[comp.unix.aix] POWERstation 320 configuration question

jfh@rpp386.cactus.org (John F. Haugh II) (04/07/90)

In article <6866@ncar.ucar.edu> steve@groucho.ucar.edu (Steve Emmerson) writes:
>The documentation that I have says that a 16 Megabyte memory board
>"requires one memory card location in the processor."  I would like to
>know if this "memory card location in the processor" is the same as a
>"feature card slot" (i.e. do memory cards tie-up a general-purpose slot?)

Memory card locations are special, meaning they aren't EMCA slots.
You can fill up all of the memory slots and still have all of your
slots free for adapters.

>The documentation also says that the system may be ordered with an
>internal 320 Megabyte SCSI disk drive as a "select feature" (i.e.
>configured at the plant) to replace the default 120 Megabyte internal
>fixed disk.  I would like to know: 1) if this "select feature" mandates
>the "SCSI high-performance internal/external I/O controller"; 
>2) whether or not this controller would take up a "feature card slot";
>and 3) whether or not this controller then be available to handle other
>external SCSI devices via the "external connector."

I can't answer 1), but I can answer 2) and 3).

The SCSI adapter does sit on the MCA bus.  It has a connector on the
back end of the adapter, which is available to connect anything you
want [ more or less ].

To connect a new SCSI device, power off the machine [ duh ], cable up
the new device [ making sure you don't duplicate any SCSI addresses ],
and re-boot.  The machine should locate the new SCSI device when it
configures itself.  There is a "Hardware Quick Reference Guide"
which gives LED values [ numbered 800 and up ] for the different
devices.  Look up your device in the back of the reference guide and
you should see your device ID flashed on the LEDs while it is being
configured.

DISCLAIMER: I don't speak for IBM, and they don't speak for me.
-- 
John F. Haugh II                             UUCP: ...!cs.utexas.edu!rpp386!jfh
Ma Bell: (512) 832-8832                           Domain: jfh@rpp386.cactus.org

drake@sd2.almaden.ibm.com (Sam Drake) (04/08/90)

In article <6866@ncar.ucar.edu> steve@groucho.ucar.edu (Steve Emmerson) writes:
>I have a few questions about hardware configuration for an IBM RISC
>System/ 6000 POWERstation 320 and would greatly appreciate any
>answers.
>
>The documentation that I have says that a 16 Megabyte memory board
>"requires one memory card location in the processor."  I would like to
>know if this "memory card location in the processor" is the same as a
>"feature card slot" (i.e. do memory cards tie-up a general-purpose slot?)

No the members of the RISC System/6000 family all have separate slots 
for memory cards and for MicroChannel adapters.  The two types of slots
are not interchangeable.  The POWERstation 320 has 4 MicroChannel I/O
slots and two slots for memory cards. 

I'm at home and don't recall the answers to your other questions, sorry.


Sam Drake / IBM Almaden Research Center 
Internet:  drake@ibm.com            BITNET:  DRAKE at ALMADEN
Usenet:    ...!uunet!ibmarc!drake   Phone:   (408) 927-1861

luner@werewolf.cs.wisc.edu (David L. Luner) (04/09/90)

In article <6866@ncar.ucar.edu> steve@groucho.ucar.edu (Steve Emmerson) writes:
>The documentation also says that the system may be ordered with an
>internal 320 Megabyte SCSI disk drive as a "select feature" (i.e.
>configured at the plant) to replace the default 120 Megabyte internal
>fixed disk.  I would like to know: 1) if this "select feature" mandates
>the "SCSI high-performance internal/external I/O controller"; 
>2) whether or not this controller would take up a "feature card slot";
>and 3) whether or not this controller then be available to handle other
>external SCSI devices via the "external connector."

Hello. 
  (1) Yes
  (2) Yes
  (3) Yes, but there's some debate on the total number of SCSI devices
      that may be supported (as distinguished from actually work) on that 
      adapter. As I recall, the Official Announcement states that only a 
      total of four SCSI devices are supported on the controller in this
      situation. On the other hand, I have heard that up to seven will
      in fact work. My secretary, if I had one, would deny I said that.

Given my waffling answer to item (3) I strongly suggest that you
contact your local branch office (or me, when I'm at my desk) to find
out the exact details on any configuration. There is a fine (and
frequently important) line between what will work easily, what will in
fact work and what is officially supported by IBM. The ultimate arbiter
on that last point is the official announcement letter. A similar
statement can be made for pricing.  There are "procedures" for
providing pricing, particularly where discounts are likely to be
involved, e.g. educational prices.

	-- David,
	   working at home and therefore hedging on everything.


David Luner
Systems Engineer
IBM Madison
(608) 273-5243