Graphics Note No 8: PDP15 Work Programme
W D Shaw
14 August 1975
1. OVERVIEW
Program development on the PDP15 has, to date, been heavily weighted towards systems
software enhancement. With a lengthy period of work on the BSI, PIGS and FOG coming to an
end, the existing DOS software
is adequate to support a variety of computational tasks. Accordingly, major systems software
work will be given a low priority for the next few quarters while new applications
packages are developed.
The new packages will emphasize interaction between programs in the PDP15 and 1906A
via the BSI link. Analysis of these experiments should make the future direction of work
on the PDP15 somewhat clearer.
2. CURRENT PROJECTS
The following projects are currently under way on the PDP15:
- FOG documentation - LOF
- BSI documentation - JRG
- Microdensitometer tape - viewing and processing - LOF
- PDF15 - 1906A SMOG interface - WDS
- 1906A - PDPI5 FOG interface - LOF
- Graphic input and editing package·- IB
- Molecule films package - LOF
- Synthesizer software - TRP
- Textile design program - M J Stapleton (RCA)
- Finite element software - MDD
- Forms and slide definition package - WDS
- Documentation of FR80 VIEW and file mover - JMR
Of the above, (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (9) and (11) will
probably utilize the PDP15 - 1906A link to some extent.
3. FUTURE PROJECTS
Projects delayed or under consideration include:
- Font definition package for FR80
- Satellite GINO-F
- 1906A SROGS interface
- High level changes to PIGS
- RSX usable for multiprogramming
- Production of circuit drawings for in-house use
- Particle simulation package. R Hockney (Reading)
- Basic software modifications and additions to DOS:
- Software to access upper 32K of core
- Extension of BATCH job control facility to disc files
- Modify Tektronix software (or hardware) to provide a break when the screen is full
- NUL handier to provide a dummy output device
- Extensions to FOG to allow use of upper 32K
- Dynamic core allocation routines for upper 32K
- Modify FV44 FORTRAN compiler to allow sub-compilations
