Re: Sun3 valuations?

[emanuel stiebler via cctalk]

On 2018-01-21 23:47, Kevin Bowling via cctalk wrote:
> I have some sun3/vme systems
> 
> Several 3/60
> 3/260
> sparcstation 4/370
> SMD disk array for 3/260
> 
> The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
> video acquisition (Aviv).
> 
> I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.
> 
> I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
> valuations for tested systems?

Hello Kevin,
I would be interested in all the 68000 based systems. If you like to get
rid of them, I would give them a good home.

All the best,
emanuel
(colorado, usa)

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[Kevin Bowling via cctalk]

Several people asked my location.. Phoenix, AZ.  Freighting stuff is
neither hard nor expensive if it comes to that but I'm just trying to
gauge value at the moment.

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:47 PM, Kevin Bowling  wrote:
> I have some sun3/vme systems
>
> Several 3/60
> 3/260
> sparcstation 4/370
> SMD disk array for 3/260
>
> The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
> video acquisition (Aviv).
>
> I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.
>
> I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
> valuations for tested systems?
>
> Regards,
> Kevin

Re: Apollo Software

[Jay Jaeger via cctalk]

A fair amount of Apollo software doc can be found at:

http://bitsavers.org/pdf/apollo/

I have other stuff that they probably don't have (yet),

I just fired off a note to Al Kossow, and I expect that QIC tape images
I have will end up on bitsavers.org/bits before too long.  Things like
Aegis SR 9.7, Domain/OS up to SR 10.4.1, Compilers, DPCE, NFS, Ethernet
card drivers, Omniback, and the like.

I also have the means to image 8" floppies of most any format (using my
Catweasel) though it has been a wee while since I have done so.

JRJ

On 1/21/2018 7:59 PM, Kevin Parker via cctalk wrote:
> Definitely interested here Bill - I've got 3 Apollos from a rescue  - have 
> the machines and  all the token ring gear but no manuals
> or software - as yet have to fire them up but anything Aegis related is of 
> interest to me.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Kevin Parker
> P: 0418 815 527
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Bill 
> Gunshannon via cctalk
> Sent: Monday, 22 January 2018 02:23
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
> Subject: Apollo Software
> 
> Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
> or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
> disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made a great heater 
> during those long cold winters.)
> 
> bill
> 
> 

Re: Apollo Software

[Jay Jaeger via cctalk]

I wasn't aware of that.  I have a ton of Apollo QIC images.  Shall I put
them up on my Google Drive for you to grab?

On 1/21/2018 1:50 PM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
> CHM has an agreement with HP to host Apollo and 68K HP 9000 software legally.
> 
> 
> On 1/21/18 11:42 AM, David Collins via cctalk wrote:
>> The HP Computer Museum would be happy to host copies of any Apollo software 
>> if it can be imaged..
> 
> 

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[Bill Gunshannon via cctalk]

It's nice to see all the interest.  I gave all my Sun stuff (except one 
UltraSPARC)
to a museum several years ago and I hope they are still happily plugging away.

bill


From: cctalk  on behalf of Pete Lancashire via 
cctalk 
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2018 9:11 PM
To: Kevin Bowling; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Re: Sun3 valuations?

Location ?

-pete

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 2:47 PM, Kevin Bowling via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> I have some sun3/vme systems
>
> Several 3/60
> 3/260
> sparcstation 4/370
> SMD disk array for 3/260
>
> The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
> video acquisition (Aviv).
>
> I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.
>
> I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
> valuations for tested systems?
>
> Regards,
> Kevin
>
>

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[Pete Lancashire via cctalk]

Location ?

-pete

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 2:47 PM, Kevin Bowling via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> I have some sun3/vme systems
>
> Several 3/60
> 3/260
> sparcstation 4/370
> SMD disk array for 3/260
>
> The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
> video acquisition (Aviv).
>
> I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.
>
> I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
> valuations for tested systems?
>
> Regards,
> Kevin
>
>

RE: Apollo Software

[Kevin Parker via cctalk]

Definitely interested here Bill - I've got 3 Apollos from a rescue  - have the 
machines and  all the token ring gear but no manuals
or software - as yet have to fire them up but anything Aegis related is of 
interest to me.




