VAXstation 100 firmware notes
From Computer History Wiki
Random notes from running the firmware in an emulator.
Memory map
Error LEDs
Indicates which test failed. During power-up, green light turned off. During idle loop, green light remains on.
Apparently there's a bug.
Interrupts
All VS100 interrupts use the autovector feature.
Keyboard test
The firmware transmits code FD (hex) to the LK201 keyboard, which commands it to jump to the power-up sequence and self-test. The keyboard transmits a four-byte message back. The VS100 ignores the keyboard ID, and checks that the third is not 3D.
This information is from the VT220 Technical Manual.
D0 flags
The firmware maintains a set of flags in register D0.
Bit (decimal) | Meaning |
16 | Manufacturing mode. |
19 | Power-up error. |
24 | BBA done. |
25 | Vertical retrace interrupt. |