| Author |
vTape question |
jmullins
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: 23.05.13 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 08:12 |
|
|
|
I am trying to run some tests of an alphastation 255. I converted a physical tape to a .vtape file, and when I try to run it, I see that I need 10 license units. I found that vtape is not supported in freeAXP. Is there a way to convert this tape to an image that is supported in freeAXP? |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 08:31 |
|
|
|
You could build a VAX VMS system using SimH and use its vtape capabilities to restore the AlphaStation tape. A disk container file created under SimH will be useable under FreeAXP. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
jmullins
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: 23.05.13 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 08:49 |
|
|
|
Bruce Claremont wrote:
You could build a VAX VMS system using SimH and use its vtape capabilities to restore the AlphaStation tape. A disk container file created under SimH will be useable under FreeAXP.
Sorry, I'm very new to this, how do I build a VAX VMS using SimH? |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 09:20 |
|
|
SimH is a free hardware emulator like FreeAXP. However, SimH emulates many platforms, including the VAX. Assuming you are a hobbyist, pick up the VAX/VMS hobbyist licenses from the VMS Hobbyist site and build a VAX VMS system under SimH. You will need a VAX/VMS installation CD to build the VAX VMS system under SimH.
You can find more on SimH at http://simh.trailing-edge.com/
If you have a working Alpha system, you could also network the FreeAXP system with it and simply copy files between the two systems. You will need Alpha OpenVMS installation media to create the FreeAXP VMS system.
How was the vtape file created? |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
jmullins
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: 23.05.13 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 09:30 |
|
|
|
Looks like I have some reading to do. Thanks for the replies. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
jmullins
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: 23.05.13 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 10:22 |
|
|
|
OK, I found a working HDD and made an image of it using selfimage. Using that image as my drive in freeAXP, I successfully booted. Now I'm wondering, is it possible to have a GUI/desktop (windows-like) environment? I am trying to emulate a Digital Unix 3.2 and/or 4.0 desktop environment. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 12:10 |
|
|
|
You can have whatever was available under Digital Unix. You will need an X-windows client like Cygwin or Reflection-X on the outside to access the GUI. I am sure a few Unix gurus will post a bit more information. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
Bruce Claremont
Moderator
Posts: 623
Joined: 07.01.10 |
| Posted on May 23 2013 14:47 |
|
|
|
FreeAXP (and Avanti) do not emulate a graphics card. That is why DECwindows and other GUI cannot be directly on the emulator. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: vTape question |
malmberg
Moderator
Posts: 530
Joined: 15.04.08 |
| Posted on May 24 2013 02:53 |
|
|
|
The LDDRIVER program at http://www.digiater.nl/lddriver.html supports virtual tape devices and can run on most recent versions of VMS. I do not know if it is compatible with a .vtape file. |
|
|