Kevin Parker
P: 0418 815 527





-Original Message-
From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Bill 
Gunshannon via cctalk
Sent: Monday, 22 January 2018 02:23
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Apollo Software

Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made a great heater 
during those long cold winters.)

bill

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[Toby Thain via cctalk]

On 2018-01-21 5:47 PM, Kevin Bowling via cctalk wrote:
> I have some sun3/vme systems
> 
> Several 3/60
> 3/260
> sparcstation 4/370
> SMD disk array for 3/260
> 
> The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
> video acquisition (Aviv).
> 
> I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.
> 
> I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
> valuations for tested systems?
> 
> Regards,
> Kevin
> 


Where are you located?

These are very nice systems, and not so easy to find any more.

--Toby

VCF PNW 2018 - less than three weeks away!

[Michael Brutman via cctalk]

Come join us in Seattle on February 10th and 11th for the first VCF PNW.
We have 20 exhibits, six speakers, and a panel discussion planned.  There
will be a consignment area for buying and selling vintage gear, and of
course there is an entire museum (Living Computers:Museum+Labs) to check
out as well.  The show is free with museum admission.

More information can be found at https://goo.gl/AUoLU2 .  You can also
email questions to me.  And lastly, we need your help - spread the word!


Thanks,
Mike

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[jim stephens via cctalk]

On 1/21/2018 2:47 PM, Kevin Bowling via cctalk wrote:

I have some sun3/vme systems

Several 3/60
3/260
sparcstation 4/370
SMD disk array for 3/260

The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
video acquisition (Aviv).

I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.

I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
valuations for tested systems?

Regards,
Kevin



Kevin,
I've got a 3/260 which was formerly owned by Rockwell here in Orange 
County, CA.  I got it from storage of a friend who was reducing clutter 
at a site so can't help with valuation.


It is the deskside unit which will be the Sun VME and VME adapter card 
they used equipped.  I've not opened it, but it may be a bit rangy.


I don't have any of the disk bricks, and am hoping that some fiddling 
will allow me to run something more modern than the sun scsi bricks if I 
do run them.  Not sure what you have.  This is the deskside unit, and 
I'm not sure if they had hard drives integrated. My system uses QIC 
tapes, and I've got some tape which were in the pile, but have low 
expectations any of them are good.  Storage was not optimized, and even 
with that QIC is seldom useful at this point.  Best hope will be 
recovery if I need to to boot the system.


I thin the 4x systems were supposed to have the Sparc first run 
processor, and the 3/xxx were to have 68000.  People could mix and match 
as could Sun.  I've owned and have running but long ago sold a 4/280 and 
had a couple of 3/280s, so have some experience.


The 4/280 had Fuji SMD drives and were nice, but horrible power hogs, so 
I sold them off as they were large and I couldn't afford to run and 
maintain them.   I'm curious where you are located, as my interest in 
this project is low, and you'd be welcome to try your project with 
anything I've got if you are going to restore them.


Contact me off list if you wish to discuss more.
thanks
Jim

Re: Sun3 valuations?

[Bill Gunshannon via cctalk]

My guess is it will cost you about $25 a pop to get rid of them.  They can
not be sent to the landfill as they pre-date RoHS by quite a bit.

bill


From: cctalk  on behalf of Kevin Bowling via 
cctalk 
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2018 5:47 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Sun3 valuations?

I have some sun3/vme systems

Several 3/60
3/260
sparcstation 4/370
SMD disk array for 3/260

The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
video acquisition (Aviv).

I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.

I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
valuations for tested systems?

Regards,
Kevin

Re: MY COMPUTER LIKES ME when i speak in BASIC.

[Fred Cisin via cctalk]

"MY COMPUTER LIKES ME when I speak in BASIC"

Don't anthropomorphize computers.
They hate it when you do that.

Re: MY COMPUTER LIKES ME when i speak in BASIC.

[Ed Sharpe via cctalk]

Looks  real Nice!
Thanks  for the electronic  copy of this  classic! 
We have the paper  copy  but  good  to know there is a back up  out there!
 
