Digital PDFs

EK-DALPH-OG-A01

April 1995

228 pages

Original

1.6MB

Document:	Digital Alpha VME 2100 Owner's Guide
Order Number:	EK-DALPH-OG
Revision:	A01
Pages:	228
Original Filename:

OCR Text

Digital Alpha VME 2100
Owner’s Guide
Order Number: EK–DALPH–OG. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, April 1995
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its
products in the manner described in this publication will not infringe on
existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this
publication imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or
software in accordance with the description.
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.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1995.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments form 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,
AlphaServer, DEC, DECchip, DECVET, Digital, Digital UNIX, OpenVMS Alpha,
ThinWire, VAX DOCUMENT, and the DIGITAL logo.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
NCR is a registered trademark of NCR Corporation.
OSF/1 is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
FCC NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may cause interference in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct
the interference.
S2780

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

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

Idle
Operating

Sound Power Level
LwAd , B

Sound Pressure Level
LpAm , dBA (Bystander
Positions)

6.5
6.5

50
50

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

Leerlauf
Betrieb

Schalleistungspegel
LwAd , B

Schalldruckpegel
LpAm , dBA
(Zuschauerpositionen)

6.5
6.5

50
50

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

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

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

1 Introduction
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel (OCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OCP Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Top Access Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Front Access Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Bulkhead Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Bulkhead Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

2 Installation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING: Before Installing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying the Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Drawer Mount System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Slide Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–1
2–2
2–2
2–6
2–6
2–7
2–9
2–9
2–9
2–9
2–12

Drawer Mount System: Cabinet Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Rail-Hole Pattern English (RETMA) . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Installation Area English (RETMA) . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Rail-Hole Pattern Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Installation Area Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Installing U-nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Attaching the Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Mounting the System on the Slides . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Aligning the System Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Optional Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Interlock Actuator Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Interlock Actuator Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Vertical Mount System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Rail-Hole Pattern English (RETMA) . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installation Area English (RETMA) . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Rail-Hole Pattern
Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installation Area Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Optional Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Mounting the Support Brace . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completing the Installation of Both Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding SCSI Devices to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Diagnostic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Port Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preboot Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Autobooting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extended Power-down (AC Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–13
2–14
2–14
2–16
2–16
2–18
2–18
2–19
2–21
2–22
2–22
2–23
2–26
2–26
2–26
2–26
2–27
2–29
2–30
2–32
2–34
2–35
2–37
2–37
2–39
2–40
2–40
2–40
2–40
2–41
2–42
2–43
2–46
2–48
2–49
2–50
2–50
2–50
2–52
2–53
2–53
2–53

Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Halt Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial/Parallel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Adding Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Adding Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–53
2–53
2–54
2–54
2–55
2–55
2–55
2–57
2–57
2–59
2–60
2–61

3 Operation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–1

4 Using Console Commands
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Task Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tasks and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control and Keyboard Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levels of Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Command Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
continue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

vii

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
help or man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
init . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set auto_action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set bootdef_dev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set boot_osflags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital UNIX Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OpenVMS Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set ew*0_mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

4–11
4–11
4–12
4–12
4–12
4–12
4–12
4–13
4–13
4–13
4–14
4–14
4–15
4–15
4–15
4–15
4–15
4–16
4–17
4–17
4–17
4–17
4–17
4–18
4–18
4–18
4–18
4–19
4–20
4–20
4–20
4–20
4–21
4–21
4–22
4–23
4–23
4–23
4–23
4–23
4–24
4–24
4–24

Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set ocp_text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set os_type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set pk*0_fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
set pk*0_host_id . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Argument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show fru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–24
4–25
4–26
4–26
4–26
4–27
4–27
4–28
4–28
4–28
4–28
4–28
4–29
4–29
4–29
4–30
4–30
4–31
4–31
4–31
4–32
4–32
4–33
4–33
4–33
4–33
4–33
4–34
4–34
4–34
4–34
4–35
4–36
4–37
4–37
4–37
4–38
4–39
4–39
4–39
4–40
4–41
4–42

Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show pal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–42
4–42
4–42
4–44
4–44
4–44
4–44
4–45
4–45
4–45
4–45
4–46
4–46
4–46
4–46
4–47
4–47
4–47
4–47

5 Options and Upgrades
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upgrade Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning Your Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Third-Party Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware Console Commands for Digital UNIX and OpenVMS . . . .
show config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting and Showing Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring System Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard I/O Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VME Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing VME Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2
5–2
5–3
5–3
5–3
5–4
5–4
5–4
5–4
5–7
5–9
5–10
5–11
5–14
5–17
5–18
5–19
5–19
5–19
5–20

SCSI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Native SCSI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Removable Media Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Fixed Disk Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–21
5–21
5–22
5–26
5–26

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

6–1
6–2
6–2
6–3
6–3
6–3
6–4
6–4
6–5
6–5
6–6
6–9
6–10
6–11
6–13
6–14
6–16
6–18
6–20
6–21
6–22
6–23
6–24
6–24

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

A–1
A–2
A–2
A–3
A–4

Glossary
Index
Figures
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–9
2–1
2–2
2–3
2–4
2–5
2–6
2–7
2–8
2–9
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–13
2–14
2–15
2–16
xii

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel (OCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the OCP Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Top Access Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Front Access Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Bulkhead Components . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Bulkhead Components . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: System Clearance/Service Area . . . .
Vertical Mount System: System Clearance/Service Area . . . .
Attaching the Brackets to the Right Slide Assembly
(English RETMA and Metric IEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Attaching the Slide Races . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Installation Area
English (RETMA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Installation Area
Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Attaching the Slides to the Cabinet
Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Mounting the System on the
Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning the System Slides to the Cabinet Rails . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Interlock Actuator Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installation Area
English (RETMA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installation Area
Metric (IEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Attaching the Four Bezel Tabs . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Attaching the Brace . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Installing the System . . . . . . . . . . .

1–2
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–10
1–11
1–12
2–3
2–4
2–10
2–13
2–15
2–17
2–19
2–20
2–21
2–23
2–25
2–28
2–31
2–33
2–34
2–35

2–17
2–18
2–19
2–20
2–21
2–22
2–23
2–24
2–25
2–26
2–27
2–28
2–29
3–1
4–1
4–2
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–6
5–7
5–8
6–1

Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Powered-down System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Startup Diagnostic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Keys on a VT420 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Name Convention in show device Command . . . . . . .
Device Name Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Bus Option Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Bus Option Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: System Bus Configurations . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: System Bus Configurations . . . . . . .
PCI Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching the Tape Drive Insulator Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Removable Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (J6) on the Standard I/O
Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–37
2–38
2–39
2–40
2–41
2–42
2–51
2–52
2–56
2–58
2–59
2–60
2–62
3–2
4–5
4–39
5–7
5–12
5–13
5–15
5–16
5–20
5–23
5–25
6–25

Tables
1–1
1–2
2–1
2–2
4–1
4–2
4–3

System Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Cord Order Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70–31884–02) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70–31884–01) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Summary Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX and Digital Alpha VME 2100 Console Commands
Compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–3
1–13
2–7
2–8
4–2
4–6
4–8

xiii

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

xiv

Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OpenVMS Boot Flag Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Identify a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying and Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problem Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Support Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Problems Getting to Console Mode . . . . .
Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawer Mount System: Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Mount System: Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–16
4–22
6–3
6–3
6–4
6–6
6–9
6–10
6–11
6–13
6–18
6–19
6–20
6–21
6–22
A–2
A–2
A–3
A–4

Preface
Purpose of This Guide
This guide describes how to install, operate, troubleshoot, and
maintain the Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems.

Who Should Use This Guide
This guide is for system managers and other qualified personnel
who install and manage computer systems.

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

Chapter 1 — Introduces the system and describes the basic
characteristics of the system.

•

Chapter 2 — Describes how to install the drawer mount and
vertical mount systems.

•

Chapter 3 — Describes how to use the operator control
panel (OCP).

•

Chapter 4 — Explains the console commands and provides
examples of some commands.

•

Chapter 5 — Describes system options and upgrades.

•

Chapter 6 — Explains how to identify and resolve system
problems that prevent proper operation.

•

Appendix A — Provides the system hardware specifications.

Related Documents
Other documents related to the Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems
include the following:

xvi

•

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service Guide (EK–DALPH–SV)

•

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Read Me First (EK–DALDC–IS)

•

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Vertical Rackmount Front Bezel
Installation Information (EK–DALVR–IS)

•

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Drawer Rackmount Front Bezel
Installation Information (EK–DALDR–IS)

•

Digital 2100 VME Adapter Driver, OpenVMS AXP
Installation Guide (AA–QCEVA–TE)

•

Digital 2100 VME Adapter Driver, OpenVMS AXP User’s
Guide (AA–QCEWA–TE)

•

Digital 2100 VME Adapter Driver, DEC OSF/1 Installation
Guide (AA–QCEYA–TE)

•

Digital 2100 VME Adapter Driver, DEC OSF/1 User’s Guide
(AA-QCEZA–TE)

•

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

•

Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA–PS2TA–TE)

•

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

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

Meaning

Note

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

Caution

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

Warning

A warning contains information essential to
the safety of personnel.

Circled numbers provide a link between
figures and text.

MONOSPACE

Text displayed on the screen is shown in
monospace type.

bold type

Bold type denotes user input.

italic type

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

n.nn

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

Ctrl/x

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

Return

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

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

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

[]

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

xvii

For a listing of terms used in the Digital Alpha VME 2100
documentation, refer to the Glossary contained in this book.

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

xviii

1
Introduction

In This Chapter

This chapter introduces the Digital Alpha VME 2100 drawer
mount and vertical mount systems. This chapter also describes
the location of the system components and controls.

The Digital
Alpha VME
2100 System

The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system (refer to Figure 1–1) is a
high-performance superserver for multiuser environments. The
drawer mount system is contained in a chassis that fits into a
standard 48.26-cm (19-in.) drawer cabinet. The vertical mount
system is the same chassis, but designed to fit into a vertical
48.26-cm (19-in.) cabinet.
The system complies with the Electronic Industries Association
(EIA) standard 310C and the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) 297 standards that enable installation into
a cabinet with rails with either the English RETMA (Radio
Electronics Television Manufacturers Association) or metric IEC
rail-hole pattern.
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system is part of the AlphaServer
2100 product line. This product line is a family of Alpha
symmetric multiprocessor, server systems that are supported
by multiple operating systems. The Digital Alpha VME 2100
system is supported by the Digital UNIX operating system,
(formally called DEC OSF/1), V3.0B (and later), and the
OpenVMS Alpha V6.1 (and later) operating systems.
The server’s CPU is based on the DECchip 21064 processor chip
running at 190 MHz or the DECchip 21064A processor chip
running at 275 MHz.

1–1

Figure 1–1 Digital Alpha VME 2100 Systems

MLO-011591

1–2

Characteristics

Table 1–1 highlights the specific characteristics of the Digital
Alpha VME 2100 system.
Table 1–1 System Characteristics
Characteristic

Description

Four–processor
capability

May be configured as a uniprocessor or
up to four processors.

High-performance
PCI I/O subsystem

Peripheral Component Interconnect
(PCI) is the emerging industry-standard
bus that supports Digital and thirdparty options.

VME bus

5-slot VME I/O bus that supports
industry-standard options.

Internal mass storage

Up to two, 5.25-in. half-height
hard-disc-drive storage devices. Up
to 2 GB per drive.

External storage
devices

Supports external storage devices,
for low-cost, high-capacity, flexible
configurations.

CPU chip technology

The DECchip 21064 is manufactured by
using Digital’s state-of-the-art CMOS
process.
This process uses a feature size of 0.75
micron and the chip contains 1.7 million
transistors on one die.

CPU clock rate

190 MHz to more than 400 MHz over a
lifetime.

CPU chip design
features

Superscalar, superpipelined

System bus
bandwidth

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

Memory

Up to 2 GB of main memory

1–3

Components and Controls
Drawer mount and vertical mount system components and
controls are located at the front, top, and rear of the system.

Drawer Mount
System: Front
Components

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

Figure 1–2 Drawer Mount System: Front Components
6

1
2
3

7
MLO-011592

! Operator control panel (OCP)
" Optional slot for removablemedia mass-storage devices
# Removable-media mass-storage
devices

1–4

$ Hard disk drives
% Power supply
& Top cover
' Front bezel (optional)

Vertical Mount
System: Front
Components

Figure 1–3 shows the components on the front of the system.

Figure 1–3 Vertical Mount System: Front Components

7
MLO-011593

! Operator control panel (OCP)
" Optional slot for removablemedia mass-storage devices
# Removable-media mass-storage
devices

$ Location of hard disks
% Power supply
& Front cover
' Front bezel (optional)

For information about mass-storage controls, refer to devicespecific information in Chapter 5 of this guide.

1–5

Operator
Control Panel
(OCP)

Figure 1–4 shows the individual controls and indicators on
the OCP. The OCP is the same on both the drawer mount and
vertical mount systems.
Figure 1–4 Operator Control Panel (OCP)

1
2

4
MLO-011594

! Power-up/diagnostic display # Halt button
" DC On/Off button
$ Reset button

1–6

OCP Door

After the system is installed in a drawer or vertical cabinet, the
OCP door permits access to the OCP controls without removing
the front bezel. To open the OCP door, unlock the door
and
pull the upper-right edge
of the door away from the system as
shown in Figure 1–5.

Figure 1–5 Unlocking the OCP Door

MLO-011595

1–7

Drawer Mount
System: Top
Access Cover

Figure 1–6 shows the location of the top access cover to the
module card-cage area.
Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.
Warning: This area contains electrical energy.
Disconnect the ac power cord(s) to the system before
accessing this area.
To open the top cover, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power to the system, see

" in Figure 1–4.

2. Disconnect the power cord.
3. Turn each of the two screws in the pawl latches multiple
times, see
in Figure 1–6, until the latches release the
cover to the chassis.

Figure 1–6 Drawer Mount System: Top Access Cover

MLO-011626

1–8

Vertical Mount
System: Front
Access Cover

Figure 1–7 shows the location of the front access cover over the
module card-cage area.
Warning: CPU and Memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.
Warning: This area contains electrical energy.
Disconnect the ac power cord(s) to the system before
accessing this area.
To open the front access cover, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power to the system, see

" in Figure 1–4.

2. Disconnect the power cord.
3. Turn the two screws in the pawl latches multiple times, see
in Figure 1–6, until the latch releases the cover to the
chassis.

1–9

Figure 1–7 Vertical Mount System: Front Access Cover

MLO-011625

1–10

Turn the screw in each pawl latch to release front access
cover

Drawer Mount
System:
Bulkhead
Components

Figure 1–8 shows the bulkhead components (rear of the system).
Figure 1–8 Drawer Mount System: Bulkhead Components
1

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
)
+>

10
MLO-011606

VME I/O area, customer configurable
Ethernet ports (2)
3 PCI-32 I/O slots
Mouse port
Serial port (COM1) console terminal
SCSI port
Keyboard port
Serial port (COM2) modem connection
Parallel port printer connection
AC power input

1–11

Vertical Mount
System:
Bulkhead
Components

Figure 1–9 shows the bulkhead components (top of the system).
Figure 1–9 Vertical Mount System: Bulkhead Components
1

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
)
+>

1–12

10
MLO-011606

Power
Requirements

Appendix A lists the electrical specifications and power
requirements for your system.
Voltage selection is not required. This equipment is intended for
use at all rated ac-input voltages.
Warning: High voltage shock hazard present inside
the power supply.

Power Cords

Power cords for the Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems are
country-specific. The system is shipped with a U.S. power cord
(PN: 17-00083-51).
For a list of the available power cords and their appropriate part
numbers, refer to Table 1–2 and note the following:
•

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

•

If you are a Digital service representative, use the Digital
Number to identify the power cord that you need.

Table 1–2 Power Cord Order Numbers
Country

Power Cord
BN Number

Digital
Number

U.S., Japan, Canada 1

—

17-00083-51

Australia, New Zealand

BN19J-2E

17-00198-13

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

BN19D-2E

17-00199-22

U.K., Ireland

BN19B-2E

17-00209-12

Switzerland

BN04B-2E

17-00210-12

Denmark

BN19L-2E

17-00310-06

Italy

BN19N-2E

17-00364-17

India, South Africa

BN19T-2E

17-00456-15

Israel

BN18Y-2E

17-00457-15

1 This power cord is included with the system.

1–13

2
Installation

In This Chapter

WARNING:
Before
Installing the
System

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Verifying site preparation

•

Unpacking the shipment

•

Installing the drawer mount system

•

Installing the vertical mount system

•

Completing the installation of both systems

•

Turning the system on

•

Console port configurations

•

Turning the system off

•

Invoking console mode

•

Connecting to networks

•

Connecting peripherals

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

Hazards to which they are exposed in performing a task

•

Measures to minimize the danger to themselves, other
persons, and equipment.

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

2–1

Verifying the Site Preparation

Overview

The installation instructions that follow assume that:
•

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

•

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

•

The system is located in an area that provides sufficient
clearance for ventilation and servicing. Figure 2–1 and
Figure 2–2 show the recommended clearances for the
systems.
Caution
Inlet air at the bottom of the vertical mount system, and
at the front of the drawer mount system, must be within
the operating temperature range specified in Table A–4.

Warning
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system weighs 49.94 kg
(110 lbs). To prevent personal injury and equipment
damage, ensure that the drawer mount system is
contained in an enclosure that can be stabilized when the
system is pulled out on its slides.

2–2

Figure 2–1 Drawer Mount System: System Clearance/Service Area

48.3 cm
(19 in)

91.4 cm
(36 in)

61 cm
(24 in)

61 cm
(24 in)
35.6 cm
(14 in)
71.1 cm
(28 in)

91.4 cm
(36 in)

MLO-011602

2–3

Figure 2–2 Vertical Mount System: System Clearance/Service Area

48.3 cm
(19 in)

91.4 cm
(36 in)

80 cm
(31.5 in)
61 cm
(24 in)

38.7 cm
(15.25 in)

61 cm
(24 in)

44.5 cm
(17.5 in)

66.7 cm
(26.25 in)
91.4 cm
(36 in)

MLO-011603

2–4

Reminder
A minimum of 5.25 inches of air space is required above
and below the vertical mount system. Inlet air at the
bottom of the vertical mount system must be within the
operating temperature range specified in Table A–4.

When fully mounted in a rack, (support bracket installed above
the chassis), the vertical mount system is:
•

66.7 cm (26.25 in) in height (chassis only).

•

80 cm (31.5 in) in height with optional front bezel installed
over the chassis and support bracket.

