AlphaServer 1000A
Rackmount Owner’s Guide
Order Number: EK–RMNOR–OG. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts
April 1996
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in
the manner described in this publication will not infringe on existing or future patent
rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of
licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized
only pursuant to a valid written license from Digital or an authorized sublicensor.
Copyright Digital Equipment Corporation, 1996. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
AlphaGeneration, AlphaServer, DEC, DECchip, DECconnect, DECpc, Digital, Digital
UNIX, OpenVMS, StorageWorks, ThinWire, ULTRIX, VT320 and the DIGITAL logo.
The following are third party trademarks:
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServer, Inc.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks, Windows NT is a
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
OSF/1 is a trademark of the Open Software Foundation, Inc. PostScript is a trademark
of Adobe Systems, Inc.
PS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Toshiba is a registered trademark of Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba.
UNIS is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed
exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.
S3211
Information - Class A
FCC ID: AO9-PB70
FCC NOTICE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A 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.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
to radio or television reception. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ACOUSTIC DECLARATION:
Preliminary declared values per ISO 9296 and
ISO 7779:
Product Sound Power Level
L(WAd), B
AlphaServer 1000A Model 2xx
(PB7RT-A9) with:
Idle Operate Idle Operate
Sound Pressure
Level
L(pAm), dBA
(bystander positions)
1xRZ26/8 5.5 5.6 35 36
2xRZ26/8 5.6 5.6 36 36
3xRZ26/8 5.6 5.7 36 37
Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital representatives.
1 B = 10 dBA.
SCHALLEMISSIONSWERTE:
9296 und ISO 7779/DIN EN27779:
Schalleistungspegel
L(wAd)
Gerät
PB7rt +:
Leerlauf Betrieb Leerlauf Betrieb
1xRZ26/8 5,5 5,6 35 36
2xRZ26/8 5,6 5,6 36 36
3xRZ26/8 5,6 5,7 36 37
Aktuelle Werte für spezielle Ausrüstungsstufen sind über die Digital Equipment Vertretungen
erhältlich. 1B = 10 dBA
.
Verläufige Werteangaben nach ISO
Schalldruckpegel
L(pAm), dBA
(Zuschauerpositionen)
Contents
1 System Overview
Introduction..........................................................................................................................1-1
System Overview.................................................................................................................1-1
Supported Operating Systems........................................................................................ 1-2
System Console Firmware.............................................................................................1-2
Console Firmware Tasks.........................................................................................1-2
System Features.............................................................................................................1-4
Reliability/Availability.................................................................................. 1-4
System Expansion .........................................................................................1-4
Server Management....................................................................................... 1-5
System Security............................................................................................. 1-5
Front Panel Controls and Indicators...............................................................................1-6
Front Panel Switches.....................................................................................................1-8
Rear Panel Ports and Slots............................................................................................. 1-9
Internal System Options .............................................................................................. 1-10
Storage Options....................................................................................................1-10
EISA, ISA, and PCI Options.................................................................................1-11
Memory Options................................................................................................... 1-11
External Options..........................................................................................................1-12
Ordering Options.........................................................................................................1-12
2 Installing Your Hardware
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2-1
Hardware Setup Overview.................................................................................................... 2-1
Verifying the Installation Site...............................................................................................2-2
Preinstallation Considerations........................................................................................2-2
Environmental Conditions.............................................................................................2-4
v
Contents
Power Requirements...................................................................................................... 2-4
System Accessories.............................................................................................................. 2-5
Optional Accessories..............................................................................................2-5
Connecting a Keyboard, a Mouse, or a Printer ..................................................................... 2-6
Connecting a Monitor or a Terminal .................................................................................... 2-6
Connecting to Network Hardware ........................................................................................ 2-7
Verifying Hardware Setup.................................................................................................... 2-8
Locking Your System........................................................................................................... 2-8
Recording the System Unit Key Number....................................................................... 2-9
3 Preparing to Install Your Operating System
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3-1
Preparing to Install MicroSoft Windows NT ........................................................................ 3-2
Preparing the System..................................................................................................... 3-2
Setting the Operating System Type......................................................................... 3-2
Updating the Firmware........................................................................................... 3-3
Setting Default Environment Variables................................................................... 3-3
Setting the EISA Configuration.............................................................................. 3-4
Preparing Your Hard Disk ...................................................................................... 3-5
Partitioning and Formatting Your Hard Disk .......................................................... 3-5
Installing Microsoft Windows NT ................................................................................. 3-6
Preparing to Install Digital UNIX......................................................................................... 3-7
Setting the Operating System Type ............................................................................... 3-7
Installing Digital UNIX................................................................................................. 3-8
