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DEC-08-BA1A-D

October 1966

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Document:	PDP-8 Program Abstracts 19661011
Order Number:	DEC-08-BA1A-D
Revision:
Pages:	20
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/software/DEC-08-BA1A-D_PDP-8_Program_Abstracts_19661011.pdf

OCR Text

IDENTIFICATION
Product Code:

DEC-08-BA 1A-D

Product Name:

PDP-8 Program Abstracts

Date Created:

October 11, 1966

Maintainer:

Software Services Group - Program Library

PDP

LIBRARY

DEC-08-BAl A-D

The PDP-8 is delivered to the user complete with an extensive selection of system programs
and routines making the full data processing capability of the new computer immediately available to
each user, eliminating many commonly experienced initial programming delays.
The programs described in these abstracts come from two sources, past programming effort on
the PDP-5 computer, and present and continuing programming effort on the PDP-8. Thus the PDP-8
programming system takes advantage of the many man-years of program development and field testing
by PDP-5 users.
Although in many cases PDP-8 programs originated as PDP-5 programs, all utility and functional program documentation is issued in a new, recursive format introduced with the PDP-8.

Programs

written by users of either the PDP-5 or the PDP-8 and submitted to the DECUS library (DECUS - Digital
Equipment Corporation Users' Society) are immediately available to PDP-8 users. Consequently, users
of either computer can take advantage of the continuing program developments for the other.

SYSTEM PROGRAMS

Digital-8-1-S

Symbolic Editor

The Symbolic Editor program generates, edits, corrects,. and updates symbolic program tapes
using the tape teleprinter. With the editor in memory, the user reads in portions of his symbolic tape,
removes, changes, or adds instructions or operands, and gets back a new, complete, symbolic tape
with errors removed. He can work through the program instruction by instruction, spot check it, or
concentrate on new sections. The tape can contain symbolic machine language, FORTRAN source
statements, data, or text information. This program is available for use with either the ASR 33 Reader/
Punch or the high speed reader/punch.

Digita!-8-2-S

FORTRAN System

The one-pass FORTRAN compiler and operating system compiles FO

source language

statements into an object program tape. The operating system executes the program. This system
contains the interpreter, ari1"hmetic function subroutines, and input/output packages.

DEC-08-BAl A-D

Digital-8-3-S

PAL III

Symbolic machine language assembler. Converts programs coded in symbolic machine language to binary machine language. The basic process performed by the assembler is the substitution of
numeric values for symbols, according to associations defined in the symbol table. In addition, the
user may request that the assembler itself assign values to the user's own symbols at assembly time.
These symbols are normally used to name memory locations, which may then be referenced by name.
An assembly I isting may be produced.

Digital-8-4-S

DDT-8

Dynamic Debugging Tape provides a means for on-I ine program debugging at the symbolic
or mnemonic level. By typing commands on the console teleprinter, memory locations can be examined
and changed, program tapes can be inserted, selected portions of the program can be run, and the updated program can be punched.

Digital-8-5-S

Floating-Point System

Includes Floating-Point Interpreter and 1/0 subsystems. Allows the programmer to code his
problem in floating-point machine language.
Floating-point operations automatically align the binary points of operands, retaining the
maximum precision available by discan;ling leading Os. In addition to increasing accuracy, floatingpoint operations relieve the programmer of scaling problems common in fixed-point operations. This
system includes elementary function subroutines programmed in floating-point. These subroutines are
sine, cosine, square root, logarithm, arc tan, and exponential functions.

Data being processed in

floating-point is maintained in three words of memory (12-bit exponent, 24-bit mantissa). An accuracy of seven decimal places is maintained.

Digital-8-6-S

Symbol Print

Loaded over the FORTRAN Compiler, this program I ists the variables used and where they
will be located in core. It also indicates the section of core not used by the compiled program and
data.

DEC-08-BAlA-D

Digital-8-7-S

DECtape Library System (Type 552 and TCOl)

The PDP-8 DECtape Library System is loaded by a 17 10-instruction bootstrap routine that
starts at 7600 8 • This loader calls a larger program into the lasl· memory page.

The function of the

larger program is to preserve on tape the contents of memory from 60008 -75778 , and then to load the
INDEX program and the directory into these same locations. Since the information in this area of
memory has been preserved, it can be restored when operations have been completed. The skeleton
system tape contains the fol lowing programs:
INDEX

Typing this causes the names of all programs currently on file to
be typed out.

