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ACS-8960 User’s Manual Regulatory information For Europe This drive is in conformity with the EMC directive. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement 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.
Preface About this manual Intended user This manual is designed and written for users of the ACS-8960 RAID controller. The user should ideally be familiar with RAID planning and data storage operations and have experience in electronic or computer engineering.
Configure: Open Monitor Utility (Chapter 4, recommended) Configure (Chapter 5) ACS-8960 is available in two configurations differing in their host interfaces: SCSI (host) to Serial ATA (disk) Fibre (host) to Serial ATA (disk) This manual contains the information necessary to set up both configurations.
Related documents for reference ACSView/AccuSet User’s Manual: A guide to the GUI applications designed for use with Accusys 8 series and 9 series RAID controllers. The applications serve as handy and effective tools for remote, cross-platform monitoring and control of RAID Controllers.
Instant Remote Notification ................14 UPS Support ...................... 14 ....................15 EFORE YOU BEGIN What’s in the box ....................15 ACS-8960 SCSI-SATA package ................. 15 ACS-8960 FC-to-SATA (copper version) package..........15 ACS-8960 FC-to-SATA (optical version) package..........15 What else you need..................... 16...
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Table of Contents RAID ........17 AMILIARIZING YOURSELF WITH THE CONTROLLER Overview ......................17 Control Panel..................... 17 Rear view ......................18 .................... 18 UPPLIED ACCESSORIES 3-in-1 Combo Cable................... 18 RS232 Connection for VT-100/ANSI Terminal-Emulation ........ 18 Default Serial Port Settings ................19 Modem Connection ....................
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Output area controls ..................39 CHAPTER 5 CONFIGURATION................40 ..................40 ONFIGURATION OVERVIEW System configuration..................40 RAID configuration.................... 41 How to configure ACS-8960 ................42 ..............43 INDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE MENUS ..................44 CCESSING THE MAIN MENU Using Monitor Utility..................44 Control Panel.....................
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Table of Contents ....................58 ODEM SETTINGS Modem Init St menu ................... 58 ..................59 AVING CONFIGURATIONS NVRAM menu ....................59 ....................60 DVANCED SETTINGS RAID Functions menu..................60 ..................62 PDATING THE IRMWARE APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING ..............64 APPENDIX B INTRODUCTION TO RAID LEVELS ..........67 RAID 0 .......................
Striping with Parity on Dedicated Disk (RAID 3) Striping with Interspersed Parity (RAID 5) As a result, the ACS-8960 RAID Controller offers a higher range of choices and better security. ACS-8960 is available in two configurations differing in their host interfaces:...
To ensure flawless operation, ACS-8960 has a built-in self-diagnostic utility. Self-diagnostic Mode is entered automatically upon power up, or after the ACS-8960 has been reset. In this mode, all components are tested, and any potential problems are reported. Once the tests are complete, ACS-8960 switches automatically to Operation Mode.
Full details on changing configurations are given in Chapter 5 Operation Mode Operation Mode is the default state of ACS-8960. In this mode, the controller box front panel LCD continuously displays the current status of ACS-8960. A typical display looks like the...
Hot Swapping allows for the removal and installation of disk drives without interruption of data access while the ACS-8960 system is in use. This is usually performed when there is no Hot Spare drive configured. There is no need to power down the system.
Chapter 1 – Introduction to ACS-8960 Before you begin What’s in the box Some vendors may ship certain components as standard, while other vendors treat the same component as optional. In its most basic configuration, your package should include the...
File servers, with multiple random access of varying file size, generally have little or no performance improvement with additional cache. ACS-8960 disk arrays do not require the installation of different drivers for use with different operating systems. ACS-8960 is independent and...
Chapter 1 – Introduction to ACS-8960 Familiarizing yourself with the RAID controller Overview Control Panel The two-line, 16-character LCD displays the status configuration information ACS-8960. The Scroll buttons are used to scroll through screens and highlight menu items The Enter button is used to select an option...