Preparing to Install OpenVMS Alpha...................................................................................3-8
Preparing the System..................................................................................................... 3-8
Preparing Hardware Components ........................................................................... 3-8
Preparing Software Components............................................................................. 3-9
Setting the Operating System Type......................................................................... 3-9
Required PALcode ............................................................................................... 3-10
Installing OpenVMS Alpha ......................................................................................... 3-10
4 Basic Operation
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Turning the System On ........................................................................................................ 4-2
Turning the System Off........................................................................................................ 4-4
Turning the System Off for an Extended Period...................................................... 4-4
Accessing the System from a Remote Location .................................................................... 4-5
Interpreting Startup Messages .............................................................................................. 4-5
Systems with Windows NT..................................................................................... 4-6
vi
Contents
Systems with Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha ....................................................4-7
Reading the Startup Test Results ...................................................................................4-8
If the System Passes Startup Tests .................................................................4-8
If the System Fails Startup Tests.................................................................... 4-8
Using the Consoles............................................................................................................... 4-8
Invoking Console Mode.................................................................................................4-9
When to Switch Consoles.............................................................................................. 4-9
Switching to the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) Console...........................4-9
Switching to the Windows NT (ARC) Console............................................................ 4-10
Windows NT (ARC) Console Menus........................................................................... 4-11
Boot Menu Functions............................................................................................ 4-11
Supplementary Menu Functions............................................................................4-11
Setup Menu Functions .......................................................................................... 4-11
Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) Console Commands...................................4-12
Basic Commands.................................................................................................. 4-12
Comprehensive Commands .................................................................................. 4-13
SRM Console Security Features............................................................................ 4-13
The set secure Command ............................................................................. 4-14
The set password Command ........................................................................ 4-14
The set login Command............................................................................... 4-15
The clear password Command..................................................................... 4-16
Getting Help About the Windows NT (ARC) Console................................................. 4-16
Setup Menu .......................................................................................................... 4-16
Setup Menu Help.................................................................................................. 4-17
Getting Help on the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) Console.................... 4-18
Booting the Operating System............................................................................................ 4-19
Running the EISA Configuration Utility ...................................................................... 4-19
Checking Required Environment Variable Settings ..................................................... 4-19
Changing Startup and Boot Defaults............................................................................ 4-20
Startup and Boot Environment Variables..............................................................4-20
Entering the Windows NT Firmware...........................................................................4-22
Entering the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha Firmware ........................................ 4-22
Verify Your Configuration ..........................................................................................4-22
Windows NT Systems........................................................................................... 4-22
Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha Systems..........................................................4-23
Booting Windows NT..................................................................................................4-23
Changing Windows NT Boot Selections...............................................................4-24
Using the Windows NT Boot Menu...................................................................... 4-24
Windows NT Boot Selection Menu....................................................................... 4-25
Booting Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha Operating Systems................................... 4-26
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha System Defaults........................................... 4-26
Boot Command..................................................................................................... 4-27
Using Storage Drives.......................................................................................................... 4-27
vii
Contents
Using a Diskette Drive ................................................................................................ 4-28
Using a CD-ROM Drive.............................................................................................. 4-29
Caring for Your System ..................................................................................................... 4-30
Cleaning Your System................................................................................................. 4-30
Cleaning Your Mouse.................................................................................................. 4-30
Cleaning Your Keyboard............................................................................................. 4-31
Moving Your System .................................................................................................. 4-31
Installing Your System at a New Location................................................................... 4-31
5 Installing and Removing Components
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5-1
Preparing to Install or Remove Components......................................................................... 5-2
Required Equipment...................................................................................................... 5-2
Antistatic Precautions.................................................................................................... 5-2
