[Info-vax] MIcrovax 3100-98

[Dave Froble]

On 10/31/2019 2:28 PM, Simon Clubley wrote:
> On 2019-10-31, David Turner <dturner- at -islandco.com> wrote:
>> I am in need of either a Microvax 3100-98 or Vax 4000-108
>> If anyone has one in working condition (we can fix cosmetics) please
>> call me asap  *912-844-7642*
>>
>
> Is there any reason why it has to be a real VAX instead of an emulated one ?
>
> For example, is there some custom hardware attached ?
>
> At this point in the VAX lifecycle, wouldn't it be better to replace
> failed VAX systems (assuming they don't have some custom hardware
> attached) with an emulated VAX setup ?
>
> Replacing old hardware with other old hardware means you don't know
> if the replacement is itself going to fail in a few months time.
>
> Simon.
>

I cannot disagree.  Even better, if possible, upgrade to newer HW, an 
Alpha, an itanic, and soon an x86.

But to address your concern.  Back in 1998 or so, when Compaq acquired 
DEC, One of the first things (or so it seemed) Compaq did was to dump 
the DECpc business, and sell off as I guess scrap or surplus the 
inventory.  There were PCs with Pentium II CPUs.  I acquired some of 
these systems.

Now, back in the day, I resold some MicroVAX systems, including the 
Model 98.  The Model 98 and the DECpc system appeared to share some 
characteristics.  For one thing they were very heavy.

While last century's DECpc systems really aren't much use with today's 
software, I still have at least some uses for them.  One is running 
WEENDOZE 2000 Pro, and used for an old game.  When I say running, I mean 
24 x 365.25 and just keeps on running.  Another gets booted up maybe 
once a month.  And there are several more that don't get used, but when 
tested, still run.  (I will admit, having the disks still running amazes 
me.)

Yep, 22 years old, and still working.  DEC gear wasn't cheap, either in 
cost, or quality.

I'm guessing lots of MicroVAX 3100 Model 98 systems are doing the same.

What I'd ask David is, what happened to the system (I assume) that needs 
replaced that he could not fix?

-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
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