Re: Vaxstation 3100 and graphics card

From: Rich Jordan (jordan_at_ccs4vms.com)
Date: 05/24/04 

Date: 24 May 2004 12:27:39 -0700

JF Mezei <jfmezei.spamnot@teksavvy.com> wrote in message news:<470bb0324091eb87da863cf99e339156@news.teranews.com>...
> So, I finally installed a WS01X (SPX) graphics card in my microvax 3100-30
>
> Alas, no success.
>
> A test 50 shows:
>
> ?? SPGFX 0001.2112 V1.3
> 00FFFF04 00000000 39B00014 00000002 00000000 00000000
>
> I know that the ?? means trouble. But what can I tell from the rest ?
>
> a TEST 4 yiels an error code of 84 FAIL
>
> test 80 doesn't complain (but I have to use break key to end it).
>
> Now, this is all from the serial console. I built my own adaptor from the 15
> pin vax monitor plug to the 15 pin d-sub VGA plug. However, all of the above
> happen even if the adaptor is not connected. The monitor does not see any
> video signal (it worked fine with the monochrome output).
>
>
> Questions;
> How do I find documenmtation on the above error codes and byte displays for
> that device ? Shouldn't HP make all VAX technical documentation available for
> download now that they are retired products ?
>
> Are there any dip/jumpers that need to be changed on the VAX motherboard
> before adding the WS01X board ? Or does one just add the board, and power the
> unit back on and it should magically all work ?
>
> If there is no monotor connected, should the varous tests still succeed
> without any complaints ?

Specifically for the SPX,
http://www.whiteice.com/~williamwebb/ChapC/DOC-C-15.html

Thats an online VS3100-76 manual, so it may not exactly match your
VAXstation, but it should be close. Sadly it looks like a fatal error
(last digit '2') even though the exact code is not listed.

I don't recall what happens with no monitor online, and I can't test
right now. I do know that my GPX-equipped 3100-30 posts fine with a
VR150 monochrome monitor attached but I don't have any terminals handy
to test a serial console.

My 3100m76 did not need any switch/jumper changes to move from GPX to
SPX, and the manual (URL above) does not indicate any switch or jumper
changes for installation of a card on a monochrome system (it also
doesn't list the dip switch settings for resolution changes; those are
the two switches on the graphics card).

Got another graphics card to try? Maybe it'd be worth carefully
pulling, cleaning contacts, and reseating the card, or else unplug the
hard drives and POST that way in the slight chance you might have a
power supply than can no longer handle the added load? Clutching at
straws...

Rich Jordan

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Start up problem novice requires help
    ... If you get the same problem then it is probably the graphics card. ... my computer on the monitor goes into standby, I have to use the power ... switch to keep trying untill the monitor kicks in a lights up. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: No signal to monitor, please help!
    ... I changed the graphics card but still have a blank ... monitor and now it won't switch off; all I get are flashing lights ... No amount of pressing the on/off switch ... Has my monitor died or is there a way to turn it off and have normal service ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: video signal reflection
    ... or video switch, or some such during your upgrade? ... connected to monitor. ... unfortunately it has no switchable termination, ... the old graphics card DID terminate the line properly. ...
    (comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video)
  • Problem on E4000
    ... Every morning I find that the monitor is in sleep mode and won't wake up. ... I have to switch the machine off and restart it. ... The graphics card is a TurboGX Plus running from the main ... I/O board which is the later cersion with "proper" GBICs instead of the older ...
    (SunManagers)
  • Re: Electronic multi-switches
    ... An electronic switch of some sort works as ... when an Atari mono monitor is present ... whenever an Atari monitor is used it will work just ...
    (sci.electronics.basics)