Silicon Graphics POWER CHALLENGE, CHALLENGE L User Manual

Deskside POWER CHALLENGE™ and
CHALLENGE

™

L Owner’s Guide

Document Number 007-1732-050

CONTRIBUTORS
Written by M. Schwenden

Illustrated by Dan Young
Edited by Christina Cary
Production by Lorrie Williams
Engineering contributions by Keith Curts, Jim Bergman, Ron Naminski, David

Bertrand, Steve Whitney, John Kraft, Judy Bergwerk, Rich Altmaier, David North,
Ed Reidenbach and Marty Deneroff

Cover design and illustration by Rob Aguilar, Rikk Carey, Dean Hodgkinson,

Erik Lindholm, and Kay Maitz

© Copyright 1994, 1995 Silicon Graphics, Inc.— All Rights Reserved

This document contains proprietary and confidential information of Silicon
Graphics, Inc. The contents of this document may not be disclosed to third parties,
copied, or duplicated in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written
permission of Silicon Graphics, Inc.

RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
Use, duplication, or disclosure of the technical data contained in this document by

the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (c) (1) (ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 52.227-7013
and/or in similar or successor clauses in the FAR, or in the DOD or NASA FAR
Supplement. Unpublished rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United
States. Contractor/manufacturer is Silicon Graphics, Inc., 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd.,
Mountain View, CA 94039-7311.

Silicon Graphics and IRIS are registered trademarks and CHALLENGE, IRIX,
Extreme, POWER CHALLENGE, and Onyx are trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
MIPS is a registered trademark and R4400 and R8000 are trademarks of MIPS
Technologies, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other
countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Ltd. PostScript is a
registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Sun is a registered trademark of Sun
Microsystems, Inc. VME is a trademark of Motorola. Exabyte is a registered
trademark of Exabyte Corporation. Centronics is a registered trademark of
Centronics Data Computer Corporation.

Deskside POWER CHALLENGE™ and CHALLENGE™ L Owner’s Guide
Document Number 007-1732-050

Contents

List of Figures ixix

List of Tables xixi

About This Guide xiii

Conventions xiv

Compliance Information xv

1. Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers 1

Features and Options 1

The Challenge Board Set 2

I/O Interfaces 5

Ibus Interface 5

Flat Cable Interface 6

VMEbus Interface 6

SCSI-2 Interface 7

Ethernet Interface 7

Parallel Port 7

Serial Ports 7

System and SCSI Backplanes 8

SCSI I/O Devices 8

System Controller 8

Operating Considerations 9

2. Touring the Chassis 11

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors 13

The I/O Panel 13

Serial and DIN Connectors 17

Enabling Additional Serial Ports 18

Parallel Printer Ports 21

iii

Contents

System Controller 22

SCSI Drive Rack 24

Cooling System 24

Power Supplies 27

3. Getting Started 29

Chassis Components 29

Opening the Front Door 31

Internal Front-Loading Drives 33

SCSI Limitations 33

Powering On the Challenge Deskside System 37

Powering Off the Challenge Deskside System 39

Rebooting Your System 39

4. Installing Optional Peripherals 41

SCSI Configuration 41

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs 43

Installing a Half-Height FLD 47

Removing an FLD 49

Installing a Full-Height FLD 51

Installing and Using an Optional CD-ROM 55

Installing External SCSI Devices 58

Connecting a Serial Printer 64

Connecting an ASCII Terminal 68

Helpful Serial Port Commands 70

Connecting a Modem 71

Connecting a Parallel Printer 72

5. Having Trouble? 77

iv

Maintaining Your Hardware and Software 77

Hardware Do’s and Don’ts 77

Software Do’s and Don’ts 78

System Behavior 78

Physical Inspection Checklist 79

Using the System Controller 80

The Power-On Process 81

If the System Hangs 82

System Controller On Functions 82

The Master CPU Selection Menu 85

The Event History Log Menu 85

Boot Status Menu 86

The CPU Activity Display 87

Recovering From a System Crash 88

6. Safety and Comfort 91

Human Factors Guidelines for Setting Up Your Workstation 91

ANSI Standard for VDT Workstations 92

CAD Operator Preferences 93

Tips for Setting Up and Using Your Workstation 94

Facilities Selection 94

Adjusting Your Chair, Work Surface, and Monitor 95

System Usage 95

Electrostatic Discharge 96

Contents

A. Hardware Specifications 97

B. Maintaining Drives 99

Cleaning the 4 mm DAT and 8 mm Tape Drives 99

Archive Python 4320 NT (4 mm DAT Drive) 100

Loading and Unloading Cassettes 100

Removing a Jammed 4 mm Cassette 100

Cleaning the 4 mm DAT Drive 101

Front Panel Lights 101

Care and Cleaning of the Exabyte 8 mm Tape Drive 102

Front Panel Lights 102

Removing a Jammed 8 mm Tape Cartridge 103

CD-ROM Care and Maintenance 104

CD-ROM Environmental Considerations 105

CD-ROM Front Panel Operational Features 106

v

Contents

150 MB Tape Drive Preventive Maintenance 107

Digital Linear Tape Maintenance 109

Loading a Cleaning Cartridge 110

DLT Tape Cartridge Care and Handling 111

Removing a Jammed Tape Cartridge 112

C. System Controller Messages 113

D. Challenge IO4 PROM, Mezzanine, and Troubleshooting 121

Hardware Configuration Commands 121

Checking and Updating the Hardware Inventory 121

Displaying Information About the Current Hardware Configuration
122

POD (Power On Diagnostics) Mode 123

Environment Variables 123

Booting From an Alternate Device 123

Starting the System Automatically 124

Allowing the System to Boot in Spite of Nonterminal Hardware Failures
125

Restoring Defaults 125

Known Bugs 125

A Spurious CD-ROM Medium Is Displayed During Startup 125

Disk Formatting Fails Using Standalone fx 126

Mezzanine Board Configurations 126

Mezzanine Options Available With One IO4 127

Mezzanine Options Available With Two IO4s 128

Mezzanine Options Available With Three IO4s 129

IO4 Troubleshooting 131

E. Challenge VMEbus Implementation 133

vi

General Information 133

VME Board Dimensions 134

Deskside VME Power and Cooling 134

Exceeding the Normal VME Power Rating Per Slot 134

Special VME Considerations 135

VME Pins 136

Index 143

Contents

vii

List of Figures

Figure In-1 VCCI Information xvi
Figure In-2 CE insignia xvi
Figure 1-1 Challenge Deskside System Functional Block Diagram 4
Figure 2-1 Chassis Front and Rear Views 12
Figure 2-2 Basic I/O Panel Configuration 14
Figure 2-3 Optional Visualization Console I/O Panel Graphics

Connectors 16

Figure 2-4 RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Connectors 18
Figure 2-5 RS-232 Powered 8-Pin DIN Connector 20
Figure 2-6 Challenge Deskside System Controller and Drives Location

23

Figure 2-7 Chassis Cooling 26
Figure 2-8 Power Receptacle and Circuit Breaker on Rear Panel 28
Figure 3-1 Challenge Deskside Components 30
Figure 3-2 Opening the Chassis Front Door 32
Figure 3-3 Connecting an Ethernet Cable 36
Figure 3-4 Key Switch Positions on the System Controller Front Panel

40

Figure 4-1 Configuring a Drive Sled Adapter Board (Different

Channels) 45

Figure 4-2 Configuring a Drive Sled Adapter Board (Identical

Channels) 46

Figure 4-3 Installing a Half-Height SCSI Drive on a Sled and Loading

It 48

Figure 4-4 Drive Removal Example 50
Figure 4-5 Pulling Off the Side Panel and Removing the Retaining

Screw 52

Figure 4-6 Installing a Full-Height Front Loading Device 53
Figure 4-7 Deskside Installation Positions for Optional DLT Drives 54

ix

Figure 4-8 Loading a Disc Into the CD-ROM Caddy 56
Figure 4-9 Disc Loaded in Caddy 57
Figure 4-10 CD-ROM Drive Front Panel Controls 58
Figure 4-11 Connecting an External SCSI Device 59
Figure 4-12 Single-Ended 68-Pin Connector 60
Figure 4-13 68-Pin Differential SCSI Connector 62
Figure 4-14 Connecting a Serial Printer or Modem 66
Figure 4-15 Connecting a Parallel Printer Cable 75
Figure 5-1 System Controller Front Panel Components 84
Figure 5-2 Challenge CPU Board Microprocessor Activity Graph

(Histogram) 88

Figure 6-1 Basic Parameters of VDT Workstation Adjustment

(Adapted from ANSI/HFS 100–1988) 92

Figure B-1 Handling a Compact Disc 105
Figure B-2 CD-ROM Drive LED Status Indicators 107
Figure B-3 Cleaning the Tape Head 109
Figure B-4 DLT Cleaning Cartridge 110
Figure D-1 IO4 With VCAM and GCAM 128
Figure D-2 Mezzanine Types Available With Optional Second IO4 129
Figure D-3 Optional Second and Third IO4 Configuration 130

x

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Required Air Clearances for the Deskside Chassis 9
Table 2-1 Standard I/O Connectors 15
Table 2-2 Optional Visualization Console Video Connector

Description 17

Table 2-3 Server System IO4 Board Connector Labelling 19
Table 2-4 Centronics Compatible Parallel Port Pin Assignments 21
Table 3-1 System Controller Boot Status Messages 38
Table 4-1 Overview of Drive Installation Guidelines 43
Table 4-2 68-Pin Single-Ended, High-Density SCSI Pinouts 60
Table 4-3 68-Pin Differential, High-Density SCSI Pinouts 62
Table 4-4 Typical DTE to DTE Serial Printer Connection 64
Table 4-5 Typical ASCII Terminal Connection 68
Table 4-6 RS-232 Modem Connector Pin Assignments 71
Table 4-7 Centronics Compatible Parallel Port Pin Assignments 74
Table 5-1 System Controller Master CPU Status Messages 86
Table 6-1 ANSI/HFS 100–1988 Guidelines for VDT Workplace

Adjustment 93

Table 6-2 Workstation Adjustments Preferred by CAD Users 93
Table A-1 Challenge Deskside Server Specifications 97
Table B-1 4 mm DAT Front Panel LED Status Indicators 101
Table B-2 8 mm Tape Drive Front Panel Status Indicators 103
Table C-1 System Events - Immediate Power-off 113
Table C-2 System Events - Delayed Power-off 115
Table C-3 System Events - Informative 116
Table C-4 Internal System Controller Error Messages 117
Table D-1 Optional Mezzanine Board Descriptions 127
Table E-1 P1 VME Pin Assignments 136
Table E-2 P2 VME Pin Assignments 138

xi

Table E-3 P3 VME Pin Assignments 139
Table E-4 Signal Definitions 140

xii

About This Guide

This guide is designed to help you learn to use, manage, and troubleshoot
your POWER CHALLENGE™ or CHALLENGE™ L deskside server. For
purposes of brevity, the term Challenge is used generically to describe both
models unless there is a specific reason to differentiate them.

This document is organized as follows:

Chapter 1 “Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers” describes

the system and its capabilities.

Chapter 2 “Touring the Chassis” describes all of the system

components and reviews all of the controls, indicators, and
connectors.