2–5

Unpacking the Shipment
Checking the
Shipment

Check the packing list to ensure that all items listed have
been received. If any item is missing or damaged, contact
your delivery agent immediately and notify your Digital sales
representative.
Note
Save all packing materials in case you need to return the
system for service or to reship the system.

Your shipment may include several cartons. One carton
may contain the system, hardware documentation, software
documentation, system software, diagnostic software, and
software licenses.
Depending on your order, your shipment may also include some
of the following components:
•

Terminals

•

Printers

•

Modems

•

Options

•

Optional front bezel
Warning
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system weighs 49.94 kg
(110 lbs). Use sufficient personnel to remove the system
from the shipping carton.

2–6

Accessories

Table 2–1 lists the mounting hardware, included with the drawer
mount system, for installation in cabinets conforming to either
English RETMA or metric IEC standards.
Table 2–1 Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70–31884–02)
Description

Part Number

Quantity

SCSI terminator

12-37004-04

Ethernet loopback connector

12-22196-02

Female MMJ connector

12-23599-08

Power cord, term 3-14 SJT 125 V

17-00083-51

Rubber grommet

12-31734-01

Chassis slide assembly

12-42522-01

1 pair

Package assembly

37-01595-01

Drive plate

74-48242-01

Nut bar

74-48746-01

Stabilizer bracket

74-48996-01

Actuator latch

74-48997-02

Nut, bar, support bracket

74-48998-01

Interlock actuator bracket

74-48999-14

Bracket, slide for English/Metric
systems

74-49345-01

Bracket, slide for English/Metric
systems

74-49345-02

Pan-head sems screws, 8-32

90-00049-28

Screws, 10-32 truss-head

90-00063-37

Screws, 10-32 truss-head

90-00063-39

Set screws, 6-32

90-06291-10

Cable tie, 1.25-inch diameter

90-07031-01

U-nut, 10-32

90-07786-00

Flat-head machine screw, 6mm

90-40122-03

(continued on next page)

2–7

Table 2–1 (Cont.) Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70–31884–02)
Description

Part Number

Quantity

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Owner’s Guide

EK–DALPH–OG

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Read Me First

EK–DALDC–IS

ECU diskette V1.6 DEC AXP

AK–Q2CRF–CA

Tape drive insulator assembly

70-32518-01

Table 2–2 lists the mounting hardware included with the vertical
mount system, for installation in a 19" vertical racks.
Table 2–2 Accessory Kit Contents (PN: 70–31884–01)

2–8

Description

Part Number

Quantity

Ethernet loopback connector

12-22196-02

Female MMJ connector

12-23599-08

Rubber grommet

12-31734-01

SCSI terminator

12-37004-04

Power cord, term 3-14 SJT 125 V

17-00083-51

Package assembly

37-01595-01

Drive plate

74-48242-01

Bracket - installation/top baffle

74-49581-01

Truss-head screws 10-32 .500 XRCS

90-00063-39

Cable tie, 1.25-inch diameter

90-07031-01

U-nut 10-32

90-07786-00

Flat-head machine screw, M3 x 6mm

90-40122-03

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Owner’s Guide

EK–DALPH–OG

Digital Alpha VME 2100 Read Me First

EK–DALDC–IS

ECU diskette V1.6 DEC AXP

AK–Q2CRF–CA

Tape drive insulator assembly

70-32518-01

Installing the Drawer Mount System

Overview

The drawer mount system is shipped with one pair of slide
assemblies (PN: 12–42522–01), which include:
•

Four universal brackets for both English RETMA or metric
IEC cabinet installation

•

The slide assemblies

•

Attaching hardware

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

Tools Required

A flat-blade screwdriver and a small adjustable wrench are
needed to install the system.

Preparing the
Slides

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

Note
Unless noted otherwise, the following instructions
apply to both English RETMA and metric IEC cabinet
installations.

2–9

1. Find the slide assembly
labeled RH (for right-hand side)
that is shipped with the system.

2. Pull out the inside race
until it locks. Do not remove the
race from the slide assembly at this time.
3. Orient the slide so that the arrow
is pointing upward.

# next to the locking lever

4. For English RETMA cabinets, slide the E/LF-RR bracket
onto the rear end of the slide assembly
with the end
stamped E facing away from the slide.

For metric IEC cabinets, use the same procedure, except
slide the M/LF-RR bracket onto the rear end of the slide
assembly with the end stamped M facing away from the
slide.
Figure 2–3 Attaching the Brackets to the Right Slide Assembly
(English RETMA and Metric IEC)

6
3

English
13
12

14
15

Metric

10
English
LJ-03766-TI0

2–10

5. Attach the rear bracket
to the slide assembly
using the
mounting holes shown in Figure 2–3 and two 8-32 screws
, flat washers , lock washers , and nuts , but do not
tighten. The bracket must be loose enough to adjust later.

(

)

(direction of the arrow
6. Press up on the locking lever
and pull the race
out of the slide assembly .

#),

7. For English RETMA cabinets, slide the E/RF-LR bracket
onto the front end of the slide assembly
with the end
stamped E facing away from the slide.

For metric IEC cabinets, use the same procedure, except
slide the M/RF-LR bracket onto the front end of the slide
assembly with the end stamped M facing away from the
slide.
8. To fasten the front bracket to the slide assembly, proceed as
follows:

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

b. Attach the front bracket
to the slide assembly
two 8-32 screws , flat washers , lock washers
nuts . Tighten the screws.

! using
+C, and

Slide the race
back into the slide assembly, making
sure that the arrow
is pointing upward and the locking
lever is pointing away from the slide assembly.

d. Set this assembly aside.
9. Find the slide assembly labeled LH (for left-hand side) that
is shipped with the system.
Caution
To avoid damaging the slides, the installation must be
performed as instructed in steps 2 through 8.

2–11

10. Attach the rear and front brackets (following steps 2
through 8) using the brackets as follows:
•

For English RETMA cabinet installation, use bracket
E/RF-LR for the rear end of the slide assembly and
bracket E/LF-RR for the front end of the slide assembly.

•

For metric IEC cabinet installation, use bracket M/RFLR for the rear end of the slide assembly and bracket
M/LF-RR for the front end of the slide assembly.
Reminder

Figure 2–3 shows how to attach the front and rear
brackets to a right slide assembly for an English RETMA
cabinet. Use as reference only when assembling the left
slide assembly.

Attaching the
Slide Races

To attach the slide races, refer to Figure 2–4 and proceed as
follows:
1. Remove the race from the slide assembly labeled RH.
Caution
When performing the next step, ensure that the arrow
(shown in Figure 2–4) points upward and the locking
lever
points toward the front of the system. Otherwise,
the slide will be damaged when the system is installed
on the slides.

2. Attach the right slide race
to the right side of the system
chassis
(as viewed from the front) using four pan-head
screws .

$
%

3. Remove the race from the slide assembly labeled LH.
4. Take note of the caution in step 1 and repeat step 2 to attach
the left slide race to the left side of the system chassis.

2–12

Figure 2–4 Drawer Mount System: Attaching the Slide Races

4
MLO-011596

Drawer Mount
System:
Cabinet
Stability

Warning
To ensure cabinet stability, do not install the system in
the top area of the cabinet.

2–13

Drawer Mount
System:
Rail-Hole
Pattern English
(RETMA)

Drawer Mount
System:
Installation
Area English
(RETMA)

In a cabinet conforming to the English RETMA standard, the
holes in the cabinet rails follow a pattern of 1.27 cm (0.50 in.),
1.59 cm (0.625 in.), and 1.59 cm (0.625 in.). This pattern is
repeated for the length of the cabinet rails.

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

Action

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

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

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

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

The total installation area is 35.6 cm (14 in.). The equation for
calculating the total installation area is:
4.45 cm (1.75 in.) 2 8 sets = 35.6 cm (14 in.)
Note
The hole count described in this section determines the
system installation location in any 35.6-cm (14-in.) area
of the cabinet.
Install the system with a minimum of 43 cm (17 in.)
from the floor, to provide sufficient clearance for service
through the bottom access door.

2–14

Figure 2–5 Drawer Mount System: Installation Area
English (RETMA)

14 "

12 1/4"

10 1/2"
7

"Installation Area"
8 3/4"

7 "

5 1/4"

6
5
4
3
2
1

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

3 1/2"

1 3/4"

"1.75 Rule"

Scale = 17/64

LJ-03768-TI0

! Hole 2 for attaching slide
& Hole 11 for clip nut
bracket
used to secure system to
" Hole 3 for attaching slide bracket front rails
# Hole 4 for attaching slide bracket ' Hole 19 for clip nut
$ Hole 5 for attaching slide bracket used to secure system to
% Bar nut (placed behind rail (front front rails
and back rails))

2–15

Drawer Mount
System:
Rail-Hole
Pattern Metric
(IEC)

In a cabinet conforming to the metric IEC standard, the holes in
the cabinet rails are 2.5 cm (0.98 in.) on center throughout the
length of the cabinet rails.

Drawer Mount
System:
Installation
Area Metric
(IEC)

To determine the installation area, perform the following steps
at the front and rear cabinet rails (refer to Figure 2–6).
Step

Action

Select a section of the cabinet rail where there are 14
consecutive holes unoccupied.

Make a mark between the first hole (bottom) and
the one below it. This is the starting point of the
installation area.

Count up 14 holes and make a mark halfway between
the 14th and 15th hole. The area between the marks
is the installation area.

The total installation area is 35 cm (13.78 in.). The equation for
calculating the total installation area is:
2.5 cm (0.98 in.) 2 14 holes = 35 cm (13.78 in.)
Note
The hole count described in this section determines the
system installation location in any 35-cm (13.78-in.) area
of the cabinet.
Install the system with a minimum of 43 cm (17 in.)
from the floor, to provide sufficient clearance for service
through the bottom access door.

2–16

Figure 2–6 Drawer Mount System: Installation Area
Metric (IEC)

35 cm

30 cm

"Installation Area"

25 cm

20 cm

15 cm

10 cm

4
3
2

5 cm

2.5 cm

Scale = 17/64

LJ-03800-TI0

! Hole 1 for attaching slide
% Hole 7 for clip nut used
bracket
to secure system to front
" Hole 2 for attaching slide bracket rails
# Hole 3 for attaching slide bracket & Hole 11 for clip nut
$ Bar nut (placed behind front and used to secure system to
back rails)

front rails

2–17

Drawer Mount
System:
Installing
U-nuts

Four U-nuts must be installed on the cabinet rails to receive the
screws that secure the system to the rails. To install the U-nuts,
proceed as follows:
1. In a cabinet with the English (RETMA) hole pattern, locate
the 11th and 19th holes on the front rails in the installation
area (refer to Figure 2–5). In a cabinet with the metric (IEC)
hole pattern, locate the 7th and 11th holes on the front rails
in the installation area (refer to Figure 2–6).
2. Install a U-nut over each mounting hole identified in step
1 by sliding the U-nut over the edge of the cabinet rail and
aligning it with the hole. Ensure that the threaded half of
the U-nuts are toward the inside of the cabinet.

Drawer Mount
System:
Attaching the
Slides

To attach the slides to the cabinet rails, refer to Figure 2–7 and
proceed as follows:
1. Locate the slide assembly labeled RH. In English RETMA
to the right front
cabinets, attach the RH slide assembly
cabinet rail
(facing the front of the cabinet) using four
10-32 screws
(for metric IEC, use three screws) and a bar
nut . Do not tighten the screws at this time.

"
#

!
&

2. Attach the RH slide assembly
to the right rear cabinet
rail
using four 10-32 screws
(for metric IEC, use three
screws) and a bar nut . Do not tighten the screws at this
time.

3. Tighten the 8-32 screws attaching the rear bracket to the RH
and
in Figure 2–3).
slide assembly (shown as

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to attach the LH slide assembly to
the left cabinet rails.
5. Tighten the screws on the front and rear cabinet rails only
enough to allow play for the slides to self-align when the
system is installed in the next procedure.

2–18

Figure 2–7 Drawer Mount System: Attaching the Slides to the Cabinet Rails

1
2

5
4
7

3
LJ-03804-TI0

Drawer Mount
System:
Mounting the
System on the
Slides

To mount the system on the slides, refer to Figure 2–8 and
proceed as follows:
Warning
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system weighs
approximately 49.94 kg (110 lbs). Use sufficient
personnel and the proper equipment when lifting or
moving the system.

Stabilize the cabinet before installing the system into the
cabinet. Figure 2–8 shows an example of a cabinet with the
extended.
stabilizer foot

1. Pull both equipment slides
positions.

" out fully to their locked

2–19

Note
Coil the male plug end of the power cord and place it
on top of the system to keep it out of the way when
performing the next step.

2. Lift the chassis
and position it so that the slide races fit
into the front end of the slides.
3. Push the system into the slides until it stops. Push up on
the two locking levers , and then push the system into the
cabinet.

Figure 2–8 Drawer Mount System: Mounting the System on the Slides

MLO-011615

2–20

Drawer Mount
System:
Aligning the
System Slides

To align the system slides to the cabinet rails and ensure smooth
operation in and out of the cabinet, refer to Figure 2–9 and
proceed as follows:
1. Pull up on the front of the system and secure the system to
the front cabinet rails using four 10-32 screws . The screws
go through the system brackets and into the four U-nuts
previously installed on the cabinet rails (refer to Figure 2–5
and Figure 2–6).

Figure 2–9 Aligning the System Slides to the Cabinet Rails

MLO-011598

2–21

Drawer Mount
System:
Optional
Interlock
System

The optional interlock system prevents the cabinet from
becoming unstable by allowing only one system at a time to be
pulled out of the cabinet.

Drawer Mount
System:
Interlock
Actuator
Bracket

The interlock actuator bracket prevents cabinet instability
by allowing only one system at a time to be pulled out of the
cabinet. Install the interlock actuator bracket if the system
cabinet has an interlock system.

The interlock system consists of a vertical bar on which are
mounted actuator latches for each product installed in the
cabinet. The actuator latches engage the interlock actuator
bracket on the rear of drawer mount systems. When a drawer
mount system is pulled out of the cabinet, the actuator latches
rotate to prevent another drawer-mount system (that has an
interlock actuator bracket) from being pulled out of the cabinet.

Note
In some cabinets, the interlock bar in the cabinet may
not engage the interlock actuator bracket properly. In
these cases, do not install the interlock actuator bracket.

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

Figure 2–10 shows how to mount the interlock actuator bracket.
Mount the interlock actuator bracket
at the rear of the system
using two 8-32 screws .

2–22

Figure 2–10 Installing the Interlock Actuator Bracket

MLO-011627

Drawer Mount
System:
Interlock
Actuator
Latches

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

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

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

% for the new product onto the

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

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

2–23

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

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

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

The expanded view (A) (Figure 2–11) shows the position of the
actuator latches when all systems are pushed into the cabinet.
The expanded view (B) (Figure 2–11) shows the position of all
actuator latches after one system has been pulled out.
Note
The interlock system is compatible with the Digital
Alpha VME 2100 systems. Other systems may not be
compatible because the interlock actuator bracket may
not engage properly. In these cases, do not install the
interlock actuator bracket on those systems.

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

2–24

Figure 2–11 The Interlock System

5
6
3

2
1

1
4
MLO-011628

2–25

Installing the Vertical Mount System

Overview

The vertical mount system is shipped with one 5 inch brace and
four screws.
Reminder
A minimum of 5.25 inches of air space is required above
and below the vertical mount system. Inlet air at the
bottom of the vertical mount system must be within the
operating temperature range specified in Table A–4.

For custom installations, or if you have air flow problems
because of multiple devices installed in your rack, call your
Digital service representation for assistance.

Tools Required

A flat-blade screwdriver is needed to install the vertical mount
system.
Note
Unless noted otherwise, the following instructions apply
to both English (RETMA) and metric (IEC) cabinet
installations.

Vertical Mount
System:
Rail-Hole
Pattern English
(RETMA)

2–26

In a rack conforming to the English RETMA standard, the holes
in the rack rails follow a pattern of 0.625 inches, 0.500 inches,
and 0.625 inches. This pattern is repeated for the length of the
rack rails.

Vertical Mount
System:
Installation
Area English
(RETMA)

To determine the installation area, perform the following steps
at the front and rear rack rails (refer to Figure 2–12).
Step

Action

Check to see that there is a minimum of 5.25 inches
of air space available above and below the vertical
mount system.

Select a section of the rack rail where there is 0.50
inches of space between two holes.

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

Count up or down three holes. This is one set and
equals 1.75 inches.

Count up or down 21 sets and make a mark. The area
between the marks is the installation area.

The total installation area is 36.25 inches. The equation for
calculating the total installation area is:
1.75 in. 2 21 sets = 36.75 in.
Note
The hole count described in this section determines the
system installation location in any 36.25 inch area of the
rack.

2–27

Figure 2–12 Vertical Mount System: Installation Area
English (RETMA)

31 1/2"
7

Re-installation area
of mounting brace

26 1/4"

24 1/2"

26 1/4"

24 1/2"

22 3/4"
14"

12 1/4"
5 1/4"

"Installation Area"
3 1/2"
2
1

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

1 3/4"

"1.75 Rule"

Recommended

5 1/4" air inlet area

MLO-011631

2–28

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
Vertical Mount
System:
Rail-Hole
Pattern
Metric (IEC)

Hole 3 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 5 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 24 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 42 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 44 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 47 - reinstall mounting brace.
Hole 52 - reinstall mounting brace.
Clip nuts - used to attach temporary mounting brace.

In a rack conforming to the metric IEC standard, the holes in the
rack rails are 25 mm (0.98 in.) on center throughout the length
of the rack rails.

2–29

Vertical Mount
System:
Installation
Area Metric
(IEC)

To determine the installation area, perform the following steps
at the front and rear rack rails (refer to Figure 2–13).
Step

Action

Check to see that there is a minimum of 5.25 inches
of air space available above and below the vertical
mount system. See the bottom holes identified as
in Figure 2–13. Use these bottom holes to temporarily
install the mounting bracket.

(

Select a section of the rack rail where there are 39
consecutive unoccupied holes. Begin counting with
the first hole (directly above the hand shown in
Figure 2–13.)

Make a mark between the first hole and the one below
it. This is the starting point of the installation area.

Count up 33 holes and make a mark halfway between
hole 32 and hole 33. The area between the marks is
the installation area.

