20 May
2026
20 May
'26
10:29 p.m.
I've been working on this project for ages. It is not complete. It may never be
complete. It is, however, finally in a state that I consider to be eminently usable. A
"beta" or "soft opening" - there are absolutely some visibly
unfinished areas. But, it can absolutely be used while I continue improving the typesetter
and the indexer, polishing the presentation, and adding manuals for new systems.
http://www.typewritten.org/Manual/
Some folks were given access to previous development versions and asked not to share the
URLs. If you were one of them, please transition to this URL instead; this one can be
considered fully public.
ok
bear.
ps. this announcement was also sent to the VCFED forum and the TUHS mailing list
21 May
21 May
3:23 a.m.
Minor note. On the page you linked, the menu on the top left has the "manuals"
entry. On other pages on the site, the "manuals" entry is missing from the
menu.
Will
3:24 a.m.
Thanks for doing this. It is quite interesting and obviously a LOT of work.
Thanks,
Will
24 May
24 May
3:48 p.m.
On 2026-05-21 1:29 a.m., r.stricklin via cctalk wrote:
I've been working on this project for ages. It is
not complete. It may
never be complete. It is, however, finally in a state that I consider to
be eminently usable. A "beta" or "soft opening" - there are
absolutely
some visibly unfinished areas. But, it can absolutely be used while I
continue improving the typesetter and the indexer, polishing the
presentation, and adding manuals for new systems.
http://www.typewritten.org/Manual/
All I can say is "wow, thank you!" but
that hardly seems sufficient.
That's an incredible amount of information to make available. I can't
even begin to imagine the effort you've put into it. It is greatly
appreciated, and I'm sure it will be useful to countless people.
26 May
26 May
3:30 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
Hello,
I am trying to get an Emulex QD21 configured on a
MicroVAX-II. I am using the procedure in the manual for
"starting F.R.D. on a MicroVAX II". I have verified the
device addresses respond at the console commands for the
standard address.
The responses from the board are correct up until the last
examine command, where I should get an 0400 response at
2000146A, but I get 0200 instead. If I then examine 0080 I
get FFFF FFFF.
So, somehow the QD21 is not copying the diagnostic program
to the VAX memory.
Possibly there is a switch setting or jumper not set correctly.
I do have the original Emulex manual, and I did this
procedure successfully FORTY years ago!
Does anybody have suggestions on what I'm doing wrong?
Thanks,
Jon
3:50 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:45 PM Jon Elson via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
I am trying to get an Emulex QD21 configured on a
MicroVAX-II...
So, somehow the QD21 is not copying the diagnostic program
to the VAX memory.
I would ensure your NPR Grant Chain above the QD21 is intact. That
would be the most likely reason it can't DMA the program into the
MIcroVAX.
-ethan
6:23 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
On 5/26/26 17:50, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:45 PM Jon Elson via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Yes, first I had the QD21 in slot 4, and then realized if I
didn't have any memory boards in slot 2 or 3, I needed to
move the QD21 up to the A-B connectors on slot 2. I was
then surprised to get the same result.
This is in a DEC H9278-A backplane that originally had an
LSI-11 in it. I don't know if I need to do anything to the
backplane to make it work for a uVAX-II.
Thanks,
Jon
I am trying to get an Emulex QD21 configured on a
MicroVAX-II...
So, somehow the QD21 is not copying the diagnostic program
to the VAX memory.
I would ensure your NPR Grant Chain above the QD21 is intact.
That
would be the most likely reason it can't DMA the program into the
MIcroVAX.
27 May
27 May
4:56 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 9:38 PM Jon Elson via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
On 5/26/26 17:50, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
So the H9278-A is standard in the BA23 IIRC. Forgive me if I'm going
over things you know but that means that the first three slots are
Q22/CD slots, so you rightly put the QD21 into the Q22 (AB) side of
slot 2. The usual KA630 uVAX II board has 1MB on it, which should be
enough to noodle around with, but we always ran those with at least an
8MB board in slot 2 (with the PMI cable). You didn't say what your
board configuration is, but might well ask now what _do_ you have
stuffed in there? A specific board buildout would be helpful at this
point.
Normally, it's CPU and memory (essential in the top 3 slots), then
peripheral cards in a certain order (low-latency cards over
high-latency cards, and unbuffered interfaces over buffered
interfaces, and the RQDXn, if any, at the end).
