Re: SCSI-2 and AS200/233

[Jeff Noxon <jeff planetfall com>]

On Sun, Aug 23, 1998 at 08:05:11AM -0700, Alan Young wrote:
> Jeff Noxon wrote:
> > 
> > I tried to install an Adaptec 3940W controller (dual wide), and had
> > mixed success.  SRM firmware doesn't see it.  Booting the kernel over
> > the network, Linux found the 3940W and attached IBM DHFS wide drive,
> > and *seemed* to work fine.  But I could not boot from it.  The kernel
> > would die instantly.  It's beyond me why it worked as a secondary disk
> > but not the primary.

Quick update: I am now using the 3940 as my primary controller under
Linux.  Since SRM doesn't see it, I'm using bootp to load my kernel.
The problem I was having was due to a goofed /etc/fstab.

> I am using the ARCBIOS firmware rather than the SRM firmware.  I know
> earlier versions of ARC did not support the Adaptec, but the latest
> version does.  Maybe the SRM version you are using does not recognize the
> Adaptec device and needs to be upgraded???

I'm using the latest version of SRM.  I am led to believe that it supports
the AHA2940 series but not the 3940.  I don't really like ARC.  SRM doesn't
force me to use MILO, and it supports things like bootp.  I'm also somewhat
committed to using SRM since I'm doing the aboot package for Debian.

I'll try ARC sometime just to find out of it sees my controller.

> As for the kernel, I had this problem with the stock Redhat kernel.  It
> would boot just past the point were it would ID the SCSI devices and then
> OOPS.  It appears to be a problem with that kernel for some reason.  I
> have been able to work around the problem by using Richard Henderson's
> generic kernel based on kernel version 2.1.116.  It boots fine and I've
> been able to install Redhat 5.1 on a LX164.

I would not know about RedHat.  The Debian/Alpha 2.0 kernel is 2.0.34 and
it had an older AIC7xxx driver that didn't grok my card.  But 2.1.116
and 2.1.117 work like a champ...  And the 3940 compiles a kernel 10%
faster than the NCR controller with the same drive!

Thanks

Jeff