Bridgeport VMC 1000

[kayleesdad]

I've got a problem with a Bridgeport VMC 1000, when it powers up everything starts like normal then I get Machine Check, Executive Load..wait\C:\> and it stays in this state. Is this an executive file problem? Should I reload the executive files?

[kayleesdad]

FYI, it was the executive files. I couldn't get them to load at first and started to suspect the drive but took everything apart and cleaned it, ran the files and am back up and running.

[machintek]

FYI: On the VMC1000 and all Dx32 controlled Bridgeports, if an executive load fails, it means the BMDC.BIN file did not load to the BMDC. It may be as simple as cleaning the BMDC edge connector and plugging it back into the ISA slot. I have also moved it to a new ISA slot. Could also be software, hard drive, CMOS etc.
In the maintenance page go to 0 for more commands and go to tests. there if you choose the B3T test, it tests the BMDC board.
You did well!

George

[kayleesdad]

Thanks for the feedback!
I've got a new problem now. I am getting a run time error M6101:Math. Also getting a Floating point error:Invalid
Any ideas?

[kayleesdad]

I've reseated all of the cards on this rack and have lost my monitor now (everything is plugged in). I defintely have a problem.

[kayleesdad]

To summarize where I am right now....
Yesterday, our VMC 1000 operator called me to the machine saying it was acting funny. The display read Machine Check, Executive Load..wait\C:\> and it would not clear/advance from this state. I was able to get the problem to clear by reloading the executive files. This morning the operator went to start the machine and it gave him a run time error M6101:Math and Floating point error:Invalid. I reseated all of the cards on this rack and have lost my monitor now, I have verified everything is seated properly and that everything is plugged in.
Any ideas? Should this be posted in another forum?

[machintek]

There were two versions of the VMC1000. One had a CONTROL IN A BOX and one did not. If your mother board is visible in the top left corner of the cabinet it is not a CIB machine.

Typically the math errors are due to overheating or a low logic power supply.
Most non CIB machines had a heat sink on the processor and no fan. Make sure it has not fallen off. Make sure air filter is clean.
Check your power supply, especially the 5 VDC. Check the P8 and P9 connector of power to the mother board.

Make sure CMOS for the hard drive is correct.

George

[kayleesdad]

I checked the power and it is good, I am strongly suspecting the mother board at this time, it's the only common component for the problems I am having. Thanks for the feedback and please don't hesitate to give me more if you have it.

[machintek]

Don't think you can replace it with a dual core 64bit Athalon! The BMDC actually runs the machine but it has a processor speed of about 8MHZ. Since both must talk to each other, we limit a replacement to about 300MHZ. Right now we buy a "all in one" half size motherboard and backplane (which has the necessary ISA slot for the BMDC).
You can even ditch the hard drive by using a DOM (disk on a module, a flash memory device that plugs into an IDE port).
Or you can buy a working 486 PC and use that motherboard. Make sure it is a DX which has the math co-processor.

George

[kayleesdad]

Most of what you said is Chinese to me but it sounds like a great idea. However I ordered a Bridgeport motherboard replacement kit yesterday (before your post) and am expecting it in tomorrow. I'll post the machines status as soon as I install the board/kit. Thanks again.

[kayleesdad]

FYI, the kit did the trick.