UPDATE

Al lows the user to add a new program to the fl I es. UPDATE
queries the operator about the program's name, its starting
address, and its location in core memory.

GETSYS

Generates a skeleton library tape on a specified DECtape unit.

DELETE

Causes a named file to be deleted from the tape.

Starting with the skeleton library tape, the user can build up a complete file of his active
programs and continuously update it.

Digital-8-8-S

MACR0-8

The MACR0-8 Symbolic Assembler accepts source programs written in symbolic language
and translates them into binary form in two passes. MACR0-8 produces an obiect program tape (binary),
a symbol table (for use with DDT), octal symbolic assembly listing, and useful diagnostic messages.
MACR0-8 is compatible with PAL III, and has the following additional features: user-defined macros;
double precision integers, floating-point constants, arithmetic and Boolean operators, literals, text
facilities, and automatic link generation.

Digital-8-10-S

Calculator

Calculator is an equation evaluation routine.

It differs from FORTRAN in that the function

to be evaluated is entered via the keyboard and calculated immediately upon termination of entry.
Format control is provided so that computed results may be conveniently tabulated. Expressions causing
the calling of common function subroutines are included.

DEC-08-BAl A-D

DA TAK
The DATAK system permits a complex, program-control led data acquisition system to be
adapted to a particular experimental environment through use of a sophisticated and concise pseudo
code.

In addition to data-acquisition applications, DATAK furnishes the experimenter with a means

of calibrating transducers and is a powerful aid in troubleshooting a complex data-gathering system.
Paper tape output produced is acceptable as FORTRAN input.
pigital-8-12-S

ODT-II

ODT-II (Octal Debugging Tape) aids in debugging a PDP-8 program by facilitating communication with the program being run via the ASR 33 Teletypewriter. ODT-11 features include register
examinations and modification, control transfer, word searching, octal dumping, and instruction traps.
Digital-8-13-S

One-Dimensional Display and Analysis

The one-dimensional pulse-height analysis program is used to read in and analyze 1024channel energy spectra data. The program receives and executes commands from the keyboard. These
commands start and stop data taking and determine into which data region it goes, display the data
with markers, allow areas of interest on the display screen to be expanded, integrate between markers,
write out data, punch out data, and control background subtraction.

Digital-8·-~4-S

, Multiparameter Display and Analysis

The two-dimensional pulse-height analysis program reads in and analyzes two-parameter
energy and spectra data. The program receives and executes commands from the keyboard. These commands start and stop data taking, control the displays, and control writing and punching of data. The
displays available are: isometric, vertical and horizontal slicing, differential and integral contours,
'Jr,d "twinkle box." The program is flexible with respect to the dimensions of the data matrix.

_l~gi!al-~-15 ..,5 _

Oceanographic Analysis

This program represents the basic accepted physical oceanography method for the reduction
of duta concerning depth, temperature, and salinity measurements of the water column.
This program allows the field oceanographer a rapid means of immediately calculating
~;igma-T, anomaly of specific volume, and sound velocity following a

Nansen cast whereby he may

Examine results in detail to determine the structure of the environment he has just sampled and to
check the va I idity of his measurements.
The program also contains an interpolation routine as well as a depth integration of the
ar10maly of :.pecific volume.

DEC-08-BAl A-D

Digital-8-16-S

Master Tape Duplicator

The tape duplicator for the PDP-8 is a single-buffered read and punch program, utilizing
the program interrupt. It computes a character count and checksum for each tape and compares with
checks at the end of the tape.

Digital-8-35-S-A 680 5-Bit Character Assembly Subroutines
-B 680 8-Bit Character Assembly Subroutines
These subroutines concentrate Teletype data by assembling serial-bit data into 5-bit (8-35S-A) or 8-bit (8-35-S-B) characters and presenting the user with line number and character data.
They also add start and stop bits and transmit characters serially. Full-duplex lines are assumed, but
the subroutines will work with half-duplex if the user handles the expected echo.

DEC-08-BA l A-D

ELEMENTARY FUNCTION ROUTINES

Digital-8-9-F

Square Root Subroutine - Single Precision

Forms the square root of a single·-precision number. An aHempt to take the square root of a
negative number gives 0 for a result.