The total installation area is 950 mm (37.40 in.). The equation
for calculating the total installation area is:
50 mm (1.968 in.) 2 19 sets = 950 mm (37.40 in.)
Note
The hole count described in this section determines the
system installation location in any 950 mm (37.40-in.)
area of the rack.

2–30

Figure 2–13 Vertical Mount System: Installation Area
Metric (IEC)
800 mm
10

750 mm
Re-installation area
of mounting brace

700 mm

650 mm

600 mm
7
6

550 mm
5

500 mm
350 mm
4

300 mm
3

150 mm
2
1

"Installation Area"
100 mm

50 mm
25 mm

150 mm

Recommended
air inlet area

MLO-011632

2–31

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
)
+>
Vertical Mount
System:
Optional Front
Bezel

Hole 5 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 6 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 7 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 14 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 22 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 23 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Hole 24 for clip nut - secure system to front rails.
Clip nuts - used to attach temporary mounting brace.
Hole 28 - reinstall mounting brace.
Hole 31 - reinstall mounting brace.

Your shipment may contain an optional parts kit with parts
specific to the vertical rackmount chassis: four latch brackets
and eight 4-40 flathead screws. The four latch brackets must
be installed on the chassis before the chassis is installed in the
RETMA or IEC cabinet.
Systems without the optional front bezel kit will find the four
latch brackets, and eight 4-40 flathead screws in their parts kit.
The four latch brackets must be installed on the chassis before
the chassis is installed in the RETMA or IEC cabinet.
Before installing the system in your rack, refer to Figure 2–14,
and perform the following pre-assembly on the system side
mounting brackets:

1. Insert one latch bracket
through each of the four
vertical slots
in the chassis frame. Ensure that the latch
mechanism is toward the outside edge of the chassis frame
when the bracket is inserted through the slot.

2–32

Figure 2–14 Vertical Mount System: Attaching the Four Bezel
Tabs

2
2

3
1

MLO-011605

2. Secure each latch bracket to the side of the chassis with two
4-40 flathead screws .

3. Set the front bezel aside until the chassis has been installed
in the RETMA or IEC cabinet.

2–33

Vertical Mount
System:
Mounting the
Support Brace

Your shipment includes a support brace designed to assist you
in properly placing the system in a vertical rack. To install the
brace, refer to Figure 2–15, and follow these steps:
1. Your system is 66.75 cm (26.25 in.) in height.
2. Orient the 4.50 in. support brace (found in parts kit) so that
when the system is mounted, five or more inches of open
space are above and below the installed system.
3. Align the holes on the brace with the four holes in the
cabinet frame. Fasten the brace to the frame by using four
screws provided in your hardware kit. Tighten the screws.
Figure 2–15 Vertical Mount System: Attaching the Brace

MLO-011630

2–34

Vertical Mount
System:
Installing the
System

To install the system, perform the following steps:
1. Slide the system onto the supporting brace, refer to
Figure 2–16.
Figure 2–16 Vertical Mount System: Installing the System

MLO-011601

2–35

Warning
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system weighs
approximately 49.94 kg (110 lb). Use sufficient personnel
and the proper equipment when lifting or moving the
Digital Alpha VME 2100 system.

2. Align the 14 screw holes on the side brackets with holes in
the rack rail. Fasten the system to the rack rail using the
fourteen screws and nuts provided in your hardware kit.
Tighten the screws, refer to Figure 2–16.
3. After installing the vertical rackmount chassis in the cabinet,
grasp the front bezel by the flip-down pull tabs or by the
sides.
4. Align the four strikes on the front bezel with the four latches
on the chassis.
5. Press the front bezel onto the chassis until the four strikes
snap into the four latches.
6. Remove the support brace. Mount brace in the space above
the system unit.

2–36

Completing the Installation of Both Systems

Attaching the
Power Cord

To install the power cord, refer to
Figure 2–18. Proceed as follows:

! in Figure 2–17 and

1. Ensure that there is slack in the power cord when you plug
it into the system ac connector.
Figure 2–17 Attaching the Power Cord

MLO-011624

2–37

Note
At this time, leave the power cord disconnected from the
system ac connector. This connection serves as an ac
power switch.

Figure 2–18 Attaching the Power Cord

MLO-011629

2–38

Adding SCSI
Devices to the
System

The Digital Alpha VME 2100 system can be expanded from the
SCSI port by removing the SCSI terminator
and connecting
the appropriate cable from a SCSI device (refer to Figure 2–19).

Figure 2–19 SCSI Port

MLO-011614

2–39

Turning the System On
Overview

To turn on the system, follow these steps:
1. Check the system settings
2. Apply power to the system
3. Check the diagnostic indicators
4. Boot the operating system

Before You
Begin

To perform some of the instructions in this procedure, the OCP
door needs to be opened, (bezel is already installed on system.)
The key used to lock and unlock the OCP door is shipped with
the optional bezel. The keylock on the front of the system is
shown in Figure 1–5.

Checking
the System
Settings

Before turning the system on ( ), ensure that the system
buttons are in the positions shown in Figure 2–20.

Figure 2–20 Powered-down System Settings

MLO-011612

2–40

Applying Power
to the System

Apply power to the system as shown in callouts
Figure 2–21.

! through # in

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

Figure 2–21 Applying Power to the System

MLO-011604

2–41

Checking the
Diagnostic
Indicators

After the system is turned on, check the status of three
diagnostic indicators (refer to Figure 2–22):
•

Power-up/diagnostic display

•

System startup screen

•

Console prompt

! on the operator control panel

# (Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems).

If any of the diagnostic indicators do not appear as described,
refer to Chapter 6 for help.
Figure 2–22 System Startup Diagnostic Indicators

1
2
3

MLO-011600

2–42

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

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

Example:
P00>>> set console serial
P00>>>
Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
The power-up/diagnostic display shows the following message for
several seconds:
starting console
Once the system has completed self-tests, the
power-up/diagnostic display will display the value of the
ocp_text environment variable (default value is a phrase similar
to ‘‘Alpha AXP 190 MHz’’). For information about changing the
value of the ocp_text environment variable, refer to the ‘‘set
ocp_text’’ section in Chapter 4.
System Startup Screen
The system startup screen will scroll. To stop the scrolling, enter
Ctrl/S . To resume scrolling, enter Ctrl/Q . To display any error
messages that may have scrolled by, enter the cat el command.
During power-up self-tests the test status and result are
displayed on the console terminal. Information similar to the
following example should be displayed on the screen.

2–43

starting console on CPU 0
initialized idel PCB
initializing semaphores
initializing heap
Initial heap 1c0c0
memory low limit = 100000
heap = 1c0c0 13fe0
initializing driver structures
initializing idel process PID
XDELTA not enabled
initializing file system
initializing timer data structures
lowering IPL
counted 92780731 cycles in 500 ticks
CPU 0 speed is 5.26 ns (190 MHz)
access NVRAM
entering idle loop
Starting Memory Diagnostics
Testing CSIC on Memory Module 1
Testing all memory banks in parallel
Testing Memory bank 0
Testing Memory bank 1
Configuring memory size
probing hose 0, PCI
bus 0, slot 0 -- ewa -- DECchip 21040-AA
bus 0, slot 1 -- pka -- NCR 53C810
bus 0, slot 2 --- Intel 82375EB
bus 0, slot 6 --- DECchip 21040-AA
probing PCI-to-PCI bridge, bus 1
probing hose 1, EISA
initializing keyboard
Memory Testing and Configuration Status
Module Size
Base Addr Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
------ ----- --------- ---------- ---------- -----1
64MB 00000000
1-Way
0
Passed
Total Bad Pages 0
Testing the System
Testing the Disks (read only)
Change to Internal loopback
Testing the Network
Change to Normal Operating Mode
AlphaServer 2100 Console V3.8-49, built on Nov 7 1994 at 12:22:36
environment varialbe mopV3_boot created
P00>>>

2–44

Console Prompt or Main Menu
Note
If a console system prompt is not displayed, press Return
several times.

Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Systems
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS systems are supported by the SRM
firmware. Refer to Chapter 4 for an overview of the console
subsystem.
When booting Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, the console
prompt for the SRM firmware is displayed:
P00>>>

2–45

Preboot Tasks

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

Check the required environment variable settings.

•

Change the way your system powers up or boots.

•

Verify your configuration.

The remainder of this section contains more information about
each of these tasks.
Check the Required Environment Variable Settings—Digital
UNIX or OpenVMS
If running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, check that the settings for
the following environment variables match your configuration.
The console command to reset the variable is shown in
parentheses, refer to Chapter 4 for additional information.
•

Operating system (set os_type)

•

Ethernet device type (set ew*0_mode)

•

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

•

Boot device (set bootdef_dev)

•

Boot flags (set boot_osflags)

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

2–46

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

Review Chapter 4 in the this guide, particularly Tables 4-1
and 4-2. Also see the console command pages in that chapter.

Verify Your Configuration
•

Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems
The following SRM console commands are used to verify
system configuration:

show config (show_config)—Displays the buses on the
system and the devices found on the buses. However, the
configuration firmware will not report the configuration
of I/O devices on the VME bus. This functionality occurs
when the operating system boots.

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

show memory (sho_mem)—Displays main memory
configuration.

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

2–47

Booting the
Operating
System

One of two operating systems can be booted:
•

Digital UNIX (formally called DEC OSF/1)

•

OpenVMS

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

Reference

If Factory Installed Software
(FIS) has not been booted

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

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

See the installation
documentation that came
with your operating system.

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

Action

Enter boot or b at the console prompt.
P00>>> b
Note: You may not be able to run your current
operating system release on your new Digital Alpha
VME 2100 system. Refer to the Software Product
Description (SPD) that came with your system; it
contains information on the supported operating system
revisions to be used with your new system.
The system boots the operating system using the default
values for the boot device and boot flags. A ‘‘booting
system software’’ screen is displayed on the console
terminal.
After several minutes, the operating system login
banner is displayed on the console terminal.

2–48

Step

Action

For complete information about the boot command, refer to the
‘‘boot’’ section in Chapter 4.

Autobooting
the Operating
System

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

Set the auto_action environment variable to either ‘‘boot’’ or
‘‘restart.’’ For more information, refer to the set auto_action
command in Chapter 4.

•

Ensure that the default boot device has been set to the
device from which you want the operating system to boot.
(Enter show bootdef_dev to see whether your default boot
device has already been assigned.) For information about
setting the default boot device, refer to the set bootdef_dev
command in Chapter 4.

2–49

Turning the System Off
Before You
Begin

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

Turning Off the
DC Power

This section describes the procedure for turning off the DC
power.
Warning
Before accessing enclosure components:
1. Perform an orderly shutdown of the operating system
according to the shutdown procedures described in
your operating system documentation.

2. Set the DC On/Off button
and the Halt button
to the positions shown in Figure 2–23. (If the Halt
button is set to the In position, the system will not
boot the next time the system is turned on.)

2–50

Figure 2–23 Turning Off the System

MLO-011612

2–51

Extended
Power-down
(AC Power)

This section describes the procedure for an extended AC
power-down.
Warning
Before accessing enclosure components:

1. Turn off the DC power to the system
as shown
in Figure 2–24 and described in previous section
entitled Turning Off the DC Power.
2. Turn off the AC power to the system by disconnecting
the AC power cord
as shown in Figure 2–24.

Figure 2–24 Turning Off the System

1
2

MLO-011597

2–52

Invoking Console Mode
Console
Subsystem

On Alpha systems, underlying control of the system platform
hardware is provided by a console subsystem. The console
subsystem contains firmware code (software code embedded in
the hardware) that offers service functions such as initializing
and testing the hardware and bootstrapping the system software.
The console firmware is explained in detail in Chapter 4 for
users running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS.

Console
Terminal

A console terminal is required for your system. The console
allows you to issue commands to the system while the operating
system is not running.

Console Mode

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

Invoking
Console Mode

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

2–53

Using the Halt
Button

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

For more information about using the Halt button, refer to
Figure 3–1.

Remote Access

When running Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, the console
mode can be invoked from a remote terminal that is connected
to the system through the COM1 port at the rear of the system
(refer to Figure 2–26).
To invoke console mode in this way, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the remote terminal to the system.
2. Shut down the operating system.
3. When the shutdown completes, press Return .
The console prompt (P00>>> is displayed.

2–54

Connecting to Networks
Overview

The standard network option for your system is Ethernet.
However, your system can support other network options by
using network adapters that can be connected to the VME and
PCI buses.
For information about connecting your system to networks other
than Ethernet, refer to the documentation that came with the
network adapter.

Ethernet

The system can be connected to a ThinWire, AUI, or 10BASE-T
Ethernet network. The following explains the callouts
in
Figure 2–25.

•

AUI indicates a Thickwire Ethernet connection

•

ThinWire indicates a ThinWire Ethernet connection

•

10BASE-T indicates a Twisted-Pair Ethernet connection
Caution
Before connecting the system to an Ethernet network,
turn off the dc power to the system as described in the
Turning the System Off section.

2–55

Figure 2–25 Ethernet Network Connections

AUI

ThinWire

10BASE-T
MLO-011608

2–56

Connecting Peripherals
Serial/Parallel
Connections

Connect a serial or parallel printer, modem, or console terminal
to your system through the serial and parallel ports at the rear
of the system (refer to Figure 2–26).
Caution
Before connecting serial or parallel devices to the system,
turn off the dc power to the system as described in the
Turning the System Off section.

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

2–57

Figure 2–26 Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices

MLO-011609

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

2–58

Terminal
Connections

Connect a Digital VT–series terminal (VTxxx) to the system
as shown in Figure 2–27. Refer to the documentation that is
shipped with the terminal for information on how to connect the
keyboard and set up the terminal. Ensure that the VT–series
terminal is set to 9600 baud, 8-bits, and no parity.
Caution
Before connecting a terminal to the system, turn off the
dc power to the system as described in the Turning the
System Off section.

Figure 2–27 Terminal Connections

(9600 Baud)
H8571-J

MLO-011607

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

2–59

Vertical Mount
System:
Adding Front
Bezel

To add the front bezel to the vertical mount system, following
these steps:
1. If an optional removable media storage device is installed
in the AlphaServer VME chassis, remove the corresponding
blank insert on the front bezel before installing the front
bezel on the chassis.

by the flip-down pull tabs
2. Grasp the front bezel
the sides, refer to Figure 2–28.

" or by

Figure 2–28 Installing the Front Bezel

MLO-011611

3. Align the four strikes
on the front bezel with the four
latches
on the chassis.

4. Press the front bezel onto the chassis until the four strikes
snap into the four latches.

2–60

Drawer Mount
System:
Adding Front
Bezel

The front bezel provides protection to the front of the system,
and is installed on drawer mount chassis after the chassis has
been installed in a RETMA or IEC cabinet.
Note
If an optional removable media storage device is
installed in the AlphaServer VME chassis, remove the
corresponding blank insert on the front bezel before
installing the front bezel on the chassis.

To install the front bezel on the drawer mount chassis, refer to
Figure 2–29 and follow these steps:
1. Grasp the front bezel
the sides.

" by the flip-down pull tabs $ or by

2–61

Figure 2–29 Installing the Front Bezel

4
3
1

MLO-011599

2. Align the four strikes
on the front bezel with the four
latches
on the chassis.

3. Press the front bezel onto the chassis until the four strikes
snap into the four latches.

2–62

3
Operation

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the operation of the operator control panel.

Operator
Control Panel

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

! Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

The power-up/diagnostic display shows system status
messages during the power-up and diagnostics sequence.
Use the display to check the results of system self-tests.
For information about interpreting specific messages, refer
to the Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
section in Chapter 6.

" DC On/Off

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

# Halt (Digital UNIX and OpenVMS systems only)

The Halt light, located on the Halt button, comes on briefly
during the system self-tests. Thereafter, the Halt light comes
on and remains lit whenever dc power is present and the
Halt button is in the ‘‘in’’ position.

3–1

Figure 3–1 Operator Control Panel

1
2

4
MLO-011594

Invoking Console Mode:
Pressing the Halt button invokes console mode when Digital
UNIX and OpenVMS are running.
Caution
Pressing the Halt button interrupts your operating
system session. Before pressing the Halt button, shut
down the operating system according to the operating
system shutdown procedure described in your operating
system documentation.

3–2

Returning to Operating System Mode:
To return to operating system mode, press the Halt button to
the ‘‘out’’ position and reboot the operating system.
Note
If the Halt button is pressed by mistake and few or no
console commands have been entered, it may be possible
to resume your operating system session by entering the
continue command.

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

$ Reset

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

3–3

4
Using Console Commands

Introduction

On Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems, based on the Alpha
architecture, control of the system hardware is provided by a
console subsystem. The console subsystem contains firmware
code (software code embedded in the hardware) that facilitates
interaction between the hardware and the operating system.
The Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems provide a command line
interface that provides bootstrap and other services as defined in
the Alpha System Reference Manual (SRM) specification.

In This Chapter

This chapter explains how to use the command line interface
to carry out operations such as testing the hardware and
bootstrapping the system software. The command line interface
will be familiar to users of traditional Digital systems.

4–1

Console Task Summary
Tasks and
Commands

Table 4–1 describes the tasks that you can perform from the
console and the command used to perform each task.
Table 4–1 Task Summary Table
Task

Command

Invoke the console firmware

boot
boot
ecu
init
show auto_action
set auto_action
show bootdef_dev
set bootdef_dev
show boot_osflags
set boot_osflags
show console

Boot the operating system software
Invoke the EISA Configuration Utility
Initialize the system
Display the default startup action
Change the default startup action
Display the current default boot device
Change the default boot device
Display the default boot flags
Change the default boot flags
Display the device on which power-up
output is displayed
Change the device on which power-up
output is displayed

set console

Display the option to be run on an
Ethernet controller

show ew*0_mode

Set an Ethernet controller to run twistedpair, AUI, or ThinWire

set ew*0_mode

Display the language variant of the
keyboard

show language

Change the language variant of the
keyboard

set language
(continued on next page)

4–2

Table 4–1 (Cont.) Task Summary Table
Task

Command

Display the power-up/diagnostic display
message

show ocp_text

Change the power-up/diagnostic display
message

set ocp_text

Display the default operating system

show os_type
set os_type
show pk*0_fast

Set the default operating system
Display the default speed for devices on a
SCSI controller
Enable fast SCSI speed for fast SCSI
devices on a SCSI controller

set pk*0_fast

Display the ID for a SCSI controller

show pk*0_host_id
set pk*0_host_id
show config
show device
show fru

Set the ID for a SCSI controller
Display the system configuration
Display the system devices
Display the serial number and revision
level of system bus options and any
errors for those options
Display the system memory
Display the PALcode version
Display the firmware version
Run system diagnostics

show mem
show pal
show version
test

4–3

Control and Keyboard Characters
Control
Characters

Keyboard
Characters

4–4

Enter control characters by holding down the key labeled Ctrl
while pressing another key. You can enter the following control
characters in console mode:
Character

Function

Ctrl/A

Toggles between insertion and overstrike mode so
that you can edit text on the current command
line. Default mode is insert.

