Damsel and Doctor in Distress

[Tallulah]

Not spam, I promise!
A doctor's office in Alaska has been relying on their 1993 UNIX system, and the Tandy 390 monitor hit the dust. Now they cannot access any patient records except for the paper files.
They urgently need help reconstituting the system, and later transferring data more modern system.
Apparently they tried to buy a monitor, but $400 later ($200 in shipping), it never worked.
I am on the East Coast posting for his assistant, and was a lead PA on VM but no experience with this system.

This practice serves many indigenous villages for which there are no other alternatives but to fly to Seattle, which is prohibitively expensive. Any help in restoring this would be a truly heroic act.

Thanks in advance

 

[westveld]

Are these photos from when the monitor was working, and now there is no display?

 

[seat safety switch]

Hard to tell from the label, but it seems to be a Tandy VGM-390, which was documented in this thread as being a regular VGA monitor with a 9-pin connector.

You might be able to use another VGA monitor that you have lying around. A lot of LCD monitors still have a VGA port (sometimes just called "analog.") Not sure what the video connector is like coming out of the Unix system.

 

[Petrofsky]

Looking at the docs, it seems this monitor has a 9-pin connector, but it came with a 9-pin-to-15-pin cable, which is probably in place, and the system has a standard 15-pin VGA output connector.

Like Seat said, there's a good chance that any other old monitor that can be found in the area will work.

Alternatively, get a VGA-to-HDMI (not HDMI-to-VGA) adapter, and use it to connect any modern monitor or TV to the system.

Here's one on Amazon for $13:

FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter with Audio(PC VGA Source Output to TV/Monitor with HDMI Connector), 1080P Male VGA to Female HDMI Cable for Desktop, Laptop, Projector to Monitor, HDTV (1.5FT/0.5M)​

If you can get pictures of the system box (front, back, and bottom) that may be helpful (to someone more knowledgeable than me) to determine what VGA timings are likely being used, and whether they are supported by any particular adapter.

 

[daver2]

First of all, as this is your first post, welcome to VCFED.

If it is a SCO UNIX system - it will probably be running on a bog standard PC of some description. Although it may also be on a professional server - but this is really still a bog standard PC (but designed to a higher performance, availability, reliability level).

You can still purchase monitors for this equipment. You do NOT require a CRT monitor - in fact (in this day and age) it would be advisable to switch to LCDs - they are still available.

It is not the monitor we require the specification for, but the computer / graphics card / connector it is connected to.

I would also suggest buying new equipment from a reputable supplier that can provide support etc. - not eBay, Amazon or the like.

We deal with Beetronics for our monitors (https://www.beetronics.co.uk/) but I am not sure if they have US outlets.

They should ask the same questions - what equipment is driving the monitor, what connector and resolution...

If you can provide the information on the computer, we might be able to help further.

With regard to the 'future', what software are they actually running, and is there still support for that software available? This is going to be the 'crunch' question. If not, it could be a costly exercise to transport their data from the existing system to a new one. If they are happy with what they have got, it might be worth looking into supporting the existing software (complete with SCO UNIX) on a virtual machine (VM) (e.g VMware).

Dave

 

[Tallulah]

Thanks so much- I am posting a photo she sent of the computer for reference.

 

[Tallulah]

First of all, as this is your first post, welcome to VCFED.

If it is a SCO UNIX system - it will probably be running on a bog standard PC of some description. Although it may also be on a professional server - but this is really still a bog standard PC (but designed to a higher performance, availability, reliability level).

You can still purchase monitors for this equipment. You do NOT require a CRT monitor - in fact (in this day and age) it would be advisable to switch to LCDs - they are still available.

It is not the monitor we require the specification for, but the computer / graphics card / connector it is connected to.

I would also suggest buying new equipment from a reputable supplier that can provide support etc. - not eBay, Amazon or the like.

We deal with Beetronics for our monitors (https://www.beetronics.co.uk/) but I am not sure if they have US outlets.

They should ask the same questions - what equipment is driving the monitor, what connector and resolution...

If you can provide the information on the computer, we might be able to help further.

With regard to the 'future', what software are they actually running, and is there still support for that software available? This is going to be the 'crunch' question. If not, it could be a costly exercise to transport their data from the existing system to a new one. If they are happy with what they have got, it might be worth looking into supporting the existing software (complete with SCO UNIX) on a virtual machine (VM) (e.g VMware).

Dave

They would be ecstatic to have everything just keep working. They would need help with your last suggestion.

 

[daver2]

Beetronics do have a US presence - www.beetronics.com (323) 433-1644.

