Chapter 1. Installing the 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor
Adapter Board

This chapter explains how to install the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor adapter board in your O2 workstation. There are two classes of O2 workstations, the R5000 class, and the R10000 class. You can install the 1600SW flat panel monitor adapter in either class. Follow the installation path in this chapter for your class of O2 workstation.

Verifying the Software

To use the Silicon Graphics 1600SW flat panel with an O2 workstation, you need IRIX 6.5.2 or later.

  • If you purchased the 1600SW flat panel monitor at the same time as your O2 workstation, 6.5.2 is already installed on your workstation's system disk and you do not need to install additional software.

  • If your O2 workstation is running IRIX 6.5, you need to upgrade to IRIX 6.5.2.
    IRIX upgrades, patches and installation instructions are provided on the CDs included with this kit. Be sure to read any release notes or README files on the CDs.

If you are not sure which IRIX version you are running, in a shell window, enter
uname -aR


Tip: Always have your screen saver and power saving features enabled. Using these features dramatically prolongs the life of the backlights in the flat panel monitor and prevents images from burning into the screen.


Using the Flat Panel Monitor with a CRT Monitor

The flat panel monitor was not designed to be used simultaneously with a conventional cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor when both monitors are attached to the same graphics adapter board. As a result, you must use the 1600SW timing tables whenever the flat panel is connected to your O2 workstation (regardless of CRT use). There will be flicker on the CRT monitor but not the flat panel monitor.


Caution: The 60 Hz timing table is designed for the 1600SW flat panel monitor, and will almost invariably cause your CRT monitor to behave erratically. Use the 50 Hz timing table if you plan to use a CRT monitor.



Tip: Previous O2 monitors are not set to display the wide aspect ratio of the 1600SW properly. Many CRT monitors offer controls to adjust aspect ratio or screen size, which will improve the quality of your CRT image while displaying at 1600SW resolution. Consult your CRT monitor manual for details.

Also note that both the 1600SW flat panel monitor and the CRT monitor display images from the same framebuffer. See Chapter 2 for more information.

Installing the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board

If you are sure your O2 workstation has the correct version of IRIX, follow these steps to install the board.


Tip: Always have your screen saver and power saving features enabled. Using these features dramatically prolongs the life of the backlights in the flat panel monitor and prevents images from burning into the screen.


Removing the System Module

Follow these steps to remove the system module:

Figure 1-1. Turning Off the Workstation


  1. If you haven't already turned off the workstation, do so now by pressing the power button on the front (Figure 1-1).

    Figure 1-2. Removing the Power Cable



Note: The illustrations in this section shows an O2 R5000 class workstation. Use these instructions also for O2 R10000 class workstations.


  1. Remove the cables, including the power cable (Figure 1-2).

    Figure 1-3. Releasing the System Module


  2. The system module is on the left as you face the rear. Pull down the lever on the left side of the module to release it (Figure 1-3).

    Figure 1-4. Removing the System Module From the Chassis


  3. Slide the system module out of the chassis (Figure 1-4).

  4. To reach the digital display adapter slot, you need to remove the PCI tray. The procedure for removing the tray differs depending on your workstation.

Removing the PCI Tray: O2 R5000 Class Workstations

Follow these steps to remove the PCI tray from the system module.

Figure 1-5. Laying the System Module Flat


  1. Lay the system module on a clean, flat surface, such as your desktop (Figure 1-5).

    Figure 1-6. Releasing the PCI Tray


  2. Release the PCI tray by pushing up the lever on the side (Figure 1-6). The tray pops up.


    Note: If a PCI board is installed in the tray, do not remove it from the tray. However, disconnect any cables attached to the PCI board.

    Figure 1-7. Removing the PCI Tray from the System Module Viewed from the Side


  3. Push down slightly on the rear of the PCI tray to remove it from the system module (Figure 1-7).

    Figure 1-8. Removing the Filler Panel: O2 R5000 Class Workstation


  4. If there is a filler panel covering the opening for the adapter board's external connector, remove it as follows:

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold it (Figure 1-8).

    • Push the filler panel inward.

    • Remove the filler panel and save it. If you remove the flat panel adapter board and do not replace it, you must reinstall the panel.

