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HPE AlphaServer 300 User Manual

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AlphaServer 300
User's Guide
Order Number: EK-AS300-UG. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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  • Page 1 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide Order Number: EK-AS300-UG. A01 Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 November 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 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preface 1 System Overview Introduction........................... 1-1 Motherboard.......................... 1-1 PCI Architecture ........................1-2 System Front View........................ 1-3 System Rear View......................... 1-4 Security Features........................1-5 Chassis Lock ......................1-5 Security Loop ......................1-5 Passwords........................ 1-5 2 Getting Started Introduction.......................... 2-1 Before Starting Your System....................
  • Page 5 Turning Off Your System....................2-10 3 Console Commands Introduction ......................... 3-1 ARC Console ........................3-2 ARC Menus ........................3-2 Boot Menu Functions: .................... 3-2 Supplementary Menu Functions: ................3-2 Setup Menu Functions: ................... 3-2 Booting the System ....................... 3-3 Boot "boot selection identifier"................3-3 Boot an Alternate Operating System...............
  • Page 6 4 Installing System Options Introduction.......................... 4-1 Removing the Top Cover ..................... 4-2 System Unit Components ..................... 4-4 Motherboard......................... 4-6 Installing Additional System Memory .................. 4-7 Adding Memory Modules..................... 4-8 Installing Expansion Boards ....................4-10 General Information on Installing Drives................4-12 SCSI Bus Length ......................
  • Page 7 Location of Firmware Updates ..................... B–1 Updating the Console Firmware ................... B–2 Using the Flash Update Utility from the SRM Console..........B–3 Using the Flash Update Utility from the ARC Console..........B–5 Updating PCI Option Firmware.................... B–5 PCI Firmware Update Procedure ................... B–5 C Starting an Operating System Installation Introduction ........................
  • Page 8 AlphaServer 300 system. You can also find general information on the system components, technical specifications, and console commands. Audience If you are operating, configuring, or adding options to the AlphaServer 300 system, the information included here is helpful to you.
  • Page 9 Organization of the Information This information for users covers the following topics (see the Table of Contents for a detailed listing): • Chapter 1, System Overview. Motherboard, keyboard, system controls, indicators, ports, and connections. • Chapter 2, Getting Started. Installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the system. •...
  • Page 10 Abbreviations This guide uses the following abbreviations: Abbreviation Meaning Advanced RISC Computing (the Windows NT Console). Compact disc. CD-ROM Compact disc read-only memory. Central processing unit. Direct memory access. DRAM Dynamic random access memory. DROM Diagnostic read only memory. Floppy disk controller. flashROM Electrically erasable, rewriteable, nonvolatile memory.

  • Page 11: Special Notices

    (continued) Abbreviation Meaning SCSI Small computer system interface. SIMM Single in-line memory modules. The Digital UNIX and OpenVMS console firmware. SROM Serial read only memory. OpenVMS operating system. 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.

  • Page 12: Additional Information Resources

    Additional Information Resources You may wish to consult the following information resource on your AlphaServer 300 system: • AlphaServer 300 Installation Information (order number EK-AS300-IN) presents a graphical overview of the AlphaServer 300 installation. • AlphaServer 300 Service Information (order number AK-R2M9A-CA) provides troubleshooting and removal and replacement procedures, presented as an on-line help file.

  • Page 13: System Overview

    System Overview Introduction This chapter describes the AlphaServer 300 system hardware components, including the motherboard, PCI architecture, keyboard, front panel controls, rear panel connectors, and security features. Motherboard Your AlphaServer 300 system uses a high-performance DECchip 21064A CPU (central processing unit). System features include: •...

  • Page 14: Pci Architecture

    PCI Architecture Your system’s PCI architecture represents the latest advances in local bus technology. The AlphaServer 300 system PCI architecture delivers maximum performance by providing a wider data path, greater speed, and improved expandability. PCI removes various types of peripheral controllers from the slower ISA bus and connects them directly to a wider, faster data path.

