8to12 File Converter

Summary This document provides operating instructions for the "8to12" program, a utility designed to convert PDP-8 DECtape source files (specifically those created by the 4K PDP-8 Disk Monitor System) into a format compatible with the PDP-12 DIAL tape system.

Key points include:

• System Requirements: A PDP-12B with 4K of core memory and the TC12-F hardware option.
• Functionality: The program reads PDP-8 files, performs necessary character and formatting corrections (such as handling line breaks and tabs), and outputs the converted file to a LINCtape for use in the DIAL environment.
• Operating Process: The program uses a QANDA-style interface to prompt the user for input and output filenames, checks for existing files and available space, and handles error conditions like "Not Found" or "No Room."
• Technical Details: The document outlines specific formatting changes during conversion, such as the automatic removal of certain illegal characters and the shrinking of file size due to more efficient packing in DIAL. It also provides a memory patch to allow the use of percent signs in the converted text.