Pins 9 and A are unassigned RS232 Connection for VT-100/ANSI Terminal-Emulation The ACS-8960 controller can be configured via a PC running a VT-100 or ANSI terminal-emulation. In order to connect to a PC, you may need to connect an additional interface cable to the combo cable, which converts the RS-232 signal of the 10-pin header connector into a 9-pin D-sub male connector.
The baud rate can be changed using the interface on the front panel. Modem Connection ACS-8960 can be connected to a modem to allow remote notification in the event of an error. If a modem is properly connected to the modem header of the combo cable, you can configure the ACS-8960 to notify the administrator in case of malfunction.
Instructions on how to install and upgrade DRAM Instructions on cabling Installation flowchart Installation of ACS-8960 is simple. This chapter will lead you though the following steps: Install minimum 32 MB DRAM SODIMM in the socket on the Install controller board...
To avoid overheating, ACS-8960 should be installed in a well-ventilated area and in such a way that sufficient airflow is maintained across the controller chips.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Hardware configurations ACS-8960 is supplied in two configurations – with either a SCSI or a fibre host interface. There are three versions in total, each with a different daughterboards. Other components of the two configurations (controller board, backboard, control panel and controller box) and are identical.
Chapter 2 – Installation Changing hardware configurations Read the pre-installation notices earlier in this chapter before proceeding with installation. Most users should not need to replace components but users need to remove components to install or remove a SODIMM module. Instructions on installing and removing SODIMM are given separately in the next section.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Removing / replacing control panel To remove the control panel: 1. Release the two latches securing the control panel to the controller box casing. 2. Ease the control panel forward out of the controller box. 3. Release the two control panel cables from the control panel.
Chapter 2 – Installation Removing / replacing backplane To remove the backplane: Remove the daughterboard (see previous section). Remove four screws securing the controller board to the controller box casing. Gently push the two sides of the controller box apart and ease out the backplane, and controller board (still connected to each other).
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Removing / replacing controller board To remove the controller board: Remove the daughterboard (see previous section). Remove the backplane (see previous section). Remove any installed SODIMM (see instructions on following page). To install the controller board: Connect the backplane to the controller board and install in controller box casing (see previous section).
Chapter 2 – Installation Installing / Upgrading SODIMM Read the pre-installation notices earlier in this chapter before proceeding with installation. ACS-8960 is normally supplied without . The any DRAM installed ACS-8960 controller requires a minimum 32 MB DRAM SODIMM installed in the socket on the controller board in order to operate.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Installing SODIMM To install a SODIMM, ensure the system power is off and disconnected. Then: Remove any screws securing the controller box cover, then slide the cover back and lift off. Remove the daughter board. Insert a memory card at a 45-degree angle into...
Chapter 2 – Installation Host connection Read the pre-installation notices earlier in this chapter before proceeding with host connection. SCSI configuration Connect a SCSI cable from the host system SCSI card to one of the SCSI connectors on the daughter board. Users setting up a dual host configuration should connect two SCSI cables –...
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Cabling Read the pre-installation notices earlier in this chapter before proceeding with cabling. Ensure that each of the host systems is connected to the daughterboard as described in the previous section. Connect a serial ATA cable from each hard disk drive in the intended array to a connector on the backplane.
Chapter 2 – Installation Turning on for the first time When cabling is complete, ACS-8960 can be turned on. This should be done in the following order: 1. First turn on the power source 2. Then boot the host computer(s) When ACS-8960 is running, you are ready to configure one or more RAIDs.
Quick Setup can be completed very quickly using this method. Use of the Monitor Utility requires a connection to be established first between the host terminal and ACS-8960. Quick Setup can only be used to establish a single array. To establish a multiple array, turn to Chapter 5.
Chapter 3 – Quick setup Quick Setup with the control panel ACS-8960 1. Turn on ACS-8960. The controller will enter self-diagnostic mode automatically enter Operation Mode. A typical operation mode screen is ×××111×× shown. Full explanation of the control panel messages is given in Appendix C.