 
Ed#  www.smecc.org 
 
In a message dated 1/17/2018 7:28:34 AM US Mountain Standard Time, 
cctalk@classiccmp.org writes:

 
 I scanned a nice little booklet I found in my fathers stuff.

"MY COMPUTER LIKES ME when i speak in BASIC" by Bob Albrecht.

http://www.datormuseum.se/documentation-software/my-computer-likes

If someone feel like they can straighten it up, please do! I didn't feel
like ripping it apart to have it scanned so it was troublesome to scan it
perfectly in my page scanner.

RE: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Rob Jarratt via cctalk]

When I was talking about VMS 5.x I meant that cluster to net boot from. I would 
suggest MicroVMS for the machine itself.

 

Regards

 

Rob

 

From: wl...@bsdimp.com [mailto:wl...@bsdimp.com] On Behalf Of Warner Losh
Sent: 21 January 2018 22:52
To: r...@jarratt.me.uk; Rob Jarratt ; General 
Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Jules Richardson 
Subject: Re: Microvax II 'primer'?

 

 

 

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:50 PM, Warner Losh  > wrote:

 

 

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:04 PM, Rob Jarratt via cctalk  > 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   >
> 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 
 , and not supported by 
VMS   since about 
V5.4. A compatible card, the DELQA 
 , 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

 

Re: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Warner Losh via cctalk]

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 3:50 PM, Warner Losh  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 
>> > 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
> , and not
> supported by VMS
>  since about
> V5.4. A compatible card, the DELQA
> , 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
>

Re: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Warner Losh via cctalk]

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 
> > 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.
>

The DEQNA is obsolete (even by Q-bus standards), troublesome
, and not supported
by VMS  since
about V5.4. A compatible card, the DELQA
, replaces the DEQNA.

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

Sun3 valuations?

[Kevin Bowling via cctalk]

I have some sun3/vme systems

Several 3/60
3/260
sparcstation 4/370
SMD disk array for 3/260

The 3/260 and 4/370 have some oddball boards for data (cosys) and
video acquisition (Aviv).

I also have some spare sparcstation 10s and 20s.

I haven't seen sun3 stuff for sale much.  Does anyone know approximate
valuations for tested systems?

Regards,
Kevin

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 1/21/18 12:04 PM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
>
>> On Jan 20, 2018, at 11:06 PM, Ethan Dicks via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> On Sat, Jan 20, 2018 at 8:32 PM, Paul Anderson  wrote:
>>> I think just the VR12, VR14, and the VR17.
>> OK.  I've never had any of those.  I'm more wondering what modern
>> tubes might work.
> Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So 
> you need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high 
> frequency X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, 
> especially with magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used; CDC did it 
> both ways with the 6000 series consoles.  The original ones had "dual radar 
> tubes" with electrostatic deflection, hairy circuits with 3cx100a5 final 
> amplifier tubes.  The next generation, in the 170 series, had a single large 
> tube with magnetic deflection but still random access vector drawing.  How 
> they did that with magnetic deflection is not clear to me, it sounds hard.
>
>   paul
>
>
I'm sure it has been mentioned in past discussions on this topic, but a 
monochrome atari video game
monitor
would likely be relatively easy to use as a GT40 display.

--tom

RE: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Rob Jarratt via cctalk]

> -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 
> 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.

Regards

Rob

Re: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Glen Slick via cctalk]

On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 11:25 AM, Jules Richardson via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> 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).
>

First thing I would do myself is remove the NiCad battery pack from
the back of the console connector bulkhead panel and inspect the
console panel PCB for any signs of corrosion. In my experience those
old NiCad battery packs can leak and start to destroy anything near
them.

Note that the DB9 connector on the MicroVAX KA630 / 650 / 655 console
bulkhead panel is not the same as the usual PC standard.  For DEC
original cables you need a BCC08, or if you're doing MMJ cables an
H8571-B or an H8575-B MMJ adapter. Of course you can always build your
own cable.