  • Page 15: System Front View

    System Front View Figure 1-1 is a front view of the system showing the location of the controls and indicators. Table 1-1 describes these items. MLO-013121 Figure 1-1 Front Controls and Indicators Table 1-1 Front Controls and Indicators Figure Legend Control or Indicator Function Power indicator...

  • Page 16: System Rear View

    PCI graphics adapter is in the slot. Security loop Attachment point for a padlock and security cable. LED viewing ports Ports for viewing diagnostic LED indicators. SCSI port Provides the interface between the system unit and external SCSI devices. 1-4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 17: Security Features

    Security Features Chassis Lock To avoid theft of internal components, your AlphaServer 300 system comes with a chassis key lock, which is located on the back of your system box. When this lock is in the locked position, the system box cover cannot be removed. Store the key in a safe place.

  • Page 18: Getting Started

    Your AlphaServer 300 system is a high-performance system that uses the latest microprocessor technology. This chapter describes how to install, turn on, boot, and turn off your AlphaServer 300 system. Figure 2-1 shows a typical AlphaServer 300 system. MLO-011053 Figure 2-1 AlphaServer 300 System...

  • Page 19: Before Starting Your System

    When unpacking and moving system components, be aware that some components (such as the system unit or monitor) may be too heavy for you to safely lift alone. If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these items alone, please get assistance. ____________________________________________________________ 2-2 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 20: Identifying The Correct Ac Power Cord

    A country specific detachable power supply cord will be provided or specified for your AlphaServer 300 system. As there are variations from one country to another, and systems may be moved, please inspect your power cord to ensure it is the correct one for your country or region.

  • Page 21: Installing Your System

    Installing Your System The AlphaServer 300 Installation Information accompanying your system shows the steps to follow when installing your system. _______________________ CAUTIONS __________________________ 1. To ensure that your system is properly cooled, make sure that air can freely flow into the front and out of the rear of the system unit.

  • Page 22: Connecting System Parts

    Connecting System Parts To connect the components of your AlphaServer 300 system, perform the following steps: 1. Confirm that the voltage selector switch matches your local voltage (either 115 volts or 230 volts), as Figure 2-3 shows. 115V 230V Figure 2-3 Voltage Selector Switch ________________________ CAUTION___________________________ Improper voltage selection can damage the system's power supply.
  • Page 23 Figure 2-4 Connecting Cables and Power Cords 4. If you have an external SCSI 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 2-6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Console Terminals

    Console Terminals The AlphaServer 300 system supports two types of console terminals, a graphics terminal and a serial terminal. The console terminal is used to configure the system and boot the operating system. From the console terminal, you can issue commands to the system when the operating system is not running.

  • Page 25: Installing The Operating System

    Installing the Operating System Digital UNIX and OpenVMS If you ordered a Digital UNIX or OpenVMS version of the AlphaServer 300 system, your operating system came preloaded. You may encounter a special circumstance that requires you to reload your operating system, In such a case, refer to your operating system documentation for information on loading.

  • Page 26: Starting Your System

    Starting Your System 1. Turn on the system unit power, monitor power, and any external devices. Figure 2-5 shows the location of the system unit power button. MLO-011054 Figure 2-5 Starting Your System 2. If necessary, adjust the monitor contrast and brightness to obtain a readable screen display.

  • Page 27: Turning Off Your System

    Digital UNIX, the SRM console prompt (>>>) is displayed. Microsoft Windows NT displays a window indicating it is safe to turn off or restart the system. 4. Do not turn off power to your system and peripherals until the shutdown sequence has completed. 2-10 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 28: Console Commands

    Console Commands Introduction The AlphaServer 300 system contains two console subsystems: ARC firmware that supports the Microsoft Windows NT operating system, and SRM firmware that supports the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS operating systems. The console firmware resides in flashROM on the motherboard. The user is responsible for performing system firmware upgrades.

  • Page 29: Arc Console

    ARC Console The ARC console has a menu interface that supports the use of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. When an AlphaServer 300 system with Microsoft Windows NT is powered on, initialization is performed. During initialization, the firmware checks the information stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  • Page 30: Booting The System

    • Configure the system floppy drives and keyboard • Manage the ARC boot selections • Set the system to boot automatically • Edit the system environment variables • Reset the system to factory defaults • Set the default operating system and system firmware •...

