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Digital Equipment DECsystem 5500 Operation

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DECsystem 5500
Operation
Order Number EK–332AA–OP–001
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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Summary of Contents for Digital Equipment DECsystem 5500

  • Page 1 DECsystem 5500 Operation Order Number EK–332AA–OP–001 Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 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. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface Chapter 1 System Overview Front View and Physical Description ....1–2 1.1.1 The BA430 Enclosure ......1–6 1.1.1.1 Mass Storage Shelf .
  • Page 4 Chapter 2 Operating the System Before You Operate the System ..... . . 2–1 Switch Settings ........2–1 2.2.1 Normal Operation .
  • Page 5 2.11.21 The unsetenv Command ......2–29 2.12 Control Characters ....... . . 2–30 Chapter 3 Operating the System Options Mass Storage Options .
  • Page 6 Index Figures 1–1 DECsystem 5500 System ......1–2 1–2 Key Positions ........
  • Page 7 3–11 RZ-Series ISE Front Panel ......3–22 3–12 Inserting Bus Node ID Plugs ......3–23 Tables 2–1 Normal Power-Up Indications .

  • Page 8: Preface

    Preface This manual describes how to use the DECsystem 5500 system. system uses the RISC-based KN220 CPU module set and ULTRIX operating system. The DECsystem 5500 system is housed in the BA430 pedestal enclosure. The manual is structured as follows: •...
  • Page 9 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Convention Meaning A key name is shown enclosed to indicate that you press a named Return key on the keyboard. A sequence such as indicates that you must hold down the Ctrl/x Ctrl/x key labeled Ctrl while you press another key.

  • Page 10: Chapter 1 System Overview

    Chapter 1 System Overview DECsystem 5500 systems house all components in a BA430 enclosure. This enclosure is a free-standing pedestal that houses the following: • Card cage • System controls • Central processing unit (CPU) module set • Memory modules •...

  • Page 11: Front View And Physical Description

    The front of the system has a divided door that restricts access to the system controls. Figure 1–1 shows the system with the front door closed. Figure 1–1: DECsystem 5500 System MLO-004032 A three-position rotary lock allows you to lock both the upper and lower doors, or to lock just the lower door.

  • Page 12: Key Positions

    Figure 1–2: Key Positions Door Handle Rotary Key Lock Top Key Position: Access to SCP, ISEs, and Tape Drive Controls and Indicators (Upper Door) Middle Key Position: No Access to Controls Bottom Key Position: Access to Power Switch; All Controls and Indicators (Both Doors) MLO-004958 Opening and Closing the Divided Door...

  • Page 13: Upper Door Opened

    Figure 1–3: Upper Door Opened Top Key Position MLO-005179 1–4 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 14: Entire Door Opened

    Figure 1–4: Entire Door Opened Bottom Key Position MLO-005180 The next section describes the BA430 enclosure, which is exposed when you open the entire door. System Overview 1–5...

  • Page 15: The Ba430 Enclosure

    ISEs, or a combination of both • No tape drive and up to four RF-series or RZ-series ISEs, or a combination of both All DECsystem 5500 systems contain the following: • System Control Panel (SCP) • Card cage containing modules — CPU, memory, communications controllers, mass storage controllers •...

  • Page 16: Front View Of The Ba430 Enclosure

    Figure 1–5: Front View of the BA430 Enclosure Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs) Tape Drive System Control Panel (SCP) Power Supply CPU Cover Panel Fans Card Cage MLO-005181 System Overview 1–7...

  • Page 17: Mass Storage Shelf

    If the components continue to heat, the system will automatically shut down to prevent components from being damaged. Chapter 2 provides instruction for turning on the system after a preventive shutdown due to overheat conditions. 1–8 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 18: Card Cage

    Below the indicators are the Halt and Restart buttons. The Halt button is a two-position button. When you press the button, the system halts. A red indicator on the Halt button lights when the button is set to the in position. Before you can enter console commands, you must press the Halt button again to return it to the out position.

  • Page 19: Card Cage

    To protect the system from electrical interference generated by external devices • To maintain air flow integrity CAUTION: Do not operate the system without Digital-supplied module covers. The covers are required to protect the equipment and to meet 1–10 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 20 international regulatory standards. Do not substitute other module covers as they may not meet the required specifications. Operating the system without the module covers has the following consequences: • The system may overheat due to improper air circulation. • The system will not comply with FCC and VDE requirements for electrostatic shielding and may produce electrical interference that affects other equipment.

