ABN.COSCOM-CE@Usc-Isid.ARPA (04/17/84)
I was the chosen recipient of a product evaluation offer by DEC for the new WAFERVAX. DEC delivered one vt200 terminal, a WAFERVAX, and all ancillary gear to hook up the system and let me test it for 1 week. Initial impressions are good as the system did indeed run a full implementation of VMS OS in rom. We took the time to upload over a dozen software packages from our VAX 780 via magtape onto the WAFERVAX system. All of the packages performed normally with only a slight degradation in processing speed. Admittedly, the need to use a terminal for interface to the WAFERVAX hampers its appeal as portable, nevertheless we were also able to sucessfully connect up RADIO SHACK Model 100s using an RS232 direct connection to the WAFERVAX Bus Interface Module. So, using a Model 100 with the WAFERVAX plus the optional DC Battery pack provided a portable configuration. Documentation with the system was obviously sketchy since the WAFERVAX has not hit the dealer shelves yet. However all the necessary information to transfer/upgrade current VAX operations to the VMS system on the WAFERVAX was there, just not well organized yet. If DEC can keep the price at $29.95, I think the sytem will sell a lot of units fast. At that price, not even TI can compete with the WAFERVAX. Kevin Rappold 1LT GS 1st COSCOM <ABN.COSCOM-CE>@ISID.ARPA
ABN.ISCAMS@Usc-Isid.ARPA (04/17/84)
Lt Rappold, Glad to see your innovative work with the WAFERVAX -- but there are still several administrative notes. Insure you report hardware to this office ASAP - your SCAMS ADPE inventory report must be updated, of course. Per the latest correspondence from CECOM, you'll have to obtain crypto equipment for all peripheral connections with the WAFERVAX. Regrettably, this will severely offset any savings in cost, and will of course adversely affect portability and lower power requirements. Is the COSCOM microminisystem Apple-compatible? It must, of course, interface with the Corps TACTICS LAN. How is your progress in emulating Apple Pascal? I anticipate some difficulty in 240x180 graphics definition on the Radio Shack 100. Full documentation of all software, with flowcharts, is required. Suspense: 20 Apr 84. SGM Kirschbaum Corps Automative Management Office
tim@nmtvax.UUCP (04/22/84)
<void>
A Wafer Vax for $29.95! Is digital really planning on selling them for
that to outsiders? Where do I get one?
Tim
ucbvax!unmvax!nmtvax!tim