  • Page 31: Setup Autoboot

    (super I/O chip), Ethernet controller, memory (NVRAM board), and VGA controller. Alpha Processor and System Information: Processor ID 21064 Processor Revision 3 System Revision Processor Speed 266 MHz Physical Memory 64 MB Extended Firmware Information: Version: 4.49 960719.1755 3-4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 32 NVRAM Environment Usage: 10% (329 of 3052 bytes) Video Option detected: BIOS controlled video card Press any key to continue... Monday, 11-11-1996 5:05:38 PM Devices detected by the firmware: multi(0)video(0)monitor(0) multi(0)key(0)keyboard(0) multi(0)disk(0)fdisk(0) (Removable) multi(0)serial(0) multi(0)serial(1) scsi(0)disk(1)rdisk(0) (RAW) RZ28B (C) DEC0006 ** scsi(0)tape(5)tape(0) TLZ06 (C) DEC4BQE...

  • Page 33: Setting System Parameters

    5.25" 1.2MB 3.5" 1.44MB 3.5" 2.88MB None Select keyboard: U.S. 101-key keyboard Japanese 106-key keyboard French 102-key keyboard German 102-key keyboard Spanish 102-key keyboard Enter SCSI Host ID (0-7) for SCSI bus number 0: 7 3-6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Other Menu Functions

    Other Menu Functions Install New Firmware The “Install new firmware” command is located in the Supplementary menu. Use this command to install firmware upgrades. When selected, the floppy drive and CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) will be checked for the firmware update tool. If the proper media is not present, this command will time out.

  • Page 35: Srm Console

    Treated as a single space Command abbreviations Allowed, if not ambiguous Command qualifiers or options Prefix with a space and a dash "-" Numbers Hexadecimal, unless otherwise specified. (Note that registers such as R0–R31 are shown in decimal notation.) 3-8 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 36: Srm Console Special Characters

    SRM Console Special Characters Table 3-2 SRM Console Special Characters Character/Key(s) Function Return Terminates command line input. Backspace Deletes the previously typed character. [Ctrl]+[A] Toggles insert/overstrike mode. (Overstrike is the default.) [Ctrl]+[B], or up arrow Recalls previous commands. (The last 16 commands are stored.) [Ctrl]+[C] Terminates the foreground process.

  • Page 37: Boot Command

    <boot_device> Specifies a device path or list of devices that the firmware will attempt to boot. Use the set bootdef_dev command to set an environment variable that specifies a default boot device. 3-10 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Boot Command Examples

    Boot Command Examples Table 3-4 SRM Boot Command Examples Command Description Boots the system from the default boot >>>boot device. Boots the system from Ethernet port ewa0. >>>boot ewa0 Boots the file named dec2.sys from >>>boot -file dec2.sys ewa0 Ethernet port ewa0. Boots using TCP/IP BOOTP protocol from >>>boot -protocol bootp ewa0 Ethernet port ewa0.

  • Page 39: Show Command

    Displays the value of the environment variable specified. error Displays error log information. Displays the system virtual memory map. memory Displays the memory module configuration. Displays the version of OpenVMS and Digital UNIX PALcode. version Displays the version of the console firmware. 3-12 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 40: Show Command Examples

    Show Command Examples >>>show device dka0.0.0.6.0 DKA0 RZ26L 441A dka400.4.0.6.0 DKA400 RRD43 3213 dva0.0.0.0.1 DVA0 ewa0.0.0.12.0 EWA0 08-00-2B-E2-1C-25 pka0.7.0.6.0 PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7 >>>show memory 64 Meg of System Memory Bank 0=32 Mbytes (8 MB per Simm) Starting at 0x2000000 Bank 1=32 Mbytes (8 MB per Simm) Starting at 0x0 Bank 2 = No Memory Detected...
  • Page 41 0 PCXBJ Singleport Yes 530 >>>show language Notice that 36 corresponds to the value in Table 3-6; in this case, English (American) is the default language. Other environment variables can be specified: >>>show console graphics 3-14 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 42 Sets the console output to either the COM1 serial port or the graphics controller. control_scsi_term Unused in the AlphaServer 300 system. ewa0_mode Determines whether the AUI (ThinWire) or the twisted-pair Ethernet ports is enabled. AUI is the default. (Auto-sensing is not supported.)