  • Page 21: Cpu Cover Panel

    Break on the console terminal halts the processor and transfers control to the console program. The setting of the Function switch is also used in conjunction with the three-position Operation switch to control what occurs during a power-up sequence. 1–12 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 22 Operation switch — This three-position rotary switch determines how the system responds at power-up. The Operation switch and its uses relative to the Function switch setting are described below: Action Mode — If the Function switch is set to down (dot outside the circle), the system displays a Language Selection Menu at power-up.

  • Page 23: Dssi And Scsi Connectors

    To prevent damage due to overheating, the power supply monitors the internal temperature and the speed of the fans. If the power supply detects overheating or a fan failure, the power supply will shut down the system. 1–14 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 24: Power Supply Controls And Indicators

    Figure 1–10 shows the controls and indicators on the power supply. Figure 1–10: Power Supply Controls and Indicators Power Supply Power Switch AC Present Indicator DC OK Indicator Fan Failure Indicator Over Temperature Condition Indicator Power Bus Connectors Power Cable Connector MLO-004969 The controls and indicator lights function as follows.
  • Page 25 If the DC OK indicator does not light when the power switch is set to on, refer to your DECsystem 5500 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics manual. Fan Failure indicator — The amber Fan Failure indicator lights if either of the two cooling fans stop working.

  • Page 26: Fans

    The secondary out (SO) connector sends the signal down the power bus for configurations of more than one expander. Figure 1–11: Sample Power Bus Configuration System Expander 1 Expander 2 MLO-004041 1.1.1.6 Fans Two fans located under the card cage draw air in through the top of the enclosure, down through the card cage, and out the bottom.

  • Page 27: Functional Description Of Base System

    Figure 1–12: System Air Circulation MLO-004042 1.2 Functional Description of Base System Each DECsystem 5500 includes base system components common to all systems. Your system may have optional components as well. Your system was configured at the factory, based on your order.

  • Page 28: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    The central processing unit (CPU) controls the execution of all instructions and processes. The CPU circuits contain the logic, arithmetic, and control functions used by the system. DECsystem 5500 systems use the RISC- based KN220 CPU module set. 1.2.1.2 Console Serial Line Unit (SLU) Each system has a serial line unit connecting the console terminal to the system.

  • Page 29: Embedded Dssi Adapter

    BA400-series backplane. RZ-Series Integrated Storage Elements (SCSI) Up to four SCSI RZ-series ISEs can be installed in your system. RZ-series ISEs deliver the capacity, speed, and dependability required by DECsystem 1–20 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 30 5500 systems, while meeting SCSI standards. Each RZ-series ISE contains its own controller. Special mounting hardware allows the device to plug directly into the BA400-series backplane. Devices with Removable Media Devices with removable media, such as tape cartridges, are used as both input and output devices.

  • Page 31: Mass Storage And Q-Bus Expanders

    1.2.2.3 Mass Storage and Q-bus Expanders You can expand the mass storage capacity of your DECsystem 5500 system by using the R400X expander. The R400X expander provides space for up to seven additional RF-series or RZ-series ISEs, or a combination of both.
  • Page 32 Check your printer documentation to determine the proper communications interface for your printer. Communications controllers with modem support allow you to communicate over telephone lines. With a modem connected to your system, you can access other computers and you can dial into your system from a remote terminal or computer.

  • Page 33: Printer Interfaces

    Your system arrives configured with the options you ordered. As your needs change, you can add more options. Your Digital sales representative can advise you on available options. DECsystem 5500 Technical Information describes the options currently available for DECsystem 5500 systems.

  • Page 34: Chapter 2 Operating The System

    Chapter 2 Operating the System This chapter describes how to operate your DECsystem 5500 once the system software has been installed. 2.1 Before You Operate the System This chapter assumes that your system has been properly installed. Installation includes running the diagnostic software shipped with your system and installing the ULTRIX operating system.

