On Thu, 7 Aug 2003, Dmitri Vorobiev wrote:

> Dear colleagues,
>
> I already posted my question to comp.sys.dec, but Google says that
> this list could be a relevant place as well. Traffic in this list does
> not appear to be extremely high :) so that to increase it a little bit
> let me ask the following...
>
> After a major upgrade of computer equipment in one of the departments
> of our University I am a happy owner of an old DECStation 5000/200.
> The parts that I have are the following:
>
> - System unit model PM36A-BC
> - No memory modules, unfortunately -- not a single one
> - TURBOChannel framebuffer PMAG-C
> - LK201 keyboard and Digital mouse with cable
> - VRT19-D3 monitor and video cable
>
> I have assembled the parts following the manual and when I turn the
> machine on, the power unit coolers start, the green light on the front
> panel of the system unit glows, but the only thing I observe on the
> display is a blank screen.

Sounds about right, You cannot get much anywhere without some RAM...

>
> I understand that the workstation lacks memory modules, but is it
> normal that there is nothing on the display? In other words, is there
> any sense in looking for memory chips in this situation? Status LEDs
> show 0111 0011.

Dont have the manual in front of me but my guess is that's the NO-RAM status
LED display.

>
> Further, if there is any hope that installing memory modules would
> revive this DECStation, could anyone (preferrably from Europe since I
> am in Finland) sell me one or more MS02-AA/MS02-CA modules?

I have many modules but shipping (from the US) would be expensive, well maybe
parcel post would not be too bad for a module or two...

>
> Basically, I would like to install Netbsd (and, perhaps, try some
> other OS, too) and use this machine as a playground (or, maybe, I'll
> come up with some other ideas of how to make use out of it).
>
> I will be grateful for any advices/suggestions/opinions. In case my
> question is an OT here, I am sorry for disturbance I have caused.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Regards,
>
> --Dmitri Vorobiev
>
> Komm wir tanzen auf dem Tisch
> Bis der Tisch zusammenbricht
>

Peter Wallace
Mesa Electronics