27 Mar
2020
27 Mar
'20
1:11 a.m.
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