Chapter 3 “Getting Started” reviews hardware-specific operating

procedures.

Chapter 4 “Installing Optional Peripherals” covers the installation or

removal of front-loading devices (FLDs), printers, and
modems.

Chapter 5 “Having Trouble?” describes some common problems and

possible solutions, along with hardware diagnostics.

Chapter 6 “Safety and Comfort” describes basic human factors

guidelines for system operation.

Appendix A “Hardware Specifications” lists system specifications.

Appendix B “Maintaining Drives” lists care and maintenance

procedures for removable media drives.

Appendix C “System Controller Messages” lists messages that can

appear in the System Controller’s event history log.

xiii

About This Guide

Appendix D “Challenge IO4 PROM, Mezzanine and Troubleshooting”

supplies information about the Challenge IO4 PROM
monitor functions, mezzanine boards, and basic
troubleshooting.

Appendix E “Challenge L VMEbus Implementation” provides

information to help users select third-party VME boards for
the POWER Challenge and Challenge L systems. The
chapter supplies information about the board size, power
available, and pin functions.

Start at the beginning to familiarize yourself with the features of your new
system, or proceed directly to the information you need using the table of
contents as your guide.

Additional software-specific information is found in the following software
guides:

• Personal System Administration Guide

• IRIS® Essentials

• IRIX™ Advanced Site and Server Administration Guide

Conventions

xiv

The Deskside POWER Challenge and Challenge L Owner’s Guide uses these
conventions:

• References to documents are in italics.

• References to other chapters and sections within this guide are in

quotation marks.

• Names of IRIX reference (manual) pages or commands that you type at

the shell prompt are in italics as are IRIX file names.

• Steps to perform tasks are in numbered sentences. When a numbered
step needs more explanation, the explanation follows the step.

Compliance Information

Compliance Information

FCC WARNING

This equipment has been tested and found compliant 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
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case
users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

This product requires the use of external shielded cables in order to maintain
compliance with Part 15 of the FCC rules.

International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR)

This equipment has been tested to and is in compliance with the Class A
limits per CISPR publication 22, Limits and Methods of Measurement of
Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment;
and Japan’s VCCI Class 1 limits.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

xv

About This Guide

Attention

Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques
depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe A
prescrites dans le Reglement sur le Brouillage Radioelectrique etabli par le
Ministere des Communications du Canada.

Figure In-1 VCCI Information

xvi

Figure In-2 CE insignia

Manufacturer’s Regulatory Declarations

This workstation conforms to several national and international
specifications and European directives as listed on the “Manufacturer’s
Declaration of Conformity,” which is included with each computer system
and peripheral. The CE insignia displayed on each device is an indication of
conformity to the European requirements.

Caution: Your workstation has several governmental and third-party

approvals, licenses, and permits. Do not modify this product in any way that
is not expressly approved by Silicon Graphics, Inc. If you do, you may lose
these approvals and your governmental agency authority to operate this
device.

Features and Options

Chapter 1

1. Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

The Challenge deskside systems, model CMN A011, are high-performance
servers in a compact deskside enclosure. This guide contains information for
end users about the POWER Challenge and Challenge deskside systems
hardware.

Your Challenge deskside server comes with the following features:

• POWER Challenge models come with an IP21 CPU board using one or

two R8000™ microprocessors on each board

• Challenge models come with an IP19 CPU board with up to four MIPS

R4400™ microprocessors on each board

®

• Up to 2 GB of RAM on Challenge system memory boards and up to

6 GB of RAM in POWER Challenge systems

• An IO4 board with multiple control functionality and expandability

(also known as the POWERchannel-2)

• Space for up to seven half-height SCSI peripherals in the chassis

• The Silicon Graphics® Ebus, which supports protocols for consistent

data sharing and high-speed block data transfers between main
memory and the I/O subsystem; the 256-bit Ebus (also known as the
POWERpath-2 system bus) supports multiple processor operations

• A 40-bit address bus, which provides addressing to parity-checked

high-speed data transfers between the CPU(s) and memory board(s)

• 64-bit operating system support (on POWER Challenge)

• Five VME™ expansion slots (only two slots are available when a

system is ordered with the visualization console option)

• One RS-422 and three RS-232 serial ports

1

Chapter 1: Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

• A 25-pin parallel port

• An independent system status monitor (System Controller) that records

error information during any unplanned shutdown

Available options include:

• VMEbus I/O and controller boards

• Additional half-height and full-height SCSI devices

• External 1/2-inch and 8 mm SCSI-controlled tape backup systems

• A system console ASCII terminal

• CPU and memory upgrades

• Additional IO4 controller boards

• A visualization console option providing a basic color graphics

interface to the POWER Challenge system

• Optional IO4 mezzanine daughter boards (also known as HIO
modules) for expanded and varied functionality of the IO4

The Challenge Board Set

2

Although the Challenge deskside servers are similar in size and external
appearance to previous Silicon Graphics deskside systems, most internal
features are different in design.

The internal drive rack supports up to seven half-height (or one half-height
and three full-height) devices that are controlled by either one or two SCSI-2
buses.

The basic Challenge board set consists of

• an IP19 or IP21 CPU board

• an MC3 memory board (also known as a POWERpath-2 interleaved

memory board)

• an IO4 controller board

The Challenge Board Set

The backplane supports the addition of two more boards selected from the
three standard types listed. The Onyx deskside graphics workstation system
supports a RealityEngine2™ (RE2) or VTX™ graphics board set that is not
available with the Challenge deskside backplane. The POWER Challenge
does support an optional visualization console, providing a basic color
graphics interface to the system.

Figure 1-1 shows a functional block diagram of the Challenge deskside
subsystems.

Either an IP19 or IP21 CPU board is the heart of the Challenge deskside
system.

The IP21 CPU board in your POWER Challenge deskside can house either
one or two R8000 microprocessors. Your system can house up to three IP21s
with a potential system total of six R8000 microprocessors. Each R8000
microprocessor assembly uses a customized cache controller, a separate
floating point unit, and two tag RAM and two SRAM cache units in addition
to the main integer unit. Board logic on the CPU is “sliced” to give each
microprocessor its own dedicated support logic. This allows each
microprocessor to run independently.

Note that all optional upgrade R8000 CPU boards ordered for the POWER
Challenge come with two microprocessors on each board.

Each IP19 CPU board in your Challenge deskside can house up to four MIPS
R4400 64 bit RISC microprocessors. Your system can house up to three IP19s
with a potential system total of 12 microprocessors. Board logic on the IP19
is “sliced” to give each R4400 its own dedicated support logic. This allows
each R4400 to run independently.

The MC3 system memory board can be populated with 16 MB or 64 MB
SIMM modules. The MC3 has 32 SIMM sockets. Up to 2 GB of on-board
memory is available for Challenge and up to 6 GB on POWER Challenge.

3

Chapter 1: Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

Data Bus (256 bits)

System

Controller

CPU

Board

Memory

Board

POWERchannel-2
Boards

Interface
Modules

Address Bus (40 bits)

Ethernet

4

Internal

SCSI

Figure 1-1 Challenge Deskside System Functional Block Diagram

Serial

Ports

Remote

SCSI

VMEbus

Boards

I/O Interfaces

I/O Interfaces

The main Challenge I/O subsystem consists of one or more IO4 boards,
which plug directly into the Ebus and use optional mezzanine cards.
Mezzanine cards are daughter boards that plug into IO4 boards to allow
expansion and customizing. See Appendix D for additional information on
mezzanine boards.

Controllers for I/O devices connect to the 64-bit-wide Ibus. The Ibus
connects to the Ebus through the IA and ID processors. These devices
manage transfers between the 1.2 GB per second Ebus and the 320 MB per
second Ibus. I/O resources connect to the 320 MB per second Ibus. Up to two
optional mezzanine cards plug into the Ibus on each IO4 board.

The IO4 is the fundamental component of the I/O subsystem. It contains all
of the I/O controllers needed to implement a basic Challenge system:

• an Ethernet controller

• two fast and wide 16-bit SCSI-2 controllers

• a VME interface port (using the VCAM or GCAM)

• four serial ports

• a parallel port

In addition, the IO4 board contains the logic for a flat cable interface (FCI),
which is used to connect to the VMEbus and optional visualization console.
The IO4 board also has connections for mezzanine cards, which are used to
provide expansion I/O controllers.

Ibus Interface

The IA and ID application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) act as bus
adapters that connect the Ibus to the much faster Ebus. In addition to making
the necessary conversions back and forth between the two buses, the IA and
ID ASICs perform virtual address mapping for scatter/gather direct
memory access (DMA) operations and maintain cache coherency between
the Ebus and the I/O subsystem.

5

Chapter 1: Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

Flat Cable Interface

The IO4 contains two FCI interfaces that are proprietary to Silicon Graphics.
FCIs are synchronous, point-to-point interfaces that allow communication
between devices connected by a cable. The FCI is used to connect to the
VME64 bus adapter. FCIs can operate at up to 200 MB per second for
VMEbus adapters.

The FCI on the first IO4 in a system is connected to the VME Channel
Adapter Module (VCAM) board, which contains a VME adapter subsystem
in the backplane.

POWER Challenge systems using the visualization console option have a
Graphics Channel Adapter Module (GCAM) board. The GCAM contains a
VME adapter subsystem and interfaces to the optional visualization console
graphics board in the fifth VME slot. An FCI interface is routed to a
connector on the front of the optional GCAM.

Note that the optional visualization console graphics board uses VME slots
3, 4, and 5 when installed. This leaves two VME slots available for use.

VMEbus Interface

The VMEbus is supported through a VCAM interface (GCAM with the
visualization console option) connected to an IO4 board. This bus is
standard equipment and is located in the main backplane, next to the Ebus.
The VCAM or optional GCAM plugs directly into the IO4 board without any
cabling.

The VME interface supports all protocols defined in Revision C of the VME
Specification, plus the A64 and D64 modes defined in Revision D. The D64
mode allows DMA bandwidths of up to 60 MB per second. The VME
interface can operate as either a master or a slave. It supports DMA to
memory on the Ebus and programmed I/O operations from the Ebus to
addresses on the VMEbus.

In addition to interfacing with the VMEbus, the VCAM or optional GCAM
provides scatter/gather virtual address translation capability and a DMA
engine that can be used to increase the performance of non-DMA VME
boards. See Appendix E for additional VME information.

6

I/O Interfaces

SCSI-2 Interface

The IO4 contains two 16-bit SCSI-2 device controllers. Each controller can
operate with a bandwidth of up to 20 MB per second and can be configured
for either single-ended or differential operation.

To accommodate extra SCSI channels, optional SCSI mezzanine cards
contain three 16-bit SCSI-2 controllers. Two of the controllers are differential
only; the third is configurable as single-ended or differential. These
controllers are identical to those used on the main IO4 board.

SCSI mezzanine cards can be plugged into either or both of the mezzanine
card slots on an IO4 board, allowing up to eight SCSI-2 controllers per IO4
board. With the optional visualization console the GCAM covers one of the
available mezzanine connectors on the standard I04. This leaves room for a
maximum of one optional SCSI mezzanine board on the first I04 (three extra
SCSI connectors).

Ethernet Interface

The IO4’s Ethernet interface operates at the standard Ethernet rate of 10 Mb
per second and supports an AUI (15-pin) physical connection. The controller
is intelligent; it requires no direct CPU involvement when packets are
transmitted or received.

