DEC 4000 Model 200, VAX 4000 Model 200, BA430 Operation Manual

VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430)
Operation

Order Number EK–395AB–OM–002

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, December 1990
Revised, June 1991

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.

Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.

The software, if any, described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed
for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.

Restricted Rights: Use, duplication or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in TechnicalDataandComputer
Software clause at DFARS 252.227–7013.

© Digital Equipment Corporation, 1991. All rights reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The Reader’s Comments form at the end of this document requests your critical evaluation to

assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: CompacTape, CX, DDCMP,

DEC, DECconnect, DECdirect, DECnet, DECscan, DECserver, DECUS, DECwindows,
DELNI, DEMPR, DESQA, DESTA, DSRVB, DSSI, IVAX, KDA, KLESI, KRQ50, MicroVAX,
MSCP, Q-bus, Q22-bus, RA, RQDX, RV20, SA, SDI, ThinWire, TK, TMSCP, TQK, TS05, TU,
VAX, VAX 4000, VAXcluster, VAX DOCUMENT, VAXELN, VAXlab, VAXserver, VMS, VT, and
the DIGITAL logo.

X Window System is a trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
FCC NOTICE: The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and may emit radio

frequency energy. The equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such radio frequency interference when operated in
a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause
interference, in which case the user at his own expense may be required to take measures to
correct the interference.

S1680

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.2.

Contents

Preface ix

Chapter 1 System Overview

1.1 Front View and Physical Description ................... 1–2

1.1.1 BA430 Enclosure . . .............................. 1–6

1.1.1.1 Mass Storage Shelf ............................ 1–8

1.1.1.2 Card Cage ................................... 1–10

1.1.1.3 CPU Cover Panel .............................. 1–12

1.1.1.4 DSSI and KZQSA Connectors .................... 1–14

1.1.1.5 Power Supply Controls and Indicators . ............. 1–15

1.1.1.6 Fans . . ...................................... 1–18

1.2 Functional Description of Base System ................. 1–19

1.2.1 Base System Components . . . ...................... 1–19

1.2.1.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................... 1–20