  • Page 35: Special Operation

    Operation switch to the Action mode. A human profile indicates the Action mode. Set the Function switch to down (dot outside the circle). When you turn on your system, a Language Selection Menu appears, as shown in Figure 2–1. 2–2 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 36: Language Selection Menu

    Figure 2–1: Language Selection Menu KN220-A Vn.n 1) Dansk 2) Deutsch (Deutschland/Österreich) 3) Deutsch (Schweiz) 4) English (United Kingdom) 5) English (United States/Canada) 6) Español 7) Français (Canada) 8) Français (France/Belgique) 9) Français (Suisse) 10) Italiano 11) Nederlands 12) Norsk 13) Português 14) Suomi 15) Svenska...

  • Page 37: Turning On The System

    DECsystem 5500 provides the power control bus signal to the expander(s). Setting the power switch to on (1) on the DECsystem 5500 will cause the expander(s) to power up as well. The power switch on each expander should always remain set to on (1).

  • Page 38: Booting The System

    Digital service representative. 2.4 Booting the System DECsystem 5500 systems boot in one of two ways. You can manually boot the system from console mode or you can configure the system to autoboot on power-up. The value of the bootmode environment variable determines how the system boots.

  • Page 39: Booting The System From Console Mode

    For example, >> boot -f tm(0,0) tells the system to boot software from a cartridge in the TK70 tape drive. For a complete description of the boot command, refer to the section on console commands, Section 2.11. 2–6 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 40: Autobooting The System

    Software manuals may instruct you to power up with the Function switch set to breaks enabled, or up (dot inside the circle), and to use the boot command. 2.4.2 Autobooting the System By assigning values to environment variables, you can define a device from which the system will automatically boot at power up.

  • Page 41: Using Console Security

    Section 2.11. 2.5 Using Console Security DECsystem 5500 systems have a console security feature as part of the console firmware. The security feature allows you to secure the system. When the system is secure, unprivileged users (users who do not know the security password) are limited to the boot command (with no arguments).
  • Page 42 >> passwd -s New password: Retype new password: New password accepted >> passwd -u Memory Size: 16777216 (0x1000000) bytes Ethernet Address: 08-00-2b-12-81-22 s> 4. To maintain security, the Operation switch should remain set to Normal mode (indicated by the arrow) and the lower front door should be locked. Privileged Users By entering the security password, privileged users have access to all the console commands.

  • Page 43: Using The System

    (dot inside the circle). NOTE: If the power is on when you change the setting of the Function switch, you must press the Restart button or power up your system again for the new setting to take effect. 2–10 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 44: Restarting The System

    CAUTION: If you shut off your console terminal while breaks are enabled, the system will interpret the action as a break, and the system halts. When the console mode prompt (>>) is displayed on your screen, the system is halted. If you inadvertently halt the system, enter at the console continue...

  • Page 45: Recovering From An Over Temperature Condition

    — Enter binary values as a string of binary digits preceded by 0b (for example, 0b1001). — When reading or writing to memory, you have a choice of data sizes: byte, halfword, or word. Because a word is four bytes, successive addresses, when referenced by a word, are successive 2–12 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 46 multiples of four. For example, the address following 0x80000004 is 0x80000008. An error will occur if you try to specify an address that is not on a boundary for the data size you are using. Conventions Used in This Section •...
  • Page 47 Displays a list of available SCSI storage devices, their unit numbers, and controller numbers unpriv Sets the security password to zero unsetenv Unsets console environment variables This command is only available in Maintenance mode. 2–14 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 48: The Boot Command

    2.11.1 The boot Command boot [-f file] [-s | -m] [-n] [arg...] This command loads the file that contains the operating system. • The optional -f flag followed by the file parameter specifies the file you want to use during a boot procedure. If you do not specify the -f flag and a file, the file specified by the environment variable bootpath is loaded.
  • Page 49 Unless -s is specified, the system will boot in multiuser mode -m. — The optional -n flag causes the specified file to be loaded but not executed. — The optional arg parameter contains any information to be passed to the booted image. 2–16 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 50: The Continue Command

    Examples: >> boot -f rf(2,2,0)vmunix This command boots the file vmunix, located at logical block number 0 of the second RF-series ISE (unit number 2), using controller 2. >> boot -f rz(0,2,0)vmunix This command boots the file vmunix, located at logical block number 0 of the second RZ-series ISE (unit number 2), using controller 2.