Digital-8-11-F

Signed Multiply Subroutine - Single Precision

Forms a 22-bit signed product from 11-bit signed multiplier and multiplicand,

Digi!·al-8-12-F

Signed Divide Subroutine - Single Precision

This routine divides a signed 11-bit divisor into a signed 23-bit dividend giving a signed
11-bit quotient and a remainder of 11 bits with the sign of the dividend.

Digital-8-13-F

Double-Precision Multiply Subroutine - Signed

This subroutine multiplies a 23-bit signed multiplicand by a 23-bit signed multiplier and
returns a 46-bit signed product.

Digital-8-14-F

Double-Precision Divide Subroutine - Signed

This routine divides a 23-bit signed divisor into a 47-bit signed

23-bit signed quotient and a remainder of 23 bits with the

!dend and returns with a

of the dividend.

Dig i ta 1-8_-_1_6_-_F_ _S~in_e_R_o_u_t_ir_ie_-_D_o_u_b_Ie Precision
The Double-Precision Sine Subroutine evaluates the function sin
rad

The argument is a double-precision word, 2 bits represenl"ing

for ~4 <x <4 (xis in
integer

and 21 bits

representing the fractional part. The result is a 23-bit signed fraction -1 < sin(x) < ·1.

Digi tal-8-18-F

Cosine Routine - Double Precision

is subroutine forms the cosine of a double-precision argument
range is -4 <x <4.

radians). The

DEC ... 08-BA 1A-D

Digital-8-20-F

Four-Word Floating-Point Package

This is a basic floating-point package that carries data as three words of mantissa and one
word

exponent.

Common arithmetic operations are included as well as basic input/output control.

No functions are included.

Digital-8-21-F

Signed Multiply (Uses EAE Type 182) Single Precision

This subroutine forms a 22-bit signed product from an l 1-bit signed multiplier and 1m1ltipl icand
using the Extended Arithmetic Element Type 182.

It occupies less storage and takes less time to execute

than its non-EAE counterpart, Digital-8-11-F-Sym, and it has the same calling sequence,

Di gita 1-8-22-F

Signed Divide (Uses EAE Type 182) Single Precision

This subroutine divides a double-precision signed 22-bil dividend by a signed 11-bit divisor,
producing a signed 11-bit quotient and a remainder of 11 bits having the

of the dividend.

It makes use of the Extended Arithmetic Element Type 182 instruction set and occupies less
storage and takes less time to execute than its non-EAE counterpart, Digital-8-12-F.

It has the same

calling sequence except that the subroutine name is changed from DIVIDE to SPDIV.

Digital-8-23-F

Signed Multiply (Uses EAE Type 182) Double Precision

This subroutine multiplies a 23-bit, signed, 2's complement, binary number by a 23-bit,
signed, 2's complement, binary number, giving a 46-bH product with two signs on the higher order end.

It makes use of the Extended Arithmetic Element Type 182 instruction set and,

this, occupies

less storage and takes less time to execute them ii·s non-EAE counterpart, Digital-8-13-F.

Its call

sequence is compatible with the non-EAE version.

Digital-8-25-F

EAE Floating-Point Package

'~~~~~-~~~"'-~~~~------

These packages perform the some tasks as the FlorJting-Point Packages, Digi

-8-5-S-A

-C,-D except that certain routines have been accelerated by the use of the Extended Arilhmetic Element
Type 182.
For a detailed description of PDP-8 floating-point ari
Point

, the reader is referred to Digital-·8-5-S.

and the Interpretive F

DEC-08-BAlA-D

UTILITY PROGRAMS

Digital-8-1-U

Read-In-Mode Loader

The RIM Loader is a minimum-sized routine for reading and storing the information in readin-mode coded tapes via the ASR 33 Perforated Tape Reader.

Digital-8-2-U

Binary Loader (ASR 33, 750, 183 Memory Extension)

The Binary Loader is a short routine for reading and storing information in binary-coded tapes
via the ASR 33 Perforated Tape Reader or the Type 750 High-Speed Perforated Tape Reader.

Digital-8-3-U

DECtape Library System Loader

The use of the DECtape Library System Loader is discussed. Certain conventions with respect
to last page storage are established for this loader as wel I as for the Read-In-Mode and Binary Loaders.