1.2.1.2 Console Serial Line Unit (SLU) ................... 1–20

1.2.1.3 Main Memory . . . .............................. 1–20

1.2.1.4 Network Controller ............................ 1–20

1.2.1.5 Embedded DSSI Host Adapter .................... 1–21

1.2.2 Optional Components ............................. 1–21

1.2.2.1 Mass Storage Devices and Controllers . ............. 1–21

1.2.2.2 Mass Storage Subsystems . ...................... 1–22

1.2.2.3 Mass Storage Expanders . . ...................... 1–22

1.2.2.4 Communications Controllers ..................... 1–23

1.2.2.5 Real-Time Controllers .......................... 1–25

1.2.2.6 Printer Interfaces.............................. 1–25

1.2.2.7 Other Available Options . . . ...................... 1–25

1.3 Dual-Host Capability (VMS Systems Only) . ............. 1–25

iii

Chapter 2 Operating the System

2.1 Before You Operate the System . ...................... 2–1

2.2 Switch Settings ................................... 2–1

2.2.1 Normal Operation . .............................. 2–1

2.2.2 Special Operation . . .............................. 2–2

2.3 Turning On the System ............................. 2–4

2.4 Booting the System . . .............................. 2–6

2.4.1 Autobooting the System ........................... 2–6

2.4.2 Booting the System from Console Mode . . ............. 2–12

2.5 Using the System .................................. 2–13

2.6 Halting the System . . .............................. 2–13

2.7 Restarting the System .............................. 2–14

2.8 Turning Off the System ............................. 2–14

2.9 Recovering from an Over Temperature Condition ......... 2–15

Chapter 3 Operating the System Options

3.1 Mass Storage Options .............................. 3–1

3.1.1 RF-Series Integrated Storage Elements . . ............. 3–2

3.1.1.1 RF-Series Controls and Indicators ................. 3–2

3.1.1.2 Changing the Bus Node ID Plugs ................. 3–5

3.1.2 TF85 Tape Drive . . .............................. 3–6

3.1.2.1 Design of the Drive ............................ 3–8

3.1.2.2 Labeling a Tape Cartridge . ...................... 3–8

3.1.2.3 Write-Protecting a Tape Cartridge ................. 3–9

3.1.2.4 Inserting a Tape Cartridge . ...................... 3–12

3.1.2.5 Removing a Tape Cartridge ...................... 3–15

3.1.2.6 Summary of TF85 Tape Drive Controls and Indicators . 3–17

3.1.2.7 Cleaning the TF85 Tape . . . ...................... 3–18

3.1.3 TK70 Tape Drive . . .............................. 3–18

3.1.3.1 Design of the Drive ............................ 3–20

3.1.3.2 Labeling a Tape Cartridge . ...................... 3–20

3.1.3.3 Write-Protecting a Tape Cartridge ................. 3–21

3.1.3.4 Tape Cartridge Handling and Storage Guidelines ..... 3–24

3.1.3.5 Inserting a Tape Cartridge . ...................... 3–24

3.1.3.6 Removing a Tape Cartridge ...................... 3–27

iv

3.1.3.7 Summary of TK70 Tape Drive Controls and Indicator

Lights. ...................................... 3–29

3.1.4 TLZ04 Tape Drive . .............................. 3–30

3.1.4.1 Proper Handling of Cassette Tapes . . . ............. 3–32

3.1.4.2 Setting the Write-Protect Tab on the Cassette Tape.... 3–33

3.1.4.3 Inserting a Cassette Tape into the Drive ............ 3–34

3.1.4.4 System Software .............................. 3–35

3.1.4.5 Cleaning the Heads ............................ 3–36

3.1.5 RV20 Optical Disk Subsystem ...................... 3–37

3.1.6 RRD40-Series Compact Disc Drive Subsystem .......... 3–38

3.1.7 TSV05 Tape Drive . .............................. 3–38

3.1.8 TSZ07 Tape Drive . .............................. 3–38

3.1.9 TU81E Tape Drive . .............................. 3–38

3.2 Communications Controller Options ................... 3–38

3.2.1 Asynchronous Serial Controllers .................... 3–38

3.2.1.1 Asynchronous Controllers Without Modem Support.... 3–39

3.2.1.2 Asynchronous Controllers with Modem Support . ..... 3–40

3.2.2 Synchronous Controllers .......................... 3–40

3.2.3 Network Controllers .............................. 3–41

3.3 Real-Time Options . . . .............................. 3–42

3.4 Printer Options ................................... 3–42

3.5 Adding Options ................................... 3–43

Appendix A Related Documentation

Appendix B Programming Parameters for DSSI Devices

B.1 DSSI Device Parameters ............................ B–1

B.2 How VMS Uses the DSSI Device Parameters ............ B–3

B.3 Examining and Setting DSSI Device Parameters .......... B–4

B.3.1 Entering the DUP Driver Utility .................... B–7

B.3.2 Setting Allocation Class ........................... B–8

B.3.3 Setting Unit Number ............................. B–9

B.3.4 Setting Node Name .............................. B–12

B.3.5 Setting System ID . .............................. B–12

B.3.6 Exiting the DUP Server Utility ..................... B–13

v

Appendix C Backup Procedures

C.1 Overview of Standalone BACKUP ..................... C–1

C.1.1 Installing Standalone BACKUP on the System Disk ..... C–2

C.1.2 Booting Standalone BACKUP from the System Disk ..... C–2

C.1.3 Installing Standalone BACKUP on a Tape Cartridge..... C–3

C.1.4 Booting Standalone BACKUP from a Tape Cartridge .... C–5

C.2 Backing Up the System Disk . . . ...................... C–6

C.3 Restoring the System Disk ........................... C–9

Appendix D Removing Unwanted VMS Files

D.1 Using VMSTAILOR . . .............................. D–1

Glossary

Index

Examples

B–1 SHOW DSSI Display (Embedded DSSI) ................. B–6

B–2 SHOW UQSSP Display (KFQSA-Based DSSI) ............ B–7

B–3 Starting the DUP Driver Utility (Embedded DSSI) . . . ..... B–8

B–4 Starting the DUP Driver Utility (KFQSA-Based DSSI) ..... B–8

B–5 Setting Allocation Class for a Specified Device ........... B–9

B–6 Setting a Unit Number for a Specified Device ............ B–10

B–7 Changing a Node Name for a Specified Device............ B–12

B–8 Changing a System ID for a Specified Device ............ B–13

B–9 Exiting the DUP Driver Utility for a Specified Device . ..... B–14

B–10 SHOW DSSI Display . .............................. B–14

B–11 SHOW UQSSP Display (KFQSA-Based DSSI) ............ B–15

vi

Figures

1–1 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) System .................. 1–2