Parallel Port

The IO4 contains a DMA-driven parallel port capable of operating printers
or performing high-speed data transfer to or from external equipment at
rates up to 300 KB per second.

Serial Ports

The IO4 contains one RS-422 and three RS-232 serial ports, all of which are
capable of asynchronous operation at rates up to 19.2 Kbaud. The RS-422
port can be operated at 38.4 Kbaud, provided the RS-232 ports are not all in
use.

7

Chapter 1: Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

System and SCSI Backplanes

The enclosure comes with an 11-slot cardcage and backplane that includes
five VME expansion slots. Note that only two VME slots are available when
a POWER Challenge system uses the optional visualization console.

To the right of the cardcage is room for seven half-height (or one half-height
and three full-height) SCSI devices. Each drive sits in its own individual
“sled” and slides into the drive rack. When fully inserted, the drive and sled
assembly plugs into the SCSI backplane at the rear of the rack.

See the “SCSI Drive Rack” section of Chapter 2 for specific information about
peripheral locations.

SCSI I/O Devices

SCSI drives are the only devices internally supported by the Challenge
deskside system. The system’s drive rack has space for seven half-height
devices. All drives must be front loaded after being mounted on a special
drive sled. Supported devices include hard disks, Digital Linear Tape (DLT)
drives, 1/4-inch cartridge, 4-mm and 8-mm tape drives, and CD-ROM
drives. Installing a full-height drive (such as the 8-mm or DLT) requires
using two half-height slots. See Chapter 4 for installation instructions.

System Controller

8

Located just above the SCSI drive rack is an on/off key switch and the
System Controller display panel. The System Controller is a
microprocessor-controlled, subsystem that is mounted directly to the system
backplane. It monitors various system operations, including chassis
temperature, system fan speed, backplane voltages, and the system clock.
Battery backup supports the System Controller’s NVRAM and time-of-day
system clock.

When any operating parameter exceeds or drops past a specified limit, the
System Controller can execute a controlled shutdown of the Challenge
deskside system. During such a shutdown procedure, the System Controller

Operating Considerations

Operating Considerations

will maintain a log with the last error message(s) received before the
shutdown.

Chapter 2 shows the location of the System Controller’s front panel on the
chassis. Figure 3-4 in Chapter 3 identifies its related control buttons. To
understand and use the System Controller, see “Using the System
Controller” in Chapter 5.

This section covers the basic requirements for physical location to ensure
proper chassis operation.

The Challenge deskside chassis is designed to fit into a typical work
environment. Keep the system in good condition by maintaining the
following operating conditions:

• The chassis should ideally have a 6-inch (15-cm) minimum air clearance

above the top. The first line of Table 1-1 shows the side clearances
required. If the chassis is positioned under a desk or other equipment
and the top air clearance is less than 6 inches (15 cm), make sure that
the side air clearances are at least as great as those listed on the second
line of Table 1-1.

• The chassis should be kept in a clean, dust-free location to reduce

maintenance problems.

• The available power should be rated for computer operation.

• The chassis should be protected from harsh environments that produce

excessive vibration, heat, and similar conditions.

Table 1-1 Required Air Clearances for the Deskside Chassis

Top Clearance Left Side

More than 6” 3” (8 cm) 6” (15 cm) 6” (15 cm) 6” (15 cm)

Less than 6” 6” (15 cm) 10” (25 cm) 8” (20 cm) 8” (20 cm)

a

Right Side

a

Front Back

a. Side as viewed from the front of the chassis.

9

Chapter 1: Introducing the Challenge Deskside Servers

Additional specifications are provided in Appendix A, “Hardware
Specifications.”

If you have any questions concerning physical location or site preparation,
contact your Silicon Graphics system support engineer (SSE) or other
authorized support organization representative before your system is
installed.

Chapters 2 through 5 in this guide discuss hardware topics common to all
Challenge deskside configurations.

10

Chapter 2

2. Touring the Chassis

This chapter describes the major features of the Challenge deskside server
chassis, along with its controls, connectors, and indicators.

Warning: To avoid electric shock and/or to prevent a fire hazard, do not

disassemble the POWER Challenge or Challenge deskside system. No
user-serviceable parts are located within the chassis. All internal
installation and maintenance must be performed by Silicon Graphics
trained personnel.

This chapter is intended to give you a better overall understanding of
Challenge deskside systems. It is not intended as a guide for system
disassembly or removal/replacement of components, except where
end-user access is specified.

The Challenge deskside chassis houses all boards, drives, and other
components in a single, upright enclosure. With its small physical
dimensions and quiet operation, the chassis fits into a lab, server room, or
normal office environment. Figure 2-1 shows the external appearance of the
Challenge deskside chassis.

11

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

12

Figure 2-1 Chassis Front and Rear Views

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

The Challenge deskside chassis is a compact unit that contains an 11-slot
cardcage, system boards, a power supply, and selected peripherals and
cables. System connector locations are indicated in Figure 2-2, and connector
descriptions are listed in Table 2-1.

The I/O Panel

The I/O panel is used to connect external devices to the Challenge deskside
system. These devices include the system console terminal, a printer, and a
modem. Specific instructions for connecting these devices are located in
Chapter 3, “Getting Started.”

The I/O panel configuration for the basic server board set is shown in
Figure 2-2.

Table 2-1 describes the standard I/O interface connectors that come with the
Challenge deskside system shown in Figure 2-2. They are listed from left to
right, starting with the parallel printer connector.

Note: If you disconnect a cable from a peripheral device, you should also

disconnect it from the I/O connector on the I/O panel. This helps prevent
the system from picking up external electrical noise.

The single-jack interrupt ports require stereo-audio type 3.5 mm plug
connectors with shielded cables. These plugs are not for use with
headphones, microphones, and so on.

The I/O panel configuration for the optional visualization console graphics
connectors is shown in Figure 2-3. Table 2-1 lists the connector types and
descriptions for the visualization console option.

13

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

Parallel

In

01 0123

Out

Interrupts

Network

et0

Serial RS422

tty_4

peripheral

power

Serial

RS232

tty_3

peripheral

power

Serial

RS232

tty_2

keyboard

System
Console

tty_1

14

01 0123

IN

Interrupts

Parallel

OUT

tty_4

RS422

Ethernet

tty_3

RS232

Powered

peripheral

Figure 2-2 Basic I/O Panel Configuration

tty_2

RS232

Powered

peripheral

tty_1

RS232

Keyboard/

Mouse

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

Table 2-1 Standard I/O Connectors

Connector Type Connector Description Connector Function

25-Pin sub-D parallel Centronics® compatible

Drives parallel printer

parallel port

15-Pin sub-D Ethernet 15-Pin Ethernet Standard AUI Ethernet

connection

9-Pin sub-D RS-232 or
round 8-pin DIN powered
RS-232

9-Pin sub-D RS-232 or
round 8-pin DIN powered
RS-232

RS-232 serial port tty_3

(Use only one connector)

RS-232 serial port tty_2

(Use only one connector)

Supports either RS-232
powered or unpowered
serial interface

Supports either RS-232
powered or unpowered
serial interface

9-Pin sub-D RS-232 RS-232 serial port tty_1 Supports RS-232 Serial

Interface for System Console
Terminal

3.5-mm tip-ring-sleeve

Single jack plugs External interrupt to system

interrupt 0-1 input jacks

3.5-mm tip-ring-sleeve
interrupt 0-3 output jacks

Single jack plugs Interrupt generation to

external system

9-Pin sub-D RS-422 RS-422 serial port tty_4 Supports RS-422 Serial

Interface

6-Pin mini DIN Keyboard connector Supports keyboard and

mouse

15

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

16

System
Console

Parallel

Out

In

01 0123

Interrupts

Network

et0

Serial RS422

tty_4

peripheral

power

Serial
RS232
tty_3

peripheral

power

tty_1

Serial
RS232
tty_2

keyboard

Figure 2-3 Optional Visualization Console I/O Panel Graphics Connectors

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

Table 2-2 Optional Visualization Console Video Connector Description

Connector Type Connector Description

Video 13W3

Genlock BNC

Stereoview 4-pin powered peripheral

Serial and DIN Connectors

Both powered and unpowered serial connectors are provided on the
Challenge deskside system. Terminals, modems, printers, and other
peripherals with independent power sources use the 9-pin sub-D connectors
(see Figure 2-4). Powered peripherals use a circular 8-pin DIN connector for
data and DC power (see Figure 2-5).

Note: Each serial port supports one device. Do not attach (daisy chain) more

than one device to each sub-D or DIN connector. For ports tty_2 and tty_3,
you must use either the 8-pin powered connector or the 9-pin sub-D; you
cannot use both simultaneously.

For all POWER Challenge and Challenge systems, Silicon Graphics
recommends the use of RS-232 serial cables no longer than 30 feet (9.15
meters). Longer runs introduce a greater possibility of line noise occurring.
This can affect data transmission and cause errors. For cable runs longer than
30 feet (9.15 meters), use an appropriate extender device.

Note: Do not run cables through areas that are electrically noisy, such as

areas where large electric motors, welding apparatus, or X-ray machines
operate. Bury outside wiring in conduit, as lighting strikes can damage the
system.

17

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

RS−232 Connector

Pin 9 Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

Pin 8 Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

Pin 7 Signal Ground (GND)

Pin 6 Grounded

RS−422 Connector

Pin 5 Clear to Send (CTS)
Pin 4 Request to Send (RTS)
Pin 3 Receive Data (RD)
Pin 2 Transmit Data (TD)
Pin 1 NOT USED

Pin 5 Clear to Send (CTS)
Pin 4 Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
Pin 3 Receive Data Low (RXDL)
Pin 2 Transmit Data Low (TXDL)
Pin 1 Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

18

Pin 9 Request to Send (RTS)

Pin 8 Receive Data High (RXDH)

Pin 7 Transmit Data High (TXDH)

Pin 6 Signal Ground (GND)

Figure 2-4 RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Connectors

Enabling Additional Serial Ports

Use the steps in the following example (if necessary) to enable the additional
serial ports provided when you order an optional IO4.

1. Edit the file /var/sysgen/system/irix.sm.

2. Find a line that looks similar to the following:

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

*VECTOR: bustype=EPC module=epcserial unit=1 slot=? ioa=1

3. Remove the leading “*” and enter the appropriate slot number of the

additional IO4 that has serial ports that require enabling. For example,
you would change the question mark after slot= to a 4 if an additional
IO4 was installed in slot 4.

VECTOR: bustype=EPC module=epcserial unit=1 slot=4 ioa=1

4. Write and quit the file, then rebuild the kernel (using the /etc/autoconfig

command).

5. Reboot the system and create the appropriate device nodes by entering

/dev/MAKEDEV ttys (this should create something like the following):

/dev/ttyd45 Major=0, Minor=5:
/dev/ttyd46 Major=0, Minor=6:
/dev/ttyd47 Major=0, Minor=7:
/dev/ttyd48 Major=0, Minor=8:
/dev/ttyf45 Major=0, Minor=101:
/dev/ttyf46 Major=0, Minor=102:
/dev/ttyf47 Major=0, Minor=103:
/dev/ttyf48 Major=0, Minor=104:
/dev/ttym45 Major=0, Minor=37:
/dev/ttym46 Major=0, Minor=38:
/dev/ttym47 Major=0, Minor=39:
/dev/ttym48 Major=0, Minor=40:

Additional connector labeling information is shown in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3 Server System IO4 Board Connector Labelling

IO4 Board
Number

1 EBus 5 RS-232: tty1-3

2 EBus 4 tty45-47

3 EBus 3 tty49-51

a. Connectors are labelled sequentially from right to left.

b. Connectors are labelled sequentially from top to bottom.

