The Efficiency of the Detective

Information within the On-Line! Detective is organized under 8 major navigational Tabs. Four of these Tabs are dedicated to specific Sun hardware types: Workstations, Servers, Arrays, and Netras. The other four Tabs are Components, Technology, Solaris, and Troubleshooting. These Tabs are designed to provide the fast access to information. Within the pages of the Detective are multiple links that lead to more useful information on other pages. These links are extremely beneficial to find the needed information.

There are 5 primary areas:

Sun Workstations & Servers

The system-level menu structures are similar for each system. This makes navigation very intuitive and easy to learn. Each new system the user encounters suddenly becomes less intimidating because the structure and display of the information is consistent. Every system menu has three distinct areas, each of which afford the user a means to navigate to more detailed information. Regular FTP updates ensure that the latest system information is always available.

Photographs

There are multiple photos and drawings of each system, these include: top, rear, front, open, exploded, and a left or right ‘open chassis’ view. These photos and drawings have ‘hot spots’ that provide pop-up menus with hyperlinks to more granular information. Information includes part numbers and their descriptions, component removal and replacement procedures, configuration rules & guidelines, troubleshooting and much more. All related information is just a click away and will save you a lot of valuable time.

V240 Main Menu   Exploded View   Component ID       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

Service personnel can effectively support unfamiliar systems because of the Detective’s structured design. For many users, the Detective eliminates the need for specific system training. A user can solve problems more effectively with the Detective at their fingertips.

System Specific Menu

Each system has a menu with multiple points of entry. System specific menus may include:
• Alphabetical Index
• Sun System Overview – ideal for quick orientation or self-paced training
• Sun System Configuration Rules & Guidelines
• Component removal and replacement instructions for every component
• System Specific Troubleshooting Methods and Techniques
• System Specific Administration Module (ideal for Admins and Techs alike)
• System Specific listing of all compatible parts (cross-referenced too)
• FAQs – A list of frequently asked questions and answers
• Related Links Menu

Alphabetical Index

Each system has a detailed alphabetical Index with integrated hyperlinks connecting the user to all information pertinent to that system. The links will guide the user to all menu headings, charts, graphs, parts, drawings and related configuration and operating information.

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Sun System Overview

Most systems incorporate a comprehensive Overview covering all aspects of the systems architecture. The Overview provides an introduction to each component type in every system. Every component has detail to the most miniscule attribute and nuance. In fact, they are the modules SoftTech Solutions and other Sun Trainers utilize in classroom training.

ALOM Menu and Index   Memory Interleaving               Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun System Configuration Rules and Guidelines

Each system in the Detective has complete coverage of every component’s rules and guidelines within that system. A comprehensive table shows all of the rules, guidelines, system specifications, part numbers and links to more detailed configuration considerations.

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Sun FRU (Component) Removal & Replacement Procedures

Every component that can be replaced in the field has detailed, step-by-step procedures for its safe removal and replacement. These steps include links to photographs depicting proper location and handling techniques. The documentation includes notes, cautions and warnings, relevant to safe removal and installation techniques, such as electrostatic discharge. These documented procedures are exceptional resources for QS, ISO and FDA documentation requirements.

The Detective provides step-by-step procedures for fast and safe removal and replacement of every component for each Sun workstation and server. Notes offer users suggestions to minimize risk and provide ‘tips’ from experienced professionals to save time and ensure safety.

Removal Instructions   Step-by-Step Procedures   Testing Compontents       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun System Troubleshooting

Each system has an exclusive troubleshooting menu, specifically designed to each system’s architecture, characteristics and related configuration capabilities. The troubleshooting options include LED interpretation, component troubleshooting, tips from actual field cases, infrequently used troubleshooting techniques, specific diagnostic routines and troubleshooting flowcharts.

PRTDiag   Disk Drive Error Menu   OBP Test Menu V880       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun System Administration

Many of the more complex systems have specific System Administration Modules, such as the Sun Fire servers. These modules not only provide essential orientation information but detailed information on setup, configuration, installation and other aspects of system interface. Systems with unique Administration Modules include: Sun E10K Administration, Sun Fire Administration and Sun’s “Lights Out Management” (LOM) Administration. These modules make it far easier for a Sun Technician or Sun Administrator to understand and support every Sun system.