1–2 Key Positions ..................................... 1–3

1–3 Upper Door Opened . . .............................. 1–4

1–4 Entire Door Opened . . .............................. 1–5

1–5 Front View of the BA430 Enclosure .................... 1–7

1–6 Mass Storage Shelf . . .............................. 1–8

1–7 Card Cage . ...................................... 1–10

1–8 CPU Cover Panel .................................. 1–12

1–9 DSSI and KZQSA Connectors . . ...................... 1–15

1–10 Power Supply Controls and Indicators .................. 1–16

1–11 Sample BA430 Power Bus Configuration . . . ............. 1–18

1–12 System Air Circulation.............................. 1–19

1–13 Dual-Host Configuration ............................ 1–27

2–1 Language Selection Menu ........................... 2–3

2–2 Sample Error Summary ............................. 2–6

2–3 Successful Power-Up and Automatic Boot . . ............. 2–7

2–4 Successful Power-Up to List of Bootable Devices .......... 2–8

2–5 Selecting a Bootable Device .......................... 2–9

2–6 Sample SHOW DEVICE Display ...................... 2–11

2–7 Successful Power-Up to Console Mode .................. 2–12

3–1 RF-Series ISE Controls and Indicators ................. 3–3

3–2 Inserting Bus Node ID Plugs . . . ...................... 3–5

3–3 TF85 Tape Drive .................................. 3–7

3–4 Labeling a Tape Cartridge ........................... 3–9

3–5 Tape Cartridge Write-Protect Switch ................... 3–11

3–6 Inserting a Tape Cartridge ........................... 3–14

3–7 Removing a Tape Cartridge .......................... 3–16

3–8 TK70 Tape Drive .................................. 3–20

3–9 Labeling a Tape Cartridge ........................... 3–21

3–10 Tape Cartridge Write-Protect Switch ................... 3–23

3–11 Inserting a Tape Cartridge........................... 3–26

3–12 Removing a Tape Cartridge .......................... 3–28

3–13 TLZ04 Tape Drive . . . .............................. 3–31

3–14 Setting the Write-Protect Tab on the Cassette Tape. . . ..... 3–34

3–15 Inserting a Cassette Tape into the Drive . . . ............. 3–35

vii

3–16 Inserting the Head Cleaning Cassette .................. 3–37

B–1 VMS Operating System Requires Unique Unit Numbers for

DSSI Devices ..................................... B–4

B–2 Attaching a Unit Number Label to the Device Front Panel . . B–11

Tables

2–1 Normal Power-Up Indications . . ...................... 2–5

2–2 Device Names .................................... 2–11

3–1 RF-Series Controls and Indicators ..................... 3–4

3–2 Read/Write Cartridge Compatibility with the TF85 Tape

Drive ........................................... 3–6

3–3 TF85 Tape Drive Controls ........................... 3–17

3–4 TF85 Tape Drive Indicators .......................... 3–17

3–5 TK70 Tape Drive Controls ........................... 3–29

3–6 TK70 Tape Drive Indicator Lights ..................... 3–29

3–7 TLZ04 Drive Indicators (Normal Conditions) ............. 3–32

3–8 TLZ04 Drive Indicators (Abnormal Conditions) ........... 3–32

C–1 Standalone BACKUP Qualifiers . ...................... C–7

viii

Preface

This manual describes how to use VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430)
timesharing and VAXserver 4000 Model 200 (BA430) server systems. The
hardware and software for each of these systems differ slightly, according to
the function of the system. The VAX 4000 is a multiuser system that uses
the VMS operating system. The VAXserver 4000 system is a single-user
system that uses VMS or VAXELN operating systems. Both systems can
function as an end- or full-function node on an Ethernet network.

The manual is structured as follows:

• Chapter 1 provides an overview of the systems.

• Chapter 2 describes how to use each system.

• Chapter 3 describes how to use options installed in the systems.

• Appendix A lists related documentation.

• Appendix B describes how to set and examine DSSI device parameters

from console mode.

• Appendix C describes procedures for creating backup files.

• Appendix D describes how to use VMSTAILOR to remove unwanted

VMS files from the system disk.

• The glossary explains key terms.

