I didn't notice this forum when I registered with the site, better late than never!
I am a retired systems programmer, having used primarily DEC equipment, and later various PC's and PC servers (Proliant's). I was also the network administrator and security administrator (talk about all of your eggs in one basket...) at most of the places I've worked.
I did a lot of work with microprocessors early on, mostly in embedded systems, later building myself new personal computers (before THE PC came along).
I started with DEC PDP-11's in 1980, assembled for myself an 11/03 in a VT103 with floppies, etc. in 1981 - no big task, purchased a RT-11 license from my employer (a DEC OEM) and have been a diehard DECCie ever since. I got into VAXen in early 1982 on an 11/780 and wanted some kind, ANY KIND, of VAX for years.
I worked with banking systems (Remittance processing) and later with SCADA on a natural gas pipeline. I've collected some systems since retiring.
VAXen:
2-4105A w/Nemonix accelerators, including memory and FWSCSI upgrades
10+ 4000/60's, 4 with dual head video
3-4000/90's, 2 with Nemonix accelerators and Turbochannel SCSI
1-4000/VLC
1-3100 VAXStation
1-3100 VAXServer
I also have some tape drives (DAT and 9-Track), an InfoServer, a DECServer 300, and miscellaneous terminals (VT320, VT525's).
I made a PDP-11/53 (more or less) from a DECServer 550 and I have a PDT-11/150 from way back. These run RT-11 and are usually used with a terminal.
All of these systems worked the last time I tried them, but it has been too long. I need to get up-to-date licenses to check them all out. Sometime, sigh. The Alpha's work well.
This is a great site and I'm glad I found it!
Edited by ssj152 on December 19 2008 11:14
malmberg August 04 2022 No more VAX hobbyist licenses. Community licenses for Alpha/IA64/X86_64 VMS Software Inc. Commercial VMS software licenses for VAX available from HPE.
ozboomer July 20 2022 Just re-visiting.. No more hobbyist licenses? Is that from vmssoftware.com, no 'community' licenses?
valdirfranco July 01 2022 No more hobbyist license...sad
mister_wavey February 12 2022 I recall that the disks failed on the public access VMS systems that included Fafner
parwezw January 03 2022 Anyone know what happened to FAFNER.DYNDS.ORG? I had a hobbyist account here but can longer access the site.
gtackett October 27 2021 Make that DECdfs _2.1A_ for Vax
gtackett October 27 2021 I'm looking for DECdfs V2.4A kit for VAX. Asking here just in case anyone is still listening.
MarkRLV September 17 2021 At one time, didn't this web site have a job board? I would love to use my legacy skills one last time in my career.
malmberg January 18 2021 New Hobbyist PAKs for VAX/VMS are no longer available according to reports. Only commercial licenses are reported to be for sale from HPE
dfilip January 16 2021 Can someone please point me to hobbyist license pak? I'm looking for VAX/VMS 7.1, DECnet Phase IV, and UCX/TCPIP ... have the 7.1 media, need the license paks ... thanks!