Top Panel............................................................................................................................. 5-3
Removing the Top Panel............................................................................................... 5-3
Replacing the Top Panel................................................................................................ 5-4
Memory Modules................................................................................................................. 5-4
Removing Memory Modules.........................................................................................5-6
Installing Memory Modules........................................................................................... 5-7
EISA, ISA, and PCI Option Cards........................................................................................ 5-9
Installing an Option Card ............................................................................................ 5-10
Removing an Option Card........................................................................................... 5-12
Testing an Option Card Installation............................................................................. 5-12
Configuring an Option Card........................................................................................ 5-15
Network Interface Card............................................................................................... 5-15
Storage Devices ................................................................................................................. 5-15
Identifying the Drive Bays .......................................................................................... 5-16
Installing Externally Accessible Devices..................................................................... 5-17
Removing Externally Accessible Devices.................................................................... 5-18
Installing a Diskette Drive........................................................................................... 5-18
Removing a Diskette Drive ......................................................................................... 5-19
Network Interface Card...................................................................................................... 5-19
Power Supply..................................................................................................................... 5-19
Removing and Installing the Power Supply ................................................................. 5-19
CPU Card........................................................................................................................... 5-21
Removing the CPU Card............................................................................................. 5-21
Installing the CPU Card............................................................................................... 5-23
Removing/Replacing Other Options............................................................................ 5-23
viii
6 Configuring Your System
Introduction..........................................................................................................................6-1
Viewing the System Configuration.......................................................................................6-1
ARC Console Configuration Options............................................................................. 6-2
SRM Console Configuration Commands .......................................................................6-4
The show config Command....................................................................................6-5
The show device Command....................................................................................6-8
The show memory Command.................................................................................6-9
The set and show Commands................................................................................ 6-10
Memory .............................................................................................................................6-11
Network Connections......................................................................................................... 6-12
Setting Network Configuration.................................................................................... 6-13
Keyboard Type................................................................................................................... 6-13
EISA and ISA Options ....................................................................................................... 6-14
EISA Bus ....................................................................................................................6-14
ISA Bus.......................................................................................................................6-16
EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)............................................................................... 6-16
Before You Run the ECU ..................................................................................... 6-17
Configuring EISA Options...........................................................................................6-18
Configuring ISA Options............................................................................................. 6-21
PCI Option Cards...............................................................................................................6-23
Storage Devices..................................................................................................................6-23
Determining SCSI Storage Device IDs ........................................................................ 6-24
On-Board SCSI Bus Configuration..............................................................................6-25
Rules for Configuring SCSI Controller Option Cards...................................................6-25
SCSI Bus Backplane Configurations............................................................................ 6-25
Configuring the Backplane with One Controller.......................................................... 6-25
Single-Controller SCSI Configuration...................................................................6-26
Contents
7 Upgrading Your System
Introduction..........................................................................................................................7-1
Planning Your Upgrade........................................................................................................ 7-1
Access from the Internet................................................................................................ 7-3
Digital Systems and Options Catalog............................................................................. 7-3
Upgrade Options .................................................................................................................. 7-4
Firmware.......................................................................................................................7-4
Updating Firmware Using the CD-ROM Drive..............................................................7-5
To update an OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX system:........................................7-5
To update a Windows NT system: ..........................................................................7-6
ix
Contents
Updating Firmware Using the Network ......................................................................... 7-6
Updating Firmware Using the Diskette Drive................................................................7-6
8 Troubleshooting Your System
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8-1
Troubleshooting Overview................................................................................................... 8-2