NOTE: VAXserver systems offer maximumperformance for applications that
do not require timesharing. Some devices in this manual are for multiuser
systems and may not be suitable for server systems. Contact your Digital
service representative if you have any questions about whether use of a
specific device is appropriate for your server system.

ix

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

Convention Meaning

Key

Ctrl/C

A symbol denoting a terminal key used in text and examples in this book.
For example,
keyboard.

keyboard.
A symbol indicating that you hold down the Ctrl key while you press the

C key.

Break

Return

indicates that you press the Break key on your terminal

indicates that you press the Return key on your terminal

BOLD This bold type indicates user input. For example:

>>>BOOT MUA0
This line shows that the user must enter BOOT MUA0 at the console

prompt.

NOTE Provides general information about the current topic.
CAUTION Provides information to prevent damage to equipment or software.
WARNING Provides information to prevent personal injury.

x

Chapter 1

System Overview

VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) systems house all components in a BA430
enclosure. This enclosure is a free-standing pedestal that houses the
following:

• Card cage

• System controls

• Central processing unit (CPU) module

• Memory modules

• Communications controller modules

• Tape drive controller module

• CPU cover panel

• RF-series Integrated Storage Elements

• TF85, TK70, or TLZ04 tape drive

• Power supply

• Fans
Up to four RF-series Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs) or three RF-series

ISEs and a tape drive can be mounted inside the BA430 enclosure.
This chapter describes the VAX 4000 Model 200 system components and

their functions.
Chapters 2 and 3 describe how to use the system and options.

System Overview 1–1

1.1 Front View and Physical Description

The front of the system has a divided door that restricts access to the system
controls. Figure 1–1 shows the system with the front door closed.

Figure 1–1: VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) System

MLO-004032

A three-position rotary lock allows you to lock both the upper and lower
doors, or to lock just the lower door. Opening the upper door allows you to
access the controls for the RF-series Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs),
tape drive, and the System Control Panel (SCP). Opening the entire door
allows you to access all system controls and cable connections.

1–2 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

Figure 1–2 shows the three key positions and the controls accessible in each
position.

Figure 1–2: Key Positions

Door Handle

Rotary Key Lock
Top Key Position:

Access to SCP, ISEs, and

Tape Drive Controls and

Indicators (Upper Door)

Middle Key Position:
No Access to Controls

Bottom Key Position:
Access to Power Switch;
All Controls and Indicators
(Both Doors)

MLO-004958

Opening and Closing the Divided Door

The divided door allows you to access the mass storage devices and system
control panel (SCP), while restricting access to the Power switch and the
CPU cover panel. Open and close the door as follows:

1. Insert the key in the lock on the front door. Turn the key to the top

position to open just the upper portion of the door, or to the bottom
position to open the entire door.

With the key in the bottom position, the upper and lower portions of
the door will open together.

2. Swing the door open.

3. To close the door, simply reverse the procedure. When pushing the

doors closed, push gently at the top right of the upper door and the
bottom right of the lower door.

System Overview 1–3

Figure 1–3 shows the system with the upper portion of the door opened.

Figure 1–3: Upper Door Opened

Top Key Position

MLO-004034

1–4 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

Figure 1–4 shows the system with the entire door opened.

Figure 1–4: Entire Door Opened

Bottom Key Position

MLO-005501

The next section describes the BA430 enclosure, which is exposed when you
open the entire door.

System Overview 1–5

1.1.1 BA430 Enclosure

Opening the front door enables you to access the components housed in the
BA430 enclosure. Figure 1–5 shows a typical configuration.

The BA440 enclosure can contain the following:

• Mass storage—TF85, TK70, or TLZ04 tape drive and up to three RF-

series Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs), or four RF-series ISEs and
no tape drive

All VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) systems contain the following:

• System control panel (SCP)

• Card cage containing modules—CPU, memory, communications

controllers, mass storage controllers

• CPU cover panel

• Power supply

• Fans

1–6 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

Figure 1–5: Front View of the BA430 Enclosure

Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs)

Tape Drive

System Control
Panel (SCP)

Power Supply

CPU Cover Panel

Fans

Card Cage

MLO-005502

System Overview 1–7

1.1.1.1 Mass Storage Shelf

The mass storage shelf extends across the top of the enclosure. The shelf
contains a system control panel (SCP), tape drive, and up to three RF-series
ISEs (tapeless systems can have up to four RF-series ISEs). Each ISE has
its own panel with controls and indicators. Instructions for using ISEs and
the TF85, TK70 or TLZ04 tape drive are in Chapter 3. The SCP is to the
right of the storage devices. Figure 1–6 shows the mass storage shelf.