  • Page 43: Set Command

    >>>set osflags 0,1 An environment variable called foobar is created and given >>>set foobar 5 a value of 5. Sets up the system to start the ARC console after the next >>>set os_type nt power cycle. 3-16 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: Switching From Srm To Arc Console

    ISA devices are not capable of being probed for configuration information by the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS operating systems. Therefore, you must configure ISA option information manually before installing a new ISA option module on an AlphaServer 300 system running either Digital UNIX or OpenVMS.

  • Page 45: Using The Built-In Iconfig Scripts

    2nd time to exit Using the Built-in ICONFIG Scripts There are three types of options that can be configured into the AlphaServer 300 system using a built-in script: the DE205 Ethernet module, PBXJA-AA sound module, and PB2GA-FB graphics module (MACH 64). You can use a script to configure only one module of each type.
  • Page 46 __________________________NOTE ____________________________ Type information carefully. If you make a typing error, you cannot correct it. Type Ctrl/X to exit the utility. Then type iconfig and begin again. To delete an entry you created, position the cursor on the first column of the entry and press the Backspace key.

  • Page 47: Isacfg Utility

    8 - Cascade -enadev <#> Allows you to specify whether an entry is enabled or disabled. Disabled devices are not used in resource allocation calculations. The possible values are: 0 - No (disabled) 1 - Yes (enabled) 3-20 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 48 Table 3-9 SRM ISACFG Command Options (continued) Command Option Description -etyp <#> Defines an entry type for this entry. The # sign can be: 0 - Causes the entry to be deleted 1 - Single option 2 - Embedded multiport device 3 - Multiport option device -handle <string>...

  • Page 49: Adding Isa Options To Openvms And Digital Unix Systems

    Adding ISA Options to OpenVMS and Digital UNIX Systems When you need to add more than one ISA option of the same type to an AlphaServer 300 system running the OpenVMS or Digital UNIX operating system, perform the procedure shown in Table 3-10.

  • Page 50: Isacfg Command Examples

    ISACFG Command Examples This section shows examples of ISACFG commands you use to enter the DE205 into the configuration database. Examples to display, modify, and remove table entries are also included. In some cases, there are scripts available to issue the proper ISACFG command. Script commands are preceded by an "add_"...

  • Page 51: Installing System Options

    Installing System Options Introduction This chapter covers the following topics related to installing system options on your AlphaServer 300 system: • Opening and closing the system cover • Installing additional system memory • Installing expansion boards • Cable layout for power, SCSI, and FDC cables •...

  • Page 52: Removing The Top Cover

    ____________________________________________________________ 4. To remove the cover, place your thumbs on the upper corners of the rear panel, pull back on the cover sides, and lift the cover off. 4-2 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 53 Figure 4-1 Unlocking and Removing Top Cover Installing System Options 4-3...

  • Page 54: System Unit Components

    System Unit Components Figure 4-2 shows the location of the AlphaServer 300 system unit components. Table 4-1 lists the system unit components. Figure 4-2 System Unit Components 4-4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 55 Table 4-1 System Unit Components Figure Legend Component MAU provides twisted-pair and ThinWire Ethernet connections (optional). Power supply and fan. Cable routing areas. Speaker. 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB floppy disk drive. Optional CD-ROM drive or other 5.25-inch half-size drive. Half-size hard disk drive (not accessible from front). Storage bay for optional hard disk (3.5-inch low-profile).

