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HP Digital AlphaStation 255 Family User Information

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Digital AlphaStation™ 255 Family

User Information

Order Number: EK-VLLXA-UI. B01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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  • Page 1: User Information

    Digital AlphaStation™ 255 Family User Information Order Number: EK-VLLXA-UI. B01 Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 March 1996 The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this document. The software, if any, described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
  • Page 3 FCC Information - Class B This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface 1 Getting Started Introduction......................1-1 Before Starting Your System................. 1-2 Posture and Work Habits ................1-2 Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord............1-5 Installing Your System..................1-6 Connecting System Parts ................1-7 Network Connection..................1-9 Starting Your System .................... 1-9 Preloaded Operating System Software............
  • Page 6 Contents PCI Architecture ....................2–2 SCSI Controller....................2–2 System Front View....................2–3 System Rear View....................2–4 System Unit Components..................2–6 Motherboard ......................2–8 Keyboard ......................2–10 3 Configuring Your System Introduction ......................3–1 Configuring with AlphaBIOS Firmware..............3–1 Starting AlphaBIOS ..................3–1 Booting the System ..................3–2 AlphaBIOS Setup...................3–3 Displaying Your Configuration..............3–4 Setting Up the Hard Disks ...............3–5 CMOS Setup Tasks .................3–6 Advanced CMOS Setup................3–8...
  • Page 7 Contents 4 Installing System Options Introduction......................4–1 Removing the Top Cover and Side Panel ..............4–2 Removing Front Door ...................4–4 Adding Memory Modules..................4–5 Removing the Floppy Drive Tray Assembly...........4–6 Installing Expansion Boards ..................4–7 Installing Storage Devices...................4–10 Preparing for SCSI Device Installation ............4–10 SCSI Addresses (SCSI IDs) ..............4–10 SCSI Bus Length ...................4–11 SCSI Termination..................4–11...
  • Page 8 Contents A System Care B Technical Specifications C Device Mapping D Updating System Firmware E Starting an Operating System Installation F Equipment Log Index FIGURES Figure 1–1: AlphaStation 255 System ..............1-1 Figure 1–2: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits....... 1-3 Figure 1–3: System Airflow ................
  • Page 9 Contents Figure 4–1: Unlocking and Removing Top Cover and Side Panel.......4–3 Figure 4–2: Front Door Removal................4–4 Figure 4–3: Memory Installation ................4–5 Figure 4–4: Removing Floppy Drive Tray Assembly..........4–6 Figure 4–5: Installing an Expansion Board ............4–8 Figure 4–6: Inserting an Expansion Board into the Riser Slot......4–9 Figure 4–7: Removing the CD-ROM Drive Bracket .........4–13 Figure 4–8: Removing the Drive Tray ..............4–14 Figure 4–9: Installing Drives in the Right-Side Bracket........4–15...
  • Page 10 Contents Table 4–2: Power Supply Cable Configuration..........4–19 Table 4–3: SCSI Cable Configuration .............. 4–20 Table 4–4: FDC Cable Configuration............... 4–21 Table 4–5: MAU and Audio Cable Layout............4–22 Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting ..............5–2 Table 5–2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting .............5–8 Table 5–3: Audio Troubleshooting..............5–8 Table 5–4: Monitor Troubleshooting..............5–9 Table 5–5: Error Beep Codes ................
  • Page 11 Preface Welcome to the Digital AlphaStation 255 Family This guide introduces the family of Digital AlphaStation 255 systems, the latest in the Value-Line Engineering series of AlphaStation products. Use this information to start, use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your Digital AlphaStation 255 system.
  • Page 12 Preface Organization of the Information This guide includes information on AlphaStation 255 systems. The following topics (see the Table of Contents for a detailed listing) are covered: • Chapter 1, Getting Started. Installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the system •...
  • Page 13 Preface Conventions This guide uses the following conventions: Example Description c:\windows Monospaced text indicates file names, path names, directories, or screen text. Each operating system has its own specific syntax. [Enter] Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the keyboard.
  • Page 14 Preface Abbreviation Meaning Light-emitting diode. An Mb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabits (for example, 10 Mb). A megabit equals 1,048,576 bits. A MB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabytes (for example, 550 MB). A megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes. Megahertz.

  • Page 15: Special Notices

    Preface Special Notices This guide uses four kinds of notices to emphasize specific information. ________________________ WARNING __________________________ A WARNING indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause personal injury. ____________________________________________________________ ________________________ CAUTION___________________________ A CAUTION indicates the presence of a hazard that can damage hardware or corrupt software.
  • Page 16 Preface Users whose systems have the Windows NT operating system may wish to consult the Digital AlphaBIOS User's Guide, available on the World Wide Web (http://www.windowsnt.digital.com/support/alphabios/), for further technical details on AlphaBIOS firmware. This online guide introduces the AlphaBIOS firmware and gives directions on configuring, starting, updating, and troubleshooting Alpha systems.

  • Page 17: Getting Started

    Getting Started Introduction Your Digital AlphaStation 255 system is a high-performance system that uses the latest microprocessor technology. The system can stand alone or function as a client in an office network environment. This chapter describes how to start, install, restart, and turn off your system.

  • Page 18: Before Starting Your System

    Getting Started Before Starting Your System Before you start your system, perform the following steps: 1. Review the information supplied with your system. 2. Select a well-ventilated site for your system near a grounded power outlet and away from sources of excessive heat. The site also should be isolated from electric noise (for example, spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air conditioners, large fans, radios, and televisions.