IO4 Filter Board
Label (Server)

Serial Connectors Server Parallel

Connectors

a

plp5 et0

RS-422: tty4

b

b

plp4 et1

plp3 et2

Network
Connectors

19

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

6. Edit the /etc/inittab file and change the word “off” to “respawn” in the
line associated with the ttys you have just enabled. :

Note: Since there is no I/O panel connection for the RS-422 port (which

corresponds in this example to ttyd48), there is no reason to change it.

7. Enter telinit q to force the init process to reread /etc/inittab and
create gettys on the additional RS-232 ports.

Device nodes of the form tty[fm]* are for use with modems. For additional
information on these topics, see the reference (man) pages for:

• getty(1M)

• uugetty(1M)

• init(1M)

• gettydefs(4)

• inittab(4)

Note that comments in the file /etc/inittab are somewhat outdated and can be
potentially confusing as they refer to nomenclature and architecture of older
Silicon Graphics systems when referring to serial ports. When “I/O” board
is mentioned you should infer “VME serial I/O controller,” and where “CPU
board” is mentioned you should read “IO4 board.”

20

Pin 8

Power

Signal Ground

Pin 7

(GND)

Pin 3

Stereo Sync

Pin 5

Transmit Data

(TD)

(+10V)

Pin 2

Clear to Send

(CTS)

Pin 6
Signal Ground (GND)

Pin 1
Data Terminal Ready
(DTR)

Pin 4
Receive Data
(RD)

Figure 2-5 RS-232 Powered 8-Pin DIN Connector

Challenge Deskside System I/O Panels and Connectors

Parallel Printer Ports

The parallel printer port on the system I/O panel is a 25-pin, Centronics­compatible connector. Table 2-4 shows the pin assignments and the signals
that they carry.

Note: The optimum recommended length for a cable used with this parallel

port is 10 feet (3 meters). Maximum length should not exceed 20 feet
(6 meters).

To enable an additional parallel printer port on an optional IO4 installed in
your Challenge deskside, input the following:

% cd /dev
# ./MAKEDEV plp

These commands create the necessary device nodes required to use the
additional parallel port on an optional IO4. The MAKEDEV command
automatically checks the hardware configuration of your Challenge and
makes parallel port device nodes for additional ports.

Table 2-4 Centronics Compatible Parallel Port Pin Assignments

Pin Assignment

1 STB (Data Strobe)

2 DATA 0

3 DATA 1

4 DATA 2

5 DATA 3

6 DATA 4

7 DATA 5

8 DATA 6

9 DATA 7

10 DATA ACK

11 BUSY

21

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

System Controller

Table 2-4 (continued) Centronics Compatible Parallel Port Pin Assignments

Pin Assignment

12 PE (Paper Empty)

13 SLCT (Select)

14 AUTOFD

15 ERROR

16 INIT (Reset)

17 SLCTIN

18 through 25 GND

A narrow front door on the right side of the chassis allows you to access the
System Controller front panel and install front-loading devices in the drive
rack. The System Controller panel is located just above the drive rack.
Figure 2-6 shows the location of the key switch and indicators on the System
Controller front panel.

22

The position of the key switch determines what mode the System Controller
is monitoring (see Figure 3-4). Press the Menu button for a display of
executable options. The Scroll Up and Scroll Down buttons allow you to
move up and down through the menu list and scroll through a 10-message
error file within the menu. Press the Execute button, and the System
Controller performs the option that is listed.

The key switch on the System Controller front panel serves two purposes:

• It turns the system boards and peripherals on and off.

• When the key switch is in the On position, and the key is removed, it

prevents unauthorized shutdown or alteration of system operations
from the control panel.

When the key switch is in the On position, no alteration of system function
can be executed from the front panel menus. If the switch is moved into the
Manager position, system operations can be modified, reset, or limited.

System Controller

Access to the Manager functions should be limited to trained system
administrators and service personnel only.

System controller
front panel

Drive access
door

Front−
loading
drives

Figure 2-6 Challenge Deskside System Controller and Drives Location

Note: Always remove the key from the System Controller’s front panel

before closing the front door covering the LCD panel and drive bays. For a
detailed description of how to use the System Controller, see the System
Controller information in Chapter 5.

23

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

SCSI Drive Rack

The SCSI drive rack (shown in Figure 2-5) is a vertically oriented enclosure,
with seven half-height drive bays. Each bay is defined by a sheet-metal drive
tray. The SCSI drive sled slides into the tray and locks in place with its
connectors pushed into the SCSI backplane. The sheet-metal drive trays can
be removed to allow the installation of full-height devices.

The internal SCSI backplane provides a maximum of two SCSI channels. The
channels are terminated on the backplane and are not used to control
externally mounted SCSI devices. The channels are compatible with either
8-bit or 16-bit SCSI buses, and they are configured at the factory to support
single-ended and differential SCSI devices in the drive rack. Channel A is set
to single-ended and channel B to differential operation.

Note: It is important that the operational setting on the drive sled printed

circuit board agree with the setting of the IO4 SCSI channel. If you are
installing a single-ended device in the internal rack, the drive should be
plugged into channel A on the sled board. If you are installing a differential
device, it should plug into channel B on the sled board. Chapter 4 provides
details of what happens if you violate these guidelines.

Cooling System

24

Caution: Never plug a front-loading or external SCSI device into your

Challenge while the system is powered on.

The Challenge deskside chassis is cooled by a combination of one rotary
“blower box” and two conventional 5-inch (12.7 cm) fans that draw in
ambient air. The 9.7-inch (24.6 cm) vaned rotor provides the main chassis
cooling by drawing air in through openings near the top and exhausting it
out the lower side and rear. See Figure 2-7.

One 5-inch fan cools the system power supply, while the other draws air
from front to back, helping to cool the drive tray assembly.

Caution: Never operate your Challenge system with any of its sheet-metal

panels open or removed. The system will overheat, and damage to internal
components may result.

Cooling System

The vaned rotor is in contact with the System Controller and changes speed
to provide more or less airflow, depending on the temperature of incoming
air (see Figure 2-7). These changes are initiated by a temperature sensor that
helps the System Controller adjust the rotor fan for efficient cooling with the
lowest possible noise level.

Note: If the rotary blower fan does not run after the main power is turned

on, the system will not boot. If the blower experiences a failure while the
system is running, the System Controller shuts down the server immediately
after notifying the CPU.

25

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

Rear

Deflector

Deflector

9.7 inch
rotary fan

26

Front

Drive bays

Figure 2-7 Chassis Cooling

Power supply

Incoming cool air

Warm air

Outgoing air

Power Supplies

Power Supplies

AC voltage feeds into a power receptacle and circuit breaker assembly
located on the lower left rear panel of the Challenge deskside system. The
circuit breaker switch controls the main power supply to the chassis and
provides alternating current (AC) circuit protection. The power receptacle
and circuit breaker are shown in Figure 2-8.

The Challenge deskside system is available as either a 110 VAC or 220–240
VAC system. Certain system configurations or upgrades may require the use
of a 220–240 VAC supply; check with your sales or service representative.

Voltage is routed into a special power supply known as an offline switcher
(OLS). The OLS supplies up to 1900 watts of power to the chassis backplanes
by converting the AC voltage to 48 VDC. The 48 VDC is converted by power
boards that plug into the backplanes and provide voltages needed by system
boards and devices.

Five VME slots are provided for the addition of third-party, special
application boards.

Note: POWER Challenge systems using optional visualization console

graphics have only two VME slots available.

Sun® VME power pin (9U VME) conventions are supported. Silicon
Graphics supports the Sun convention for additional power and ground
pins on the P3 connector. VME option boards increase the chassis power
requirements. Check with an authorized service representative to confirm
that a new VME board fits within the power budget of the chassis.

Caution: It is the responsibility of the chassis owner to verify that a new

board meets VME specifications; otherwise, the board or chassis can be
damaged during installation. VME boards should be installed only by
qualified service personnel.

See Appendix E for additional VME related information.

27

Chapter 2: Touring the Chassis

Circuit breaker

AC power
receptacle

28

Figure 2-8 Power Receptacle and Circuit Breaker on Rear Panel

Chassis Components

Chapter 3

3. Getting Started

This chapter describes the procedures you should follow to operate your
Challenge deskside server chassis correctly.

Customer maintenance is limited to the outside of the chassis, which
comprises plastic panels, front loading devices (FLDs), customer-related
connections, and cables attached to the I/O panel. No user-serviceable parts
are found within the chassis.

Note: This product requires the use of external shielded cables in order to

maintain compliance with Part 15 of the FCC rules.

The operating procedures described in this section are designed to ensure
your safety and the integrity of your new system.

The Challenge deskside chassis can be configured for either 110 VAC or
220–240 VAC operation. The system requires alternating current (AC)
service at specified voltage and current ratings for proper operation. Verify
that the correct AC line voltages are selected for each peripheral.

Figure 3-1 shows user-accessible system components.

29

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Side panel

Top hat

Top panel

Sheet metal
cover

Rear panel

Drive door

30

Side panel

Front door

Bumper

Figure 3-1 Challenge Deskside Components

Chassis Components

Warning: To avoid electric shock and/or a fire hazard, do not

disassemble the Challenge deskside system chassis. No user-serviceable
parts are located inside the unit.

Note: Before connecting or disconnecting any terminal, peripheral, or

front-loading drive, be sure the system is powered off and the primary
power source is disconnected. The system power connection should be
unplugged at the wall or back of the chassis before you open either door.

Opening the Front Door

To access the I/O panel, you must first open the front door by using the
following information:

1. Be sure that the system power is turned off, according to the procedures

in this section.

2. Open the drive door to expose the drives and front panel retainer

latches.

3. Release the two retainer latches by fully depressing and releasing each

latch with a pointed object, such as the tip of a Phillips screwdriver; be
careful not to mar the surface. The pointed object must be narrow
enough to depress the inner button completely; Figure 3-2 shows the
latch location and operation.

The chassis front door is released and can be pivoted on the hinge pins
located on the left side of the door.

4. To close the front door, swing it to the closed position, then use a

pointed object to fully depress and release the retainer latches.

31

Chapter 3: Getting Started

1

2

Releasing the
retainer latches

32

Opening door
at 90° to chassis

90°

Figure 3-2 Opening the Chassis Front Door

SCSI Limitations

Internal Front-Loading Drives

The Challenge deskside system comes standard with a SCSI drive rack that
holds seven half-height, front-loading devices (FLDs). Each FLD must be
mounted on a drive sled before it can be mounted in the rack. The drive sled
adapts the drive’s power and signal connectors to the connectors on the SCSI
drive backplane.

See the list of SCSI configuration rules at the beginning of Chapter 4 to better
understand the importance of proper SCSI bus configuration.