  • Page 56: Motherboard

    Motherboard Figure 4-3 show the locations of the motherboard components. Table 4-2 lists the motherboard components. Figure 4-3 Motherboard Components 4-6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 57: Installing Additional System Memory

    Table 4-2 Motherboard Components Figure Legend Components DECchip 21064A CPU Battery Service LEDs Rear-panel connectors Power connectors FDC connector Internal SCSI connector DROM SROM Bank 1 memory module connectors Bank 0 memory module connectors Riser card connector Installing Additional System Memory Adding more memory allows your system to run larger, more memory-intensive software.

  • Page 58: Adding Memory Modules

    Rock the SIMM gently until it is seated evenly into the bottom of the socket. Tip the SIMM upright until both metal retaining clips at the socket ends engage. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other two SIMMs. 4-8 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 59 Figure 4-4 Memory Installation Installing System Options 4-9...

  • Page 60: Installing Expansion Boards

    To install an expansion board, refer to Figure 4-5 as you perform the following steps: 1. Unlock and remove the top cover. 2. Pick an available slot (for ISA options) or (for PCI options) for your board. 4-10 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 61 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 board into the riser board slot. Push the board firmly into the socket.

  • Page 62: General Information On Installing Drives

    3 meters (9.8 feet) for fast SCSI operation or 4 meters (13.1 feet) for slow SCSI (5 MB/second) operation. The AlphaServer 300 system's internal SCSI length is 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), leaving 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) available for external fast SCSI use (2.8 meters [9.2 feet] for external slow SCSI use).

  • Page 63: External Scsi Termination

    When adding a SCSI device such as the CD drive in the above example, follow these guidelines: • You must use the end connector of the SCSI cable to reach the outer storage bay. (Remove the end of the SCSI cable from the hard disk.) •...
  • Page 64 Power supply. (Four power cables are shown going to the motherboard. Future versions may have only three cables.) CD-ROM drive (optional). Floppy diskette drive. Inner bay upper device position (typically, a hard disk). Inner bay lower device power connector (unused in this example). 4-14 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 65 Figure 4-8 Internal SCSI Cable Layout Table 4-4 Internal SCSI Cable Layout Figure Legend Component Power supply. Outer bay lower position SCSI device. (In this example, because this is the last device on the bus, this device furnishes termination for the internal SCSI bus.) Inner bay upper position SCSI device.
  • Page 66 Component Power supply. 3.5-inch floppy diskette drive in outer-bay upper position. FDC (floppy disk controller) cable connector. (This can be used for a tape drive or a second floppy drive.) Motherboard floppy disk controller connector. 4-16 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 67: Installing Storage Options In The Drive Bracket

    Installing Storage Options in the Drive Bracket This section tells how to install drives in the drive bracket (inner-bay upper and lower positions). SCSI hard disk drives and tape drives typically are mounted in a removable drive bracket. When installing a drive in the drive bracket, follow these steps: 1.
  • Page 68 3. If you are installing a removable media drive in the lower position of the drive bracket, gently push the front-panel filler plate from the rear in front of the tape drive position, as Figure 4-12 shows. Figure 4-12 Removing Blank Panel 4-18 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 69 __________________________ HINT_____________________________ When you install drives in the bracket, or when you cable those drives, you may find it convenient to rest the bracket on top of the power supply. ____________________________________________________________ 4. Orient the bracket as Figure 4-13 shows. Position the drive so that cable connections face to the rear of the system.
  • Page 70 Ensure that the internal SCSI bus is properly terminated. For guidelines, see the section, General Information on Installing Drives, in this chapter. ____________________________________________________________ MLO-011065 Figure 4-14 Cabling Hard Disks 6. Place the drive bracket into the system unit, as Figure 4-15 shows. 7. Replace the bracket screws. 4-20 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 71 Figure 4-15 Mounting Drives and Installing Drive Bracket Figure 4-16 shows how the drive cables are routed over the SIMMs MLO-013116 Figure 4-16 Drive Bracket Cable Routing Installing System Options 4-21...

