This lot includes three BA23 based systems, two VT220 terminals, extra parts, and manuals that have been in storage for approximately 20 years:
The MicroPDP-11/73 powers up and runs self-tests, but does not boot. The RD53 spins up, but appears not ready. There is a blank RX50 diskette in one of the drives, and the system reports a different message attempting to boot from the blank diskette (not bootable) versus the empty drive (drive error). The BA23 has the six-button control panel, and the backplane is populated as follows:
Slot
Card
Number
Version
Notes
1 AB CD
KDJ11-BB
M8190-AB
B1
J11 CPU
2 AB CD
MSV11-QB
M7551-BT
C2
2MB RAM
3 AB CD
MSV11-QB
M7551-BT
C2
2MB RAM
4 AB
DHQ11-M
M3107
D2
8-line async
4 CD
RQDX3
M7555
F6
RD/RX controller
The deskside VAXstation 3200 also powers up and runs self-tests, and does not boot. The RD54 spins up, but makes unpleasant sounds (stuck heads?) during boot attempts. It looks like a spider may have been living in the TK70; there is a spare unit included in the lot (see below). There are two cracks in the plastic near the upper rear chassis retainer (see photos).This BA23 also has a six-button control panel, and the backplane is populated as follows:
Slot
Card
Number
Version
Notes
1 AB CD
KA650-BA
M7620-BA
C1
CPU
2 AB CD
MS650-AA
M7621-AH
A1
8MB RAM
3 AB CD
MS650-AA
M7621-AP
B1
8MB RAM
4 AB CD
VCB02
M7169
D3
QDSS controller
5 AB CD
VCB02
M7168
A2
QDSS bitmap
6 AB CD
VCB02
M7168
A2
QDSS bitmap
7 AB
TQK70
M7559
B3
TK70 controller
7 CD
DZQ11-M
M3106
C1
4-line async
8 AB
RQDX3
M7555
E4
RD/RX controller
8 CD
DELQA-M
M7516
Network interface
The rack mount VAXstation 3200 powers up, but nothing displays on the terminal. I tested the CPU board in the deskside system, and it reported a problem with test 19 (cache). This chassis appears to have come from a dual-BA23 system with an extra deep/tall rear panel. This panel is shown in the photos and is included with the sale, as well as one complete set of BA23 rack rails (see below). This BA23 has a four-button control panel, and the backplane is populated as follows:
Slot
Card
Number
Version
Notes
1 AB CD
KA650
M7620-BA
C1
CPU (fails test 19)
2 AB CD
MS650-AA
M7621-AP
A1
8MB RAM
3 AB CD
MS650-AA
M7621-AF
A1
8MB RAM
4 AB
DELQA-M
M7516
D4
Network interface
4 CD
RQDX3
M7555
E4
RD/RX controller
5 AB CD
VCB02
M7169
D3
QDSS controller
6 AB CD
VCB02
M7168
A2
QDSS bitmap
7 AB CD
VCB02
M7168
A2
QDSS bitmap
Both VT220 terminals appear to work fine. The screen shots (see photos) are from the actual units included in the sale. In addition, the following parts/spares are included:
Quantity
Vendor
Details
1
DEC
TK70 tape drive
1
DEC
RX50-AA diskette drive
2
DEC
12-22196-01 AUI loopback plug
2
DEC
BCC05-10 console cable (VAX)
1
DEC
BC22D-25 console cable (PDP-11)
2
DEC
BC19S KVM cable
1
DEC
VSXXX-AA mouse (hockey puck)
1 set
DEC
7428371-01/02, 7428372-01/02 BA23 rack rails
The following documentation is included:
·VAXstation II/GPX BA23 Enclosure Hardware Information
·MicroVAX II Hardware Information (BA23)
·VT220
oVT220 Installation Guide (2)
oVT220 Owner\'s Manual
oVT220 Pocket Service Guide
oVT220 Programmer\'s Reference Manual
oVT220 Programmer Pocket Guide
·DELQA User\'s Guide
·DHQ11 User Guide
·KDJ11-A CPU Module User\'s Guide
·MicroVMS User\'s Pocket Reference (shrink wrapped)
·PDP-11 Programming Card
·VAX-11 Programming Card
Notes: This equipment is offered as-is, where-is, with no warranty whatsoever. The hardware is over 30 years old, and has been sitting dormant for over 20. Anything still working could fail at any time, so please consider this when offerding.
Everything could stand to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, as I haven’t done much other than vacuum off the dust. I think both deskside systems would be good restoration candidates. When I first got the PDP-11/73 decades ago, I remember it booting RSTS/E. I don’t know if the RD53 is repairable. I managed to get some working years ago by swapping the board with another drive. I don’t think I ever tried booting the VAXstation before testing it for this sale. The rack mount VAXstation might be restorable, but I would consider it more a source of spares for the other two systems.
A note on shipping: Local pickup doesn’t mean the systems can’t be shipped, it just means that I can’t do it. There are companies that specialize in moving equipment like this, and if you want to hire one I will happily work with them. Each of the three systems weighs about 70 pounds. The equipment must be picked up within 30 days of the end of the sale. I can help load the equipment, and will observe all safety protocols.
Thanks for looking.
