System Startup, Configuration, and Shutdown Reference Manual > Appendix A Using the Access Port (AP)

Configuring the Console

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Some of the terminal configuration parameters are important for proper AP operation. Both terminals connected to ports T0 (system console) and T1 (remote support modem port) should be configured with the following parameter settings:

From the DATACOMM CONFIGURATION menu:


   Parity/DataBits  None/8
   Chk Parity  NO
   EnqAck  YES
   CS(CB)Xmit  NO
   RecvPace  Xon/Xoff
   XmitPace  NONE

From the TERMINAL CONFIGURATION menu:


   LocalEcho  OFF
   SPOW(B)  NO
   Line/Page(D)  LINE  (**necessary during control mode**)
   ReturnDef  Return

Parameters not mentioned can be set to any value and do not affect AP operation.

NOTE: The AP is designed to operate with the HP 700/92 terminal. There have been no deliberate steps taken to preclude operation with other terminals (for example, the AP does not check the terminal identification and refuse to operate with anything else), but no other terminals have been tested for proper operation. Use other terminals at your own risk.

Entering Control Mode and Using the Command Interpreter

Control mode is the mode of operation needed to use the access port commands. Activate the AP control mode interface by entering CTRL B at the system console:


   :CTRL B
   CM>

To use the access port command interpreter, enter a two-character AP command at the control mode prompt (CM>), followed by a carriage return:


   CM>RS

   Execution of this command irrecoverably halts
   all system processing and I/O activity and
   restarts the computer system.
   .
   .
   .

If the AP command parser does not recognize the two characters entered as a command, the system displays an error message similar to the following:


   Illegal command, type HE for help.

Interpreting the System Status Line

When in control mode, the AP displays the system status line across the softkey labels of the system console. The system status line has this format:


  CODE:  xxxx  REMOTE:  <  1  > <  2  > <  3  > ACCESS FAULT:  yy

Table A-1 Status Line Display describes the information presented in the status line.

Table A-1 Status Line Display

Field	Meaning
`xxxx`	Represents the four digit LED error code display.
`1`	May have one of three values: `enabled`, `pending`, or `disabled`. These correspond to the status of the remote console accessibility. The remote console can either be accessed (`enabled`), disconnected (`disabled`), or waiting for a user session to end (`pending`).
`2`	May be either `active` or `inactive`. `Active` indicates that a remote console is currently being used. `Inactive` indicates that a remote console is not currently being used.
`3`	May have one of two values: `single` or `multiple`. This designates whether the AP allows a single attempt (`single`) or multiple attempts (`multiple`) to access the remote console.
`yy`	Displays the number of times someone tried to access the remote console but failed to give the proper password.

The status line is updated with each change, such as when the system cycles through its self-test.

Using Access Port Commands

The AP has several commands for manipulating its activities. Table A-2 Access Port Commands lists these commands and their functions.

Table A-2 Access Port Commands

Command	Function
CA	Configure system remote support modem port.
CO	Returns console from control mode to console mode.
DI	Disconnects line to remote console.
DR	Disables access to the system by a remote console.
DS	Disables display of system status line during console mode.
ER	Enables access by a remote console.
ES	Enables display of system status line during console mode.
HE	Displays the help screen.
RS	Stops all processing, initiates SPU self-test, and loads software from load device if enabled for autoboot.
SE	Transfers remote terminal from console/control mode to session mode.
TA	Initiates access port self-test.
TC	Transfers processor execution to operating-system-specific routine. Initiates a system soft reset.
TE	Sends messages (up to 80 characters) between local and remote consoles.

Using the AP Help Facility

Obtain online help by entering either HELP or the abbreviated command, HE.