Look at their 15VG7M product. This is a 15" 4:3 aspect ratio monitor (but you will need to add a stand - VDK4 - I suspect). The original Tandy VGM-390 was 14" - so the replacement is a bit larger. You may be able to get a larger still monitor - but ask.

There is an external power supply - so this will be required suitable for the mains in the destination area.

There is a 15-pin VGA connector and an HDMI connector on the monitor - so any conversion from what is on the existing PC will be required in addition to the monitor.

We still need to check that the PC resolution and the monitor agree (to ensure that the monitor can synchronise to the computers video signal).

Dave

 

[Tallulah]

Are these photos from when the monitor was working, and now there is no display?

They seemed to think it was the monitor, but I have asked her to sign up for the forum now that we have started this discussion for her. I'm hoping it isn't a big bad crash instead of a monitor issue.

 

[Tallulah]

Beetronics do have a US presence - www.beetronics.com (323) 433-1644.

Look at their 15VG7M product. This is a 15" 4:3 aspect ratio monitor (but you will need to add a stand VDK4) I suspect. The original Tandy VGM-390 was 14" - so the replacement is a bit larger. You may be able to get a larger still monitor - but ask.

There is an external power supply - so this will be required suitable for the mains in the destination area.

There is a 15-pin VGA connector and an HDMI connector on the monitor - so any conversion from what is on the existing PC will be required in addition to the monitor.

We still need to check that the PC resolution and the monitor agree (to ensure that the monitor can synchronise to the computers video signal).

Dave

If they were using 2 other monitors that were hooked up ( slaves?) Perhaps display only, would they automatically be safe to swap in for the supposedly-broken Tandy?
My guess would be yes?

 

[vwestlife]

That looks like standard 80x25 text mode, so any VGA monitor will work.

 

[Tallulah]

That looks like standard 80x25 text mode, so any VGA monitor will work.

That's exciting news!

 

[Tallulah]

First of all, as this is your first post, welcome to VCFED.

If it is a SCO UNIX system - it will probably be running on a bog standard PC of some description. Although it may also be on a professional server - but this is really still a bog standard PC (but designed to a higher performance, availability, reliability level).

You can still purchase monitors for this equipment. You do NOT require a CRT monitor - in fact (in this day and age) it would be advisable to switch to LCDs - they are still available.

It is not the monitor we require the specification for, but the computer / graphics card / connector it is connected to.

I would also suggest buying new equipment from a reputable supplier that can provide support etc. - not eBay, Amazon or the like.

We deal with Beetronics for our monitors (https://www.beetronics.co.uk/) but I am not sure if they have US outlets.

They should ask the same questions - what equipment is driving the monitor, what connector and resolution...

If you can provide the information on the computer, we might be able to help further.

With regard to the 'future', what software are they actually running, and is there still support for that software available? This is going to be the 'crunch' question. If not, it could be a costly exercise to transport their data from the existing system to a new one. If they are happy with what they have got, it might be worth looking into supporting the existing software (complete with SCO UNIX) on a virtual machine (VM) (e.g VMware).

Dave

Here are photos of the main tower-
They have a big surgery today so we will not be hearing from them til later but they are extremely grateful for your help.

 

[daver2]

That power cable is potentially lethal with the damaged outer sheath. It would be condemned in the UK!

I am a bit confused now...

Are the pictures of the monitor screen in post #1 what they can see NOW or is the screen BLANK?

If they are pictures of NOW, then the monitor is not faulty, it is more likely that the disk is corrupt. They do have a backup don't they?

If the monitor screen is BLANK/BLACK now, then it could be the monitor, but it still could be the computer.

We need more information I am afraid.

I see the magic words 9 to 15 pin adapter mentioned. But we still need to know what connector is on the computer itself.

Incidentally, you will be moderated for the first 10 posts. Hence the delay from you posting to us being able to read your post...

Dave

 

[Petrofsky]

I see the magic words 9 to 15 pin adapter mentioned. But we still need to know what connector is on the computer itself.

I think she's saying that the cable plugged into the monitor is the same cable whose other end we can see in the photos of the back of the PC tower, plugged into the top right connector, labeled "monitor", which I think is 15-pin VGA.

If they were using 2 other monitors that were hooked up ( slaves?) Perhaps display only, would they automatically be safe to swap in for the supposedly-broken Tandy?
My guess would be yes?

Pictures of the "bus" and the "slave monitor" would be helpful. Is it really just a monitor or is it a monitor with an attached keyboard (known as a "terminal")? I'm guessing the latter, in which case it's very unlikely that that monitor would have a VGA input.

