[Info-vax] Monitor for Alphastation 500

[thedavegray at gmail.com]

Hi, 
I just got hold of a brand new Alphastation 500. The shipping 
docs say it's sale date is 2/2/98 but it's factory wrapped/boxed
and with factory labels over the kettle socket. 

I haven't powered it up yet because I want to be sure things like
clock battery are ok and also I don't have a monitor adapter. 

So a couple of questions. This has a 25 pin monitor port on the
back (not seen one of these before) so I wondered if it's possible
to hook this up with a modern VGA via an adaptor?  I have a Dell 
SVGA which has a range low enough to handle Atari ST colour via 

CGA. 

Secondly any tips for first time boot of an old girl such as this.
I got back late with it tonight so only removed the top cover, 
inside is pristine which is promising. Going to try and uncover
the battery on Saturday. 

The manual says it can run digital Unix as well as openvms, 
I would not mind a dabble with Unix if it can dual boot but
if only one then it will have to be openvms.  Apparently it can 
run Windows NT to which I have to wonder "why". 

Thanks