info-vax@ucbvax.ARPA (10/04/84)
From: NEWMAN%SAV@LLL-MFE.ARPA
From: SECRIST 4-OCT-1984 10:35
To: GKN
Subj: please put this out on the net to the guy with the RA-81 problems, thanks
Re: The continuing saga of the RA-81 reformat.
Sorry it took me so long to get back with you, but it took me awhile
to dig up the name of the correct diagnostic to reformat an RA-81 disk.
First some background. The diagnostic to which I am referring does
in fact re-write the manufacturers bad block file and all that
razmatazz. Furthermore, since early versions of the formatter were
bug-ridden and only made matters worse, using the diagnostic is
considered a last-ditch effort and is only recommended when all else
fails. The formatter will only run at specific UDA-50 microcode
levels, and errors-out with a "you have to have a least a rev. 'n'
controller" if you're not up to date.
This is a DEC contract machine, right ?! The FE must really have
brain damage because the DEC people are supposed to KNOW this stuff,
or call the remote diagnostic center if they need help. So here is
the news for your FE :
1) the RA81 formatter is EVRLB : once you start it
* DO NOT STOP IT !! * or the disk will be rendered
useless and WILL have to be sent back to the factory;
formatis interruptus would result in the media
dismounting itself every time you access it
2) if EVRLB gripes about rev. levels (of the UDA-50 u-code),
have your FE get you the new rev. boards -- you need
them anyway to cure other UDA-50 diseases
3) if your FE wants to know what the very latest rev.
levels of the diagnostic itself and the controller
boards have him call the Digital Diagnostic Center
at 800/525-6570
If he's already brought you a factory-fresh HDA, still have him check
into what microcode level your UDA-50 controller is running at, and
try to get him to update you if you're behind. Unless your RA-81 is
still hopelessly screwed-up, I would advise against reformatting a
brand new HDA. Also, if you're not running at the latest rev. of
VAX/VMS, double check the release notes for any driver mods as well --
and if you see any RA-81/UDA-50 updates consider putting up the latest
release.
Richard Secrist, SAIC/Oak Ridge