System Diagnostics..............................................................................................................8-3
Interpreting Error Beep Codes....................................................................................... 8-4
Reading the Console Event Log .................................................................................... 8-4
The test Command ........................................................................................................ 8-5
The kill and kill_diags Commands ................................................................................ 8-6
The show_status Command........................................................................................... 8-7
Power Problems................................................................................................................... 8-7
Console Problems ................................................................................................................ 8-7
Boot Problems...................................................................................................................... 8-9
Problems Detected by the Operating System...................................................................... 8-10
Storage Problems............................................................................................................... 8-11
Option Card Problems........................................................................................................ 8-14
Network Problems....................................................................................................... 8-14
EISA/ISA Bus Problems.............................................................................................. 8-14
PCI Bus Problems ....................................................................................................... 8-14
PCI Parity............................................................................................................. 8-15
Monitor and Terminal Problems......................................................................................... 8-16
Keyboard and Mouse Problems.......................................................................................... 8-17
Printer Problems................................................................................................................. 8-18
Overheating Problems........................................................................................................ 8-18
Using the Fail-Safe Loader................................................................................................. 8-18
Using the Update Utility.............................................................................. 8-19
9 Quick Reference
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 9-1
Messages.............................................................................................................................. 9-1
Hardware Overview............................................................................................................. 9-2
System Front View........................................................................................................ 9-2
System Rear View......................................................................................................... 9-3
System Top View.......................................................................................................... 9-4
System Board Connectors, Chips, and Slots .................................................................. 9-5
Port Pinouts................................................................................................................... 9-6
VGA Port Connector.............................................................................................. 9-6
Parallel Port Connector........................................................................................... 9-7
x
Serial Port Connectors............................................................................................9-8
Keyboard and Mouse Port Connectors....................................................................9-8
SCSI Port Connector...............................................................................................9-9
LEDs..................................................................................................................................9-10
System Board Jumper Settings ........................................................................................... 9-10
SCSI ID Settings................................................................................................................9-13
Single-Controller Configuration Jumper Options......................................................... 9-13
Specifications..................................................................................................................... 9-14
System Architecture...........................................................................................................9-16
Glossary
Index
Table of Figures
Figure 1-1: Front Panel Indicators ........................................................................................1-6
Figure 1-2: Front Panel Switches.......................................................................................... 1-8
Figure 1-3: Rear Panel Ports and Slots..................................................................................1-9
Figure 1-4: Storage Option Compartments ......................................................................... 1-11
Figure 2-1: Workroom Area.................................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-2: System Accessories............................................................................................2-5
Figure 2-3: Connecting a Monitor or a Terminal .................................................................. 2-6
Figure 2-4: Network Connections.........................................................................................2-7
Figure 2-5: External System Cabling....................................................................................2-8
Figure 2-6: System Lock and Key ........................................................................................ 2-9
Figure 4-1: Location of the On/Off Switch...........................................................................4-3
Figure 4-2: Location of Storage Devices ............................................................................ 4-27
Figure 4-3: Diskette Drive Components.............................................................................. 4-28
Figure 4-4: CD-ROM Drive Components...........................................................................4-29
Figure 5-1: Removing the Top Panel.................................................................................... 5-4
Figure 5-2: Memory Banks and Connectors.......................................................................... 5-5
Figure 5-3: Removing a Memory Module.............................................................................5-7
Figure 5-4: Installing a Memory Module..............................................................................5-8
Figure 5-5: EISA, ISA, and PCI Slots on the System Board..................................................5-9
Figure 5-6: EISA, ISA, and PCI Option Cards.................................................................... 5-10
Figure 5-7: Installing or Removing an Option Card............................................................ 5-11
Figure 5-8: System Drive Bays........................................................................................... 5-16
Figure 5-9: Installing a Tape Drive..................................................................................... 5-17
Figure 5-10: Replacing or Installing a Diskette Drive......................................................... 5-18
Contents
xi
Contents
