perm filename SYSTEM.MTG[D,LES]30 blob
sn#333302 filedate 1978-02-09 generic text, type C, neo UTF8
COMMENT ⊗ VALID 00043 PAGES
C REC PAGE DESCRIPTION
C00001 00001
C00006 00002 SYSTEM MEETING 5 May 1974
C00007 00003 SYSTEM MEETING 3 June 1974
C00008 00004 SYSTEM MEETING 1 July 1974
C00009 00005 SYSTEM MEETING 5 August 1974
C00010 00006 SYSTEM MEETING 3 September 1974
C00011 00007 SYSTEM REVIEW 4 September 1974
C00013 00008 SYSTEM MEETING 1 November 1974
C00014 00009 SYSTEM MEETING 2 December 1974
C00015 00010 SYSTEM MEETING 3 February 1975
C00017 00011 SYSTEM MEETING 6 March 1975
C00018 00012 SYSTEM MEETING 8 April 1975
C00019 00013 SYSTEM MEETING 13 May 1975
C00021 00014 SYSTEM MEETING 7 July 1975
C00022 00015 SYSTEM MEETING 6 October 1975
C00024 00016 SYSTEM MEETING 3 Nov. 1975
C00026 00017 SYSTEM MEETING 2 Dec. 1975
C00029 00018 SYSTEM MEETING 6 Jan. 1976
C00032 00019 SYSTEM MEETING 2 Feb. 1976
C00034 00020 SYSTEM MEETING 2 March 1976
C00038 00021 SYSTEM MEETING 4 April 1976
C00043 00022 SYSTEM MEETING 3 May 1976
C00046 00023 SYSTEM MEETING 1 June 1976
C00050 00024 SYSTEM MEETING 5 July 1976
C00053 00025 SYSTEM MEETING 2 August 1976
C00056 00026 SYSTEM MEETING 7 Sept. 1976
C00059 00027 SYSTEM MEETING 5 October 1976
C00063 00028 SYSTEM MEETING 1 November 1976
C00068 00029 SYSTEM MEETING 7 December 1976
C00071 00030 SYSTEM MEETING 4 January 1977
C00076 00031 SYSTEM MEETING 1 February 1977
C00079 00032 SYSTEM MEETING 1 March 1977
C00083 00033 SYSTEM MEETING 5 April 1977
C00087 00034 SYSTEM MEETING 3 May 1977
C00092 00035 SYSTEM MEETING 7 June 1977
C00096 00036 SYSTEM MEETING 5 July 1977
C00099 00037 SYSTEM MEETING 2 August 1977
C00103 00038 SYSTEM MEETING 6 Sept. 1977
C00107 00039 SYSTEM MEETING 4 Oct. 1977
C00110 00040 SYSTEM MEETING 1 Nov. 1977
C00116 00041 SYSTEM MEETING 7 Dec. 1977
C00120 00042 SYSTEM MEETING 4 Jan. 1978
C00124 00043 SYSTEM MEETING 8 Feb. 1978
C00128 ENDMK
C⊗;
SYSTEM MEETING 5 May 1974
Old Business
PDP-11 memory: Quam - 1 WW card, Wagner- 2 weeks, McGuire - 2 weeks.
Audio AD/DA: ?
Votrax: in May or June
Arm AD/DA: 98% done (TAG)
Data Disc: Refurbish (TED)
Arm table: Almost done
VMI: burned up (TED)
Cart: needs fixing (TED)
TV receiver: TAG will improve
New Business
SUMEX connection needed (KMC)
Network passwords needed (REG)
SYSTEM MEETING 3 June 1974
Old Business
VIROS: DEC won't let us have it.
PDP-11 memory: Quam - 1 WW card, Wagner- 2 weeks, McGuire - 2 weeks.
Audio AD/DA: AD running, DA not (JAM)
Votrax: coming
Arm AD/DA: ? TAG not here
Data Disc: new disc? PDQ mod.
Arm table: ?
VMI: not working still
Cart: fix or replace
TV receiver: ? no TAG
SUMEX connect. ?
New Business
disk files: will buy double density Ampex
Mag.&DEC tapes need fixing
SYSTEM MEETING 1 July 1974
Old Business
PDP-11 memory: TED - 1 card done, 1 to go; McGuire - card done.
Audio AD/DA: up? input switch to be built
Votrax: here. No documentation
Arm AD/DA: ?
Data Disc: down 9-16 July. PDQ mod later.
Arm table: ?
Cart: limbo
SUMEX connect. limbo
New Business
New monitor: being designed
SYSTEM MEETING 5 August 1974
Old Business
PDP-11 memory: PC cards shipped in 1 week
Audio AD/DA: ?
