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For multiple instances, please use only absolute paths and unique names to all the files referenced in the configuration file of each CHARON-AXP instance (log, toy clock, rom files and all the other data such as disk images (Exception: clustering) - all these objects to be discussed later in this document). Also, hardware devices (e.g., CD-ROM) may be used by only one instance at a time (not shared).
For example:
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Please refer to the next chapters for more details concerning CHARON-AXP configuration details.
Running from a Desktop shortcut
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Desktop shortcut:
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"Start" menu shortcuts:
To run a specific CHARON-AXP model, double click the target model's desktop shortcut (or click on "Start" menu shortcut).
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By default the CHARON sample configuration files do not contain any specification for disks and network; you need to update a copy of the sample configuration file to specify your specific disk and network configuration. |
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Depending on settings, Windows may display a Firewall warning dialog asking to confirm CHARON access to different networks.
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Check the desired options and press "Allow access" button.
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The CHARON icon will appear in the system tray menu:
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Next, the HP Alpha emulated console will appear (in the default configuration. Some configurations may not start the console):
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The total number of devices (both controllers and units, including disks) displayed by CHARON SRM console is limited to 48. Note that it does not affect the actual number of configured devices provided to CHARON guest OS. |
If the CHARON icon in the system tray menu disappears, it means a critical error happened at run-time. In this case you have to analyze the CHARON log file, by default stored in the CHARON executables folder. The default location for log files is "C:\Program Files\CHARON\Build_XXX\x64". The name of the log file depends on the model of emulated HP Alpha and the date and time, for example "AlphaServer_1200-2015-01-20-13-40-32-000000000.log"
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The next step is to install or copy a system disk for CHARON operation. This can be either installation of a new OpenVMS, Tru64 Unix, etc. system using a distribution provided by HP or a transfer of data from an existing HP Alpha system. These possibilities will be discussed in detail in the next chapters.
To exit from the CHARON-AXP emulator use the following methods:
- Configuration with no changes to the template configuration file
Right click on CHARON icon in the system tray menu, choose "Stop & Exit":
- Type "power off" in CHARON-AXP SRM console
Configuration file updated to enable "F6" button in the configuration file to trigger exit from CHARON:
set OPA0 stop_on = F6- To exit, press "F6" in the console window
- Use CHARON icon tray menu as shown above
Before stopping the CHARON-AXP service, shutdown the operating system running in CHARON-AXP.
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Running from the Launcher utility
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In the Launcher main interface, click the "Browse" button to select the desired CHARON configuration file:
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Select the desired configuration file:
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The Launcher will display the CHARON model specified in the selected configuration file:
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Now it is possible to run CHARON. Press the "Run selected configuration" button.
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Depending on system settings, Windows may display a Firewall warning dialog asking to confirm CHARON access to different networks.
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Check the desired options and press "Allow access" button.
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Next, the CHARON icon will appear in the system tray menu:
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Right after that the HP Alpha emulated console will appear (in the default configuration. Some configurations may not start the console):
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The Launcher will display CHARON log file:
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Log messages have the following colors:
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| Error |
It is possible to scroll through the log file to analyze possible problems.
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To exit from the CHARON-AXP emulator use the following methods:
- Configuration with no changes to the template configuration file
Right click on CHARON icon in the system tray menu, choose "Stop & Exit":
Using this menu, it is also possible to halt the virtual HP Alpha, reset it or show its console if it has been closed- Type "power off" in CHARON SRM console
Configuration file updated to enable "F6" button in the configuration file to trigger exit from CHARON:
set OPA0 stop_on = F6- To exit, press "F6" in the console window
- Use CHARON icon tray menu as shown above
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Before stopping the CHARON-AXP service, shutdown the operating system running in CHARON-AXP.
After CHARON exits press "Exit" button to quit from the Launcher.
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Running as a system service
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In the "CHARON Launcher" main interface press "Browse" button to select the configuration file that will be used to create the Windows service:
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Choose the desired configuration file:
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The Launcher will display the CHARON model name specified in the configuration file and will enable the management buttons ("Edit CFG file" and "Install / Update service"):
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Press "Edit CFG file" button and edit (with standard "Notepad" program) the chosen configuration file:
Use only absolute paths to log, toy clock, nvram files and all the other data such as disk images etc. The names of the references files must be unique too, for example
...set session log="C:\Charon Instances\1st_ds20.log"
set rom container="C:\Charon Instances\1st_ds20.bin"
set toy container="C:\Charon Instances\1st_ds20.dat"set PKA container[0]="C:\Charon Instances\1st_ds20_boot_disk.vdisk"...- Make sure the same physical devices are not used by other CHARON services
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Once errors are resolved, if any, press "Install / Update service" button in the Launcher:
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A dialog window for adding a new CHARON service will appear:
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Press "Ok" button then exit from the "Launcher" by pressing "Exit" button.
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The CHARON service is installed, now let's configure it. Start the "CHARON Service Manager" utility:
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Management of CHARON-AXP services
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Stopping CHARON-AXP services
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Modification of CHARON-AXP services
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If errors appear, stop CHARON-AXP, update the configuration file, start it again, make sure the updated configuration works correctly then stop CHARON-AXP.
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Once CHARON-AXP has been completely stopped, press the "Install / Update service" button:
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The install / update dialog will appear:
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Press "Update existing service" button:
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Service update requires the CHARON-AXP service to be stopped.
Removing CHARON-AXP services
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Please refer to the next chapters for more details concerning CHARON-AXP configuration details