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In case of multiple instances, please use only absolute paths and unique names to all the files referenced in the configuration file of each CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP instance (log, toy clock, nvram files and all the other data such as disk images - all these objects to be discussed later in this document). Also, hardware devices (e.g., CD-ROM) may be used by only one instance at a time (not shared).

For exampleExample:

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set session log="C:\Charon Instances\First\mv3k6.log"
set toy container="C:\Charon Instances\First\mv3k6.dat"

load RQDX3/RQDX3 DUA
set DUA container[0]="C:\Charon Instances\First\mv3k6_boot_disk.vdisk"
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The CHARON installation procedure creates shortcuts on the desktop for so-called "default" VAX/PDP11 model and shortcuts under "Start" menu for all VAX/PDP11 models included during installation.

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Desktop shortcut:

"Start" menu shortcuts:

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To run a certain CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP model, double click the target model's desktop shortcut (or click on "Start" menu shortcut).

Note

By default the CHARON sample configuration files do not contain any specification of disks and network; you need to update a copy of the sample configuration file to specify your specific disk and network configuration.

Depending on settings, Windows may display a Firewall warning dialog asking to confirm CHARON access to different networks.

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The CHARON icon will appear in the system tray menu:

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Next, the VAX/PDP11 emulated console will appear:

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Once the sample configuration files are copied, CHARON default shortcuts can the CHARON default shortcut (created by the installation procedure) can be changed to use them insteadyour target configuration file:

  1. Right click on CHARON shortcut for target VAX/PDP11 model
  2. Choose "Properties"
  3. In the "Target" edit box, change the default template configuration file path and name to the local one. For example "C:\My configurations\my_mv3k6.cfg"
  4. Press "Apply" button

The next step is to install or copy a system disk for CHARON operation. This can be either installation of a new VMS, RSX11, RT11, etc. system using a distributive provided by HP or a transfer of data from an existing VAX/PDP11 system. These possibilities will be discussed in detail in the next chapters.

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To exit from CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP emulator use the following methods:

  • Configuration with no changes to the template configuration file
    • Right click on CHARON icon in the system tray menu, choose "Stop & Exit":


      .

  • Configuration file updated to enable "F6" button in configuration file to trigger exit from CHARON:

    #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    #
    # Uncomment to allow 'F6' to terminate the running emulator.
    #
    #----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    set OPA0 stop_on = F6

     

    • To exit, press "F6" in the console window
    • Use CHARON icon tray menu as shown above

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Running from the Launcher utility

Running from the "CHARON Launcher" utility is very convenient during the debugging of your CHARON configuration. The utility shows CHARON log updates in real time. If RDP is used to connect to the CHARON host, the CHARON may not see the license; start CHARON as a Service instead. From the Launcher, CHARON runs as a User process which will terminate if the User logs off. The Service is a System process and will continue to run until stopped.

Start the Launcher:

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In the Launcher main interface,   click the "Browse" button to select the desired CHARON configuration file:

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Select the desired configuration file:

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The Launcher will display the CHARON model specified in the selected configuration file:

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Check the desired options and press "Allow access" button.

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Next, the CHARON icon will appear in the system tray menu:

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Right after that the VAX/PDP11 emulated console will appear (in the default configuration. Some configurations may not assume console startup):

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The Launcher will display CHARON log file:

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  • Configuration with no changes to the template configuration file
    • Right click on CHARON icon in the system tray menu, choose "Stop & Exit":

      Image Modified

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    • Using this menu, it is also possible to halt the virtual VAX/PDP11, reset it or show its console if it has been closed

  • Configuration file updated to enable "F6" button in configuration file to trigger exit from CHARON:

    #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    #
    # Uncomment to allow 'F6' to terminate the running emulator.
    #
    #----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    set OPA0 stop_on = F6

     

    • To exit, press "F6" in the console window
    • Use CHARON icon tray menu as shown above

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Follow the description below to establish and run CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP as Windows service:

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Installation and start of CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP service

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In the "CHARON Launcher" main interface press "Browse" button to select CHARON configuration to be used by CHARON running as Windows service:

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Choose the desired CHARON configuration file to be installed as service:

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The Launcher will display the specific CHARON model name specified in the configuration file and enable management buttons:

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Run the configuration to make sure that it is ready to be installed as Windows service; stop CHARON (see above how to do that).

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Press "Install / Update service" button in the Launcher:

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A special dialog for adding new CHARON service will appear:

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Enter a new service name (in the example above it is "charon-3100") and press "Install" button. If the service has been installed correctly, a configration dialog box will appear:

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Update the CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP configuration file for the CHARON service.

Start up the "CHARON Launcher" utility:

In the "CHARON Launcher" utility, select the modified configuration file and run it as described above.

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If errors appear, stop CHARON-VAX or CHARON-PDP, update its configuration file, start it again and make sure that the updated configuration works Ok this time, then stop CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP.

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Once CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP has been completely stopped, press the "Install / Update service" button:

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The install / update dialog will appear:

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Press "Update existing service" button:

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To remove the CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP service, open the "CHARON Service Manager" utility from the "Start" menu:

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or from the system tray menu:

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(warning) Please note: before stopping the CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP service, shutdown the operating system running in CHARON-VAX / CHARON-PDP.

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