PDP-11/44 boot prompt

From: Allison J Parent <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Mon Nov 2 22:25:57 1998

< Actually, I'm wondering how those things work. Do they read the POST
< code off the motherboard, or do they do their own diagnosis? I've
< looked at the ads in various magazines, but never thought it had
< much potential.

POST is in reality a dumb I/O port with a two digit display. The BIOS
power up self test writes codes to it depending on errors or success.
It allows a bit more informative display if the video board or tube is
croaked. Generally I can trouble shoot without one using known good
boards as swaps.

Allison
Received on Mon Nov 02 1998 - 22:25:57 GMT