The command issues the following display:


  CM>HELP

           Access Port Revision xxx  m.d.y

  CA  Configure system remote support modem port.
  CO  Enter console mode.
  DI  Disconnect line to remote console terminal.
  DR  Disable access by a remote console terminal (enables session
        access).
  DS  Disable display of system status line during console mode.
  ER  Enable access by a remote console terminal (disables session
        access).
  ES  Enable display of system status line during console mode.
  HE  Display this screen.
  RS  Stop all processing, initiate SPU Self-Test, load software
        from load device if enabled for autoboot.
  SE  Transfer remote terminal from console/control to session mode.
  TA  Initiate Access Port Self-Test.
  TC  Transfer processor execution to operating system specific routine.
  TE  Send message between local and remote console terminals.

In the preceding display, xxx is the number of the revision of the operating firmware contained on the AP and m.d.y is the month, day and year the firmware revision was released. These identifications are necessary to manage ROM updates in the field if they become necessary.

Returning from Control Mode to Console Mode

The access port command, CO, returns the console from control mode to console mode. Once returned to console mode, the system console operates in its normal session mode. This command does not generate messages.

Configuring the Access Port

Issuing the AP command, CA, allows either the local or remote console operator to reconfigure the baud rate for the remote support modem port, the setting of the T1 RATE line, and the system identification. The AP accepts any configuration, making no judgment on the validity.

Using the CA command generates the following prompts:


  CM>CA Return

  Current remote support modem port configuration:

     Bit rate                      9600 bits/sec
     Rate Select/CCITT 111         High rate (ON)
     System identification:   Joe's Sink and Pipe Shop

  Do you wish to change the configuration? (Y/N): Y Return

  Enter your changes.  <CR> retains the current value.

  Current bit rate is 9600 bits/sec.  Select the new bit rate.
   (0=300, 1=1200, 2=2400, 3=4800, 4=9600):  Return

  Rate Select (CCITT 111) is currently HIGH (ON).  Choose the
    new setting (H=high or ON, L=low or OFF): H Return

  Current System identification:   Joe's Sink and Pipe Shop.
    New identification (limited to 1 to 24 displayable characters
    or space for none): Yi's Jug and Bottle Shop Return
    New configuration (takes effect at next remote connection):

      Bit rate                      9600 bits/sec
      Rate Select/CCITT 111         High rate (ON)
      System identification:   Yi's Jug and Bottle Shop

  CM>

The baud rate for the remote console port can be set to 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bits per second. This should be equal to the speed that is supported by your modem (usually 2400).

The remote console port rate can be turned on or off. ON is the high voltage and OFF is the low voltage, within the definitions for control lines for both RS-232c and V.28.

The system identification is a displayable character ASCII string (24 characters maximum) that is stored on the AP, for the AP's exclusive use. The AP identification has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with any other system identification stored elsewhere in the SPU. No other entity has access to it, and the AP has no access to any other system identification.

Enter up to 24 characters as the system identification. Characters 00 hex through 1F hex are control characters and are not considered displayable. Entering a space at the system identification prompt deletes the previous identification string.

The new configuration is written to nonvolatile memory (NVM) at the end of command processing. It is not used until the next incoming call is answered and the configuration has been written to NVM. If CA is executed by a remote user and the line is lost, the new configuration is still not in effect and the remote user can redial and pick up the process where the disconnection occurred.

For NVM failure, the configuration uses default parameters. These values are 1200 bits per second, for the bit rate; rate select (CCITT 111) high; and system identification set to the null string.

If, during the configuration of the remote support modem, the AP encounters any unexpected or inappropriate input, it may respond with a combination of the following messages.


     Expecting "Y" or "N" (APERR 11)

     Expecting "H" or "L" (APERR 12)

     String was truncated to 24 characters. (APMSG 04)

     Your selection is outside of the legal range. (APERR 14)

Enabling Remote Console Access

The command ER enables remote access to control and console modes through the remote support modem port. The command is only valid from the system console. ER allows you to set the remote access password, the number of password tries, and single or multiple access.

Using the ER command generates the following prompts:


  CM>ER Return

  Current remote console access configuration:

  Mode:                Multiple
  Password:            The quick brown fox
  Password faults:     10

  Do you wish to change the configuration? (Y/N): Y Return

  Enter your changes.  <CR> retains the current value.

