I finally got a copy of the 696 manual and figured I'd post the switch 
settings here for those who need them:
	There is a switch pack (SW1) and a set of jumpers (JP1 - 3)
	    SW1-1 SW1-2 SW1-3	CSR Address
	    off   off   off	20001469 (772150 octal) MSCP #1
	    on    off   off	200000DD (760334 octal) MSCP #2
	    off   on    off	200000E1 (760340 octal) MSCP #3
	    on    on    off	200000E5 (760344 octal) MSCP #4
	    off   off   on	200000ED (760354 octal) MSCP #5
	    on    off   on	200000F1 (760360 octal) MSCP #6
	    off   on    on	200000FD (760374 octal) MSCP #7
	    on    on    on	20000101 (760400 octal) MSCP #8
	
	SW1-4
	    in LSI-11 mode
		Boot address off/on = 773000/775000
	    in MVII mode
		Term Type off/on = Serial Console/GPX console
	SW1-5
	    ON select LSI-11 mode (enable boot)
	    OFF MicroVAX mode (no boot)
	SW1-6
	    MicroVAX II mode
		ON enables 'B/8 DUA9' to
		get to the onboard diagnostice
		OFF disables this option
	    LSI-11 Mode
		ON boots DU0 on power up
		OFF diables autoboot
	SW1-7
	    Enable (ON) /Disable (OFF) Extended Dwell time
	SW1-8
	    Enable (ON)/Disable (OFF) Q-bus parity checking

	JP1 - Factory use only
	JP2 - Supply +5V to remote panel
	JP3 - Priority level

So the easiest way to talk to this thing on your VAX is to set SW1-6 ON and 
then type >>>B/8 DUA9
to get into the formatter.

--Chuck