In the hope of getting some practice on the machine while i wait for parts i thought that i could try out the simh emulator.
I downloaded the windows version from here:
https://github.com/simh/open-simh/blob/master/SIMH-V4-status.md
I created a windows folder with the MicroVAX1.exe file as a starting point.
There’s a nice guide to installing MicroVMS 4.0 here:
I added the disk images and the ini file from the above link. Joy was had.
Attempts to use alternative disk and tape drives are somewhat frustrated by the limitations of the Microvax I, specifically the RQDX1 controller. There is no tape drive controller included in the Microvax I simh model. It may be possible to add one, but that is beyond my capabilities at present.