Using DECmate III from terminal

From: allisonp <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Sun Jun 11 20:18:32 2000

>Is it possible to use a DECmate III from a terminal if one has no monitor
>or keyboard for it?

Running wps278, no! that software talks to the console at the default
console device addresses.

>Since it's in the PDP-8 family, can it run OS/8?


Yes, specifically OS278 version. Again the tube and keyboard are required.
Why? the default console is devices 03/04 and those ahve been assigned
via hardware to the CRT/keyboard with slushware support. Slushware is
the code loaded into the alternate memory (Control pannel ram) to do
"special tasks".

To run it to say the printer or comm port you have to use OS278 and write
 a new console driver and bind the two. To do that you'd need a PDP-8
or a PDP-8 emulator.

>BTW, Does anyone have any stories of favorite PDP-8 or Decmate hacks,
>and, has anyone here used a DECmate for any music or sound synthesis
>applications?


In theory a DECmate could do music... the problem is interfacing it as
there is no "bus" to grab that is easily available. the problem is one of
the fully integrated system and trying to add/interface to it beyond the
available design. It could be done but it would not be easy.

It would be good to go to the PDP-8 FAQ and read the treatise
on why a DECMATE is not a PDP-8, (almost does count!).

Allison
Received on Sun Jun 11 2000 - 20:18:32 BST