Keyswitch Transitions   Accessing System Controller Main Menu   Command Breakdown for Easy Understanding       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun Part Number Lookup & Cross-Reference

Every system has a complete listing of parts that are compatible for internal use. This part list includes descriptions, “7-digit” and “X-Option” part numbers. Furthermore, these two part types are cross-referenced to each other. Major components also have hyperlinks which transfer the user to more detailed information including; part type, system compatibility, configuration notes, compatibility notes, OEM part number, detailed drawing, relevant jumper settings, scan rates & frequencies, and much more.

U60 Disk Drive Options   Part Detail   Graphics Card Detail       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Frequently Asked Questions

Each system has its own FAQ’s garnered from user sites, classroom training and Detective users. The Detective also provides a more comprehensive listing, with thousands of FAQ’s.

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Related Links Menu

A menu of related links is provided for every system in order to help facilitate access to other commonly used types of information, such as: third-party parts, SCSI information, a Glossary of technical terms or the OpenBoot PROM.

Device Tree Top Level   Multiple Target Detail         Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun Solaris Module

The Solaris Module (Tab) provides step-by-step directions for the various installation methods of Solaris 2.6, 7, 8, & 9. The screen captures in the Detective contain notes from experts and tips for a more effective and expedient installation. Users have printable forms and worksheets to ensure smoother installation and upgrades.

Pre-install Form   Solaris Upgrade Info   Solaris Jumpstart       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

The Detective also has a complete Solaris 9 Certification program to help guide users from the Fundamentals of Solaris all the way through preparation for the Solaris II Certification Exam. This section alone has more than 1,600 pages of structured information including: questions, examples, screen captures and exercises.

Solaris Certification Menu   UnixTest.com       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

Information pertaining to all aspects of Administration can be found within the Sun Solaris Module. A user will also discover information on Admintool, Panic, Patches, start-up and shutdown, file system administration, the UNIX File Structure, and everything on the OpenBoot PROM.

Topics are always being added to every Module. Here is a sample of topics currently addressed in the Detective:

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Sun Technology Module

This Sun Technology Module (Tab) is dedicated to the variety of technologies employed in Sun environments. The detailed information will include various cables and connectors, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Fire Wire, NVRAM, OpenBoot PROMs, RAID, SCSI, UltraSPARC I, II, & III, USB, a Glossary of technical terms, and a complete listing of UNIX and Solaris Commands.

Forth Toolkit Menu   RAID Detail           Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun Parts Module (Components)

The Sun Parts Module (Tab) provides users with the means to query the database of parts in numerous ways. The parts can be located by Type, such as: Ethernet, Graphics Card, Disk Drive, or by their “7-digit” or “X-Option” part number. These results will provide hyperlinks offering more granular detail. The Detective also provides a sizeable listing of third-party parts, including disk drives, memory, cables, as well as Ross CPUs for the older SPARC systems.

Master Part List   System Board Detail   Graphics Card Detail     Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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Sun Troubleshooting

The Sun Troubleshooting Module (Tab) offers numerous methods to troubleshoot a Sun environment. A user’s skills or comfort level will dictate the options available. There are three primary points-of-entry for troubleshooting with several options including:

System Specific Troubleshooting

One approach to troubleshooting is to begin with the system in question. This section provides customized, system-specific troubleshooting options and techniques for each system’s unique capabilities.

• OBP
• Flowcharts
• Database of problems and resolutions
• Jumper Settings
• Keyboard & LED Interpretations
• Much more

System Specific Troubleshooting Menu   Detailed Flowcharts with Hyperlinks   VTS Main Menu       Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

Sun Troubleshooting Techniques

This section under the Troubleshooting heading allows for a more generic “component-level” method to troubleshooting. Here the user is given the ability to peruse flowcharts to logically deduce and pinpoint the origin of a problem.

• Component Troubleshooting
• SCSI & Fibre Troubleshooting
• Component and System troubleshooting flowcharts
• Port Testing
• Monitors
• Much more

Troubleshooting Tab   Core File Analysis               Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

Sun Troubleshooting Routines

Users with a variety of skills have utilized the Detective and have also acquired preferences for troubleshooting. The different methods for beginning the users’ troubleshooting task is provided inside this section.

• Open Boot Diagnostics / Forth Toolkit
• Blank Screen
• Lights Out Management (LOM)
• Sun Fire Troubleshooting Methods
• Enterprise Troubleshooting Methods
• Much more

Laptop as a Dumb-Terminal   Removing a Board from Poweron   USB Keyboard Commands     Rollover thumbnail on left to see larger version of image

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