Figure 5-11: Installing the Power Supply............................................................................ 5-20
Figure 5-12: Removing and Installing the CPU Card.......................................................... 5-22
Figure 6-13: Memory Banks............................................................................................... 6-12
Figure 6-14: EISA and ISA Cards ...................................................................................... 6-14
Figure 6-15: EISA, ISA, and PCI Open Slots ..................................................................... 6-15
Figure 6-16: PCI Option Card ............................................................................................ 6-23
Figure 6-17: Single-Controller SCSI Configuration............................................................ 6-26
Figure 8-1: Fail-Safe Jumper on the CPU Card (Normal Position)...................................... 8-19
Figure 9-1: System Front View ............................................................................................ 9-2
Figure 9-2: System Rear View ............................................................................................. 9-3
Figure 9-3: System Top View............................................................................................... 9-4
Figure 9-4: System Board Connectors, Chips, and Slots.......................................................9-5
Figure 9-5: System Board Jumper Positions for Normal Operation ..................................... 9-11
Figure 9-6: CPU Card Jumper Positions for Normal Operation........................................... 9-12
Figure 9-7: RRD45 CD-ROM Jumper Locations................................................................ 9-13
Figure 9-8: System Architecture......................................................................................... 9-16
Table of Tables
Table 1–1: Console Firmware Tasks .................................................................................... 1-3
Table 1–2: Front Panel Controls and Indicators.................................................................... 1-7
Table 1–3: Rear Panel Ports and Slots................................................................................ 1-10
Table 2–1: Optimal Environmental Conditions .................................................................... 2-4
Table 2–2: Power Supply Ratings.........................................................................................2-4
Table 2–3: System Accessories............................................................................................ 2-5
Table 4–1: Basic SRM Console Commands....................................................................... 4-12
Table 4–2: Windows NT (ARC) Console Help................................................................... 4-16
Table 4–3: Startup and Boot Environment Variables.......................................................... 4-21
Table 4–4: Booting Windows NT from the Boot Menu...................................................... 4-25
Table 5–1: Testing with the show config Display............................................................... 5-13
Table 6–1: Operating System Memory Requirements......................................................... 6-12
Table 6–2: Determining Available SCSI IDs...................................................................... 6-24
Table 8–1: Determining Where to Look............................................................................... 8-3
Table 8–2: Error Beep Codes............................................................................................... 8-4
Table 8–3: Troubleshooting Power Problems....................................................................... 8-7
Table 8–4: Troubleshooting Console Problems .................................................................... 8-8
Table 8–5: Troubleshooting Boot Problems.......................................................................... 8-9
Table 8–6: Troubleshooting Problems Detected by the Operating System.......................... 8-11
Table 8–7: Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems........................................................... 8-12
Table 8–8: Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems .................................................. 8-13
Table 8–9: Troubleshooting EISA/ISA Bus Problems ........................................................ 8-14
Table 8–10: Troubleshooting PCI Bus Problems................................................................ 8-15
xii
Contents
Table 8–11: Troubleshooting Monitor and Terminal Problems...........................................8-16
Table 8–12: Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Problems............................................ 8-17
Table 9–1: VGA Port Pinouts...............................................................................................9-6
Table 9–2: Parallel Port Pinouts ........................................................................................... 9-7
Table 9–3: Serial Port Pinouts..............................................................................................9-8
Table 9–4: Keyboard and Mouse Port Pinouts...................................................................... 9-8
Table 9–5: SCSI Port Pinouts...............................................................................................9-9
Table 9–6: LEDs................................................................................................................ 9-10
Table 9–7: System Board Default Jumper Settings.............................................................9-10
Table 9–8: Single-Controller Configuration Jumper Options.............................................. 9-14
Table 9–9: System Specifications....................................................................................... 9-14
Table 9–10: System Dimensions.........................................................................................9-14
Table 9–11: System Environmental Specifications............................................................. 9-15
Table 9–12: Power Supply Ratings..................................................................................... 9-15
Table 9–13: Acoustics-Declared Values Per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779.................................9-15
xiii
About This Guide
Purpose and Audience
This guide describes how to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain your AlphaServer
1000A Rackmount system. This information is intended for users, system managers, and
others who perform system management tasks.
Before You Use This Guide
If you have not already installed your system, refer to the installation sheet shipped with
the system.
Some procedures in this guide refer you to your operating system documentation. You
will use your operating system documentation along with this guide. Please note that this
Owner’s Guide is not contained on the CD-ROM Read Me documentation for the
AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount system.
Reader’s Comments
Digital welcomes comments on this or any other manual. You can send your comments to
Digital in the following ways:
• Internet electronic mail to: readers_comment@zk3.dec.com
Preface
• Mail:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Shared Engineering Services
129 Parker Street (PK03-2/A9)
Maynard, MA 01754-2199
Please reference internal order number S3211 in your correspondence.
xv
Preface
Organization
This guide is organized as follows:
The Preface provides an overview of this guide.
• Chapter 1, "System Overview," provides an overview of system features and
capabilities.
• Chapter 2, "Installing Your Hardware," provides instructions for installing your
system hardware.
• Chapter 3, "Preparing to Install Your Operating System," explains how to prepare
your system for installation of an operating system.