Table 14-7 MicroVAX DB9 Pin-out
http://h41379.www4.hpe.com/faq/vmsfaq_025.html#tbl_uvdb9

Table 14-8 DECconnect MMJ Connectors and Adapters
http://h41379.www4.hpe.com/faq/vmsfaq_025.html#wires2

http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/630/
MP02071_630QB_Mar85.pdf  --  Maintenance Print Set
Page 85 of the PDF, Function Selection & SLU Module (FS) for M7608 (KA630)

AZ-GM3AA-MN_uVAXII_Maint_Oct85.pdf  --  MicroVAX Maintenance Guide
Page 23 of the PDF, page 1-15, FIGURE 1-10 Backplane Grant Continuity
If this is your first time with a BA123 it is important to note that
the right most slots 1 through 4 are Q22/CD slots. Don't put any dual
wide cards in the lower CD half of slots 1 through 4. The CPU should
always be in slot 1 and the first memory card in slot 2. If you have a
second memory card it would go in slot 3. If slot 3 or slot 4 would
otherwise be empty you need an M9047 grant continuity only in the top
AB half of the slots. If any AB or CD half of slots 5 through 12 would
otherwise be empty you need an M9047 grant continuity in each half
between the CPU and the last slot that is in use.

The M7606 KA630 CPU contains 1MB. Together with the M7608 4MB memory
board you then have 5MB total. I've never tried running a system with
that little memory. If you're actually going to do anything with the
system you might look for a cheap M7609 8MB memory board to use
instead for 9MB, or use both for 13MB if you have a 3-way memory bus
cable.

If it was me I might look for a cheap M7620 KA650 or M7625 KA655 CPU
and 1 to 3 M7622 16MB memory boards. Those CPUs can use up to 64MB but
you are limited to 3 memory boards in a BA123 because there are only 4
Q22/CD slots. I maxed out my own BA123 with an M7625 KA655 CPU and 2
Dataram 32MB memory boards to get to 64MB.

-Glen

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Guy Sotomayor Jr via cctalk]

> On Jan 21, 2018, at 11:47 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> HP1311A is what was used in Galaxy Game
> https://www.hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?hw=732
> 
> The actual GG controller is a microcoded 2903 bitslice that sits on the Unibus
> Supposed to be similar to the VT-48
> 
> Didn't James build something (FPGA based?) to play the game?

James may have done something on this.  I’m not sure.

I do know that the CMU GDP did not have any VLSI (or LSI) in it.  It was pretty 
straight
SSI and MSI TTL from what I can recall with a bunch of custom built DACs.  The 
GDP
was connected to the UNIBUS but it was a separate box (1U/2U) from the 11/20.

TTFN - Guy

> 
> 
> On 1/21/18 10:48 AM, Guy Sotomayor Jr wrote:
> 
>> HP made some wonderful 17” and 19” electrostatic deflection vector displays. 
>>  We had a pile of them at
>> CMU driven by a custom GDP (some had 10-bit DACs, some had 12-bit DACs) that 
>> was front-ended by
>> a PDP-11 (usually an 11/20).  It was a *wonderful* combination!
>> 
>> TTFN - Guy
>> 
> 

Re: Adaptec 1522A SCSI Support (was re: New TestFDC Results Registry)

[Jason T via cctalk]

On Fri, Jan 19, 2018 at 10:44 AM, Mark G Thomas  wrote:
> I think you want this:  http://files.markgthomas.com/dl/adaptec/EZSCSI40.IMD
> (This URL is temporary.)

Ahh I didn't realize it was just the EZSCSI disk.  Grabbed it just in
case, as I don't know which version(s) I have.

Thanks!

-j

Re: Microvax II 'primer'?

[Jon Elson via cctalk]

On 01/21/2018 01:25 PM, Jules Richardson via cctalk wrote:


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.


Well, you need to hook up a serial terminal, set the baud 
rate, and see if it gives the power-on self diagnostic sequence.
The TK50 is likely not going to work due to deteriorated 
rubber rollers and such.  Does it have a disk drive?
If not, it won't do much.  If it does, it is a bit iffy if 
the drive will spin up and unlock heads.  I have a similar 
setup here, but my SCSI disk drive died.  The CPU still 
fires up just fine - amazing for a machine I ran for 21 years.