  • Page 51: The Dump Command

    The second parameter, which is optional, indicates the data size. If you do not specify a data size, the system uses a word. • -b displays memory in bytes. • -h displays memory in halfwords. • -w displays memory in words. 2–18 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 52 The next parameter, also optional, determines how data is displayed. • -o displays memory in octal format. • -d displays memory in decimal format. • -u displays memory in unsigned decimal format. • -x displays memory in hexadecimal format. • -c displays memory in ASCII format.

  • Page 53: The E (Examine) Command

    ’\032’. Example: >> e 0x80000000 This command examines the word at address 0x80000000. The resulting display might look like this: 0x80000000: 1008385985 0x3c1abfc1 ’\301’ 2–20 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 54: The Exit Command

    2.11.6 The exit Command exit This command is used in Maintenance mode (>>>) to return control to Normal console mode (>>). Example: >>>exit >> 2.11.7 The fill Command fill [-(b | h | w)] [-v val] rng This command writes a specified value to a range of memory. If you do not specify a value, the system puts zeros in the memory range.

  • Page 55: The Go Command

    2.11.12 The maint Command maint This command causes the console to enter Maintenance mode (>>>). This command must be used before entering Maintenance mode commands. Its companion command, exit, is used to return the console to Normal mode. 2–22 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 56: The Passwd Command

    Example: >> >> maint >>> >>>exit >> 2.11.13 The passwd Command passwd [-s | -c | -u] The four variants of this command are used to control the console security feature. Using the console security feature, you can secure the system and limit unprivileged users (users who do not know the security password) to the boot console command.

  • Page 57: The Printenv Command

    There are three types of variables: volatile (lost when power resumes), nonvolatile (maintained after power resumes), and fixed (rebuilt when power is turned on). Table 2–4 lists the default variables. 2–24 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 58: Default Environment Variables

    Baud Rate switch inside the CPU cover panel. The factory setting is 9600. For instructions on changing the baud rate, refer to your DECsystem 5500 Technical Information manual. Allowed values are 300, 600, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, and 38400.

  • Page 59: The Setenv Command

    NOTE: This command may require a few minutes to list devices. Example: >> maint >>>show device DSSI Node 0 (R7QJNG) -rf(0,0,*) (RF71) DSSI Node 1 (TEST2) -rf(1,1,*) (RF71) DSSI Node 2 (BILLY) -rf(2,2,*) (RF71) DSSI Node 7 (*) SCSI Node 0 -tz(0,0,*) (..) 2–26 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 60: The Show Dssi Command

    SCSI Node 1 -rz(0,1,*) (RZ56 ) SCSI Node 7 (*) Ethernet Adapter -mop() -EZA0 (08-00-2B-12-81-22) VME Interface Board - Not Installed >>>exit >> 2.11.17 The show dssi Command show dssi This Maintenance mode command displays a list of available DSSI storage devices.

  • Page 61: The Show Scsi Command

    -rz(0,2,*) (RRD40) -DIA2 SCSI Node 4 -tz(0,4,*) (..) -DIA4 SCSI Node 7 (*) >>>exit >> A second variation of this command, show scsi/full, provides the following additional information for each SCSI device: Device type Storage capacity 2–28 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 62: The Unpriv Command

    Product identification Revision number Removable or fixed storage medium (r or f) >> maint >>>show scsi/full Boot Path Cap (in Hex) Product Id Revs ---------------------------------------------------------------- -tz(0,0,*) TAPE 4B0 MBs TLZ04 1989(C)DEC 0304 -rz(0,1,*) DISK 27A MBs RZ56 (C) DEC 0200 -rz(0,2,*) CDROM 23B MBs...

  • Page 63: Control Characters

    Causes the current command line to be displayed without any deleted CTRL/R characters. Suspends output on the console terminal until you enter CTRL/S CTRL/Q Discards all characters accumulated for the current line. CTRL/U Suppresses any special meaning associated with the next character. CTRL/V 2–30 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 64: Chapter 3 Operating The System Options

    NOTE: In addition, the RV20 Optical Disk Subsystem, RRD40 Digital Disk Subsystems, and TSV05 and TU81 tape drives can be attached to the DECsystem 5500 system. If your system contains one of these options, refer to the user’s guide or owner’s manual for instructions on how to operate the device.

