26 Feb
1999
26 Feb
'99
1:51 p.m.
Hi Chuck/List:
Howdy, I've taken delivery on two MicroVax
II's, one is a model 630QY-A2
and the other is a 630QB-A2, the QY is basically a narrow cabinet and the
QB is a wide cabinet. Both have 8MB and both have ethernet controllers.
Both were stripped of drives although one still has a tape unit. (TK50? How
can I tell?)
Likely a TK50, as the TK70 (newer) drive say "TK70" on the front panel.
TK50 has a 3" by 1" slot (approx), and one red button on the right hand
side of the drive. You could also tell by getting the M number of the
controller.
1) I'd like to find a disk or two for these (they
each have slots for four
disks of the DU type.) what do I need to look for? Are there size limitations?
Generally an older MFM disk. These work with the semi-standard RQDX3
controller. Micropolis 1325, 1355, or similar. 100 or 300 MB
approximately. You can also use ESDI disks but you'll need an Emulex QD21
controller. If you find some SMD drives, then an Emulex QD32 or QD33 will
work really well. There are SCSI controllers but they're expensive and
very hard to find.
2) Can these things be booted over the network in a
pinch? (one has no tape
drive)
Sure. Just say B XQA0 at the chevron ( >>> ) prompt. Of course you'll have
to have another machine set up to boot from. I've booted my Microvax II
into both VMS and NetBSD this way.
3) Would it make sense to combine the memory cards so
that I have one 16MB
VAX or should I leave it at two VAXen?
With memory more is usually better, but you can get good mileage out of 8
MB so leave it alone until there's need to expand. It depends as well on
how the memory is linked to the CPU board, there is a separate bus for
some cards. Best to leave it at 8 MB until you learn more.
All in all it wasn't a bad deal at $18 each.
I'll say. Great deal!
Kevin
--
Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD
mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca