Subject: Re: MicroVAX 3100 NetBSD
To: Brian D Chase <bdc@world.std.com>
From: NetBSD Bob <nbsdbob@weedcon1.cropsci.ncsu.edu>
List: port-vax
Date: 10/26/1999 14:05:11
> On Tue, 26 Oct 1999, NetBSD Bob wrote:
> 
> > > Thanks to the shared libs under 1.4.1, I was able to fit a modest install
> > > onto a 50Meg RZ22.  With 42Megs in a filesystem for my NetBSD/vax install,
> > > and 8Megs of swap; installing only the base.tgz, etc.tgz, and misc.tgz
> > > distribution sets takes up around 35Megs.
> 
> > Which is the preferred kernel to use, 1.4L DMA or 1.4.1 generic?
> 
> If you're looking to use SCSI drives, I'd say use the 1.4L kernel.  But
> you must remeber that this is just a development kernel and may less
> stable than the 1.4.1 GENERIC kernel (or it may be more stable).

OK, I was not exactly sure how it related developmentally, but I see
it more clearly from your diagram.

> You mentioned having a uVAX 3100/M30... Now if you mean you've got a
> MicroVAX 3100/30, then you're out of luck as it's not supported yet.  If
> you mean you've got a VAXstation 3100/M30, then you're okay for running
> 1.4.1 or 1.4L.  

Yeah, a MicroVAX 3100 in the tall (double high desktop) case with 8M ram,
and it has the dual scsi controllers.

What exactly is not supported?  Although I am not that much of a deep
system level programmer, I do whack a little C.  If it is the dual
controller thing, can it come up on the first controller of the pair,
or are they totally strange, relative to the VS3100 system?  I have
the remains of a VS3100 (missing drive tray cables and the crazy 68
pin scsi cable off the motherboard connector).  I think it only has
4M ram or something like that, but will have to check,  which is minimal.

> The VAXstation will say "VAXstation 3100" across the front of it.  It's
> important to id the box correctly as DEC made a whole range of "3100"
> numbered VAXen, few of which are really similar to any of the others. You
> don't want to waste your time trying to install NetBSD on an unsupported
> system.

I have both a MicroVAX 3100 and a VS3100 (incomplete).  The MicroVAX
is complete and running Ultrix, fine.  The reason for my wanting to
use the MicroVAX is that it has the two controllers,  lots of internal
space (5 drives mounted currently),  plus the extra scsi outputs on
the back, for more.  That would make a nice basic NetBSD platform,
and potentially a little more serious a machine than the VS3100, excepting
the graphic capability.

I also have a couple of pmax chassis.  Could enough parts like the drive
tray and the drive power cabling be common enough to sub?  If so, that
only leaves me trying to find the internal scsi cable to make it workable.
I think I still have the internal scsi floppy tray also, for the VS3100.

I am willing to try something on the MicroVAX if there is any chance that
it might be workable.  Without the internal scsi cable on the VS3100,
I can't do much with that, even if I can sub the DS2100/3100 parts to fit.

Thanks...

Bob