  Current mode:   Multiple
  Select the new setting (S=single, M=multiple):  Return
  Current password:    The quick brown fox
  New password (1 to 24 displayable characters or space
  if no password is to be required):  Return
  Current password fault limit:   10
  New number of password faults (Range:  0-99 or space.
  Space or 0 will permit unlimited password faults.): 5 Return
     New remote console access configuration:

     Mode:                Multiple
     Password:            The quick brown fox
     Password faults:     5

     Remote console access is now enabled.

  CM>

The new access status settings do not take effect until you finally answer the change query with NO.

If, during the process of updating the access status settings, the AP encounters any unexpected or inappropriate input, it may respond with a combination of the following messages:


   Expecting "Y" or "N" (APERR 11)

   Expecting "S" or "M" (APERR 16)

   String was truncated to 24 characters. (APMSG 04)

   Your selection is outside of the legal range. (APERR 14)

   Command may not be executed by a remote user. (APERR 13)

Upon NVM failure, the following default values are used: remote disabled, multiple access mode, maximum fault limit = 3, no password required.

Sending Messages to Both Consoles

The AP treats all displayable characters following the TE command as a comment. They are displayed but not executed. This allows you to enter a message of up to 80 characters at the master terminal that can be viewed by both consoles. For example, entering:


   CM>TE System backup begins in 5 minutes.

displays the message:


  System backup begins in 5 minutes.

at the remote console.

Disabling Remote Console Access

Entering DR disables remote access by the remote support modem port to control and console modes.

If the command is successful, the system displays the message:


   Remote console access disabled.

NOTE: The remote enabled light on the front panel goes out once remote console access is terminated.

Disconnecting the Remote Line

Entering the DI command initiates a clean disconnect from the telephone line connected to the remote support modem port. This command is valid only from a remote console. If a local operator attempts to use this command, the system issues a message:


   Command may not be executed by a local user. (APERR 15)

The system displays the message, Remote line is disconnected, when the line is disconnected.

Connecting the Remote Support Modem to a Session Port

This command is valid from the remote support modem port only.

Entering SE causes the remote support modem port to connect through to a session port. If DTR is on, the remote support port's modem remains connected. The remote support modem is able to initiate a session using a normal connection protocol, as if a new modem connection had just been established. To reenter control mode, the remote support port modem must drop the connection and redial.

Using this command and the port operation, a user at the Response Center is able to use control, console, and session mode without any intervention by the local operator. (The operator must enable remote capability of the system.)

The following message is generated if the local console operator tries to execute the SE command:


   Command may not be executed by local user.  (APERR 15)

Enabling the SPU Hex Status Display

The ES command displays the system status line, including the front panel LED codes, on console terminals during console mode. Console terminal performance and software performance may be affected when a remote console is connected to the system.

The operating system writes the LED display every 0.5 seconds.

For a 300-bit per second modem, 60 percent of the available throughput is taken by the writing of the LED code. For a 1200-bit per second modem, 15 percent of the line capacity is used.To minimize the effect, the entire system status line is not displayed. In console mode, the following display is shown:


     CODE:  xxxx

The status line is placed over the softkey labels. To temporarily view the soft keys display, enter a Return.

After successfully executing the command, the following message is displayed:


     System status display during console mode is enabled.

Disabling the SPU Hex Status Display

Entering DS disables the display of the system status line, including the system front panel hex display codes on the console during console mode. See the ES command for more details.

The system displays a message when the command is successful:


   System status display during console mode is disabled.

Hard Resetting the SPU

Issuing the RS command causes the AP to reset the entire SPU, halting all processing and I/O activity with the exception of itself and a few operations that must maintain state even over resets. The AP clears all data from the standard output (SO) and data processing first-in-first-out (DP FIFO) buffers. When the first character arrives from either buffer, the AP returns the console from control mode to console mode.