  • Page 19: Figure 1-2: Recommendations For Posture And Work Habits

    Getting Started MLO-011325 Figure 1–2: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits Adjust To allow the following conditions Chair 1. Feet are flat on the floor. 2. Legs are vertical and form a right angle to the floor. 3.
  • Page 20 Getting Started Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits (continued) Head 7. Avoid neck strain. Your head should incline downward, but no more than 15 to 20 degrees. Monitor 8. No higher than the level of your eyes and at the correct distance for your vision.

  • Page 21: Identifying The Correct Ac Power Cord

    Getting Started Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord Your Digital AlphaStation 255 system came with the customer-selected AC power cord. Because there are country-specific variations, and systems may be moved, please inspect your power cord to ensure it is the correct one for your country or region. If you are not sure that the supplied AC power cord is correct, contact your authorized Digital service representative before you use it.

  • Page 22: Installing Your System

    Getting Started Installing Your System The Digital AlphaStation 255 Family Installation Information you received with your system graphically outlines the steps to follow in installing your system. _______________________ CAUTIONS __________________________ 1. To ensure proper cooling, verify that air can flow freely into the system front and out the system rear and left side.

  • Page 23: Connecting System Parts

    Getting Started Connecting System Parts To connect the components of your Digital AlphaStation 255 system, perform the following steps: 1. Confirm that the voltage selector switch matches your local voltage (either 115 Volts or 230 Volts), as Figure 1–4 shows. 115 V 230 V Figure 1–4: Voltage Selector Switch...

  • Page 24: Figure 1-5: Connecting Cables And Power Cords

    Getting Started Figure 1–5: Connecting Cables and Power Cords 4. If you have an external SCSI (small computer system interface) device or SCSI storage box, connect the SCSI cable to the SCSI port on the rear of the system. See the SCSI Termination section in Chapter 5, Troubleshooting.

  • Page 25: Network Connection

    Getting Started Network Connection The AlphaStation 255 system has an embedded Ethernet controller with a twisted-pair connector (RJ45) located on the rear of the system. You can order an optional media adapter unit (MAU) (part number PBXDC-DA) if your system needs a ThinWire connection.

  • Page 26: Preloaded Operating System Software

    Getting Started 2. After waiting for the monitor to warm up, if necessary, adjust the contrast and brightness to obtain a readable screen display. (Refer to the information supplied with your monitor for adjustment instructions.) 3. Allow your system to complete any power-on self tests and device initialization messages.

  • Page 27: Digital Unix

    Getting Started If autoboot is enabled, a countdown timer [default 10 seconds] is displayed on the boot screen. Booting occurs when the timer expires. Digital UNIX If you are using the Digital UNIX operating system, you see either a >>> prompt (if auto_action is set to Halt) or the system proceeds to boot Digital UNIX (if auto_action is set to Boot) when you power on your system.

  • Page 28: Turning Off Your System

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

  • Page 29: Computer Security

    Getting Started Computer Security Your Digital AlphaStation 255 system includes several security-related features. See your operation system documentation for more information on the use of these options. Optional Lock To provide system security, you may wish to purchase an optional Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG) for your Digital AlphaStation 255 system.

  • Page 31: System Overview

    System Overview Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the Digital AlphaStation 255 system. Topics covered include the system's new energy-management feature as well as hardware components, including the motherboard, PCI (peripheral component interconnect) architecture, front panel, rear panel, system unit components, and keyboard. Energy Management Digital AlphaStation 255 systems include a new power-management feature.

  • Page 32: Pci Architecture

    System Overview • Bays for one or two internal hard drives: two 3.5 by 1-inch hard disk drives or one 3.5 by 1.6-inch hard disk drive and one 3.5 by 1-inch hard disk drive. • SCSI-2 controller connects directly to the on-board PCI bus and supports up to seven 8-bit, single-ended SCSI devices (such as hard disk drives and CD-ROM drives) running at up to ten million transfers per second (fast SCSI).

  • Page 33: System Front View

    System Overview System Front View Figure 2–1 is a front view of the system showing the location of the controls and indicators. Table 2–1 describes these items. Figure 2–1: Front View of System Table 2–1: Front Components Figure Control or Indicator Function Legend Floppy drive (optional)

  • Page 34: System Rear View

    System Overview System Rear View Figure 2–2 shows the rear connectors and lock. Table 2–2 lists the rear connectors and lock and describes their functions. Figure 2–2: Rear Connectors Table 2–2: Rear Connectors Figure Connector Function Legend Power on/off switch Turns AC power on or off.
  • Page 35 System Overview Table 2–2. Rear Connectors (continued) Figure Connector Function Legend Kensington lock Point for attaching the system to another point for (optional) security. Expansion slot PCI slot. Expansion slot PCI slot. Expansion slot Combination slot (PCI or ISA, 1/2 sized).* Expansion slot Used for ISA expansion options.

  • Page 36: System Unit Components

    System Overview System Unit Components Figure 2–3 shows the location of the Digital AlphaStation 255 system unit components. Table 2–3 lists the system unit components. Figure 2–3: System Unit Components 2–6...

  • Page 37: Table 2-3: System Unit Components

    System Overview Table 2–3: System Unit Components Figure Component Legend Media adapter unit (MAU) (optional). Provides ThinWire Ethernet connections. Memory SIMMs (up to two banks of 4 SIMMs each). Power supply with internal fan. Cable routing areas. CD-ROM drive. Located below the CD-ROM drive is storage for one 1.6-inch-high 3.5-inch hard drive or two 1-inch-high 3.5-inch hard drives.

