DECUS 12 BIT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWSLETTER Number 41 Fall 1982

This newsletter provides a comprehensive update for DECUS 12-bit system users, covering new software developments, hardware reviews, and community insights.

Software highlights include:

• PASCAL OS/8 & PASCAL-S: Field tests of the University of Minnesota's PASCAL for PDP-8, featuring device-independent I/O, segmented virtual code, and robust debugging. A faster, subset PASCAL-S compiler is also introduced.
• COS-310 Version 9.00: Extensive coverage of this new version, detailing its DIBOL-8/11 compatibility, editor improvements, new functionalities (e.g., mixing RX01/RX02 devices, system commands), and detailed guides for installation, file migration, and necessary modifications for various command files (PIP, SORT, DFU, MENU, FILEX).
• Operating Systems: Reviews of multi-user/multi-tasking operating systems like OMNI-8 (supporting multiple users and expanded memory on PDP-8/E) and MULTIS (a real-time OS with advanced memory management from Europe).
• OS/80S/78 Utilities: Information on various available software handlers, including RTPIP (RT-11 floppy transfer), TU58NS (TU58 handler), VAX and TERMIN (ASCII transfer/emulator), and RX2SYS (RX01/RX02 handler).
• Community Software: A request for information on a PDP-8 FORTH version.

Hardware reviews feature:

• PDP-8 Compatibles: Discussions on the EURO-12 system, PC/M's OMEGA series (a modern, highly DEC-compatible PDP-8 architecture), and DEC's own VT/WT/78 and the newer DECmate (VT/278). The DECmate introduces the 6120 microprocessor, a new PDP-8 variant with enhanced architecture (stack, dual address ranges) and VT100 terminal capabilities.
• COSMOS-8 System: Detailed description of the Eagle Research Corporation's 6100-based CMOS microcomputer system for industrial/scientific applications, outlining its various components and wide temperature ratings.
• Peripherals & Components: Updates on TU58 tape drive addressing modes and protocol changes, along with notes on the availability and pricing of components like FPPs, EAEs, I/O boards, and Tektronix 4010 graphics terminal emulators.

Community and General News:

• DECUS Survey: Results from a survey on symposium attendance, summarizing user motivations (e.g., idea exchange, input on future products, learning new releases) and common concerns (cost, location, scheduling conflicts).
• Local Users Group: Interest in establishing a St. Louis Local User's Group.
• Submissions: Guidelines for submitting articles and technical papers.