Monitor Utility are given in Chapter 4. Users wishing to perform Quick Setup via the monitor utility must first establish a connection between the host terminal and ACS-8960. Follow the instructions in Chapter 5, Accessing the Monitor Utility. Then: 1.
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Chapter 3 – Quick setup 6. The Quick Setup submenu lists the RAID levels available (0, 1, 3, 5 and 0+1). Scroll through the list until the appropriate level for the RAID you want to set up is highlighted. Press Enter. 7.
COM port before. A connection must then be established between the host computer and the ACS-8960 RAID controller. This is done by means of a terminal program, such as HyperTerminal. This section outlines the process to set up a HyperTerminal connection.
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3. The Connect to dialog box appears. Select COM1 or COM2 from the Connect using: dropdown menu, depending on which port is linked to ACS-8960. Click 4. The COM Properties dialog box will appear. Set the following values: Bits per second: 19,200...
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Using the Monitor Utility Once a connection has been set up between ACS-8960 and the host computer: 1. Make sure ACS-8960 is turned on 2. Press the Ctrl and D keys together to launch the Monitor Utility.
Chapter 4 – Accessing the Monitor Utility Monitor utility control keys The monitor utility control keys differ depending on which area is active: Menu area or Output area. The control keys are listed at the bottom of the Monitor Utility screen. Menu area controls A / ↑...
ACS-8960 User’s Manual This chapter explains how to access and implement the complete suite of ACS-8960 configuration options using either the Monitor Utility or control panel. It contains: An outline of the configuration process An explanation of the configuration menu structure...
The administrator can specify up to two fax numbers and two Enter alert pager numbers to which alert messages will be sent in the settings event of an error with ACS-8960. Turn to Entering and editing alert settings. The default settings are appropriate for most users. Turn to Check and Advanced settings.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual How to configure ACS-8960 There are two ways to configure ACS-8960: Using the Control Panel Using the Monitor Utility These two methods are functionally identical. Only the interface differs. In each, the user scrolls through menus and submenus to locate and select the desired configuration option.
All configuration options are exercised from within these submenus. The main menus, as viewed from the Monitor Utility, for the two available hardware configurations of ACS-8960 are shown below: Fibre host interface configuration SCSI host interface configuration...
1. Run HyperTerminal (or the terminal program used to establish an RS232 connection with ACS-8960) and open the connection established with ACS-8960 in Chapter 4. 2. Press Ctrl D to launch the Monitor Utility. The menu area will be blank.
The main menu of the SCSI host interface configuration has a SCSI params submenu. These submenus are dealt with separately in this chapter. Control Panel ACS-8960 1. Turn on ACS-8960. The controller will enter self-diagnostic mode automatically enter Operation Mode. A ××111×××...
SCSI params submenu. These submenus are dealt with separately in this chapter. Setting array parameters The parameters of the single or multiple ACS-8960 RAIDs are set and reconfigured from the RAID params submenu located at Main menu > RAID Params menu. 1.1.1 1 RAID params 1.1 Array 1...
Chapter 5 – Configuration RAID params menu Array 1 Configure / reconfigure array 1 1.1.1 Re-configure RAID Select No or Yes. To avoid accidental erasure of an existing RAIDs, Yes must be selected prior to saving of any RAID configuration Data lost during reconfiguration cannot be recovered.
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Configuration changes made in the RAID Params menu must be saved to the ACS-8960 non-volatile memory and ACS-8960 restarted for the changes to take effect. This is done in the NVRAM menu accessed from the Main menu..
Enable or Disable (Default: Enable). Disable termination is a terminator has been installed on each SCSI bus If ACS-8960 is the only SCSI device on the bus or is at the end of a daisy chain the termination should be enabled. If ACS-8960 is in the middle of a daisy chain the termination should be disabled.
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A RAID may be divided into several logical units (that portion of a disk array seen by the host system as a single logical device). ACS-8960 can support up to eight logical units in total. Secondary SCSI...