  • Page 72: Storage Bay

    Refer to your drive's installation guide for specific information. 3. If the storage option you are adding is the last one on the SCSI cable, make sure that the internal SCSI termination is moved from the previous SCSI option to the last option. 4-22 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 73 4. Mount the holder to the side of the drive with two screws, as Figure 4-18 shows. MLO-011319 Figure 4-18 Drive Installation 5. Loosen the screw so that you can remove the speaker , as Figure 4-19 shows. MLO-012161 Figure 4-19 Removing the Speaker Installing System Options 4-23...
  • Page 74 The connectors are keyed. Ensure that you orient them correctly. ____________________________________________________________ ________________________ CAUTION ___________________________ Ensure that the internal SCSI bus is properly terminated. For guidelines, see the section, General Information on Installing Drives, in this chapter. ____________________________________________________________ 8. Reinstall the speaker bracket. 4-24 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 75 MLO-011120 Figure 4-21 Cabling the Drive Installing System Options 4-25...

  • Page 76: Replacing The Battery

    Discard used batteries according to manufacturer's instructions. ____________________________________________________________ MLO-009863 Figure 4-22 Replacing the Battery 1. Gently pry the old battery from the battery holder. 2. Insert the new battery, positive side up, into the holder. 4-26 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 77: Replacing The System Cover

    Replacing the System Cover After you have finished adding options, follow these steps: 1. Check all cable connections to ensure that the connectors are firmly seated. ________________________ CAUTION___________________________ After adding options, you might wish to test the system with the cover off in case you need to reconfigure jumpers or switches.
  • Page 78 If the cover does not slide forward easily, press down gently in the center of the rear edge of the cover and then slide the cover forward. ____________________________________________________________ Figure 4-23 Replacing the Locking System Cover 4-28 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 79: Connecting External Options

    Connecting 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 80 _________________________ NOTE_____________________________ If you remove an external SCSI cable from the rear-panel SCSI connector, the external port is automatically terminated. ____________________________________________________________ Figure 4-24 Connecting Printer and SCSI Cables 4-30 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 81: Troubleshooting

    Initial Troubleshooting Follow these general procedures to troubleshoot your AlphaServer 300 system initially: 1. Check that the power indicators are on and that the fan is running. 2. Check the power indicator on the monitor. Also, check the monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables to ensure that they are connected and seated properly.

  • Page 82: Equipment Log

    Check that the air flow path is clear. Make sure there are no materials blocking the input grill. Also make sure the cables inside the system are properly dressed and not impeding the airflow. 5-2 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 83 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 84 Digital UNIX and OpenVMS: Use the SRM console show and set commands to check and set the values assigned to boot-related variables such as auto_action, bootdef_dev, and boot_osflags. (See Chapter 3, Console Commands.) 5-4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 85 Table 5-1 System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action System does not boot Environment variables Windows NT: (continued). incorrectly set. From the Boot menu, select Supplementary menu. . ., then select Setup the system ... , then select Set default environment variables.
  • Page 86 System forgets NVRAM Dead battery Replace the lithium battery. Use a settings, environment Panasonic BR2032, CR2032, or variables, or the time-of- equivalent (see Chapter 4, day while powered off. Installing System Options). 5-6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 87 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 88 Adjustments incorrect. Adjust accordingly. flickering screen display, or wrong/uneven color. Wrong type of monitor. Try another monitor. Defective monitor. Try another monitor. Monitor signal cable Inspect connector pins. Replace loose or damaged. cable if damaged. 5-8 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Error Beep Codes

    Error Beep Codes Table 5-4 shows error beep codes you may encounter at system startup. 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 90: Diagnostic Leds

    The LED Indicator Values column of the table shows the LEDs as you view them from the rear of the system. If any LED codes other than the last two listed in Table 5-5 are displayed, contact field service. 5-10 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 91 Table 5-5 LED Codes Bit 7 Bit 0 Meaning z z z z z { z { Memory test 1 failure z z z z z { { z Memory test 2 failure z z z z z { { { Memory test 3 failure z z z z { z z z...

  • Page 92: A Technical Specifications Introduction

    Technical Specifications Introduction This appendix describes the following technical characteristics of the AlphaServer 300 system: • System specifications • External system connectors • Expansion slot current limitations • System current requirements • Motherboard jumpers Technical Specifications A–1...

