4 Dec
2004
4 Dec
'04
9:01 a.m.
Scott Stevens <chenmel(a)earthlink.net> wrote:
1. I notice on the Web that there is quite a bit of
info about
MicroVAX 3100 systems. I also see that there are a variety of models.
Is there an easy way to figure out which one I have?
Power it up with a terminal connected to the console port, write down what
it scribbles on the console on power-up, and post it to the list. One of
the lines (the one starting with KA) identifies the system board.
2. Would it be possible and/or work to replace the
tape drive with a
SCSI CD-ROM reader? I don't have a source for tapes.
Look for one that can be set to 512 byte block mode.
3. Is it worth putting VMS on this box?
That's only for you to decide for yourself. What OS do you want to run?
Do you want VMS or UNIX?
Is there a flavor of vintage UNIX that I could put on
the system?
I'm pretty close to getting 4.3BSD-Quasijarus to run on it. Just need to
write the SCSI code.
4. What is the console on this hardware? It has the
three serial
ports on RJ-type connectors, and from what I gather this is a TTY-only
machine, no framebuffer, etc.
You are correct, except that the connectors are not RJ but DEC423 MMJ. In
normal operation port 1 is the console. There is also an "alternative
diagnostic console" mode enabled by a switch on the back that moves the
console to port 3 and makes the CPU halt on line break.
5. Is there a thorough hardware reference for this
machine out there
on the net that I should get? I looked on the HP/Compaq site, and it
appears that they pay a small amount of homage to the system, but
without much substancial info. A hardware reference manual in PDF
would be great.
Unfortunately it's a completely undocumented machine. DEC never published
a real technical manual for it, only screwing/unscrewing guides for failed
servoids.
MS