PDP8/a Initial Power Up (Columbia Valley Maker Space)

[Anders Sandahl]

Hi,

Most of the documentation is found here:
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/pdp8a/

For some basic testing look here:
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/pdp8a/EK-8A001-OP-002_PDP-8A_Operators_Handbook_Sep76.pdf
in chapter 5.1 (pdf page number 48).

To do basic memory read and write:
Press MD and DISP (memory data register will be displayed on the four digits)
Then press 0200 and LA (load address)
Press 5050 and D-THIS (deposit to memory on this adress, no increment).
Press E-THIS (examine on this memory address, no increment) and you should
get the same result back.

Another good place to be is to post in the DEC category on the VCFED
forum: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?23-DEC

Good luck!

/Anders


> Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2018 08:56:08 -0700
> From: Columbia Valley Maker Space <info at cvmakerspace.ca>
> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
> Subject: PDP8/a Initial Power Up
> Message-ID: <27c485c4ae4ef3a32a0756739e85c28b at cvmakerspace.ca>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>
> Hello everyone - my first post, so be easy on me!
>
> I have just acquired a PDP8/a and a Remex punch tape reader. The unit
> starts up and displays some data on the displays, and that is about all
> I can tell you.
>
> I am going to do some googling about this, but I am looking for basic
> initial tests .... something I can enter via the keypad.
>
> I learnt some basic programming in 1978 on a PDP8, but that was the last
> time I touched one, so if you are going to suggest some tests, I need
> complete instructions. I don't know how to modify a memory location, let
> alone enter and check a program. I will pick all this back up very
> quickly and I do use computers in my work a lot - I am also an
> electronic hobby guy and have been for years. My point is I am OK with
> component level measurements, I have a scope and probes, etc.
>
> So there you go - hope to hear back form you guys.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brian
>
> --
> Brian McIntosh
> Columbia Valley Maker Space Communications Guy
> info at cvmakerspace.ca
> 250 270 0689