In message <20000701202457.A23817(a)miyuki.genom.co.jp>, W . Suika Roberts <ssfr(a)unm.edu> writes So long as it was working when it was last connected it will probably work when you switch it on. these things are fairly reliable. Once you have worked out how to boot it you will probably need to get in and disable the start-up sequence that probably loads the software to run the test equipment that it was connected to. Then you can look round and see what you have got in the way of an operating system. Ok, an RD52 isn't very big, you will need to look at increasing that if you want useful disk space. The best disc will be an RD54 if the disc controller supports it. Failing that there are articles in the archive (I think) about using non DEC discs with their controllers. When you get round to adding operating systems and the like, a simple tape controller and drive would be an advantage. Anything like a TK50 or TS11 set up would help. Ok, some one can probably copy the docs for you. For a start, when you switch it on the monitor will show a boot sequence as it counts through a set of numbers. These are the internal tests. during this list press control C and a prompt should come up, then press H followed by return, that should give you enough pointers to go through the on board help, a little skimpy but its a start. With luck you should be able to interrupt the boot sequence of the operating system to prevent it going over to the final application. This way you can have a see around inside and find out what OS you have and start playing. The part number is usually engraved on the handle of the card. This will be something like M7555. There is a list in the archive that should allow you to relate between these numbers and the card description. Q BUS and UNIBUS cards have, in the quad versions, similar form factors, however they are NOT interchangeable as the bus specs are totally different. You should be able to put a singe BA23 box 11/73 into a domestic power outlet without burning the house down. You will probably find the bus has 3 or 4 spare slots. This is based on a processor card, say 2 memory cards, an MSCP (disc) controller and some serial ports. What ever the system was that it was connected to may also have an interface card. Both parts are available, ethernet is easy and comparatively cheap. SCSI is easy and expensive. You can get SCSI controllers for tape, disc and both but be surprised at the price. There are many places that sell boards for these beasts, some one in your area could give you much better advice than me. So I should think :-) Robin ____________________________________________________________________ Robin Birch robin(a)ruffnready.co.uk M1ASU/2E0ARJ/M5ABD Old computers and radios always welcome