Figure 1–6: Mass Storage Shelf

ISE 2 ISE 1 ISE 0 Tape Drive

Over Temperature
Warning Indicator

DC OK Indicator
Halt Button

Restart Button

System Control Panel (SCP)

MLO-005386

The SCP has two indicators: the Over Temperature Warning indicator
and the DC OK indicator. The red Over Temperature Warning indicator
flashes to indicate that the system’s internal temperature is approaching
a level that may cause system components to overheat. In addition
to the flashing Over Temperature Warning indicator, an audible alarm
also provides warning of a possible over temperature condition. If the
components continue to heat, the system will automatically shut down to
prevent components from being damaged. Chapter 2 provides instruction
for turning on the system after a preventive shutdown due to overheat
conditions.

The green DC OK indicator shows that the power supply voltages are within
the correct operating range. If the DC OK indicator is not lit when the
system power is on, refer to the VAX 4000 Model 200 Troubleshooting and
Diagnostics manual included in the Customer Hardware Information Kit.

Below the indicators are the Halt and Restart buttons. The Halt button
is a two-position button. When you press the button, the system halts. A
red indicator on the Halt button lights when the button is set to the in

1–8 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

position. Before you can enter console commands, press the Halt button
again to return it to the out position. When the Halt button is returned
to the out position, the console mode prompt (>>>) is displayed on the
console terminal screen. Now you can enter console commands. If you
inadvertently press the Halt button, enter c

Return

to continue. Chapter 2

describes halting the system in more detail.

CAUTION: Pressing the Halt button halts the system regardless of the
setting of the Break Enable/Disable switch on the CPU cover panel.

Below the Halt button is the Restart button. The Restart button has a
green indicator. When you press the Restart button, the system returns to
a power-up condition and self-tests are run. If you have specified a device
as the boot device and if the Break Enable/Disable switch is set to disable,
the system will reboot system software. Further instructions on restarting
your system are in Chapter 2.

NOTE: The Halt and Restart buttons can be disabled to prevent accidental
activation. Contact your Digital service representative if you want to disable
the controls on the SCP.

System Overview 1–9

1.1.1.2 Card Cage

The modules in your system are mounted in a 12-slot card cage under the
mass storage shelf, as shown in Figure 1–7.

Figure 1–7: Card Cage

Slots 12 - 1

MLO-005503

The first slot is reserved for the central processing unit (CPU). Up to
four MS650 memory modules may follow the CPU. The CPU and the first
memory module (slots 1 and 2) are covered by a dual-width CPU cover panel
with system controls and connectors. The remaining slots are available for
Q-bus option modules.

1–10 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

The number and type of modules installed in your system depend on your
configuration. Each Q-bus slot, even an empty one, is protected by a module
cover. The purpose of the shield is as follows:

• To protect external devices from electrical interference generated by the

system

• To protect the system from electrical interference generated by external

devices

• To maintain air flow integrity

CAUTION: Do not operate the system without Digital-supplied module
covers. The covers are required to protect the equipment and to meet
international regulatory standards. Do not substitute other module covers,
as they may not meet the required specifications.

Operating the system without the module covers has the following
consequences:

• The system may overheat due to improper air circulation.

• The system will not comply with FCC and VDE requirements for

electrostatic shielding and may produce electrical interference that
affects other equipment.

• The system is susceptible to electrical interference or damage from

external sources.

The design of the module covers varies, depending on the type of module
installed in the slot. Modules requiring external cable connections, such as
communications controllers, have recessed covers that are riveted directly
to the module. The recessed module covers allow space for connecting
cables. Modules requiring no external cable connections are covered by
flush covers. Empty slots are also covered by flush covers, which may be
single or double width. All covers, except those covering empty slots, have
a label identifying the module installed in the slot.

Cables connecting your system to peripheral devices (such as terminals,
modems, and printers) are attached to communications controllers. Each
cable can contain multiple lines. The cables run under the BA430 enclosure
and out the back or side of the enclosure, where the cables are split into
individual lines. Chapter 3 describes these connections in more detail.

System Overview 1–11

1.1.1.3 CPU Cover Panel

The CPU module and the first memory module are behind a double-width
cover panel that has internal cable connections to the memory module(s).
Figure 1–8 shows the CPU cover panel.

