/sys$common/syshlp/helplib.hlb Sys Parameters, PANOPOLL  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

    Disables CI and DSSI polling for ports if set to 1. (The default
    is 0.) When PANOPOLL is set, a computer does not discover that
    another computer has shut down or powered down promptly and does
    not discover a new computer that has booted. This parameter is
    useful when you want to bring up a computer detached from the
    rest of the cluster for checkout purposes.

    PANOPOLL is functionally equivalent to uncabling the system from
    the DSSI or star coupler. This parameter does not affect OpenVMS
    Cluster communications by LAN.

    The default value of 0 is the normal setting and is required
    if you are booting from an HSC controller or if your system is
    joining an OpenVMS Cluster. This parameter is ignored if no CI or
    DSSI devices are configured on your system.

    PANOPOLL is a DYNAMIC parameter.