2 Preparations



This chapter explains the steps to perform before installing or removing a DSIMM or VSIMM. Topics covered in this chapter include:

Unpacking SIMMs

When you remove a SIMM from its shipping box, you should find:

After unpacking the SIMM, be sure to store the box and its packing material for future use.

Caution -

DSIMMs and VSIMMs are made of delicate electronic components that are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Ordinary amounts of static from your clothes or work environment can destroy a SIMM. Handle a SIMM only by the edges. Do not touch the components on the SIMM or any metal parts. Wear a grounding strap before handling any SIMM.

Halting the System

Before you install new SIMMs, halt your system as follows:

Caution -

When the operating system or any other standalone program has already booted, do not use the Stop-a keys to halt your system. Abruptly aborting program execution can damage your files.

    1. Save all your work.

    Consult your software documentation for instructions on ending a work session and saving your files. If you do not save your work, you could lose it when you switch off the power.

    2. Return to the operating system environment.

    If you are in a windowing environment, exit from it and wait for the operating system prompt to appear. See the documentation supplied with your windowing system.

Note - For instructions on halting a SPARCclassic X terminal, see Using a SPARCclassic X Terminal.

    3. Halt the operating system.

    See the documentation supplied with your operating system for instructions on how to halt it.

    The system responds with system halt messages followed by either the > or ok prompt. When either prompt appears, you can safely turn off the power in the proper sequence.

    4. Turn off the power in the following sequence:
      a. External drive units (if any)
      b. System unit
      c. Monitor

Disconnecting System Peripherals

Detach all cables connected to the rear panel of the system unit. Take care to remember where each cable attaches to the system unit.

Caution -

Do not disconnect the power cord from the system unit's power receptacle or the wall socket. This connection provides the proper ground path so that you can safely remove and install printed circuit boards and other components.

Opening the System Unit

Warning -

Before opening the system unit, make sure the system power switch is in the Standby (

) position. The green LED on the front of the system unit should not be lit, and the fan should not be running.

To open a SPARCclassic or SPARCstation LX system unit:

    1. Make sure the AC power switch on the system unit is in the Standby (

    ) position.

    The green LED on the front of the system unit should not be lit, and the fan should not be running. Leave the AC power cord connected to both the system unit and wall outlet.

    2. Position the system on the table with the rear panel facing you.

    Leave enough space to lay the unit top flat on the table behind the unit bottom.

    3. Remove the PEM screw that secures the lock block to the back panel (see Figure 2-1).
    4. Grasp the unit top at its rear corners and open the system unit like a suitcase (see Figure 2-1).

    Lay the unit top flat on the table behind the unit bottom. The unit top and bottom are still connected by one or more cables leading to the main logic board.

Note - The unit top contains the power supply and is the heavier of the two sections.

    Figure 2-1 Opening the System Unit

Warning -

When you are finished installing parts inside the system unit, be sure to close the system unit before turning on the power. It is not safe to operate the system unit while it is open.

Attaching the Wrist Strap

A wrist strap (or grounding strap) provides grounding for static electricity between your body and the chassis of the system unit. Electric current and voltage do not pass through the wrist strap.

Before you handle any components inside the system unit, attach the wrist strap to your wrist and to the metal casing of the power supply. Parts that require the use of a wrist strap are packed with one.

Caution -

Boards and modules can be damaged by harmful electrical charges if you do not wear a wrist strap.

To attach the wrist strap:

    1. Wrap the grounding strap twice around your wrist.

    Make sure the adhesive side is against your skin.

    2. Attach the end with the adhesive copper strip to the metal casing of the power supply in the top of the system unit.

    Figure 2-2 Attaching the Wrist Strap

What's Next

If you are installing DSIMMs into your system, move on to Chapter 3.

If you are installing a VSIMM into a SPARCstation LX system, skip Chapter 3 and move on to Chapter 4.