Votrax: interface designed, EHS building - 2 weeks
Arm AD/DA: 4 months
Data Disc: 1 streaker, 4 crosstalk
Cart: new transmitter, new driver
SUMEX connect. IMP connection coming
New Business
UUO manual: new one
PARRY: no more than 2 network users (BLF)
NIH site visit: 3rd week of Sept. (KMC)
SYSTEM MEETING 3 September 1974
Old Business
PDP-11 memory: PC cards not done, 1 WW card to go.
PDP-11 map: design complete, paper debugging (TED)
PDP-11 consol: almost done.
Votrax: up.
Arm AD/DA: 2 weeks
Data Disc: 3 streakers, 1 crosstalk
Cart: new transmitter didn't work
New Business
New Ampex: dozens of cards have died. → call Ampex
Terminal mapping: document it, can't do unless UNHIDDEN
(default unhidden) - BH.
IMSSS link: down, SUMEX line doesn't work, Library & JMC line bad.
NET,GUE: gone
SYSTEM REVIEW 4 September 1974
1. Missing Features
E: Substitute, interfile transfer
Copy: "patterns" needed - DBA.
DART: retrieval by date - DBA.
FTP: transfer file except those already there - DBA.
NS: "bales"="ball" -DBA.
Subroutine Library needed - LES, JMC, MLM
CUSP Guide needed - LES, MLM
File history lists needed (a la Tenex) - MLM
2. Lack of Standardization
"Exit" commands differ in different programs - DBA
"next screenful" commands differ - DBA
Prompting, help, escape - MLM
3. Program Interfaces
Programs don't connect readily - DBA, MLM
Can't copy display graphics (e.g. WHO) onto disk file - DBA
4 Unsatisfied Needs
Public RALPH - LES, MLM
Need new interactive language - DBA, TW
Need Interlisp - TW, BPM
Need LISP70 - DAV
Better document compiler: faster, graphics, more general I/O - REG,LES,ME,BPM
Need documentation editor - TW
Need personal computer, reactive system, "natural communication" - TW
SYSTEM MEETING 1 November 1974
Old Business
Terminal mapping: BH will do
Audio AD/DA: still a glitch
SPS-41: long time to repair, no cref signal list
New Business
Dataphone: we should buy modems, have computer switch speeds
$$: we have $130k to spend.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 December 1974
Old Business
Terminal mapping: BH will do, really.
TTY Scanner: TED will design
PDP-11 memory: PC cards 2/3 being made, 3rd to be layed out
SPS-41: unusable - bad connectors
Hand-eye table: two stations, one super.
New Business
DEC core: will buy for $130k
DDT on PDP-11: see DDT.POX[11,JBR]
LOADER: Symbol table sorter in
SYSTEM MEETING 3 February 1975
Old Business
Terminal mapping: won't work on III
TTY Scanner: limbo - TED
Blue arm: running Wed., Feb. 5
PDP-11 memory: all PC cards here, being loaded. WW cards done.
Backpanel, processor bus PC card to do.
Smoke test in one month.
SPS-41: up.
Cart: transmitter up
link10: JFR doing
New Business
Door latches: up.
new displays: will buy some
E string substitution in a week
Autologout: 1/2 hour in daytime
Gripes
Tutorials needed: PUB, RAID, efficient machine language programming
SAIL: new manual needed
Memories: too many parity errors
Audio, video switches: normalization
SYSTEM MEETING 6 March 1975
Old Business
TTY Scanner: limbo - TED
new displays: linbo - LES
Blue arm: being debugged
PDP-11 memory: still one month till smoke test - TED
Cart: transmitter - end of week - HPM
link10: next month - JFR
CCL: soon - MJC
Gripes
Pub: stamp it out in daytime
SYSTEM MEETING 8 April 1975
Old Business
Blue arm: within hours of running - TAG
PDP-11 memory: backpanel wirelist being done.
Still one month to smoke test - TED.
LINK10: up - JFR
Cart: transmitter up - HPM
CCL: soon - MJC
RAID: new version up
E: substitution in - ALS
New Business
$$: $140K to spend (e.g. mappiplexor, cables, disks, displays)
new displays: will do RFP
file disks: will do RFP
Monitor: paging this month
Video tape: system up
SYSTEM MEETING 13 May 1975
Old Business
Blue arm: within nanoseconds of running - TAG
PDP-11 memory: backpanel wirelist screwed up.
Tutorial needed on control board by PDQ.
Memory map being wired.
Cart: needs device service routine or to run on PDP-11
to get adequate service.
CCL: soon - MJC
RAID: new version up
Mappiplexor: ≤$25k. Split in two?
disk file: ordered from Ampex, due Jun 30.
new displays: limbo
Monitor: paging up - REG
New Business
Jungle time: agreed not to change
New building 1978?
Computer room: mop floor
XGP: light copy. New CRT needed.
phones: 4971 not being answered
SYSTEM MEETING 7 July 1975
Old Business
Blue arm: works
PDP-11 memory: map works. Digitizer interface not designed, but simple.