Ctrl/C

Interrupts a command process and returns control
to the console command line.

Ctrl/E

Moves the cursor to the end of the line.

Ctrl/H

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.

Ctrl/O

Suppresses output to console terminal until you
enter Ctrl/O again. Output is also reenabled when
the console prompts for a command, issues an
error message, or enters operating system mode.

Ctrl/P

Acts like Ctrl/C .

Ctrl/Q

Resumes output to the console terminal that you
suspended with Ctrl/S .

Ctrl/R

Redisplays the current line, omitting deleted
characters.

Ctrl/S

Suspends output to the console terminal until you
enter Ctrl/Q .

Ctrl/U

Deletes the entire line. Line deletion is followed
with a carriage return, line feed, and a new
prompt.

Figure 4–1 shows the keyboard characters that are supported
in console mode. The location of keyboard characters may
vary depending on your keyboard; however, you can enter the
following keyboard characters in console mode, regardless of your
keyboard type.

Figure 4–1 Supported Keys on a VT420 Keyboard
1
Hold
Screen

Print
Set-Up
Screen

Break

F11
(ESC)

F10

F12
(BS)

F13
(LF)

F14

Hold Screen Lock

Compose

Help

Tab

Ctrl

Lock

>
<

Shift

R
D

G
V

*
8

^
6

J
N

(

)

I
K
M

,
,

_
-

:
;
.
.

+
=

}

]

}

~
‘

]

F17

F18

F19

F20

PF4

Find

Insert
Here

Remove

PF1

PF2

PF3

Select

Prev
Screen

Next
Screen

"
’
?
/

Return

Wait

\
Shift

,
Enter

Compose
Character

8
MLO-008207

Callout

!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(

Key

Function

Deletes the last character you entered.
With a hardcopy terminal, <x is echoed with \ followed by
the character being deleted. If you delete several characters
consecutively, the system echoes with \, the deleted characters,
followed by another \ at the end of the series.

Recalls up to 32 previous commands.

Ctrl

Begins a control character.

\(Backslash)

Extends a command onto the next line. Must be the last
character on the line to be continued.

Return

Enters a command on the command line. The cursor need not
be at the end of the command line.

#
!

Moves the cursor left one position.

Reverses the order of recalled commands after using ".
Moves the cursor right one position.

4–5

Console Commands
Levels of
Commands

Basic
Commands

There two levels of console commands are:
•

Basic

•

Advanced

Basic commands are the commands necessary to perform typical
management tasks that require interaction with the console
firmware. Most of the time, you will use the basic console
commands. All of the basic console commands are described
in alphabetical order in this chapter. Table 4–2 lists the basic
console commands.
Table 4–2 Basic Console Commands
Command

Syntax

Brief Description

boot

boot [-flags [longword,]

Boots the operating
system software.

longword] [-halt] [boot_
device]

4–6

continue

Resumes program
execution.

ecu

Invokes the EISA
Configuration Utility.

help

help [command . . . ]

Displays online help
using console commands.
Synonymous with man.

init
man

init
man [command . . . ]

Initializes the system.

set

set [-default] envar val

Sets an environment
variable.

show

show [envar]
[{config,device,memory,pal,
version}]

Displays the value of an
environment variable or
displays configuration
information.

test

Runs system diagnostics.

Displays online help
using console commands.
Synonymous with help.

Advanced
Commands

This book documents only basic console commands, that is, the
commands necessary to perform typical management tasks that
require interaction with the firmware. Refer to the Digital Alpha
VME 2100 Service Guide for a list of advanced commands that
are used for diagnostics and other complex tasks.
To see a list of all of the console firmware commands, enter help
or man at the console prompt.

Entering Console Commands
Console
Command
Format

Enter a console command in the following format. To specify a
flag, you must precede the flag with a space and a hyphen. For
example:
P00>>> command [-flags] [parameters. . .]
For information about entering a specific console command, refer
to the console command reference pages, in the next section of
this chapter.

Online Help

Once the system is running in console mode, you can get online
information about console commands by entering help or man at
the console terminal.

4–7

Console
Commands

Most of the console commands on your Digital UNIX or
OpenVMS system are similar, but not identical to, the console
commands supported on VAX systems. See Table 4–3.
Table 4–3 VAX and Digital Alpha VME 2100 Console
Commands Compared
VAX Console Command

Console Command You Will Use

show boot
show bflags

show bootdef_dev
show boot_osflags

/qualifier (indicates
optional qualifiers)

-flag (indicates optional flags)

The remainder of this chapter describes the basic console
commands.

4–8

boot
Synopsis

Bootstrap the system.

boot [-flags [longword,]longword] [-halt] [boot_device]
Description

Initializes the processor, loads a program image from the
specified boot device, and transfers control to that image.
If you specify a list of devices, a bootstrap is attempted from
each device in order. Then control passes to the first successfully
booted image. In a list, always enter network devices last, since
network bootstraps only terminate if a fatal error occurs or an
image is successfully loaded.
The -flags option can pass additional information to the operating
system about the boot that you are requesting.
You can execute the boot command by entering boot or b,
followed by Return . When you enter boot or b, an environment
variable (shown in parenthesis) provides a default value for the
following information:
•

Boot device (bootdef_dev)

•

Boot flags (boot_osflags)

If you specify the boot device or boot flags on the command
line, the current default value is overridden for the current boot
request. However, the corresponding environment variable is not
changed.

Parameter

Description

boot_device

A device path or list of devices from which
the console program attempts to boot, or
a saved boot specification in the form of
an environment variable. Use the set
bootdef_dev command to define the default
boot device.

4–9

Flags

Examples

Flag

Description

-flags [longword,]
longword

Specifies additional information to the
bootstrap software. In Digital UNIX, -flags
specifies boot flags. In OpenVMS, -flags
specifies system root number and boot flags.
Refer to the set boot_osflags command
for a list of possible settings and their
meanings.
The default boot flag setting is null. Use the
set boot_osflags command to change the
default boot flag setting.

-halt

Forces the bootstrap operation to halt
and invoke the console program once
the bootstrap image is loaded and page
tables and other data structures are
set up. Console device drivers are not
shut down when this qualifier is present.
Transfer control to the image by entering
the continue command.

In the following example, an OpenVMS system boots from the
SCSI disk, dka0. If bootable software cannot be found on dka0,
the system attempts to boot from Ethernet port ewa0. Boot flag
settings are 0 and 1.
P00>>> boot -flags 0,1 dka0,ewa0
In the next example, a Digital UNIX system boots from the SCSI
disk, dka0, using boot flag setting i.
P00>>> boot -flags i dka0
In the next example, the system boots from the SCSI disk, dka0,
but remains in console mode. Subsequently, you can enter the
continue command to transfer control to the operating system.
P00>>> boot -halt dka0
In the next example, the system boots from the default boot
device. The console program returns an error message if a
default boot device has not been set.
P00>>> boot

4–10

continue
Synopsis

Resume program execution on the specified processor.

continue
Description

Continues execution on the specified processor or the primary
processor if a processor is not specified. The processor begins
executing instructions at the address that is currently in the
saved program counter. The processor is not initialized.
The continue command is only valid if you have not disturbed
the system state and if you halted the system by one of two
methods: either by pressing the Halt button on the operator
control panel or by entering Ctrl/P on the console terminal.
Note
Some console commands, for example, boot, may alter
the machine state so that program mode cannot be
successfully resumed (unless you include ‘‘-halt’’ in the
boot command). If program mode cannot be successfully
resumed, you may need to reboot the operating system.

Examples

In the following example, a system is commanded to resume
operating system mode.
P00>>> continue
In the next example, a system’s second processor is commanded
to resume operating system mode.
P00>>> continue &p1

4–11

help or man
Synopsis

Display information about console commands.

help or man [command . . . ]
Description

Parameters

Examples

The help command, interchangeable with the man command,
displays basic information about the use of console commands
when the system is in console mode.
•

If you enter the help command with no options or arguments,
the system displays the complete list of commands for which
you can receive help.

•

If you enter the help command followed by the name of a
console command, the screen displays information about the
console command.

•

If you enter the help command with an argument string
(such as ‘‘sh’’), the system displays information about all
commands that begin with that string.

Parameter

Description

command . . .

Commands or topics for which help is
requested.

In the following example, the system is commanded to display
the topics for which help is available.
P00>>> help
In the next example, the system is commanded to display help
on all commands that begin with ‘‘sh.’’
P00>>> help sh
In the next example, the system is commanded to display help
on the boot command.
P00>>> help boot

4–12

init
Synopsis

Initialize the system.

init
Description

Initializes the system. The system resets the software and
executes the power-up self-tests.
After self-tests are executed, the system will autoboot unless one
of the following is true:
•

The Halt button on the operator control panel is set to the
‘‘in’’ position.

•

The auto_action environment variable is set to ‘‘halt’’.

If the auto_action environment variable is set to ‘‘boot’’ or
‘‘restart’’ and the Halt button is set to the ‘‘out’’ position, the
system will autoboot; the system will stop in console mode if the
Halt button is ‘‘in’’. If the auto_action environment variable is
set to ‘‘halt,’’ the system will stop in console mode.
Whenever you reset the following SRM environment variables,
you must initialize the system with the init command to put the
new setting into effect:
auto_action
console
language
ocp_text
os_type
pk*0_fast
pk*0_host_id
For example, to change the device on which power-up output is
displayed from a serial terminal to a graphics monitor (Digital
UNIX support only - requires a PCI graphics option), set the
console environment variable to ‘‘graphics’’ and then enter the
init command as shown in the example.

4–13

Example
P00>>> show os_type
os_type
OpenVMS
P00>>> set os_type OSF
P00>>> init
...
P00>>> show os_type
os_type
OSF

man
See help.

4–14

set
Synopsis

Set or modify the value of an environment variable.

set [-default] envar val
Description

Sets or modifies the value of an environment variable.
Environment variables are used to pass configuration
information between the console and the operating system.
The setting of these variables determines how the system powers
up, boots the operating system, and operates.
Whenever you modify the value of the following environment
variables, you must initialize the system to put the new setting
into effect. To initialize the system, enter the init command.
auto_action
console
language
ocp_text
os_type
pk*0_fast
pk*0_host_id

Parameters

Flag

Parameter

Description

envar

The environment variable to be assigned a
new value. Refer to the list of commonly
used environment variables in Table 4–4.

val

The value that is assigned to the
environment variable. Either a numeric
value or an ASCII string.

Flag

Description

-default

Restores an environment variable to its
default value.

4–15

Environment
Variables

Table 4–4 provides a brief description of the environment
variables. Each of these environment variables is described in
the following sections.
Table 4–4 Environment Variables

4–16

Factory
Setting

Variable

Function

auto_action

Specifies what action the console
should take whenever the system is
powered up, crashes, or the Reset
button is pressed.

Halt

bootdef_dev

Specifies the default boot device to the
system.

System device
on which
Factory
Installed
Software (FIS)
was loaded.

boot_osflags

Sets the boot flags and in OpenVMS, a
root number.

Null

console

Specifies the device on which power-up
output is displayed.

Matches
the system
configuration.

ew*0_mode

Sets the default Ethernet device type
on systems with a Digital Ethernet
controller (ew*).

language

Sets the console keyboard layout to a
supported language.

Determined at
factory.

ocp_text

Specifies the message that is displayed
on the power-up/diagnostic display.

CPU speed

os_type

Specifies the operating system that
will be run on the system. Sets the
appropriate console user interface.

Matches
the system
configuration.

pk*0_fast

Enables fast SCSI devices to perform
in fast SCSI mode.

pk*0_host_id

Sets the default value for a controller
host bus node ID.

Bus node ID 7

set auto_action
Synopsis

Set the console action at power-up and restart.

set auto_action [-default] val
Description

Sets the action the console should take any time the system is
powered up, crashes, or the Reset button is pressed. When the
setting involves autobooting, the system boots from the default
boot device that is specified by the value of the bootdef_dev
environment variable.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

Qualifiers

Example

Qualifier

Description

halt

Causes the system to remain in console
mode after the system is powered up or it
crashes.

boot

Causes the system to boot automatically
when it is turned on. Causes the system to
halt after a system failure.

restart

Causes the system to boot automatically
when it is turned on or after it fails.

In the following example, the system’s default console action
following error, halt, or power-up is changed from halt to boot.
P00>>> show auto_action
auto_action
halt
P00>>> set auto_action boot
P00>>> init
...
P00>>> show auto_action
auto_action
boot

4–17

set bootdef_dev
Synopsis

Set the default boot device.

set bootdef_dev device_name
Description

Specifies the default boot device to the system. The default boot
device is the device from which the bootstrap system software
is loaded. In most cases, the default boot device has already
been identified on your system as the device on which Factory
Installed Software (FIS) was loaded.
Setting the default boot device simplifies the process of booting
the operating system as follows:
•

You can enter b and press Return at the console prompt and
the system will find and boot the operating system software.

•

Assuming the default startup action is set to boot or restart
(using the set auto_action command), the system will find
and automatically boot the operating system at power-up.

Before identifying the boot device, consider the following:
•

Your boot device may already be set. (Enter the command

show bootdef_dev to display the current default boot device.)

Qualifiers

4–18

•

You can identify multiple boot devices to the system. By
doing so, when you enter b or boot at the console prompt, the
system searches for a bootable device from the list of devices
that you specify. The system then automatically boots from
the first device on which it finds software.

•

Whenever you boot the operating system, you can override
the default boot device by specifying an alternative device
name on the boot command line.

Qualifier

Description

boot_device

Name (or names) of your boot devices.

Examples

In the following example, the default device from which the
system attempts to boot is set to dka0.
P00>>> set bootdef_dev dka0
In the next example, the default device is set to dka0.
P00>>> set bootdef_dev dka0.0.0.1.0
P00>>> show bootdef_dev
bootdef_dev
dka0.0.0.1.0

4–19

set boot_osflags
Synopsis

Set the default boot flags and, in OpenVMS, a root number.

set boot_osflags root_number,bootflag
Description

Boot flags contain information that is read and used by the
operating system to determine some aspects of a system
bootstrap. Under normal circumstances, the default boot flag
settings will suit your environment.
To change the boot flags for the current boot only, you can pass
boot flags to the operating system on the boot command line
with the -flags option (see the boot command).
The interpretation of the boot flags depends on the operating
system.

Digital UNIX
Systems

The Digital UNIX operating system takes only one boot flag
argument: the boot flag.
Possible boot flag settings and their meanings for Digital UNIX
systems are:

4–20

Flag Setting

Meaning

Load operating system software from the specified
boot device (autoboot). Boot to multiuser mode.

Prompt for the name of a file to load and other
options (boot interactively). Boot to single user
mode.

Stop in single-user mode. Boots /vmunix to singleuser mode and stops at the # (root) prompt.

Full dump, implies ‘‘s’’ as well. By default, if
Digital UNIX crashes, it completes a partial
memory dump. Specifying ‘‘D’’ forces a full dump
at system crash.

Example

In the following example on a Digital UNIX system, the boot
flags are set to autoboot:
P00>>> set boot_osflags a

OpenVMS
Systems

The OpenVMS operating system takes two boot flag arguments:
root number and boot flags. If you specify only one argument,
the argument designates the boot flag.
Root Number Settings
The root number is the directory number on the system disk on
which OpenVMS files are located. For instance:
File Location

Corresponding Root Number

[SYS0.SYSEXE]

0 (default)

[SYS1.SYSEXE]

[SYS2.SYSEXE]

[SYS3.SYSEXE]

Boot Flags (OpenVMS)
Possible boot flag settings and their meanings for OpenVMS
systems are shown in Table 4–5.
Note
Using logical ORing, you can identify multiple boot flags.

4–21

Table 4–5 OpenVMS Boot Flag Settings

Examples

Flag Setting

Bit Number

Meaning

Bootstrap conversationally (enables
you to modify SYSGEN parameters
in SYSBOOT).

Map XDELTA to running system.

Stop at initial system breakpoint.

Perform diagnostic bootstrap.

Stop at the bootstrap breakpoints.

Omit header from secondary
bootstrap image.

Prompt for the name of the
secondary bootstrap file.

100

Halt before secondary bootstrap.

10000

Display debug messages during
booting.

20000

Display user messages during
booting.

In the following OpenVMS example, the root number is set to 1
and the boot flags are set to 2:
P00>>> set boot_osflags 1,2
...
In the next OpenVMS example, the boot flags are set to 1 and
the root number is not changed:
P00>>> set boot_osflags 1
...

4–22

set console
Synopsis

Set the device on which power-up output is displayed.

set console output_device
Description

Power-up information is typically displayed on your console
terminal. Your console terminal might be either a graphics
terminal or a serial terminal. The setting of this environment
variable determines where the system will display power-up
output. Set this environment variable according to the console
terminal that you are using.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

Qualifiers

Example

Qualifier

Description

graphics

Sets the power-up output to be displayed at
an optional graphics terminal, with Digital
UNIX installed.

serial

Sets the power-up output to be displayed on
the device that is connected to the COM1
port at the rear of your system.

In the following example, the system is set to display power-up
output on the device that is connected to the COM1 port at the
rear of the system.
P00>>> set console serial
P00>>> init
...

4–23

set ew*0_mode
Synopsis

Set an Ethernet controller to the default Ethernet device type.
This command applies to systems with a Digital Ethernet
controller (ew*).

set ew*0_mode qualifier
Description

Sets an Ethernet controller to run an AUI, ThinWire, or
10BASE-T (twisted-pair) Ethernet network:
•

If either an AUI or ThinWire Ethernet network is connected
to the Ethernet controller, set the default Ethernet device
type to ‘‘aui.’’

•

If a 10BASE-T Ethernet network is connected to the
Ethernet controller, set the default Ethernet device type to
‘‘twisted-pair.’’

