe its 10BASE2 Ethernet
products. See also 10BASE2. Compare with thickwire Ethernet
network.
three-dimensional graphics
Images that are displayed on the screen in 3D. 3D graphics
require the use of the PXG+ or the PXG Turbo+ option and
Software PEX (software PEX server). Software PEX allows a 3D
application to run without specialized 3D hardware.
turn off
The sequence of steps that stops the flow of electricity to a
system or its components.
twisted-pair cable
A cable made by twisting together two insulated conductors.
twisted-pair Ethernet network
See 10BASE-T Ethernet network.
TURBOchannel module
High-performance interconnection hardware that allows you to
use a variety of Digital and third-party graphics, multimedia,
and communications options. The TURBOchannel module is
a synchronous asymmetrical I/O channel that connects option
modules to the system module. With this connection, the system
module and an option module have read or write access to
each other, but option modules have no access to other option
modules.

Glossary–29

two-dimensional graphics
Images that are displayed on the screen in 2D. 2D graphics
require the use of the HX 8-plane smart frame buffer
TURBOchannel graphics option.
universal strain relief strap
A plastic strap used when connecting the monitor video cable
to the back of the monitor. The strap prevents the weight of
the cable junction box from pulling the cables out of the BNC
connectors.
user interface
The style of interaction between the computer and the user of
that computer.
video refresh rate
The speed at which the image on the screen is restored.
VMScluster system
A highly integrated organization of Digital’s OpenVMS AXP
systems that communicate over a high-speed communications
path. VMScluster configurations have all the functions of
single-node systems, plus the ability to share CPU resources,
queues, and disk storage.
VMS operating system
Digital Equipment Corporation’s proprietary operating system.
volatile memory
Memory from which values are lost when the system is turned
off.
WAN
See wide-area network.
wide-area network
A high-speed public or private data communications system that
connects multiple users in different geographical areas, such as
different cities or states. In a WAN, transmissions are carried
primarily over telephone lines.

Glossary–30

window
An area on your monitor screen in which you can start, run, and
view a separate process. Windowing capability is supported by
both OpenVMS AXP and DEC OSF/1 AXP workstation software.
work group
Several workstations, connected together on a network, that
perform similar tasks and share information or databases.
workstation
A single-user system that offers high-performance,
high-resolution graphics, and can function in a network
environment.
wrist strap
See antistatic wrist strap.
write-enabled
The condition that enables a tape or diskette to be written to.
Compare with write-protected.
write-protected
The condition that prevents a tape or diskette from being
accidentally overwritten.

Glossary–31

Index
< x , 8–5
A
Alternate console, 11–3
Alternate console switch
correct setting for monitor, 3–16
moving, 12–21
port icon, 2–12
wrong position, 12–21
Alternate console/printer port
pinouts, B–2
specifications, 11–2
Associated documentation, D–1
Audio capabilities, 1–3
Audio port
pinouts, B–12
AUI Ethernet network
connecting cable, 4–4
network connection procedure, 4–4
required cable, 4–3
AUI Ethernet port, 1–3
pinouts, B–8
Austel warning label, 2–10
auto_action parameters, 9–5

B
10BASE-T network
connection procedure, 4–6
required cable, 4–3
10BASE-T port
pinouts, B–11

boot command, 8–10
Boot device
naming convention, 8–9, 9–7
Boot flags
default, 8–8
overriding, 8–9
bootdef_dev variable, 9–8
description, 9–7
specifiying multiple boot devices, 9–7
BOOTP protocol, 8–9, 9–7
boot_def variable
specifying multiple boot devices, 9–9

C
Cleaning the system, 7–2
Connecting
monitor video cable, 3–12
to a network, 3–5
Connecting components
Ethernet loopback connector, 3–5
keyboard and mouse cables, 3–7
keyboard/mouse extension cable, 3–6
monitor video cable to monitor, 3–10
power cord, 3–14
universal strain relief strap, 3–8
Console commands
advanced, list of, 8–6
basic, documented, 8–7
boot, 8–8, 8–10
caution in using, 8–2
continue, 6–7, 8–11
deposit, 8–2
documentation, 8–2
halt, 8–11, 8–12

