From: _robert.argento@mailbox.swipnet.se (ROB ARGENTO)
Subject: Novell 5 RAID Tyan Thunder
Date: 1998/12/13
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NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 17:27:19 MET DST
Newsgroups: fido.novell

Let's see if there is any help out there. 

There has been bit of discussion about the Tyan Thunder and the
Adaptec ARO-1130CA and all in relation to NT.  Our problems are
(perhaps) related and somewhat similer. 

The new parameter is NOVELL 5 drivers - or the lack of them. We are
looking for HAMS.  Here is a little history:
----------------------
981204
We have had a problem with configuration of the Adaptec ARO-1130CA and
the S1863DLUAN Thunder 100.
We are installing a Novell 5.0 server.

Symptom: 
1. The array can be set up. It will recongize both channels and will
make the array (in this case RAID 1 - simple mirroring).

2. When Novell installation comes so far as to identify disks to
instal drivers - no SCSI is found. 
    2a. Upon removing the Array card Novell Installation does find the
SCSI channels and suggests the proper drivers.

3. Upon booting with the Array card installed everything seems ok. The
disks on the channels are identified. 

We are using the Adaptec BIOS v31 downloaded from Adaptec.
Adaptec BIOS upgrade done properly with DOS 6.22 boot. 
We have tried the ARO-1130CA in combination with both the Thunder BIOS
1.07 and the 1.12 version.

The newsgroups take up this issue - although not with Novell but
rather with NT installation where a similer situation occurs - the
SCSI adaptor not being found. One user did get it to work but his
procedure does not seem to work for us or for others.

We have even observed difficulties using the 50-pin SCSI. To simplify
the matter we are just now we are NOT using it. Nor do I believe this
to be termination issue, which is often the case. 

Novell has no information in their knowledge base.
Adaptec's information on the ARO-1130CA is just as empty concerning
Novell. There is no mention of the Thunder or the GX chipset.  Could
this be a GX issue?  
------------------------------------------
98-12-07
We have tried the extra Raid adaptor which Stefan sent with the same
results - that is Config OK but netware 5.0 doesnt recognize that
anything with the initials SCSI being present.  The problem seems to
be either with the motherboard, its BIOS or its compatibility with
ARO.  
------------------------------------------
98-12-10  We have tried the extra motherboard which was sent. Same
problem arrises. We have not tried two different motherboards and two
different ARO-1130s with similer results and symptoms. This does
certainly seem to be a BIOS and compatibility problem.  
----------------------------------------------
98-12-12
Looking for new HAMS. Sure would like to get this server going before
Xmas.
-------------------------------------------------
That is it for now, my friends. Any Novell wizards out there? Here's a
chance to show your stuff!


Robban