ra81's are irking me

Bill wrote: Never heard of an SDI "null-modem" cable! It makes sense however, as you normally need an *odd* number of cables between the UDA and the RA8x drive. Since the (red) cable has a different connector at the UDA side, you often need 2 cables to get to the drive. But that does not work as you have to get a *third* cable. That "null-modem" SDI cable would come in handy! I have not had problems with my RA81 (till now, but it's been a year that it ran for my 11/44). Like Jay, I have some six RA81's. One recenty booted VAX-VMS on the VAX-11/750, so that one is fine. The other 4 ... never had a look! Same goes for the RA60 ... I always wanted to measure an SDI cable to understand why you need three of them to get it working... Perhaps Bill has the answer, I never got round to check them, yet. Anyway Jay, if it worked before you moved things around, you either had hardware (HDA, boards) that were about to fail, one of the cables was "old", perhaps bent a lot and using/moving it developed an open wire in it, or perhaps a loose connection? Try some other cables if you have them. Depending on which cable you connect (the RA81 drive has two, correct?) you connect to port A or port B. If port A is not responsive, connect the UDA to the other drive cable. Now port A is connected and port B is "off". Also possible, if port A *is* connected, check the bulb in the button! - Henk. This message and attachment(s) are intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient or agent thereof responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and with a "reply" message. Thank you for your cooperation.