• Chapter 4, "Basic Operation," describes how to turn the system on and off, interpret
startup messages, use console mode, boot an operating system, and use storage
devices.
• Chapter 5, "Installing and Removing Components," explains how to install and
remove internal system components and options.
• Chapter 6, "Configuring Your System," describes how to configure the system.
• Chapter 7, "Upgrading Your System," describes how to plan for upgrading your
system with additional memory, network connections, power supply, options, and
firmware.
• Chapter 8, "Troubleshooting Your System," explains how to identify and solve system
problems and how to perform diagnostics.
• Chapter 9, "Quick Reference" contains system messages, jumper settings, SCSI ID
settings, specifications, and the system diagram.
• The Glossary defines technical terms related to the system.
• The Index locates main topics in this guide.
xvi
Conventions
The following table lists the typographical conventions used in this guide.
Convention Meaning
x
Ctrl/
Warning:
Caution:
Note:
boot
show config
[ ] In command descriptions, brackets indicate
{ } In command descriptions, braces containing items
< > In console mode on-line help, angle brackets
italic type
1
You hold down the Ctrl key while you press
another key, indicated here by x.
Contains information to prevent personal injury.
Provides information to prevent damage to
equipment or software.
Important additional information you may need
when you perform certain procedures.
Commands you enter are shown in this special
typeface. Commands in lowercase letters can be
entered in either uppercase or lowercase.
Commands in uppercase letters must be entered in
uppercase.
Console command abbreviations must be entered
exactly as shown.
optional elements.
separated by commas indicate mutually exclusive
items.
enclose a placeholder for which you must specify
a value.
Italic type in console command sections indicates
a variable.
In figures, a numbered callout labels a part of a
figure. In text, the numbered callout refers to a
labeled part of a corresponding figure.
Preface
xvii
Preface
Related Documentation
This section lists related documents that you may find helpful when you are operating your
system or adding options.
To Learn More About the System
Document Part Number
Alpha Architecture Concepts
Alpha Architecture Concepts
To Install the System
Document Part Number
AlphaServer 1000 Rackmount Installation Guide
Digital UNIX AXP Factory Installed Software
User Information
OpenVMS Alpha Factory Installed Software User
Information
(Digital UNIX) EY-N389E
(OpenVMS Alpha) EY-K725E
EK-RMALP-IN
EK-SFFIS-UG
EK-A0377-UG
To Install and Operate Options
Document Part Number
RRD45 CD-ROM Disc Drive Operating Guide
TZK11 Tape Backup System User's Guide
To Service the System
Document Part Number
AlphaServer 1000 Service Guide
xviii
EK-RRDDD-IN
EK-TZK11-UG
EK-ALPSV-SV
Introduction
This chapter includes the following topics:
• System Overview
• Supported Operating Systems
• System Console Firmware
• System Features
• Front Panel Controls and Indicators
• Rear Panel Ports and Slots
• Internal System Options
• External Options
• Ordering Options
System Overview
1
System Overview
This high-performance, single-processor system is intended for use as a local area network
(LAN) server or commercial applications server. It is housed in a rackmount enclosure,
which contains the system board, CPU card, other logic modules, fans, and the power
supply.
The system uses the DECchip 21064 and DECchip 21064A, reduced instruction set
computer (RISC) microprocessors, based on the Alpha architecture, and provides all the
power of a 64-bit computing environment. The Alpha Privileged Architecture Library
code (PALcode) supports multiple operating environments that offer a choice of
applications.
AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide 1-1
System Overview
This system is intended for the following types of uses:
• As an applications server, running relational databases, electronic mail,
communications, or other applications
• As a print server, providing common printing resources to PCs and other systems in a
LAN
• As a file server, providing disk storage to PCs and other systems in a LAN
• As a compute server, displaying the output of applications you run remotely on the
server
Supported Operating Systems
This system supports the following operating systems:
• Windows NT
• OpenVMS Alpha
• Digital UNIX
While the operating system is running, it controls the system, which is in program mode.
When the operating system is not running, a second mode, console mode, allows you to
control system management functions, described in the next section.
System Console Firmware
You perform many of the tasks for managing and configuring your server system in
console mode, where the system is controlled by the console subsystem, rather than the
operating system.
