Need help connecting exteranl SCSI array to D390

[Nelson Wong]

I have a D390 2way running HPUX 11. I am trying to connect an external SCSI disk array (A3312A Hass Array) to expand drive capacity. The problem is that I cannot boot the system up with the external array connected and turned on.
The system tries to boot hpux and hangs. The system finally does come back with an "I/O Hardware Probe timeout message // SCSI Request Timeout & Abort".
I have already double checked the cables, terminator, and SCSI ID.

[Bill Hassell]

Like many of the older disk enclosures from HP, this is probably a HIGH VOLTAGE fast-wide-differential SCSI and is completely incompatible with all other SCSI voltage standards. You'll need to connect it to an HP HV-FWD interface card in the D390. Adapting the connector to fit single ended or other fast-wide interfaces won't work as there significant voltage differences. As an alternative, there are some black-box adapters that can convert the voltage and pinouts from HV-FWD to a more compatible SCSI standard.

[curt larson_1]

make sure your using i/o bus compatible
components. I beleive the 390 has a fw
differential bus, which isn't going to
be compatible with single ended devices.
and that goes for the terminator type too.

single ended devices for the A3312 usually
have yellow labels, where the differential
components are blue/purple.

[curt larson_1]

you can check what type of discs you have
here:
http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main?sel_flg=partlist&model=A3312A&HP_model=A3312A&modname=HA+Disk+Enclosure+%28A3312A%29&template=secondary&plist_sval=Drive+%28Product%29&plist_styp=subcat&dealer_id=&keysel=Drive+%28Product%29&catsel=X&ptypsel=X&strsrch=&pictype=I&picture=X&uniqpic

[curt larson_1]

oops that sure didn't turn out the way
I wanted it.

http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main?sel_flg=partlist&model=A3312A&HP_model=A3312A&modname=HA+Disk+Enclosure+%28A3312A%29&template=secondary&plist_sval=Drive+%28Product%29&plist_styp=subcat&dealer_id=&keysel=Drive+%28Product%29&catsel=X&ptypsel=X&strsrch=&pictype=I&picture=X&uniqpic

[curt larson_1]

my ain't that special

http:
//partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main?sel_flg=partlist&model=A3312A&HP_model=A3312A&modname=HA+Disk+Enclosure+%28A3312A%29&template=secondary&plist_sval=Drive+%28Product%29&plist_styp=subcat&dealer_id=&keysel=Drive+%28Product%29&catsel=X&ptypsel=X&strsrch=&pictype=I&picture=X&uniqpic

[Steven E. Protter]

Seems to be a recurring problem around here.

You can't connect a SCSI drive array to a SCSI card that doesn't have the right voltage. HVD and LVD don't mix. You must find the right card for your D box before you can hang these drives. Its a really good idea to do this research prior to connecting the hardware.

To quote Mr. A. Clay Stevenson

Do not connect again, do not pass go, do not collect $200 and be happy you haven't fried all or part of your system.

Apologies to Mr. Stevenson.

SEP

[Bernhard Mueller]

Nelson,

did you install an additional FWD SCSI card to attach the A3312 to?

If not, you have probably used the card in HSC slot 1 (HW path 8/4, where the *internal* disks are alreadey connected.

The internal hot-plug disks have targets 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 (top - down).

The A3312 has DIP switches at the rear to set the SCSI target ID for each slot.

Make sure you do not have conflicting targets on the bus.

Regards,
Bernhard

[Nelson Wong]

Thanks for all the help.
I have four HPA3649A 9.1 GB DF drives connected to the array. I set the SCSI ID to 15,14,13,12. It is connected to the Fast/Wide SCSI Interface card on H/W path 8/4. I did an ioscan to verify that the internal drives were on different IDs. I think that these units should be compatible and setup correctly (please tell me if I'm not...)
How can you tell is the array is High Voltage versus Low Voltage? What type of interface card (HP number) would I need?
Thanks again.

[Bernhard Mueller]

The A3312 (Jamaica or HASS) is High Voltage.
Typically Differential as well. (or are your disks single ended? Then you could not use the high targets and needed an extra card anyway)

HSC FWD SCSI card for D/R-Class is A2874.

Regards,
Bernhard

[curt larson_1]

looks like you have the proper components

did the i/o interface have a terminator before
you attached the 3312?

no. the 2874 interface has dip resistor packs
to provide internal termination. these will
have to relocated to the "use external
termination" dips on the board.

if this is the case you'll have pull the
interface to relocate the internal
terminations

[A. Clay Stephenson]

The FW HVD interface for a D-box is the A4107A and it is compatible with your disks. You should check to make sure that the bus is terminated in exactly two places --- on the ends of the bus. You might need to open up your box to see if the terminator resistor packs are in place on the controller unless the internal connector is being used as well.

You should also make certain that the external terminator is a HVD unit. The SE-SCSI will connect to a JBOD as well but not be compatible.
Also, at least one unit on the bus (usually the controler) must supply termination power.