Pdp-12 Ps/8 Utility Programs

This document serves as a technical manual and summary for a collection of utility programs designed for the PDP-12 PS/8 operating system. This package acts as a supplement to the previous DECUS 12-48 FORTRAN library tape and includes source files, binaries, and operating instructions.

Included Utility Programs:

• MAGSPY: Displays the contents of any block on a PS/8 device (disk, linctape, or dectape) in various modes, including text listings for source files.
• INDEX: Manages file indices, allowing users to display indices, delete files, and transfer groups of files between devices.
• COPY: Duplicates entire PS/8 linctapes, including system blocks that are not copied by the standard PIP /S option.
• MARK12: Adapted for PS/8 use, this utility marks linctapes with 128-word blocks.
• DIALPS & PSDIAL: These FORTRAN programs facilitate the transfer and format conversion of files between DIAL linctapes and PS/8 devices.

Additional Features:

• IHELP: A routine used by several utilities to provide on-screen operating instructions.
• Library Support: The package includes expanded library files (LIB8.RL and LIB12.RL) to support these programs and additional plotting routines (PLOT6 and PLOT7).
• Display Routines: The document also provides comprehensive documentation for various scope display routines (DISP1 through DISP12) used to visualize data, text, and numbers on the PDP-12 scope.

The manual includes detailed operational summaries for the primary tools and specific technical guidance for developers integrating these utilities into their own FORTRAN or SABR programs.