To find DEC MMJ cables, go to http://catalog.blackbox.com/BlackBox/templates/blackbox/search.asp and look for keywords DEC MMJ. You will probably need at male-male MMJ and a female MMJ to DB9/DB25. AS with any serial connection, verify pins (on a DB-25) 2-7 and 3-7 (i.e., make sure terminal/PC is transmitting on one line, DEC VAX is transmitting on the other). I usually do this with a VOM; transmit will be a strong (5-15 VDC) signal; receive may be around 0. Usually you will get a >>> prompt from VAX firmware. It will accept a help command and you can do "show devices", then try "boot dua0:" or some other disk device that's listed (they are 99% devices beginning with "d"). Of course you may get a very first product/CPU ID, then some testing messages. You are hoping that it progresses through the self-tests and gets you to the >>> firmware prompt. Often >>> will take a "help" command too. Often you need to send "delete" and not "backspace." Try 9600/8/N/1 settings. Also probe the Compaq, Montagar, and Process sites. With the VMS hobbyist program you can get going pretty well these days.