PDP-8 Handbooks

From: Derek Peschel <dpeschel_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Wed Feb 24 15:10:56 1999

Kevin's message propelled me to look through our library catalog for all the
DEC handbooks we have. (I already sent the list to him.) That made me think
of a question I've had for a while. Megan or Allison, maybe you know the
answer? You two seem to have vast collections of manuals.

Our library has volume 1 of a two-volume _Introduction to Programming_ set.
I've always wondered what was in the other volume. (It covers details of
the languages supported on the PDP-8.) But I've never seen the two-volume
set anywhere else, just a one-volume book.

And while I'm at it... We have the OS/8 handbook as well. I've never been
clear on what the different versions of OS/8 are, so I don't know how early
or late our handbook is.

The OS/8 book does mention using a TD8E system, which requires either 12K of
RAM or a special ROM page. Unfortunately, the Intro to Programming handbook
doesn't explain how the ROM is installed. The programming handbook is
specific to the 8/E, but it omits a lot of details about customizing your
8/E.

I do understand that the TD8E was a total corner-cutting move -- it shifted
the burden of getting the bits off the tape from the hardware to the
software, right? -- and is universally regarded as a disgrace.

-- Derek
Received on Wed Feb 24 1999 - 15:10:56 GMT