DJE Systems OpenVMS Hobbyist Multia Support Page

This document provides a guide for OpenVMS hobbyists to install OpenVMS on a Digital Multia Alpha workstation.

Key points include:

1. Multia Overview: The Multia, originally designed for Windows/NT, is an affordable Alpha platform for hobbyists, despite being slower than modern Alpha systems. The information provided is based on documented procedures, as the author does not yet own a Multia.
2. SRM Firmware Update (Critical First Step): Before installing OpenVMS, the Multia's console SRM firmware must be updated. The necessary files (QBYPASS.SCR, SRM.EXE) are found in an OpenVMS boot floppy saveset (requiring OpenVMS V6.2 or later to extract) or available as a ZIP archive. These files must be transferred to a freshly formatted DOS diskette. The Multia updates its firmware automatically upon booting with this diskette. It is recommended to create this diskette on a pre-Windows/9x DOS system or Windows/9x in command-line-only mode, as Win/NT DOS windows can be unreliable.
3. Hardware Requirements:
   • A diskette drive is essential for both the firmware update and OpenVMS installation.
   • RAM: Minimum 32 MB (for OpenVMS V7.1-2/V7.2), up to 128 MB (four 32 MB SIMMs) recommended for DECwindows/Motif, using parity memory.
   • Disk: A single 2-1/2 inch SCSI disk (if PCMCIA options are present) or a low-profile 3-1/2 inch disk.
   • Cooling: The Multia must be operated in a vertical position for proper cooling.
4. OpenVMS Installation Floppy: A special boot floppy is required to install OpenVMS on the Multia. This floppy contains the necessary bootstrap and drivers. It can be created by:
   • Using another OpenVMS system: Performing an image restore of a saveset (from the V4 Freeware CD) onto a formatted high-density floppy. If the OpenVMS system lacks a floppy drive, a logical disk container file can be created, restored to, then transferred (as binary) to a DOS/Win system.
   • Using MS-DOS, Windows/9x, or UN*X: Writing a pre-made diskette image file (available as compressed ZIP archives) to a formatted diskette using RAWRITE (for DOS/Win, ideally in pure DOS mode) or dd (for UN*X, after formatting with fdformat).
5. OpenVMS Installation Process: Once the special boot floppy and the OpenVMS Operating System CD-ROM (obtainable from OpenVMS Hobbyist sites or Compaq) are ready, the Multia can be booted for installation. The boot floppy is used for initial installation and the first boot of the installed system; subsequent boots will occur directly from the hard disk. Further installation details are referred to the "OpenVMS-Alpha Installation Page."