  • Page 93: System Specifications

    System Specifications Tables A-1 through A-4 list the AlphaServer 300 system processor features, performance, dimensions, and environmental specifications. Table A-1 Processor Features Feature AlphaServer 300 System Specifics Processor type DECchip 21064A Core logic DECchip 21072-AA chipset Secondary cache Write-back, 2 MB...
  • Page 94 Table A-4 System Environmental Specifications Attributes Specification Operating temperature 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) −20°C to 65°C (−4°F to 149°F) Storage temperature Operating humidity 20% to 80% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 40°C (104°F) Storage humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 65°C (149°F) Altitude...

  • Page 95: Power Supply And Input Power Requirements

    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. ____________________________________________________________ A–4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 96 J4 J3 Figure A-1 Motherboard Jumper Locations Table A-6 Motherboard Jumper Locations Jumper Pins Function Description (1 to 2) Mini-console. Leave at factory default. (2 to 3) (D) Jump to main console. (1 to 2) Boot floppy. The DROM code uses J2 to determine whether an image from a floppy disk or the flashROM (2 to 3) (D)
  • Page 97 (J27 1 to 2 installed), an external SCSI terminator is always required, even if no external SCSI devices are present. (1 to 2) (D) 267 MHz CPU. Leave at factory default. (2 to 3) Unused. (D)= Default setting. A–6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 98: B Updating System Firmware Introduction

    Updating System Firmware Introduction This appendix covers two main topics: • Updating the ARC and SRM console firmware • Updating the firmware in PCI options that contain flashROMs. In general, the system firmware should be updated whenever the operating system is updated to ensure compatibility between the hardware and the operating system.

  • Page 99: Updating The Console Firmware

    Updating the Console Firmware The console firmware on the AlphaServer 300 system is updated by means of an update utility (APU). The update utility contains three images: the update utility itself, the SRM image, and the ARC image.

  • Page 100: Using The Flash Update Utility From The Srm Console

    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 drive. 2. Type the show device command to determine the device ID of the CD drive. >>>show device dka0.0.0.6.0 DKA0...
  • Page 101 959328854 *** Firmware Update Utility V2.9 *** *** System Type: AlphaServer 300*** Update VERify List Show DUmp VERBose NVerbose DEbug NDebug Apu> _________________________ NOTE_____________________________ The commands displayed above can be entered on the utility command line. The update command must be entered in full. The other APU commands can be abbreviated.

  • Page 102: Using The Flash Update Utility From The Arc Console

    6. To exit the update utility, cycle the power. Leave the power off for at least 20 seconds before turning it back on. Using the Flash Update Utility from the ARC Console To update the firmware from the ARC console, do the following: 1.
  • Page 103 Update Replace current firmware with loadable data image Verify Compares loadable and hardware images. ? or Help Scrolls this function table. -------------------------------------------------------------- UPD> 5. Enter the following to list the devices and revisions: UPD> list B–6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 104 Device Current Revision Filename Update Revision pka0 dfpaa_fw fwa0 2.45 kzpsa_fw 2.46 6. Enter the following to update the PCI firmware: UPD> update WARNING: updates may take several minutes to complete for each device. DO NOT ABORT! pka0 Updating to A06 Verifying A07 Passed.

  • Page 105: C Starting An Operating System Installation

    Starting an Operating System Installation Introduction This information provides what you need to begin an operating system installation. In addition, the appendix includes material for users who wish to add an additional operating system (for example, if you ordered a Digital UNIX system and later decide to use Windows NT as well).