When entering this command, replace ‘‘*’’ with the adapter ID
for the Ethernet controller for which you are setting the default.
To get a list of the Ethernet controllers on your system, enter the
show config command. A list of all system devices is displayed.
The Ethernet controllers for which this command setting is
pertinent start with the letters ‘‘ew.’’ The third letter is the
adapter ID for the Ethernet controller.

Qualifiers

4–24

Qualifier

Description

aui

Sets the default Ethernet device to AUI.

twisted-pair

Sets the default Ethernet device type to
10BASE-T (twisted-pair).

auto-sensing

Reads the device connected to the Ethernet
port and sets the default to the appropriate
Ethernet device type. (Currently, this option
is not implemented.)

Example

In the following example, the default Ethernet device type for
Ethernet controller ‘‘a’’ is set to a 10BASE-T (twisted-pair)
controller.
P00>>> set ewa0_mode twisted-pair
P00>>> show ewa0_mode
ewa0_mode
twisted-pair

4–25

set language
Synopsis

Set the keyboard layout, which is language dependent.

set language language_code
Description

Your terminal keyboard layout depends on the language variant
of the keyboard that you ordered. In order for the system to
interpret the terminal keyboard layout correctly, the console
language setting must match the language of the keyboard
variant that you ordered.
The system ships from the factory with a default keyboard
setting. Enter show language at the console prompt to display
the current keyboard setting. If the current setting does not
match your keyboard, reset this variable to match your keyboard
variant.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

4–26

Qualifiers

Example

Possible keyboard language variants and the code that you use
to designate them are as follows:
Code

Language

none (cryptic)

Dansk (Danish)

Deutsch (German)

Deutsch (Schweiz) (Swiss)

English (American)

English (British/Irish)

Espanol (Spanish)

Francais (French)

Francais (Canadian)

Francais (Suisse Romande)

Italiano (Italian)

Nederlands (Netherlands)

Norsk (Norwegian)

Portuguese (Portuguese)

Suomi (Finnish)

Svenska (Swedish)

Belgisch-Nederlands (Dutch)

In the following example, the system is set to be used with the
Spanish variant of a terminal keyboard.
P00>>> set language 3A
P00>>> init
...

4–27

set ocp_text
Synopsis

Set the message that is displayed on the power-up/diagnostic
display.

set ocp_text message
Description

The power-up/diagnostic display on the front of the system is
used to display important diagnostic and power-up information.
When self-tests and diagnostics are completed, the CPU variant
and system model number are displayed. You can use the set
ocp_text command to display a different message of your choice,
as shown in the example that follows. below.
The power-up/diagnostic display can display up to 16 characters.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

Qualifiers

Example

Qualifier

Description

message

your_text

In the following example, the system is set to display ‘‘Digital
Alpha VME 2100’’ on the power-up/diagnostic display when the
operating system is up and running. The text to be displayed
must be entered in quotation marks.
P00>>> set ocp_text "Digital Alpha VME 2100"
P00>>> init
...

4–28

set os_type
Synopsis

Set the default operating system.

set os_type os_type
Description

Before booting the operating system, you must specify the
operating system that will be booted. (If the operating system is
not identified correctly, you may experience problems while the
operating system is running.)
You specify the operating system by setting the os_type
environment variable to the desired operating system.
The os_type environment variable also controls the firmware
that will be booted when the system is powered-up, halted,
restarted, or shut down:
•

If os_type is set to ‘‘vms’’ or ‘‘osf,’’ the firmware will be booted.

If you need to temporarily run the firmware for a different
operating system (to enter the test command or run the ECU),
you must reset the os_type variable to match your operating
system before booting.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

4–29

Qualifiers

Example

Possible settings are as follows:
Qualifier

Description

osf

Sets the default operating system to Digital
UNIX; boots the SRM firmware

vms

Sets the default operating system to
OpenVMS; boots the SRM firmware

In the following example, the default operating system is set
to Digital UNIX. When the system is powered-up, halted, or
restarted, the console firmware will be booted.
P00>>> set os_type osf
P00>>> init
...

4–30

set pk*0_fast
Synopsis

Enable either standard or fast SCSI mode.

set pk*0_fast scsi_speed
Description

Enables fast SCSI devices on a SCSI controller to perform in
standard or fast mode.
•

If you have at least one fast SCSI device in your system, set
the default controller speed to fast SCSI (1).
Devices on a controller that connects to both standard
and fast SCSI devices will automatically perform at the
appropriate rate for the device, either fast or standard mode.

•

If you have no fast SCSI devices, set the default controller
speed to standard SCSI (0).
If a controller is set to standard SCSI mode, both standard
and fast SCSI devices will perform in standard mode.

When entering this command, replace ‘‘scsi_speed’’ with the
adapter ID for the SCSI controller for which you are setting the
default.
To get a list of the controllers on your system, enter the show
config command. A list of all system devices is displayed. The
third letter is the adapter ID for the controller.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

4–31

Qualifiers

Example

Qualifier

Description

Sets the default speed for devices on the
controller to standard SCSI.

Sets the default speed for devices on the
controller to fast SCSI mode.

In the following example, the default speed for devices connected
to a SCSI controller with an adapter ID of ‘‘a’’ is set to fast SCSI
mode.
P00>>> set pka0_fast 1
P00>>> init
...
P00>>> show pka0_fast
pka0_fast
1

4–32

set pk*0_host_id
Synopsis

Set the controller host bus node ID to a value between 0 and 7.

set pk*0_host_id scsi_controller_bus_node_id
Description

Each SCSI bus in the system requires a controller. Buses can
theoretically support up to eight devices; however, the eighth
device must always be a controller. Each device on the bus,
including the controller, must have a unique ID, which is a
number between 0 and 7. This unique number is the bus node
ID number.
On each bus, the default bus node ID for the controller is set to
7. You do not need to change the controller bus node ID unless
you place two or more controllers on the same bus.
When entering this command, replace ‘‘*’’ with the adapter ID
for the SCSI controller for which you are setting the default.
To get a list of the controllers on your system, enter the show
config command. A list of all system devices is displayed. The
third letter is the adapter ID for the controller.
Whenever you change the value of this environment variable,
you must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect.
To initialize the system, enter the init command.

Qualifiers

Example

Qualifier

Description

0-7

Indicates the bus node ID.

In the following example, the default bus node ID for a SCSI
controller with an adapter ID of ‘‘b’’ is set to bus node ID 6.
P00>>> set pkb0_host_id 6
P00>>> init
...
P00>>> show pkb0_host_id
pkb0_host_id
6

4–33

show
Synopsis

Display an environment variable value or other information.

show [envar] [{config,device,memory,pal,version}]
Description

Displays the current value (or setting) for an environment
variable that you specify.
Alternatively, displays other information about the system,
according to the parameters that you enter on the command
line. For example, you can display the system configuration by
entering show config.

Parameters

4–34

Parameter

Description

envar

Displays the value of the environment
variable specified. Refer to the list of
commonly used environment variables
described in the next table.

config

Displays the current system configuration.

device

Displays devices and controllers in the
system.

fru

Displays the serial number and revision
level of system bus options and any errors
for those options.

memory

Displays the memory module configuration.

pal

Displays the Privileged Architecture Library
code (PALcode) version.

version

Displays the console program version.

Environment
Variables

Variable

Description

auto_action

Displays the console action following an
error, halt, or power-up: halt, boot, or
restart.

bootdef_dev

Displays the device or device list from which
bootstrapping is attempted.

boot_osflags

Displays the additional parameters to be
passed to system software.

console

Displays the device on which power-up
output is displayed.

ew*0_mode

Displays the default Ethernet device type
for the Ethernet controller that you specify.
This variable applies to systems with a
Digital Ethernet controller (ew*).

language

Displays the language in which system
software and layered products are displayed.

ocp_text

Displays the message that is displayed on
the power-up/diagnostic display.

os_type

Displays the operating system to be booted.

pk*0_fast

Displays the default speed for the SCSI
devices on a SCSI controller that you specify.

pk*0_host_id

Displays the default bus node ID for a SCSI
controller that you specify.

4–35

Examples

In the following example, the system displays the version of the
console program installed. In the following example, the console
program version is V3.8-49.
P00>>> show version
version
P00>>>

V3.8-49 Nov 9 1994 12:02:20

In the next example, the default system power-up action is
displayed.
P00>>> show auto_action
auto_action
boot
P00>>>
In the next example, a system’s default boot device is displayed.
The default boot device is ewa0.
P00>>> show bootdef_dev
bootdef_dev
DKA0.0.0.1.0
P00>>>
In the next example, a system’s memory is displayed.
P00>>> show memory
Module Size
Base Addr
------ ----- --------0
64MB 00000000
Total Bad Pages 0
P00>>>

4–36

Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
---------- ---------- -----1-Way
0
Passed

show config
Synopsis

Display the system configuration.

show config
Description

Displays all devices found on the system bus, and PCI bus. You
can use the information in the display to identify target devices
for commands such as boot and test, as well as to verify that
the system sees all the devices that are installed.
Note
The console firmware will not report the configuration
of I/O options on the VME bus. This information occurs
when the operating system boots.

The configuration display includes the following:
•

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

•

Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI:
–

Slot 0 = Ethernet adapter (ewa0)

–

Slot 1 = SCSI controller on standard I/O, along with
storage drives on the bus.

–

Slot 2 = EISA to PCI bridge chip

–

Slots 3–5 = Reserved

–

Slot 6 = PCI to PCI bridge chip (on VME daughter board)

–

Slot 7 = Corresponds to PCI slot 7 (PCI7)

–

Slot 8 = Corresponds to PCI slot 8 (PCI8)
For storage controllers, the devices off the controller are
also displayed.

•

Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI
Slot 0 = PCI to VME chip
4–37

Slot 1 = corresponds to PCI slot 1 (PCI1)
For storage controllers, the devices off the controller are
also displayed.
•

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA:
Not applicable to Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems.

•

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI:
Reserved for future expansion.

For more information on device names, refer to the next section,
‘‘show device.’’

Example

The show config display may look like the following example:

P00>>> show config
Digital Equipment Corporation
AlphaServer 2100 4/200
SRM Console X3.8-49
Component
CPU 0
Memory 1
I/O

VMS PALcode X5.64, OSF PALcode X1.42
Status
P
P
P

Module ID
B2020-AA DECchip (tm) 21064-3
B2021-BA 64 MB
B2110-AA
dva0.0.0.0.1
RX26

Slot Option
Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI
0 DECchip 21040-AA ewa0.0.0.0.0
08-00-2B-E2-16-31
1 NCR 53C810
pka0.7.0.1.0
SCSI Bus ID 7
dka0.0.0.1.0
RZ26
dka300.3.0.1.0 RZ28
dka500.5.0.1.0 RRD43
2 Intel 82375EB
Bridge to Hose 1, EISA
6 DECchip 21050-AA
Bridge to Bus 1, PCI

P00>>>

4–38

Slot Option
0 DECchip 7407

Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI

Slot Option

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA

Slot Option

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI

show device
Synopsis

Display system devices and controllers.

show device [device_name]
Description

Displays the devices and controllers found in the system. The
device name convention is shown in Figure 4–2.
Note
The console firmware will not report the configuration
of I/O options on the VME bus. This information occurs
when the operating system boots.

Figure 4–2 Device Name Convention in show device Command
1

dka0.0.0.0.0
3

MLO-011586

! Driver ID

Two-letter port or class driver designator
DR–RAID set device
DV–Diskette drive
ER–Ethernet port
PK–SCSI port, DK–SCSI disk, MK–SCSI tape
PU–DSSI port, DU–DSSI disk, MU–DSSI tape

" One-letter storage adapter designator (A,B,C . . . ).
# Device unit number: a unique number.
SCSI unit numbers are forced to 100 X node ID.

$ Bus node number: bus node ID.
% Channel number: used for multi-channel devices.
4–39

& Slot number:
•

For PCI options:
— slot 0 = Ethernet adapter (ewa0)
— Slot 1 = SCSI controller on standard I/O, along with
storage drives on the bus
— Slot 2 = EISA to PCI bridge chip
— Slots 3–5 = Reserved
— Slot 6 = PCI to PCI bridge chip (on VME daughter
board)
— Slot 7 = Corresponds to PCI slot 7 (PCI7)
— Slot 8 = Corresponds to PCI slot 8 (PCI8)

' Hose Number:

Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI
Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA
Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI

Argument
[device_name]

4–40

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

Example
P00>>> show device

dka0.0.0.1.0
dka300.3.0.1.0
dka500.5.0.1.0
dva0.0.0.0.1
ewa0.0.0.0.0
pka0.7.0.1.0
P00>>>

DKA0
DKA300
DKA500
DVA0
EWA0
PKA0

$
RZ26
RZ28
RRD43
RX26
08-00-2B-E2-16-31
SCSI Bus ID 7

%
T392
D41C
0064

! Console device name
" Operating system device name:
•

For an allocation class of zero: NODENAME$DIAu
NODENAME is a unique node name and u is the unit
number. For example, R7BUCC$DIA0.

•

For a nonzero allocation class:
$ALLCLASS$DIAu
ALLCLASS is the allocation class for the system and
devices, and u is a unique unit number. For example,
$1$DIA0.

# Node name (alphanumeric, up to 6 characters). Not shown in
this example.

$ Device type
% Firmware version (if known)

4–41

show fru
Synopsis

Display the serial number and revision level of system bus
options and any errors for those options.

show fru
Description

Displays module and error information for the following fieldreplaceable units based on the serial control bus EEPROM
data:
•

CPU modules

•

Memory modules

•

I/O modules

For each of the modules, the slot position, option, part, revision,
and serial numbers, as well as any reported symptom-directed
diagnostics (SDD) and test-directed diagnostics (TDD) event logs
are displayed.
In addition, installed PCI modules are displayed with their
respective slot numbers.

Example

P00>>> show fru

! "

Slot
0
2
5

Option
I/O
CPU0
MEM1

Part#
B2110-AA
B2020-AA
B2021-BA

Slot
0
1
2
6

Option
Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI
DECchip 21040-AA
NCR 53C810
Intel 82375EB
DECchip 21050-AA

Rev
Hw Sw
F2 0
C2 9
B0 0

%
Serial#
KA418TYC22
KA434CUBL7
AY43314429

Slot Option

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA

Slot Option

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI

Events logged
SDD
TDD
00
00
00
00
00
00

P00>>>

! System bus slot number for module (slots 1–7 top to bottom)
Slot 0: Standard I/O module (dedicated PCI card cage
slot)

4–42

Slot 1–3, 5: CPU modules
Slot 4–7: Memory modules

" Option name (I/O, CPU#, or MEM#)
# Part number of option
$ Revision numbers (hardware and firmware)
% Serial number
& Events logged:
Numbers other than ‘‘00’’ indicate that errors have been
logged.
SDD: Number of symptom-directed diagnostic events
logged by the operating system, or in the case of memory,
by the operating system and firmware diagnostics.
TDD: Number of test-directed diagnostic events logged by
the firmware diagnostics.

4–43

show memory

Synopsis

Display information for each memory module in the system.

show memory
Description

Displays information about each memory module.

Example

P00>>> show memory

Module Size
Base Addr
------ ----- --------1
64MB 00000000
Total Bad Pages 0
P00>>>

Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
---------- ---------- -----1-Way
0
Passed

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

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

4–44

show pal

Synopsis

Display the PALcode version.

show pal
Description

Displays the PALcode version. PALcode is the Alpha Privileged
Architecture Library code, written to support Alpha processors.
The PALcode implements architecturally defined behavior.

Example

In the following example, the system displays the versions of
the PALcode that are installed on the system. The Digital UNIX
PALcode version is X1.35-42. The OpenVMS PALcode version is
X5.48-64.
P00>>> show pal
pal
VMS PALcode X5.48-64, OSF PALcode X1.35-42
P00>>>

4–45

show version

Synopsis

Display the console program version.

show version
Description

Displays the version of the console program that is installed on
the system.

Example

In the following example, the system displays the version of the
console program that is installed on the system. The console
program version is V3.8-49.
P00>>> show version
version
P00>>>

4–46

V3.8-49 Nov 9 1994 12:02:20

test
Synopsis

Test the system.

test
Description

Runs firmware diagnostics for the entire core system. The tests
are run sequentially and the status of each subsystem test is
displayed to the console terminal as the tests progress. If a
particular device is not available to test, a message is displayed.
The test script tests devices in the following order:
1. Memory tests (1 pass)
2. Read-only tests: DK* disks, DR* disks, MK* tapes, DV*
diskettes
3. Console loopback tests if lb argument is specified: COM2
serial port and parallel port
4. Network external loopback tests for EWA0—This test
requires that the Ethernet port be terminated or connected
to a live network or the test will fail.
Note
By default, no write tests are performed on disk and tape
drives. Media must be installed to test the diskette drive
and tape drives.

Examples

In the following example, the system is tested, and the tests
complete successfully.
P00>>> test

4–47

Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks(read only)
dkb600.6.0.2.1 has no media present or is
disabled via the RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for dka0.0.0.1.01
dka500.5.0.1.0 has no media present or is
disabled via the RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for DKA500.5.0.1.0
No DU* Disks available for testing
No DR* Disks available for testing
Testing the MK* Tapes(read only)
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks(read only)
file open failed for dva0.0.0.0.1
Testing the VGA (Alphanumeric Mode only)
Testing the EW* Network
P00>>>
In the next example, the system is tested, and the system reports
an error message. The example indicates that no network server
responded to a loopback message. Ethernet connectivity on this
system should be checked.
P00>>> test
Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks(read only)
No DR* Disks available for testing
Testing the MK* Tapes(read only)
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks(read only)
Testing the VGA (Alphanumeric Mode only)
Testing the EW* Network
*** Error (ewa0), Mop loop message timed out
from: 08-00-2b-e2-16-31
*** List index: 7 received count: 0 expected
count 2
P00>>>

4–48

5
Options and Upgrades

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Upgrade overview

•

Supported options

•

Verifying system configuration

•

Configuring system bus options
–

CPU

–

Memory

•

Standard I/O module

•

VME bus

•

PCI bus

•

SCSI bus

•

Power supply configuration

5–1

Upgrade Overview
Planning Your
Upgrade

Plan an upgrade by performing the following tasks:
1. Acquire an accurate list of the modules and devices in
your current configuration.
Refer to your operating system documentation for
information about acquiring VME configuration information
using an operating system command.
Also, information about SCSI and PCI devices can
be acquired in console mode. (Refer to the Invoking
Console Mode section in Chapter 2, and Verifying System
Configuration section in this chapter, for information about
invoking console mode.
2. Decide how your system will be changed.
Refer to the Digital Systems and Options Catalog to obtain
the current description of the supported options.
3. Order the option(s).
4. Install and configure the option(s) using the
information in this chapter.

