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- Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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                            FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
                  (For Authorized Distribution by SunService)

FIN #: I0799-1

Create Date: Mar/22/02

Keywords: 

Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 systems require Solaris 8 10/00 (U2) or later to support maximum parallel printer cable length

SunAlert: No

Top FIN/FCO Report: No

Products Reference: Printer cable length on U5/U10

Product Category: Desktop / Service

Product Affected: 

Systems Affected
----------------
Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description   Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------   -------------
  -        A21       ALL    Ultra 5             -
  -        A22       ALL    Ultra 10            - 


X-Options affected
------------------
Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description   Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------   -------------
  -         -         -          -              -

Parts Affected: 

Part Number   Description   Model
-----------   -----------   -----
     -             -          -

References: 

BugId: 4640829 - loss or garbled data with the printer at 25 feet.

Issue Description: 

Ultra 5/10 systems running an OS earlier than Solaris 8 10/00 (U2)
might experience data loss or garbled output to parallel printers when
printer cables longer than 10 feet (3 meters) are used.  This problem
will not cause a down system but might result in unnecessary service
calls due to perceived printer, cable, or parallel port problems.
Ultra 5/10 systems running Solaris 2.5.1, 2.6, and 7 are also affected.

To determine the OS release for an Ultra 5/10 system run this command:

	# cat /etc/release
	       Solaris 8 10/00 s28s_u2wos_11b SPARC
    
IEEE 1284 specifies two levels of compliance for an electrical
interface.  Level 1 devices are designed to operate over a maximum
cable length of 10 feet (3 meters).  Level 2 devices can operate over a
maximum cable length of 33 feet (10 meters).  Peripherals at the other
end of the cable should also meet level 2 requirements to use cables
longer than 10 feet.  Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 parallel ports are level 2
compliant.  

A limiting factor to printer cable length is the 1284 mode in use, that
is, Nibble mode, ECP mode, or Compatibility mode.  Nibble mode and ECP
modes are interlocked protocols which are independent of cable length.
Compatibility mode, on the other hand, is not interlocked and has
certain timing requirements which make cable length a factor. 

The parallel port driver in releases prior to Solaris 8 10/00 only
supports Compatibility mode, hence the maximum printer cable length is
limited to 10 feet.  To operate beyond 10 feet up to the level 2 device
spec limit of 33 feet, the platform must have Solaris 8 10/00 or later
installed.

Implementation: 

---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Proactive)
         ---    
         
  
         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PROACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan) 
         --- 
         
                                
         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---

Corrective Action: 

The following recommendation is provided as a guideline for authorized
Enterprise Services Field Representatives who may encounter the above
mentioned problem.

If field personnel encounter a system with garbled or lost data to or
from a parallel printer AND the system's parallel printer cable is
longer than 10 feet (3 meters), Solaris 8 10/00 (U2) or later should be
installed on the system or a shorter (less than 10 feet) printer cable
should be installed.

Comments: 

None

============================================================================

Implementation Footnote: 

i)   In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to    
     contact all affected customers to recommend implementation of 
     the FIN. 
   
ii)  For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission critical    
     support teams will recommend implementation of the FIN  (to their  
     respective accounts), at the convenience of the customer. 

iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as the   
     need arises.
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