  • Page 38: Motherboard

    System Overview Motherboard Figure 2–4 shows the locations of the motherboard components. Table 2–4 lists the motherboard components. Figure 2–4: Motherboard Components 2–8...

  • Page 39: Table 2-4: Motherboard Components

    System Overview Table 2–4: Motherboard Components Figure Components Legend Power (+/- 12, +/-5 VDC) connector. Power (+3.3 VDC) connector. Memory banks (up to two banks of four SIMMs each). Floppy disk controller (FDC) connector. Internal SCSI connector. Front-panel connector. DECchip 21064A CPU (socketed). Interrupt PAL.

  • Page 40: Keyboard

    System Overview Keyboard Your system is equipped with a customer-selected 101-key enhanced keyboard (similar to the one shown in Figure 2–5) that allows you to communicate with your system by entering data or commands. (Depending upon which operating system you ordered, your particular keyboard may vary from the one shown here.) Notice that some European language keyboards have 102 keys.
  • Page 41 System Overview Table 2–5: Key Groups and Functions (continued) Figure Key, Key Group Function Legend Indicator lights Indicates whether the NumLock, CapsLock, or ScrollLock has been activated. Numeric keypad These keys perform numeric functions and software-defined functions, including cursor control. The NumLock key allows you to toggle between the numeric functions and software-defined functions.

  • Page 43: Configuring Your System

    Configuring Your System Introduction This chapter shows you how to configure your AlphaStation 255 system. The firmware used to configure your system depends the operating system being used. Systems running the Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system use the AlphaBIOS firmware. Systems running the OpenVMS or Digital UNIX operating systems use the SRM firmware.

  • Page 44: Booting The System

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

  • Page 45: Alphabios Setup

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

  • Page 46: Displaying Your Configuration

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

  • Page 47: Setting Up The Hard Disks

    Configuring Your System PCI Configuration The PCI configuration screen displays both the embedded and the slot-mounted PCI devices. The device names and types, along with their respective revision levels, are displayed. SCSI Configuration The SCSI configuration screen displays SCSI device information. The SCSI IDs, device types (and sizes, if applicable), and a description of the devices are displayed.

  • Page 48: Cmos Setup Tasks

    Configuring Your System CMOS Setup Tasks Use the CMOS setup program to configure system parameters such as the date and time, floppy drive types and capacities, keyboard country and style, and auto start enabling and delay. There also is an advanced CMOS setup mode used to control PCI parity checking, memory testing, AlphaBIOS password, and SCSI termination.
  • Page 49 Configuring Your System Floppy Drive AlphaBIOS supports the following drive types: • 5.25-inch, 1.2-MB • 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB • 3.5-inch, 2.88-MB Keyboard The keyboard setting allows the use of nearly any language keyboard available. To ensure correct character mappings, make sure that the language of your keyboard, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation, and the keyboard-language selection in CMOS setup all match.

  • Page 50: Advanced Cmos Setup

    Configuring Your System Advanced CMOS Setup Enter the advanced CMOS setup screen by pressing [F6] in the CMOS Setup screen. Figure 3–6: Advanced CMOS Setup Screen PCI Parity Checking This setting controls PCI parity checking at the PCI bridge chip. Parity checking is performed if enabled and ignored if disabled.

  • Page 51: Utilities

    Configuring Your System __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ To change the password, simply set up your password again. ____________________________________________________________ SCSI Termination The SCSI termination feature is not necessary on the AlphaStation 255 system. External devices are automatically detected, and termination is set appropriately. Advanced CMOS Setup Options •...

  • Page 52: Figure 3-7: Operating System Selection

    Configuring Your System OS Selection Setup Each operating system selection is a set of information that describes the disk and partition containing OSLOADER.EXE. Figure 3–7: Operating System Selection Running a Maintenance Program A maintenance program, such as a RAID configuration utility, is run directly from the AlphaBIOS utility menu.

  • Page 53: Configuring With Srm Firmware

    Configuring Your System Configuring with SRM Firmware Introduction Systems running the OpenVMS or Digital UNIX operating systems, use the SRM firmware. You can use the SRM firmware to perform various configuration tasks, such as: • Booting the system. • Setting environment variables. •...

  • Page 54: Table 3-2: Srm Special Characters

    Configuring Your System Table 3–2 shows the special characters used in SRM firmware. Table 3–2: SRM Special Characters Character/Key(s) Function [Return] Terminates command line input. ß ] Backspace Deletes the previously typed character. [Ctrl]+[A] Toggles insert/overstrike mode. (Overstrike is the default.) á...

  • Page 55: Booting The System

    Configuring Your System Booting the System The boot command performs the following functions: • Initializes the processor. • Loads a program image from the specified boot device. • Transfers control to the loaded image. The syntax of the boot command is: boot [-file <filename>] [-flags <longword>[,<longword>]] [-protocols <enet_protocol>] [-halt] [<boot_device>] The boot command options are described in Table 3–3.

  • Page 56: Boot Command Examples

    Configuring Your System Boot Command Examples Table 3–4 shows boot command examples and their descriptions. Table 3–4: Boot Command Examples Command Description Boots the system from the default boot >>>boot device. >>>boot ewa0 Boots the system from Ethernet port ewa0. If you are booting over a network, set ewa0_protocols and ewa0_inet_init to BOOTP.

