Rx8/Rx01 Diagnostic Program

This document provides technical documentation and the program listing for the RX8/RX01 Diagnostic Program, designed to test the RX01 flexible diskette subsystem for PDP-8 generation computers.

Summary of Contents:

• Purpose: The diagnostic is used to test the RX8 interface and RX01 control, either as a complete subsystem or as a partial subsystem. It is intended to run as a stand-alone program.
• Requirements: Requires a PDP-8/E generation computer with 4K of core memory (or 8K if the optional Console Package is used), a teletype, and the RX01 subsystem.
• Procedures: The document details loading procedures, starting addresses (specifically 200 for initial start, 201 for restart), operator actions using console switches, and program action.
• Error Handling: It provides comprehensive definitions for various error types (Write, Read/CRC, Parity, Seek, and unexpected conditions). It explains error reporting, recovery mechanisms, and fatal error handling.
• Console Package: Includes a dedicated section on an optional "Console Package" that allows the diagnostic to run via a terminal, facilitating control without physical hardware switches.
• Maintenance & Strategy: Outlines how field engineers can use specific maintenance locations to isolate testing to particular tracks or sectors and discusses the overall diagnostic test strategy.
• APT-8 Interface: Contains details on running the diagnostic under the APT-8 (Automated Programming Test) system.
• Program Listing: The bulk of the document is a complete annotated assembly listing (PAL8) of the diagnostic program.