DECUS 12 BIT NEWS NUMBER 50 SEPTEMBER 1985

This issue of the DECUS 12 Bit News, number 50 (September 1985), serves as the first under a new "One Big One" policy combining various newsletters into a single monthly publication. Robert Hassinger, the 12 Bit Coordinator, highlights the newsletter's evolution since 1970, now covering all 12-bit related topics for PDP-8, PDP-12, DECstation, and DECmate systems. He emphasizes the need for user contributions to sustain the publication, noting past controversies within DECUS leadership regarding support for 12-bit systems.

Key updates include:

• Newsletter Submissions: Accepted continuously, with machine-readable format preferred for quality and ease of editing.
• 12 Bit Committee: Lists contact information for various liaisons and project leaders.
• 12 Bit Software Project: Wally Kalinowski is working to acquire and publicly release valuable 12-bit software (e.g., PAGE8, ACID, ICE, HIBOL, VISTA) and improve CCL (CCLX).
• OS/278 for Pre-DECmate II Systems: Efforts are underway to make OS/278 available for older DECmate systems, addressing floppy format compatibility challenges.
• Library Submissions and DECUS Policy: Jim van Zee's submission to the DECUS Program Library faced issues due to the library's discontinuation of support for media like DECtape, LINCtape, and paper-tape. The DECUS Library is transitioning to VAX-based reproduction, retaining only RX50 (5 1/4 inch) floppy support for 12-bit systems, a decision causing frustration among 12-bit users. Jim's submission also included an improved HELP utility.
• OS/8 V3D Followup: Details the difficulty in obtaining the OS/8 V3D upgrade (which fixed a date problem after 1977) due to DEC's continued marketing of it. An update kit (QJ-024-H* or QF-024-H*) is available for $740 for existing licensees.
• DECmate Specifics:
  • Rainbow to DECmate and Back Using PolyCOM: Provides instructions for transferring text documents between DECmate and Rainbow computers, noting potential loss of special formatting.
  • DECmate II HPS Version 2.0 Fix: A user-defined key (UDK) solution to easily switch to wide ruler view in WPS Version 2.0.
  • DECmate Notes from New Orleans: Mentions the announcement of TypeEasy (typewriter-like printing) and support for LN03 printers.
  • DECmate Questions and Answers: Includes guidance on loading CP/M on a DECmate hard disk and troubleshooting WPS-8 list processing, Multiplan issues, and CP/M file printing.
  • DECmate Wish List: An extensive list of desired features and improvements for DECmate systems, covering aspects like global search/replace, text wrap, enhanced spelling check, simple math, improved UDKs, graphics capabilities, background processing, printer control, and many quality-of-life enhancements.