Pdp-12 Utility and Data Reduction Programs

Summary

This document provides an overview and operational instructions for a suite of utility and data reduction programs modified for the PDP-12 computer. These programs were originally written for the classic LINC or LINC-8 systems and have been updated to function under the LAP6-DIAL operating system.

Key capabilities include:

• Data Analysis: Includes tools for auto-correlation (AUTOCOR), frequency analysis (FREQAN, FRQANA), and convolution (QAFILTER).
• Utility Programs: Includes tape management and diagnostic tools such as TAPEDUMP (for printing LINCtape contents), SEARCH (for masked word searching), and COMPAR (for comparing tape block contents).
• Format Conversion: Includes tools for converting LAP4 manuscripts to LAP6 (LAP4-6), disassembling binary programs into LAP6 source (BINLAP6), and generating indexes (NU INDEX).
• Subroutines: Provides shared subroutines for tasks such as parameter transfer (PARAMS), division (DIVSUB, QIKDIV), floating-point arithmetic (SPFLT), character display (DSCTABLE), and user interaction (Q&A SUB).

The document emphasizes that the original authors of the programs retain credit for their work, with the current author (Donald Overton) having only performed the modifications required for PDP-12 compatibility. Users are provided with guidance on loading the programs, managing system parameters, and understanding memory allocation for these tools.