MicroVax 3100 Question & Asking for Computers

From: Anthony Clifton - Retrocomputing.com <vaxcat_at_retrocomputing.com>
Date: Sat Jun 16 10:52:37 2001

(For those who wish I'd just get to the point, please skip ahead to part 2. =)

PART 1

So I'm sitting at the conference/lunch table at work yesterday eating
lunch and this local consultant and his assistant walk in to visit.

During the conversation, I mention that, if he ever sees old computers
at his clients that are to be discarded or need a new home, to let me
know as I collect them.

He couldn't think of anything but the 17 year old kid I hired this week
to do PHP and Linux stuff (He's really impressive!) comes over and
says he's got two MicroVax computers that were given to him for free
and, because he doesn't know what to do with them, he'll give them to
me for free.

Just goes to show that the best way to get old machines for free is to
just tell people, publicly, that you collect them. It also helps to mention
that you won't put them on Ebay. I used to Ebay stuff but I've become
DEEPLY disillusioned with Ebay after losing a beautiful set of CCS S100
cards in the last 30 seconds because I bid $2.50 too low.

Ebay doesn't account for PASSION and, because of that, I've decided to
no longer sell there. No that I would criticize others for doing it. It
just doesn't satisfy my need to have things go to a good home instead
of ending back up on Ebay.

PART 2

At any rate, the 3100s don't have monitors, mice, keyboards.

Question 1: Do MicroVax 3100's have monitors, mice or keyboards
or do they just use terminals? I've only ever used Microvax Is, IIs
and various full size Vaxen. Never owned any any 4 digit pizza boxes.

Question 2: Even if they do use tubes and rodents, is it possible to
flip a switch or change a jumper to use just a VT220 or something
like that and how do I do it?

I'm sure this topic has been covered millions of times in the past so
please feel free to keep replies off the list unless you think it'd be
useful to others.

Also, I tried the FAQ at anacin but I've been unable to connect to
anacin or other locations where I believe the information to be found.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Anthony Clifton
Des Moines, Iowa
Received on Sat Jun 16 2001 - 10:52:37 BST

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