Rdpec

This document contains the program documentation and source code for RDPEC, a program written for the PDP-12 computer. Developed at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1970, the program is designed to read and interpret 9-channel digital magnetic tapes using a Peripheral Equipment Corporation (PEC) synchronous tape transport and a Computer Special Systems TRO4A interface.

Key features include:

• Operating Environment: The program runs under the LAP6-DIAL system.
• Functionality: It provides the user with several options for processing tape data, including reading and printing records in alphanumeric (EBCDIC), binary, or Fortran-compatible binary formats. Other options include skipping, backspacing, reading word counts, and rewinding the tape.
• Usage: The program is initiated via a DIAL command, after which a QANDA display guides the user through selecting the tape drive and the desired operation.
• Technical Specifications: The program includes error handling for tape read failures and includes detailed instructions on how to modify the code for different tape configurations (e.g., 7-track or even parity).
• Documentation: The document concludes with the complete source code and an assembly symbol table.