User guide

11
Chapter 2 - Installation Quick Start
Pre-Installation Notes
Due to the high flexibility of the MultiArray, the options for configuration are many and varied. You
may be installing Multi-Tech components throughout, or combining components from other
vendors. For this reason this quick start guide, and these installation instructions, are written in
such a way as to be relevant to all possibilities. This means that when installing various
components such as PC boards and disk drives, you will be referenced to the user
documentation for that product, rather than given specific instruction for only one brand
component.
The installation process is provided in a sequential order (as listed below) and if you plan to
install components in a different order, take time to read through the manual first, so that
important notes and cautions will not be over looked. The installation process is as follows:
• Configuration Considerations
• Hardware Installation
Installing PC Boards
Installing SBC Boards
Installing NIC Boards
Installing ISI Boards
Internal SBC Cabling
Installing Disk Drives
Disk Drive Cabling
• Replacing Cover
• Mounting Rails (optional - for rack mounting)
• External Cabling
• Power Up
Before you begin please read through the following important notes, and then proceed with the
procedures that follow.
Configuration Considerations
The MultiArray can be configured to meet your particular site requirements. The number and type
of PC boards and/or hard and floppy disk drives, CD-ROM, or tape drive installed in the
MultiArray rack varies depending on your site requirements.
Several configuration considerations should be resolved before the MultiArray is installed.
• Power requirements for each component should be added together to ensure that the power
supply rating is not exceeded.
• Disk drive, CD-ROM, and tape drive cables are long enough to reach their SBC.
• If additional RAM is added to a SBC, ensure that the power requirements are not exceeded.
• The SBC must have the HDD Block Mode function disabled in the BIOS for the CD-ROM
muxing to work properly. Refer to your SBC Owner’s Manual for instructions.
• If you are running Windows on a segment in the MA3a, the AUTORUN function for the CD-
ROM must be disabled. If not disabled, the CD-ROM will be accessed every time the user
switches the CD-ROM from one segment to another.
• If a segment has accessed a particular CD or floppy disk and a new disk is now going to be
accessed, the ejection and insertion of the new CD or floppy must occur at the segment
which intends to access it. Otherwise, the SBC will think the last disk or CD accessed is still
there.
• If an MS9E is used with the MA3a, it is recommended that a 9-pin serial mouse be used
instead of a PS/2 mouse. The PS/2 mouse may exhibit lock-up problems where it needs to
be unplugged and plugged back in to work again.
• Do not attach ribbon cables to the Mux card if they will not be used.