NOTE: The AP command interpreter is active during the period between command execution and the arrival of characters (on either buffer ports) from the system, though the control mode prompt (CM>) isn't available.

Executing this command generates messages and prompts essential to resetting the system.

If the AP command interpreter encounters errors or inappropriate input during the reset (RS) process, it may display a combination of the following messages:


   Expecting "Y" or "N" (APERR 11)

   Unable to verify assertion of RESET_SYS backplane
   signal (APERR 01).

   RESET SYS backplane signal asserted, but unable to
   verify SPU deassertion of PPON backplane
   signal (APERR 02).

   PPON not reasserted by SPU after RESET_SYS
   deassertion (APERR 03).

The last three messages appear as a result of certain failures detected by the AP during the reset process. These messages are key to isolating the cause of the failure of the failed field-replaceable unit.

Once the reset is complete, the system displays the following message:


   SPU hardware was successfully reset. (APMSG 02)

Transferring Control (Soft Reset)

The TC command initiates a transfer of control, or soft reset, of the system.

Should an error be encountered during a TC, the system displays following error message:


   Unable to verify assertion of TOC_SYS backplane signal (APERR 04).

Testing the AP

Entering TA executes the AP self-test. The system displays a message during self-test:


  CM>TA Return
  
  Console data arriving during self-test execution
  will be lost.
  
  Type Y to confirm your intention to execute AP Self-Test (Y/N): Y
  
  Starting AP Self-Test.  Last subtest will be 30.
  
  Executing test number:
  
  00     01     02     03     04     05     06     07     08     09
  10     11     12     13     14     15     16     17     18     19
  20     21     22     23     24     25     26     27     28     29
  30
  
  AP Self-Test passed. (APMSG 01)

If the self-test fails:


   AP Self-Test failed subtest xx (APERR 05).

where xx is the number of the test causing the failure. If the self-test hangs, the last number displayed is the failing subtest, provided that the numbers have appeared in numerical order (which is the expected sequence).

During the execution of self-test, some of the test numbers shown above may have the mnemonics NC, NT1H, or NS1H appended to them. Whether or not these appear depends upon the test hood configuration present at the time of test execution.

NOTE: The master terminal after the completion of the self-test is the terminal that was master when the test was initiated.

Using Control Commands

The following section describes additional commands that can be executed with the simultaneous use of the control key.

Entering Control Mode

Both a local and remote user can enter CTRL B to initiate a mode change from console mode to control mode.

Halting Scrolling

Entering CTRL S causes the AP to stop passing characters from its port queues to the consoles. The queues continue to accept characters from the system. The XOFF is not passed to the system port being used for the transfer.

Allowing Scrolling

Entering CTRL Q causes the AP to resume passing characters from its port queues to the consoles if this was previously stopped by XOFF character. The XON is not passed to the system port being used for the transfer.

Entering Escape Characters

The escape character CTRL V nullifies whatever character follows it, except for XON and XOFF characters. Any character following a CTRL V has no effect on AP operation.

Changing Master Consoles

Only one console can operate as the system console at a time. It is referred to as the master. The other, usually the remote terminal, can view data but cannot enter data until it takes control. Break is used to take control back and forth between the system console and an enabled remote console. When the remote console enters Break, it becomes the master console, and vice versa. In order to enter data at the remote terminal, you must press Break.

Interpreting AP Error and Informational Messages

The AP provides two classes of messages. A message that is followed by (APERR XX) is an error message. "XX" indicates the error number. A message that is followed by (APMSG XX) is an informational message, although it can indicate a potential error. Error and informational numbers may be duplicated; for example, there is both an APERR 01 and an APMSG 01.

Error Codes and Error Messages

MESSAGE: Unable to verify assertion of RESET SYS backplane signal (APERR 01)

Level:

CAUSE: This message, displayed during execution of the RS command, means that the backplane signal RESET_SYS- is not asserted when the AP attempts to reset the SPU.

This error might be caused by any one or a combination of four conditions.

Failure of the AP drive circuitry causes this error to be detected, and the SPU is not reset.

