PDP-6 Desk Calculator

This manual introduces the PDP-6 Desk Calculator program, designed to simplify man-machine interaction by providing direct access to basic mathematical functions within the PDP-6 subroutine library. Users can easily enter arguments, request specific functions (such as sine, cosine, exponential, and logarithm), and obtain results at high speeds without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

A central feature of the program is its support for macro operations. These allow users to define custom functions or sequences of instructions, complete with conditional branching capabilities, to extend the calculator's repertoire. The document details how to initialize the program using teletypewriter commands, control the number of significant figures in output, and utilize a set of standard arithmetic operators. It provides tables listing available mathematical functions and various pseudo-operations for utility tasks like clearing the accumulator, managing macro definitions, and formatting output.

The manual further explains the use of single-letter variables, the structure for defining macros with arguments, and a range of conditional transfer instructions to control logic within macros. An example macro for generating tabular lists of sines and cosines demonstrates these advanced capabilities. A change notice adds features like a single quote output option for the accumulator and PUT-GET operations for saving and restoring variables on a pushdown list.