We could use a narrative of what happened. Did the system stop working while it was being used, or was it a case of not booting up one morning? When turning it on now, I take it nothing ever shows up on the monitor, but does everything else seem to go the same way it did before? In particular, does the system make any beeps, and how many? (e.g., beeps once, then a few seconds later beeps 3 times)

 

[Tallulah]

That power cable is potentially lethal with the damaged outer sheath. It would be condemned in the UK!

I am a bit confused now...

Are the pictures of the monitor screen in post #1 what they can see NOW or is the screen BLANK?

If they are pictures of NOW, then the monitor is not faulty, it is more likely that the disk is corrupt. They do have a backup don't they?

If the monitor screen is BLANK/BLACK now, then it could be the monitor, but it still could be the computer.

We need more information I am afraid.

I see the magic words 9 to 15 pin adapter mentioned. But we still need to know what connector is on the computer itself.

Incidentally, you will be moderated for the first 10 posts. Hence the delay from you posting to us being able to read your post...

Dave

Thanks very much, Dave
Yes, I knew I'd be a probie for awhile.
I agree about the power cable, and know we need more info about the latest condition that exists. I have asked the gal who works there (a friend of mine) to sign up here when she is able. They have some tough surgeries this week so quick pics and sending up a flare were all she could do. That isnt to say it isnt urgent, but for now they are using their paper files. My guess is that may be their backup...not sure.

 

[Tallulah]

I think she's saying that the cable plugged into the monitor is the same cable whose other end we can see in the photos of the back of the PC tower, plugged into the top right connector, labeled "monitor", which I think is 15-pin VGA.


Pictures of the "bus" and the "slave monitor" would be helpful. Is it really just a monitor or is it a monitor with an attached keyboard (known as a "terminal")? I'm guessing the latter, in which case it's very unlikely that that monitor would have a VGA input.

We could use a narrative of what happened. Did the system stop working while it was being used, or was it a case of not booting up one morning? When turning it on now, I take it nothing ever shows up on the monitor, but does everything else seem to go the same way it did before? In particular, does the system make any beeps, and how many? (e.g., beeps once, then a few seconds later beeps 3 times)

This is the part we need my friend for- the one who actually works there. I have asked her go sign up here so she can respond directly. She was reluctant to sign up because she wasnt sure what or where to ask for help. This week they have had some difficult surgeries, but hopefully in the next few days she will get here. Meanwhile, I know Im taking potshots... I was a VM cobol programmer on mainframes, not the one with boxes of cables. My friends with this knowledge have passed away recently. They would have loved to fix this- I wish they had mentioned it years ago!
For now, their paper files go back to when the practice opened in 1983. Functional, but doesn't make it fun.
Thanks everyone for your patience- it is so appreciated.

 

[vwestlife]

The computer itself is a 486-based IBM PC 350 from the mid-1990s:

IBM Personal Computer 350 - Higher Intellect Vintage Wiki

The IBM Personal Computer 350 is a PC compatible based on the 80486 processor.

wiki.preterhuman.net

The monitor output is a standard 15-pin VGA port. The round purple connector is a PS/2 keyboard port.

The connector labeled 3 is a 9-pin RS-232C serial port, likely connected to a dumb terminal (what they called a "slave monitor") used to monitor and control the server's operation.

The Digiboard adds 4, 8, or 16 additional serial ports for connecting to dumb terminals for employee use.

The connector labeled A1 is a 25-pin Centronics parallel port, likely connected to a printer.

The expansion card with the connector labeled "don't use" on it is a SCSI controller, indicating that the computer probably has SCSI hard drive(s) inside it, as were typical of servers in the '90s.

 

[daver2]

Your friend is very welcome, especially if they need help. We love to help!

Dave

 

[Tallulah]

That power cable is potentially lethal with the damaged outer sheath. It would be condemned in the UK!

I am a bit confused now...

Are the pictures of the monitor screen in post #1 what they can see NOW or is the screen BLANK?

If they are pictures of NOW, then the monitor is not faulty, it is more likely that the disk is corrupt. They do have a backup don't they?

If the monitor screen is BLANK/BLACK now, then it could be the monitor, but it still could be the computer.

We need more information I am afraid.

I see the magic words 9 to 15 pin adapter mentioned. But we still need to know what connector is on the computer itself.

Incidentally, you will be moderated for the first 10 posts. Hence the delay from you posting to us being able to read your post...

Dave

Quick question- above and beyond the place bursting into flames and destroying all the patient and billing files- is there any reason pertinent to the hsrd drive or any other problem this system might have thst would be made worse if I suggested it be unplugged for safety?