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:45 PM Jon Elson via
cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Yes, first I had the QD21 in slot 4, and then realized if I
didn't have any memory boards in slot 2 or 3, I needed to
move the QD21 up to the A-B connectors on slot 2...
This is in a DEC H9278-A backplane that originally had an
LSI-11 in it. I am trying to get an Emulex QD21 configured on a
MicroVAX-II...
So, somehow the QD21 is not copying the diagnostic program
to the VAX memory.
I would ensure your NPR Grant Chain above the QD21 is intact.
I don't know if I need to do anything to the
backplane to make it work for a uVAX-II.
For a standard BA23, you don't need to do anything. It's happy with a
KDF11-B (11/23+) or KDJ11 (11/53 etc) or a MicroVAX (KA610, KA630).
The only trick is where to stuff the CPU and memory when it's PMI
memory (above slot 4) (vs Qbus (more flexible). Someone can come
along and correct me, but I don't _think_ there's usually anything you
have to do with backplane termination when moving from a PDP-11 to a
MicroVAX CPU.
A basic CPU+memory+QD21 system shouldn't have too many surprises with
where the boards go. It's when you want to add items like a DELQA or
a KDA50 that have certain requirements.
-ethan
6:05 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
On 5/27/26 18:56, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 9:38 PM Jon Elson via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
OK, I assume with the box laying flat and the top cover on
top, and all labels right side up, then slot 1 is at the top
of the backplane. So, I had the KA730AA in the top slot,
and had moved the QD21 to the left connectors just below
it. I was able to access the 2 registers just as the
diagnostic instructions said, but then did not get anything
in memory at location 80.
Now, I have screwed UP! I thought maybe I didn't know what
was slot 1, and moved the KA630 to the bottom slot. Now,
the board does not pass POST. It counts down from F to C
and then hangs there, with no serial output. Of course, I
moved the board back to slot 1, but same result.
I have no additional memory boards (seem to have sold them
all at the last VCFMW). Years ago, I did run VMS 4.7 just
fine on the on-board one MB.
When it was partially working, I tried several DIP switch
options on the QD21 but got the same no transfer to main
memory problem.
Anybody know what parts I popped by having the KA630 in slot
8? (I used to have a KA630 schematic set but sold that years
ago.)
I don't know for sure this KA630 was good, as somehow it got
swapped with my trusty old one from 40 years ago. This one
came from a junker. But, it mostly worked, except for maybe
the DMA. And, I have no idea if this backplane in the BA23
was good.
Thanks,
Jon
On 5/26/26 17:50, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
So the H9278-A is standard in the BA23 IIRC. Forgive me if I'm
going
over things you know but that means that the first three slots are
Q22/CD slots, so you rightly put the QD21 into the Q22 (AB) side of
slot 2. The usual KA630 uVAX II board has 1MB on it, which should be
enough to noodle around with, but we always ran those with at least an
8MB board in slot 2 (with the PMI cable). You didn't say what your
board configuration is, but might well ask now what _do_ you have
stuffed in there? A specific board buildout would be helpful at this
point.
Normally, it's CPU and memory (essential in the top 3 slots), then
peripheral cards in a certain order (low-latency cards over
high-latency cards, and unbuffered interfaces over buffered
interfaces, and the RQDXn, if any, at the end).
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:45 PM Jon Elson via
cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Yes, first I had the QD21 in slot 4, and then realized if I
didn't have any memory boards in slot 2 or 3, I needed to
move the QD21 up to the A-B connectors on slot 2...
This is in a DEC H9278-A backplane that originally had an
LSI-11 in it. I am trying to get an Emulex QD21 configured on a
MicroVAX-II...
So, somehow the QD21 is not copying the diagnostic program
to the VAX memory.
I would ensure your NPR Grant Chain above the QD21 is intact.
I don't know if I need to do anything to the
backplane to make it work for a uVAX-II.
For a standard BA23, you don't need to
do anything. It's happy with a
KDF11-B (11/23+) or KDJ11 (11/53 etc) or a MicroVAX (KA610, KA630).
The only trick is where to stuff the CPU and memory when it's PMI
memory (above slot 4) (vs Qbus (more flexible). Someone can come
along and correct me, but I don't _think_ there's usually anything you
have to do with backplane termination when moving from a PDP-11 to a
MicroVAX CPU.
1 Jun
1 Jun
2:45 p.m.
