Discless

Summary: This document provides the technical specifications, operating instructions, and diagnostic procedures for "Discless," a program designed to test the DF32 disc logic and its interface with a PDP-8/1 computer. The document emphasizes that the program is intended to verify logic components (such as registers, flip-flops, and data paths) rather than test the physical disc drive itself.

Key details included in the manual are:

• Requirements: A standard PDP-8/1 computer, DF32 disc logic, and an optional light card for track selector testing.
• Procedures: Detailed loading and starting sequences, including "Special Addresses" for specific sub-tests (e.g., register tests, shift/interrupt tests).
• Switch Settings: Operational configurations for controlling test flow, halting on errors, and managing printout outputs.
• Troubleshooting: A comprehensive table of error halts, including the address tag, function tested, expected vs. actual values (AC register), and corrective hardware actions.
• Program Design: A technical discussion of the diagnostic logic, including flow charts and a complete source code listing for the program.