  • Page 57: Set Command Examples

    Configuring Your System Table 3–5 describes the SRM set command options. Table 3–5: SRM Set Command Command Option Description <envar> The environment variable to be assigned a new value. <value> The value that is assigned to the environment variable. It can be either a numeric value or an ASCII string.

  • Page 58: Show Command

    Configuring Your System Show Command The show command displays the current value of a specified environment variable. The show command also displays information about the system, according to the arguments entered. The syntax of the show command is: show [{config, device, hwrpb, memory, pal, version, <envar>...}] The show command options are described in Table 3–7.

  • Page 59: Show Command Examples

    Configuring Your System Show Command Examples Table 3–8 lists show command examples and their descriptions. Table 3–8: SRM Show Command Examples Command Description >>>show device Lists device information, such dka0.0.0.6.0 DKA0 RZ26L 441A as system designation, drive dka400.4.0.6.0 DKA400 RRD43 3213 model, or Ethernet address.

  • Page 60: Environment Variables

    Configuring Your System Environment Variables Table 3-9 shows selected environment variables and their descriptions (for a complete list, type show * at the SRM prompt). Table 3-9: SRM Environment Variables Variable Description auto_action Sets/shows the console action following an error, halt, or power-up. The action can be halt, boot, or restart.

  • Page 61: Adding Isa Bus Devices

    Configuring Your System Table 3–9: SRM Environment Variables (continued) Variable Description ewa0_protocols Determines the Ethernet protocol , which can be either MOP or BOOTP. MOP is the default. kbd_hardware_type Selects the type of keyboard on your system. Possible values are LK411 or PCXAL.

  • Page 62: Iconfig Utility

    Configuring Your System module on a Digital AlphaStation 255 system running either the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS operating system. Two methods are available to perform ISA configuration tasks: a forms-based interface (ICONFIG) and a command line interface (ISACFG). ICONFIG Utility The ICONFIG utility is a subset of the ISACFG utility.

  • Page 63: Isacfg Utility Command Format

    Configuring Your System When you press [Return], the entry is submitted and checked for conflicts. If conflicts exist, a message is displayed. For example, if you entered an IRQ value of 8 instead of 5, the following message is displayed: ISACFG MESSAGE: ERROR: IRQ conflict with reserved IRQ values (0,2,8,11 or 13) If you entered a DMA value of 2 rather than nothing, the following message is displayed:...

  • Page 64: Table 3-10: Srm Isacfg Command

    Configuring Your System Table 3–10: SRM ISACFG Command Command Option Description -all Shows the entire configuration table. Overrides all other commands. -dev <dev#> Optional; defaults to 0 if not entered. On a multifunction or multiport adapter, this specifies the device on the adapter. -dmachan{0-3} <#>...

  • Page 65: Adding Isa Options To Openvms And Digital Unix Systems

    Configuring Your System Adding ISA Options to OpenVMS and Digital UNIX Systems When you add a supported ISA option to an AlphaStation 255 system running the OpenVMS or Digital UNIX operating system, perform the procedure shown in Table 3–11. Table 3–11: Adding ISA Bus Options with the SRM Firmware Step Action Result or Next Step...
  • Page 66 Configuring Your System Adding the DE205 option: >>>add_de205 -or- >>>isacfg -slot 1 -dev 0 -mk -handle DE200-LE -irq0 5 \ _> -iobase0 300 -membase0 d0000 -memlen0 10000 -etyp 1 -enadev 1 Enabling the audio subsystem >>>add_sound -or- >>>isacfg -slot 2 -etyp 1 -mk -iobase0 530 -iobase1 388 \ _>-irq0 9 -dmachan0 0 -dmachan1 1 -handle PCXBJ -enadev 1 Disabling the audio subsystem >>>isacfg -slot 2 -rm...

  • Page 67: Installing System Options

    Installing System Options Introduction This chapter covers the following topics related to installing system options on your Digital AlphaStation 255 system: • Opening and closing the system cover • Removing the front door • Installing additional system memory • Installing expansion boards/PCI bus options •...

  • Page 68: Removing The Top Cover And Side Panel

    Installing System Options Removing the Top Cover and Side Panel ________________________ CAUTION ___________________________ To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap before you touch anything inside the system. ____________________________________________________________ To remove the top cover and side panel, refer to Figure 4–1 and perform the following steps: 1.
  • Page 69 Installing System Options Figure 4–1: Unlocking and Removing Top Cover and Side Panel 4–3...

  • Page 70: Removing Front Door

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

  • Page 71: Adding Memory Modules

    Installing System Options Adding Memory Modules The procedures for adding SIMMs to the AlphaStation 255 system are outlined below. There are two memory banks in the system; each bank consists of four SIMMs. Four SIMMs are required because the memory bus width is 132-bits (128 bits of data and 4 bits of parity).

  • Page 72: Removing The Floppy Drive Tray Assembly

    Installing System Options Removing the Floppy Drive Tray Assembly If you need further access to the memory SIMMs, you can temporarily remove the floppy drive tray assembly. To remove the floppy drive tray assembly from the system unit, see Figure 4–4 and follow this procedure: 1.