Index–1

Console commands (cont’d)
help, 6–7, 8–12
help advanced, 6–7, 8–13
help mips_emulator, 6–7, 8–12
help set, 6–7, 8–12
help show, 6–7, 8–12
overview, 8–6
printenv, 6–7
set, 6–7
set password, 8–14
set, setenv, 8–14
show, 6–7, 12–12
show config, 12–12
show device, 12–12, 12–15
show error, 12–12, 12–18
show memory, 12–12, 12–20
show, printenv, 8–15
test, 8–16
test ni, 4–13
test ni error, 4–13
to issue during halt state, 6–7
Console mode, 8–3
control characters, 8–4
entering, 6–6
supported keys, 8–4
Console prompt, 8–4
described, 5–6
continue command, 6–7, 8–11
Control characters, 8–4
Conventions
used in this guide, xv
Cover
replacing system unit, 5–3
Cover lock
system unit, 3–17
Ctrl/C, 8–5
Ctrl/O, 8–5
Ctrl/Q, 8–5
Ctrl/S, 8–5

Index–2

D
2D Multi-head support, 1–8
DEC GKS, 1–7
DEC Open3D software, 1–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP, 1–5
DEC OSF/1 AXP documentation
server, D–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system
booting, 8–10
general user documentation, D–7
login, 5–12
migration documentation, D–7
startup documentation, D–7
system and network management
documentation, D–7
user documentation, D–7
DEC PHIGS, 1–7
DECsound application, 1–11
DECXM transceiver, 4–3, 4–8
documentation, 4–11
Default boot device, 9–7
DELNI unit, 4–5
deposit command, 8–2, 10–8
DESTA unit, 4–8
documentation, 4–11
Device naming conventions, 8–9, 9–7
Diagnostic display lights, 13–8
Diagnostic tests
purpose, 13–2
diag_quick variable
description, 9–9
Digital Services
support centers, 13–10
Disk drives
problems, 12–25
Diskette drive
problems, 12–27
Display
when halting a workstation, 6–7
Documentation
console commands, 8–2
DEC OSF/1 AXP general user, D–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP migration, D–7

Documentation (cont’d)
DEC OSF/1 AXP operating system user,
D–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP server, D–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP startup, D–7
DEC OSF/1 AXP system and network
management, D–7
DECconnect system, D–6
drives, D–3
online, D–1
printed, D–2
SCSI, D–4
TURBOchannel, D–4
Drives
associated documentation, D–3
problems, 12–25

E
Environment variables
auto_action, 9–5
bootdef_dev, 9–7
description, 9–2
diag_quick, 9–9
displaying values, 9–4
language, 9–10
list of, 9–3
Ergonomic considerations, 2–4
Error messages
described, 12–19
software, 12–27
startup, 5–7
Errors
list of types, 12–4
Ethernet loopback connector
connecting, 3–5
Ethernet network
See AUI Ethernet network
European Economic Community installation,
C–2

F
Factory-installed software, 5–2
identification sticker, 3–13
starting, 5–8
Field replaceable unit
described, 12–19
FIS
See Factory-installed software
Front access door
removing, 7–6
FRU
See Field replaceable unit
FTZ card
See German regulatory information, 2–10

G
German regulatory information, 2–10
Graphics
multiple 2D devices, 1–8
Graphics capabilities
with DEC OSF/1 AXP, 1–8
with OpenVMS AXP, 1–7

H
Halt button
location, 6–6
halt command, 8–11
Halt message, 6–7
Hardware specifications, A–1
help advanced command, 6–7, 8–13
help command, 6–7, 8–12
help mips_emulator command, 6–7
help set command, 6–7
help show command, 6–7
help show display, 8–13

Index–3

Icons
See also Task symbols
on system unit, 2–11
Installation
connecting time, 3–2
overview, workstation, 3–4
parts required, 2–9
tools needed, 3–2
International requirements, C–1, E–1
ISDN, 1–3, 1–9
B channels, 1–9
capabilities, 1–9
D channels, 1–9
ISDN port
pinouts, B–10

Memory
total megabytes, 1–3
Monitor
connecting video cable, 3–10
display problems, 12–8, 12–21, 12–23
Monitor video cable
connecting, 3–12
MOP protocol, 8–9, 9–7
Mouse
problems, 12–24

K
Keyboard
accidental spills, 7–3
language, 9–10
problems, 12–24
Keyboard/mouse extension cable
connecting, 3–6
Keyboard/mouse port
connecting cable, 3–6
icon, 2–11
pinouts, B–7

L
Language
default, 9–10
Locking
system unit, 3–19
Loopback connector
connecting 10BASE-T, 13–13
connecting alternate console/printer,
13–14
connecting modem, 13–15