Figure 1–8: CPU Cover Panel

CPU Cover Panel

Break
Enable/
Disable
Switch

Standard
Ethernet
Connector

LED Display
Power-Up

Mode Switch
Modified

Modular Jack
Ethernet

Connector Switch
ThinWire Ethernet

Connector

MLO-005504

1–12 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

The CPU cover panel has the following components:

Power-Up Mode switch—This three-position rotary switch
determines how the system responds at power-up:

Language Inquiry Mode (in the top position, indicated
by a profile of a face) causes the system to display a
language selection menu at power-up if your console
terminal supports multiple languages. Also, if a default
boot device has not been selected, this mode causes the
system to issue a list of bootable devices and prompts you
to select a device from the list. Once a device is selected,
the system autoboots from that device each time you turn
it on.

Run Mode (in the middle position, indicated by an arrow)
is the normal operating setting.

Loop Back Test Mode (in the bottom position, indicated by
a T in a circle) causes the system to run loopback tests on
the console serial line at power-up. This setting requires
special loopback connectors and is for Digital Customer
Services use only.

Modified modular jack (MMJ)—This console terminal connector
provides the connection for the console terminal.

The light-emitting diode (LED) display shows the testing
sequence during power-up.

Break Enable/Disable switch—When the switch is down (dot
outside the circle), breaks are disabled. When the switch is
up (dot inside the circle), breaks are enabled. When breaks
are enabled, pressing

Break

on the console terminal halts the
processor and transfers control to the console program. Using the
console command SET CONTROLP, you can specify the control
character,

Ctrl/P

, rather than

Break

to initiate a break signal.

System Overview 1–13

The Break Enable/Disable switch also controls what happens
at power-up. When breaks are disabled (down, dot outside the
circle), the system attempts to automatically boot software at
power-up. When breaks are enabled (up, dot inside the circle),
the system enters console mode (indicated by the (>>>) prompt)
at power-up.

Using the console commands, SET HALT REBOOT and SET
HALT RESTART_REBOOT, you can set your system to override
the Break Enable/Disable switch and automatically boot software
after an error halt condition or power-up, even if breaks are
enabled.

Ethernet connectors—The CPU cover panel has two Ethernet
connectors: a BNC-type connector for ThinWire Ethernet and
a 15-pin connector for a standard Ethernet transceiver cable.
The Ethernet connector switch allows you to set the type of
connection. To use the standard transceiver cable connection,
set the switch to the up position. To use the ThinWire cable
connection, set the switch to the down position. A green indicator
light (LED) for each connector indicates which connection is
active.

1.1.1.4 DSSI and KZQSA Connectors

To the left of the card cage is a panel that provides two connectors: a DSSI
connector and a KZQSA In connector. The DSSI connector allows you to
expand your system with additional RF-series ISEs by connecting a system
expansion enclosure to the bus. You can also share ISEs with a second
system by forming a dual-host configuration.

The KZQSA In connector is for those systems using a built-in TLZ04 tape
drive. A 2.5-ft cable (BC06P–2F) links the TLZ04 tape drive and its KZQSA
controller through the KZQSA In connector. Figure 1–9 shows the location
of the DSSI and KZQSA In connectors.

1–14 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

Figure 1–9: DSSI and KZQSA Connectors

KZQSA
In
Connector

DSSI
Connector

MLO-005505

1.1.1.5 Power Supply Controls and Indicators

To the right of the card cage is the power supply. Thepower supply provides
power to the mass storage devices, the modules installed in the card cage,
and the fans.

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

System Overview 1–15

Figure 1–10 shows the controls and indicators on the power supply.

Figure 1–10: Power Supply Controls and Indicators

Power Supply

Power Switch
AC Present Indicator

DC OK Indicator

Fan Failure
Indicator

Over Temperature
Condition Indicator

Power Bus
Connectors

Power Cable
Connector

The controls and indicators function as follows:

Power switch—The Power switch is used to turn system power
on and off. The off position is indicated by a 0; the on position is
indicated by a 1.

The Power switch also functions as the system circuit breaker.
In the event of a power surge, the breaker will trip, causing the
Power switch to return to the off position (0). Turning the system
on resets the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker trips, wait one
minute before turning the system back on.

1–16 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

MLO-005506

AC Present Indicator—The orange AC Present indicator lights
when the Power switch is set to on and voltage is present at the
input of the power supply. If the AC Present indicator does not
light when the Power switch is set to on, refer to your VAX 4000
Model 200 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics manual.