Note: FLDs can be installed and removed with the front door closed and

only the drive door open.

Caution: Use proper handling and storage procedures to minimize the loss

of data and equipment. In particular, do not remove disk drives while they
are operating. Always power down the system before removing an FLD. Be
sure to use standard electrostatic discharge prevention precautions when
removing, storing, transporting, or replacing the FLDs.

The drives being plugged into the rack can be configured to run on either
SCSI channel A or B. They must also be set to operate with either
single-ended or differential SCSI protocols. The configuration for these
functions is set on the drive sled’s adapter module board.

SCSI Limitations

Caution: The operating protocols of a drive must match the setting of the

SCSI channel. If they do not, the drive and/or the SCSI bus will not operate
properly. Be sure to read the instructions and warnings in Chapter 4
carefully before installing a SCSI device.

The drive rack in the Challenge deskside system accommodates up to seven
half-height devices, or three full-height devices and one half-height drive.

Drive channels A and B are terminated on the SCSI drive backplane. There
is no provision for plugging in an extension of the SCSI bus to the internal
SCSI backplane.

33

Chapter 3: Getting Started

To operate external SCSI devices, you must order your system’s IO4 with
extra mezzanine SCSI channel daughter boards. These are the mezzanine
options mentioned in Chapter 1; they connect to the I/O panel and then to
external devices. You may also order up to two additional IO4 boards for
your server.

Note: The maximum SCSI cable length for single-ended applications is

19.6 feet (6 meters). Differential lines are allowed a maximum of 81 feet (25

meters). Be sure to include both external and internal cabling when you
calculate the lengths for the SCSI bus. Keep cable lengths as short as possible
to ensure optimum data transfer rates.

Connecting the System to an Ethernet

Your Challenge comes standard with a 15-pin (AUI) Ethernet connector.

You can order optional boards for additional Ethernet connections.

Observe the following procedures when making Ethernet connections:

1. Identify the Ethernet drop intended for your system, and route it to the
rear of the system. Repeat for additional connections.

34

2. You can install the cable by pushing it through the gap between the top
of the plastic bumper and the bottom of the side panel (see Figure 3-1).
Alternately, you can push the cable into the cable trough on the lower
left side of the system; repeat as necessary. Feed the cable in until it
reaches the front of the system.

3. Plug in the Ethernet connector (make sure to secure the 15-pin
connector with the slide latch). See Figure 3-3.

Continue with any additional peripheral connections or installations, or
close and restart the system.

SCSI Limitations

Challenge L systems enable the Ethernet only on the master (first) IO4 by
default. To enable an additional Ethernet port on an optional installed IO4
board you can use the following steps:

1. Edit the file /var/sysgen/system/irix.sm.

2. Add a vector line that looks similar to the following:

VECTOR: bustype=EPC module=epcserial unit=1 slot=4

This vector line configures the Ethernet interface on the IO4 in slot 4 as
et1. The first two options (bustype and module) are mandatory and tell
lboot that you’re configuring an Ethernet interface. The “unit” option
specifies the Ethernet unit number. The unit number must be greater
than 0. The “slot” option specifies the cardcage slot of the IO4 where the
Ethernet interface is being configured as et1.

3. Write and quit the file, then rebuild the kernel (using the /etc/autoconfig

command).

4. To make the new interface available, reboot the machine with the newly

installed kernel information.

35

Chapter 3: Getting Started

36

Slide−latch

15−pin Ethernet
connector

Figure 3-3 Connecting an Ethernet Cable

Powering On the Challenge Deskside System

Use the following procedure to power on your Challenge deskside chassis:

1. Make sure the power switches on all of the equipment are turned off.

2. Plug the power cord into each component. Make sure to connect the

cords to three-pronged, grounded outlets only.

3. Turn on the power switches in the following order:

■ Breaker switch on the power-in panel on the back of the chassis

■ Terminal or other video output devices

■ Printer (if installed)

■ System Controller key switch

4. After you turn on the system power, the system begins the boot

process.

5. Do not reboot the system during this time or you will continue to delay

system initialization.

Powering On the Challenge Deskside System

6. The System Controller begins the system boot-up sequence. As the

system comes up, its progress is automatically displayed on the
controller’s front panel by using a series of boot messages. Pushing any
of the control buttons at this time will interrupt the sequence of boot
messages that are appearing (see Table 3-1). Pushing a control button
during the boot process may cause the following message to appear:

BOOT ARBITRATION ABORTED

Note: To monitor and understand the boot process on the System

Controller’s front panel, see “Using the System Controller” in
Chapter 5.

When the power-on diagnostic has completed, a message similar to the
following appears:

Starting up the system...
To perform System Maintenance instead, press <Esc>.

If you don’t press <Esc> within five seconds, the system will come up.
If this happens, and you still want to access the system maintenance
menu, log in, become superuser, then shut down the system by using
the /etc/halt command.

37

Chapter 3: Getting Started

If you pressed <Esc> within five seconds after the completion of the
power-on diagnostic, you should see a menu similar to the following:

System Maintenance Menu

1) Start System

2) Install System Software

3) Run Diagnostics

4) Recover System

5) Enter Command Monitor
Option ?

Select 5, enter the “Command Monitor,” and see the >> prompt.
Type hinv then press <Enter> to display the hardware inventory of

your system.

Note: See the IRIS Software Installation Guide for information about

installing system software or reconfiguring your system.

7. Quit the Command Monitor by typing Exit at the >> prompt.

8. The System Maintenance Menu reappears. Type 1 to select the “Start
System” command and IRIX comes up.

38

Table 3-1 System Controller Boot Status Messages

Boot Status Message Message Description

BOOT ARBITRATION NOT STARTED The system CPU boards have not begun

the arbitration process.

BOOT ARBITRATION IN PROGRESS The system CPU boards are

communicating to decide which one will
be the system master CPU.

BOOT ARBITRATION IS COMPLETE
SLOT #0X PROC #0X

BOOT ARBITRATION INCOMPLETE
FAULT NO MASTER

BOOT ARBITRATION ABORTED An operator pushed one of the front

The chosen system master CPU has
identified itself to the Controller and
communication is fully established.

The system was unable to assign a
system master CPU.

panel buttons while the System
Controller was searching for the system
master CPU.

Powering Off the Challenge Deskside System

The server should be completely powered down only for relocation, routine
maintenance, or repair. Before beginning this procedure, log out and shut
down the software using the software instructions that follow:

Powering Off the Challenge Deskside System

Rebooting Your System

1. To halt operating system activity and prepare the system for power off,

become superuser and enter /etc/halt in a functional UNIX

®

window. The /etc/halt command gracefully shuts down the system
software and leaves you at the firmware monitor level. If you are
remotely logged in to the system, you will be prompted before the
shutdown procedure is executed.

2. Turn the System Controller key switch to the Off position to eliminate

all power to the boards and peripherals. See Figure 3-4.

3. Switch the system circuit breaker to the Off position to eliminate all

power to the OLS and backplane.

4. Unplug the power cord from the socket to cut off all electrical power to

the system.

To reboot the Challenge deskside server, use the /etc/reboot command, either
input to the system console or entered from a remote terminal. You must be
superuser before trying to input this command. If you are remotely logged
in to the system, it will prompt you to confirm the command before
executing it.

After successfully executing the command, the system gracefully halts and
then automatically restarts.

Caution: Use the key switch (not the main system circuit breaker switch) to

power-cycle your system only if the system is completely unresponsive.
Using the system circuit breaker to power-cycle the system can cause
damage to system software and data.

See Figure 3-4 for the location of the key switch and the Off and On
positions.

39

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Mgr position

On position
Off position

Fault LED Power−on LED

Menu ExecuteKey switch

Scroll

up

Scroll
down

System Controller LCD

Figure 3-4 Key Switch Positions on the System Controller Front Panel

40

SCSI Configuration

Chapter 4

4. Installing Optional Peripherals

This chapter describes the procedures you should use to correctly install
your Challenge deskside front-loading devices (FLDs) into the chassis.

Customer maintenance is limited to the outside of the chassis, which
comprises plastic panels, FLDs, customer-related connections, and cables
attached to the I/O panel. No user-serviceable parts are located within the
chassis. No internal parts or devices should be added to the system by the
end user. Doing so may void UL, CSA, and TUV safety agency approvals.
Check with your service provider or Silicon Graphics before attempting any
internal alteration to the system.

Challenge deskside systems support a sophisticated and complex
assortment of SCSI protocols. This results in a lower-cost, high-performance
system. It also requires extremely careful attention to proper configuration
and connection of drives.

Previous Silicon Graphics systems used differential SCSI exclusively to
extend the length of the bus. Your Challenge deskside system uses a
differential SCSI bus to communicate directly with fast (20 MB per sec) and
wide (16-bit) differential drives.

The Challenge SCSI scheme supports

• differential SCSI

• single-ended SCSI-1 and SCSI-2

• 8- and 16-bit transfer protocols

• transfer rates of 5 MB, 10 MB, and 20 MB per second

41

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

It is important to know the exact type of drive and the protocols it uses
before you configure and connect it to your system. If you are unsure,
contact your sales representative or service provider before the installation;
otherwise, you may degrade SCSI performance or crash your system.

Note: This product requires the use of external shielded cables in order to

maintain compliance with Part 15 of the FCC rules.

If you are going to have an authorized service provider install peripherals,
add external SCSI devices, or reconfigure SCSI bus channels, be sure they
understand the rules in the following list.

Caution: Improper SCSI implementation will cause degraded system

performance, a system crash, and/or possible damage to the hardware.

• If you plug a single-ended drive into a bus configured for differential
operation, nothing on the bus will work.

• If you plug a differential drive into a bus configured as single-ended,
the differential drive will not work. Single-ended drives on the bus may
continue to work.

42

• Configuration jumpers at the IO4, drive rack backplane, and the sled
board must all be set for the same mode or the bus will not work.

• Front-loading SCSI devices, both half-height and full-height, that are
installed in front-loading bays do not require terminators. Any
terminators mounted on a drive should be pulled out before installing a
device in a Challenge system.

Caution: Never use a single-ended SCSI terminator on a differential

channel. Connecting a single-ended terminator to a differential channel
will short +5V directly to ground, resulting in blown fuses and possible
equipment damage.

• Using a differential terminator on a single-ended bus will cause SCSI
bus malfunction.

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

The service person must follow the guidelines in Table 4-1 to make a SCSI
drive work in a deskside system.

Table 4-1 Overview of Drive Installation Guidelines

Drive
Configuration

8-bit and 16-bit
single-ended
internal devices

8-bit and 16-bit
single-ended
external devices

8-bit differential Middle jumpers in All jumpers in Bus set to

16-bit differential Middle jumpers in All jumpers in Bus set to

Drive Sled Board
Channel
Configuration

All jumpers in A22P50 jumper in

Not applicable Not applicable Bus set to

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

The Challenge deskside chassis uses both half-height and full-height
front-loading devices. The power must be off to install or remove storage
devices.

FLDs are easily removed and replaced, allowing flexible and secure data
management.

SCSI Rack
Backplane
Configuration

TRMPWR jumper in
A26P52 jumper in

IO4 Configuration Transfer Rate

Jumpers on SCSI
Adapter Board

Bus set to
single-ended

single-ended

differential

differential

Both jumpers in

Both jumpers out

Not applicable

Not applicable

Note: Be careful not to push the drive ID selector when moving the sled

release lever to the right. An incorrect SCSI device ID may cause SCSI bus
failure. FLDs can be installed and removed with the front door closed and
only the drive door open.