  • Page 73: Installing Expansion Boards

    Installing System Options Installing Expansion Boards The AlphaStation 255 system has four slots: two PCI, one combination, and one ISA. The combination slot can contain either a PCI or an ISA option. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The lowest PCI slot (the combination slot) shares its interrupts with the embedded Ethernet controller.
  • Page 74 Installing System Options Figure 4–5: Installing an Expansion Board _________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The bottom ISA slot accepts only half-size ISA cards. ____________________________________________________________ 3. Unscrew and remove the metal filler plate for the slot you have chosen. 4. Insert the new expansion card into the riser board slot. (See Figure 4–6.) Push the board firmly into the socket.
  • Page 75 Installing System Options Figure 4–6: Inserting an Expansion Board into the Riser Slot 5. Replace the screw to secure the module at the rear panel. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ When adding ISA options to Digital UNIX or OpenVMS systems, run the ISA configuration utility (type ICONFIG at the SRM console prompt, >>>) to configure the option.

  • Page 76: Installing Storage Devices

    Installing System Options Installing Storage Devices This section covers general drive-installation information, including internal and external SCSI drives, and cable layouts. The Digital AlphaStation 255 system supports a maximum of four storage devices internally. The system comes equipped with one accessible device: a 5.25-inch half-height removable media device (CD-ROM drive).

  • Page 77: Scsi Bus Length

    Installing System Options SCSI Bus Length The total SCSI bus length includes the length of the internal cables, wiring on the motherboard, external cables, and the cables inside the external storage enclosures. The total length must not exceed: • 3 meters (9.8 feet) for fast SCSI (10 MB/second) operation. •...

  • Page 78: Installing Optional Internal Scsi Storage Devices

    Installing System Options Installing Optional Internal SCSI Storage Devices The SCSI hard disk drives, CD-ROM, and floppy drives all are located on removable drive tray brackets. The hard drive brackets are under the CD-ROM drive and the lower section of the floppy drive tray. This section tells you how to install a hard drive into the removable drive tray bracket.
  • Page 79 Installing System Options MLO-013214 Figure 4–7: Removing the CD-ROM Drive Bracket 5. Lift the CD-ROM assembly up and out of the system unit as Figure 4–7 shows. The CD-ROM drive is secured within the bracket by two screws. It is not necessary to remove the cables from the CD-ROM.

  • Page 80: Installing Drives In The Lower-Right-Side Bracket

    Installing System Options Figure 4–8: Removing the Drive Tray Installing Drives in the Lower-Right-Side Bracket Before you begin, refer to the documentation that came with your drive to determine how to configure the drive. To install drives in the lower-right-side bracket, refer to Figure 4–9 and the next procedure.
  • Page 81 Installing System Options Figure 4–9: Installing Drives in the Right-Side Bracket 1. Select a SCSI address and make sure SCSI termination is disabled. Terminator power should be enabled. (Record the SCSI address in Appendix F, Equipment Log.) 2. Orient the bracket, as Figure 4–9 shows. The left side of Figure 4–9 shows two 1.0- inch drives;...

  • Page 82: Installing A Drive In The Floppy Bracket

    Installing System Options Installing a Drive in the Floppy Bracket Before you begin, refer to the documentation that came with your drive to determine how to configure the drive. To install a drive in the lower position of the floppy bracket, refer to Figure 4–10 and the procedure that follows.

  • Page 83: Installing External Options

    Installing System Options Installing External Options Just as you can add many options inside your system unit, you can also place several outside your system, connected by cables. This section outlines how to connect a printer or SCSI device to the rear ports. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ Be sure to read the instructions that come with your new equipment as well as the appropriate instructions in this section.

  • Page 84: Internal Cable Layout

    Installing System Options 1. Set the drive jumpers or switches for the desired SCSI ID. 2. Remove the terminator plug and connect the option's SCSI cable to the external SCSI port. Use a cable with a 50-pin high-density type SCSI connector to connect to the system.
  • Page 85 Installing System Options Figure 4–12: Power Supply Cable Configuration Table 4–2: Power Supply Cable Configuration Legend Component Power supply. +/- 12, +/-5 VDC to motherboard. +3.3 VDC to motherboard. Power connector for optional hard drive. Floppy drive or tape drive (optional). CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 86 Installing System Options Figure 4–13: SCSI Cable Configuration Table 4–3: SCSI Cable Configuration Legend Component Motherboard internal SCSI bus connector (J4). Tape drive (optional). Hard drive. Hard drive (optional). CD-ROM drive. Internal SCSI bus terminator. 4–20...
  • Page 87 Installing System Options Figure 4–14: FDC Cable Configuration Table 4–4: FDC Cable Configuration Legend Component FDC (floppy drive controller) connector on motherboard (J6). Floppy drive (optional). 4–21...
  • Page 88 Installing System Options Figure 4–15: MAU and Audio Cable Layout Table 4–5: MAU and Audio Cable Layout Legend Component MAU cable (connects to system board connector[J19] ) (optional). MAU card (cable connects to MAU card connector [J2]) (optional). Audio connector on motherboard (J5). Audio connector at CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 89: Replacing The Battery

    Installing System Options Replacing the Battery The battery supplies power to the real time clock while the system is off. If necessary, replace the lithium battery with a Panasonic BR2032, CR2032, or equivalent battery. After replacing the battery, you must verify the system configuration and setup data. ________________________ CAUTION___________________________ If the battery is incorrectly replaced, there is danger of explosion.
  • Page 90 Installing System Options Figure 4–16: Replacing the Battery 4–24...

