HP OpenVMS Systems

Graphics console on AlphaServer 8400?

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The Question is:

 
I'm in the process of getting together an order
for a 3 x AlphaServer 8400 EV6 OpenVMS cluster
as our production system at CareGroup.  We
currently have 2 x AlphaServer 4000s in a
cluster running V7.1-1H1 and I'm going to put
up Raven EFT3 as soon as I get the CD (signed up
to be an official Field Test Site).  Anyway, I
have a graphics console on each of the
AlphaServer 4000s and have gotten used to them
as the OpenVMS consoles.  Plus, I can 'toggle'
back and forth between running VMS or NT on one
of the 4000s whenever I want to.
 
The question is, on the AlphaServer 8400, there
doesn't seem to be a ("supported") way to
configure a graphics console for OpenVMS
operation.  The SOC only talks about the
KFE72-AA as a UNIX graphics console, and the
KFE72-EA as the NT console.  Nothing about
OpenVMS.  The PCI graphics card included in the
KFE72-AA (and required to be purchased
separately in the -EA) - the PBXGB-AA - doesn't
seem to be supported by OpenVMS, yet it appears
to be very, very similar to the modules used in
the AlphaServer 4000, AlphaServer 1000A, etc. -
and they all have graphics consoles.
 
So, am I 'doomed' to a VT console-only life on
the AlphaServer 8400s, or is there a way I can
get a graphics console (as the only console
device or in addtion to the VT) somehow
configured - and supported?
 
Thanks for any help - direct or indirect - you
can give me.
 
Al Saloky
Manager, OpenVMS Systems Support
CareGroup/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
 
 

The Answer is :

 
  OpenVMS does not support a graphics console on the AlphaServer 8400 series.
 
  The KFE72-DA is used as the OpenVMS Galaxy (serial) console.
 
  The PBXGB-AA is the PowerStorm 3D30, and it is supported by OpenVMS.

  

     

     
answer written or last revised on ( 19-OCT-1998 )
     
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