PDP-9 Advanced Software System Paper Tape Operating Guide

This document serves as an operating guide for the paper tape version of the PDP-9 Advanced Software System. It provides concise operating instructions and procedure summaries for various individual system programs.

The guide covers the following key areas for each system program (FORTRAN IV, MACRO-9, PIP-9, Editor, Linking Loader, DDT-9, and 7-TO-9 Converter):

• Loading Instructions: Detailed steps for loading programs from paper tape, including console address switch settings and control commands (I/O RESET, READ IN).
• General Command Characters: Common control sequences like RUBOUT, CTRL U, and CTRL P for editing command input, restarting processes, or managing program passes.
• Command String Format: The syntax for entering commands, specifying options (e.g., for binary output, listings, or symbol maps), and using terminators (carriage return or ALT MODE).
• Running Instructions: Step-by-step procedures for executing programs, often involving multiple passes and specific paper tape handling.
• Error Conditions and Recovery: Descriptions of potential errors and recommended recovery actions, including references to system restart procedures or specific error codes.
• Restart Procedures: Instructions for restarting programs if they halt or an error occurs.
• Examples: Practical demonstrations of command strings for common operations.

Additionally, the document includes appendices covering:

• Device Assignment Tables (.DAT): Permanent I/O slot assignments, handlers, and their uses.
• PDP-9 ASCII Character Set: A table of ASCII characters interpreted by the system.
• MACRO-9 Error Diagnostics: Explanations of error flags and their meanings for the MACRO-9 assembler.
• MACRO-9 Permanent Symbol Table: A list of mnemonic codes and their octal representations.
• System Restart: General instructions for restarting a halted system program.
• FORTRAN IV Error Lists: Comprehensive lists of error codes and their causes for different FORTRAN IV versions.

The guide is intended for direct use at the computer, serving as a practical reference for operating the PDP-9 software system using paper tapes.