  • Page 91: Replacing The Left-Side Panel And Top Cover

    Installing System Options Replacing the Left-Side Panel and Top Cover To replace the left-side panel and top cover, see Figure 4–17 and follow the next procedure. Figure 4–17: Replacing the Left-Side Panel and Top Cover 1. Line up the four locating pins on the bottom of the side panel with the slots in the enclosure, push in, and slide forward to lock the left-side panel into place.
  • Page 92 Installing System Options 3. Optional. If you have a Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG), refer to Figure 4–18 and secure the lock onto your system as shown. 4. Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet. 5. Turn on the system. For more information on operating system-specific options, refer to your operating system and option documentation.

  • Page 93: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Introduction This chapter describes initial and system troubleshooting. Refer to the documentation supplied with additional options if you are experiencing problems with specific options that you have installed. Initial Troubleshooting Follow these general procedures to initially troubleshoot your Digital AlphaStation 255 system: 1.

  • Page 94: Equipment Log

    Troubleshooting Equipment Log For your convenience, Appendix F, Equipment Log, includes a form on which you can record all model numbers and serial numbers of your hardware components (system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) and system hardware configuration information (CPU, memory size, drive size, ports, and so on).
  • Page 95 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action Power is on, but there is Brightness and contrast Adjust the brightness and contrast no screen display. controls are not correctly controls. set. Monitor is off. Turn on the monitor. Monitor cable or power Check all monitor connections.
  • Page 96 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action System does not boot. Operating system Install the appropriate operating software is not installed system. on the hard disk drive. System cannot find the Check the system configuration for boot device. correct device parameters.
  • Page 97 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action System does not boot. Environment variables Windows NT: (continued) incorrectly set. From the Boot screen, press [F2] to (continued) go to setup. From there, go to the desired location to correctly set the environment variables.
  • Page 98 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action No response to keyboard Keyboard is password Enter the keyboard password, if commands. protected. supported by your operating system. Keyboard is not connected. Connect the keyboard to the keyboard port. Keyboard is connected to Connect the keyboard to the the mouse port.
  • Page 99 Troubleshooting Table 5–l: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action Security mode is enabled. User does not have correct Before proceeding, make note of Password does not work. password. your system's environmental variables and ISA configuration setup information in the Equipment Log for later reference.
  • Page 100 Troubleshooting Table 5–2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Action Hard disk drive cannot Incorrect SCSI drive ID Set the SCSI ID. Refer to the disk read or write information. settings. drive installation instructions. Loose or incorrectly Make sure all cables are correctly installed cables.
  • Page 101 Troubleshooting Table 5–4: Monitor Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Action Monitor power indicator Monitor is turned off. Turn on the monitor. is not on. Power cord is not Connect the power cord to the connected. system or a wall receptacle. No power at wall Use another receptacle.

  • Page 102: Error Beep Codes

    Troubleshooting Error Beep Codes Table 5–5 shows error beep codes you may encounter while using the Digital AlphaStation 255 system. For example, if the SROM (serial read only memory) code could not find any good memory, you would hear a 1-3-3 beep code (one beep, a pause, a burst of three beeps, a pause, and another burst of three beeps).

  • Page 103: System Care

    System Care Introduction This appendix describes how to: • Clean your system, including the outside enclosure, monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard • Move your system ________________________ WARNING __________________________ Make sure you turn off the system and disconnect any external devices before cleaning any part of your system.

  • Page 104: Cleaning Your Mouse

    System Care ________________________WARNING___________________________ If you use a prepackaged screen cleaner, make sure that it is nonflammable. Never spray the cleaner directly on the screen. Instead, apply the cleaner to a clean cloth, and then clean the screen. ____________________________________________________________ Cleaning Your Mouse If your mouse does not move smoothly or if the pointer jumps across the screen when you are using the mouse, the ball inside the mouse may need cleaning.
  • Page 105 System Care Moving Your System Perform the following steps before shipping or moving the system: 1. Back up all files stored on the hard disk drive. 2. Turn off the external peripherals, the system, and the monitor. 3. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and from the back of the system unit. 4.

  • Page 107: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications Introduction This appendix describes the following technical characteristics of the Digital AlphaStation 255 system: • System specifications • External system connectors • Expansion slot current limitations • System current requirements • Motherboard switches and jumpers B–1...

  • Page 108: System Specifications

    Technical Specifications System Specifications Table B–1 lists the Digital AlphaStation 255 system processor features, performance, dimensions, environmental, and acoustics specifications. Table B–1: Processor Features Feature Digital AlphaStation 255 System Specifics Processor type DECchip 21064A Core logic DECchip 21071-AA chipset Secondary cache Write-back, 1 MB (megabyte) Table B–2: System Specifications Attributes...
  • Page 109 Technical Specifications Table B–4: System Environmental Specifications Attributes Specification Operating temperature 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) −40°C to 65°C (−4°F to 149°F) Storage temperature Operating humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 28°C (82°F) Storage humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 46°C (114°F)
  • Page 110 Technical Specifications External System Connectors This section lists the pin assignments for your system's external connectors. • Bidirectional enhanced parallel port connector, 25-pin D-submini female • Serial connectors, 9-pin D-submini male • Keyboard and mouse connectors, 6-pin mini-DIN • SCSI port, high-density, shielded Bidirectional Enhanced Parallel Port Connector The bidirectional connector provides an interface to a printer or other parallel devices.

  • Page 111: Serial Port Connectors

    Technical Specifications Serial Port Connectors The serial port connectors consist of two 9-pin D-subminiature connectors. Table B–7 lists their pin assignments. The baud rates supported by the system's serial ports are 50, 75, 110, 134.5, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115,200. The serial ports have signals for full MODEM control.

