| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| SPARCstation | LX (Sun 4/30) | 333M1890 |
Overview
- Manufacturer: Sun Microsystems.
- Production Years: The SPARCstation LX was introduced in November 1992 and was part of the "lunchbox" series of workstations.
- Historical Significance: The SPARCstation LX was designed as a compact yet powerful workstation, targeting professionals in engineering, scientific research, and software development. It featured advanced graphics capabilities for its time and was known for its robust build and reliability.
- Architecture: Based on the sun4m architecture, the SPARCstation LX was a uniprocessor system that supported SunOS and Solaris operating systems, as well as Linux and BSD variants.
Specification
- Processor: 50 MHz microSPARC processor.
- Memory: Configurable up to 128MB using 60ns SIMMs.
- Storage: Internal 3.5-inch SCSI drive and floppy drive, with support for external SCSI devices.
- Graphics: Built-in CG6 framebuffer with 1MB VRAM, expandable to 2MB for enhanced graphics performance.
- Audio: 16-bit audio capabilities, an improvement over earlier models in the series.
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Connectivity:
- 10BASE-T Ethernet (standard).
- 10BASE2 and 10BASE5 via AUI transceiver.
- Multiple ports for peripherals, including serial and parallel interfaces.
- Expansion: Two SBus slots for additional cards and peripherals.
- Operating Systems: Compatible with SunOS 4.1.3c onward, Solaris 2.3 to Solaris 9, and some Linux/BSD distributions.
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Common Faults:
- Leaking capacitors in the power supply unit (PSU), which can cause system failure.
- Failure of the NVRAM battery, leading to loss of system information such as MAC address and boot parameters.
- Overheating issues due to inadequate cooling in fully loaded configurations.
- Age-related wear on SCSI drives and floppy drives, resulting in read/write errors.
How Did I Acquire It?
- I found this machine on Ebay where it's condition was set as: For parts or not working.
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There are afew key things to note:
- It has no disk
- No cd-rom drive.
- it uses a Sun 13W3-M Video-Port Adapter
Supplier Description
This This has been sitting in our store for years. It has NO DISK , but is otherwise complete. I have not tried powering it on but it was working before being out on the shelf. Sold as-is for spares but may well work with a suitable disk..
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Now I Have It in My Hands
- Initial Observations: The shipment contained the machine itself; no box, packaging, cables or manuals.
- Inspection Details & First Thoughts:
- On power upp the machine starts ok but gives an NVRAM error as the battery has failed. Typing OK allows you to continue where it then pauses due to the lack of either a bootable OS of a network boot point.
- Need to source an appropriately sized SCSI HDD that is compatible with the BIOS.
- Need to source a keyboard and mouse
- Need to source an appropriate CD-Rom Drive
- Need to source OS installation media
- Can the NVRAM be replaced?
- Need to source a Sun 13W3-M to HD15-F VGA Video-Port Adapter - NOTE: SUN & SGI use different pin outs.
- Need to ensure that the VGA monitor can support the Sun's non standard VGA display modes.
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Next Steps
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Repair and Restoration Plan:
- Source the components and see if we can get a basic boot to OS running
- Look to replace the capacitors on the PSU as I do not have a good recapped one to switch over.
- Clean and refurbish.
- Goals: Can we get it to boot and pass diagnostics? Will it ever run AberMud?
- Challenges:
- Wishlist: Appropriate NVRAM chip that has had the battery modification take place.
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