Difference between revisions of "MicroVAX 3100 series"

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(Expand considerably; add some docs)
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[[Image:MicroVAX 3100-80.jpg|150px|thumb|right|A MicroVAX 3100-80]]
 
[[Image:MicroVAX 3100-80.jpg|150px|thumb|right|A MicroVAX 3100-80]]
  
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The '''MicroVAX 3100 series''' was a line of entry-level desktop [[VAX]] systems, all using a [[microprocessor]] VAX on a [[motherboard]]. (Several different VAX microprocessor implementations were used, over the life of the series.) Although they all had some [[input/output|I/O]] [[peripheral]] upgrades available, the list is limited; the 3100 was not built around a standard [[bus]]. Although technically available for interactive [[time-sharing]] usage (as a [[minicomputer]]), the standard inclusion of a [[display]], [[keyboard]] and [[mouse]] on them indicates that they were primarily geared toward use as a [[personal computer]] (in the generic sense).
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The '''MicroVAX 3100 series''' was a line of entry-level desktop [[VAX]] [[minicomputer]] systems, all using a [[microprocessor]] VAX on a [[motherboard]]. (Several different VAX microprocessor implementations were used, over the life of the series.) Although they all had some [[input/output|I/O]] [[peripheral]] upgrades available, the list is limited; the 3100 was not built around a standard [[bus]].
  
 
The [[CPU]] used was the [[KA41 CPU]], [[KA45 CPU]], [[KA47 CPU]], [[KA50 CPU]], [[KA51 CPU]], [[KA55 CPU]], [[KA56 CPU]] or [[KA59 CPU]], depending on the model. Additional [[main memory]] was carried on [[daughter-board]]s in initial models; later [[Single Inline Memory Module|SIMMs]] were used.  
 
The [[CPU]] used was the [[KA41 CPU]], [[KA45 CPU]], [[KA47 CPU]], [[KA50 CPU]], [[KA51 CPU]], [[KA55 CPU]], [[KA56 CPU]] or [[KA59 CPU]], depending on the model. Additional [[main memory]] was carried on [[daughter-board]]s in initial models; later [[Single Inline Memory Module|SIMMs]] were used.  
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All models of the series supported [[Small Computer System Interface|SCSI]] for [[mass storage]], as well as [[Ethernet]] and several [[asynchronous serial line]]s. Additional [[main memory]], asynchronous serial lines, and [[synchronous serial line]]s, were available as options.
 
All models of the series supported [[Small Computer System Interface|SCSI]] for [[mass storage]], as well as [[Ethernet]] and several [[asynchronous serial line]]s. Additional [[main memory]], asynchronous serial lines, and [[synchronous serial line]]s, were available as options.
  
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A desktop [[mounting box]] was used across the 3100 line. All could run either [[VMS]] or [[ULTRIX-32]].
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A desktop [[mounting box]] was used across most of the 3100 line; the Models 88 and 98 used mini-tower packaging. All models could run [[VMS]] and the older ones (presumably up to and including model 40) [[ULTRIX-32]], too.
  
 
The models in the series were:
 
The models in the series were:
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* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/ VAX 3100] - documentation at [[Bitsavers]]
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/ VAX 3100] - documentation at [[Bitsavers]]
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** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0371-OM-002_MicroVAX_3100_and_VAXserver_3100_Owners_Manual_Aug89.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's Manual] (EK-A0371-OM-002) - covers Models 10 and 20
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** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0371-OM-002_MicroVAX_3100_and_VAXserver_3100_Owners_Manual_Aug89.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's Manual] (EK-A0371-OM-002) - covers Models 10 and 20 <!-- https://bukosek.si/hardware/collection/dec-microvax3100/microvax3100-owners-manual.pdf -->
 
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/EK- EK-] - contains a considerable number of rare (online) 3100 manuals
 
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/EK- EK-] - contains a considerable number of rare (online) 3100 manuals
 
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/4/49/EK-M3100-SM.B01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85, 90, 95, 96 KA50/51/55/56 CPU System Maintenance] (EK-M3100-SM.B01) - has a system block diagram on pg. 18 of the PDF (technical documentation on the 3100's is ''very'' scarce)
 
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/4/49/EK-M3100-SM.B01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85, 90, 95, 96 KA50/51/55/56 CPU System Maintenance] (EK-M3100-SM.B01) - has a system block diagram on pg. 18 of the PDF (technical documentation on the 3100's is ''very'' scarce)
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** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/f/fb/EK-A0372-IP-003.pdf MicroVAX 3100/VAXserver 3100 Illustrated Parts Breakdown] (EK-A0372-IP-003)
 
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/f/fb/EK-A0372-IP-003.pdf MicroVAX 3100/VAXserver 3100 Illustrated Parts Breakdown] (EK-A0372-IP-003)
 
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/b7/EK-A0519-MG.001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options] (EK-A0519-MG.001)
 
