Troubleshooting Techniques - DEC Personal DECstation 5000 User Manual

Troubleshooting

13.1 Troubleshooting Techniques

13.1 Troubleshooting Techniques
The first step in isolating and detecting problems on a Personal DECstation
is to interpret the results of the system's ROM-based power-up self-test. One
of the three procedures described in this section can be used to identify the
problem module. These techniques will be explained in detail in this chapter.
1. Troubleshooting with the graphics monitor
The primary method of troubleshooting your workstation is to interpret the
console error messages which are displayed on your video screen during the
power-up self-test. Once you have identified the problem module, replace
it. The power-up self-test should then be rerun to verify the system is
operational.
2. Troubleshooting with the alternate video
Some failures can prevent the system from displaying error messages on
the graphics monitor. In this case, connect a VT320 terminal or equivalent
to the RS232 port on the back of the unit. You can then use this alternative
video display to troubleshoot your system.
3. Troubleshooting with the system LED
Customers who do not have access to a VT320 terminal or equivalent can
use the status LED as a troubleshooting aid. A single green LED, mounted
to the front of the power supply, flashes several times during the system
power-up. These flashes indicate how far the the unit has progressed
through the power-up sequence.
By interpreting these flashes one can determine which modules are
operational and which modules are candidates for replacement. How to
interpret the system LED is described in detail later in this chapter.
13–2 Troubleshooting