Digital-8-4-U-RIM

Read-In-Mode Punch ASR 33

This program provides a means of punching out the information in selected blocks of core
memory as RIM-coded tape via the ASR 33 Perforated Tape Reader.

Digital-8-5-U

Binary Punch 33/75A

This program provides a means of punching out the information in selected blocks of core
memory as binary-coded tape via the ASR 33 Perforated Tape Punch or via the High-Speed Punch 75A.

Digital-8-6-U

Octal Memory Dump

This routine reads the console switches to obtain the upper and lower limits of an area of
memory, then types on the Teletype an absolute address plus the octal contents of the first four words
specified and repeats this until the block is exhausted, at which time the user may repeat the operation.

Digital-8-7-U

Logical Subroutines

Subroutines for performing the logical operations of inclusive and exclusive OR are presented
as a package.

DEC-08-BA. l A-D

Digital-8-8-U

Shift Right, Shift

Subroutines (Single and Double Precision)

Four basic subroutines, shift right and shift left, each at both single and double precision,
are presen-red as a

1-8-9-U

cal Shift Subroutines

Two basic subroutines,
package.

ft right at both single and double precision, me

as a

shifts are logical in nature.

Digital-8-10-U

Binary-Coded-Decimal to Binary Conversion Subroutine

This basic subroutine converts unsigned binary-coded-decimal numbers to

equivalent

binary values.

Dig i ta 1-8- 11 - U

e Precision BCD-to-Binary by Radix Deflation

This subroutine converts a 6-digit BCD number to its equivalent binary value contained in
two computer words.

Digital-8-12-U

Incremental

This subroutine moves the pen of an incremental plotter 1-0 a new position along the best
straight Iine.

The pen may be raised or lowered during the motion.

Digital-8-14-U

Binary to Bii:::iry-Coded-Decimal Conversion

This subroutine provides the bmic means of converting

(BCD) data for

, magnetic

Digital-8-15-U

data to

recording, etc.

Bin_ory-to-Binary-Coded-Decimal Conversion (Four Digi!·)
from

This subroutine extends the method used in Digital-8-14-U so that
in a sl

word may be converted to four binary-coded-decimal

ters

two computer words.

!-8-17-U

EAE

is routine

Instruction Set Si

a tor

automatic multiply-divide hardware option to

basic PDP-8.

ated

DEC-08-BA 1A-D

Digita!-8-18-U

Subroutine for Alphanumeric Mess.age Typeout

This is a basic subroutine to type messages packed in

words.

Two

ters

are pc1cked internally in a single word. All ASR 33 codes from 301 to 337 and from 240 to 277 (excepting
243 and 245) can be typed.

The typing of line feed (code 212) and carriage return (code 215) are made

possible by arbitrarily assigning internal codes of 43 and 45, respectively, to represent these characl'ers,
thus preventing the output of ASCII codes 243 (#) and 245 (%).

Digital-8-19-U

Teletype Output Subroutines

A group of subroutines useful in controlling ASR 33 output is presented as a package.
sion is made for simulation of tabulation stops.

Provi-

The user can control the distance "tabbed." Characters

whose ASR 33 codes are in the groups 241 through 277, inclusive, and 300 through 337, inclusive, are
legal. Space, carriage return-line feed, and tabulation are provided via subroutines.

Digital-8-20-U

Character String Typeout Subroutine

This basic subroutine l·ypes messages stored internally as a "s1Ting" of coded characters. All
ASR 33 characters are legal.

Digital-8-21-U

Symbolic Tape Format Generator

The Format Generator a I lows the user to create PDP-8 symbo I ic

with formatting.

may be used to condense tapes with spaces by inserting tabs, or merely to align tabs, instructions, and
comments.

Dig ita 1-8-22-U

Unsigned Decimal Print

This subroutine permits 1·he typeout of the contents of o

word as a 4-digit, positive,

decimal integer.

Digital-8-23-U

Signed Decimal Print - Single Precision

This subroutine permit·s the typeout of a contents of a computer word as
ment number.

signed 2's

If bit 0 of the computer word is a 1, the remaining bits represent a negative i

2's complement form; if bit 0 equals 0, the remaining bits represent a positive integer.
is negative, a minus sign is printed; if positive, a space,

ein

If the number

A-D

DEC

Digital-8-24-U

Unsigned Decimal Print - Double Precision

This subroutine permits the typeout of a double··precision integer stored in the usual convention for double-precision numbers, (see Digital-8-13-F-Sym). The one

are

the high-order word is not a sign bit. The typeout is in the

interpreted as magnitude bits; i.e., bit 0
form

is that all 24

a 7-digit / positive, decimal integer .