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/b7/EK-A0519-MG.001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options] (EK-A0519-MG.001)
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** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/4/49/EK-A0716-IN-B01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95 Installation Information] (EK–A0716–IN.B01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/a0574hr1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform CPU Reference Information] (EK-A0574-HR.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/a0574hr1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform CPU Reference Information] (EK-A0574-HR.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/a0519udd.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options Supplement] (EK-A0519-UD.D01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/a0519udd.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options Supplement] (EK-A0519-UD.D01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/424aats1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Options Installation Guide] (EK-424AA-TS-001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/424aats1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Options Installation Guide] (EK-424AA-TS-001)
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* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/a0717opc.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95/96 Operator Information] (EK–A0717–OP.C01)
 
* [https://lastin.dti.supsi.ch/VET/sys/VAX/MicroVAX-3100-80/EK-AO525-TD-001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 and Model 80 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0525-TD.001)
 
* [https://lastin.dti.supsi.ch/VET/sys/VAX/MicroVAX-3100-80/EK-AO525-TD-001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 and Model 80 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0525-TD.001)
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0718-TI_MicroVAX_3100_85_95_Customer_Technical_Information_Jun94.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0718-TI.B01)
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0718-TI_MicroVAX_3100_85_95_Customer_Technical_Information_Jun94.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0718-TI.B01)
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* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/bc/EK-M3185-UP-A01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40/80 to Model 85 CPU Upgrade Guide] (EK–M3185–UP. A01)
 
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/bc/EK-M3185-UP-A01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40/80 to Model 85 CPU Upgrade Guide] (EK–M3185–UP. A01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/MDS-2000-01/cd1/VAX/A0612UP1.PDF MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 to Model 90 Upgrade Guide] (EK-A0612-UP.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/MDS-2000-01/cd1/VAX/A0612UP1.PDF MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 to Model 90 Upgrade Guide] (EK-A0612-UP.001)
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* [https://www.bbcusa.com/pdf/microvax-vaxstation/microvax-3100-overview.pdf MicroVAX 3100] - covers the Models 88 and 98, in the mini-tower packaging
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/brochures/DEC-MicroVAX-3100+VAX-4000.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAX 4000 Desktop Servers] - marketing brochure
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/brochures/DEC-MicroVAX-3100+VAX-4000.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAX 4000 Desktop Servers] - marketing brochure
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* [https://bukosek.si/hardware/collection/dec-microvax3100.html DEC MicroVAX 3100 Model 20] - includes images of the cards
  
 
{{Nav VAX}}
 
{{Nav VAX}}
  
 
[[Category: VAX Families]]
 
[[Category: VAX Families]]
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[[Category: DEC VAX systems]]
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[[Category: VAX Personal Systems]]
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[[Category: Personal VAX Systems]]
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[[Category: VAX Minicomputers]]
 
[[Category: MicroVAX 3100 Systems]]
 
[[Category: MicroVAX 3100 Systems]]

Latest revision as of 10:57, 22 October 2024

A MicroVAX 3100-80

The MicroVAX 3100 series was a line of entry-level desktop VAX minicomputer systems, all using a microprocessor VAX on a motherboard. (Several different VAX microprocessor implementations were used, over the life of the series.) Although they all had some I/O peripheral upgrades available, the list is limited; the 3100 was not built around a standard bus.

The CPU used was the KA41 CPU, KA45 CPU, KA47 CPU, KA50 CPU, KA51 CPU, KA55 CPU, KA56 CPU or KA59 CPU, depending on the model. Additional main memory was carried on daughter-boards in initial models; later SIMMs were used.

All models of the series supported SCSI for mass storage, as well as Ethernet and several asynchronous serial lines. Additional main memory, asynchronous serial lines, and synchronous serial lines, were available as options.

A desktop mounting box was used across most of the 3100 line; the Models 88 and 98 used mini-tower packaging. All models could run VMS and the older ones (presumably up to and including model 40) ULTRIX-32, too.

The models in the series were:

The Model 10 and Model 20 were very similar; the latter had a slightly larger mounting box.

The 3100's shared their motherboard and mounting box with the VAXserver 3100 series and VAXstation 3100 series.

Further reading

External links


v • d • e VAX Computers and Operating Systems
VAX-11/7xx (including VAX 86x0) - VAX-11/780 • VAX-11/785 • VAX-11/750 • VAX-11/730 • VAX 8600 • VAX 8650

VAX 8000 series (excluding VAX 86x0, above) - VAX 82xx/83xx series • VAX 85xx/87xx/88xx series

MicroVAXen (many types also come in VAXserver and VAXstation models) - MicroVAX I • MicroVAX II
MicroVAX 2000 • MicroVAX 3100 • MicroVAX 3300/3400 • MicroVAX 3500/3600 • MicroVAX 3800/3900

VAXstation Series - VAXstation I • VAXstation II
VAXstation 3100 • VAXstation 3200/3500 • VAXstation 3520/3540 • VAXstation 4000 • VAXstation 8000

Late Model VAXen - VAX 4000 series • VAX 6000 series • VAX 7000 series • VAX 9000 series • VAX 10000 series

Special Purpose VAXen - VAXft series • rtVAX series • Infoserver series

Clones - CM 1700 • TPA-11/580

Operating Systems: VMS • VAXELN • ULTRIX • BSD UNIX

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