5–2

•

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

•

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

Adding
Third-Party
Devices

Third-party devices are devices purchased from vendors other
than Digital Equipment Corporation.
Before attempting to connect third-party devices or install them
inside your system unit, first check with the third-party vendor
to ensure that your system and operating system support the
device.
Note
Many third-party devices are checked and approved
by Digital’s Product Safety/EMI group, to ensure your
personal protection and to prevent equipment damage.

For information about connecting third-party SCSI devices to
the system, refer to the SCSI Bus section presented later in this
chapter.

Supported Options
Ordering
Options

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

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

•

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

5–3

Verifying System Configuration
Before You
Begin

Several console commands or menu options allow examination of
the system configuration and environment variable settings.
To use these console commands or menu options, the console
mode must be invoked. For information about invoking console
mode, refer to the Invoking Console Mode section in Chapter 2.

Firmware
Console
Commands for
Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS

The following SRM console commands are important for verifying
your system configuration. They examine system configuration
and environment variable settings.
•

show config (described in the show config section)—Displays
the buses on the system and the devices found on those
buses; this command will not report devices on the VME bus.

•

show device (described in the show device section)—Displays
the devices and controllers in the system; this command will
not report devices on the VME bus.

•

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

•

set and show (described in the Setting and Showing
Environment Variables section)–Set and display environment
variable settings.
For more information about using the set and show
commands to set and display environment variables, refer to
Chapter 4 in this document.

show config

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

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

5–4

•

Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI:
–

Slot 0 = Ethernet adapter (ewa0)

–

Slot 1 = SCSI controller on standard I/O, along with
storage drives on the bus.

–

Slot 2 = EISA to PCI bridge chip

–

Slots 3–5 = Reserved

–

Slot 6 = PCI to PCI bridge chip (on VME daughter board)

–

Slot 7 = Corresponds to PCI slot 7 (PCI 0-7)

–

Slot 8 = Corresponds to PCI slot 8 (PCI 0-8)
For storage controllers, the devices off the controller are
also displayed.

•

Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI
Slot 0 = PCI to VME chip
Slot 1 = corresponds to PCI slot 1 (PCI1)
For storage controllers, the devices off the controller are
also displayed.

•

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA:
Not applicable to Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems.

•

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI:
Reserved for future expansion.

5–5

Synopsis:
show config
Example:
s>(P00>>> )show config
Digital Equipment Corporation
AlphaServer 2100 4/200
SRM Console X3.8-49
Component
CPU 0
Memory 1
I/O

VMS PALcode X5.64, OSF PALcode X1.42
Status
P
P
P

Module ID
B2020-AA DECchip (tm) 21064-3
B2021-BA 64 MB
B2110-AA
dva0.0.0.0.1
RX26

P00>>>

5–6

Slot Option
0 DECchip 7407

Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI

Slot Option

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA

Slot Option

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI

show device

The show device command displays the devices and controllers in
the system. The device name convention is shown in Figure 5–1.

Figure 5–1 Device Name Convention
1

dka0.0.0.0.0
3

MLO-011586

! Driver ID:

Two-letter port or class driver designator
DR–RAID set device
DV–Diskette drive
ER–Ethernet port
PK–SCSI port, DK–SCSI disk, MK–SCSI tape
PU–DSSI port, DU–DSSI disk, MU–DSSI tape

" One-letter storage adapter designator (A,B,C . . . )
# Device unit number: a unique number.
$ Bus node number: bus node ID.
% Channel number: used for multichannel devices.
& Slot number:
•

5–7

' Hose Number:
Hose 0, Bus 1, PCI
Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA
Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI
Synopsis:
show device [device_name]
Argument:
[device_name]

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

Example:

P00>>> show device
dka0.0.0.1.0
dka300.3.0.1.0
dka500.5.0.1.0
dva0.0.0.0.1
ewa0.0.0.0.0
pka0.7.0.1.0
P00>>>

5–8

DKA0
DKA300
DKA500
DVA0
EWA0
PKA0

RZ26 T392
RZ28 D41C
RRD43 0064
RX26
08-00-2B-E2-16-31
SCSI Bus ID 7

show memory

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

show memory
Example:
P00>>> show memory

Module Size
Base Addr
------ ----- --------1
64MB 00000000
Total Bad Pages 0
P00>>>

Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
---------- ---------- -----1-Way
0
Passed

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

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

5–9

Setting and
Showing
Environment
Variables

Environment variables are typically set when you are configuring
a system. Whenever you use the set command to reset an
environment variable, you must initialize the system to put the
new setting into effect. You initialize the system by entering the
init command or pressing the Reset button.
Synopsis:
set [-default] [-integer] -[string] envar value
show envar
Arguments:
envar

The name of the environment variable to be
modified.

value

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

Options:
-default

Restores variable to its default value.

-integer

Creates variable as an integer.

-string

Creates variable as a string (default).

Examples:
P00>>> set bootdef_dev dka0
P00>>> show bootdef_dev
bootdef_dev
dka0.0.0.1.0
P00>>> show auto_action
auto_action
boot
P00>>> set boot_osflags 0,1
P00>>>
For more information about using the set and show commands,
including the environment variables that you can set, refer to
Chapter 4 in this document.

5–10

Configuring System Bus Options
The system bus interconnects the CPU modules and memory
modules. The system bus is the hardware structure through
which data processed by the microprocessor is transferred
throughout the system.
Figure 5–2 and Figure 5–3 show the locations of the system bus
and system bus options in the card cage. Your system supports
options for two types of bus architectures: VME and PCI. The
next sections describe the system bus options for your system.
VME and PCI module should be installed by your service
representative; see the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service Guide
for information.

5–11

5–12
System Bus

VME1
VME2
VME3
VME4
VME5

CPU2

CPU0

CPU1

CPU3

PCI Bus
Standard I/O

PCI 1-1
PCI 0-7
PCI 0-8

Reserved

MEM3
MEM2
MEM1
MEM0

Figure 5–2 Vertical Mount System: Bus Option Locations

VME Bus
MLO-011617

Standard I/O

VME1
VME2
VME3
VME4
VME5

CPU2

CPU0

CPU1

CPU3

System Bus

PCI 1-1
PCI 0-7
PCI 0-8

Reserved

MEM3
MEM2
MEM1
MEM0

Figure 5–3 Drawer Mount System: Bus Option Locations

PCI Bus
VME Bus

MLO-011619

5–13

CPU Modules

The system can support up to four (4) CPU modules. Different
CPU types cannot be used within the same system. CPU
modules should be installed by your service representative; see
the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service Guide for information. Note
the following:
•

All systems must have a CPU module installed in system
bus slot 2 (CPU 0).

•

Systems with more than two CPUs displace the memory
module capacity as shown in Figure 5–4 and Figure 5–5.
Warning
Before accessing the CPUs:
1. Perform an orderly shutdown of the operating system
according to the shutdown procedures described in
your operating system documentation.

2. Set the DC On/Off button
and the Halt button to
the positions shown in Figure 2–23, Chapter 2. (If
the Halt button is set to the in position, the system
will not boot the next time the system is turned on.)

CPU modules are available in two variations as follows:

5–14

•

KN450-AA CPU module (B2020-AA)

•

KN460-AA CPU module (B2024-AA)

Figure 5–4 Vertical Mount System: System Bus Configurations
MEM 1

MEM 0

---

CPU 0

MEM 3

MEM 2

MEM 1

MEM 0

CPU 1

CPU 0

---

MEM 3

MEM 2

MEM 1

MEM 0

CPU 1

CPU 0

CPU 2

MEM 3

MEM 2

CPU 3

---

CPU 1

CPU 0

CPU 2

---

MEM 2

2 CPUs

MEM 3

1 CPU

3 CPUs

4 CPUs

MLO-011618

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

5–15

Figure 5–5 Drawer Mount System: System Bus Configurations

MEM 0

---

CPU 0

MEM 1

MEM 0

CPU 1

CPU 0

---

MEM 2

MEM 1

MEM 0

CPU 1

CPU 0

CPU 2

MEM 3

MEM 2

CPU 3

---

CPU 1

CPU 0

CPU 2

---

MEM 1

MEM 3

5–16

MEM 2

4 CPUs

MEM 3

3 CPUs

MEM 2

2 CPUs

MEM 3

1 CPU

MLO-011620

Memory
Modules

The system can support up to four (4) memory modules (for a
maximum memory capacity of 2 GB). A minimum of one memory
module is required.
Memory modules should be installed by your service
representative; see the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service
Guide for information.
Warning
Before installing a memory module, turn off all power
to the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 2 for information about
turning off ac and dc power.

Memory is available in three variations as follows:
•

MS450–BA (B2021–BA) 64-MB

•

MS450–CA (B2021–CA) 128-MB

•

MS451–CA (B2022–CA) 512-MB

5–17

Standard I/O Module
Warning
Before installing the standard I/O module, turn off
all power to the system (both ac and dc). Refer to
the Turning the System Off section in Chapter 2 for
information about turning off ac and dc power.

The standard I/O module provides the standard set of I/O
functions and is required in all systems. It provides:
•

A fast SCSI-2 controller chip that supports up to seven (7)
drives.

•

The firmware console subsystem on 512 KB of Flash ROM.

•

An Ethernet controller with AUI or twisted-pair connectors.

•

A floppy drive controller.

•

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

•

The keyboard and mouse interface.

•

The speaker interface.

•

The EISA-to-PCI bridge set.

•

The TOY clock.

The I/O module should be replaced by your service
representative; see the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service
Guide for information.

5–18

VME Bus

Overview

VME is an industry-standard expansion I/O bus. Your system
supports up to five VME modules (6u VME form factor). The
location of the VME bus is shown in Figure 5–2 and Figure 5–3.

Installing VME
Modules

Install VME modules according to the instruction supplied with
the module.
Note
Your Digital Alpha VME 2100 system always provides
the VME slot 0 controller functions. However, some VME
boards may also provide the same functionality as an
option. These boards must be configured so that they will
not perform the slot 0 controller functions.

Generally, VME boards are installed in slots from left to right.
Backplane BG and JACK jumpers must be removed, as the
backplane is populated with VME boards. If a VME backplane
slot is skipped, the BG and JACK jumpers must remain
installed.
Warning
Before installing a VME option, turn off all power to the
system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the System
Off section in Chapter 2 for additional information.

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

5–19

PCI Bus Options
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is an industrystandard expansion I/O bus that is the preferred bus for
high-performance I/O options. Your system supports 32-bit PCI
options.
Currently three (3) bus slots are reserved for 32-bit PCI options.
in Figure 1–8 and Figure 1–9.
The three PCI slots are labeled
A PCI board is shown in Figure 5–6.

Install PCI boards according to the instructions supplied with
the option. PCI boards require no additional configuration
procedures; the system automatically recognizes the boards and
assigns the appropriate system resources.
Warning
Before installing a PCI option, turn off all power to the
system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the System
Off section in Chapter 2 for additional information.
For protection against fire, only use modules with
current-limited outputs.

Figure 5–6 PCI Board

PCI

MA070193

5–20

SCSI Bus
A SCSI bus expansion port on the rear of the system enables the
ability to extend the bus that runs through the removable-media
mass-storage compartment to the outside of the system. As a
result, the external mass-storage devices can be connected to the
buses inside the system.
A fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module provides a
single-ended SCSI bus for the system.
All tabletop or rackmount SCSI-2 devices are supported by
means of PCI-based SCSI adapters. Use the following rules to
determine if a device can be used on your system:

Native SCSI
Bus

•

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

•

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

•

The entire SCSI bus length, from terminator to terminator,
must not exceed 6.0 m (19.7 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 5
MB/s, or 3.0 m (9.8 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 10 MB/s.

The fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module supports up
to four of the following internal SCSI devices:
•

One or two hard-disk drives and up to two 13.3-cm (5.25-in.)
half-height devices.

•

One CD–ROM drive.

•

One optional removeable-media device.

For Digital Alpha VME 2100 systems, the internal cabling
for the removable-media bus is 2.0 m (6.6 ft); therefore, the
maximum length for external expansion is 4.0 m (13.1 ft).
This bus can be extended to a rackmount StorageWorks shelf or
to an external expander to support up to seven (7) drives.

5–21

Installing
Removable
Media Storage
Devices

Set the device’s node ID so that there are no duplicate node
IDs on your system, as each device must have a unique node
ID. For information on device switch settings, refer the the
documentation supplied with the device.
Note
If you are installing a TLZ0n drive as the leftmost drive,
and you do not have a front bezel, attach the tape drive
insulator assembly, part number 70-32518-01, provided
in your accessory kit. See Figure 5–7. For additional
information, refer to the Tape Drive Insulator Strip
instructions provided with the insulator strip.

5–22

Figure 5–7 Attaching the Tape Drive Insulator Strip

MLO-011669

5–23

To install a removable media device, refer to Figure 5–8 and
follow these steps:
1. Remove the optional front bezel. See Chapter 2 for
step-by-step instructions.

Note
RRDnn and TLZ0n drives use the set of bracket holes
marked ‘‘A’’ in Figure 5–8, whereas the TZK11 drive uses
the set of bracket holes marked ‘‘B’’ in Figure 5–8.

Warning
Before installing a storage device, turn off all power to
the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the Turning the
System Off section in Chapter 2 for information about
turning off ac and dc power.

!
#

2. Attach the bracket
to the new drive
using four M3 x 6
mm flat-head screws
and the appropriate bracket holes (A
or B). Bracket and appropriate screws are shipped with the
device.

5–24

Figure 5–8 Installing Removable Media

2
B
A

4
3
1
5

B
A

MLO-011610

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

with the attached bracket into the
4. Insert the drive
appropriate slot and connect the drive cables .

5. Secure the drive to the front of the system using two captive
screws .

6. If you added a device in the optional slot for removable-media
devices, punch out the corresponding panel in the front bezel.
7. Replace the front bezel. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

5–25

Installing Fixed
Disk Storage
Devices

Important
Only qualified service personnel should remove or install
a fixed disk drive. The Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service
Guide contains information on troubleshooting, removing,
and installing fixed disk drives.

Power Supply Configuration

Important
Only qualified service personnel should remove or install
a power supply. The Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service
Guide contains information on troubleshooting, removing,
and installing a power supply.

5–26

6
Troubleshooting the System

In This Chapter

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

Determining the service provider

•

Task overview

•

Determining the type of problem

•

Reporting problems

•

Power problems

•

Problems getting to console mode

•

Interpreting the OCP power-up/diagnostic display

•

Console reported problems

•

Mass-storage problems indicated at power-up

•

PCI bus problems indicated at power-up

•

Boot problems

•

Operating system reported problems

•

Fail-safe loader

6–1

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

Considerations
Before
Troubleshooting

•

For self-maintenance customers, use the information in
this chapter to help identify and resolve the problem. Refer
to the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Service Guide for more
comprehensive troubleshooting information.

•

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

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

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

•

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

•

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

6–2

Identifying
Problems

Table 6–1 lists ways to identify problems and indicates where
each method is described.
Table 6–1 How to Identify a Problem
Method

Reference

Use the troubleshooting
tables

This chapter

Run diagnostic tests

test command in the test
section or show fru command in
the Console Reported Problems
section.

Task Overview
Identifying
and Resolving
Problems

Table 6–2 describes the steps required to identify and resolve
system problems.
Table 6–2 Identifying and Resolving Problems
Step

Description

Determine the type of problem.

Locate the problem in the troubleshooting tables.

Follow the suggested actions to resolve the problem.

If necessary, run the diagnostic tests.

Contact your Digital service representative or other
maintenance provider.

The next sections describe these steps in detail.

6–3

Determining the Type of Problem

Types of
System
Problems

Determine the type of problem that your system is experiencing
from the list in Table 6–3.
Table 6–3 Problem Reference
Problem

Section

The system powers down
unexpectedly or does not power
up.

Power Problems

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

Problems Getting to Console
Mode

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

Console Reported Problems

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

Boot Problems

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

Operating System Reported
Problems

If the system has a problem that is not listed in Table 6–3 or the
corrective actions in the troubleshooting tables do not resolve the
problem, refer to the Reporting Problems section in this chapter.

6–4

Reporting Problems
Precall
Checklist

If you are unable to locate the system problem as outlined
in Table 6–3, or the corrective actions suggested in the
troubleshooting tables in this chapter do not resolve the
problem, contact the nearest Digital support center. Before
calling to report a problem, complete the following steps:
1. Locate the part and serial numbers printed on the label at
the rear of your system. Record these numbers on a copy
of the Digital Alpha VME 2100 Problem Worksheet in this
chapter.
The Digital support center will need this information when
you call.
2. Fill in the Status of the System information on the
worksheet.
3. Note the problem, any known possible causes, and the
corrective actions suggested in the troubleshooting tables.
Also indicate what corrective actions (if any) have already
been taken to try to resolve the problem.
4. Be prepared to read information from the screen and to enter
commands at the keyboard while you talk to the Digital
support center representative.

6–5

Digital Support
Center Contact
Numbers

Table 6–4 lists the telephone numbers for contacting your Digital
support center.
If your Digital support center number is not listed in Table 6–4,
contact your local Digital office for assistance.
Table 6–4 Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

UNITED STATES

1-800-354-9000

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

719-592-7000

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

508-841-3700

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

404-343-0000

AUSTRALIA

31-2-5615252

AUSTRIA

0222-86630-555

BELGIUM

02-7297744

CANADA
English

1-800-267-5251

French

1-800-267-2603

DENMARK

80301005

FINLAND

90 9800 2878

FRANCE

1-69874123

GERMANY

01307702

HONG KONG

852-4149779

ISRAEL

052-592-300

ITALY

2-1678 20062

JAPAN (Tokyo)
Trouble

0120-113035 (toll-free)
(continued on next page)

6–6

Table 6–4 (Cont.) Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

SPS Telephone Support

0120-113036 (toll-free)

Commodity Products Phone

0120-206042 (toll-free)

Special Account Customers

0120-113334 (toll-free)

KOREA

82-2-7991114

MALAYSIA

60-3-2300111

MEXICO

520140810017

NETHERLANDS

030-832888

NORTHERN IRELAND

0232 381381

NORWAY

02-256300

PHILIPPINES

623-810-5156

PORTUGAL
Lisbon

01-3877051

Oporto

02-6068805

PUERTO RICO

800-981-4764

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

01-381216

SINGAPORE

330-6225

SPAIN
Madrid

34-(9)1-5834257

Barcelona

34-(9)3-4012222

SWEDEN

08-988835

THAILAND

66-254-8191

UNITED KINGDOM

025 6-59200

6–7

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

Console program fails to boot

OCP power/diagnostic display
failure message

Console error message
Diagnostic test error message

Operating system fails to boot

OCP powerup/diagnostic display:

Screen error message:

Troubleshooting notes:

MLO-011616

6–8

Power Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
there is no power at the system enclosure or the power supply
subsystem lights indicate power trouble.
Table 6–5 describes possible power problems and their corrective
actions.
Table 6–5 Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power supply fans do not
spin up when the ac power
cable is plugged into the
system.

