Preface Document Overview This document provides operating procedures for the RamSan-120. It covers installation, management, and troubleshooting issues. Conventions This document uses the following textual conventions: Select Front panel button descriptions Ethernet Setup Front panel text (menu items) lunconfig Management port (serial/Telnet) commands and text.
Revision History The following table describes revisions to this document: Version Comments Date Firmware Initial release 12/07/2004 2.6.0 RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 2 -...
Additionally, SDRAM has a very high mean time between failures (as high as several hundred years) according to some studies. The RamSan-120’s internal disk drive and battery provide a fully non-volatile solution. The RamSan complements existing disk drives, JBOD, or RAID, in performance sensitive applications.
The RamSan-120 is the first and only solid state disk to implement ECC- protected DIMMS as a RAID (redundant array of independent DIMMs). Similar to disk-based RAID, if an entire DIMM inside the unit fails, other DIMMs will rebuild that information without interruption.
1.6 Performance The RamSan-120 series solid state disk is the ultimate in performance storage. With two Fibre Channel ports in a 1U package, the RamSan-120 delivers powerful bandwidth and I/O. The RamSan-120 series is capable of 70,000 IOPS (I/O operations per second) and 400 MB/sec of read or write performance.
2.2 Battery Warning The internal battery in the RamSan-120 is charged with enough voltage to power a fully loaded system for approximately seven minutes. However, the battery may not be fully charged when you install your system.
Install the socket outlet in an easily accessible location near the equipment. For normal system operation, connect the power supply to an external power source. If a RamSan-120 completely looses external power, it will shutdown after a defined amount of time. AC Voltage “Power”...
1. Once AC power is connected, the TMS | | | | | ||||||() RamSan will power-up with the Texas Memory Systems Texas Memory Systems logo. The front panel displays the memory size. TMS | | | | | ||||||()
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Fibre Channel port. The number represents the Fibre Channel Controller. The top bar represents port A and the bottom bar represents port B. The system is now ready for normal operation. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 9 -...
• Change the method of IP address assignment • Shutdown the system Figure 3-1 displays the RamSan-120’s front panel: Figure 3-1: RamSan-120 Front Panel Four buttons located to the left of the display are used to make selections: Menu The Menu button has two functions: •...
LED Test Pattern Disable LEDs Exit Menu Set LED Brightness LED Brightness [Level] Exit Menu Display logo Exit Menu 3.2 Text Management Interface The RamSan’s management port allows you to manage, configure, and monitor system behavior. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 11 -...
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Section 4.3 – Configuring Ethernet Settings. 3.2.3 General interface layout and instructions Texas Memory Systems designed the management program as a text based GUI. This program displays all of the user’s possible choices in a series of menus. The user may select menu items by entering the number of the menu item or by using the arrow keys and the [ENTER] key.
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“S” to save all of the changes. Pressing “ESC” or selecting “Q” disregards any changes and returns to the previous menu. Texas Memory Systems designed some screens to display status information and display data as in Figure 3-4: Text Management...
To access the web management interface, enter the RamSan’s IP address in a web browser. The web management interface is password protected. Enter your system login and password to access the web management interface. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 14 -...
The SNMP standards provide a framework for the definition of management information along with a protocol for the exchange of that information. The RamSan-120 Series is compatible with SNMP V2c. The SNMP model contains “managers” and “agents.” A manager is a software module responsible for managing the configuration on behalf of the network management application end users.
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Managers can access statistical information from the RamSan through its management information base (MIB). In addition, the RamSan can issue up to thirteen traps. For more information about configuring SNMP settings, see Chapter 8 – SNMP Configuration. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 16 -...
The RamSan has one account: “admin.” 4.1.2 Set password Since it is possible to access the RamSan remotely through the management port, Texas Memory Systems includes a password feature for system security. The default password for the “admin” account is “ssd”...
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Enter your old password • Enter your new password • Confirm the new password • Click the “Change” button The system immediately changes the administrator password. Figure 4-1: Password Change via Web Management Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 18 -...
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The system allows the administrator to disable Telnet to prevent users from accessing the system through Telnet. Note: The RamSan does not allow you to disable access to the console. This provides a method to re-enable the Telnet, Web, and SNMP. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 19 -...
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Click on the “Network” tab To enable Telnet, check the “Allow Telnet” checkbox and press the “Save” button. To disable Telnet, uncheck the “Allow Telnet” checkbox and press the “Save” button. Figure 4-3: Enable/Disable Telnet RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 20 -...
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Select “Save changes and exit” to save the changes. The menu displays the current Telnet status above the menu options, as shown in Figure 4-4: Telnet Setup. Users currently connected through Telnet remain connected until their session ends. Figure 4-4: Telnet Setup RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 21 -...
