[Info-vax] VAX RDMs (Remote Diagnostic Modules)

[Johnny Billquist]

On 2011-11-15 08.32, vaxorcist wrote:
> A question for former DEC technicians, System Managers&  whoever
> worked with RDMs:
>
> Several of the bigger VAXen had an RDM (Remote Diagnostic Module) as
> an option. In case of problems these RDM were connected via serial
> line and modem to one of the DDCs (DEC Diagnostic Centers).
>
> What kind of hardware was used on the other side (at the DEC
> Diagnostic Centers)?
>
> Surely a modem, but what else? Another RDM or a special module or
> computer for
> remote diagnosis?
>
> My VAX-11/750 has got an RDM and I would like to use it one day.

The RDM is a serial port that talks like the normal console port on the 
VAX. So you can basically do the same stuff on that port as on the 
console port. It's just that RDM can't use the console port, since the 
customer have his console terminal on that port, so you have a second 
port with the same functionality.

At DEC's end, you had a computer which could talk to the console to do 
various testing and running stuff to diagnose problems.
This is all documented at various places.

You want to use the RDM port? Go ahead. Just plug a terminal in there, 
and use it.

	Johnny