SUMMARY: Is our DEC machine dead?

From: Wayne Johnson <wj27_at_mail.gatech.edu>
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 09:36:37 -0400

Thanks for all the replies


Here was my PROBLEM:

We have a 12 year old DEC 3000 Model 600 running Tru64 v4.0E in our lab.
Recently, the machine has become unreachable via the internet (telnet, ftp,
etc). Also, the console monitor appears blank. I verified that the monitor
works with another computer.

The power light is on and I can hear the fan running inside the box. I have
also tried cycling the power. Still I get a blank screen at the console.
There is a row of 7 diagnostic LEDs on the back of the machine. When I
turn on the machine, LEDs 4-7 light up and remain on. Does anyone know what
this means?

I think the motherboard is dead since we can't even get the console user
interface to come up on the monitor.

Here are the best two SOLUTIONS:
The short answer:

From: A. Rollow " <alan_at_xxxxx.net>
Message-Id: <200308121854.MAA0000004926_at_desdra.cxo.cpqcorp.net>


        If I interpret my source of information correctly the
        recommended repair actions are:

        1. Ensure that a good connection is made between the
            system module and I/O module.

        4. Replace the I/O module.

        (The numbers I used are the repair codes).

The detailed answer:

From: P. Stern_at_xxxxx.il


One thing that you might check is the graphics card. Difficult unless
you have another similar machine. I have about half a dozen of these
machines and only three still work, and usually they died with the F0
LED hex code or similar. Here's what the DEC3000-600/800 service manual says:

DEC 3000 Model 600/600S AXP Serial ROM LED Codes

The LED display corresponds to a hexadecimal code and indicates what
diagnostic is currently being executed when the unit is first powered
on. If an error occurs before the system enters the console mode, then
the failed test is identified by a binary display of two 4-bit
hexadecimal numbers at the rear of the system.

Use the diagnostic LEDs to help diagnose problems when the system is
unable to set up the console. This portion of the testing does not
appear on the monitor.

Use the following LED code action table and LED code listing together to
diagnose and correct problems. The action table describes the actions
to take. The LED code listing identifies the LED display and hex code,
and the order in which to perform the actions.

Serial ROM LED Code Action Table

Solution Action

1 Ensure that a good connection is made between the system module
and I/O module.
2 Ensure that all memory SIMMs are properly installed. It may be
necessary to reseat memory SIMMs.
3 Replace system module.
4 Replace I/O module.
5 Replace MMB/SIMMs.

The term info only means that the hexadecimal code provided is for
information only, the system never stops here.

Serial ROM LED Code Listing

HEX Code Solution Then Replace Finally Replace

FF 2 3 ---
FE 2 3 ---
FD 2 3 ---
FC 2 3 ---
FB Info only --- ---
FA 2 5 3
F9 2 5 3
F8 2 5 3
F7 2 5 3
F6 Info only --- ---
F5 Info only --- ---
F4 1 4 ---
F3 Info only --- ---
F2 1 4 ---
F1 Info only --- ---
F0 1 4 ---
20 2 5 ---

NOTE: If the system works, then try replacing the old system module.

See the section entitled LED Codes and Status/Error Messages for a
description of each code, the corresponding test, and possible reasons
for test failure.

So you probably can retire this workstation.


My Solution based on above: SURPLUS the machine. R.I.P. Gryphon, you have
served us well.

  Thanks folks
Wayne
Received on Wed Aug 13 2003 - 13:37:30 NZST

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