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Press the “ ” key or [ENTER] to toggle between the sections • Select “Save changes and exit” to save the changes. The menu displays the current SNMP Access status above the menu options. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 22 -...
Enter the date and time under the “New time/date” field. • Click the “Save” button The system immediately changes the date and time. The new time appears next to “Current time/date.” Figure 4-5: Date/Time Change via Web Management Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 23 -...
“Ethernet Setup.” Use the Select button to choose this option and continue with the configuration. You may now use the arrow buttons to scroll through the following menu options: RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 24 -...
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Enables you to set a Static static IP address for the RamSan • Sets the IP DHCP configuration to DHCP • Disables Ethernet None • Returns to the Main No change Menu without making any changes RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 25 -...
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“0.0.0.0” to tell the RamSan to ignore this entry. After entering all three values, the display prompts you to confirm the command with the “↓” button. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 26 -...
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If the network fails to start, check the Ethernet connection and contact your system administrator. If the system successfully saved the IP configuration, you may simply select the “Restart Network” option from the “Ethernet Setup” menu instead of re- selecting the same IP configuration. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 27 -...
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• Click the “Management Control Processor” graphic • Click the “Network” tab • Configure the Ethernet settings using the fields under “Configure Network” • Click the “Save” button. Figure 4-7: Web Management Ethernet Configuration RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 28 -...
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If the administrator sets the IP assignment mode to “Static,” the ‘Change IP address’, ‘Change subnet mask’, and ‘Change gateway’ options appear, as shown in Figure 4-9: Static IP Settings: Figure 4-9: Static IP Settings RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 29 -...
“Power” button to the right of the power supply. For additional details, see Section 2.7 – Turning on the System. Important: Texas Memory Systems recommends backing-up the contents of the RamSan to your server or another storage device as a fail-safe before performing a Manual Shutdown.
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For additional details, see Section 2.7 – Turning on the System. 4.4.2 Automatic shutdown In the event that the system senses a high system temperature, power out of specs, or AC power is lost, the system will automatically initiate the shutdown procedure. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 31 -...
If the system rejects the license key, the system displays a pop-up window stating, “Invalid key.” Figure 4-10: Adding licenses via the Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 32 -...
Important: Configuration options are specific to a particular version of RamSan firmware. You must save your configuration options each time you update your firmware. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 33 -...
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Click on the “General Config” tab • Click the “Download Settings” button The web interface will generate the configuration file and will ask you where you would like to save the file. Figure 4-12: Configuration Settings RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 34 -...
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To complete the file upload, enter your password to shutdown the system and click the “Shutdown” button. The changes will not take effect until you have completed a shutdown cycle. Figure 4-13: Upload Configuration Settings Step One RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 35 -...
Warnings: Fans slow has detected a system warning. Warning statements scroll across the front panel display. Possible warning examples: • Pwr supply removed • AC lost at power supply • Battery low • Temperature warning RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 36 -...
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A and the bottom bar represents port B. The system stays in Active Monitor Mode for 10 minutes or until the user selects “Deactivate Monitor” from the front panel main menu. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 37 -...
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IOPS, select “Display IOPS.” Once you select one of the above options, the display will ask you to “Enable Autoblink.” If you enable autoblink, the top LED will blink (even with constant bandwidth or IOPS). RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 38 -...
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The RamSan front panel will begin to blink. To make the front panel stop blinking, press any button on the front panel or click the “Identify Device” button again. Figure 5-1: Identify Device button RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 39 -...
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To view the system uptime via web interface: • Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab The “General Info” screen displays the “Uptime” below “Firmware version.” Figure 5-2: System Uptime Status RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 40 -...
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The system displays the current system uptime in days, hours, minutes and seconds at the top of the “Health and Status” screen, as shown in Figure 5-3: Health and Status: Figure 5-3: Health and Status RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 41 -...
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Information concerning the disk, battery, power supply, and fans are all found in separate locations through the Web interface. Disk • Click on the “Disk” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-4: Disk Status via Web interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 42 -...
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Battery • Click on the “Battery” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-5: Battery Status via Web interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 43 -...
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Management Control Processor To view the MCP status via web interface: • Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-6: MCP General Info Tab for Status RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 44 -...
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Power supply • Click on the “Power Supply” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-7: Power Supply Status via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 45 -...
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Fans • Click on the “Fans” graphic • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-8: Fans Status via Web interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 46 -...
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This states that everything is functioning under normal operating conditions. “Warn” This indicates a potential problem to look into, but the problem is not an immediate threat to system stability. “Error” This indicates that the component should be investigated immediately. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 47 -...
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The Web interface allows you to view all of the fibre channel information. • Click on one of the “Fibre Channel” graphics • Click on the “General Info” tab Figure 5-10: Fibre Channel Controller Status via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 48 -...
