Iddiots guide to rebuilding a 1600r

[Decklin Hackett]

I have been given 2 1600R's to develop my server skills but have run into some probblems.

Server No1 is totaly dead no fans, no lights, no disc activity nothing. I asume the PSU may be duff. Can I test / verify this? Is there any thing else I should be looking at?

Server No2 powers up but does not boot and no messages displayed on the monitor.

I have browsed this forum and the Compaq / HP web sites and have realised I may need a Smart Start disc to revive Server No2 so am currently down loading this.

Once I have this where do I go from here?
The support site has to muuch information so I am suffering from info overload

Dec

[JohnWRuffo]

Decklin:

One thing to know is that the downloadable SmartStart version is not compatable with the ProLiant 1600. You need to order a copy of SmartStart 5.50. This should only cost about US$25.00 shipped. Click here: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/subscription/ssphone.html
IMPORTANT: Be sure to get SmartStart 5.50 as version 7.x will not work in this.

Next, for the 1600 that powers on, do you get any response from the screen (a flicker... anything?)
Does the server issue Beep POST codes?

For both servers:
When you open the top cover, can you see if the server has RAM installed? How many DIMM's?
Does it have Processor(s)? Do you see, for each processor, that a Processor Power Module (a.k.a, Voltage Regulator Module, VRM)?
Make sure you do not see any loose signal or power cables.
Make sure that the components in the server are all seated firmly.

What speed processors are installed? We need to identify the model(s) of 1600 you have.

Let us know what you find for the questions above?

-john

[JohnWRuffo]

Whoops... here is what the PPM should look like:
http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/showphoto?partnumber=327660-001

When you are look for loose cables, you can remove the processor cage and look to see if the cables are firmly attached to the Power Backplane Board:
http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/showphoto?partnumber=149046-001

When you remove the pannel cover, look on the inside for the system poster (sticker) for parts and assembly:
http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/showphoto?partnumber=333563-001

I hope this will help you in the diagnosis!
-john

[Decklin Hackett]

Thanks John

I am asking arround the company now to see if some one has a SmartStart 5.50 CD meenwhile I have located some setup disk images for dowload.

The non booting box is now live after taking out everything reseating cables and reassembly and I have managed to boot from the floppy.
Next task is to locate "drive array config discs"

Both boxes have single 550 P3's with single VRM's and 512M memory ( 2 dims in one 4 in the other)

I think the PSU in the dead box is "dead"
Not even the fan turns when power is applied. Is it safe to run thease off load if I remove from the chasis for further diagnostics.

Dec

[JohnWRuffo]

Decklin:
Do these servers have a SmartArray Controller in them? If they don't, then you do not need any array configuration. That will need to be handled by your O/S.

As for running these systems off of another load, you will have a tough time of that. The power supply is proprietary. They do not use standard connections. Also, the server boards are modular... not really intended to be run separately. They have an interloc system to detect if one board or cable is loose.

Yes, you do not need the SmartStart CD, you can use the diskette version, but the CD sure makes it easy.

[Decklin Hackett]

Thanks again John,


SmartArray Controller ?
Large PCI card cabled to the SCSI cage?
If so I have one (in each) connected to 3 x 9.1G discs

One of the options from the boot disc was to load O/S. I guess if I go this route I will missout on RAID etc.

Sorry I think I miss led you.
What I meant was if I remove the PSU for bench testing could I damage it further by powering it up without a load applied.

[JohnWRuffo]

Some of the PSU's have an interlock that keeps them from completing the circuit if they are not connected to the boards. I am not sure if this one does or not. I do not think it will "hurt".

Yes, you have a SmartArray. Somewhere should be a lable that states the model. Or, you may be able to determine the model by the spare Part Number. In any case, only some of the early controllers can be configured using the diskette version of the ACU.

Let me know what you find and I can guide you.

Talk to you soon. -john

[Decklin Hackett]

Further developments,

The dead machine will show signs of life if P5 is removed from the Backplane. The system powers up but still no boot. All fans run, leds light on the SCSI card and messages on the LCD display. Reconnecting P5 returns the system to a dead state.

I asume from other posts a replacement back plane is required or is there anyway to trick the machine into life?

[JohnWRuffo]

No... the Backplane Board is the likely culprit if it is short circuiting the power supply.

If you can, pull the backplane board out and physically look at it. Do you see any melt, char or broken solder joints.

Check the other two bus connections to the CPU and I/O cages for damage.

[Decklin Hackett]

I have removed the backplane completely and can find no sign of dange or dry joints.

As a last resort I think I will remove the backplane from the working system and use to prove this one faulty

Thanks again John