Digif'al-8-25-U

Signed Decimal Print - Double Precision

This subroutine permits the typeout of the contents of two consecutive computer words as one
signed, double-precision, 2'scomplement number.

If bit 0 of the high order word is a 1, the remaining

23 bits represent a negative integer in 2's complement form; if bit 0
sent a positive integer.

Digi~al-8-27-U

If the number is negal"ive, a minus sign is

the remaining bits repre-

tive, a space,

DECtape Subroutines

This series of subroutines allows the programmer to read, write, or
written and tested subroutines,

DECtape using prebl ocks, read

subroutines will read or write any

any number of 129-word blocks as 128 words (or one memory page), or
read and write, or to position the t(lpe). These programs are assembled with
cal led by a lump to subroutine instruction.

detects the setting of the DEC

The program in

(DT) flag, al lowing the main program to

user program and are

ls being completed.

while the

y al lows concurrent

A program flag is set when the operation is completed. The program thus
operation of several input/output devices with the

Digital-8-29-U

Double Precision Decimal-to-Binary Conversion
and Input {ASR 33, Signed or Unsigne~}

This routine accepts a string of up to eight decimal digits
from

Teletype keyboard and converts it to the

e-precision for the PDP-8)

ng 2's

The string may contain as legal characters a sign (+, - , or
first legal character is not a sign, the conversion is

number,
and the digits 0-9.

------ • A "back-arrow" (.,_)at any

string erases the current string and al lows the operator to reenter the value.

If i·he
in 1·he

character after· the

first, other than onother digit or "back-arrow," causes the conversion to terminate and is found n loca--

l'ion 11 0

wil-hin the subroutine.

DEC-08-BAlA-D

Digital-8-31-U

TCOl DECtape Subroutines

These subroutines provide the user with the ability to read, write, and search using the TCOl
tape system. The read and write subroutines transfer 128 10 (one memory page) of the specified block
(or blocks) although the standard block length is 129 10 12-bit words. Successive blocks are read
(written) from (into) successive 128-word blocks of core.

Provision is made for transfers to and from

extended memories,

Digital-8-33-U

5/8 TOG (DECtape Formatter)

This program is designed to write timing tracks, mark tracks, and block numbers onto a reel
of DECtape providing the tape with the basic skeletal format necessary for its inclusion in any programmed DECtape system.

The Formatter program also performs preliminary read-data and write-data

checks to assure the user that the tape produced can be reliably included in such an environment.

Digital-8-34-U

DECE~ DECtape Exerciser

This program provides complete certification of the DECtape format produced.

A-D

Mc1indec 801-1

PDP-8 Instruction Test Part ·1

This program

a minimal test

memory

instructions, operate instruc

inter-·

rupt mode, and the keyboard printer. This test should be used when the state of

processor

readin of more advanced

insi"rudions and is

Maindec 801-2.A

c progrorns,

His simply a "go-no go" test of

PDP-8 Ins~ruc'rion Test Par! 2A

This program rests memory

is made to detect and

Maindec 801-2B

instructions, operate instructions, and interrupt mode,
errors to their most

Instruction Test Pmt 2B

'S ADD
dom

and ROTATE logic (RAL, RTL, RAR, RTR),

Ran·-

are used in the TW()

of the test, and sequential numbers are used in the

control

manipulation of four switches in the SWITCH

ts 0, l , 2, 3). Error

Maindec 80l -2C

PDP-8 J,\~S and JMP Test
and

instructions

to locations 177-

doing a JMP and

address for accuracy,

progrnm also tes1"S

Maindec 801-3A

ly printed out on the keyboard

is program tests

4000.

c faults and to the minimum

Part 3A

PDP-B Instruction Test

lnsln;ctions

This program tests lhe Extended Arithmetic Element Type 182, The foll

, ASR, NMI, and SCA. An attempt is made to deiect

are tested:

errors to the l r

basic

ts and to

minimum number of logic cards.

isolah::

Maindec 80'!-·3B tests

multiply and divide.

