VAX: DMF32 [Request]

[cmgauger]

This is a feature request/suggestion, and not a bug report.

Context

The main justification for the DMF32 is that it allows for more accurate simulation of certain hardware configurations of the VAX, for example some configurations of the VAX-11/725 were sold with a DMF32 — one would immediately require an expansion box to install all three of a DZ11, LP11, and DUP11/DMC11 individually.

The VAX Hardware Handbook, Volume I—1986 (EB-25949-46) indicate all of the following packaged systems came with a DMF32:

• VAX-11/725 Package B
• VAX-11/725 Package C
• VAX-11/730 R80/TSU05
• VAX-11/730 R80/RL02
  The 1987 VAX 86XX System Maintenance Guide (EK-86XV1-MG-003) shows the DMF32 as part of the "standard UNIBUS configuration" of the VAX 8600/8650 with the manual explicitly stating:

The standard UNIBUS configuration […] is included as part of every VAX 8600/8650 system.

SIMH Version

Not applicable.

SIMH Build Process

Not applicable.

SIMH Configuration & Expected/Actual Behaviour

Not applicable.

Although presumably:

1. The asynchronous serial lines would be configured like the KL11/DL11 lines in the PDP-11 simulator, though only the 7th and 8th lines can have modem control.
2. The synchronous serial line would be configured like the DMC11/DMR11 or DUP11.
3. The parallel interface port would be setup as a printer port.

Miscellaneous

To save time in collecting documentation, the following manuals are available online that might/should be useful for implementing the DMF32:

1. DMF32 Multi-Function Communications Interface Technical Description (EK-DMF32-TD-001)
2. DMF32 User's Guide (EK-DMF32-UG-003)
3. DMF32 Field Maintenance Print Set, Rev. C (MP-00965-00 Rev. C)

[markpizz]

If you want to dig into implementing this, I'll be glad to provide feedback about any progress you make or advice you might need along the way.

In case you never noticed: Expansion boxes are free for simh simulators! :-)