  • Page 65: Tk70 Tape Drive

    You can also move the handle when the green light is blinking. All three lights blinking simultaneously indicates a fault condition. Figure 3–1 shows the TK70 tape drive with the controls and indicator lights labeled. 3–2 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 66: Design Of The Drive

    To operate the drive properly, you must carefully monitor the indicator lights. The instructions for inserting and removing cartridges, which appear later in this section, tell you what should happen at each step. A table at the end of the section summarizes light and control combinations. Figure 3–1: TK70 Tape Drive Orange Light Yellow Light...

  • Page 67: Labeling A Tape Cartridge

    To indicate that the tape was recorded on a TK70 tape drive, check the box labeled 296MB. The 95MB box is used for tapes recorded on a TK50 drive. NOTE: Do not write on the tape cartridge or attach labels to the top, bottom, or sides of the cartridge. 3–4 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 68: Write-Protecting A Tape Cartridge

    3.1.1.3 Write-Protecting a Tape Cartridge Write-protecting a tape cartridge prevents accidental erasure of information stored on the tape. You can write-protect a tape cartridge in two ways: • Set the write-protect switch on the cartridge to the write-protect position. • Write-protect the cartridge by using operating system commands described in your system software manuals.

  • Page 69: Tape Cartridge Write-Protect Switch

    • If the cartridge is write-protected by both the switch on the cartridge and a software command, you must change the switch setting and remove the operating system restriction. 3–6 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 70: Tape Cartridge Handling And Storage Guidelines

    When you use a CompacTape II cartridge to make a backup copy of files, make sure the orange write-protect light on the TK70 drive is off. If the light is not off, check for any of the write-protect conditions described above. Change the switch setting and/or operating system restriction as necessary.
  • Page 71 NOTE: If a cartridge is new, the drive performs a calibration sequence that takes approximately 30 seconds when the drive receives the first command from the operating system. The yellow light blinks rapidly and irregularly during calibration. 3–8 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 72: Inserting A Tape Cartridge

    Figure 3–4: Inserting a Tape Cartridge Green Light is on Handle Cartridge Arrow is Facing Left Yellow Light Blinks MLO-002459 Operating the System Options 3–9...

  • Page 73: Removing A Tape Cartridge

    CAUTION: Remove the tape cartridge from the tape drive when the cartridge is not in use or before you turn off the system. Failure to remove the cartridge may damage the tape cartridge. 3–10 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 74: Removing A Tape Cartridge

    Figure 3–5: Removing a Tape Cartridge Unload Button Yellow Light Blinks Green Light is on Handle Cartridge Arrow is Facing Left Green Light is on MLO-002460 Operating the System Options 3–11...

  • Page 75: Lights

    If the fault is not cleared, all three lights continue to blink. Do not attempt to remove the tape cartridge. Call your Digital service representative. 3–12 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 76: Tlz04 Tape Drive

    3.1.2 TLZ04 Tape Drive The TLZ04 tape drive is located behind the upper door of the system. To use the drive, move the key to the top position and open the door. The TLZ04 tape drive is a backup device that uses digital data storage (DDS) and digital audio tape (DAT) recording technologies.

  • Page 77: Tlz04 Tape Drive

    Indicates status of cassette tape as follows. Solid green Tape loaded. Solid yellow Tape loaded and write protected. Drive Indicates status of TLZ04 drive as follows. Solid green Drive ready/power on. Flashing green Drive active. Flashing yellow Power-on self-test in progress. 3–14 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 78: Proper Handling Of Cassette Tapes

    Drive Solid yellow Power-on self-test failed. 3.1.2.1 Proper Handling of Cassette Tapes Digital Equipment Corporation recommends that you use TLZ04 cassette tapes. To ensure optimal performance from your cassette tapes, observe the following guidelines when handling them. • Avoid placing the cassette tapes near sources of electromagnetic interference, such as terminals, and video or X-ray equipment.

