Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!emory!rsiatl!nanovx!dragon!cts
From: cts@dragon.uucp (Charles T. Smith, Jr.)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec
Subject: Re: Q-buss controller for RX50
Message-ID: <203.26bdc96e@dragon.uucp>
Date: 6 Aug 90 19:47:57 GMT
References: <32447@cup.portal.com> <1990Aug5.024103.418@spcvxb.spc.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Computer Projects Unlimited
Lines: 22

>   Yup. RQDX1/2/3 (M8639-YA/M8639-YB/M7555, respectively). However,
> there's a catch: These boards have 50-pin connectors which go to a
> distribution panel buried in the BA23 box. You'll have to make a
> pretty contorted cable based on minimal information in order to use
> the RQDXn.

There is a distribution panel that comes in a BA123 box that you 
can connect up to the RQDX fairly easily.  I've picked these
up for about $50 used.  You do have either plug it into a slot, 
or run power to it (all it uses from the qbus slot is power).

>   Also, RX50's are only 400K and are not formattable. I'd suggest 
> getting a 3rd-party floppy-only controller that emulates a DU and
> provides RX50 and RX33 using a regular IBM AT-type high-density
> drive. A number of vendors make these.

Actually, you can format RX50 floppies with a special formatting
device, known as a Rainbow.  If you plan to make any use of an RX50
at all, having a Rainbow around to format your floppies (and double as
a terminal) works out pretty well.  I've got a couple rainbows sitting
about that I grabbed just before they hit the garbage.  I've also
seen them sell for less than $100.