Hi:
Your rd53 could simply have a spindle brake that is not retracting
properly. Check the solenoid under the main circuit board. If this is the
problem then simply unscrew the solenoid mounting bracket and move it back
a millimeter or so.
This fixed two of my sick rd53s 100 percent.
There are other more complex reasons behind the spindown problem, but I'd
check this first.
Kevin
>
> Hey MVII gurus!
>
> Along with working on my uPDP this morning I tried to get the MVII running.
>
> Well, the negative things folks have said about RD53's are definitely true.
> It would not spinup properly. Seemed to have a speed control problem as I
> could hear the drive electronics alternately whine and be quiet in rather
> frequent, constant intervals even after some lengthy period of time. It's
> shot I guess.
>
> Let's go through what transpires after either power turn-on or hitting
> 'Restart' as I wrote it down from the screen:
>
> KA630-A.V1.3
>
> Performing normal system tests
>
> 7..6..etc. <this section passes okay>
>
> Tests completed
>
> Loading system software.
>
> 2.. <more than a minute wait here>
> ?54 RETRY
>
> 2.. <another wait>
> ?54 RETRY
>
> ad infinitum or at least untils the cows come home . . .
>
> <I turn off power here and give up>
>
> So, what we learned here is that the KA630 ROM is version 1.3 and the
> failure error is 54. What exactly does '54' mean (I have no tech manuals
> or anything for this machine to help here)?
>
> The inside of the TK50 is rather dusty and dirty. I plan to take it out and
> get as much dust and junk out of it as possible before I put in a tape (I
> got the DEC MVII Diagnostic tape, MicroVMS 4.2 and a DECUS tape with a
> bunch of utilities :) ). How critical is it to have a very clean drive?
> Seems the opening on the front of the drive with no tape inserted allows
> too much junk to wander into it.
>
> Anybody have an RD54 or equivalent they're willing to sell me?
>
> Thanks for your help again,
>
> Chris
> -- --
> Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian
> Jamestown, NY USA cfandt_at_netsync.net
> Member of Antique Wireless Association
> URL: http://www.ggw.org/freenet/a/awa/
>
--
Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD
mcquiggi_at_sfu.ca
Received on Tue Nov 17 1998 - 19:52:04 GMT