  • Page 106: Starting A Windows Nt Installation

    From the ARC console boot menu, Supplementary menu displays. select Supplementary menu... Select Windows NT setup procedure starts. Follow the Install Windows NT from on-screen instructions. For more information, refer to the Microsoft Windows NT System Guide. CD-ROM. C–2 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 107 If you are installing the operating system on a disk that has not been partitioned and formatted, follow the procedure in Table C-2. Table C-2 Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Server Installation Step Action Result If the ARC (advanced RISC Cycling power after specifying an os_type of nt computing) console is running, go results in the system restarting with the ARC...
  • Page 108 Do you want to make this the system partition (y/n)? Enter y and press return. Partition formatted successfully. Press any key to continue. Configure Partitions menu re-displays. Select Exit. ARCINST menu displays. Select Exit. ARC Boot menu displays. C–4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 109: Starting A Digital Unix Installation

    Starting a Digital UNIX Installation Table C-3 Starting a Digital UNIX Installation Step Action Result If the SRM console is running, go Selecting Switch to Digital UNIX will cause the to step 3. system to run the SRM console after the next If the ARC console is running, power cycle.

  • Page 110: Starting An Openvms Installation

    DVA0 From the SRM console, boot the Installation information is displayed and you are OpenVMS CD-ROM. prompted to select an option. For more >>>boot -flags 0,0 dka400 information, refer to the OpenVMS Installation Guide. C–6 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...

  • Page 111: D Equipment Log

    Your system's ISA equipment configuration for your system Table D-2. • Your SCSI device address settings Table D-3. • Your system's system hardware configuration Table D-4. • The operating system or application software installed on your AlphaServer 300 system Table D-5. • Additional components Table D-6. Equipment Log D–1...
  • Page 112 Additional storage device 4 Use Table D-1 to keep track of your AlphaServer 300 system's expansion options. The upper portion of the table shows the standard devices. You can use the lower portion of the table to record the parameters of ISA devices you add to the riser card. The columns refer to information entered into the SRM console during configuration.
  • Page 113 Table D-2 ISA Equipment Configuration Membase DMAmode Device Handle Slot IOBASE Memlen and chan Keyboard Mouse MOUSE Serial Line 1 COM1 Serial Line 2 COM2 Parallel port LPT1 FLOPPY Riser Card ISA Expansion Slots Table D-3 SCSI Addresses Address Device SCSI controller See Chapter 3, Console Commands, for more on obtaining configuration information for your system.
  • Page 114 Firmware version Memory size Video module Table D-5 Installed Software Operating System or Version Date Application Software Number License Number Installed Table D-6 Additional Component Information Model Serial Component Vendor Number Number Date Installed D–4 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide...
  • Page 115 Index ARC menus, 3-2 Abbreviations used, xi Adding memory, 4-7 Battery Add-on procedure replacement procedure, 4-26 expansion boards, 4-10 type, 4-26, 5-6 ISA options on Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, 4- Baud rates serial port, 2-7 memory, 4-8 Booting Digital UNIX or OpenVMS, 2-9 SIMMs, 4-8 Booting Windows NT, 2-9 storage disks, 4-12...
  • Page 116 features, 1-1 arcinst, C–4 Digital UNIX, 2-8 Graphics terminal, 2-7 installation, C–5 shutdown, 2-10 Drive bracket, removing, 4-17 Hard disk drive cables, 4-20 installing, 4-17 Environment variables, 3-10 auto_action, 3-15 boot_file, 3-15 ICONFIG, 3-17 boot_osflags, 3-15 ICONFIG utility, 4-11 bootdef_dev, 3-15 Indicators and controls, 1-3 console, 3-15 Initial troubleshooting, 5-1...
  • Page 117 banks, 4-7 Replacing system cover, 4-27 installing, 4-7 Reset button, 5-1 Monitor adjustments, 2-9 Motherboard features, 1-1 SCSI Motherboard components, 4-6, 4-7 bus length, 4-12 Motherboard jumpers, A–4 expansion box, 4-29 external options, 4-29 termination Network connection, 2-7 external, 4-13 internal, 4-12 termination sensing jumper, A–6 Security, 1-5...
  • Page 118 power on sequence, 2-9 keyboard, 5-6 voltage selection, 2-5 monitor power indicator problem, 5-8 System mouse, 5-6 controls and indicators, 1-3 system forgets settings, 5-6 front view, 1-3 Turning off system, 2-10 physical security, 1-5 rear view, 1-4, 1-5 starting, 2-9 Unlocking top cover, 4-2 troubleshooting, 5-1, 5-2 Update utility, B–2...

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