New subject: Need Emulex QD21 help
OK, after my stupid error, I got another KA630-AA and put it
in the right slot of the H9278-A backplane. The uVAX goes
through the power on self test, and drops into ODT. I then
do the procedure in the Emulex manual to load the diagnostic
into VAX memory, but it doesn't work. line 10 is E/P/W
2000146A and I am supposed to see 400, but I get a 200
instead and nothing changed at location 80.
Is there any possibility there is an error in the manual?
(I have the very vague recollection that 40 years ago I
couldn't get this to work, and plugged the QD21 into and
LSI-11 system instead.
Is there any jumper that would be needed for DMA (NPG) to
work properly on a H9278A that was originally on an LSI-11
system for it to work on a uVAX-II?
I am pretty much at a loss here. I do have an MDB backplane
that did work in my original system, but I had cobbled up my
own DCOK and BUSINIT-L logic that never quite worked right.
I would have to resurrect all that to test with the MDB
backplane. (I no longer have the LSI-11.)
Thanks,
Jon
6 Jun
6 Jun
1:04 p.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
Hello,
I have been trying to set up a uVAX-II to demo at the
VCFMW. I got a BA23 box from Paul Anderson that was
originally an LSI-11 box with an H9278-A backplane.
The uVAX passes the POST and then comes up with ODT on the
serial console.
I then have tried to do the configuration of an Emulex QD21
disk controller. The procedure opens a memory map for DMA
to main memory, and then has you deposit to a couple
registers. Then, the controller is supposed to copy a
diag/config program to VAX memory via DMA. This step
fails. I have tried some poking around in the backplane,
but so far I do not see a reason why the DMA is not
working. Of course, the QD21 could be bad. I have tried
two KA630-AA boards, same result.
Does anybody know why a uVAX-II would not work in an H9278-A
backplane? Are there jumpers to adjust?
Thanks,
Jon
4:56 p.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
The KA630 will definitely work in a BA23 with a H9278 backplane I have
one, but now the BA23 is used for an 11/73.
I also had a QD21 at one time and vaguely remember the procedure you
talk about, which did work for me.
What slot are you putting the QD21 into? Remember the backplane has
ABCD for the first three slots, but ABAB from there on and the grants
must be continuous.
cheers
Nigel
On 2026-06-06 16:04, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have been trying to set up a uVAX-II to demo at the VCFMW. I got a
> BA23 box from Paul Anderson that was originally an LSI-11 box with an
> H9278-A backplane.
>
> The uVAX passes the POST and then comes up with ODT on the serial
> console.
>
> I then have tried to do the configuration of an Emulex QD21 disk
> controller. The procedure opens a memory map for DMA to main memory,
> and then has you deposit to a couple registers. Then, the controller
> is supposed to copy a diag/config program to VAX memory via DMA. This
> step fails. I have tried some poking around in the backplane, but so
> far I do not see a reason why the DMA is not working. Of course, the
> QD21 could be bad. I have tried two KA630-AA boards, same result.
>
> Does anybody know why a uVAX-II would not work in an H9278-A
> backplane? Are there jumpers to adjust?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
7 Jun
7 Jun
6:56 a.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
On 6/6/26 18:56, Nigel Johnson via cctalk wrote:
The KA630 will definitely work in a BA23 with a H9278
backplane I have one, but now the BA23 is used for an 11/73.
I also had a QD21 at one time and vaguely remember the
procedure you talk about, which did work for me.
What slot are you putting the QD21 into? Remember the
backplane has ABCD for the first three slots, but ABAB
from there on and the grants must be continuous.
The CPU is in slot 1, the QD21 is in slot 2, A-B
connectors. I have no off-board memory for the CPU at the
moment.
I have an MDB Q22 motherboard that worked years ago, but the
power connection is totally different (screw terminals vs.
AMP pins) and on the opposite side of the card cage (CD side
instead of AB side as on the H9278.) So, making that
motherboard fit in the BA23 would be a challenge.
Well, I am guessing that the QD21 is defective. I'll see if
I can come up with another. The whole aim of this project
is to boot up my old 670 MB ESDI drive, and then backup the
whole drive to an SD card on a SCSI-SD converter.
Thanks,
Jon
9:30 a.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
On 2026-06-07 09:56, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote:
On 6/6/26 18:56, Nigel Johnson via cctalk wrote:
More questions:
Does the QD21 have the 22-bit addressing kit installed in U49, with
switch 2-6 ON?
Are SW2-3-4 all set to zero for standard CSR?
Does the BA23 have the bus terminators installed?
Are the QD21's three lights are going out?
