UDB-Multia
The UDB/Multias are the low end of the Alpha line. They have been around for many years and are now available fairly cheap (I got mine for $50).
They are based around a 166MHz or 233MHz Alpha chip, require TRUE parity memory and most seem to have a TGA based graphics card. This card is unfortunately
limited to 256 colours in all resolutions, but I have read that it will happily drive a monitor at 1280x1024. You can install other cards though
space inside the UDB us usually tight, and watch out for heat, evidently ventilation isn't that good.
For more specific information you can download the PDF version of the Multia system manual (This has been gziped).
UDBs and Flat Batteries
It seems that Cpumicromart is shipping the UDB/Multias from Onsale.com with flat batteries. You can ask Cpu for a replacement which
could take some time, (and possibly a credit card number). Another solution is that you can get this battery from Radio Shack. They may not
have it in stock but the part number is 10048726, cost should be around $14.99.
After initializing the video, you might get a blinking white cursor in the lower left
corner of the screen. If you're dying to play with it, you can remove the battery and it will boot. The only
catch is that you'll need to set the data/time/boot menu every time you reboot.
Install Help
It seems that many install directions for Alpha's fail to mention that the first floppy (the one for MILO and linload.exe)
should be a FAT floppy. In other words DO NOT use rawrite to write these files to the floppy, just copy them.
External SCSI
If you, like me, purchased the UDB without the external SCSI port you can order an adapter from CableMakers.
The part number is SCSA2040.
Volume
I you find the volume level of the Multia's beeping a little to loud you can enter this command to quite it down:
setterm -bfreq 100 -blen 50
Installation Instructions
RedHat
UDB/Multia from Cpumicromart
Debian
Debian install instructions for various machines
Debian UDB install docs for 'slink' release
