SUMMARY:
If you remove the mouse and keyboard from a DEC 3000, it will not boot up
automatically after losing power unless the console variable SERVER is set to
ON (i.e. >>> set server on). When SERVER=OFF, the machine expects to have
both a mouse and keyboard upon power-up; without either, it displays a fault
condition and waits patiently for you to boot the system manually.
As well documented in the manuals, you must also have set the AUTO_START
variable to either BOOT or RESTART. In addition, this assumes that you are
working on an Ralternate consoleS, with the tiny RS3S switch on the back set
in the down position.
It is also possible to fake out the system by wiring a mouse/keyboard
loopback connector:
1 8
o o-o o o o-o o
o o o o o o o
9 15
by connecting pins 2 and 3 as well as 6 and 7 of a male DB15
connector. (One person thought it was perhaps 7+8 rather than 6+7).
Many, many thanks to all those who responded so quickly:
Walt Melton <wmelton_at_shl.com>
John P . Speno <speno_at_isc.upenn.edu>
Dr. Tom Blinn <tpb_at_zk3.dec.com>
Dan Roscigno <ddr_at_phys.ufl.edu>
Graham Allan <ALLAN_at_mnhep1.hep.umn.edu>
Oisin McGuinness <oisin_at_sbcm.com>
Steve Gwynn <Steve.Gwynn_at_MCI.Com>
Gerhard Kircher <kircher_at_edvz.tuwien.ac.at>
Bruce Taube <Bruce.Taube_at_InfoAve.Net>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Query:
> I manage a number of networked DEC 3000's without a monitor, keyboard,
> or mouse. Apparently, the lack of either a mouse or keyboard leads to
> a minor "hardware problem" during the power-up diagnostics routine ...
> rendering the machines unable to reboot automatically (auto_start=boot).
> Sigh.
>
> Any workarounds out there?
>
> Thanks very much.
>
> Tom
Received on Wed May 27 1998 - 00:17:27 NZST