Dell PowerEdge VRTx CMC not responding

Hi,

the problem is that in this moment I can't do nothing on this host.

The display on the front doesn't permit me to see nothing, moreover I already tried also to connect the serial cable between the rear of the host and the client machine (LAN port) but it's not possible to connect to the host:

It's not possible neither to switch on the host, it seems as the host is completely blocked.

Any others idea?

Thanks.

If you disconnect the external connections to the VRTX, do you see a difference in behavior in regard to being able to start? Also, do you see any amber lights anywhere else on the system, such as power supplies and network connections?

Lastly, would you power off, remove the power cables, reseat the power supplies and then reinstall the power cables and try restarting.

If that all fails then I would lean towards needing to replace the CMC(s).

Hi,

I tried to disconnect the external connections but I receive the same error.

Moreover, I tried also to remove the power cables, reseat the power supplies and then reinstall the power cables but I have 'CMC not responsing always'.

This is the current situation regarding the LED:

Do you think that it will be necessary to replace both CMCs card?

If so, do you think that if I replace both CMCs I will solve the problem? Or the problem could be due to something else?

Thanks.

Hi @ts-sysadmin,

The error and LED is indicating on the CMC issue. There are might other components that can result to this issue. We are unable to know direct immediate which component is the fault. 

Can you try checking, installing 1 (blue) CMC in Slot 1 and try to connect console cable to check if there is any sign of output?

Are you comfortable to try removing/reinstall the cables of the control panel? https://dell.to/4206qCq

I tried to connect only the CMC card with blue led (slot 1) and I tried to connect the client machine with the host using the serial cable (FEMALE DB9 SERIAL TO MALE RJ45) but I can't see any answer from the host.

I tried also to connect a LAN cable on the LAN management port related to che CMC card connected (slot 1) but I don't receive any answer from the host.

Moreover I noticed, during this last test, the LED on the LAN management port don't blink so there isn't activity from the host.

Any others idea to solve?

Thanks.

If you have another VRTX enclosure that we can test with, we should be able to isolate the issue to being the CMCs or something else in the system causing it. If you do have another VRTX, I would suggest testing the CMCs in the testing VRTX and see if the results are different, and if so how. 
If you don't have one then you may want to start with the CMC.

Hi,

I don't have others VRTX to test.

The strange thing is that it seems that the host is dead because I receive the error 'CMC not responding' also if I remove both CMC cards.

I tried also to switch on the host and on the blades but the power buttons don't work.

The unique output that I receive is the message 'CMC not responding' on the display.

Can I bypass the CMC in some way?

Moreover, could you indicate me the specific CMC card model to buy (if it's not possible to solve the problem)? Do you confirm me that it's the Dell Y1F41.

Thanks.

Hi @ts-sysadmin,

Yes, DPN# Y1F41 is the CMC for VRTX. 

Have you tried to check the control panel (removing and reinstalling the cables), that I mentioned on my previous reply?

Hi,

so you suggest me to replace just the CMC card with red led? or both?

Thanks.

I would start with just the red CMC, unless you want to eliminate any delay by getting everything ahead of time.

Hi,

yes I tried to check the control panel but I didn't solve the problem.

How do you suggest to proceed?

Thanks.

ts-sysadmin,

Based on the results I believe you have an issue with one of the following, the CMC, the systemboard, or both. So based on that I would start with replacing the CMC, and if that doesn't resolve you may need to consider the systemboard. The reason I cam to this conclusion is that during testing one CMC stayed blue despite the slot it was in, and one remained red regardless of slot, pointing me to the CMC. The systemboard is a thought as it is giving the error regardless of when the red CMC is removed, so it may be something in the slot stating there is a CMC present, but ia failing to work as well.

@kabatha​ , please did you change only one card or the two. I'm facing the same problem and I would like to know so that I can make the purchase. Thank you very much.

@NanaBaiden​ Hi. I bought 2, but only used 1. I never had a recurrence of the same issue. Just kept a spare one, just incase.