Cassette Programming System (CAPS-8)

The document describes the Cassette Programming System (CAPS-8), an economical and reliable programming system designed for the PDP-8/E computer. It combines the convenience of magnetic tape with the adaptability of paper tape systems. CAPS-8 features interactive processing with monitor-based file handling, language and utility processors, and fault detection. The system hardware includes the TA8 DECcassette for bulk storage, an 8K PDP-8/E, and a console terminal, with an optional line printer and M18-E hardware bootstrap loader. The CAPS-8 software is optimized for the TA8E and PDP-8/E, F, or N processors, offering a cost-effective computing solution suitable for industrial research and laboratory development.

Key software components include:

• Symbolic Editor: For creating and modifying ASCII source files, with features like line printer output, a buffer capacity of over 5600 characters, automatic buffer consolidation, and intra/inter-buffer string searching.
• PAL-C Assembler: A symbolic, machine-oriented language translator that generates binary object files, with features like conditional assembly pseudo-operators, an expanded symbol table, a load-and-go option, and cassette I/O support.
• CAPS-8 BASIC: A language designed for simple, convenient on-line use, supporting program storage on cassettes, runtime data files, program chaining for unlimited length, immediate mode commands, and user-defined functions.
• SYSCOP: A system copy program for transferring files between cassettes, with error detection and correction capabilities.
• CODT (Cassette Octal Debugging Technique): A modified version of PDP-8 ODT for running, controlling, and altering binary programs.
• UTIL: A utility program for transferring files from paper tape to cassette, supporting both ASCII and binary files.

Minimum hardware requirements include a PDP-8/E, F, or M processor with 8K memory, a console terminal, and a TA8-E Dual Drive Cassette Unit. Optional hardware includes additional memory, line printers, and a high-speed paper tape reader. The software is available under a single-user license.