The console subsystem, located in read-only memory (ROM) on the system board,
contains special software, called firmware, that interacts directly with hardware
components and facilitates interaction between the system hardware and the operating
system.
Because the system is designed to support multiple operating systems, it offers two
separate interfaces to the console subsystem. The Windows NT operating system is
supported by the Advanced RISC Computing (ARC) console. The OpenVMS Alpha and
Digital UNIX operating systems are supported by the Alpha System Reference Manual
(SRM) console. Regardless of the operating system you use, you need to access both
consoles, depending on the particular task.
Console Firmware Tasks
The console firmware allows you to perform the tasks listed in Table 1-1 through either
the ARC or the SRM console.
1-2
AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide
System Overview
The Windows NT (ARC) console firmware has a menu-based interface designed to
facilitate hardware interaction with the Windows NT operating system.
The OpenVMS Alpha and Digital UNIX (SRM) console firmware has a command line
interface for hardware interaction with the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating
systems.
Table 1–1: Console Firmware Tasks
If You Are
Running...
Windows NT Boot Windows NT ARC
Digital UNIX or
OpenVMS Alpha
And You Want to... Use this Console...
Run the EISA Configuration Utility ARC
Run an Adapter Configuration Utility ARC
Update firmware ARC
Switch to the SRM console ARC
Run programs written to run within the
ARC firmware
List Windows NT device names ARC
Change Windows NT boot configurations
and environment variables
Initialize the system ARC
Display system configuration ARC
Perform diagnostic tests SRM
Boot Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha SRM
Update firmware SRM
Switch to the Windows NT console SRM
Initialize the system SRM
Display system configuration SRM
Display system storage devices SRM
Set/display environment variables specific
to Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha
Set and display environment variables
common to Digital UNIX, OpenVMS
Alpha, and Windows NT
Set console security SRM
Perform diagnostic tests SRM
Run the RAID Configuration Utility SRM command invokes ARC
Run the EISA Configuration Utility SRM command invokes ARC
ARC
ARC
SRM
SRM
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System Overview
System Features
The system provides a number of special features that enhance reliability, ensure
availability, and improve expansion capabilities, as well as facilitate hardware
management and improve security.
Reliability/Availability
64-bit Alpha RISC
architecture
Error Correction Code (ECC)
memory and CPU cache
Variable fan speed Adjusts fan speed according to system
Internal sensors Monitor and detect internal system
System Expansion
Flexible memory architecture Provides a 128-bit data path with ECC
Seven PCI expansion slots and two
EISA expansion slots
Integrated Fast SCSI-2 controller Supports tape, CD-ROM, and hard disk
Provides significantly better
performance than 32-bit architecture.
Allows recovery from most cache and
memory errors.
temperature.
temperature, fan failure, and power
supply temperature.
protection. System memory can be
upgraded from 16 MB to 1 GB using
memory options.
Accommodates industry-standard option
cards such as Ethernet, FDDI, SCSI, and
modems.
drives without use of an expansion slot.
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AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide
Integrated SVGA controller Supports management and
Capacity for 5 internal storage
devices
External ports Two serial ports and one parallel port
Wide ready SCSI backplane Provides high-performance drive
Server Management
System diagnostics Allows local and remote diagnosis of
Hardware configuration Allows local and remote system
Unique asset management Unique system identifier in nonvolatile
RAM-based error log Records startup error messages.
Firmware upgrade utility Verifies firmware versions.
System Security
System Overview
configuration applications locally
without use of an expansion slot.
Accommodates three 3½-inch halfheight drives, two 5¼-inch half-height
drives (CD-ROM or tape), and one 3½inch diskette drive.
support external options such as a
printer, a modem, or a local terminal.
technology.
system problems.
configuration.
memory provides easy asset
management.
Key lock Limits access to system components.
Security loop (on rear of system
unit)
Interlock sensor switch Automatically turns off system power if
Allows system to be secured in place.
the top cover is removed while power is
on.
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System Overview
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
The controls and indicators on the front panel of the system unit are shown in Figure 1-1
and described in Table 1-2.
