VAX-11/785 Hardware User''s Guide

This document, the "VAX-11/785 Hardware User's Guide" (EK-11785-UG-PRE, 1984), serves as a comprehensive reference for system operators of the VAX-11/785 computer system. It outlines basic operating procedures and customer care for the system's hardware components.

Key areas covered in the guide include:

• System Overview: An introduction to the VAX-11/785's architecture, detailing its Central Processor Unit (CPU), optional Floating-Point Accelerator, I/O Subsystem (SBI, MASSBUS, UNIBUS), Main Memory Subsystem, and Console Subsystem. It also briefly touches upon the VAX/VMS operating system, including concepts like virtual memory (paging, swapping) and the user environment.
• Hardware Operation: Specifics for the VAX-11/785 CPU's operating environment and power requirements, along with descriptions of its cabinet controls and indicators, and procedures for various bootstrapping operations.
• Console Communication: A detailed guide to the console subsystem, its operational modes (console I/O and program I/O), control panel functions (program control, memory data entry/display, clock control), and a comprehensive console command language (e.g., BOOT, CONTINUE, DEPOSIT, EXAMINE, HALT, HELP, LOAD, NEXT, SET, SHOW, START, TEST, UNJAM, WAIT).
• Diagnostic Supervisor: Information on booting and running diagnostic programs, including commands to attach and select devices for testing, and procedures for disk formatting for various disk types (e.g., RA60, RA80, RA81, RM05, RP07).
• Peripheral Devices Operating Information: Detailed descriptions, specifications, operating controls, and customer care/maintenance procedures for commonly used peripheral equipment, including the LA120 console terminal, RA60, RA80, RA81 disk drives, RM05 disk subsystem, and TU77, TU78, TU80 magnetic tape transports.
• Appendices: Provide supplementary technical information such as virtual memory concepts, bootstrapping sequences, console help files, a comprehensive glossary of terms, and lists of native and compatibility mode instruction sets, as well as diagnostic programs.