VAXstation 2000

This document, the "VAXstation 2000 Hardware Option Guide for the 4-Plane Graphics Coprocessor" (EK-VAXAA-4P-001) from November 1987, is intended for users upgrading their VAXstation 2000 system to support a 4-plane graphics system, particularly when using a monochrome monitor for gray-scale display.

The guide explains that the 4-plane graphics coprocessor provides a video subsystem with a resolution of 1024x864 pixels, capable of displaying up to 16 gray-scales or 16 colors from a 4096-color palette. It clarifies that the coprocessor itself is installed by a Digital service representative.

The user's primary role, as detailed in the guide, is to install the color video cable assembly (BC19S) to enable gray-scale display on a monochrome monitor (VR260 or VR150). This involves:

1. Ensuring the monitor's power is off.
2. Connecting only the "G" (green) video cable connector to the back of the monitor (leaving Red and Blue connectors disconnected).
3. Securing the cable using the provided knobs.
4. Connecting the monitor cable to the video port on the rear of the VAXstation 2000 system unit, ensuring the system unit's power is off.
5. Tightening the thumbscrews on the cable connector.

The document also provides information on testing the system and diagnostics:

• VAXstation 2000 automatically runs self-tests upon power-up.
• If the screen remains blank after power-up, users are advised to check keyboard LEDs for error messages indicating system, video board, or communication option failures, and to contact a service representative if errors are detected.
• Users can run various monitor screen pattern tests in console mode (e.g., TEST 88 for eight gray-scale bars on monochrome monitors, or TEST 81, TEST 82, TEST 87 for color monitor patterns).
• Instructions are included for restarting the system after running tests.