  • Page 112: Keyboard And Mouse Connectors

    Technical Specifications Keyboard and Mouse Connectors The keyboard and mouse connectors consist of two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors. Table B–9 lists their pin assignments. Table B–9: Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts Keyboard Signals Mouse Signals KB Data MS Data Reserved Reserved Ground Ground +5 Volts dc...

  • Page 113: Scsi Port Connector

    Technical Specifications SCSI Port Connector The external SCSI connector is a 50-pin high-density connector. Table B–10 lists the pin assignments. Table B–10: SCSI Port Pinouts Signal Signal –DB (0) –DB (1) –DB (2) –DB (3) –DB (4) –DB (5) –DB (6) –DB (7) –DB (P) reserved...
  • Page 114 Technical Specifications Power Supply and Input Power Requirements The 200-watt power supply provides five dc voltages: ±12 Volts, 12 Volts, ±5 Volts, and +3.3 Volts DC. These voltages are used by the various components within the system. (The input power at the rated output is 323 watts.) Table B–11 lists the input power requirements.
  • Page 115 Technical Specifications Motherboard Switches and Jumpers Switches and jumpers allow you to set specific system parameters. Figure B–1 shows the locations of the switchpack and jumpers (J29 and J30) on the motherboard with a CPU speed set for 233 Mhz. Table B–13 lists the switch settings. B–9...
  • Page 116 Technical Specifications Table B–14 lists the jumper settings. ________________________ CAUTION ___________________________ Do not touch any electronic component unless you are safely grounded. Wear a grounded wrist strap or touch an exposed metal part of the system unit chassis. A static discharge from your fingers can permanently damage electronic components.
  • Page 117 Technical Specifications Table B–13: Motherboard Switch Settings Configuration Switches Function Description Normal (Default) The positions of switches 1 and 2 determine whether the SROM code goes to the SROM Stop at SROM mini-console (for manufacturing use) or prompt passes control to the next stage of initialization, the DROM code.
  • Page 118 Technical Specifications Table B–13: Motherboard Switch Settings (continued) Timer/Counter (TC) Audio Disable Function Description Enables TC sound Switch 5 controls the use of timer/counter (Default) (TC) generated sound. The default position (Off) is used when no sound driver is Disables TC sound installed.
  • Page 119 Technical Specifications Table B–14: Motherboard Jumper Settings Jumper Setting Function Description 1 to 2 Disables sensing for J29 controls the automatic SCSI bus presence of external terminator. Disable sensing when cable. attaching devices that modify the definition of the SCSI pin used for sensing: for example, Digital StorageWorks devices using the high- availability storage subsystem fault...
  • Page 121 Device Mapping Introduction This appendix lists system device mapping information, including: • I/O address map • Interrupt map • DMA (direct memory access) channel assignments • SCSI (small computer system interface) ID assignments I/O Address Map Table C–1 presents information on the I/O address map. Table C–1: I/O Address Map ISA I/O Devices...

  • Page 122: Interrupt Map

    Device Mapping Interrupt Map The IRQ (interrupt request) assignments for the Digital AlphaStation 255 system are shown in Table C–2 .This information is useful when adding or reconfiguring options on your system. Avoid conflicts when assigning IRQs by associating one IRQ to one source. PCI interrupt levels are set either by the operating system (as in the Windows NT operating system) or by the SRM console (as in the OpenVMS and Digital UNIX operating systems).

  • Page 123: Dma Channel Assignments

    Device Mapping __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The Ethernet controller and PCI slot 0 (the lowest PCI slot) share the same IRQ. Shared interrupt support is unavailable in the OpenVMS operating system. Therefore, do not install an interrupting device in PCI slot 0 on OpenVMS operating systems.
  • Page 124 Device Mapping SCSI ID Assignments Table C–4 presents information on the default SCSI ID assignments. Table C–4: SCSI ID Assignments Device Host adapter. Available. Tape drive (if present). CD-ROM drive. Available. Available. Second hard disk (if present). First hard disk (typically, the system disk). C–4...

  • Page 125: System Firmware

    Updating System Firmware Introduction This appendix explains how to use the firmware update utility to install firmware upgrades and change from SRM firmware to AlphaBIOS firmware or vice versa. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The user is responsible for performing system firmware upgrades. Consult your upgrade documentation for more information.

  • Page 126: Using The Flash Update Utility From The Srm Console

    Updating System Firmware Using the Flash Update Utility from the SRM Console To update the firmware from the SRM console, do the following: 1. Insert the Firmware Update CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Type the show device command to determine the device ID of the CD-ROM drive. >>>show device dka0.0.0.6.0 DKA0...
  • Page 127 Updating System Firmware Verify List Show Dump Verbose Nverbose Debug Ndebug Apu-> 4. To update the firmware, type update and either SRM or ARC. (Typing update ARC will load AlphaBIOS into the flashROM.) The following information will be displayed as the firmware is being updated. The actual information may change between versions.

