Rufus

Summary

RUFUS is an interactive, display-oriented spectral analysis system designed for the PDP-12 computer. The system allows users to store, visualize, and manipulate 512-point spectral data using a variety of mathematical and analytical tools.

Key capabilities include:

• Data Manipulation: Spectra can be added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, smoothed, edited, correlated, fitted, plotted, and Fourier transformed.
• Interactive Display: The system heavily utilizes the display for data visualization, allowing users to expand the x-axis, control vertical positioning, and use a cursor for precise analysis.
• Programmable Commands: The system uses a command-based language that supports manual entry, automatic execution (via a buffer), and storage mode. Users can create custom programs using up to 26 floating-point or integer variables.
• Hardware Support: The system requires a minimum of 8k core memory and two Linc Tape drives, with optional support for real-time clocks, plotters, and line printers.
• Integration: RUFUS is designed to be compatible with the DIAL text editor for creating and saving programs and can process binary data from various sources, including card readers and PDP-8 connections.

The document provides a comprehensive command reference, including arithmetic, display, input/output, and programming instructions, along with examples of how to build more complex programs, such as those for noise removal and signal strength estimation.