  5. Go to “Installing the Board: O2 R5000 Class and O2 R10000 Class Workstations”.

Removing the Face Plate and PCI Tray: O2 R10000 Class Workstations

Follow this procedure to remove the PCI tray from an O2 R10000 class workstation.

Figure 1-9. Removing the Screws from the Face Plate: R10000 Class Workstation


  1. Remove the face plate.

    • Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove five screws from the rear and two screws from the underside of the system module (Figure 1-9).


      Caution: From the underside, remove only two screws. Do not remove the third screw that attaches the system module lever to the face plate.

      Figure 1-10. Removing the Face Plate: O2 R10000 Class Workstation


    • Remove the plastic and metal face plate by grasping it where the plastic comes to a “V” and pulling it outward (Figure 1-10).

      Figure 1-11. Removing the Filler Panel: O2 R10000 Class Workstation


  2. Remove the filler panel covering the opening for the adapter board's external connector. It should pop out when you push on it (Figure 1-11).

    Figure 1-12. Removing the PCI Tray


  3. Remove the PCI tray from the system module.


    Note: If a PCI board is installed in the tray, do not remove it from the tray. However, disconnect any cables attached to the PCI board.


    • Insert a flat-head screwdriver (the screwdriver that comes with the shipment is reversible) in the small opening shown in Figure 1-12. Use a twisting motion to release the PCI tray connector from the slot on the system module. Then use an up and down motion to release the PCI tray.

    • Pull the PCI tray straight up to remove it and set it aside.

  4. Go to “Installing the Board: O2 R5000 Class and O2 R10000 Class Workstations”.

Installing the Board: O2 R5000 Class and O2 R10000 Class Workstations

Follow these instructions to install the board. The illustrations in this section show an R10000 class workstation. The procedure is the same for an R5000 class workstation.

Figure 1-13. Attaching the Wrist Strap


  1. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the system module with a wrist strap (Figure 1-13).

    • Wrap the first two folds of the strap around your wrist.

    • Peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the metal part of the chassis.

      Figure 1-14. Positioning the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board


  2. Align the board as follows:

    • Tilt the board at a steep angle and lower it until the board's external connectors are opposite the opening on the backplane.

    • Rotate the board downward until it is as flat as possible while pushing toward the opening to align the connector.

      Figure 1-15. Aligning the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board


  3. As shown in Figure 1-15, push the left side of the board (1), then the right (2), toward the rear of the system module so that the board's I/O connector goes through the slot and the connector underneath is aligned over the socket on the system board.

  4. Look at the rear panel from the outside to align the screw holes on the panel with the screw holes on the board.

    Figure 1-16. Seating the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board, Viewed from the Side


  5. Once the connector is aligned in the opening, look beneath the board at the system connector. It will probably not be aligned yet over the slot. Push the board toward the rear panel until the system connectors are aligned.

  6. Push down firmly to seat the board in the socket. You should hear a muffled click as it seats. Look from the side to make sure it's seated all the way.

  7. Remove the wrist strap.

  8. Follow the path for your workstation:

  9. Secure the Flat Panel Monitor adapter board by replacing the screws, as shown in Figure 1-17.

  10. To reinstall the PCI tray, go to “Reinstalling the PCI Tray: O2 R5000 Class Workstations”.

Reinstalling the PCI Tray: O2 R5000 Class Workstations

Follow these steps to reinstall the PCI tray in the O2 R5000 class workstation.

Figure 1-18. Returning the Lever to the Starting Position


  1. Push the PCI tray lever to return it to its starting position (Figure 1-18).

    Figure 1-19. Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module Viewed from the Side


  2. Reinstall the PCI tray in the system module (Figure 1-19).

    • Engage the hinge on the PCI tray in the slot on the system module.

    • Lower the tray, pushing toward the back of the module as you do this.

    • Align the gold-colored PCI edge connector with the slot on the system board.

      Figure 1-20. PCI Tray Seated Correctly


  3. Push the tray down firmly until it is completely seated. You hear a click as it seats (Figure 1-20).


    Caution: The system module cannot slide back into the chassis if the PCI tray is not seated completely.


  4. Go to “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Completing the Installation: O2 R10000 Class Workstations

On an R10000 class workstation, follow these steps to replace the PCI tray in the system module.