MG10: use for video digitizer
XGP: tube brightener didn't work
Mappiplexor: will request approval
Ampex disks: here
New Business
memories: halfword errors, bit picked without good parity,
new Ampex Core 0: bit 27 noise
Voder: going
MTA unit B: apart
Monitor: discussed DSKSER, SCHEDU - benchmark load needed.
paging/virtual memory.
KL10: DEC wants $40k for microcode and diagnostic sources
SYSTEM MEETING 6 October 1975
Old Business
Arms: blue mechanically broken.
yellow works on PDP-6; 4 or 5 months to PDP-11.
PDP-11 memory: map broken. Interface: end of Oct. for one bay.
Digitizer semi-designed (Kortcamp).
Mappiplexor & channel: approved, 85% designed
Ampex disks: work -- will accept soon.
Monitor: old AD service going
Voder: going away today
Librascope: still broken, cable this week
SNAIL: up in one week - MJC
KL10: slipping to late January
New Business
Monitor: discussed HISYS (more user core), SWPSER - (Ampex back-up).
New Monitor Manual soon.
Interlisp: do it without virtual memory?
Music $: $80k + another Ampex disk + part of technician
new displays: Datamedia selected
door locks: some in Annex malfunctioning
SYSTEM MEETING 3 Nov. 1975
Old Business
Arms: blue and yellow work
PDP-11 memory: map still broken. Interface still not done.
Mappiplexor: 70% designed - 1 month to parts order
new channel: still 85% designed.
167: won't work with MG10 because of bus priority.
Perhaps priority logic can be diddled - TED.
D/A: should attach to mappiplexor to avoid conflict with
XGP over PDP-6 cycles.
Librascope: still down
SNAIL: up. MACRO and PUB should change to TMPCOR - REG will fix.
New-style CCL files will be used where needed - MJC
Suppes Memory: half in a week.
Monitor: HISYS - one more month, SWPSER - still planned.
New Monitor Manual soon. End of Nov.?
KL-10: discussion of microcode, diagnostic hassles.
Datamedia DPYs: order within month
New Business
PUB: Update and summary in PUB.UPD[S,DOC] - LES
Computer room: inside door latches wiil be disabled
night entry: will put phone handset by front door that connects to PA.
Quam display package: should go in [SUB,SYS].
Gripes
Font compiler: should run without having to INIT XGP.
Perhaps it should automatically compile in middle of night.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 Dec. 1975
Old Business
Arms: blue broken, will be fixed tomorrow.
Yellow has a software bug.
PDP-11 memory: Interface smoke test next week.
Mappiplexor: logic design complete and layed out.
167 replacement:should include error correction.
Librascope: still down
Suppes Memory: interface needs modification to talk to our memory bus.
Monitor: HISYS - one more month.
KL-10: got specs
Datamedia DPYs: Government approval still not received.
night entry: will put phone handset by front door that connects to PA.
(soon).
New Business
SAIL Manual: will be reprinted soon with new introduction, old manual,
SAIL Update, BAIL, and Tenex SAIL manuals bound together.
Telephones: Phone company has reworked our lines and claims that
we shouldn't have as many tie-line problems.
University plans to install a new intercept system in
Centrex (probably in the Spring) that will catch
misdialed "9" calls. It will also offer WATS service.
MAIL: Converted to ETV format. Use "ET ∂" to read your mail
instead of RCV.
Gripe command: MAIL will be modified to accept a topic with the
GRIPE command and automatically route the message to
the "right" person.
IMLACS: 2 broken. TAG will fix
Music $$: Candidates for spending the Music hardware money are:
new CCD swapper (do-it-yourself for $60k - TAG),
new IBM channel for disk (e.g. SA-10 @ $30k or so),
new display system,
9 track tape drives ($20k for 2 drives + controller).
SYSTEM MEETING 6 Jan. 1976
Old Items
Arms: Blue: pot on joint 1 broken. Must work for site visit
at end of month.
PDP-11 memory: Delayed by mappiplexor-drawing program work - TAG
Mappiplexor: Design complete, parts arriving. Microcode assembler
and simulator done. More microprogramming needed.
PC cards awaiting artwork output from drawing program.
> 2 months till up - JBR
Librascope: still down - TED
Suppes Memory: partly up (half ready now, rest awaiting parts) - EJM
Monitor: HISYS up! - REG
New Monitor manual goes to press in about 2 weeks. - ME
KL-10: microcode & diagnostics "purchased" for $80k.