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Via Text Management • From the Telnet Main Menu, select “Health and Status” • Select “View Controller Status” Figure 5-11: Fibre Channel Controller Status via Text Management Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 49 -...
IOPS, as well as a running average of each of these statistics. To decode the colors on the graphical display, view the legend below the check boxes. Figure 5-12: IOPS Performance Graph via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 50 -...
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To decode the colors on the graphical display, see the legend below the checkboxes. Figure 5-13: Bandwidth Performance Graph via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 51 -...
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In addition, this tool can display an average of each of these statistics. To decode the colors on the graphical display, see the legend below the checkboxes. Figure 5-14: Transfer Size Graph via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 52 -...
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To decode the colors on the graphical display, see the legend below the checkboxes. Figure 5-15: Queue Depth Statistics via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 53 -...
Viewing the System Event and Support Logs Via Web Interface To view the system event log or support log via the web interface: • Click the “Management Control Processor” graphic • Click the “System Log” or “Support Log” button. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 54 -...
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• Select “Clear the System Log” 5.3.3 Clearing Logged ECC Errors Customers should not clear the ECC error log without first contacting Texas Memory Systems support. Via Web Interface To clear the error log via the web interface • Click the “Management Control Processor” graphic •...
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From the Telnet Main Menu, select “Log files” • Select “Set remote logging host” • Enter the remote logging host name in the text box. To disable remote host logging, leave the text box blank. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 56 -...
Chapter 6 – LUN Configuration The extremely versatile RamSan-120 series supports a variety of configurations and access control methods. LUN configuration is a memory-partitioning tool that allows the administrator to configure system memory into LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) that may be assigned to specific Fibre Channel ports in the RamSan. In addition, the administrator can assign LUN specific backup modes (for the RamSan-120) and assign the LUNs’...
Link each LUN to a Fibre Channel port (see Section 6.3 ) • Add access lists (see Section 6.7 ) • Set a backup mode for each LUN in a RamSan-120 (see Section 6.9 ) RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 58 -...
Assign LUN masks (see Section 6.7 – Managing Access Lists) • Set backup mode (see Section 6.9 – Setting Backup Mode) • Click the “OK” button • The system adds the specified LUN. Figure 6-3: Adding LUNs via the Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 59 -...
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Select “Add LUNs” The system adds the specified number of LUNs. If space was not available, the system displays an error message. When adding new LUNs, the configuration utility automatically makes the LUNs of equal size. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 60 -...
To change the port, select “Select different channel”. This displays a list of channels. Select one and press [ENTER]. In addition, the “Link/Unlink LUN(s)” screen indicates the number of LUNs currently linked to the selected controller. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 61 -...
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To unlink a LUN or all linked LUNs, select the LUN and press [ENTER]. • Select “Exit to the LUN configuration menu” • To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” Figure 6-6: Unlink LUNs Option RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 62 -...
To view the LUNs for the entire system: • Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic. • Click on the “LUN Config” tab. • This screen displays the configuration of all LUNs. Figure 6-7: Viewing System LUNs via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 63 -...
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Click on the “Fibre Channel Controller” graphic. • Click on the “Available LUNs” tab. • This screen displays the available LUNs by the Fibre Channel port. Figure 6-8: Viewing LUNs Assigned to FC ports via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 64 -...
Click on the “LUN Config” tab. • Select the LUN to edit by clicking on the LUN graphic. • Click the “Modify LUN” button. • Select the LUN number from the “LUN number” listbox. • Click the “OK” button. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 65 -...
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To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” You may number the LUNs between 0 and 63, minus those LUN numbers already assigned to devices. Figure 6-10: Assigning Different LUN Numbers RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 66 -...
“Save changes and exit” The system does not allow entering a LUN size greater than the remaining available space. If you attempt this, the system displays an error message and does not save your changes. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 67 -...
Select “Print detailed WWN mask list for LUN” • The system displays the WWN mask list. • Press any key to return to the Modify LUN(s) menu. Figure 6-11: Current Access Lists Adding Access Lists RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 68 -...
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Masks” removes all masks. • Select “Exit to the LUN configuration menu” • To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” Figure 6-12 Deleting Access Lists RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 69 -...
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Enter a unique device identifier from 1 to 255 and press [ENTER]. • Select “Exit to the LUN configuration menu” • To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” Figure 6-13: Setting SCSI Device Identifier RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 70 -...
Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic. • Click on the “LUN Config” tab. • Select to LUN to delete by clicking on the LUN graphic. • Click the “Delete LUN” button. Figure 6-14: Deleting LUNs via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 71 -...
To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” 6.9 Setting Backup Mode The RamSan-120 allows the administrator to set backup modes for each LUN individually. Warning: Texas Memory Systems does not recommend changing backup modes while the system is actively transferring data.
