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Conference giadev::decstation

Title:DECstation PC Conference
Notice:register note 2, see notes 3 & 4
Moderator:TARKIN::LININD
Created:Tue Jan 10 1989
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:7470
Total number of notes:34994

7374.0. "Urgent inquiry Two-channel Raid Controller" by STKAI1::EROSEN () Fri Mar 07 1997 13:01

    Hello,
    
    We are on the verge of getting a serious customer situation that 
    would become a level 2 IPMT case, but we think we could fix this 
    but we need urgent assistance in verifying the following information.
    
    Server is Prioris ZX6200, with dual processors.
    We have found out that we need to have the latest and greatest 
    version of the MYLEX controller which we believe is rev E.
    
    Question is :
    
    - is rev E the module revision or is it something else ?
    
    We have located a 30-48115-03, but with revision A01 !  
    (and it looks brand-new).
    
    Please advise if revision A01 is the latest module revision.
    
    Thanks a million in advance
    
    regards
	Ebbe
    
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7374.1Tell me more.PCBUOA::WHITECParrot_TrooperFri Mar 07 1997 14:2515
    The version o\f Mylex that shipped with the system is current.
    
    What is the customer problem......  You may be referring to the latest
    version of Firmware and BIOS......Rev E MYlex is a NEW part.  It
    functions a little differently than it's predecessors.  It has
    new firmware and BIOS in a twice as large rom. The two are
    not interchangeable.
    
    There is some information on our web server   akin40.ako.dec.com
    check out techtips.........
    
    I still would like to know what the problem is.  And how the customer
    believes that the REV E Mylex will solve the problem?
    
    chet white   PCBU Server Support Enginereing / Options
7374.2More information;PCBUOA::WHITECParrot_TrooperFri Mar 07 1997 19:0233
    The part number you referenced is the Rev E mylex...Rev E is a 
    Mylex term...not ours...we reference the part at the 30 class..
    It is a Rev A of a new module.
    This is an excerp from the WEB page:
    
    * There are several ways of identifying the new controller:
    
    The part number is different. 
    FR-PCTAR-EA/EB/EC (1,2 and 3 channel)
    
    The 30 class part label on the solder side of the board 
    30-48115-01, -02, -03)
    
    At system boot, the firmware revision is displayed when the
    BIOS detects the Mylex controller.....Rev E are firmware 
    3.xx the older controllers are 2.xx.
    The GAM software through the View button, then Controller 
    View, then Controller information screen will display the 
    firmware revision of 3.xx.
    
    * Migration from an older revision Mylex to the newer Rev E is 
    possible through the following procedure by a knowledgeable
    engineer.
    
    o backing up the entire raid set
    o replace the older controller with the rev E controller
    o re-configure the RAID set
    o Re-Stripe the RAID set
    o Restore the backed up data
    
    Can you tell us what the problem is:
    
    chet
7374.3Thanks!STKAI1::EROSENTue Mar 11 1997 13:1426
    Chet,
    Many thanks for your quick reply!

Sorry, the following does not explain the problem we have but I am
not involved other than entering this note to confirm the question
we had. I just received this message from our MCS delivery manager 
and will follow-up with him tomorrow again.

Regards,
Ebbe


Status is as follows:
The Rev on the Mylex modules in the systems are A01 rev D.
According to the product description these Prioris servers should
include A01 rev E.
If we replace to rev E, which is the revision which we will have in
the repair-loop, then this must be done on all 6 servers at the same
time. This means that all disks must be formatted and re-configured
at the same time.

The customer will today have a meeting if and when this should be done.

We have today 2x Mylex modules rev E and have ordered another 5 (the customer
wants one spare module).

7374.4Actually a different controller.PCBUOA::WHITECParrot_TrooperTue Mar 11 1997 22:5511
    The Prioris did a cutin ECO that dealt with the Rev E's.  Until that
    time, the older Rev C's and D's were shipped.  I will have to check
    with Engineering as to the date, and disposition of the older Rev
    mylex.  You are correct in the fact that the Rev E's will include
    re-establishing the raidsets and re-initializing.   I'm not sure
    that they will be 'given' away though.  The Rev E Mylex is a different
    part. They were never stated as a replacement to the older versions
    as pieces of the configuration are written on the drives as well as
    inside the controller.  Hope this helps.
    
    chet