I have been using a VaxStation 3100 system (with a KA42B processor
and a 4 plane graphics board and a DEC VR160 monitor) for about 10 years using the VAX/VMS 5.5 operating system with DECWindows.
The monitor no longer works and I am trying to use the computer
as a Microvax 3100 by removing the graphics board and setting the
alternate console switch on the back panel.
Now the system appears to be a "VAXServer" (according to the SYS$GETSYI system service) and the "VAX-VMS" license is now
considered invalid or insufficient.
Is there a hardware modification to convert the processor to an ordinary Microvax 3100 ?
Is there a different license available which would make the system a valid VAXServer and avoid license error messages and allow network
logins.
Thanks for your reply to my question. Any conversion seems quite complicated. I have investigated the license error some more and
it appears that the problem is in the VAX-VMS "availibility code". It should be a "B" not a "C" or "D" as it is in my current PAK.
I now think it may be better to keep the system as a VAXStation
and find a new LCD monitor which can accept the hight speed
composite vidoe of the old VR150 monitor. It may also be possible
to find a sync/video separator which could convert the video to
the modern VGA style.(since LCD VGA monitors would probably
be the cheapest kind)
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!
