Problem with OpenVMS console connection

[geir_2]

Hello,

I have an old Alpha computer(AlhpaServer 1000 4/266 1 CPU), that I want to use as a lab computer. The problem is that I have problem to reach the computer through the console port.
I know that the cable/adapter is ok, because I have used it on different system.

I also tried to power off/on the computer, with noe results.

Is there someone that could give me some hints?

Thanks

Regards geir

[Volker Halle]

Geir,

the console may still be set to graphics (default setting), so you first need to connect a VGA monitor and keyboard and issue:

>>> set console serial
>>> init

Then you should be able to use COM1 as the serial console port.

Volker.

[geir_2]

Volker,

Thanks for the hints, but my problem is that I have no contact to the console port. I can not see >>> prompt.

Maybe the computer is damaged??

regards geir

[Volker Halle]

Geir,

if neither the graphics console (need to connect a VGA monitor and keyboard) nor the COM1 serial console works, the machine may really be dead.

Are there any beep codes during power-up ?

There may be a way to use the Failsafe Loader (FSL) to reload the SRM/ARC console.

Volker.

[geir_2]

hi,

Thank for the answer. The text in the LCD screen isn't visable, only the LED lamp in front of the computer.
It's also difficult to hear the beep codes during power up.

I have tried to connect a keyboard and screen direcly to the computer with no results.

I have also tried to power off/on. Is it possible to damaged the computer when I did it?

regards geir


PS:
What is FSL?

[Volker Halle]

Geir,

FSL is the Fail-Safe Loader. It allows you to load/update console firmware without running power-up diagnostics.

Here is a pointer to the Alpha Server 1000 information and documentation:

http://h18002.www1.hp.com/alphaserver/archive/1000/

Details of how to run FSL should be in the Service Guide (under Documentation).

The beep-codes should give a clue about what's wrong.

Volker.

[ca750090]

Hi,

Just two weeks ago I too started working with AS1000 systems.
As I had some problems too, I now have some experience with them as well :-)

When you're next to the machine, you can't miss the beeps, they're quite loud.

In the manuals you can indeed find information about the various options for troubleshooting. What helped me for instance is the jumper bank through which you can test all SIMMs.

Good luck !

[geir_2]

Hi Arvid,

Thanks for the e-mail. If you have some more information/pointer about the jumper bank, it would be great.

Do you think it will damage the computer when power off/on?

regards geir

[Willem Grooters]

Cycling power should not harm the hardware if you give it time to really discharge. Give it 30 seconds or more after switching off until swithing it on again.
(If this is giving trouble, you will encounter it one day soon....)

[geir_2]

Hi,

Is there any possiblities for damage on the
eeprom. (Chip with console instructions).

rgds geir