VXT 2000 ("VXT" )

 
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General Technical Information

HOSTNAME VXT1
SYSTEM CPU SOC* @25MHz
VXT V01.200
CACHE (2nd, 1st D/I) 0 KB, 0 KB / 6 KB
RAM  18 MB (Max. 18 MB)
SCSI BUS N/A
OPTION BUS N/A
GRAPHICS SPX 8-plane 1280x1024 @72Hz
NETWORK 10 Mbps ethernet AUI
OS VXT Software V2.1
YEAR 1992
SPEED 6.2 VAX MIPS
POWER CONSUMPTION (MAX. / MEASURED) 105 W / 58 W
COMMENTS This is not exactly a computer, however, it shares so many similarities with a real VAX so I include it here anyway.
ESTIMATED PRICE '92 (w/ 12 MB RAM, 20" Color Monitor)
 $6,900
*= SOC, in this context, means "System On a Chip", designed for low cost VAXen.

History and other comments

I traded this X-terminal for some Sun stuff. This is not a full featured computer as one would define a unix workstation, because it has no local storage capability. It is however an intelligent terminal that runs it's own operating system with X server plus even some native applications. The VXT software is loaded over ethernet during system boot, from a designated MOP or TFTP server. It is also capable of mounting NFS volumes for virtual memory and for loading X fonts. After loading the system software, you can then log in to any accessable unix computer using DECterm or XDM.

Screenshot from the terminal's screen, you can see the VXT Terminal Manager (activated when you press F3):


The VXT system is (presumeably) built around the VAX chip SOC, same as the VLC and MicroVAX 3100 M30. There are two major board revisions that I have, one with 2 MB soldered on the mainboard, and one with 4 MB. Then there is a memory daughter board that has 2 MB soldered on it, plus three sockets for 32 bit FPM SIMMs. To my knowledge only 2 MB and 4 MB SIMMs work. This makes maximum RAM = 18 MB for the later model and 16 MB for the original model.

Below you can see what the inside looks like, with the memory daughter board and the graphics board removed:


It has a quite advanced graphics, to handle X11 in an acceptable way. Below picture shows the graphics board which is supposed to be the VXT version of SPX graphics found in other VAX workstations:


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Last updated:  16-7-2009