Part 3B

Moindec 801

overflow detection hardware and divide and mul

divide and mu!

the

genero tor to

using

y 1°()ut"ines

for each test,

of the hardware divide and multiply.

Sohwcire simulated

DEC-08-BA l A-D

Maindec 802

Memory Checkerboard Test

Maindec 802 tests memory for core failure on half-selected lines under the worst possible
conditions for reading and writing. It primarily tests operation of memory at marginal voltages.
There are two versions of Maindec 802. The Low End program occupies registers 0003-0111 8
and tests memory from 0112-77778 . The High End program occupies registers 7450-7555 8 and tests
memory from 0000-74478 •
Maindec 803

PDP-8 Memory Address Test

Maindec 803 provides rough inspection of the performance of the memory address register and
the decoder network which selects a given memory cell. It primarily detects errors arising from open or
shorted selection lines.

Maindec 810

PDP-8 Teletype Reader Test

Maindec 810 tests performance of the Teletype Model 33 Perforated Tape Reader using the
reader to scan a closed-loop test tape punched with alternating groups of character codes 000 and 377.
The program tests each character for bits dropped or gained while reading; it checks each
group of characters for characters missed entirely or read more than once.

Maindec 811

PDP-8 High Speed Reader Test

This program tests performance of the Type 750 High Speed Perforated Tape Reader and
Control by scanning a closed-loop test tape for transmission accuracy. The reader control is tested
for correct operation with the PDP-8 interrupt system.

Maindec 812

PD P-8 Teletype Punch Test

Maindec 812 punches a test tape in a predetermined pattern. The tape passes directly from
the Teletype punch to the Teletype reader, which checks the pattern for accuracy.

Maindec 814

PDP-8 Teleprinter Test

The PDP-8 Teleprinter Test tests performance of the Teletype 33 Keyboard Printer. There
are two parts to the test, selectable by the operator. The first part tests keyboard input by immediately
causing the character typed to be printed for comparison. The second part tests continuous operation
of the teleprinter by causing a line consisting of the ASCII character set to be repeatedly printed.
The latter also tests for correct functioning of the interrupt after a character has been printed.

DEC-08-BA l A-D

PDP-8 High Speed Punch Test

Maindec 817

This program consists of two separate tests.

The first causes

to produce a tape containing a sequence of "pseudo-random"

High Speed
codes.

This

Type 75E

for

accuracy using either the high-speed or Teletype reader.

Ir1 the second test, the character code represented by the setting of SR4 _ 1 1 is punched repeaty. The switch setting may be changed while the test is running.

Maindec 820-1

Extended Memory Control Part 1

This program exercises and tests Extended Memory Type 183 instructions CDF, CIF, RDF, RIF,
RMF, and RIB for proper operation.
Memory.

Bosi call y, th is program tests the

section of the Type 183

Maindecs 802 and 820-2 test the data.

M_a_i_nd_e_c__8_2_0_-_2___E_x_te_n_d_e_d__
M_e_m_o-'"ry Checkerboard Perl_~

I ines under

Maindec 820-2 is a preliminary test for core memory failures on hal

worst-case conditions of reading and writing. It tests memory module X while running the program in
memory module Y.

Maindec 825

680 Static Test

The 680 Static Test verifies correct operation of the 681 and 685 circuits associated with the
680 Data Communication System, in a static state, That is,

program does nol' actually transmit
detected by

characters, but tests only the logical operation of l·he hardware, Hardware ma
the program resul~ in a processor halt.

Maindec 826-A

680 8-Bit Character Exerciser
680 5-Bit Character Exerciser

-B
-----------------The 680 Character Exerciser Program further verifies correct operation of
• This test assumes that the Teletype lines are full duplex.

munical"ion

680 Data Com·-

However, if the line out-

test does verify that the input characters are received as

puts are

transmitted,

Maindec 827

580 Uti I

Routines and

ler

• The test routines are cal led from a

This program exercises the 580

piler and are under control of a pseudo language, which may

stored on paper

ma I functions of the

nonce, or typed on-line for debugging and

Tape

I com-

for daily mainte-

DEC-08-BAlA-D

Maindec 827-U

Magnetic Tape Type 580 Utility Routines

These subroutines allow the user to operate the 580 Magnetic Tape System by providing most
commands associated with a more sophisticated (hardware) tape system.