  • Page 79: Inserting A Cassette Tape Into The Drive

    Write- Protected Not Write- Protected MLO-005329 3.1.2.3 Inserting a Cassette Tape into the Drive Insert the TLZ04 cassette tape into the drive with the cassette’s write- protect tab at the top, as shown in Figure 3–8. 3–16 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 80: System Software

    Figure 3–8: Inserting a Cassette Tape into the Drive This fig. was rotated with QA trilb MLO-005331 3.1.2.4 System Software System software allows you to execute commands to read and write data to the cassette tape. Your operating system documentation describes specific commands that allow you to do the following: •...

  • Page 81: Cleaning The Heads

    (in this case, a cassette tape). NOTE: Digital Equipment Corporation recommends that you perform the head cleaning procedure about every 2 weeks, or after every 25 hours of drive usage.

  • Page 82: Rf/Rz-Series Integrated Storage Elements

    Figure 3–9: Inserting the Head Cleaning Cassette This fig. was rotated with QA trilb MLO-005332 3.1.3 RF/RZ-Series Integrated Storage Elements Your system may have up to four RF/RZ-series ISEs, or up to three RF/RZ- series ISEs and a tape drive. When your system has multiple ISEs, Digital recommends that you separate them according to function.

  • Page 83: Rf-Series Controls And Indicators

    ISE 1 contains work areas for each user with an account on the system. The storage capacities and other specifications for RF-series ISEs are listed in DECsystem 5500 Technical Information. NOTE: If your system has less than the maximum number of ISEs: three if you have a tape drive, or four without the tape drive, a blank ISE front panel with no controls or indicators is used to cover the empty ISE cavities.
  • Page 84 • Fault indicator • Write-Protect button • Run/Ready button Bus node ID plugs identify the bus node number of the ISEs to the system, as well as the unit number by default. Bus node numbers are configured at the factory in consecutive order from right to left: the right-most ISE as 0, the center ISE as 1, and the left-most ISE as 2.
  • Page 85 Spare bus node ID plugs are supplied with your system. The DSSI plugs for RF-series ISEs are dark gray. The part number for these plugs is 12– 28766–19. The SCSI plugs for RZ-series ISEs are a lighter gray. The part 3–22 DECsystem 5500 Operation...
  • Page 86 number for these plugs is 12–28766–28. Use the spare plugs to renumber your ISEs if you reconfigure your system with an expander. The bus node ID plugs have prongs on the back that indicate the bus node number (and by default, the unit number) of the ISE. To remove a bus node ID plug, grasp it firmly and pull straight out.

  • Page 87: Rv20 Optical Disk Subsystem

    Synchronous serial controllers (with or without modem support) • Network controllers 3.2.1 Asynchronous Serial Controllers The following asynchronous controllers are available for your DECsystem 5500 system, with and without modem support: • CXA16 — 16-line multiplexer, Q-bus controller • CXB16 — 16-line multiplexer 3–24 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 88: Without Modem Support

    • CXY08 — 8-line multiplexer with modem control, Q-bus controller 3.2.1.1 Without Modem Support Before using any peripheral device connected to a serial communications controller, check the following: • Make sure the peripheral device is properly connected to the system. •...

  • Page 89: With Modem Support

    3. Set controls on the modem according to instructions in the modem user’s guide. Before using the modem connected to the remote terminal, check the following: 1. Make sure the modem is properly installed and connected to a phone jack. 3–26 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 90: Synchronous Controllers

    X.25 and PSI. Appropriate host software is required to interpret the protocol. 3.2.3 Network Controllers NOTE: DECsystem 5500 systems contain an Ethernet controller embedded in the CPU module. You can have a second optional Ethernet controller, the DESQA module, included with your system.

  • Page 91: Printer Options

    Verify that the printer is connected to an appropriate controller. Some printers, such as the LG01 and LG02, require the LPV11–SA interface. Other printers require modem control signals. Consult your printer documentation for the interface requirements. 3–28 DECsystem 5500 Operation...

  • Page 92: Adding Options

    DECsystem 5500 systems have several printer options available. Consult the DECsystem 5500 Technical Information manual for a list of printers and printer interface requirements. 3.4 Adding Options If you have available Q-bus slots, you may be able to add modules to your system.

