[comp.os.vms] MicroVax disk expansion

jdc@rama.UUCP (James D. Cronin) (05/06/88)

  We are considering expanding our MicroVax II's by adding third
party disks/controllers.  We are considering a Q-bus SCSI
interface with a 150-300 meg disk.  I would like to mount the disk(s)
in a separate cabinet with its own power supply (we have "small-box"
MicroVaxes).  I have a few questions, though.

Would we be better off with a EDSI or SMD interface instead of SCSI?
Do they offer the same ease of expansion (i.e. daisy-chaining)?  Is
one significantly faster then the other?

Most of the controllers claim to emulate DEC's MSCP.  How close are
they to the "real thing"?  Does MSCP emulation mean you can boot
off that disk?

It just seems to easy, and the prices are suspiciously low (compared
to DEC).  Are we missing some important point?  Have any of you
done this before?  Your comments/experiences would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jim Cronin