Delivery still uncertain. Sponsor approval of
power installation needed. - LES
Datamedias: orders sent to Purchasing - modem order bounced. - BPM
SAIL Manual: probably 3 weeks or so till new edition goes to press. - LES
IMLACS: 1 broken. Diagnostics don't work. →Limbo. - TAG
Music $$: Music hardare contribution will be "free money"
(i.e. can be spent without bureaucratic approvals). - LES
New Items
TV cameras: interface malfunctioning
Music Synthesizer: Ordered from Systems Concepts in November, due by
April. Will connect to memory port initially,
Mappiplexor later.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 Feb. 1976
Old Items
Arms: Both arms working! Yellow arm was partly dismantled by
an unknown someone. There is evidence of possible
sabotage using a piece of solder - TAG
PDP-11 memory: 32k up. More in a month or so - TAG
Mappiplexor: Artwork done, 3 weeks till PC cards manufactured.
CHW will help wire. - JBR
Librascope: still down - TED, ELM
Suppes Memory: 128k still up - ELM
Monitor manual: New manual just went to press - ME
KL-10: Presumably shipped January 30. Power installation
expected next week; delivery probable that week.
XGP cable should be lengthened.
Datamedias: System mods to permit Datamedias and IMLACS to use E are
being designed by ME. Special characters will be typed
on Datamedias in form ↑<mumble> and will be displayed
as <bright mumble>.
SAIL Manual: Soon. R. & A. Smith are bottleneck - LES
IMLACS: We have reaquired Dendral IMLAC (which we paid for in
the first place), so we now have 2 broken (and 2 working).
TV digitizer: TED plans to slow down digitizer about 15%, giving
slightly wider pixels. No objections were expressed
by Hand-eye users.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 March 1976
HARDWARE
Arms: Draft specification exists for new Gold Arm interface.
Meeting needed to review.
PDP-11 memory: Slow progress; arm work has priority - TAG
Mappiplexor: Nearly all parts delivered. Smoke test by end of
March maybe - JBR.
Librascope: still down - TED, ELM.
Suppes Memory: no report (ELM).
KL-10: Letter from DEC says they will ship by March 27.
They promise microcode package "very soon".
Power is nearly in. Air conditioning study needed →TED.
Datamedias: One here, rest expected by March 15, modems by end of
month. Home phone order being placed now.
Possible add-on: extra ROM to give 256 character set,
e.g. to include all of ours. Possibility of getting
additional SAIL keyboards from CMU.
IMLACS: Former PDQ Imlac is apparently fixed; will be installed
in Phyllis Winkler's office in Polya, using new 1200 baud
modem with dial-up line. Library Imlac is broken.
TV digitizer: Slowed down a bit by TED; seems to work reliably now.
Surplus LPT: We received a surplus line printer from Bell Labs.
It is a close relative of ours, is twice as fast
and not as old (but with burned-out clutches).
TED will try to combine parts of the two to make
a fast one with our character set.
Ampex disk drive: We have ordered an additional disk drive, using
NSF Music money. It will be a dual-port reconditioned
unit. Four additional disk packs also ordered.
Humidifier: Static electricity problems with hardware might be
alleviated by humidifier for computer room. JFR
suggests that something suitable could be purchased
from Sears in the $150 range.
OPERATIONS
Malfunction handling: REG complained about mishandling of LPT and
XGP servicing and System malfunctions. He or TED
would like to be called about serious problems,
whatever the hour. "Reloads seldom fix parity errors."
REG will review System and Spooler error messages
to see that they express clearly what actions should be
taken.
DOCUMENTATION
Monitor manual: New manual has been printed, should appear any moment.
SAIL Manual: Still awaiting Nancy Smith's Introduction - LES
Font catalog: Draft exists. Font additions solicited. Will go
to press sometime around March 10 - LES
Pub Manual: We probably will break down and reprint it soon.
SYSTEM MEETING 4 April 1976
HARDWARE
Arms: Plans for new controller still as muddled as ever,
but June deadline is still expected to be met.
PDP-11 memory: In limbo; cards back, ELM will take over.
Mappiplexor: Connector wiring & mods to devices are all that is left.
Librascope: Some bugs found; still down - ELM.
Suppes Memory: Remaining 128k await engineering changes.
Datamedias: Still only one here; no modems.
IMLACS: Library IMLAC periodically down.
Winkler IMLAC installation expected late April.
Humidifier: Decided to buy a cheap Sears unit.
XGP: Down last 4 days. New fuser roller should appear
tomorrow and hopefully will fix the problem.
KL-10: Arrived March 31, but we don't have a power plug of
the right sex yet: expected April 7.
Microcode and diagnostics software still not here.
Need recommended spare parts list.
Air conditioning study still needed →TED.
MG-10 memory: Running too hot; more fans to be installed - TED.
Ampex disk: Drive A intermittent.
IBM channel: JFR grumbled about channel lossage when transferring
an odd number of words: last 4 bits of last word are
zeroed. Arguments for a replacement SA-10 channel
were advanced. It is possible that this particular
problem could be fixed at time of Mappiplexor mods,
though with more downtime needed.