The circuitry that permits the AP to read this line may have failed. If this is the case, the error message is displayed, but the SPU is reset in the proper manner.

The CIO backplane may contain a short between the RESET_SYS- line and another low impedance line that is driving a high-logic level.

Some other device connected to the RESET_SYS- line may be driving a high-logic level that the AP cannot overdrive.

MESSAGE: RESET_SYS backplane signal asserted, but unable to verify SPU deassertion of PPON backplane signal (APERR 02)

Level:

CAUSE: This message, generated during execution of the RS command, indicates that the PPON backplane signal is not deasserted within 2 seconds after the RESET_SYS- line is asserted.

This error may be caused by three conditions. If the receiver, which senses this state of this line on the AP, has failed, the system displays the message. The SPU resets normally. The AP also resets itself as soon as the RS command has completed, if this is the cause of the failure.

If the wiring between the assembly that receives RESET_SYS- and the AP is defective, neither the SPU nor AP resets.

If the portion of the power system that generates PPON is defective, the SPU does not reset, and the AP probably does not reset.

MESSAGE: PPON not reasserted by SPU after RESET_SYS deassertion (APERR 03)

Level:

CAUSE: This message, displayed by the RS command, means that PPON has not reasserted within 2 seconds after being deasserted. Once this occurs, the AP becomes insensitive to being reset by the deassertion of PPON.

This error is most likely the result of a fault in the assembly that generates the PPON signal.

MESSAGE: Unable to verify assertion of TOC_SYS backplane signal (APERR 04)

Level:

CAUSE: Information not currently available.

MESSAGE: AP Self-Test failed subtest xx (APERR 05)

Level:

CAUSE: This message is displayed when a failure occurs during the execution of AP self-test. XX gives the decimal number of the failing subtest.

MESSAGE: AP failed subtest xx of idle Self-Test. (APERR 06)

Level:

CAUSE: This message is displayed when the idle self-test fails.

Since idle self-test executes whenever the AP microprocessor has idle time, this message may appear at any time, in any AP context, including during console mode operation.

MESSAGE: AP failed subtest xx of prior idle Self-Test. (APERR 07)

Level:

CAUSE: This message is displayed when a switch in modes is made after idle self-test has failed previously.

MESSAGE: Permitted accesses to NVM exceeded. (APERR 08)

Level:

CAUSE: This message is displayed each time that the AP accesses NVM after the counter in NVM indicates that the permitted number of accesses to the last block of NVM has been exhausted. The AP should be replaced at the next visit by HP service personnel. The NVM may survive for up to 20,000 more accesses after this message begins to occur, or it may fail almost immediately.

MESSAGE: CRC error on NVM. (APERR 09)

Level:

CAUSE: This message is displayed when the AP has exhausted the permitted number of accesses to all blocks of NVM. The default settings for NVM parameters are used. Notify your HP service personnel. The AP must be replaced.

MESSAGE: Illegal command, type HE for help. (APERR 10)

Level:

CAUSE: The first two characters entered in a command line for the AP command interpreter are not an AP command. Help displays all legal commands.

MESSAGE: Expecting "Y" or "N" (APERR 11)

Level:

CAUSE: The AP is expecting one of the letters Y or N, in either uppercase or lowercase, as the reply to the query displayed on the screen.

MESSAGE: Expecting "H" or "L" (APERR 12)

Level:

CAUSE: The AP is expecting one of the letters H or L, in either uppercase or lowercase, as the reply to the query displayed on the screen. H stands for high, and if chosen, causes the specified signal to be set to the high voltage level, which is nominally +9 Volts referenced to ground. L stands for low, and if chosen, causes the specified signal to be set to the low voltage level, which is nominally -9 volts referenced to ground.

MESSAGE: Command may not be executed by a remote user. (APERR 13)

Level:

CAUSE: The command entered is a valid AP command, but is intended for use from the local console port (port T0) only. No action has been taken.