Index–4

N
Network labels
use of, 4–2
Network settings, 4–12
Networks
booting from, 12–28
connecting to 10BASE-T, 4–6
connecting to AUI Ethernet, 4–4
connecting to ThinWire, 4–8
determining at site, 4–2
ISDN, 1–9
required cables and adapters, 4–3
resolving errors, 12–28
testing, 4–13
NI test, 4–13
Nonprivileged console commands
list of, 10–4

O
Open Software Foundation, 1–5
OpenVMS AXP, 1–4
features, 1–4
OpenVMS AXP operating system
booting, 8–10
conversational boot, 5–13
login, 5–9
Operating system
loading, 5–13
shutdown procedure, 6–3
startup procedures, 5–8, 5–13

Operating systems, 1–4
Options
adding, 1–12
external, 1–12
how to order, 1–12
installing, 1–12
internal, 1–11
list of, 1–11
TURBOchannel, 1–12
Options supported
information on, 1–6

P
Password security feature, 1–3
changing the password, 10–9
definition of, 10–1
disabling the password, 10–9
enabling system security, 10–7
entering a password, 10–5
erasing, 10–8
error message, 10–6
forgetting, 10–8
lack of functionality, 10–2
when to use, 10–3
Port locations, 2–12
Port pin-outs
table of, B–1
Power cycling, 11–6
printenv command, 6–7
See show
Privileged console commands
definition of, 10–3
list of, 10–4
losing access to, 10–4
Problems
determining type, 12–4
identifying, 12–1, 12–3
list of types, 12–4
Products supported
information on, 1–6
Program mode, 8–3
returning from console mode, 6–8

PTT network user
special information, E–1
PTT requirements, E–1

R
Removing front access door, 7–6

S
SCSI devices
duplicate IDs, 12–17
ID numbers, 12–17
problems, 12–25
SCSI port
icon, 2–12
pinouts, B–5
SCSI, associated documentation, D–4
Secure console mode
how to set, 10–2
Secure system jumper, 10–2
Security
See also Troubleshooting
system, 10–5
Service centers, 13–10
set command, 6–7

set language
display, 9–11

set, setenv command, 8–14
show command, 6–7, 9–4
show config command
described, 12–14
error display, 12–13
show device command, 9–8, 12–15
show error command, 12–18
show memory command, 12–20
show, printenv command, 8–15
Shutdown, system
steps to, 6–3
Site preparation
ergonomics, 2–4
system requirements, 2–3
Software
DEC GKS, 1–7
DEC Open3D, 1–7

Index–5

Software (cont’d)
DEC PHIGS, 1–7
XMedia application, 1–11
Software Product Description (SPD), 1–6
Space requirements, 2–2
Standard Ethernet
See AUI Ethernet network
Startup
common errors, 12–9
display, 5–4, 5–6
error codes, 12–9
errors, 5–7, 12–9
steps, 5–4
Supported keys
in console mode, 8–4
Synchronous/asynchronous communication
port pinouts, B–3
System
current states, 6–2
features, 1–3
overview, 1–2
parts, 2–9
restarting, 11–6
security, 10–5
shutdown, 6–3
specifications, A–2, A–3
turning off, 6–1, 6–4
System components
for workstations, 1–2
system unit (front), 2–14
system unit (rear), 2–11
unpacking workstation, 2–8
workstation components (fig.), 2–9
System features
audio, 1–10
available options, 1–11
dimensions, 2–2
graphics capabilities, 1–6
highlights, 1–3
System power cord
connecting, 3–14
System unit
back of, 2–12
cover lock, 3–17
dimensions, A–2

Index–6

System unit (cont’d)
electrical specifications, A–2
environmental specifications, A–4
front of, 2–14
general specifications, A–3
hardware specifications, A–1
moving, 2–6
preparing for diagnostic tests, 13–2
symbols on front and rear, 2–11

T
Task symbols, xvi
test command, 8–16, 13–4
NI, 4–13
running single device test, 13–5
Thickwire
See AUI Ethernet network
ThinWire network
connection procedure, 4–8
required cable, 4–3
required terminator, 4–3
Troubleshooting
installed software problems, 12–26
keyboard problems, 12–24
monitor problems, 12–23
network problems, 12–28
SCSI device problems, 12–25
software on diskette problems, 12–27
startup problems, 12–6
TURBOchannel, 1–3
associated documentation, D–4
Twisted pair, 1–3

U
United Kingdom requirements
See PTT Network Users, E–1
Universal strain relief strap
connecting, 3–8
Unpacking
checking contents, 2–8
two people required, 2–8

Video refresh switch
correct setting, 3–15

Workstation configuration
installation overview, 3–4
steps to install, 3–3
unpacking, 2–8

X
XMedia application, 1–11

Index–7