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VAXStation II

Yes, it can run VMS. I can't remember for sure if the last version of VMS for VAX still supported the uVAX II, but if it just have enough memory it should work fine.
It's an interesting system. Two ethernet ports, RQDX3 (disk controller) and TK50 (tape controller and drive). VCB01 is the graphics system. Only one VCB01, but there are two distribution panels, so I wonder if it actually served two users with graphics at some point. Don't think I've ever seen that, but I wonder if it might have been possible to run it like that.
VMS actually use X11, but commonly over DECnet.

The ports on the rear are the two ethernet AUI connectors, and two times display, keyboard and mouse. And then the serial console.
 
bqt said:
Yes, it can run VMS. I can't remember for sure if the last version of VMS for VAX still supported the uVAX II, but if it just have enough memory it should work fine.
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HP OpenVMS Operating System for Alpha Version 7.3–1 and 7.3–2, and VAX Version 7.3 SPD 25.01.68

OpenVMS VAX Version 7.2 is the final version to support the following systems:
VAXstation II/GPX, VAXstation II/QVSS


I have run OpenVMS 7.3 on a color display VAXstation II/GPX (VCB02/QDSS M7168/M7169) without any issues that I can recall.

I might have also run OpenVMS 7.3 on a monochrome display VAXstation II/QVSS (VCB01 M7602) without any issues, although I can't be sure about that. The VR260 monochrome monitor that I used with the VCB01 died a while ago. I haven't tried to run the VCB01 in a system in a long time.


The VAXstation II in that eBay listing has obvious signs of corrosion on the bulkhead I/O panels from the NiCad battery pack leaking, most likely damaging PCB traces on the I/O panels. A BA123 chassis system is nice to have compared to a BA23 chassis system, if you have room for it. But not at the $2,500 asking price.
 
maxfli said:
Does this machine run VMS as its operating system? What are the ports on the rear for?
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Its basically a MicroVax II with a frame buffer (Or perhaps two) in it. At about 1 VUPS/MIP CPU power it won't be the worlds fastest VAX, but it looks like a VAX.
Will have crumbling MFM disks so you probably need to add an MFM emulator and you will need a terminal and/or keyboard and display.
Would be a nice museum piece, but IMHO if you don't mind what it looks like there are better options.

If you really want to run VMS on real hardware consider one of the smaller MicroVax or VaxStations on E-Bay. e.g.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294270690856 - Will work with a terminal or screen/keyboard/mouse (special dec ones)

or

https://www.ebay.com/itm/252027460326 - Will only drive a terminal. Can be used via X-Windows on a PC.

(all untested but I would expect to work with a suitable SCSI disk or SCSI2SD setup

you should also noe DEC terminated the Hobbyist program for VAX.
 
Thanks G4ugm, I have a system running VMS, thought this would be a nice addition to my collection.
 
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