The parameters of the fibre channel connection(s) to the host(s) are set and reconfigured from the Fibre Params submenu located at Main menu > Fibre Params menu. ACS-8960 is available in two hardware configurations: With a fibre channel interface and with a SCSI interface. The Fibre Params menu is only present on the fibre channel interface configuration.
2.3.1.2 Port 1 or Port 2. The two ports are equivalent to the two host channels. Then choose Enable (to allow hosts on that channel to view ACS-8960) or Disable (to make ACS-8960 invisible to hosts on that channel). 2.3.2...
RS232 Params menu The administrator should specify the communication protocols between ACS-8960 and the external modem and between ACS-8960 and the remote terminal or terminal emulation software. This is done in the Modem Port menu located at Main menu > RS232 Params menu >...
Parity None, Odd or Even (Default: None) The remote terminal settings and those of ACS-8960 must match. So, if the administrator increases the Baud rate of the ACS-8960 port, the baud rate of the terminal emulation software (e.g. HyperTerminal) connection must...
Entering and editing alert settings The administrator can specify two fax numbers and two pager numbers to which alert messages will be sent in the event of an error with ACS-8960. To configure alert settings, follow the instructions in succeeding sections to: 1.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Pager alert settings Pager alert settings are all entered and edited from the Pager Info submenu, located at Main menu > System Params menu > Pager Info 4.2.1 4.2 Pager Info Enable / Disable System params Paging 4.2.2...
(Default: 5). 4.2.7 Page Now Instruct ACS-8960 to send a test pager alert immediately. When the above data has been entered appropriately, go to the NVRAM submenu to update settings so that the configuration changes are saved. Fax alert settings Fax alert settings are entered and edited from the Fax Info submenu, located at Main menu >...
Configuration changes made in the System Params menu must be saved to the ACS-8960 non-volatile memory for the changes to take effect. This is done in the NVRAM menu accessed from the Main menu.. See Saving Configurations...
Yes or No (default: No) Select Yes to restart ACS-8960. ACS-8960 must be restarted for any configuration changes made within the Quick Setup, RAID params and SCSI//Fibre params menus to take effect. Configuration changes made from the RS232, System Params and RAID...
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Advanced settings RAID Functions menu Stop / Start Select Array RAID Functions Init R5/R3 Stop / Start Select Array R5/R3 Check Clear / Enable / Beeper Disable No / Yes Stop Modem Select disk Add Disk number...
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Chapter 5 – Configuration Add Disk Select disk number (1 to 16) Add a disk to an existing configuration while ACS-8960 is online (Default: None). Remove Disk Select disk number (1 to 16) Remove a disk from an existing configuration while ACS-8960 is online. This function enables the administrator to shutdown a potentially faulty disk.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Updating the Firmware ACS-8960 is shipped with firmware installed. The user may however wish to download new or upgraded editions of the firmware to the controller. Ask your vendor about the latest firmware edition or refer to the website www.accusys.com.tw A terminal emulation program, such as HyperTerminal, is required to download firmware.
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Chapter 5 – Configuration Locate the updated firmware file to send. If using HyperTerminal, go to the Transfer menu and select Send Text File… Send firmware file as a text file. The file will start to download. When prompted, enter Go (case sensitive) to update the firmware.
Unable to access ACS-8960 after the operating system boots up. Possible Cause: ACS-8960 is not configured. Fix: Make sure ACS-8960 is configured for a RAID level. If no RAID level is configured the operating system will not detect ACS-8960 as a disk drive.
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Parity, and XON/XOFF Flow control. Make sure the terminal is configured for these settings. If the settings were changed in Configuration Mode, verify the settings of the ACS-8960 in the RS-232 Params, Terminal option and change the terminal settings accordingly.
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SCSI IDs already in use. The ACS-8960 is identified as all SCSI IDs. Possible Cause: The SCSI ID set for ACS-8960 is identical to the reserved SCSI ID used by the SCSI card in your system.