Check the power source and the
power cord.

AC power is present, as
indicated by the sound of
spinning fans, but the system
does not start.

Check the DC On/Off button
setting on the OCP.

Check that the ambient room
temperature is within the
environmental specifications
(10°C–40°C, 50°F–104°F.)
The power supply shuts down
after approximately ten (10)
seconds.

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

Power out.

A failing open will not be
deconfigured on reboot. It is
necessary to press the Reset
button, or cycle the power.

6–9

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

Corrective Action

The power-up
screen is not
displayed.

Check the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP
(refer to Table 6–7) for a failure during self-tests.
Check that the keyboard and monitor are properly
connected and powered on (refer to the Terminal
Connections section in Chapter 2).
If the power-up screen is not displayed, yet the
system enters console mode, check that the console
environment variable is set correctly. If a VGA console
terminal is used, set the variable to graphics. If a
serial terminal is used, set the variable to serial.
If console is set to serial, the power-up screen is
routed to the COM1 serial communication port (refer
to the set console command in Chapter 4.)
Try connecting a console terminal to the COM1
serial communication port (refer to the Terminal
Connections section in Chapter 2). If necessary use a
9-pin connector. Check the baud rate setting for the
console terminal and system. The system baud rate
setting is 9600. When using the COM1 port, set the
console environment variable to ‘‘serial.’’

6–10

Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
Table 6–7 describes how to interpret messages that may be
displayed on the power-up/diagnostic display located on the
operator control panel on the front of the system (shown in
Figure 3–1).
Table 6–7 Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
Message

Meaning

TEST

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

NO MEM
INSTALLED

This message is displayed if you power
up with no memory installed.

FAIL

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

6–11

Table 6–7 (Cont.) Interpreting the OCP Power-Up/Diagnostic
Display
Message

Meaning

CPU STATUS

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

6–12

STARTING CPU #

The console is starting the primary
CPU.

TEST MEM BANK #

The console is testing memory.

PROBE I/O SUBSYS

The console is checking the PCI bridge.

SYSTEM RESET

The Reset button has been pressed.

Alpha nnnMHz

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

Console Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
self-tests do not complete or when error messages are displayed
on your console terminal in console mode.
Table 6–8 describes possible problems reported by the console
program and their corrective actions.
Table 6–8 Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the
Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power-up tests do
not complete.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display
on the OCP (refer to Table 6–7).

The system powers up to
the ash> prompt.

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

The console program
reports an error.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display
on the OCP (refer to Table 6–7) to
determine the error.
Use the show fru command described
in the next section to see if errors
have been logged.
Examine the console event log (enter
the cat el command) or power-up
screens to check for embedded error
messages recorded during power-up.

•

The OCP displays
failure message at
power-up

•

The Halt button
LED lights during
power-up

•

The power-up screen
includes error
messages

(continued on next page)

6–13

Table 6–8 (Cont.) Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by
the Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

If the power-up screens or the
console event log indicate problems
with the PCI devices, or if the
PCI devices are missing from
the show config display, use the
troubleshooting flowchart (refer
to Table 6–11) to determine the
problem.
Run the test command (refer to the
test section in this chapter) to verify
the problem.

show fru

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

CPU modules

•

Memory modules

•

I/O modules

6–14

Synopsis:
show fru
Examples:
P00>>> show fru

! "

Slot
0
2
5

Option
I/O
CPU0
MEM1

Part#
B2110-AA
B2020-AA
B2021-BA

Slot
0
1
2
6

Option
Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI
DECchip 21040-AA
NCR 53C810
Intel 82375EB
DECchip 21050-AA

Rev
Hw Sw
F2 0
C2 9
B0 0

%
Serial#
KA418TYC22
KA434CUBL7
AY43314429

Slot Option

Hose 1, Bus 0, EISA

Slot Option

Hose 2, Bus 0, PCI

Events logged
SDD
TDD
00
00
00
00
00
00

P00>>>

! System bus slot number for module (slots 1–7 top to bottom)
Slot 0: Standard I/O module (dedicated PCI card-cage
slot)
Slot 1–3, 5: CPU modules
Slot 4–7: Memory modules

6–15

test

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

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

6–16

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

Example:
P00>>> test
2:32:12 January 4, 1995
Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks(read only)
dkb600.6.0.2.1 has no media present or is
disabled via the RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for dka0.0.0.1.01
dka500.5.0.1.0 has no media present or is
disabled via the RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for DKA500.5.0.1.0
No DU* Disks available for testing
No DR* Disks available for testing
Testing the MK* Tapes(read only)
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks(read only)
file open failed for dva0.0.0.0.1
Testing the VGA(Alphanumeric Mode only)
Testing the EW* Network
P00>>>

6–17

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up
Mass-storage failures at power-up are usually indicated by read
fail messages. Other problems can result in storage devices
missing from the show config display.
Table 6–9 provides information for troubleshooting fixed-media
mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Table 6–10 provides information for troubleshooting removablemedia mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Use these tables to diagnose the likely cause of the problem.
Table 6–9 Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failed.

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

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
ID(s).

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

Correct the removablemedia SCSI IDs.

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

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

Correct the SCSI IDs.

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

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

Change the host
ID(s) using the set
pk*0_host_id command
described in Chapter 4.

An I/O module failed.

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard I/O
module.

6–18

Table 6–10 Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failed.

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

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
ID(s).

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

Correct the SCSI IDs.

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

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

Correct the SCSI IDs.

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

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

Change the host
ID(s) using the set
pk*0_host_id command
described in Chapter 4.

There are missing or loose
cables.

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

Remove the device
and inspect the cable
connections.

A terminator(s) is missing.

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

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

There is an extra
terminator(s).

Devices produce errors or
device IDs are dropped.

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

The I/O module failed.

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard I/O
module.

6–19

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up
PCI bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the
inability of the system to see the device. Use Table 6–11 to
diagnose the likely cause of the problem.
Table 6–11 PCI Troubleshooting

6–20

Step

Corrective Action

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

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

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

Boot Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot problems that occur
while the system is booting the operating system software.
Table 6–12 describes possible problems during booting and their
corrective actions.
Table 6–12 Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

The system cannot find the
boot device.

Check the node ID and device name parameters.
Refer to the Verifying System Configuration section
in Chapter 5 for the correct device parameters. Also,
check the environment variable settings (such as
bootdef_dev, boot_file, and boot_osflags) for Digital
UNIX and OpenVMS. Refer to the boot section in
Chapter 4

The device does not boot.

Run the test command to check that the boot device is
operating.
A failing open is not deconfigured on a reboot. Press
the Reset button or cycle power.

6–21

Operating System Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot system problems that
occur while the operating system software is up and running.
Table 6–13 describes possible operating system problems and
their corrective actions.
Table 6–13 Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating System
Symptom

Corrective Action

The system is hung or has
crashed.

Examine the crash dump file.
Refer to the OpenVMS AXP Alpha System Dump
Analyzer Utility Manual for information on how to
interpret OpenVMS crash dump files.
Refer to the Guide to Kernel Debugging for information
on using the DEC OSF/1 Krash Utility.

The operating system is up.

Have the Digital support center examine the operating
system error log files to isolate the problem. Selfmaintenance customers can refer to the Digital Alpha
VME 2100 Service Guide.
If the problem occurs intermittently, have the Digital
support center run an operating system exerciser, such
as the DEC VET, to stress the system.
Refer to the DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s
Guide for instructions on running DEC VET.

6–22

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

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

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

•

An error in the nonvolatile nvram file

•

An incorrect environment variable setting

•

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

6–23

Fail-Safe
Loader
Functions

From the FSL program, you can:
•
•

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

show and set commands).
•

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

Activating
the Fail-Safe
Loader

To activate the FSL, perform the following steps:
1. Install jumper J6 on the standard I/O module (refer to
Figure 6–1). The jumper is stored on one of the pins of the
J6 jumper.
2. Turn on the system.
3. Use the FSL program (indicated by the ash> prompt) to make
corrections, edit the nvram file, set environment variables, or
initialize phase 6 drivers.
4. When you have finished, power-down and remove the FSL
jumper.

6–24

Figure 6–1 Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (J6) on the Standard I/O
Module
1

NVRAM
J5
J3
J6

6
LJ-03781-TI0

! Ethernet Address ROM (E72)
" SCSI (50-pin)
# Floppy (34-pin)
$ Remote I/O (60-pin)
% OCP (10-pin)
& DSM Remote Option (16-pin)
Note
J3–Power supply mode: Disabled, not used.
J5–Program voltage: Internal use only.
J6–Fail-Safe: When installed, selects the fail-safe loader
firmware.
NVRAM–Nonvolatile random-access memory.

6–25

A
Hardware Specifications

In This
Appendix

This appendix lists the hardware specifications for the Digital
Alpha VME 2100 system.
This appendix covers the following topics:
•

System Dimensions

•

Electrical Specifications

•

Environmental Conditions

A–1

System Specifications

System
Dimensions

Table A–1 provides information about the drawer mount system
dimensions. The dimensions depend on if the system has the
bezel for mounting into a cabinet with the English RETMA
rail-hole pattern or the bezel for mounting into a cabinet with
the metric IEC rail-hole pattern.
Table A–1 Drawer Mount System: Dimensions
Weight

Height

Width

Depth

System for Installation Into Cabinets with English RETMA Hole Pattern
110 lb

14.0 in.

19.0 in.

27.75 in.

System for Installation Into Cabinets with Metric IEC Hole Pattern
49.94 kg

35.0 cm

45.0 cm

70.0 cm

Table A–2 provides information about the vertical mount system
dimensions.
Table A–2 Vertical Mount System: Dimensions
Weight

Height

Width

Depth

System for Installation Into Racks with English RETMA Hole Pattern
110 lb

26.25 in.

17.50 in.

15.25 in.

System for Installation Into Racks with Metric IEC Hole Pattern
49.94 kg

66.75 cm

44.45 cm

38.735 cm

Note
The overall height of the vertical mount system, with the
optional front bezel attached, is 80.0 cm (31.50 inches).

A–2

Electrical
Specifications

Table A–3 provides information about the various electrical
system specifications.
Table A–3 System Electrical Specifications
Input voltage

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

Input current
(maximum)

12 A at 100-120 Vac
6 A at 220-240 Vac

Phasing

Single-phase

Frequency

50/60 Hz

Power (maximum)

1200 W input maximum, system only,
power factor .98 minimum

U.S.A. power cord
plug

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

A–3

Environmental
Conditions

Table A–4 provides information about the environmental
conditions in which the system can operate.
Table A–4 System Environmental Conditions
Operating/Storage
Conditions

Temperature range

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Temperature change
rate

11°C/hr (20°F/hr) maximum

Relative humidity

10% to 90% (noncondensing)

Maximum altitude

2,438 m (8,000 ft)

Note: The maximum allowable operating temperature above
2,438 m (8,000 ft) is reduced 1.8°C/1,000 m (1.0°F/1,000 ft)
Maximum wet bulb
temperature

28°C (82°F)

Minimum dew point

2°C (36°F)

Nonoperating
Conditions

A–4

Temperature range

-40°C to 66°C (40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity

10% to 95% (noncondensing)

Maximum altitude

4,877 m (16,000 ft)

Glossary
10BASE-T Ethernet network
IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet products used
for local distribution of data. These networking products
characteristically use twisted-pair cable.
AUI Ethernet network
Attachment unit interface. An IEEE standard 802.3-compliant
Ethernet network made of standard Ethernet cable.
autoboot
A system boot initiated automatically by software when the
system is powered up or reset.
availability
The amount of scheduled time that a computing system provides
application service during the year. Availability is typically
measured as either a percentage of ‘‘uptime’’ per year or as
system ‘‘unavailability,’’ the number of hours or minutes of
downtime per year.
BA472 enclosure
The enclosure that houses the Digital Alpha VME 2100 drawer
or vertical mount system.
backplane
The main board or panel that connects all of the modules in a
computer system.
backup cache
A second, very fast cache memory that is closely coupled with
the processor.

Glossary–1

bandwidth
The rate of data transfer in a bus or I/O channel. The rate is
expressed as the amount of data that can be transferred in a
given time, for example megabytes per second.
battery backup unit
A battery unit that provides power to the entire system enclosure
(or to an expander enclosure) in the event of a power failure.
Another term for uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
boot
Short for bootstrap. To load an operating system into memory.
boot device
The device from which the system bootstrap software is acquired.
boot flags
A flag is a system parameter set by the user. Boot flags contain
information that is read and used by the bootstrap software
during a system bootstrap procedure.
boot server
A computer system that provides boot services to remote devices
such as network routers.
bootstrap
The process of loading an operating system into memory.
bugcheck
A software condition, usually the response to software’s detection
of an ‘‘internal inconsistency,’’ which results in the execution of
the system bugcheck code.
bus
A collection of many transmission lines or wires. The bus
interconnects computer system components, providing
a communications path for addresses, data, and control
information.

Glossary–2

bystander
A system bus node (CPU, standard I/O, or memory) that is not
addressed by a current system bus commander.
byte
Eight contiguous bits starting on an addressable byte boundary.
The bits are numbered right to left, 0 through 7.
cache memory
A small, high-speed memory placed between slower main
memory and the processor. A cache increases effective memory
transfer rates and processor speed. Cache memory 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.
card cage
A mechanical assembly in the shape of a frame that holds
modules against the system and storage backplanes.
carrier
The individual container for all StorageWorks devices, power
supplies, and so forth. In some cases because of small form
factors, more than one device can be mounted in a carrier.
Carriers can be inserted in modular shelves. Modular shelves
can be mounted in modular enclosures.
CD–ROM
A read-only compact disc. The optical removable media used in a
compact disc reader.
central processing unit (CPU)
The unit of the computer that is responsible for interpreting and
executing instructions.
client-server computing
An approach to computing whereby a computer—the ‘‘server’’—
provides a set of services across a network to a group of
computers requesting those services—the ‘‘clients.’’

Glossary–3

cluster
A group of systems and hardware that communicate over a
common interface. The systems in the cluster share resources,
and software programs work in close cooperation.
cold bootstrap
A bootstrap operation following a power-up or system
initialization (restart). On Alpha systems, the console loads
PALcode, sizes memory, and initializes environment variables.
commander
In a particular bus transaction, a CPU or standard I/O that
initiates the transaction.
command line interface
One of two modes of operation in the Digital Alpha VME 2100
operator interface. The command line interface supports the
OpenVMS and Digital UNIX operating systems. The interface
allows you to configure and test the system, examine and alter
the system state, and boot the operating system.
console mode
The state in which the system and the console terminal operate
under the control of the console program.
console program
The code that processor executes during console mode.
console subsystem
The subsystem that provides the user interface for a computer
system when the operating system is not running.
console terminal
The terminal connected to the console subsystem. The terminal
is used to start the system and direct activities between the
computer operator and the computer system.
data bus
A bus used to carry data between two or more components of the
system.

Glossary–4

data cache
A high-speed cache memory reserved for the storage of data.
Abbreviated as D-cache.
DECchip 21064 processor
The CMOS, Alpha architecture, single-chip processor used on
many Alpha-based computers.
DEC VET
Digital Verifier and Exerciser Tool. A multipurpose system
diagnostic tool that performs exerciser-oriented maintenance
testing.
diagnostic program
A program that is used to find and correct problems with a
computer system.
Digital UNIX operating system
A general-purpose operating system based on the Open Software
Foundation OSF/1 technology. Digital UNIX was formerly called
DEC OSF/1. V3.0B of the product runs on a range of Alpha
systems, from workstations to servers.
direct-mapping cache
A cache organization in which only one address comparison is
needed to locate any data in the cache, because any block of
main memory data can be placed in only one possible position in
the cache.
direct memory access (DMA)
Access to memory by an I/O device that does not require
processor intervention.
DRAM
Dynamic random-access memory. Read/write memory that must
be refreshed (read from or written to) periodically to maintain
the storage of information.
ECC
Error correction code. Code and algorithms used by logic to
facilitate error detection and correction.

Glossary–5

EEPROM
Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. A
memory device that can be byte-erased, written to, and read
from.
EISA bus
Extended Industry Standard Architecture bus.
EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)
A feature of the EISA/PCI bus that helps you perform system
services. The ECU must be run whenever you replace the
Standard I/O board.
environment variables
Global data structures that can be accessed from console mode.
The setting of these data structures determines how a system
powers up, boots the operating system, and operates.
ERF/UERF
Error Report Formatter. ERF is used to present error log
information for OpenVMS. UERF is used to present error log
information for the Digital UNIX operating system.
Ethernet
IEEE 802.3 standard local area network.
Factory Installed Software (FIS)
Operating system software that is loaded into a system disk
during manufacture. On site, the FIS is bootstrapped in the
system.
fail-safe loader (FSL)
A program that allows you to power up without initiating drivers
or running power-up diagnostics. From the fail-safe loader you
can perform limited console functions.
Fast SCSI
An optional mode of SCSI-2 that allows transmission rates of up
to 10 megabytes per second.

Glossary–6

FDDI
Fiber Distributed Data Interface. A high-speed networking
technology that uses fiber optics as the transmissions medium.
field-replaceable unit
Any system component that a qualified service person is able to
replace on site.
firmware
Software code stored in hardware.
fixed-media compartments
Compartments that house nonremovable storage media.
Flash ROM
Flash-erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash ROMs
can be bank- or bulk-erased.
FRU
Field-replaceable unit. Any system component that a qualified
service person is able to replace on site.
full-height device
Standard form factor for 5 1/4-inch storage devices.
half-height device
Standard form factor for storage devices that are not the height
of full-height devices.
halt
The action of transferring control of the computer system to the
console program.
hose
The interface between the card cage and the I/O subsystem on
the Digital Alpha VME 2100 system.
initialization
The sequence of steps that prepare the computer system to start.
Occurs after a system has been powered up.