  • Page 93: Related Documentation

    ULTRIX Basic Installation Guide AA–PBL0A–TE ULTRIX Guide to System and Network Setup QA–ME88B–TE ULTRIX Reader’s Guide AA–ME82B–TE ULTRIX Guide to Prestoserve for RISC Documentation specific to supported options is listed with the option in DECsystem 5500 Technical Information. Related Documentation A–1...
  • Page 94 Glossary Application program A program designed to meet specific user needs, such as a program that monitors a manufacturing process. Allocation class The allocation class is used by the operating system to derive a common lock resource name for multiple access paths to the same device. Backplane 1.
  • Page 95 Bootable medium A fixed disk or magnetic tape containing software (such as an operating system) that the bootstrap program can load into the system memory. Bootstrap A program that you start when you turn on the system. The bootstrap loads software contained on a fixed disk or magnetic tape cartridge into memory.
  • Page 96 Controller A component that regulates the operation of one or more peripheral devices. Controllers are often called interface units. See Central processing unit. Data A representation of facts, concepts, or instructions, suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human beings or by machines.
  • Page 97 Diagnostic program A program that detects and identifies abnormal hardware operation. The MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor software contains several diagnostic programs. Disk A flat circular plate with a coating on which data is stored magnetically in concentric circles (tracks). Disk drive A device that contains a fixed disk or one or more diskettes.
  • Page 98 Head The part of a fixed-disk drive, diskette drive, or tape drive that reads, records, and erases data. Also called read/write head. Input device A piece of equipment used to transfer data into the computer. A keyboard is an input device. Input/output (I/O) device A piece of equipment that accepts data for transmission both to and from a computer.
  • Page 99 Longword A group of 32 bits, equal to two words or four bytes. Magnetic tape A long strip of plastic coated with magnetic oxide, used for storing data. Often called magtape. The tape contained in a tape cartridge. Mbyte 1,048,576 bytes. Memory The area where a computer finds the instructions and data it will process.
  • Page 100 Output device A device by means of which data can be extracted from a computer system, for example, a printer. Peripheral device Any device distinct from the central processing unit that provides it with additional memory storage or communication capability. Examples are disk and diskette drives, video terminals, and printers.
  • Page 101 1. A single continuous execution of a program. 2. To execute a program. Satellite system A system that is booted remotely from the system disk on the boot node. A computer system that obtains a specific set of services from a server system. Server Hardware or software that provides a specific set of services to a satellite.
  • Page 102 Video terminal A terminal that displays information on the screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT). TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol. Word A word is 16 bits long. Write-protect To protect a disk, diskette, or other storage medium against the addition, revision, or deletion of information.
  • Page 103 Index Communications controllers (Cont.) CXY08, 1–23 Action mode, 2–2 function, 1–22 Air circulation, 1–17 network devices, 1–22 Autobooting the system, 2–7 set-up required, 3–25 synchronous serial devices, 1–22 types, 1–22, 3–24 using controllers with modem Base system components support, 3–26 function, 1–18 using controllers without modem boot command, 2–15...
  • Page 104 Console terminal connector fill command, 2–21 function, 1–13 Front door location, 1–13 description, 1–2 Cover panel opening, 1–3 CPU, 1–10 Function switch, 1–12 See Central processing unit CXA16 go command, 2–22 communications controller, 1–22 CXY08 communications controller, 1–23 Halting the system, 2–10 description, 2–10 help command, 2–22 d (deposit) command, 2–17...
  • Page 105 Mass storage (Cont.) Power-up indicators (Cont.) options, 3–1 normal, 2–4 subsystems, 1–21 Power-up self-tests Mass storage devices description, 2–4 RF-series ISEs, 3–19 Prestoserve software RZ-series ISEs, 3–19 CPU configuration for, 2–1 Mass storage shelf printenv command, 2–24 description, 1–8 Printers Modems use of, 3–28 function, 1–22...
  • Page 106 Switch settings (Cont.) unpriv command, 2–29 normal operation, 2–1 Unsecuring the system, 2–9 special operation, 2–2 unsetenv command, 2–29 System components Using a new system, 2–1 optional, 1–20 Write-enabling Tape cartridge a storage element, 3–20 handling instructions, 3–7 Write-protecting inserting, 3–7 a storage element, 3–20 removing, 3–10 a TK70 tape cartridge, 3–5...

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