9-track tape: JFR argued for aquisition of 9-track tape system.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find other
installations with 7-track drives, let alone both
7- and 9-track, as is needed to convert.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, logic analizer ($4k).
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit).
Merge BTL line printer and ours.
Rebuild New Ampex memory interface.
Build survivable clock.
SOFTWARE
KL10 System: Up by May? - REG
E/Datamedias: Another month to go - ME.
File cruncher: Being written by REM, up soon. Typically reduces file
sizes by 50%. Also packs multiple small files in a
larger one, thus saving disk space.
MACLISP: Its up: most efficient LISP compiler in captivity,
has programmable reader and other features.
See MACLSP.DM[UP,DOC] - RPG.
New font editor: TVR is designing a font editor based on "outlines".
Will produce fonts for use both by XGP and for microfilm
output. He will also make a XGP file → microfilm
translator.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
File archiving to Datacomputer.
Vectored gripes.
Super-Pub.
DOCUMENTATION
SAIL Manual: Nancy Smith's Introduction exists, but it is immense
and wordy. We may print just the manual after all - LES.
Font catalog: A number of new fonts have been discovered and are being
incorporated. Should go to press this month - LES.
Task queue: We probably will break down and reprint the PUB manual soon.
SYSTEM MEETING 3 May 1976
HARDWARE
Arms: New controller expected to be up by end of May - TAG
PDP-11 memory: In limbo - TAG,ELM.
Mappiplexor: A week or two of wiring left.
Librascope: New hoses going in. Should be rotating in a week - ELM.
Suppes Memory: Limbo - ELM.
Datamedias: All delivered, 2 keyboards and 1 display returned as
defective. About 3 weeks till high speed modems are
installed - TAG,BPM.
IMLACS: Library IMLAC down. Will move it here for repairs
and install another in Winkler office.
Humidifier: Awaiting info - HVA.
XGP: People are misloading paper and cleaning webs - TED.
KL-10: Microcode apparently works well enough to begin debugging
the system. Official microcode and diagnostics software
still not here. - JBR.
Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
Air conditioning study still needed →TED.
Ampex disk: Drive A still intermittent.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, logic analizer ($4k), new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit).
Merge BTL line printer and ours.
Rebuild New Ampex memory interface.
Build survivable clock.
SOFTWARE
KL10 System: System proceeding apace.
E/Datamedias: Suspended to avoid conflicts with KL-10 system changes - ME.
File cruncher: Documentation in SPINDL.REM[UP,DOC]. Users encouraged
to try it - REM.
New font editor: TVR socicits suggestions for new font editor.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
File archiving to Datacomputer.
Vectored gripes.
Super-Pub.
DOCUMENTATION
SAIL Manual: Still in preparation - LES.
Font catalog: Went to press last week - LES.
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 1 June 1976
EQUIPMENT
Arms: New controller slipped to mid-June - TAG
PDP-11 memory: In limbo - TAG,ELM.
Mappiplexor: Power up, runs idle loop. Awaiting level converters - JBR
Librascope: Hoses installed, plates aligned, should spin Thursday - TED.
New channel partly designed; several months off - JBR
Datamedias: Receive modems installed, "almost work" - TED,TAG
When they work, we will order 2 more - LES.
IMLACS: Library IMLAC in shops; needs an hour or so of work; it
will be reinstalled in someones office in Polya.
Winkler IMLAC installed & working - TED, TAG
Data Disc: Musicians want 5 terminals - MWK. Probably no more than
3 or so can be liberated - LES.
Humidifier: Ordered from Sears. Humidity gauge also ordered - TED
KL-10: Still debugging. Official microcode and diagnostics
software still not here. - JBR.
Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
Ampex disk: Drive A fixed finally. New drive delivered this morning;
may be up by Friday - TED.
TV cameras: Digitizer operation is incompatible with KL10 offline
debugging because of memory bus conflicts - TED.
Ability to use TV inputs must be preserved, if necessary
by scheduling KL10 testing hours - LES.
Petit channel: No longer writes too little - JBR.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, logic analizer ($4k), new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Rebuild New Ampex memory interface,
Build survivable clock.
PROGRAMS
KL10 System: There are several instruction incompatibilities, which
will be documented -REG.
SAIL string operations can be speeded up an additional factor
of 2 on the KL10 by using the new string instructions -JFR.
E/Datamedias: Suspended to avoid conflicts with KL-10 system changes - ME.
File cruncher: Loses information -JFR.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
File archiving to Datacomputer.
Vectored gripes.
Super-Pub.
DOCUMENTS
SAIL Manual: Limbo - LES.
Font catalog: Printed & distributed - LES.
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 5 July 1976
EQUIPMENT
Arms: New controller up in one week; AD & interface in 2 weeks - TAG
PDP-11 memory: TAG will hand over to TJW.
