First steps:
Here are some instructions for starting to use my emulator:
- Getting some disks or tapes:
- Create a folder on your computer. Download either disk or tape image from http://www.vandermark.ch/pdp8/index.php?n=PDP8.Software to this folder.
- Good starting point: Under Software/Disks/Working Build-11-03-07.m43 as Disk or under Software/V50/Build Build-1.m43 as Disk.
- You could also download a tape image such as: Software/V50/Build Build-1.pxg as Tape.
- Mounting either disk or tape: (get files from aforementioned folder)
- Tape: Use subsystem 'TU56 Dectape'. By right-click access Menu, mount PXG tape image on Unit 0. Switches Remote and Write-Enable.
- Disk: Use subsystem 'SI3040-M4043 Disk drive'. By right-click access Menu, mount M43 disk image on Unit 0
- Bootstrap system:
- Use Main subsystem 'PDP-8/E Panel': By right click access menu, Select appropriate Boot procedure.
- 'TD8E Tape' if Tape has been mounted or 'SI3040 Disk unit 0' if disk has been mounted.
- System should bootstrap and an initial prompt on 'VT100 Terminal' shows that system is ready.
Tips
- LP02/LA180 Subsystem
- This subsystem emulates a line printer.
- In my configurations the LPSS handler is usually not configured.
- Instead two handlers EDOU and EDIN are configured. (Because of space: handlers full)
- EDOU writes to the subsystem like LPSS would
- EDIN reads from the same subsystem: not very line-printer like...
- But very handy: it lets you transfer text from your PC to an OS/8 file.
- Try it out!!!
Source
The source can be found under:
https://github.com/wvdmark/pdp8
