17 Nov
2013
17 Nov
'13
3:32 p.m.
I'm having trouble with a MicroVAX 3100 of unknown model. (It's a KA41-A
one, that's for sure.)
According to the OpenVMS FAQ, a KA41-A is a MicroVAX 3100 model 10 or model 20.
It seems to endlessly test itself with the LEDs being 1001 1011. I have
removed all drives and the communications option thingy for testing. I
have also removed the (likely totally dead) battery.
Does this require 3.8V as well? Could I just rig up some AAs or similar
in series or does it try to charge the batteries?
As far as I know, the battery is only to keep the clock running and retain
boot settings while powered off.
Unfortunately, the batterys tend to leak when left for long periods, possibly
moreso when exposed to temperature cycling. The electrolyte seems to seems to
wick along the connecting wires and attack the board near where it plugs in.
I vaguely recall having a 3100 where the leaking battery attacked a memory
option board and it used to endlessly cycle around test B, which seemed a bit
strange. I would have expected the test to have failed and terminated not
get stuck in a loop.
Regards,
Peter Coghlan.