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Replacing the NVRAM backup battery pack

To replace the NVRAM backup battery pack in a server, you remove the old battery and install the new replacement. Perform the battery pack replacement as quickly as possible, and only when the new pack is present.

NoteIf possible, shut down the server before replacing the battery backup pack. Shutting down the server or migrating all of the EVSs to the other node is not required. However, during the replacement procedure, there will be a period of time when the NVRAM contents are not backed up by the battery pack. If a power failure occurs during this period, the NVRAM contents may be lost.

Checking battery pack status

The battery pack status LED indicates the status of the server's NVRAM battery pack.

Battery pack status LED
LEDs Meaning
Red

If this LED is on immediately after installing a new battery pack, it indicates that an initial battery charging and conditioning cycle is in progress. The initial battery conditioning takes approximately 24 hours, and the LED will turn off after the cycle is complete.

If this LED is on during normal operation (not after installing a new battery pack), either the battery has exceeded its two year life or a problem has been detected. Check the battery status before determining any service operation.

Off

Normal operation.

Battery pack status LED location
GUID-9DC7A381-DB5A-46C7-8F3E-075DE38F39FB-low.png

Battery-related events are recorded in the server’s event log. Other battery-related information is also saved in a battery status log. These logs, along with the server’s event log, are useful in monitoring the state of the battery.

Turning the battery status LED off can require one or more of the following steps. Try the steps in the following order:

Procedure

  1. Perform a battery pack test cycle. To begin the test cycle, do the following:

    1. Access the server CLI.

    2. Issue the following Linux command: touch /var/opt/chassis-monitor/.testbatterynow

  2. Remove and reinstall the battery pack.

  3. If the battery is still having problems, replace the battery pack. (A new battery pack is required.)

Identifying a cluster node that requires battery replacement

If you have warnings or battery-related events in the Event Log of a cluster, you can identify the cluster node requiring battery replacement using the following procedure:

Procedure

  1. Access the server Command Line Interface.

    For information about how to access the server command line interface, refer to the Hitachi NAS Platform System Access Guide.
  2. Log in to the server as manager.

    These credentials provide access to the Bali console.
  3. Enter the command led-identify-node x, where x is the node mentioned in the Event Log message.

    Both the server status and fault LEDs on the node will flash, allowing you to identify the node. Refer to the Hitachi NAS Platform Command Line Reference for more information on the led-identify-node command.

Replacing the NVRAM battery module

You can easily replace the NVRAM battery pack in a server. The battery module is hot-swappable; however, if possible, shutdown the server before replacing the module.

Before you begin

Identify the server model before installing the battery.

ImportantDuring the replacement procedure, the NVRAM contents are not backed up by the battery pack. If a power failure occurs during this period, NVRAM contents may be lost. See the appropriate hardware reference or maintenance documentation for procedures to power down a server.

Item Description
1 Thumbscrew that holds the battery pack in place
2 Handle for moving the battery pack forward and backward in the chassis

Procedure

  1. Remove the bezel cover from the front of the server for access to the batteries.

  2. Loosen the thumbscrew to the right of the battery pack module cover by turning it counter-clockwise.

  3. Using the handle, pull the battery pack module straight out of the chassis.

    The battery pack is automatically disconnected.
  4. Insert the pre-assembled replacement module straight into the chassis, and gently but firmly push the pack into position.

    The battery pack is automatically connected.
  5. Tighten the thumbscrew by turning it clockwise.

  6. Replace the server bezel.

  7. Dispose of the old battery pack in accordance with environmental regulations or return to the supplier.

Collecting system backups and diagnostics

After replacing the battery, collect system backups and diagnostics.

Procedure

  1. Connect to the back-end NAS Private Management Switch.

  2. Open a browser session to the SMU. (External: 192.0.2.1; Embedded: 192.0.2.2).

  3. Login as the admin user.

  4. Back up the Server registry (Embedded SMU - this includes the SMU configuration).

    1. Navigate to Home > Server Settings > Configuration Backup and Restore.

    2. Click Backup.

    3. Save the registry file to a location on your computer.

    4. Verify that the archive file can be opened and the contents can be extracted.

  5. Backup the SMU Configuration - External SMU ONLY.

    1. In the GUI, navigate to SMU Administration > SMU Backup and Restore

    2. Click Backup SMU: Backup.

    3. Save the configuration file to a location on your computer.

    4. Verify that the archive file can be opened and the contents can be extracted.

  6. Collect Diagnostics from the cluster.

    1. Navigate to Home > Status and Monitoring > Download Diagnostics

    2. Check only the check boxes and radio button shown below .

      GUID-E414540C-A94C-49AA-8B09-55EBF6E2A7B0-low.png
    3. Click download.

    4. Save to a location on your computer.

    5. Verify that the archive file can be opened and the contents can be extracted.

    6. If the archive file contains the words "MISSING_FILES", repeat step 6. If this does not resolve the issue, then check that both nodes are fully operational and resolve any issues identified before repeating the procedure.

Resetting the battery age and restarting the chassis monitor

Reset the battery age and Restart the Chassis Monitor as necessary.

Procedure

  1. Connect a serial cable to the serial port of the node with the new battery.

  2. Open a putty application and set up a serial console session.

    1. Select the Serial Radio button.

    2. Enter the COM port that your serial dongle is using.

    3. Enter 115200 in the Speed box.

    4. Click Serial in the Category Tree on the left.

    5. Make sure the Speed is 115200.

    6. Set the Data bits to 8.

    7. Set the Stop bits to 1.

    8. Set the Parity to None.

    9. Set the Flow Control to None.

    10. Click Session in the Category Tree on the left.

    11. Enter SMU serial (or similar) in the Saved Sessions box.

    12. Click Save.

  3. Turn on the putty session logging.

    1. Click Logging from the Category Tree on the left.

    2. Select Printable output in Session logging.

    3. Set the location for the putty output file.

    4. In the section What to do if the log file already exists, select Ask the user every time.

    5. Click Session from the Category Tree on the left, which returns you to the Session window.

    6. Click Save.

  4. Click Open to open the session to the Node console.

    1. Login as the manager user.

  5. Type the command ipaddr and verify that you are connected to the correct node.

  6. Perform ONLY ONE of the following procedures.

    • If the node firmware is below 11.1.3225.02, perform the following procedure:
    1. Type the command: new-battery-fitted --field --confirm

    2. Once the prompt returns, press: <ctrl>+d to exit to the Linux Layer.

    3. Type su to change the login to root and enter the root password.

    4. Restart the chassis monitor by issuing the command: /etc/init.d/chassis-monitor restart

    5. Type scc localhost to return to the NAS prompt.

    • If the node firmware is at or later than 11.1.3225.02 then perform the following procedure:
    1. Type the command new-battery-fitted --field --confirm

  7. Check the Battery Status.

    1. Type the command batt-log-show; the output should show that the battery is fitted and initialization has started.

    2. If the battery is not showing fitted or initialization does not start, call Customer Support for resolution.

Collecting a final diagnostic

Collect a final diagnostic as the last step in battery replacement.

Procedure

  1. Open a browser session to the SMU. (External: 192.0.2.1; Internal: 192.0.2.2).

  2. Login as the admin user.

  3. Collect Diagnostics from the cluster.

    1. Navigate to Home > Status and Monitoring > Download Diagnostics

    2. Check only the checkboxes and radio button shown below.

      GUID-E414540C-A94C-49AA-8B09-55EBF6E2A7B0-low.png
    3. Click download.

    4. Save to a location on your computer.

    5. Verify that the archive file can be opened and the contents can be extracted.

    6. If the archive file contains the words "MISSING_FILES", repeat step 3. If this does not resolve the issue, then check that both nodes are fully operational and resolve any issues identified before repeating the procedure.

    7. Upload both the diagnostic taken in the beginning of the procedure and this diagnostic to TUF using the SR for the battery replacement.