Dr8-Ea Diagnostic for Traditional Pdp-8

This document details the diagnostic software program for testing the DR8-EA 12-channel buffered digital interface on systems equipped with a traditional PDP-8 processor and a DW8/E bus converter.

Summary of Contents:

• Purpose: The program functions as an exerciser and diagnostic tool to verify all hardware functions of the DR8-EA interface.
• Requirements: A traditional PDP-8 computer with 4K of core memory, an ASR-33 teletype (or equivalent), a DW8/E bus converter, and a test cable.
• Operation: The diagnostic allows for various operating modes controlled via switch register settings. Operators can perform test initialization, run specific test loops, and handle errors.

• Features:

  • Tests input and output register functionality using binary count patterns.
  • Verifies interrupt logic and skip functions.
  • Includes a comprehensive error reporting mechanism that provides diagnostic messages and status codes via the teletype.

• Technical Details: The document includes the assembly listing, symbol tables, and cross-references for the diagnostic program. It concludes with summary statistics showing the test runtime is approximately 10 seconds.