Do you have the full manual?
Have you tried auto booting?
Let me know if I can help further
cheers
Nigel
--
Nigel Johnson, MSc., MIEEE, VE3ID/G4AJQ/VA3MCU
Amateur Radio, the origin of the open-source concept!
Oh what a mangled head received when first we fractals do perceive
The KA630 will definitely work in a BA23 with a
H9278 backplane I
have one, but now the BA23 is used for an 11/73.
I also had a QD21 at one time and vaguely remember the procedure you
talk about, which did work for me.
What slot are you putting the QD21 into? Remember the backplane has
ABCD for the first three slots, but ABAB from there on and the grants
must be continuous.
The CPU is in slot 1, the QD21 is in slot 2, A-B connectors. I have
no off-board memory for the CPU at the moment.
I have an MDB Q22 motherboard that worked years ago, but the power
connection is totally different (screw terminals vs. AMP pins) and on
the opposite side of the card cage (CD side instead of AB side as on
the H9278.) So, making that motherboard fit in the BA23 would be a
challenge.
Well, I am guessing that the QD21 is defective. I'll see if I can
come up with another. The whole aim of this project is to boot up my
old 670 MB ESDI drive, and then backup the whole drive to an SD card
on a SCSI-SD converter.
Thanks,
Jon
8 Jun
8 Jun
8:29 a.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
On 6/7/26 11:30, Nigel Johnson Ham via cctalk wrote:
Does the QD21 have the 22-bit addressing kit installed in
U49, with switch 2-6 ON?
Yes, the U49 IC is there. SW2 position 6 is on.
Are SW2-3-4 all set to zero for standard CSR?
Yes, and the CSR does show up at the
right address.
Does the BA23 have the bus terminators installed?
AHH, now this could be the
cause! I saw in some manual that
different terminator SIPs are required for uVAX vs LSI-11.
The ones in there are marked 13-18110.
Are the QD21's three lights are going out?
LED3 stays on = controller idle,
waiting for init.
Do you have the full manual?
Yes.
Have you tried auto booting?
I do not want to connect the drive until the
controller has
been properly configured for that drive model, as I want to
get the data off it.
Anyway, the issue is that when I do the last deposit of the
load diagnostic procedure (D/P/W 2000146A 4401) and then
examine the response (E/P/W 2000146A) I am supposed to get
0400 but instead I get 0200. That is not listed as a known
error code in the manual. Most specifically, it is not 0051
(FRD load to memory failed).
Thanks for any suggestions!
Jon
11:35 a.m.
New subject: uVAX-II Q-bus help
On 2026-06-08 11:29, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote:
On 6/7/26 11:30, Nigel Johnson Ham via cctalk wrote:
I'm not sure about different terminators, I have used both KA630 and
11/23, 11/73 in this backplane.
I know I have seen that exact error, 400 instead of 200, but I cannot
remember what it meant or how I got around it. This is really bugging me!
Unless I find any old notes I don't think I can help any more :-(
cheers
Nigel
--
Nigel Johnson, MSc., MIEEE, VE3ID/G4AJQ/VA3MCU
Amateur Radio, the origin of the open-source concept!
Oh what a mangled head received when first we fractals do perceive
Does the QD21 have the 22-bit addressing kit installed in U49, with
switch 2-6 ON?
Yes, the U49 IC is there. SW2 position 6 is on.
Are SW2-3-4 all set to zero for standard CSR?
Yes, and the CSR does show up at the right address.
Does the BA23 have the bus terminators installed?
AHH, now this could be the cause! I saw in some manual that different
terminator SIPs are required for uVAX vs LSI-11. The ones in there
are marked 13-18110.
Are the QD21's three lights are going out?
LED3 stays on = controller idle, waiting for init.
Do you have the full manual?
Yes.
Have you tried auto booting?
I do not want to connect the drive until the controller has been
properly configured for that drive model, as I want to get the data
off it.
Anyway, the issue is that when I do the last deposit of the load
diagnostic procedure (D/P/W 2000146A 4401) and then examine the
response (E/P/W 2000146A) I am supposed to get 0400 but instead I get
0200. That is not listed as a known error code in the manual. Most
specifically, it is not 0051 (FRD load to memory failed).
Thanks for any suggestions!
Jon
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days inactive
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days old
15 comments
7 participants
participants (7)
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Ethan Dicks -
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Jon Elson -
Nigel Johnson -
Nigel Johnson Ham -
r.stricklin -
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