This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
>From: "Larry D. Oolman" <address@hidden> >Organization: University of Wyoming >Keywords: 200009251614.e8PGEab10227 SGI power supply The following is being forwarded as a community service. ------- Forwarded Message From: "Larry D. Oolman" <address@hidden> Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2000 10:14:21 -0600 (MDT) Subject: SGI "recall" of power supplies Reply-to: "Larry D. Oolman" <address@hidden> One of the system administrators at our University received a letter from SGI that I think warrants passing on. There is more information on the SGI web site <http://www.sgi.com/support/fco_pwr_supply/tech_info.html>. Larry Oolman Department of Atmospheric Science University of Wyoming address@hidden http://www-das.uwyo.edu ------------- Begin Forwarded Message ------------- I received a letter from SGI stating that the power supplies on the following modes: Power Challenge (rack and deskside) Power Onyx (rack and deskside) Challenge XL Challenge L Onyx (rack and desk) Including Onyx i-Sation, Reality Station "The power supplies may attain high temperatures because of high electrical looses in the magnetic cores. This in turn may cause the insulation material in the cores to smoke, and on occasion, to flame. The flames may escape to the outside of the computer. The smoke is a health hazard and sometimes, a potential shock hazard may be present." SGI needs to know where these systems are, including systems that were sold or are out of service. Their letter states that they plan to start replacing power supplies in november of this year. The following were listed a way to reduce the risk: 1. Make sure the systems are properly grounded 2. On the Deskside and "L" models, remove the plastic Rear Panel (leave the other panels on the system) 3. For All systems, please ensure that they are free and clear of any combustible materials within a one foot radius 4. For Rackmount and "XL" systems, remove all papers and other combustibles stored with the rack 5. All Inlet vents and screens and filters must be checked and cleaned of dust and any other debris that might have accumulated since installation 6. The system should be monitored and if one observes overheating or a smell of smoke, this indicuates that there may be a failure in progress and the system should be shut down immediately. DO NOT remove the Power Supply for replacement prior to 30 minutes after the system has been shut down in order to allow the Power Supply to cool. If you have not received a letter around your system, you should be getting one soon. If not, contact me and I'll help to make arrangements for your system. Number 5 should be done to any system every so often to avoid it over heating. Usually once a year. Even the cleanist room has dust and dirt. A simple air clean can be used to blow it clean. To my personal amazement, I found a dead miller in one of my computers. Jim Ward "Technology is a way of organizing the universe so that man doesn't have to experience it." - Max Frisch ------------- End Forwarded Message ------------- ------- End of Forwarded Message