Caution: Use proper handling and storage procedures to minimize the loss

of data and equipment. In particular, do not remove disk drives while they
are operating. Always power off the system before removing an FLD. Be
sure to use standard electrostatic discharge prevention precautions when
removing, storing, transporting, or replacing an FLD.

43

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Each internally installed FLD must mount on a sled that uses a SCSI channel
adapter board. To determine the sled board settings, do the following:

• Be sure the sled-to-drive connector cable is plugged into the correct
SCSI channel: single-ended(A) or differential (B).

• Set both jumper blocks H1 and H2 on the sled board to reflect the SCSI
channel operation, regardless of which channel is plugged into the
drive (see Figure 4-2).

• If the SCSI backplane bus is only single-ended or only differential, set
all the jumpers in H1 and H2 for that mode of operation (see
Figure 4-2).

Note: Incorrect jumpering on an unused jumper block can cause unwanted

noise on the bus.

The factory shipped your Challenge deskside server with Channel A
configured as single-ended and B as differential. If the system has been
modified, or if you are uncertain as to the configuration of SCSI Channels A
and B, you will have to remove an existing drive. Pull the locking lever on
the drive sled to the left and pull the drive and sled assembly gently out of
the rack. Compare the settings on the adapter board to those in Figure 4-1 or
Figure 4-2. Match the configuration of the new device’s adapter board with
the intended mode of operation (single-ended or differential).

44

Note: Your system disk should always be set to SCSI ID 1. Be sure each SCSI

device on a bus has a unique SCSI address (ID). The SCSI bus cannot
function properly if more than one device has the same SCSI ID.

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

Single−ended, 50−pin SCSI drive on channel A

A

Differential, 68−pin SCSI drive on channel B

No jumpers set;
reserved for future use.

B
A

H1

Channel A =
single−ended

Channel B =

H2

A

differential

B

No jumpers set;
reserved for future use.

B
A

Data cable
connector

Power
connector

B

Channel A =
single−ended

Channel B =

H2

differential

B

H1

A

Figure 4-1 Configuring a Drive Sled Adapter Board (Different Channels)

45

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Both channels on the SCSI backplane set for single−ended

B
A

A

Both channels on the SCSI backplane set for differential

B
A

No jumpers set;
reserved for future use.

H1

Both channels=
single−ended

H2

B

A

No jumpers set;
reserved for future use.

46

Power
connector

B

H1

H2

B

A

Data cable
connector

Figure 4-2 Configuring a Drive Sled Adapter Board (Identical Channels)

Both channels=
differential

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

Installing a Half-Height FLD

The drive must be properly mounted on a drive sled and configured for a
channel and operating protocol (single-ended or differential). See Figure 4-3.

Follow these instructions to install a half-height front-loading device:

1. If your drive did not come already mounted on a sled, place it on top,

as shown in Figure 4-3. Be sure the EMI shield is affixed to the bottom
of the drive and is aligned as shown in the drawing.

Note: If your drive did not come with an EMI shield, installation of the

part is not necessary.

2. Secure the drive to the bottom of the sled with the four screws

provided.

3. Plug the drive-to-adapter cable into the proper channel connector.

4. Orient the FLD and sled assembly so that the connectors on the back are

on the bottom half of the drive and face away from you.

5. Carefully insert the device into the drive bay until it seats firmly into

the lever catch and the locking lever has moved all the way to the right.

47

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Drive

5

Drive sled

EMI shield

Drive shelf

48

Figure 4-3 Installing a Half-Height SCSI Drive on a Sled and Loading It

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

Removing an FLD

Follow these instructions to remove a front loading device:

1. Power off the system, as described in Chapter 3.

2. Open the drive door.

3. Slide the locking lever on the drive sled all the way to the left and

gently pull the drive and sled assembly out. See Figure 4-4.

49

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Slide drive lever
left to unlock sled

50

Drive lever in
locked position

Figure 4-4 Drive Removal Example

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

Installing a Full-Height FLD

Each drive must be properly mounted on a drive sled and configured for a
particular channel and SCSI transmission protocol (single-ended or
differential). Refer to Figure 4-3 for the mounting position of the drive on a
sled.

Follow these instructions to install a full-height front loading device:

1. Carefully remove the plastic side panel by first grasping the bottom

edge of the panel. See Figure 4-5.

2. Pull the panel away from the chassis until the ball and socket fasteners

release.

3. Carefully set the panel aside.

4. Identify the retaining screw that holds the drive shelf directly above the

chosen drive bay, then remove it with a Phillips screwdriver.

5. Pull the drive shelf straight out of the chassis. See Figure 4-6.

Note: The design of the deskside drive housing precludes placing an

optional DLT drive on the third drive shelf down from the top, or the
bottom drive shelf. See Figure 4-7 and keep this in mind when preparing
for the installation.

After removing the drive shelf, the plastic side panel can be replaced by
aligning the ball connectors with the sockets in the chassis and
reversing steps 1 and 2.

6. Orient the FLD and sled assembly so that the connectors on the back are

on the bottom half of the drive and face away from you.

7. Carefully insert the device into the drive bay until it seats firmly into

the lever catch and the lever will not move any farther to the right. See
Figure 4-6.

51

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Drive shelf
retaining screw

52

Figure 4-5 Pulling Off the Side Panel and Removing the Retaining Screw

Note: Retain the drive shelf if there is a possibility that you will need to

install half-height drives at a later date.

Drive shelf above
chosen drive bay

Installing and Configuring Additional FLDs

Drive shelf
retaining screw

Sled lever in
locked position

Figure 4-6 Installing a Full-Height Front Loading Device

53

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

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Figure 4-7 Deskside Installation Positions for Optional DLT Drives

Installing and Using an Optional CD-ROM

Follow these instructions to prepare the CD-ROM for use:

1. Install the CD-ROM drive into a half-height slot on the Challenge
deskside chassis. Follow the instructions in the previous section to
install the FLD.

2. Find the disc that contains the operating system.

3. Open the CD-ROM caddy by squeezing the tabs on its sides.

4. Tilt the CD-ROM into the caddy, as shown in Figure 4-8. The CD-ROM
fits under the groove at the end of the caddy.

5. Close the caddy.

6. Hold the caddy by its tabs and orient it as shown in Figure 4-9.

7. Slide the caddy into the CD-ROM drive; see Figure 4-10 for the location
of the drive door.

8. See the IRIS Software Installation Guide for complete instructions on
loading software.

Installing and Using an Optional CD-ROM

9. Load IRIX 5.3 or later (6.0 or later for POWER Challenge) from the
initial prompt. Select 2, as shown in the following example menu, to
load the operating system from a CD-ROM FLD.:

System Maintenance Menu:

1) Start System

2) Install System Software

3) Run Diagnostics

4) Recover System

5) Enter Command Monitor

Option? 2 <Enter>

Installing System Software...
Press <Esc> to return to the menu.

1) Remote Tape 2) Remote Directory X) Local CD-ROM X)
Local Tape

Enter 1-4 to select source type, <Esc> to quit,
or <Enter> to start:

:

55

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

If a CD-ROM or Local Tape is attached, a number will be listed next to them
instead of an ’X’.:

10. A series of dots appears as the operating system loads.

See Appendix B for information on proper maintenance and use of your
CD-ROM drive and discs.

56

Figure 4-8 Loading a Disc Into the CD-ROM Caddy

Installing and Using an Optional CD-ROM

Figure 4-9 Disc Loaded in Caddy

Note: Do not insert the disc into the drive without a caddy.

57

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Drive door

Emergency
eject hole

Push down
to open

Figure 4-10 CD-ROM Drive Front Panel Controls

Installing External SCSI Devices

External SCSI devices connect to the system using an optional 68-pin
differential (DF SCSI) or single-ended (SE SCSI) connector that must first be
installed on the I/O panel. Figure 4-11 illustrates how to connect an external
SCSI device. Table 4-2 and Table 4-3 provide pinout information for these
connectors.

Note: See Chapter 3, “Getting Started,” for limitations on SCSI cable lengths.

The external SCSI connector on Challenge products does not come as a
standard, pre-connected feature from the factory. The external SCSI
connector must be connected and configured by a trained field installer
during or after the installation of the deskside system.

Stereo
headphone
jack

Volume
dial

Push to eject
cartridge

Drive−active
(busy) LED

Power LED

58

Installing External SCSI Devices

Figure 4-11 Connecting an External SCSI Device

Note: A differential connector is labeled DF SCSI and a singled-ended

connector is labeled SE SCSI.

59

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

34

1

68

35

Figure 4-12 Single-Ended 68-Pin Connector

The hyphen preceding a signal name indicates that the signal is low. Note
that 8-bit devices that connect to the P-cable leave these signals open: -DB(8),

-DB(9), -DB(10), -DB(11), -DB(12), -DB(13), -DB(14), -DB(15), -DB(P1). All
other signals are connected as shown in Table 4-2.

60

Table 4-2 68-Pin Single-Ended, High-Density SCSI Pinouts

Signal Name Pin Number Pin Number Signal Name

Ground 1 35 -DB(12)

Ground 2 36 -DB(13)

Ground 3 37 -DB(14)

Ground 4 38 -DB(15)

Ground 5 39 -DB(P1)

Ground 6 40 -DB(0)

Ground 7 41 -DB(1)

Ground 8 42 -DB(2)

Ground 9 43 -DB(3)

Ground 10 44 -DB(4)

Ground 11 45 -DB(5)

Installing External SCSI Devices

Table 4-2 (continued) 68-Pin Single-Ended, High-Density SCSI Pinouts

Signal Name Pin Number Pin Number Signal Name

Ground 12 46 -DB(6)

Ground 13 47 -DB(7)

Ground 14 48 -DB(P)

Ground 15 49 Ground

Ground 16 50 Ground

TERMPWR 17 51 TERMPWR

TERMPWR 18 52 TERMPWR

Reserved 19 53 Reserved

Ground 20 54 Ground

Ground 21 55 -ATN

Ground 22 56 Ground

Ground 23 57 -BSY

Ground 24 58 -ACK

Ground 25 59 -RST

Ground 26 60 -MSG

Ground 27 61 -SEL

Ground 28 62 -C/D

Ground 29 63 -REQ

Ground 30 64 -I/O

Ground 31 65 -DB(8)

Ground 32 66 -DB(9)

Ground 33 67 -DB(10)

Ground 34 68 -DB(11)

61

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

34

1

68

35

Figure 4-13 68-Pin Differential SCSI Connector

The hyphen preceding a signal name indicates that the signal is low. Note
that 8-bit devices that connect to the P-cable leave these signals open:

-DB(12), -DB(13), -DB(14), -DB(15), -DB(P1), -DB(8), -DB(9), -DB(10), -DB(11),
+DB(12), +DB(13), +DB(14), +DB(15), +DB(P1), +DB(8), +DB(9), +DB(10),
+DB(11). All other signals are connected as shown in Table 4-3.