MESSAGE: Your selection is outside of the legal range. (APERR 14)

Level:

CAUSE: Either numeric data has been entered when alphabetic input is expected (or vice versa), or the value of numeric data entered is outside of the permissible range of values.

MESSAGE: Command may not be executed by a local user. (APERR 15)

Level:

CAUSE: This command is a valid AP command, but is intended for use from the remote support modem port (port T1) only. No action has been taken.

MESSAGE: Expecting "S" or "M" (APERR 16)

Level:

CAUSE: The only permissible input at this time is the letter S for single or the letter M for multiple. They may be entered either in uppercase or lowercase.

MESSAGE: Syntax error. (APERR 17)

Level:

CAUSE: Any error other than those covered by error messages APERR 18 and APERR 19 when using the DM, AM, DD, or AD commands, causes this error message.

MESSAGE: Illegal hexadecimal entry. (APERR 18)

Level:

CAUSE: If any of the hex parameters entered with the DM, AM, DD, or AD commands are not valid hex numbers, this error message is be output.

MESSAGE: Illegal address or address range. (APERR 19)

Level:

CAUSE: Attempting to address outside the legal range of addresses with the DM, AM, DD, or AD commands causes this error message to be given.

Informational Messages

MESSAGE: AP self-test passed. (APMSG 01)

Level:

CAUSE: AP self-test was executed, and it has passed. The message is accurate in almost all cases; however, it is possible that the message will appear without the test having executed to completion. This case can be detected by observing whether the full complement of subtests has been executed in the proper order.

AP self-test detects only approximately 70 percent of the faults on the AP.

MESSAGE: SPU hardware was successfully reset. (APMSG 02)

Level:

CAUSE: This message indicates that the AP did not enter the three possible error states. It does not mean that the AP has somehow detected that the processor has restarted or that it was cleared, for example. The AP has no way to determine the internal state of any other assembly in the SPU.

MESSAGE: Console terminal not set to 9600 bits per second. Console port will operate at xxxx bits per second. (APMSG 03)

Level:

CAUSE: The AP senses the setting of the console connected to local console port using ENQ/ACK. The console should be operating at 9600 bits per second. If it is operating at 4800, 2400, 1200, 600 or 300 bits per second, the AP senses this and operates the port at this baud rate.

If the above message appears on the terminal screen, the AP and the terminal are both set for the same baud rate. If the terminal is accidentally set for other than 9600, the above-referenced procedure should be followed to reset the terminal and AP for 9600. If the terminal is set for 9600, the AP or the terminal is defective.

MESSAGE: String was truncated to 24 characters. (APMSG 04)

Level:

CAUSE: You can enter only up to 24 displayable characters in the answer to the query on the screen. All characters past the twenty-fourth were discarded. No action is necessary if the resulting truncated string is acceptable as the answer to the query. If the resulting string is not acceptable, continue command execution until you are again prompted for the string and enter the new string.

MESSAGE: AP configuration lost. Use CA and ER commands to recover. (APMSG 05)

Level:

CAUSE: If this message recurs after each reset, power on, or self-test execution, the AP is defective.

Appendix A Using the Access Port (AP)

Appendix B Startup, Dump, and Shutdown Listings

Configuring the Console

MPE documents

Entering Control Mode and Using the Command Interpreter

Interpreting the System Status Line

Using Access Port Commands

Using the AP Help Facility

Returning from Control Mode to Console Mode

Configuring the Access Port

Enabling Remote Console Access

Sending Messages to Both Consoles

Disabling Remote Console Access

Disconnecting the Remote Line

Connecting the Remote Support Modem to a Session Port

Enabling the SPU Hex Status Display

Disabling the SPU Hex Status Display

Hard Resetting the SPU

Transferring Control (Soft Reset)

Testing the AP

Using Control Commands

Entering Control Mode

Halting Scrolling

Allowing Scrolling

Entering Escape Characters

Changing Master Consoles

Interpreting AP Error and Informational Messages

Error Codes and Error Messages

Informational Messages