The RSTS riddle.

[Robert Jarratt]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Rod
> Smallwood
> Sent: 21 May 2016 19:29
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
> Subject: The RSTS riddle.
> 
> Hi
> 
>       Further to my posts this morning I have one last hurdle to jump.
> 
> 1.  I  have a  VAX with a TK70 attached and a TQK70 controller.
> 
> 2.  The tape drive works just fine.
> 
> 3.  Also on the VAX I have the correct tape (.TAP) image file for a RSTS/E V10
> install tape.
> 
> 4. I would like to copy the .tap file to the tape so as to end up with a bootable
> install tape.
> 
> 5. I then power down the VAX and move the controller to an 11/83. (The
> drive is external with its own PSU)
> 
> 6. Boot the install tape and go from there.
> 
> So suggestions please as to how to do  4.
> 

Assuming the tape needs to be ANSI formatted then I would mount the .TAP file under SIMH, copy the files to a simulated VAX, noting the order of storage. Then copy the files to the real VAX and copy the files in the same order to the real TK70. I think a long time ago I made a diagnostic tape in this way (possibly in reverse though, from real tape to virtual tape, can't quite remember now).

Regards

Rob