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Who is still running a VAX/780?

R

Robotrontechnik

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Joined
Nov 15, 2016
Messages
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I have such a heavy metal computer as an exhibit in my museum, showing three major problems:

(1): The machine is incomplete, I'm failing to make it functional again because missing spares.
(2): The computer has four hard disks and don't find a way to save its data.
(3): I'm still not familiar with this computer class.

Does anybody want to discuss these themes?
 
Last edited:
Rüdiger,

did you get an original 11/780 - or do you mean your Robotron version ?
I assume your "Handynummer" is still the same ? - I will call you the next days...
 
Wildfire said:
did you get an original 11/780 - or do you mean your Robotron version ?
Click to expand...

Robotron version. But fortunately the boards are compatible to DEC's.

Only the console processor was an own development of Robotron. But there is no chance to get an original one...
 
Robotrontechnik said:
Robotron version. But fortunately the boards are compatible to DEC's.

Only the console processor was an own development of Robotron. But there is no chance to get an original one...
Click to expand...
I have the boards and Q-BUS cage from an 11/03 console processor from one of the VAX that used the 11/03 but its in the UK. I don't have a tape drive. I guess its not of use to you as your "VAX" used a different interface and you need the software, and tape drive.
 
g4ugm said:
I have the boards and Q-BUS cage from an 11/03 console processor from one of the VAX that used the 11/03 but its in the UK. I don't have a tape drive. I guess its not of use to you as your "VAX" used a different interface and you need the software, and tape drive.
Click to expand...

The 780 uses floppy disks to boot the console processor: 8" Floppies at DEC VAX, 5,25" disks originally at my VAX.
Would you like to publish a picture of the VAX interface card?

The usual boards in the 780's console processor are M7264-YC, M7946, M7940, M8400-EH, M9400-YE.
The last one is VAX interface.

My VAX has an 1/2" tape, but currently no tape controller.
 
OK so I don't have an M8400-EH but an M8044-EE. The M9400-YE is pretty bare. No ROMs (sorry). I wonder how this booted because the hardware guide suggests it has ROMS . I wonder if they were in the 11/780?



1704548453164.jpeg1704548605764.jpeg
 
Current situation:

About (1): I have
-Main rack: CPU, FPU, DW780, 16 MB RAM, MBA RH880, Emulex HDC, power supplies.
-four huge hard disks
-one 1/2" tape drive

Missing components:
-At the main rack: board M8272 (part of DW780). (4)
-The complete console processor rack. (5)
-The UNIBUS rack containing the terminal controller and the tape controller. (6)
-Most cables between controllers and disk/tape drives. (7)

About (5):
We think about replacing it by a unit from an old QBUS PDP.
Main problem is we still not got a M9400-YE board.

About (6):
We think about replacing it by a unit from an UNIBUS PDP.
 
Nothing big. Off the top of my head.

AlphaServer 2100 - won't power up
Small Vax4000 - can' remember if its a 300 or a 400 - has VMS installed - works but backup battery duff
Vastation 3000/30 - currently running on a VT terminal - I think I have a spare puck mouse.
Documation Card Reader - Needs US voltage and frequency - Probably also needs work
Kennedy 9612 - SCSI tape drive - has failed PAT test label so I haven't powered on
IBM 3174 screen controller. Has MFM emulator and token ring card.
Small Roland Plotter, HP Plotter - working
Large HPGL plotter - can't remember make - was working
Probably got other plotters - Tandy, Bryant...
Decwriter - think it has PSU issues, prints a couple of characters then faults.
Silent 700 - has cracked plastic inside.
Televideo PT100 terminal.
Couple of Late SWTPC 6809 systems. Not the classic case. Probably used as Uniflex terminals.
SUN Ultra 60 - conditions unknown
very scruffy Sparcstation 20 - does not power up.
SBC6120 with expansion board.


Dave
 
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