Glossary–7

instruction cache
A high-speed cache memory reserved for the storage of
instructions. Abbreviated as I-cache.
Interrupt request lines (IRQs)
Bus signals that connect a module (for example, a disk
controller) to the system so that the module can get the system’s
attention through an interrupt.
LAN
Local area network. A network that supports computers that are
connected over limited distances.
latency
The amount of time it takes the system to respond to an event.
LED
Light-emitting diode. A semiconductor device that glows when
supplied with voltage. A LED is used as an indicator light.
loopback test
Internal and external tests that are used to isolate a failure by
testing segments of a particular control or data path. A subset of
ROM-based diagnostics.
machine check/interrupts
An operating system action triggered by certain system
hardware-detected errors that can be fatal to system operation.
Once triggered, machine-check handler software analyzes the
error.
mass storage device
An input/output device on which data is stored. Typical mass
storage devices include disks, magnetic tapes, and CD–ROMs.
MAU
Medium attachment unit. On an Ethernet LAN, a device
that converts the encoded data signals from various cabling
media (for example, fiber optic, coaxial, or ThinWire) to permit
connection to a networking station.

Glossary–8

memory interleaving
The process of assigning consecutive physical memory addresses
across multiple memory controllers. Improves total memory
bandwidth by overlapping system bus command execution across
two or four memory modules.
modular shelves
In the StorageWorks modular subsystem, a shelf contains one or
more modular carriers, generally up to a limit of seven. Modular
shelves can be mounted in system enclosures, in I/O expansion
enclosures, and in various StorageWorks modular enclosures.
MOP
Maintenance Operations Protocol. A transport protocol for
network bootstraps and other network operations.
multiprocessing system
A system that executes multiple tasks simultaneously.
node
A device that has an address on, is connected to, and is able to
communicate with other devices on a bus. Also, an individual
computer system connected to the network that can communicate
with other systems on the network.
NVRAM
Nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that retains its
information in the absence of power.
OCP
Operator control panel.
open system
A system that implements sufficient open specifications
for interfaces, services, and supporting formats to enable
applications software to:
•

Be ported across a wide range of systems with minimal
changes

•

Interoperate with other applications on local and remote
systems

Glossary–9

•

Interact with users in a style that facilitates user portability

OpenVMS operating system
A general-purpose multiuser operating system that supports
Alpha computers in both production and development
environments. OpenVMS AXP software supports
industry standards, facilitating application portability
and interoperability. OpenVMS AXP provides symmetric
multiprocessing (SMP) support for AXP multiprocessing systems.
operating system mode
The state in which the system console terminal is under the
control of the operating system. Also called program mode.
operator control panel
The panel located behind the front door of the system, which
contains the power-up/diagnostic display, DC On/Off button, Halt
button, and Reset button.
OSF/1 operating system
A general-purpose operating system based on the Open Software
Foundation OSF/1 2.0 technology.
PALcode
Alpha Privileged Architecture Library code, written to support
Alpha processors. PALcode implements architecturally defined
behavior.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. An industry-standard
expansion I/O bus that is the preferred bus for high-performance
I/O options. Available in a 32-bit and a 64-bit version.
porting
Adapting a given body of code so that it will provide equivalent
functions in a computing environment that differs from the
original implementation environment.
power-down
The sequence of steps that stops the flow of electricity to a
system or its components.

Glossary–10

power-up
The sequence of events that starts the flow of electrical current
to a system or its components.
processor module
Module that contains the CPU chip.
program mode
The state in which the system console terminal is under the
control of a program other than the console program.
reliability
The probability a device or system will not fail to perform its
intended functions during a specified time.
ROM-based diagnostics
Diagnostic programs resident in read-only memory.
script
A data structure that defines a group of commands to be
executed. Similar to a VMS command file.
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface. An ANSI-standard
interface for connecting disks and other peripheral devices
to computer systems. Some devices are supported under the
SCSI-1 specification; others are supported under the SCSI-2
specification.
self-test
A test that is invoked automatically when the system powers up.
serial control bus
A two-conductor serial interconnect that is independent of the
system bus. This bus links the processor modules, the I/O, the
memory, the power subsystem, and the operator control panel.
serial ROM
In the context of the CPU module, ROMs read by the DECchip
21064 microprocessor after reset that contain low-level diagnostic
and initialization routines.

Glossary–11

SMP
Symmetric multiprocessing. A processing configuration in which
multiple processors in a system operate as equals, dividing and
sharing the workload.
SRM
User interface to console firmware for operating systems that
expect firmware compliance with the Alpha System Reference
Manual (SRM).
standard I/O module
Module that provides a standard set of I/O functions. It resides
in a dedicated slot in the backplane.
storage array
A group of mass storage devices, frequently configured as one
logical disk.
StorageWorks
Digital’s modular storage subsystem (MSS), which is the core
technology of the Alpha SCSI-2 mass storage solution. Consists
of a family of low-cost mass storage products that can be
configured to meet current and future storage needs.
superpipelined
Describes a pipelined processor that has a larger number of pipe
stages and more complex scheduling and control.
superscalar
Describes a processor that issues multiple independent
instructions per clock cycle.
symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
A processing configuration in which multiple processors in a
system operate as equals, dividing and sharing the workload.
symptom-directed diagnostics (SDDs)
An approach to diagnosing computer system problems whereby
error data logged by the operating system is analyzed to capture
information about the problem.

Glossary–12

system bus
The hardware structure that interconnects the CPUs and
memory modules. Data processed by the CPU is transferred
throughout the system through the system bus.
system disk
The device on which the operating system resides.
test-directed diagnostics (TDDs)
An approach to diagnosing computer system problems whereby
error data logged by diagnostic programs resident in read-only
memory (RBDs) is analyzed to capture information about the
problem.
thickwire
One-half inch, 50-Ohm coaxial cable that interconnects the
components in many IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet
networks.
ThinWire
Ethernet cabling and technology used for local distribution
of data communications. ThinWire cabling is thinner than
thickwire cabling.
twisted pair
A cable made by twisting together two insulated conductors that
have no common covering.
wide area network (WAN)
A network that connects a server to a distant host computer,
PC, or other server, or that connects numerous computers in
numerous distant locations.
write back
A cache management technique in which data from a write
operation to cache is written into main memory only when the
data in cache must be overwritten.
write-enabled
Indicates a device onto which data can be written.

Glossary–13

write-protected
Indicates a device onto which data cannot be written.
write through
A cache management technique in which data from a write
operation is copied to both cache and main memory.

Glossary–14

Index
A
Accessory kit
drawer mount system
contents of, 2–7
vertical mount system RETMA
contents of, 2–8
AC power connector
location of, 1–4, 1–5
Adapter
fast SCSI-2, 5–21
Alignment
slides to cabinet, 2–21
Attaching slides
rails, 2–18
Autoboot
Digital UNIX, 2–49, 4–17
OpenVMS, 2–49, 4–17
auto_action environment variable, 4–16

B
Bezel
assembling, 2–32
boot command, 4–9
bootdef_dev environment variable, 4–16
Boot device, default
setting for Digital UNIX, 4–18
setting for OpenVMS, 4–18
Boot diagnostic flow, 6–21
Boot examples, 4–10
Boot flags, 4–10

Boot problems
troubleshooting, 6–21
Boot procedure, 2–48
booting Digital UNIX automatically,
2–49, 4–17
booting OpenVMS automatically, 2–49,
4–17
Bootstrap
command, 4–9
examples, 4–10
flags, 4–10
boot_osflags environment variable, 4–16
Brace
vertical mount system, 2–34
Bus
system, 5–11
Buses, displaying, 4–39, 5–7
for Digital UNIX, 5–4
for OpenVMS, 5–4

C
Cabinet
stability of, 2–13
Characters
control, supported in console mode, 4–4
keyboard, supported in console mode, 4–4
Checking content of shipment, 2–6
COM2 and parallel port
loopback tests, 6–16
Commands
See Console commands
to examine system configuration, 5–4

Index–1

Configuration
environment variables, 5–10
rules for removable-media, 5–22
Configuration, examining
for Digital UNIX, 5–4
for OpenVMS, 5–4
Considerations
before troubleshooting, 6–2
Console
action, power-up setting, 4–17
device, connecting to, 2–57
diagnostic flow, 6–10
environment variable, 4–16
output, 2–43
port configuration, 2–43
prompt, 2–53
terminal, 2–53
Console, invoking
See Console mode, 2–53
Console commands
See Console commands
boot, 4–9
continue, 4–11
displaying, 4–8
displaying information about, 4–12
editing, 4–5
extending to a second line, 4–5
format, 4–7
help, 4–12
init, 4–13
language, 4–26
levels, 4–6
list of, 4–2, 4–6
man, 4–12
online help, 4–7
recalling, 4–5
set, 4–15
set auto_action, 4–17
set bootdef_dev, 4–18, 5–10
set boot_osflags, 4–20, 5–10
set console, 4–23
set envar, 5–10
set ew*0_mode, 4–24
set ocp_text, 4–28
set os_type, 4–29

Index–2

Console commands (cont’d)
set pk*0_fast, 4–31
set pk*0_host_id, 4–33
show, 4–34
show auto_action, 5–10
show config, 4–37, 5–4
show device, 4–39, 5–7
show envar, 5–10
show fru, 4–42, 6–14
show memory, 4–44, 5–9
show pal, 4–45
show version, 4–46
test, 4–47, 6–16
Console firmware
setting default, 4–29
Console mode
defined, 2–53
invoking, 2–53
invoking remotely, 2–53
invoking with Halt button, 2–53
keyboard characters, supported, 4–4
problems, troubleshooting, 6–10, 6–13
prompt, 2–53
supported control characters on VT-series
terminals, 4–4
troubleshooting, 6–13
Console prompt
SRM console, 2–45
continue command, 4–11
Control characters
use of with VT-series terminal, 4–4
Controllers, displaying, 4–39, 5–7
Controls, accessing, 1–4
CPU module
installation requirements, 5–14
location of, 5–11
SMP configuration and, 5–14
variations of, 5–14
Customer support, 6–6

D
DC On/Off
button, 3–1
light, 3–1
DC On/Off button, 1–6
Default boot
device, setting, 4–18
flags, setting, 4–20
Device naming convention, 4–39, 5–7
Devices, displaying, 4–39, 5–7
for Digital UNIX, 5–4
for OpenVMS, 5–4
Diagnostic flow
boot problems, 6–21
console, 6–10
console mode problems, 6–13
errors reported by operating system,
6–22
power problems, 6–9
problems getting to console mode, 6–10
problems reported by console, 6–13
Door, OCP
opening of, 1–7
unlocking of, 1–7
Drawer mount system
attaching front bezel, 2–61
attaching slides to rails, 2–18
cabinet stability, 2–13
rail-hole pattern, 2–14
slides, 2–9

E
edit command, 6–24
English RETMA
rail-hole pattern, 2–14, 2–26
Environment variables
configuring, 5–10
list of, 4–16
preset values, 4–16
resetting, 2–46
setting and examining, 5–10
setting or modifying, 4–15

Environment variables (cont’d)
value, displaying, 4–34
Errors
commands to report, 4–42, 6–14
Ethernet
external loopback, 6–16
option, configuring of, 4–24
Extended I/O module
location of, 5–11

F
Fail-safe loader, 6–23
activating, 6–23
power-up, 6–23
Fast SCSI-2 adapter, 5–21
Firmware
See Console firmware
Firmware version
displaying information for, 4–46
Fixed disk drive
configuration, 5–26
Fixed-media
storage problems, 6–18
Front bezel
installation of, 2–60, 2–61
FRUs
commands to report errors, 4–42, 6–14

H
Halt button
invoking console mode with, 3–1
invoking operating system mode with,
3–2
location of, 1–6
Hangs
using Reset button to recover from, 3–3
Hard disk drives
location of, 1–4, 1–5
Hardware specifications, A–1
Help
accessing in console mode, 4–7

Index–3

help command, 4–12

I
I/O module, 5–18
init command, 4–13
init -driver command, 6–24
Initialization, system, 4–13
Installation
attaching the slides, 2–12, 2–18
checking content of shipment, 2–6
completing for both systems, 2–37
determining the area, 2–14
English RETMA rail-hole pattern, 2–14,
2–27
front bezel, 2–60, 2–61
interlock actuator bracket, 2–22
interlock actuator latches, 2–23
metric IEC rail-hole pattern, 2–16, 2–30
power cords, 2–37
system slides, 2–9
Interlock actuator bracket, installation of,
2–22
Interlock actuator latches, installation of,
2–23
Interlock system, 2–22
Internal SCSI bus, 5–21

K
Keyboard characters, supported in console
mode, 4–4

L
Language
environment variable, 4–16
Language, setting default, 4–26
Loopback tests
COM2 and parallel ports, 6–16

Index–4

M
man command, 4–12
Mass storage
described, 5–21
problems, troubleshooting, 6–18, 6–19
Memory module
displaying information for, 4–44, 5–9
location of, 5–11
variations of, 5–17
Metric IEC
rail-hole pattern, 2–16, 2–29
Modem, connecting, 2–57
Modules
CPU, 5–14

N
Networks
connecting to, 2–55
Ethernet, 2–55
nvram file, 6–24

O
OCP
See Operator control panel
ocp_text environment variable, 4–16
Online help
in console mode, 4–7
Operating system
boot failures, reporting, 6–22
booting, 2–48
preboot tasks, 2–46
problems, 6–22
setting default, 4–29
troubleshooting, 6–22
Operator control panel
controls
location of, 1–4, 1–5
controls on, 1–6
DC On/Off button, 3–1
DC On/Off light, 3–1
display, interpreting, 6–11
Halt button, 3–1

Operator control panel (cont’d)
Halt light, 3–1
location of, 1–4, 1–5
power-up/diagnostic display, 3–1
Reset button, 3–3
os_type environment variable, 4–16

P
PALcode version
displaying information for, 4–45
PCI bus
defined, 5–20
location of, 5–11
supports Digital and third-party options,
1–3
troubleshooting, 6–20
Peripheral devices, connecting, 2–57
Phone numbers
customer support, 6–6
Power cords
installation of, 2–37
types of, 1–13
Power-down procedure
turning off dc power, 2–50
Power problems
troubleshooting, 6–9
Power requirements, 1–13
Power supply
configuration, 5–26
location of, 1–4, 1–5
Power-up/diagnostic display, 2–43
interpreting, 6–11
output, 4–23
setting message on, 4–28
Power-up screen, 2–43
Power-up sequence
mass-storage failures, 6–18
PCI failures, 6–20
Printer, connecting, 2–57
Problems
determining type, 6–4
identifying, 6–1, 6–3
reporting of, 6–5
See Troubleshooting, 6–1

Program, resuming, 4–11

R
Rail-hole pattern
english RETMA, 2–14, 2–26
metric IEC, 2–16, 2–29
Rails
attaching slides to, 2–18
Reboot procedure, 2–48
Removable-media
configuration rules for devices, 5–22
SCSI device support for, 5–21
Removable-media devices
location of, 1–4, 1–5
storage problems, 6–19
Reset button
for recovering from hangs, 3–3
location of, 1–6
Root number, 4–21

S
SCSI, fast
configuring, 4–31
SCSI bus
connection to, 2–39
internal, 5–21
port location, 2–39
SCSI controller bus node ID
setting default, 4–33
Self-test status lights
location of, 1–6
Serial ports, 2–43
Service
determining the provider, 6–2
self maintenance customers, 6–2
service agreements, 6–2
Servicing system
clearance needed for service, 2–2, 2–4
set auto_action command, 4–17
set bootdef_dev command, 4–18
set boot_osflags command, 4–20
boot flags argument (Digital UNIX), 4–20
boot flags argument (OpenVMS), 4–21

Index–5

set boot_osflags command (cont’d)
root number argument (Digital UNIX),
4–20
root number argument (OpenVMS), 4–21
set command, 4–15, 5–10
set console command, 4–23
set ew*0_mode command, 4–24
set language command, 4–26
supported languages, 4–27
set ocp_text command, 4–28
set os_type command, 4–29
set pk*0_fast command, 4–31
set pk*0_host_id command, 4–33
Shipment
checking content of, 2–6
show command, 4–34, 5–10
show configuration
command, 4–37
show configuration command, 5–4
show device command, 4–39, 5–7
show fru command, 4–42
show fru command (SRM), 6–14
show memory command, 4–44, 5–9
show pal command, 4–45
show version command, 4–46
Site preparation
verifying of, 2–2
Slides
alignment of, 2–21
preparation of, 2–9
SMP configuration
CPU modules, 5–14
Specifications
dimensions, A–2
electrical, A–3
environmental, A–4
Stability
cabinet, 2–13
Standard I/O module, 5–18
Startup procedure
preboot tasks, 2–46
System
before installing, 2–1
configuration, examining, 5–4
drawer mount, front components, 1–4

Index–6

System (cont’d)
initialization of, 4–13
installing vertical mount, 2–35
keys, locating, 1–4
SCSI expansion, 2–39
slide mounting of, 2–19
software, booting of, 2–48
startup screen, 2–43
testing of, 4–47
turning off, 2–50
turning on, 2–40
vertical mount, front components, 1–5
System,
slides, installation of, 2–9
System bus, location of, 5–11
System configuration, examining
for Digital UNIX, 5–4
for OpenVMS, 5–4
System operation
boot, 2–48
reboot, 2–48

T
Terminals, connecting, 2–59
test command, 4–47, 6–16
Testing system, 4–47
Troubleshooting, 6–1
boot problems, 6–21
considerations before beginning, 6–2
console, 6–10
console mode problems, 6–13
errors reported by operating system,
6–22
for self-maintenance customers, 6–2
interpreting the operator control panel
power-up display, 6–11
mass-storage problems, 6–18
operating system problems, 6–22
PCI problems, 6–20
power problems, 6–9
problem reference, 6–4
problems getting to console mode, 6–10
problems reported by the console, 6–13
problem worksheet, 6–7
reporting problems, 6–5

Troubleshooting (cont’d)
task overview, 6–3
test command, 6–2

V
Vertical mount system
attaching front bezel, 2–60
installing, 2–35

rail-hole pattern, 2–26, 2–29
VME
installing modules, 5–19
VME bus
location of, 5–11
overview of, 5–19
VT420 keyboard, 4–5
VT terminal, connecting, 2–59

Index–7

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EK–DALPH–OG .A01

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