Figure 1-1: Front Panel Indicators
234 51
6
1. On/Off switch
8
2. On/Off indicator
9
3. Operator control panel
10
4. Reset switch
7
11
5. Halt switch
12
6. Diskette drive activity
indicator
7. Diskette drive eject
MLO-013385
button
8. CD-ROM emergency
eject hole
9. CD-ROM eject button
10. CD-ROM activity
indicator
11. CD-ROM volume
control
12. Headphone jack
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System Overview
Table 1–2: Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Control or Indicator Function
Halt switch Halts an OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX
system, returning it to console mode control
Does not affect a Windows NT system.
Reset switch Reinitializes the system and performs startup tests
On/Off switch Switches the system unit on and off
On/Off indicator Lights when the system unit is turned on
Diskette drive activity indicator Lights when the system is accessing the diskette
drive
Diskette drive eject button Ejects a diskette from the diskette drive
CD-ROM volume control Adjusts headphone volume
CD-ROM drive activity indicator Lights when the system is accessing the CD-ROM
drive
CD-ROM eject button Ejects disc from the CD-ROM drive
Operator control panel display Displays diagnostic and error messages
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System Overview
Front Panel Switches
The On/Off, Reset, and Halt switches are located on the left side of the front panel. They
are identified by the icons shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2: Front Panel Switches
1 2 3
1. On/Off switch
2. Reset switch
3. Halt switch
MLO-013386
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AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide
Rear Panel Ports and Slots
The ports and slots on the rear of the system unit are shown in Figure 1-3 and described
in Table 1-3.
Figure 1-3: Rear Panel Ports and Slots
2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9
System Overview
1
1. Four additional SCSI
port knockouts
2. VGA port
3. Keyboard port
4. Serial port/terminal
port (COM1)
5. Mouse port
6. Serial port/terminal
port (COM2)
7. Parallel port
8. PCI/EISA
MLO-013387
9. Power inlet
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System Overview
Table 1–3: Rear Panel Ports and Slots
Port or Slot Used to connect....
Four additional SCSI port knockouts External SCSI devices without using an
VGA port VGA monitor
Keyboard port PS/2-compatible keyboard
Serial port/terminal port (COM1) Console terminal or serial-line peripheral such
External SCSI port External SCSI devices
Mouse port PS/2-compatible mouse
Serial port (COM2) Serial-line peripheral such as a modem
Parallel port Parallel device such as a printer
Up to seven PCI slots Option cards for high-performance network,
Up to two EISA slots Option cards for network, video, sound, or
Power inlet System unit to a power outlet
adjacent slot
as a modem
video, or disk controllers
disk controllers
Internal System Options
Your system supports the following types of options:
Storage options
•
PCI and EISA/ISA options
•
Memory options
•
Storage Options
Mass storage options are located in the three slots behind the bezel (Figure 1-4). The
system accommodates the following types of storage options:
One diskette drive
•
Two removable-media storage devices, typically a CD-ROM drive, a digital audio
•
tape (DAT) drive, or a quarter-inch cartridge (QIC) tape drive
Up to three 3½-inch fixed drives
•
Figure 1-4 shows the locations of the storage option compartments.
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AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide
Figure 1-4: Storage Option Compartments
1
System Overview
2
EISA, ISA, and PCI Options
The system supports EISA, ISA, and PCI options, including those for:
• SCSI storage expansion
• Networking
• Communications
• Graphics
Memory Options
You can increase your system's memory to one gigabyte by using various combinations of
memory options. Adding more memory allows your system to run memory-intensive
software more quickly.
1. Fixed drives
2. Diskette drive
compartment
3. Tape drive compartment
4. CD-ROM drive
compartment
3
4
MLO-013388
The system supports the following memory option sizes:
• 16 MB
• 32 MB
• 64 MB
• 128 MB
• 256 MB
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System Overview
Memory options consist of five single in-line memory modules (SIMMs): including one
ECC module, a 16-MB option consisting of five 4-MB modules, a 32-MB option
consisting of five 8-MB modules, a 64-MB option consisting of five 16-MB modules, a
128-MB option consisting of five 32-MB modules, and a 256 MB option consisting of 64MB modules.
External Options
These external options can be added to your system:
• Monitor or terminal
• Expansion boxes
• Printers
• RAID controller
Ordering Options
The list of supported options is subject to change. Contact your sales representative for the
current supported options and ordering information.
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AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount Owner’s Guide
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