21 Jun
2005
21 Jun
'05
7:10 a.m.
>>>> "Patrick" == Patrick
Finnegan <pat at computer-refuge.org> writes:
Patrick> Tony Duell declared on Monday 20 June 2005 06:49 pm:
> I suppose you could include the Pro 325 and 350
(no I/D, F11 chip)
> and the Pro 380 (split I/D, J11 chip). But those will not run
> normal PDP11 software, the I/O is totally different I believe.
Patrick> I've booted RT-11 on my Pro380, so it can't be that far off.
Oh, it is, it sure is way off. Not only are the I/O devices
completely different, but the interrupt system is very ugly.
A PRO is basically a PDP-11 CPU with a pile of first generation PC
support chips glued onto the side, making quite an ugly mongrel.
The PRO technical manual is on bitsavers.org. Take a look at the
system unit chapter and check out the I/O section, especially the
interrupt controller. You'll see what I mean.
I did the work to port RSTS to a PRO. It was a large job, and I make
my rude comments about the PRO I/O "architecture" based on first hand
knowledge...
paul