Jon

Re: Apollo Software

[Paul Koning via cctalk]

> On Jan 21, 2018, at 2:50 PM, Al Kossow via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> CHM has an agreement with HP to host Apollo and 68K HP 9000 software legally.
> 
> 
> On 1/21/18 11:42 AM, David Collins via cctalk wrote:
>> The HP Computer Museum would be happy to host copies of any Apollo software 
>> if it can be imaged..
> 

I just dawned on me that the subject is Apollo the company bought by HP, not 
Apollo the spacecraft.  Oh well...

paul

Re: Apollo Software

[Al Kossow via cctalk]

CHM has an agreement with HP to host Apollo and 68K HP 9000 software legally.


On 1/21/18 11:42 AM, David Collins via cctalk wrote:
> The HP Computer Museum would be happy to host copies of any Apollo software 
> if it can be imaged..

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Al Kossow via cctalk]

HP1311A is what was used in Galaxy Game
https://www.hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?hw=732

The actual GG controller is a microcoded 2903 bitslice that sits on the Unibus
Supposed to be similar to the VT-48

Didn't James build something (FPGA based?) to play the game?


On 1/21/18 10:48 AM, Guy Sotomayor Jr wrote:

> HP made some wonderful 17” and 19” electrostatic deflection vector displays.  
> We had a pile of them at
> CMU driven by a custom GDP (some had 10-bit DACs, some had 12-bit DACs) that 
> was front-ended by
> a PDP-11 (usually an 11/20).  It was a *wonderful* combination!
> 
> TTFN - Guy
> 

Re: Apollo Software

[David Collins via cctalk]

The HP Computer Museum would be happy to host copies of any Apollo software if 
it can be imaged..

David Collins

Sent from my iPad

> On 22 Jan 2018, at 4:50 am, Josh Dersch via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
>> On 1/21/2018 7:22 AM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
>> Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
>> or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
>> disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made
>> a great heater during those long cold winters.)
>> 
>> bill
>> 
>> 
> 
> Definitely worth saving.  I have facilities for imaging these and I'd be 
> happy to take them on, if no one else is excited to do so :).
> 
> - Josh

Microvax II 'primer'?

[Jules Richardson via cctalk]

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

Jules

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Guy Sotomayor Jr via cctalk]

> On Jan 21, 2018, at 10:13 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> On 1/21/18 10:12 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> On 1/21/18 10:04 AM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
>> 
>>> Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So 
>>> you need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high 
>>> frequency X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, 
>>> especially with magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used
>> 
>> Electromagnetic
>> 
>> The deflection amps on vr14s and 17s were notorious for blowing out.
>> 
>> 
> 
> the phosphor is long-persistance green

HP made some wonderful 17” and 19” electrostatic deflection vector displays.  
We had a pile of them at
CMU driven by a custom GDP (some had 10-bit DACs, some had 12-bit DACs) that 
was front-ended by
a PDP-11 (usually an 11/20).  It was a *wonderful* combination!

TTFN - Guy

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Al Kossow via cctalk]

On 1/21/18 10:12 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
> 
> 
> On 1/21/18 10:04 AM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
> 
>> Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So 
>> you need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high 
>> frequency X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, 
>> especially with magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used
> 
> Electromagnetic
> 
> The deflection amps on vr14s and 17s were notorious for blowing out.
> 
> 

the phosphor is long-persistance green

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Al Kossow via cctalk]

On 1/21/18 10:04 AM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:

> Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So 
> you need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high 
> frequency X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, 
> especially with magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used

Electromagnetic

The deflection amps on vr14s and 17s were notorious for blowing out.

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Paul Koning via cctalk]

> On Jan 20, 2018, at 11:06 PM, Ethan Dicks via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> On Sat, Jan 20, 2018 at 8:32 PM, Paul Anderson  wrote:
>> I think just the VR12, VR14, and the VR17.
> 
> OK.  I've never had any of those.  I'm more wondering what modern
> tubes might work.

Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So you 
need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high frequency 
X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, especially with 
magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used; CDC did it both ways with the 
6000 series consoles.  The original ones had "dual radar tubes" with 
electrostatic deflection, hairy circuits with 3cx100a5 final amplifier tubes.  
The next generation, in the 170 series, had a single large tube with magnetic 
deflection but still random access vector drawing.  How they did that with 
magnetic deflection is not clear to me, it sounds hard.

paul

Re: Apollo Software

[Josh Dersch via cctalk]

On 1/21/2018 7:22 AM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:

Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made
a great heater during those long cold winters.)

bill




Definitely worth saving.  I have facilities for imaging these and I'd be 
happy to take them on, if no one else is excited to do so :).


- Josh

Re: Apollo Software

[Bill Gunshannon via cctalk]

I don't have the equipment to image them.  I do have PDP-11's that can always 
use
another 8" disk.  I don't remember what model they are from I got rid of that 
machine
over 20 years ago.  Just trying to find out if they are worth trying to sell or 
just repurpose.


bill


From: Toby Thain 
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2018 11:00 AM
To: Bill Gunshannon; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Re: Apollo Software

On 2018-01-21 10:22 AM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
> Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
> or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
> disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made
> a great heater during those long cold winters.)

I vote for imaging and archiving ... Apollo material is rare and hard to
find afaik.

What hardware is that compatible with?

--Toby


>
> bill
>
>

Re: Even old accounting software needs love and rescuing from oblivion

[Tomasz Rola via cctalk]

On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 09:16:22AM +1300, Terry Stewart via cctalk wrote:
> Hi folks,
> 
> On the weekend I rescued some old software.  It gave me an excuse to get my
> first micro out of its box and stretch its legs.
> 
> Accounting packages hardly set the world alight but being a Dick Smith
> release for the System 80, it does have its place in Australasian computer
> history.  Anyway, if anyone is interested, here is the URL.
> 
> http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2018-01-12-rescuing-more-dick-smith-software.htm

A tip to clean floppies by soap and water - priceless. Despite me
having no floppies worthy this much soap. I guess this could be tried
for salvaging CDs, too - anyway, I have few misburned CDs living their
second life as coasters (very stylish, blinkey, eco-friendly and
stuff) and from time to time I give them a wash. So far (about
ten-fifteen washes over few years), no signs of wash-related
degradation, so perhaps I will (someday in a future) try it on some
data CDs if they happen to be in bad condition on that particular
date.

-- 
Regards,
Tomasz Rola

--
** A C programmer asked whether computer had Buddha's nature.  **
** As the answer, master did "rm -rif" on the programmer's home**
** directory. And then the C programmer became enlightened...  **
** **
** Tomasz Rola  mailto:tomasz_r...@bigfoot.com **

Re: Apollo Software

[Toby Thain via cctalk]

On 2018-01-21 10:22 AM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
> Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
> or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
> disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made
> a great heater during those long cold winters.)

I vote for imaging and archiving ... Apollo material is rare and hard to
find afaik.

What hardware is that compatible with?

--Toby


> 
> bill
> 
> 

Apollo Software

[Bill Gunshannon via cctalk]

Is there any interest or value in copies of SR7.0  "Aegis"
or should I just scratch them and add them to my other 8"
disks?  (Yes, I used to have an Apollo in my house!!  Made
a great heater during those long cold winters.)

bill

Re: A walk through of my legendary warehouse sale in the 1990s.

[Mark J. Blair via cctalk]

> On Jan 20, 2018, at 18:26, Paxton Hoag via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> This is a digitized HI8 tape of a walk through of an early Warehouse Sale I
> ran from 1995 to 1998. There is a small sections of collectable computers
> in the middle of the tape with a few others scattered through the sale.
> Fond memories and hard to believe it was 22 years ago.

I see some DEC gear that I covet at 3:48. Now where did I leave my time machine?

https://youtu.be/8Pme8mZU-Xc?t=3m48s 

More retro computer gear begins showing up at 8:36:

https://youtu.be/8Pme8mZU-Xc?t=8m36s 

I think I see some Color Computers at 12:17.

https://youtu.be/8Pme8mZU-Xc?t=12m17s 

Heaps of DEC toys at 19:15!

https://youtu.be/8Pme8mZU-Xc?t=19m15s