Figure 1-21. Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module


  1. Install the PCI tray (Figure 1-21).

    • Lower the PCI tray, engaging it on the tab on the side of the system module.

    • Insert the PCI connector beneath the tray into the slot on the system module.

    • Once the connector is aligned, push down firmly until it is completely seated.


    Note: The system module cannot slide back into the chassis if the PCI tray is not seated completely.

    Figure 1-22. Replacing the Face Plate


  2. Replace the plastic and metal face plate by sliding it onto the system module, while at the same time lifting the plastic at the “V” to snap it in place. When properly seated, the underside of the faceplate is flush to the module and the screw holes are aligned (Figure 1-22).

    Figure 1-23. Replacing Screws on the Face Plate


  3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to insert and tighten the screws in the locations shown (Figure 1-23).

  4. Go to “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Reinstalling the System Module


Note: The illustrations in this section show an O2 R5000 workstation. Installing the system module is the same for an O2 R10000 class workstation.

Figure 1-24. Reinstalling the System Module in the Chassis


  1. Slide the system module into the chassis until the lever engages (Figure 1-24).

    Figure 1-25. Securing the System Module in Place


  2. Push the lever up to lock the module in place (Figure 1-25). If the module is installed correctly, the lever is all the way up and the system module is flush with the system drive module and other modules.

  3. If you received a system upgrade label, tilt the O2 carefully and place it underneath the chassis. Do not cover the original label.

    Figure 1-26. Connecting the Power Cable


  4. Reconnect the power cable and any other cables you removed (Figure 1-26) except for the monitor cable.

  5. You are now ready to connect the 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor to the O2 workstation.

Connecting the Flat Panel Monitor to the O2 Workstation

Follow these steps to connect the Flat Panel Monitor to the O2 workstation:

Figure 1-27. Attaching the Interface Cable to the Adapter Board


  1. If you have not done so already, unpack the Flat Panel Monitor from its shipping container.

  2. Optional: If you wish to mount the Flat Panel Monitor on a mounting arm, do so now. Follow the instructions in the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor Owner's Guide to remove the monitor from its pedestal.

  3. Place the monitor in the desired location.

  4. Locate the interface cable and attach it to the flat panel board's connector, as shown in Figure 1-27.


    Caution: The flat panel adapter board's connector looks the same as the one above it. Be sure to connect the interface cable to the correct connector.


  5. Connect the Flat Panel Monitor power cables, as described in the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor Owner's Guide.

  6. Attach any remaining cables, including those for the keyboard, mouse, camera, networking, and so forth.

You are ready to turn on the Flat Panel Monitor and your workstation. Follow the instructions in the Silicon Graphics 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor Owner's Guide for using the monitor, including how to turn it on and off, how to adjust it, and how to care for it.


Note: Always have your screen saver and power saving features enabled. Using these features can dramatically prolong the life of the backlights in the Flat Panel Monitor and prevent images from burning into the screen.


Removing the Flat Panel Adapter

Follow these instructions to remove the flat panel adapter board:

  1. Turn off the workstation and remove the cables, including the power cable. For an illustration, see “Installing the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board”.

  2. Remove the system module and place it on a clean, flat surface. For instructions and illustrations, see “Removing the System Module”.

  3. Remove the PCI tray. Then return to this page.

  4. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the system module with a wrist strap (Figure 1-13).

    • Wrap the first two folds of the strap around your wrist.

    • Peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the metal part of the chassis.

      Figure 1-28. Removing the Flat Panel Monitor Adapter Board


  5. Grasp the board on either side and gently rock it out (Figure 1-28). Do not exaggerate the rocking motion, or you might bend the pins.


    Note: The illustration shows an O2 R5000 class workstation. The procedure is the same for an O2 R10000 class workstation.


  6. If you are installing a different option board, follow the installation instructions that came with it. Otherwise, replace the filler panel that you removed when you first installed the Flat Panel Monitor adapter board.

  7. Remove the wrist strap.

  8. Replace the PCI tray.

  9. Reinstall the system module, reconnect the power cable, connect any additional cables (such as for the keyboard, mouse, camera, networking, and monitor), and turn on the workstation. See “Reinstalling the System Module”.