On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:50 PM, Warner Losh <i...@bsdimp.com> wrote:
> > > On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:04 PM, Rob Jarratt via cctalk < > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: > >> >> >> > -----Original Message----- >> > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Jules >> > Richardson via cctalk >> > Sent: 21 January 2018 19:26 >> > To: xx Classiccmp mailing list <cctalk@classiccmp.org> >> > Subject: Microvax II 'primer'? >> > >> > >> > So, I picked up (and I did just carry it into the house, and now I >> hurt) a >> Microvax >> > II from another list member yesterday. Cosmetically it's a disaster >> (BA123 >> has a >> > cracked top panel, broken wheels, missing front door, missing right-rear >> panel) >> > but internally it appears to be complete; board wise we have: >> > >> > M7606 - CPU >> > M7608 - 4MB ram >> > M9047 - grant continuity >> > M7504 - DEQNA ethernet >> > M3104 - DHV11 8-port serial >> > M7555 - RQDX3 disk controller >> > M7546 - TX50 controller >> > >> > ... it's got a TK50 and hard drive (no idea of capacity). >> > >> > Operational status is a complete unknown, and I have absolutely zero >> > knowledge about these systems - so my question at this stage is what >> > background reading I need to be doing in terms of pre-powerup* checks, >> > actually hooking a console, if there's a suggested minimal config I can >> use to >> > diag the CPU, and then (assuming it gets to that point) how to actually >> use the >> > thing (I'm assuming it was running VMS rather than Ultrix, but I don't >> know for >> > sure). I'm wondering there aren't any handy tutorials out there, >> alongside >> > whatever DEC docs are recommended. >> > >> > * e.g. for most machines I'd be thinking in terms of pulling all >> boards/drives, >> > hooking up a dummy load to whatever PSU rails required it, and then at >> least >> > running the PSU up in isolation first, but I don't know to what extent >> this >> > machine requires some logic in place for the PSU to even run. >> > >> > cheers >> > >> >> >> You might find that the filter capacitor goes up in smoke soon after you >> connect the PSU to the mains, even without powering it on. It doesn't >> actually do any damage and the PSU will continue to work (assuming it is >> just the filter capacitor). Check it, it is likely cracked and will soon >> go. >> If I remember correctly there are actually two of three of these (marked >> "RIFA"), it is probably a good idea just to replace them before they go. >> Otherwise it is certainly wise to check the PSU visually for any obviously >> failed electrolytics. If you have one of the DEC load boards you could >> connect the PSU to that as a dummy load. I don't think there is much in >> the >> way of dependency on the CPU to run the PSU. >> >> Once you have the machine up and running the easiest thing to do is to >> boot >> it over the DEQNA by setting up a cluster on SIMH and making your MicroVAX >> II a satellite. I am not sure if 4MB is enough to do that though. Go with >> a >> 5.x version of VMS as I believe later versions may not support the DEQNA. >> > > Doh! Hit send too soon: The website http://antinode.info/dec/deqna_settings.html says > The DEQNA is obsolete (even by Q-bus standards), troublesome > <http://antinode.info/dec/deqna_settings.html#Troubles>, and not > supported by VMS > <http://antinode.info/dec/deqna_settings.html#VMS_Support> since about > V5.4. A compatible card, the DELQA > <http://antinode.info/dec/delqa_settings.html>, replaces the DEQNA. > the rest is me > I was going to say VMS 4 is a better bet since 5 removed support, but > looks like 5.4 is the last version with support. Though the MicroVAX is UP, > so you might be better off with VMS 4 instead of VMS 5. > > Warner >
