NEWSLETTER

This October 1974 newsletter, issue number 11, provides updates and news for PS/8, OS/8, OS/12, and DS/8 systems. The coordinator acknowledges a delay in publication and requests user contributions.

Key highlights include:

• OS/8 Version 3 Release: DEC has released OS/8 Version 3, featuring new capabilities, a comprehensive OS/8 Handbook, and an updated Software Support Manual. The newsletter provides detailed instructions for integrating system device handlers, including two-page handlers, into the OS/8 BUILD utility, outlining specific header block requirements and system recognition nuances.
• Undocumented SET Command: A "SET" command, allowing command-line modification of handler characteristics (e.g., for teletype or line printer) was found in the OS/8 V3 CCL source but is not officially documented or distributed. Information on patching the KI8E handler for similar customizations is also discussed.
• OS/8 FORTRAN IV Update: An updated version is available in the program library, fixing minor issues, adding double precision arithmetic support (without FPP-12, though I/O formats are still limited), and enabling FORTRAN programs to run in the background of RTS-8.
• RTS-8 Second Release: The real-time system RTS-8 (previously SRT-8) has a new release supporting swappable tasks and facilitating foreground-background OS/8 systems, which is considered a significant future development with potential for multi-user environments.
• New Software from DEC (In Development): DEC is actively developing MACREL, a full-featured MACRO assembler for OS/8 that will produce relocatable code, include a linking loader, and offer overlay support. A new FORTRAN, combining features of FORTRAN II and IV with real-time capabilities, is also underway, primarily to enhance the RTS-8 environment.

• DECUS Library & Community Contributions:

  • DECSYSTEM-8 V3: An update for OS/8 V3, submitted by Doug Wrege, offering similar extensions and adopting OS/8's support features.
  • PALOS8: Jim Gosling's expanded PAL assembler for OS/8, enabling flexible code assembly into varying memory areas and including pseudo-ops for sub-routine inclusion.
  • FOCALC: Jim Gosling's FOCAL compiler, currently in development using PALOS8, supporting FOCAL-69 syntax.
  • FOCAL U/W: Jim Van Zee's updated OMSI PS8 FOCAL, submitted to DECUS, adding features, improving floating-point support, and offering CALCOMP plotter support.
  • ROGALGOL: Dr. Roger Abbott's updated ALGOL, incorporating newer floating-point packages and formatted I/O.
  • FFT Routines (8-143 & 8-144): New copies are available on OS/8 DECtape for easier access.
  • PLOTVS and F4 GRAPHICS: Dennis McGhie's programs for common plotter calls (PLOTVS) and OS/8 FORTRAN IV plotting routines (F4 GRAPHICS).
  • RK8E Disc Handler: J.D.A. Griffin's non-system handler modifies the RK8E to treat the top half of disc zero as four separate DECtape-like devices, increasing available blocks.
  • UTR7 Modification: Harold E. Cronin's modification for the Utility Tape Reading Program to support the TM8E magtape controller.
  • TELEX 5 Hole Paper Tape Handler: Garvin Eadie's OS/8 handler for TELEX 5 level paper tape, slated for DECUS submission.

• LPTSPL: A program designed for formatting line printer listings with headers and trailers was in preliminary form and not included in OS/8 V3 due to bugs and lack of source code. Efforts are being made to make it available.

• DECUS Library Distribution Scheme: A prototype system is under development by Doug Wrege and Tom MacIntyre to efficiently distribute DECUS library programs for PDP-8 OS/8 systems, leveraging master directories to output programs to desired media.
• Software Problems: Users are advised to consult the August 1974 Digital Software News for PDP-8/12 for OS/8 V3 corrections, including a critical patch for the CCL EDIT command.