Maindec 828

PDP-8 LT08 Teleprinter Test

The LT08 Teleprinter Test verifies correct operation of the LT08 Control Line hardware and
any configuration of from one to five teleprinters. Hardware malfunctions detected by the program
result in a processor halt. The test includes a Concurrent Output Routine, a Concurrent Input Routine,
an Output Scope Loop, and a WRU Test which verifies that none of the teleprinters associated with the
LT08 respond to a WRU (who are you) code.

Maindec 829

PDP-8 Memory Power On/Off Test

This program tests memory for bit dropout and pickup after a simulated power failure.

Maindec 830

Type 30G Symbol Generator Exerciser

This program exercises symbol generator logic by using selected character patterns.

Maindec 831

PDP-5/8 DECtape Maintenance Package

The PDP-5/8 DECtape Maintenance Package is a collection of routines designed to be used
by maintenance personnel as aids in debugging hardware troubles and as periodic confidence checks on
correct operation of the device. Routines provided test IOT instructions, delays, control registers,
timing, and basic modes of operation. Other routines included al low the operator to adjust the device
more efficiently and exercise different modes of operation pursuant to "scoping" machine functions.
The package also contains routines to obtain octal dumps of core memory and routines to write varying
bit patterns in core.

Maindec 832

Real-Time Clock Test

This program tests the real-time clock IOT logic, and crystal oscillator specifications.

Maindec 833

Lots of Little Pictures on the Eight

This program contains twelve individual 338 Buffered Display routines. The routines were
selected to enable adjustment and validation of CRT analog/digital hardware.

DEC-08-BA 1A-D

Maindec 834

Type 338 Display PJMP Test

This program tests the PJMP instruction. On the 338 Display analyses of the
pointer, display address counter, status, push jump destination and return addresses are printed upon
detection of an error in these areas.

Maindec 835

Type 338 Display POP Test
ls program tests the POP instruction. On the 338 Display analyses of the

address

counl"er and pushdown pointer are printed upon error detection.

Maindec 839

. PDP-8 Memory Parity Option

Th is program exercises and detects memory parity control and data errors on the PDP-8.

Maindec 841

CALCOMP Plotter Test
CALCOMP Plotter and its control. Al I control and plotting functions

are tested.

_M_a_i_n_d_e_c_84_3_.____T"'-y'"-p_e_3_0_N, G, ~is p Ia y Exerciser
The Type 30 N, G, Display Exerciser tests operation of the deflection circuits, decoder
network, coordinate buffer, and phosphor coating of the CRT. The state of these parameters is determined by the operator's interpretation of the various patterns which the program produces on command.

The program produces fixed pin cushion, hysteresis, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines
as wel I as two segmented sweep patterns.

sweep patterns illuminate any or all nine overlapping

sec tors of the screen according to the seti"ings of the switches, sweeping either vertical Iy or horizontal I y.

A utili!y routine is included with the program which allows the operaior to

and illuminate

any point on eil'her axis.

rv\onroe Printer Test (MC 4000)

Maindec 844

This is a test of the Monroe

for by error

f·s for

nter and its associated control.

notlf!cation.

Control failures are provided

Data failures are detected by visual analysis of the

oul·put.

DEC-08-BA 1A-D

Maindec 845

PDP-8 A/D Converter

The A/D Converter Test for the 138E/139E and 189 Converters is a set of routines designed
for maintenance personnel to aid in debugging hardware troubles, and as a periodic confidence check
for data flags, interrupts, monotonicity, steady state accuracy, multiplexer selection, and incrementation ability of the multiplexer.

DEC-08-BA1A-D

DOCUMENTS

DEC-00-BS 1A-D

Classifying and Documenting Standard for Software Products

These documenting standards wil I supersede 8-0 starting November, 1966.

Digital-8-0

Format for PDP-8 Program Documentation

With the advent of the PDP-8, Digital Equipment Corporation introduced a new, recursive
format for program documentation.

This format is used for routines and subroul'ines, such as utility and

functional, but not necessarily for system programs.
This format and its use are described in this document.

APPLICATION NOTES

801

Sealing for Fixed-Point, Two's Complement Arithmetic

803

Matrix Inversion

804

Throughput to IBM-Compatible Magnetic Tape