62

Table 4-3 68-Pin Differential, High-Density SCSI Pinouts

Signal Name Connector

Contact
Number

Cable
Contact
Number

Signal Name

+DB(12) 1 35 -DB(12)

+DB(13) 2 36 -DB(13)

+DB(14) 3 37 -DB(14)

+DB(15) 4 38 -DB(15)

+DB(P1) 5 39 -DB(P1)

Ground 6 40 Ground

+DB(0) 7 41 -DB(0)

+DB(1) 8 42 -DB(1)

+DB(2) 9 43 -DB(2)

Installing External SCSI Devices

Table 4-3 (continued) 68-Pin Differential, High-Density SCSI Pinouts

Signal Name Connector

Contact
Number

Cable
Contact
Number

Signal Name

+DB(3) 10 44 -DB(3)

+DB(4) 11 45 -DB(4)

+DB(5) 12 46 -DB(5)

+DB(6) 13 47 -DB(6)

+DB(7) 14 48 -DB(7)

+DB(P) 15 49 -DB(P)

DIFFSENS 16 50 Ground

TERMPWR 17 51 TERMPWR

TERMPWR 18 52 TERMPWR

Reserved 19 53 Reserved

+ATN 20 54 -ATN

Ground 21 55 Ground

+BSY 22 56 -BSY

+ACK 23 57 -ACK

+RST 24 58 -RST

+MSG 25 59 -MSG

+SEL 26 60 -SEL

+C/D 27 61 -C/D

+REQ 28 62 -REQ

+I/O 29 63 -I/O

Ground 30 64 Ground

+DB(8) 31 65 -DB(8)

+DB(9) 32 66 -DB(9)

63

Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Table 4-3 (continued) 68-Pin Differential, High-Density SCSI Pinouts

Connecting a Serial Printer

Signal Name Connector

Contact
Number

+DB(10) 33 67 -DB(10)

+DB(11) 34 68 -DB(11)

Cable
Contact
Number

Signal Name

A serial printer can be connected to your system by connecting a printer or
null modem cable to one of the 9-pin RS-232 serial connectors on the I/O
panel. Printers vary, but if you are building a 9-to 25-pin cable connection,
the pins typically map as shown in Table 4-4.

Table 4-4 Typical DTE to DTE Serial Printer Connection

SGI Host Connector Signal SGI Pin # 25-Pin Connector to Printer

Transmitted Data (TXD) 2 3 (RXD)

Received Data (RXD) 3 2 (TXD)

Request to Send (RTS) 4 5 (CTS)

Clear to send (CTS) 5 4 (RTS)

64

Signal Ground (GND) 7 7 (GND)

Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 9 6 Data Set Ready (DSR)

Once you are sure that your cable is correctly configured, use the following
procedure to connect a printer to your system:

1. Make sure that the power switch on the printer is turned off and the
power cord is not connected to an outlet.

2. Attach the printer cable to the printer.

3. Open the main door of the cabinet to expose the I/O panel.

4. Attach the 9-pin connector on the other end of the printer cable to one
of the 9-pin serial connectors on the I/O panel, as shown in Figure 4-14.

Connecting a Serial Printer

5. Attach the printer power cord and turn on the printer.

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

66

9−Pin RS−232
printer/modem
connectors

Figure 4-14 Connecting a Serial Printer or Modem

Connecting a Serial Printer

Your serial printer must work in concert with the LP spooling system that
your Challenge deskside server uses. The LP spooling system allows you to
add or remove printers, and to change interface programs, devices, and the
system default printer. Be sure to read the documentation that comes with
your printer.

Use the following guidelines only as an example procedure for setting up a
serial printer.

To add a dumb printer to serial port 2:

1. Become superuser and change the ownership of the printer device file:

# chown lp /dev/ttyd2

2. Change the permissions of the printer device file:

# chmod 600 /dev/ttyd2

3. Edit the inittab file using vi or your favorite line editor, and confirm that

port 2 under “on-board ports” reads as follows:

# vi /etc/inittab
t2:23:off:/etc/getty -N ttyd2 co_9600 # port 2

4. Modify the line, if necessary, and reprocess the inittab file:

# telinit q

5. Configure the LP spooling system for your dumb printer:

# /usr/lib/lpadmin -pEPSON -vttyd2 -mdumb

6. Start the print spooler:

# /usr/lib/lpsched

7. Enable the printer to accept print requests:

# /usr/lib/accept EPSON

8. Activate the printer:

# enable EPSON

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Connecting an ASCII Terminal

To add a PostScript® serial printer to port 2, become the superuser, and enter
the following:

# mkPS PostScript ttyd2
# /usr/lib/lpadmin -dPostScript

Refer to the IRIX Advanced Site and Server Administration Guide for more
information about configuring your printer.

You can connect an optional ASCII terminal to your server by using a simple
null modem cable with a 9-pin connector. See Table 4-4 for the serial port to
null modem cable pin assignments. Connect one end of the cable to the
terminal and the other end to the 9-pin system console port labeled tty_1 on
the main I/O panel. If you are building a 9-to 25-pin cable connection, the
pins will typically map as shown in Table 4-5.

Table 4-5 Typical ASCII Terminal Connection

68

SGI Host Connector Signal SGI Pin # 25-Pin Connector to Terminal

Transmitted Data (TXD) 2 3 (RXD)

Received Data (RXD) 3 2 (TXD)

Signal Ground (GND) 7 7 (GND)

The ASCII terminal must be set with the following operational
characteristics:

• 9600 baud

• 8 bits

• 1 stop bit

• No parity

For your ASCII terminal to operate properly as the system console, it must
be plugged into the RS-232-compatible connector labeled tty_1 on the
system I/O panel.

Connecting an ASCII Terminal

To attach an ASCII terminal, complete the following steps:

1. Locate the RS-232 connector designated for the console and labeled

tty_1.

2. Attach one end of the console cable to the RS-232 connector and route it

out the back of the unit.

3. Connect the other end to the 9-pin connector on the null modem cable

and plug the 25-pin null modem connection into the system console
terminal.

4. Attach the keyboard and power connectors to the terminal.

Caution: Before plugging the terminal into either a 110 VAC or a

220 VAC outlet, be sure that the electrical rating on the UL-CSA label is
in either the 100–120 VAC or the 200–240 VAC range, whichever applies.

5. Power on the terminal before restarting your system.

6. Restart the system or continue with other peripheral connections as

needed.

Your console terminal needs recognition from the system software. Be sure
to read the documentation that comes with the terminal. Use the following
guidelines to help check and confirm the setup of your console terminal:

1. Become superuser and choose the proper baud rate, prompt, and line

conditioning from the /etc/gettydefs file.

# vi /etc/gettydefs

2. Modify the file /etc/inittab, if necessary, to enable getty on port tty_1. The

line will be listed under “on-board ports” and should appear as shown
below:

# vi /etc/inittab
t1:23:respawn:/etc/getty ttyd1 co_9600 # alt console

3. After modifying the /etc/inittab file, inform init of any changes by

entering the following:

# telinit q

4. Look in /etc/ttytype for the listed console port information. To keep the

system from asking you what type of terminal you are using when you
log in, remove the question mark.

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Helpful Serial Port Commands

5. Add the following line to your ~/.login file. This sets the terminal type,
syntax, and erase/kill parameters automatically when you log in:

% eval ‘tset -s -Q’

6. Check terminal connection and function using the following:

% cat /etc/group > /dev/ttyd1
% ps -def | grep getty

To show the standard settings on a particular serial port, become superuser
and enter

# stty < /dev/ttydx

where x is the number of the tty port on which you want information.

To show the various settings on a particular serial port, enter

# stty -a < /dev/ttydx

70

To change the baud rate on a particular serial port, enter the following (the
example is 2400):

# stty 2400 < dev/ttydx

For additional useful information on serial ports and configuration, see the
reference (man) pages for the following:

• inittab

• gettydefs

• ttytype

• terminfo

• stty

• termio

Connecting a Modem

Connecting a Modem

The following files are most commonly used to properly configure serial
port operation for the server:

• /etc/inittab

• /etc/gettydefs

• /etc/ttytype

• /usr/lib/terminfo

• /etc/uucp/Systems

A modem can be connected to your system by connecting a modem cable to
one of the 9-pin serial connectors on the I/O panel. The pin assignments are
listed in Table 4-6. A 9-pin to 25-pin cable may be required. Silicon Graphics
supports Hayes 2400 and Telebit modems. Edit the /etc/uucp/fix-hayes or
/etc/uucp/fix-telebit files for information on specific models supported (see
step 7 on the next page).

Be sure that the pin assignments, not the pin numbers, on the Challenge
system’s serial port are properly matched to the pin assignments on your
modem.

Table 4-6 RS-232 Modem Connector Pin Assignments

9-Pin Connector Pin 25-Pin Connector Pin Signal Description at Host

2 2 Transmitted Data (TXD)

3 3 Received Data (RXD)

4 4 Request to Send (RTS)

5 5 Clear to Send (CTS)

7 7 Signal Ground (GND)

8 8 Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

9 20 Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Once you are sure that your cable is correctly configured, use the following
general procedures to connect a modem to your system:

1. Make sure that the power switch on the modem is turned off.

2. Attach the cable to the modem.

3. Open the main door of the chassis to expose the I/O panel.

4. Attach the connector on the other end of the cable to one of the
9-pin serial connectors on the I/O panel, as shown in Figure 4-14.

5. Read the documentation that comes with your modem to determine
model-specific connection and configuration procedures.

6. Attach the modem power cord and turn on the modem.

7. Install the eoe2.sw.uucp subsystem if it is not already installed.

Note: The eoe2.sw.uucp subsystem is shipped with each copy of the IRIX

operating system, but is not installed by default. Confirm that eoe2.sw.uucp is
installed by using the versions command. If it is not installed, see the IRIS
Software Installation Guide for instructions.

Connecting a Parallel Printer

72

Refer to the IRIX Advanced Site and Server Administration Guide for additional
information about configuring modems. Entries in the /etc/inittab and
/etc/uucp/Devices files may need to be modified.

Additional useful information on modem operation and configuration is
available in the reference (man) pages for the following:

• dial

• cu

To attach a parallel printer, complete the following steps:

1. Locate the 25-pin, sub-D parallel connector on the main I/O panel (see
Figure 4-15).

2. Attach one end of the cable to the connector and route it out the back of
the unit.

Connecting a Parallel Printer

3. Connect the other end to the parallel printer. Be sure you have

confirmed pin and signal compatibility before making the connection.
(See Table 4-7.)

Caution: Before plugging the printer into either a 110 VAC or a 220 VAC

outlet, be sure that the electrical rating on the label is in either the
100–120 VAC or the 200–240 VAC range, whichever applies.

4. Turn on the printer before restarting your system.

Restart the system or continue with other peripheral connections as needed.

To enable the serial port on any optional additional IO4 boards, enter the
following as the superuser:

# cd /dev

# ./MAKEDEV plp

The MAKEDEV command checks the system’s hardware configuration and
makes parallel port device nodes for all possible ports.

Your parallel printer must work in concert with the LP spooling system that
your Challenge deskside server uses. The LP spooling system allows you to
add or remove printers and to change interface programs, devices, and the
system default printer. Be sure to read the documentation that comes with
your parallel printer.

