[HECnet] Bringing up a MicroVAX 3100-80

[Paul Koning]

> On Mar 26, 2020, at 7:57 PM, Supratim Sanyal <supratim at riseup.net> wrote:
> 
> I have obtained a MicroVAX 3100-80 with a Storageworks pizza box, a CD-ROM drive, a tape drive, some cables and no monitor.
> 
> It powers on, does not smoke or explode. The 8 LEDs at the back settle down to all on except 2 and 3 counting from zero on the right. I can hear a hard disk spin up.
> 
> The cables include two MMJs. I have a PC with a 9-pin female serial connector. It runs Linux.
> 
> The first two of many questions: does the “0” connector connect to the console? What exactly do I need to do to connect the PC’s serial port to the MMJ cable? Note: I have passable soldering skills.

This should do the job, you just need to verify the pinouts.  A pin insert/remove tool might be a good investment to make adjustments in case the first choice of pinout turns out to be not what you want.

> Next question will be about the BNC connector and networking. One thing at a time.

That is a 10Base2 connector.  Next to it is an AUI connector.  So if you have a 10Base2 repeater or switch, just run coax between the two.  It most likely needs a T connector at this end with a terminator on the T (or going to other stations if you have more).  The AUI connector could be used instead, for example if you have a 10BaseT transceiver that might be convenient.  Those are still sold; Amazon lists one from Unicom for $30.

> Here are some pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KduorZEimMQ73bMdA <https://photos.app.goo.gl/KduorZEimMQ73bMdA>
Nice!

	paul
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/hecnet-list/attachments/20200326/3f5550e2/attachment.html>