The DOS/BATCH Rollin Utility Program

This document details the ROLLIN utility program, a stand-alone program designed for rapid data transfer between various disk and tape storage devices within a PDP-11 computer system. ROLLIN operates primarily in "image mode" for disk and DECtape transfers, meaning it copies raw data without assuming a file structure, while treating magtapes as file-structured with DOS/BATCH compatible labels.

Key aspects covered include:

• Program Overview: ROLLIN overwrites any resident monitor upon execution and is used for fast data transfers between disk devices (RF11, RC11, RK11, RP11-C) and tape devices (DECtape, magtape), or between disk cartridges/packs. It automatically writes reel labels for sequencing and includes a core image of itself on tapes for bootstrapping.
• Command Structure: Commands follow a specific format (#dev1:/option1<dev2:/options) and use various device designators (e.g., DC:, DF:, DKn:, DPn:, DTn:, MTn:filename).
• Option Switches: A comprehensive list of switches is provided to control transfer operations, such as /BOOT (for system bootstrapping), /DATE (for file labels), /FIND (to locate files on tape), /FORMAT (to format disk packs), /NUMBER (to specify transfer size), /PLATTERS (for disk units), /RWIND (to rewind tape), /SKIP (to skip files), /TRACK (to specify start unit), /VERIFY (to ensure data integrity), and /WLOCK (to write-lock an input drive).

• Transfer Operations:

  • Disk/DECtape Operations: Details how to dump disk contents onto DECtapes and restore them, managing multiple tapes and using the /NOLABEL switch.
  • Disk/Magtape Operations: Explains dumping disks to magtape, including the specific file format (file label, reel label, 4K data records, EOFs), handling full tapes, and restoring from magtape with the /FIND switch.

• Copy and Verify Operations: Describes procedures for creating exact copies of magtapes or DECpack/RP11-C/RPØ3 disk drives, with optional verification passes and the ability to format output media or write-lock input drives.

• Restoring the Monitor: Instructions on how to terminate ROLLIN and restore the DOS/BATCH Monitor using the /BO switch.