Mappiplexor: Up, with minor bug - JBR
Librascope: Works, with 27 job capacity. Can't use high core.
Datamedias: Accepted. Some phone problems on TTY0. 2 modems broken. - TED
We will probably order more soon - LES.
IMLACS: Winkler IMLAC doesn't work.
Data Disc: Disc needs cleaning - TED.
Humidifier: Awaiting delivery.
KL-10: Online. Microcode package arrived.
Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
Ampex disk: Sixth spindle delivered and online.
TV cameras: Cohu sick.
Music Box: Delivery 1 August?
JAM proposes that XGP service go on PDP-6 and KA10 be
used to service music box.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, logic analizer ($4k), new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Rebuild New Ampex memory interface,
Build survivable clock.
PROGRAMS
KL10 System: SAIL string operations can be speeded up an additional factor
of 25% on the KL10 by using the new string instructions -JFR.
E/Datamedias: By 3 Aug.? - ME.
Task queue: Plan for integrating new music components.
Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
Vectored gripes.
Super-Pub.
DOCUMENTS
SAIL Manual: Rewrite in pogress - JFR
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 August 1976
EQUIPMENT
Arms: New controller up in one week (same as last month).
Will test with Vicarm arm - TAG
PDP-11 memory: One bay completed; crossbar in 2 weeks. TAG is building
interface; awaiting wirewrap board - TJW
Mappiplexor: Minor bug persists - JBR
Librascope: Works about the same as last year (i.e. software error
checking required) - JBR
Datamedias: TTY0 now works - TAG
IMLACS: Winkler IMLAC still broken. Will swap in a day or two - TED
Data Disc: Disc still needs cleaning; Data Disc seems to have
forgotten how - TED.
Humidifier: Just arrived - TED
KL-10: Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
Ampex disk: UDP crashed; Ampex estimates $3k to repair - TED
Petit channel: 4 bit bug fixed - JBR
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Delivery soon. Plan to connect it to PDP-6 and old Ampex
memory.
New Ampex: Reconfiguration to make 6 ports will cost about $5k - TED
Will request approval to do it - LES
Logic analizer: We will request approval and order Biomation unit.
Plotter: Now has own interface - TED
PJ display: Prototype in 2 to 4 weeks - PJ
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, logic analizer ($4k), new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Rebuild New Ampex memory interface,
Build survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
MFD/UFD format: Changed from 4 to 16 words - REG
E/Datamedias: Line editor will be improved shortly - ME.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
DOCUMENTS
SAIL Manual: Mostly rewritten - JFR
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 7 Sept. 1976
EQUIPMENT
Arms: New controller up in one week (same as last month).
Will test with Vicarm arm - TAG
PDP-11 memory: Much progress; awaiting interface design from TAG - TJW
Datamedias: Bold face/blink being interchanged. Approval will be
requested to buy two more receive modems - LES
IMLACS: Winkler IMLAC still broken.
Data Disc: Disc still needs cleaning.
Humidifier: Working.
KL-10: Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
Ampex disk: UDP repaired.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Delivery soon.
Logic analizer: We will request approval and order Biomation unit.
PJ display: Connected to PDP-11/45; should work in a week - PJ
XGP: Printing light in streaks; wrinkling paper.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
new swapping store, new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Build survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
E: New version with fancier justificaction commands up - ALS
Page editing now works on Datamedias - ME
Monitor: There appears to be a bug in the scheduler: with jobs
ready to run, it has none running - JFR
Pub: Bug descriptions added to page 6 of PUB.UPD[S,DOC] - JFR
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
DOCUMENTS
System Log: System was down for about 11 hours on August 27, but
there was no log entry - JFR
SAIL Manual: Editing completed, awaiting decent XGP output - JFR
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 5 October 1976
EQUIPMENT
PDP-11 memory: Awaiting interface design from TAG; all other cards
complete - TJW
Arms: VDS testing VICARM card. Blue hand broken - TOB.
Datamedias: Approval requested to buy two more receive modems.
CSD plans to order some more Datamedias - LES
KL-10: Need recommended spare parts list. →TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Delivery soon.
Logic analizer: Delivered, seems to work - TED.
PJ display: Essentially finished, but flakey - JBR.
Cart: Steering motor fried - HPM.
Librascope: Flakey - JBR.
Autodialer: Broken - TED.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $90k),
new IBM channel,
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Build survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Monitor: Librascope checksumming now in microcode.
16 word UFD format will soon be filled with data.
KL10 Cache hit ratio is surprisingly low (72% overall,
92% in user programs). JBR will continue to poke.
RAID: Runs on Datamedias.
FTP: Retrieving things from MIT is about 4 times as fast as
sending them. Why? - HPM. JBR will think about this.
Dial: Using Dial to transmit a file to Wylbur doesn't work;
apparently it goes too fast, causing characters to be lost.
