Ajrla-D Rl8-A/Rl01 Dskls Ctrlr

This document serves as the diagnostic manual for the RL8-A/RL01 Diskless Controller. Its primary purpose is to test and exercise the RL8A controller logic and registers without requiring an actual disk drive to be connected.

Key aspects of the document include:

• Purpose: The diagnostic validates internal controller functions, including drive interface logic, write gates, header logic, and CRC detection, which can be tested while the drive is powered off or disconnected.
• Requirements: The program is compatible with PDP-8/E/F/M/A systems and requires a console device (ASR 33 or equivalent). It is designed to run under OS/8 or APT/8A environments.
• Operating Features: The diagnostic includes a console package for user interaction, allowing for modifications to the switch register, memory size specification, and a phase-locked loop adjustment routine.
• Error Reporting: Errors are clearly categorized and reported with specific data headers and register states to facilitate troubleshooting.
• Test Coverage: It provides a comprehensive series of 37 subtests (0 through 36) that verify everything from basic register operations and interrupt handling to complex data break transfers and disk controller timing.
• Technical Reference: The document concludes with a full symbolic assembly listing, including the instruction set, cross-reference tables, and memory maps for the diagnostic program itself.