Use the following instructions only as an example procedure:

1. Become superuser and configure the LP spooling system (the 03 in

-vplp03 represents the Ebus slot where the IO4 board is):
# /usr/lib/lpadmin -pTekprinter -vplp03

2. Start the print spooler:

# /usr/lib/lpsched

3. Enable the printer to accept print requests:

# /usr/lib/accept Tekprinter

4. Activate the printer:

# enable Tekprinter

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

Refer to the IRIX Advanced Site and Server Administration Guide for additional
information about configuring your printer.

The parallel printer port on the system I/O panel is a 25-pin, Centronics
compatible connector. Table 4-7 shows the pin assignments and signals as
they relate to a 36-pin Centronics connector.

Table 4-7 Centronics Compatible Parallel Port Pin Assignments

25-Pin Serial Port Pin
Assignment

36-Pin Centronics Pin
Assignments

Signal

1 1 STB (Data Strobe)

22DATA 0

33DATA 1

44DATA 2

55DATA 3

66DATA 4

77DATA 5

88DATA 6

99DATA 7

10 10 DATA ACK

11 11 BUSY

12 12 PE (Paper Empty)

13 13 SLCT (Select)

14 N/A AUTOFD

74

15 32 ERROR

16 N/A INIT (Reset)

17 N/A SLCTIN

18 through 25 20 through 27 GND

Connecting a Parallel Printer

Parallel
printer
connector

Figure 4-15 Connecting a Parallel Printer Cable

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Chapter 4: Installing Optional Peripherals

76

Chapter 5

5. Having Trouble?

This chapter contains hardware-specific information that can be helpful if
you are having trouble with your Power Challenge or Challenge L deskside
system.

Maintaining Your Hardware and Software

This section gives you some basic guidelines to help keep your hardware
and the software that runs on it in good working order.

Hardware Do’s and Don’ts

To keep your system in good running order, follow these guidelines:

• Do not enclose the system in a small, poorly ventilated area (such as a

closet), crowd other large objects around it, or drape anything (such as
a jacket or blanket) over the system.

• Do not connect cables or add other hardware components while the

system is turned on.

• Always remove the key from the front panel switch before shutting the

drive door or minor damage may result.

• Do not leave the front panel key switch in the Manager position.

• Do not lay the system on its side.

• Do not power off the system frequently; leave it running over nights

and weekends, if possible. The system console terminal can be powered
off when it is not being used.

• Do not place liquids, food, or extremely heavy objects on the system or

keyboard.

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Chapter 5: Having Trouble?

• Ensure that all cables are plugged in completely.

• Ensure that the system has power surge protection.

Software Do’s and Don’ts

When your system is up and running, follow these guidelines:

• Do not turn off power to a system that is currently started up and
running software.

• Do not use the root account unless you are performing administrative
tasks.

• Make regular backups (weekly for the whole system, nightly for
individual users) of all information.

• Keep two sets of backup tapes to ensure the integrity of one set while
doing the next backup.

• Protect the root account with a password:

– Check for root UID = 0 accounts (for example diag) and set

passwords for these accounts.

System Behavior

78

– Consider giving passwords to courtesy accounts such as guest and

lp.

– Look for empty password fields in the /etc/passwd file.

The behavior of a system that is not working correctly falls into three broad
categories:

Operational You can log in to the system, but it doesn’t respond as usual.

For example, the text looks strange, or the monitor doesn’t
respond to input from the keyboard.

Marginal You cannot start up the system fully, but you can reach the

System Maintenance menu or PROM Monitor.

Faulty The system has shut down and you cannot reach the System

Maintenance menu or PROM Monitor.

Physical Inspection Checklist

Physical Inspection Checklist

If the behavior of your system is operational, marginal, or faulty, first do a
physical inspection using the checklist below. If all of the connections seem
solid, go on to the section “Using the System Controller” and try to isolate
the problem. If the problem persists, run the diagnostic tests from the System
Maintenance menu or PROM Monitor. See the IRIX Advanced Site and Server
Administration Guide for more information about diagnostic tests.

If this does not help, contact your system administrator or service provider.

Check every item on this list:

• The console terminal and main unit power switches are turned on.

• The circuit breaker next to the main power cord is not tripped.

• The fans are running and the fan inlets/outlets are not blocked.

• The System Controller LCD screen may display fault messages or

warnings.

Before you continue, shut down the system and turn off the power.

Check all of the following cable connections:

• The system console terminal power cable is securely connected to the

terminal at one end and the power source at the other end.

• The Challenge deskside server power cable is securely connected to the

main unit at one end and plugged into the proper AC outlet at the other
end.

• The Ethernet cable is connected to the 15-pin connector port labeled

Ethernet (and secured with the slide latch).

• Serial port cables are plugged in securely to their corresponding

connectors.

• All cable routing is safe from foot traffic.

If you find any problems with hardware connections, have them corrected
and turn on the power to the main unit. Use the System Controller to
determine if internal system problems exist.

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Chapter 5: Having Trouble?

Using the System Controller

The System Controller has three basic operating modes:

• It acts as a control conduit when directed by an operator to power off or
boot up the system. It actively displays a running account of the boot
process and flags any errors encountered. It sends the master CPU a
message when a system event such as power off or a reboot is initiated.

• When operating conditions are within normal limits, the System
Controller is a passive monitor. Its front panel LCD offers a running
CPU activity graph that shows the level of each on-board
microprocessor’s activity. Previously logged errors are available for
inspection using the front panel control buttons to select menus.

• The System Controller can also act independently to shut down the
system when it detects a threatening condition. Or it can adjust
electromechanical parameters (such as blower fan speed) to
compensate for external change. Error information stored in the log is
available in both the On and Manager positions. Service personnel can
use the Manager key position functions to probe for system error
information.

80

When a system fault occurs in the cardcage, ventilation system, or power
boards, the System Controller turns off the power boards but leaves the 48 V
and V5_AUX on. This allows the yellow fault LED to remain lit and the
System Controller to continue functioning. If, for example, the System
Controller displays the error message POKA FAIL, your service provider can
do a visual inspection of POKA indicator LEDs throughout the system to
locate the failed component.

Note: If the system shuts down because an OVER TEMP condition occurs,

the entire system shuts down. To find the fault, turn the key off and then on
again. The LCD screen should show the OVER TEMP error; however, if the
system is not given enough time to cool below the switch-off point, the
System Controller will shut down again.

The System Controller also shuts down the entire system if a 48 V
overvoltage fault occurs. If the System Controller removes power due to an
overvoltage condition, the operator must execute the log function, turn the
power off, and then turn it back on again. These steps are necessary to
successfully power on the system. The purpose of this function is to prevent

Using the System Controller

the operator from repeatedly applying power when an overvoltage
condition exists.

The Power-On Process

You can monitor the boot process when you power on the system by
watching the System Controller. When you turn the key switch to the On
(middle) position on the System Controller front panel, it enables voltage to
flow to the system backplane. The green power-on LED lights up, and
immediately after that the yellow fault LED comes on. The System
Controller initializes and performs its internal startup diagnostics. If no
problems are found, the yellow fault LED shuts off.

Note: If the yellow fault LED stays on for more than a few seconds, a fault

message should appear. If it stays on and no message appears on the display,
you may have a faulty LCD screen or a problem with the System Controller.
Contact your system administrator or service provider.

The following steps are similar to what you should see when you bring up
the system:

1. When the System Controller completes its internal checks and the

system begins to come up, two boot messages appear:

BOOT ARBITRATION IN PROGRESS
BOOT ARBITRATION COMPLETE SLOT OxY PROC OxZ

2. The screen clears and the message STARTING SYSTEM should appear.

3. A series of status messages scrolls by. Most pass by so quickly that they

are unreadable. These messages indicate the beginning or completion
of a subsystem test.

4. After all the system checks are complete, you receive a status message

that looks similar to:

PROCESSOR STATUS
B+++

The B+++ shown in step 4 indicates that the bootmaster microprocessor is
active along with three other functioning microprocessors on the CPU
board.

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Chapter 5: Having Trouble?

If your CPU has only two microprocessors on board, you should see:

PROCESSOR STATUS
B+

If you receive a processor status message followed by B+DD, you have a CPU
with two of its microprocessors disabled. Contact your system administrator
to determine why this was done.

If you receive a processor status message like B+-- or B+XX, the CPU has
defective microprocessors on board. Make a note of the exact message and
contact your service provider for help.

If the System Hangs

If the system does not make it through step 3 in the power-on process, an
error message will appear and stay on the System Controller’s LCD screen.
A message like PD CACHE FAILED! indicates that a serious problem exists.
Make a note of the final message the system displays and contact your
service provider.

The message displayed on the System Controller LCD screen when a
power-on hang occurs can give your service provider valuable information.

System Controller On Functions

Located just above the drive rack, the System Controller LCD and front
panel provides users with information regarding any planned or unplanned
shutdown of the system.

The System Controller monitors incoming air temperature and adjusts fan
speed to compensate. It also monitors system voltages and the backplane
clock. If an unacceptable temperature or voltage condition occurs, the
System Controller will shut down the system.

Another major area the System Controller watches is the boot process. In the
event of an unsuccessful boot, the controller’s LCD panel indicates the
general nature of the failure. A real-time clock resides on the System
Controller, and the exact date and time of any shutdown is recorded.

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System Controller On Functions

When the System Controller detects a fault condition, it turns off power to
the system boards and peripherals. The 48 VDC supplied to the system
backplane stays on unless the shutdown was caused by an over-limit
temperature condition or other situation that would be harmful to the
system. The System Controller LCD screen displays a fault message, and the
yellow fault LED near the top of the panel comes on. Fault LEDs are also
positioned on other parts of the chassis to indicate a localized fault. Your
service provider should check for these conditions before shutting down the
system.

The front panel of the System Controller has two indicator LEDs and four
control buttons in addition to the LCD screen. See Figure 5-1 for the location
of the indicators and controls.

In the case of a forced shutdown, an error message is written into an event
history file. This file can contain up to 10 error messages and can be viewed
on the System Controller screen.

Note: If you wish to examine the error(s) recorded on the System Controller

that caused a shutdown, do not reboot the system immediately.

When the system is rebooted, the System Controller transmits the errors it
has logged in non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) to the master
CPU. They are then placed in /var/adm/SYSLOG, and the error log in the
System Controller is cleared.

As shown in Figure 5-1, the key switch has three positions:

• The Off position (with the key turned to the left) shuts down all

voltages to the system boards and peripherals.

• The On position (with the key in the center) enables the system and

allows monitoring of menu functions.

• The Manager position (with the key turned to the right) enables access

to additional technical information used by service personnel.

As seen in Figure 5-1, there are four control buttons located on the System
Controller front panel.

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Chapter 5: Having Trouble?

This list describes the buttons in order, from left to right:

• Press the Menu button to place the display in the menu mode.

• Press the Scroll up button to move up one message in the menu.

• Press the Scroll down button to move down one message in the menu.

• Press the Execute button to execute a displayed function or to enter a

second-level menu.

The green power-on LED stays lit as long as 48 VDC voltage is being
supplied to the system backplane. The yellow fault LED comes on whenever
the System Controller detects a fault.

Mgr position

On position
Off position

Fault LED Power−on LED

Menu ExecuteKey switch

Scroll

up

Scroll
down

System Controller LCD

Figure 5-1 System Controller Front Panel Components

84