LUN will be lost intentionally. 6.10 Initializing LUNs The RamSan-120 allows the administrator to initialize each LUN. The initialization process erases the first few blocks of the selected LUN to remove any stale file system information.
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Select LUN (See instructions in Section 6.5 ) • Select “Initialize LUN” • Select “Exit to the LUN configuration menu” To save the changes once you have completed all LUN configuration, select “Save changes and exit” RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 74 -...
Click on the “Fibre Channel Controller” graphic. • Click on the “Controller Setup” tab. • Select from the “Topology” and “Link Speed” settings. • Click the “Save” button. Figure 7-1: Controller Setup via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 75 -...
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If the Controller Setup screen displays these settings as “Unkn” (See Figure 7-3: Auto-Detect Error) once you have saved the changes, you must configure the link speed and topology manually. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 76 -...
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This topology should not noticeably affect the performance, and some HBAs may only support this mode. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 77 -...
To change reset a fibre channel controller via the Web Interface: • Click on the “Fibre Channel Controller” graphic. • Click on the “Controller Setup” tab. • Click the “Hard Reset” button. Figure 7-4: FC hard reset via Web Interface RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 78 -...
The RamSan Text Management Interface contains several advanced options that help to diagnose potential issues and configure the fibre channel controllers for non-standard environments. These features are typically used in coordination with a Texas Memory Systems technical support contact. 7.4.1 View Fibre Channel Console The fibre channel console provides detailed logging for the fibre channel controller.
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To disable the extra fibre channel logging through the Text Management Interface: • From the Telnet Main Menu, select “Health and status” • Select “Advanced FC options” • Select “Disable extra FC logging” RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 80 -...
The SNMP standards provide a framework for the definition of management information along with a protocol for the exchange of that information. The RamSan-120 Series is compatible with SNMP V2c. The SNMP protocol requires a “manager,” which is network management software that you supply, and an “agent,”...
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Select “Change read community name” • Enter the read community name and press [ENTER] To change the read/write community name: • Select “Change read/write community name” • Enter the read/write community name and press [ENTER] RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 82 -...
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To update community information via the Web Management Interface: • Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic. • Click on the “SNMP” tab. • Enter the appropriate community values. • Click the “Save” button. Figure 8-2: SNMP configuration screen RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 83 -...
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Enter the IP address of the trap receiver and press [ENTER] To remove a trap receiver from the list of Trap IPs: • Select “Remove IP address from the trap list” • Select the IP to be removed and press [ENTER] RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 84 -...
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Via Web Management To download the RamSan’s MIB file via the Web Management Interface: • Click on the “Management Control Processor” graphic. • Click on the “SNMP” tab. • Click the “Get MIB file” button. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 85 -...
Chapter 9 – System Maintenance Texas Memory Systems designed the RamSan to be easily maintainable. You can update firmware from the web interface and easily maintain the system components. 9.1 Updating System Firmware Occasionally, Texas Memory Systems releases new versions of firmware for the RamSan.
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Figure 9-2: Uploading Patch File via Web Interface The system will ask you to confirm your password: • Enter the system password into the text field • Click the “Patch” button. Figure 9-3: Confirming Password for Updating Firmware RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 87 -...
Figure 9-4: Firmware Update Progress Window 9.2 Replacing a Power Supply The RamSan-120 series includes a single supply. Texas Memory Systems has taken special care to enclose the RamSan power supply in a protective case to minimize the electrical risks for users; however, it is critical for...
9.4 Battery The RamSan-120 is equipped with a seven-minute Lead Acid battery. The battery protects the data in SDRAM memory. If the RamSan-120 looses external power, the system continues to function by running on the internal battery.
10.2 Support Log The support log provides a snapshot of all current configuration settings. Before contacting Texas Memory Systems, please have a copy of this log available. 10.3 System Diagnostics The Text Management Interface includes a set of menus with system diagnostics.
Maintenance, Field Service, and Repair Policy BRONZE WARRANTY Equipment purchased from Texas Memory Systems, Inc. (TMS) is warranted for 1 year from the date of shipment. The warranty includes return-to-factory service for equipment that does not meet its published specification during normal operation.
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(30) days, or else the RMA will be cancelled. SILVER WARRANTY - Advanced Parts Replacement Texas Memory Systems Silver Warranty may be purchased which provides all of the features of the Bronze plan. In addition, for one to three years (customer option),...
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Houston, Texas area, daily rates and normal travel expenses for field service personnel will be charged, including air fares, hotel accommodation, per- diem meal allowance and other out-of-pocket expenses related to travel or attendance at the customer site. RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 94 -...
Use the following default account information to access the RamSan through the serial port: ssd Login: admin Pin Out The RamSan serial port has the following pin out settings: Figure D-0-1: Serial Port Pin Out RamSan-120 User’s Manual - 95 -...