DC OK—When the green DC OK indicator is lit, the power supply
voltages are within the correct operating range. If the DC OK
indicator does not light when the Power switch is set to on, refer
to your VAX 4000 Model 200 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
manual.

Fan Failure indicator—The amber Fan Failure indicator lights if
either of the two cooling fans stops working. The power supply
will automatically shut down the system as a precautionary
measure when a fan failure is detected. Call your Digital service
representative if a fan failure occurs.

Over Temperature Condition indicator—The amber Over
Temperature Condition indicator lights if the enclosure has shut
down due to an over temperature condition. Section 2.9 provides
instructions on recovering from an over temperature condition.

Power bus connectors—Three power bus connectors allow you
to configure a power bus for systems expanded with the R400X
or B400X expander. The power bus allows you to turn power
on and off for one or more expanders through the power supply
designated as the main power supply: this way, one power switch
can control power for an entire expanded system. Figure 1–11
illustrates a possible power bus configuration for an expanded
system.

NOTE: Dual-host systems should not be configured with a power
bus. Inadvertently shutting off a host system and bringing down
the cluster defeats the added reliability of a dual-host system.

The main out (MO) connector sends the power control
bus signal to the expander. One end of a power bus
cable is connected here, the other end is connected to the
secondary in (SI) connector of an expander power supply.

The secondary in (SI) connector receives the power bus
control signal from the main power supply. In a power

System Overview 1–17

bus with more than one expander, the power control bus
signal is passed along, using the secondary in and out
connectors as shown in Figure 1–11.

The secondary out (SO) connector sends the signal down
the power bus for configurations of more than one
expander.

Figure 1–11: Sample BA430 Power Bus Configuration

System Expander 1 Expander 2

MLO-004041

1.1.1.6 Fans

Two fans located under the card cage draw air in through the top of the
enclosure, down through the card cage, and out the bottom. The speed of
the fans varies, depending on the surrounding room temperature. Toreduce
the load on the fans, keep the system away from heat sources. Figure 1–12
shows the air flow through the system enclosure.

NOTE: The power supply monitors the fans. If either fan stops working,
the Fan Failure indicator on the power supply lights, and the system
automatically shuts down as a precautionary measure. Call your Digital
service representative if a fan fails.

1–18 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation

NOTE: The fan speed control can be set so that the fans will run at their
maximum speed. This setting is recommended if you want potentially higher
system module reliability, and do not object to the increased fan noise.
Contact your Digital service representative to override the fan speed control.

Figure 1–12: System Air Circulation

MLO-004042

1.2 Functional Description of Base System

Each VAX 4000 system includes base system components common to all
systems. Your system may have optional components as well. Your system
was configured at the factory, based on your order.

The following sections describe base system components and options.

1.2.1 Base System Components

Base system components include the following:

• Central processing unit (CPU)

• Console serial line unit (SLU)

• Main memory

System Overview 1–19

• Network controller

• Embedded DSSI host adapter

1.2.1.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) controls the execution of all instructions
and processes. The CPU circuits contain the logic, arithmetic, and control
functions used by the system.

1.2.1.2 Console Serial Line Unit (SLU)

Each system has a serial line unit connecting the console terminal to the
system. The SLU connector (a modified modular jack) is located on the CPU
cover panel. The console serial line provides a means of communicating
with the CPU.

1.2.1.3 Main Memory

Main memory provides the electrical storage area for data and instructions
used by the CPU. When you start your system, the operating system is
loaded into main memory. Application programs must also be loaded into
memory.

When the system cannot load everything into memory at once, it reads
in units of data called pages (512 bytes of data) from disk. A large main
memory increases the efficiency of processing, since fewer pages must be
copied to and from the disk. Each configuration comes with a standard
memory option. There is room for up to four memory modules. By adding
more main memory, you can increase efficiency.

The contents of memory are volatile. This means they are lost when
you turn off power to the system. Use mass storage devices, such as
integrated storage elements and tape cartridges, to store softwareand data
permanently.

1.2.1.4 Network Controller

Network communications controllers allow you to connect to an Ethernet
network. With a network connection and appropriate DECnet software, you
can use network services, such as mail; access data stored on other systems;
perform operations, such as editing and printing on remote systems; and
share resources, such as laser printers. Your system comes with an onboard
Ethernet controller that is part of the CPU module. The system can connect
to an Ethernet network through either standard Ethernet cable or ThinWire
Ethernet cable. Connectors for both types of cables are on the CPU cover
panel.

1–20 VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430) Operation