Appendix B – Introduction to RAID levels The ACS-8960 can support the following RAID levels: 0, 1, 3, 5 and 0+1. Which is the right level for you? The answer depends on the application you use your RAID for. RAID Level 0 offers high transfer rates, and is ideal for large blocks of data where speed is of importance.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual RAID 0 RAID 0 links each drive in the array as one huge drive. Storage capacity is determined by the smallest drive in the array. That capacity is then applied to format all other drives in the array. If using a 40 GB, 60 GB, and 50 GB drive in a RAID 0 array, your system will see one huge drive of 120 GB (40 GB×3).
Appendix B – Introduction to RAID levels RAID 1 RAID 1 is commonly referred to as Disk Mirroring, Disk Shadowing or Disk Duplexing as all data is duplicated across both disks. As data is identical on both disks, storage capacity is that of the smaller disk.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual RAID 0+1 RAID 0+1 combines mirroring and striping functions on a minimum of four hard disks. Mirroring provides full redundancy and protects data in case of multiple drive failure (providing that data on one of each mirrored pair of drives is intact).
Appendix B – Introduction to RAID levels RAID 3 RAID 3 uses a mathematical expression that compares data from two drives and calculates a third piece of data called “parity”. Should one of the drives fail, parity data can be used to rebuild the failed data.
ACS-8960 User’s Manual RAID 5 RAID 5 uses a mathematical expression that compares data from two drives and calculates a third piece of data called “parity”. Should one of the drives fail, parity data can be used to rebuild the failed data. Under RAID 5, parity data is stored across all drives in the array. This maximizes the amount of storage capacity available from all drives in the array while still providing data redundancy.
Appendix C – Introduction to Serial ATA Serial ATA is a disk-interface technology that is an evolutionary advance on Parallel ATA (IDE). Compatible with today’s software and OS-transparent, Serial ATA offers several compelling advantages for RAID storage solutions. These include cables that are easier to route and install; smaller connectors;...
ACS-8960 User’s Manual Performance Serial ATA technology delivers up to 1.5Gb/sec of performance to each drive within a disk drive array – more than enough to help you get the most out of the current generation of hard drives. Serial ATA is also more reliable than Parallel ATA: instructions as well as data are checked for errors, resulting in higher reliability, and less frequent corruption of data.
Appendix D – Control Panel Messages Status messages When ACS-8960 is in operation mode, scroll buttons ▼ and ▲ can be used to display the following system data: Installed Memory RAID Capacity Firmware Version Serial Number CPU Type RAID Members...
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ACS-8960 User’s Manual Error Messages The following is a listing of the error messages generated by ACS-8960 and their meaning. Number of disk channel Legend: Total number of disks detected by the controller Number of disks specified in 1 RAID Params, 3 Disk Number menu option.
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Appendix D – Control Panel Messages Error Message Explanation RAID 5 Check ERROR! The R5 Check function failed. Possible wrong RAID configuration or not initialized (Init RAID5). UPS interrupt detected ! A power outage was detected by the UPS and notified the ProRAID via the UPS port Param vendor ID ERROR! The information in NVRAM has been erased.
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ACS-8960 User’s Manual Error Message Explanation DISK: #x is off-line! Disk number (x) failed and was removed from the RAID configuration. DISK: #x not installed! The disk (x) has not been detected by the controller. Possible bad disk. DISK: #x ERROR status ? ! The disk (x) caused an error.
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Appendix D – Control Panel Messages Error Message Explanation Paging: Modem is busy! The modem is currently is use and unable to send a page notification. Invalid NVRAM The information stored in the NVRAM area is invalid and unable to be used. No Configuration The ProRAID is currently not configured for any RAID level.
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ACS-8960 User’s Manual Array See Disk Array. Array Management Software The body of software that provides common control and management for a disk array. Array Management Software most often executes in a disk controller or intelligent host bus adapter, but may also execute in a host computer. When it executes in a disk controller or adapter, Array Management Software is often referred to as Firmware.
Appendix E – Glossary Hot Swap The substitution of a (usually defective) unit by a replacement that takes place while the system is online. Logical Unit Disk storage space on one or more physical drives that appears to the host computer as a single drive.
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