Ajrlibo Rl8-a/Rl02 Dr Pt2

Summary: This document is a diagnostic software manual for the RL8A or RL278 controller and up to four RL02 disk drives, specifically designed for use with the PDP-8 computer system. Produced by Digital Equipment Corporation in September 1981, this program performs various tests to verify the functionality of the disk controller and the drives.

Key components of the documentation include:

• System Requirements: The program requires a PDP-8/E, F, M, or A with 8K of memory and specific hardware (VT278 and RL8A/RL278 controllers).
• Operating Instructions: It details how to load and start the diagnostic via paper tape, APT, or OS/8, and explains the use of the console package to configure test parameters (such as device codes, error limits, and cylinder/surface selection).
• Diagnostic Tests: The manual describes specific subtests, including basic read/write tests, CRC error detection, adjacent cylinder interference tests, and write-lock data protection checks.
• Error Handling: It explains how the system reports errors, the format of error messages, and the use of the switch register to control program behavior (such as halting on errors or looping).
• Technical Reference: The latter portion of the document provides a complete symbolic and cross-reference listing of the diagnostic program code, including instruction sets, register definitions, and subroutines used for disk and controller communication.