[Info-vax] Monitor for Alphastation 500

[Chris]

On 09/06/19 00:38, thedavegray at gmail.com wrote:
> 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
>

If it's been standing for a decade or more, would be a good idea
to reform the psu caps, might avoid a big bang on power up. Either a 
variac transformer for power, with the voltage brought up slowly over
a few hours to limit excess current through the caps, or hook it up
with a 25 watt lamp in series with the power input. Done here often
on older kit, but usually disconnect the m/board and other consumers
(disks etc) before reforming the caps...

Chris