Perhaps there should be a program that examines echos
and does error correction - DON.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
DOCUMENTS
Monitor Manual: Being reprinted - LES
SAIL Manual: Being printed - JFR
SAIL tutorial: Editing nearly complete - RS
Font editor: Description of new font editor in F.TVR[UP,DOC] - TVR.
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 1 November 1976
PEOPLE
Wizard: Jeff Rubin is taking over as Chief System Wizard as
Ralph Gorin goes looking for LOTS more trouble.
EQUIPMENT
Librascope: Rest in peace. Decided that the maintenance effort
required is no longer worth the performance gain.
We will either give it away or scrap it - LES.
PDP-11/45: Dead - power supplies unhappy - TED.
PDP-11 memory: Interface design completed, being reviewed by TED.
Arms: VDS testing new VICARM card. Gold arm being rewired
by ELM.
Datamedias: Two more 1200/150 receive modems ordered. One will
be added to 493-1422 hunt group, the other will be on
either a Centrex line or the campus TRAN switch, to
permit access by campus users without incurring message
unit charges.
Home phones: Because of new tariffs on telephone business lines,
people with home terminals will generally be changed
to private lines and be reimbursed on a month-by-month
basis.
KL-10: Very flakey currently. JBR is trying to identify the
problem.
Spare parts list estimated to cost $18k - TED.
Mod. 8 changes to processor estimated at $4.5k - JBR.
New Ampex core: 6-port modification approved - LES.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Delivery soon?
PJ display: Peter Fu will try design improvements - JBR.
Cart: Steering motor fixed, generally refurbished.
Autodialer: Still broken - TED.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $90k),
new IBM channel (e.g. Foonly for $13k),
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Build survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Monitor: Low cache hit ratio being caused by interrupts in
channels 7 (context switching, shuffling) and
2 (disc service). Plan is to eliminate shuffling
by mapping everything and, possibly, put disk service
in console 11.
DFTP: MRC @ MIT seems to be turning out copious new versions of
a file transfer program to the CCA mass store. If anyone
wants to try it, see LES.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
DOCUMENTS
Monitor Manual: Being reprinted - LES
SAIL Manual: Being distributed.
SAIL tutorial: Just sent to printer - RS
FAIL manual: New manual will be printed together with Decsystem 10/20
instruction set - REG.
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 7 December 1976
EQUIPMENT
Librascope: Some people at Utah State want the Controller. We
plan to sell the rest as scrap metal - LES.
PDP-11/45: Flakey. Solid bug in map - TED.
PDP-11 memory: Construction expected to begin next week - TED, TJW.
Arms: Gold arm still being rewired - ELM..
Datamedias: Two new lines installed (one Centrex, one outside),
awaiting modems & terminals - TED.
KL-10: 37000 bug fixed (system software) - JBR.
Spare parts list completed; will order - TED.
Mod. 8 changes to processor estimated arrival in 2 weeks
- JBR.
New Ampex core: Work not started yet - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: In final assembly; probably a couple of months till delivery
- JAM.
PJ display: Changing to fixed resolution, same as Data Disc - JBR.
Autodialer: Still broken - TED.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $90k),
new IBM channel (e.g. Foonly for $13k),
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Build survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SAIL: New version up for experimental use. Includes double
precision and other improvements - JFR.
Task queue: Overall plan for integrating file system, crunching, and
archiving.
DOCUMENTS
Monitor Manual: Being reprinted - LES
SAIL tutorial: Being printed - LES
FAIL/DECsystem 10 manual: At printers - REG.
Task queue: PUB manual.
SYSTEM MEETING 4 January 1977
EQUIPMENT
Librascope: Dismantled. Plan to give the controller to Utah State
University, auction the platters, and scrap the rest
- LES.
PDP-11/45: Now working - TED.
PDP-11/45 memory: Smoke test in 1 week - TJW.
Arms: Gold arm still being rewired - ELM..
Datamedias: New receive modems overdue from UDS - BPM.
KL-10: Some mappiplexor bugs fixed, some other bugs still there
- JBR.
Some spare parts ordered, approval needed for rest - LES.
Mod. 8 changes to processor now estimated to arrive in
4 months - JBR.
Console 11: Dataphone connected - TED.
New Ampex core: Work not started yet - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: One month away? - JAM.
PJ display: Still being debugged - PMF.
Autodialer: Fixed - TED.
9 track tape: Tymshare would like to swap one in exchange for RH11
parts out of KL10.
KL10 TTL IO bus: Replaced by new, improved one - TED.
IMLACs: Two fixed - PMF.
TV digitizer: Need new one (interfaced to Zonker) to replace existing
kludge through DEC 167. Current arrangement will bgin
costing 9k of core as soon as shuffling stops - JBR.
Volunteers solicited - LES.
Sauna: Heating coils burned out. We have replacements, but
volunteer needed to install - JAM.
