This machine is the most compact VAX model. The VLC name is supposed to mean ``Very Low Cost'' or ``VAX Low Cost'', but is sometimes jokingly explained as ``VAX Laptop Computer''. Of course this is definitely not a laptop, but its size is always a surprise to people who think VAXen only exist in fridge-sized cabinets.
The VAXstation 4000 VLC was introduced to replace the ageing entrylevel VAXstation 3100 model 30, with an about twice faster processor and more memory (the VLC accepts industry standard 72 pin FPM 4MB SIMMs with parity, in banks of two, supporting up to 24MB).
The Digital sales brochure was bold enough to suggest that, with the addition of the Digital SoftPC emulator, this machine was a legitimate alternative to PCs in the VAX VMS environment.

(Click on the pictures to get larger resolution images)

The case is really small. Slightly smaller than 40x40cm, and only 6cm in height.

Of course, with such a small case, not all expansion connectors can fit in the back of the machine. Here you can see, on two rows, apart from the power supply connectors on the right:

• Upper row, from left to right:
  • A 3W3 video connector.
  • A Centronics SCSI-2 connector.
• Lower row, from left to right:
  • Eight diagnostic LEDs in two segments of four.
  • An MMJ printer or console port.
  • A DB25 printer or serial port.
  • A 10base5 (AUI) Ethernet connector.

The other connectors are on the side, close to the video connector.

And they are, from left to right:

• An audio output connector (RJ-9 phone jack).
• A reset button.
• The so-called S3 switch, allowing to select between glass or serial console.
• A keyboard connector, also in RJ-9 form factor.
• A mini-DIN mouse connector.

And the other side of the machine sports the power button. By pressing the two small tabs at the bottom, the top of the plastic case can be removed, allowing us to peek at the machine internals.

Things are crowded in there, for sure! A large third of the case is devoted to the power supply, to the left, then the almost square motherboard only leaves room for an internal 3"1/2 form factor hard disk.
The motherboard is in fact two logic boards connected to each other. Here is a closer view of the main one.

The daughter board, much smaller, provides the human interface devices: video, keyboard and mouse, as well as the audio device.

One may think that, with the daughterboard removed, the machine would still run using the serial console; however it will not complete its self tests without the daughterboard present.