[Info-vax] DEC Multia (UDB) issues

[Kari Uusimäki]

On 23.8.2011 1:59, MG wrote:
> On 23-8-2011 0:23, John Wallace wrote:
>> There's a Multia service manual at
>> http://www.alphalinux.org/docs/udb-manual.pdf.gz
>
> Thank you, I'll download that for safe keeping. (Always good to have.)
>
>
>> It confirms that console settings will be lost when the battery is
>> dead. Sadly the manual also illustrates that the battery is not an off-
>> the-shelf coin cell in the Alpha Multia (I had been thinking it was -
>> maybe I had it confused with the Intel UDB, which did have a standard
>> coin cell, but obviously didn't run VMS). Someone willing to improvise
>> with a soldering iron could probably sort the battery.
>
> Too bad. So, yes, the latter 'option' will be the only one (besides
> replacing the NVR/TOY completely).
>
>
>> Obviously VMS isn't supported on Multia anyway. In an Alpha-centric
>> setup, clustering the Multia might have been worth some thought, but
>> booting an old Multia-compatible Alpha VMS version as a satellite in
>> an IA64-centric setup (ie more recent VMS) probably isn't a bright
>> idea at all (even if it stood much chance of working).
>
> I don't mind simply using an older version of VMS. The biggest problem
> for now is that I'd need to find something to house a SCSI disk in. I
> have plenty of spare SCSI disks, cables, terminators and so on, but
> simply not enough enclosures.
>
> It has also crossed my mind to just wait until some cheal Wintel laptop
> comes buy, to take out the 2.5" PATA/IDE disk out and use that. But,
> I'm not extremely comfortable with just letting it rest on the main-
> board... (Especially since the Multia has infamous cooling problems.)
>
>
>> Back to the RRD43 - it should work as a load device, subject to
>> correct SCSI config. Non-DEC stuff may work, subject to things like
>> block size and other settings.
>
> The Yamaha, to my great surprise, worked. Well, it was detected with
> the correct brand/model name information in the SRM. I didn't expect
> that, so that was a pleasant surprise.
>
>
>> Are you using an actual pressed VMS CD, or a CD-R? Some much older CD
>> drives weren't good at reading CD-R media.
>
> CD-R, prepared at 1x speed at the time. In my AlphaServer 1000 (an
> even older system, isn't it?) it worked just fine.
>
> I think the boot floppy boot-strapping method will have to do for now.
> If that won't work, I think it's safe to say that there's (also?) some-
> thing wrong on the hardware end.
>
>
>
>> What's inspiring you to do this Multia thing? You might be impressed
>> by running VMS on a box that size, but you probably won't be impressed
>> with the performance.
>
> That's a very good question.
>
> First of all, anything with the trusty "[d|i|g|i|t|a|l]" branding is
> bound to catch my attention. Plus, I was surprised to find out that
> DEC made its own Alpha-powered thin-client. I ran NetBSD on a Java-
> Station-NC "Krups" for years (via DHCP/bootp and TFTP net-booting) and
> really liked the machine. I thought with an Alpha, this would be even
> more interesting.
>
> Secondly, ever since I sold my AlphaServer 1000 --- no matter how
> riddled with glitches and defects --- I missed an Alpha system and
> the Multia was being offered on a local auction site. I knew of the
> limitations, but considering the price it was something of later worry
> for me. The system itself is in great physical condition, only the
> vertical mounter was damaged during transport (the 'lips' snapped off,
> but I managed to glue them with an appropriate glue).
>
> Thirdly, in June I was expecting to lay my hands on a DS10. Due to
> some difficulties, the person who promised me one wasn't able to get
> to it and since then --- in the meantime, as I described above ---
> came across the Multia.
>
> I'm not at all sorry I bought it though, it looks great and even if
> running VMS on it isn't ideal, I'll find another use. (Preferably
> VMS though!)
>
>
>> Have fun anyway!
>
> Thank you, also for all the help!
>
> - MG


Just a few notes about running VMS on Multia.
I assume you have read all the documents on the Freeware-CD about how to 
upgrade the firmware etc.
If you follow strictly the advise, you can install V7.3-1 from the 
installation CD without any magic. You do need the floppy with the 
special drivers. After you've done the installation successfully, you 
can upgrade to V7.3-2.

Like mentioned earlier, the performance isn't very fancy, but that isn't 
the main point I guess.

If keeping the Multia clean (i.e. dust-free) and running it always 
upright (like it is on the stand) in a normal office temperature (~20C), 
shouldn't cause heat problems.

Btw. I've run DigitalUnix on the Multia as well. In that case I used the 
factory firmware and not the firmware for VMS use.


Kari