  • Page 128: Using The Flash Update Utility From Alphabios

    Updating System Firmware Using the Flash Update Utility from AlphaBIOS To update the firmware from AlphaBIOS, do the following: 1. Insert the Firmware Update CD-ROM into the CD drive. 2. From the AlphaBIOS Boot screen, press F2 to enter AlphaBIOS setup. 3.
  • Page 129 Updating System Firmware 4. Power-cycle the machine. 5. At the SRM prompt, type >>> set os_type vms -or- >>>set os_type unix. AlphaBIOS to SRM To switch from AlphaBIOS firmware to SRM firmware, follow these steps: 1. From the AlphaBIOS Boot screen, press F2 to enter AlphaBIOS setup. 2.
  • Page 131 Starting an Operating System Installation Introduction This information provides what you need to begin an operating system installation. Once you have started an installation, follow the on-screen instructions and refer to the appropriate operating system documentation. Using the table below, first locate the operating system you want to install and refer to the appropriate table number: If you want to: Go to Table:...
  • Page 132 Starting an Operating System Installation ________________________ CAUTION ___________________________ If you boot from a Digital UNIX or OpenVMS disk and also occasionally boot Microsoft Windows NT Workstation from another disk, use caution when you run the Windows NT Disk Administrator. When the Disk Administrator detects additional disks, it updates the system configuration.
  • Page 133 Starting an Operating System Installation Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation Step Action Result or Displayed Text Insert the Microsoft Windows NT CD-ROM drive is ready. Workstation CD-ROM into the CD drive. From the AlphaBIOS boot screen, AlphaBIOS setup screen displays. press [F2].
  • Page 134 Starting an Operating System Installation Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation (continued) Step Action Result or Displayed Text Press [Enter] to continue. Setup has determined that your computer contains the following hardware and software components: Computer: Digital... Display: Digital ZLXp-E Keyboard: XT, AT, or Enhanced (83-102 keys) Keyboard Layout: US...
  • Page 135 Starting an Operating System Installation If you are installing the operating system on a disk that has not been partitioned and formatted, refer to Table E–2. Table E–2: Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Installation Step Action Result From the AlphaBIOS boot screen, AlphaBIOS setup screen displays.
  • Page 136 Starting an Operating System Installation Starting a Digital UNIX Installation To start a Digital UNIX installation, follow the steps in Table E–3. _________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The SRM console must be installed and running in order to perform a Digital UNIX installation. If the AlphaBIOS console is running, refer to Chapter 3, Configuring Your System, for instructions on loading the SRM firmware.

  • Page 137: Starting An Openvms Installation

    Starting an Operating System Installation Starting an OpenVMS Installation To start an OpenVMS installation, follow the steps in Table E–4. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ The SRM console must be installed and running in order to perform an OpenVMS installation. If the AlphaBIOS console is running, refer to Chapter 3, Configuring Your System, for instructions on loading the SRM firmware.
  • Page 139 Equipment Log Introduction You can use the Equipment Log to gather information that you may need if problems occur with your system and you need to call your service representative or Digital Equipment Corporation for assistance. Use the Equipment Log to record information about your system hardware and software components.
  • Page 140 Equipment Log Table F–1: Hardware Components Component Vendor/ Model Serial Date Type/Size Number/ Number Installed Speed System unit AlphaStation System unit key number Monitor Keyboard Mouse Optional drive Additional storage device 1 Additional storage device 2 Additional storage device 3 Additional storage device 4 Use Table F–2 to keep track of your AlphaStation 255 system's expansion options.
  • Page 141 Equipment Log Table F–2: ISA Equipment Configuration Device Handle Slot IOBASE Membase DMAmode and chan Memlen Keyboard Mouse MOUSE Serial Line 1 COM1 Serial Line 2 COM2 Parallel Port LPT1 3, if used FLOPPY 2, if used Riser Card ISA Expansion Slots Table F–3: SCSI Addresses Address Device...
  • Page 142 Equipment Log Table F–4: Hardware Configuration Component Digital AlphaStation 255 System Specifics CPU (central processing unit) speed and model Firmware version: SROM, DROM, AlphaBIOS, Memory size: Bank 0 Bank 1 Video module Table F–5: Installed Software Operating System or Version License Date Which Disk?
  • Page 143 Index type, 5–6 Baud rates serial port, B–5 Abbreviations used, xiii Booting Add-on procedure auto start with AlphaBIOS, 3–6 expansion boards, 4–7 using AlphaBIOS, 3–2 ISA options on Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, 4– memory, 4–5 SIMMs, 4–5 Cable layout storage disks, 4–10 internal, 4–17 AlphaBIOS Cleaning...
  • Page 144 Index AlphaBIOS setup, 3–3 connecting, 4–16 displaying with AlphaBIOS, 3–4 hard disk setup with AlphaBIOS, 3–5 Connector Features keyboard, B–6 keyboard, 2–10 mouse, B–6 SCSI, 2–2 parallel, B–4 Firmware SCSI, B–7 update utility, D–1 serial ports, B–5 updating, D–1 Console update utility, D–1 Flash update utility, D–2 Conventions used, xiii Floppy drive...
  • Page 145 Index features, 2–1 Reset button, 5–1 Mouse connector, B–6 Moving your computer, A–3 SCSI bus length, 4–11 Network connection, 1-9 controller, 2–2 expansion box, 4–16 external options, 4–16 port, B–7 OpenVMS, 1-10, 1-11 Security, 1-13 Option installation, 4–7 Serial port, B–5 Option module, 4–7 baud rates, B–5 SIMMs, 4–5...
  • Page 146 Index power on sequence, 1-9 dead battery, 5–6 voltage selection, 1-7 disk read and write problem, 5–8 Switches display problems, 5–9 changing precautions, B–9 initial, 5–1 System keyboard, 5–6 controls and indicators, 2–3 monitor power indicator problem, 5–9 front view, 2–3 mouse, 5–6 physical security, 1-13 system forgets settings, 5–6...

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