Lounge refrigerator: Grossly overfrosted. TJW has volunteered to
clear it this time. Geni-of-the month program will be
restarted - LES.
Other possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $90k),
new IBM channel (e.g. Foonly for $13k),
9 track tape drives.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory,
Merge BTL line printer and ours,
Survivable clock.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SAIL: New version with double precision up for good.
Some bugs fixed - JFR.
IMLAC operating system: Now makes IMLACs look like Datamedias (e.g.
they now work with E) - PMF.
SPY: Experimental SPY now running in parallel with old.
Collects computer usage data by time of day and
some overall system load and program usage statistics.
- JAB. Inclusion of disk use accounting awaits UFD
format change. Bureaucracy program will have to be
substantially modified - LES.
Timesharing system: In preparation for the elimination of shuffling,
user programs may no longer refer to absolute core
addresses (e.g. through LOCK UUO). Expect to eliminate
shuffling in about 1 month - JBR.
DOCUMENTS
Monitor Manual: More copies now available - PAT.
SAIL tutorial: Printed and distributed - PAT.
FAIL & DECsystem 10 manuals: Being printed. LOTS versions will be
bound together, ours will be separate - PAT.
Yumyum: Will be distributed in about 2 weeks; $1/copy
(printing costs are about $1.25/copy) - PAT.
Task queue: PUB manual, CUSP guide.
SYSTEM MEETING 1 February 1977
EQUIPMENT
PDP-11/45 memory: Awaiting PROM program from TAG (sigh) - TED.
Arms: Gold arm still being rewired - ELM.
Datamedias: Two more receive modems installed - TED. Two more
terminals delivered, awaiting modems.
KL-10: Spare parts dribbling in - TED.
New Ampex core: Redesign of interface started - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Still one month away.
PJ display: One bug left - PMF.
9 track tape: We are awaiting Tymshare offer - TED.
TV digitizer: Need a volunteer to design new one - LES.
Sauna: Coil replacement begun, more work to do - MWK.
XGP: Quality has been mostly awful lately. The basic cause has
not been identified - TED.
UDP: Some combination of the UDP drive and the mounted pack is sick
- TED.
Printronix: We can probably borrow a Printronix printer from LOTS from
now till Summer if we want.
Task queue: Temperature monitor installation (Heathkit),
Suppes memory, survivable clock.
Possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $150k),
new IBM channel (e.g. Foonly for $13k),
9 track tape drives.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SPY: Experimental SPY still running in parallel with old.
Timesharing system: Shuffling will end soon. Expnded UFD format will be
next change.
For programs that are disk bound, 19 buffers are recommended - JBR
E: Proposed modification: don't bring in upper segment unless it
is needed - JFR.
Should implement hidden directory pages, system page editor.
DOCUMENTS
FAIL & DECsystem 10 manuals: Being distributed.
Yumyum: Will be distributed in soon; $1 for first copy, $1.50/additional
- PAT.
SAIL manual: Will be reprinted soon - LES.
Task queue: PUB manual, CUSP guide.
SYSTEM MEETING 1 March 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Powered up one bank, with very little smoke. Unibus seems
to work - TED.
Arms: Gold arm interface tested. Hand, etc. will be connected this
afternoon. Blue arm rewired; burned up motor in joint 6.
Back together soon - TED.
Datamedias: Two more receive modems received, Centrex lines ordered.
Two new Datamedias awaiting installation of modems - LES.
KL-10: Time to check on Revision 8 of KL10 - JBR.
New Ampex core: Redesign continuing - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Now two months away.
PJ display: Works pretty well - PMF.
Tape drive A: Intermittant failures - ME.
9 track tape: Still awaiting Tymshare offer - TED.
TV digitizer: Need a volunteer to design new one - LES.
Sauna: 2 of 3 elements replaced, more ordered - MWK.
XGP: Vastly improved quality attributed to cleaning a forgotten
mirror deep in its interior - TED.
Thermometer: Interface built, needs to be connected - PMF.
Task queue: Suppes memory, survivable clock.
Possible buys: New TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 1 million words for $150k),
new IBM channel (e.g. Foonly for $13k),
9 track tape drives.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SPY: Experimental SPY still running in parallel with old.
No visible progress from JAB - LES.
Timesharing system: Shuffling has ended! Time accounting is being
improved and expanded UFD format will be next change - JBR.
System line editor will soon be changed to permit partial
activation of a line. Apparently affects only SOS - ME.
Leaving something in line editor inhibits reclaiming of unused
Data Disc channels. They should be timed-out and reclaimed.
E: Modified to not bring in upper segment unless it is needed.
Free storage processing overhead vastly reduced - ALS.
DOCUMENTS
Yumyum: Being distributed; $1 for first copy, $1.50/additional - PAT.
SAIL manual: Being reprinted - LES.
Task queue: PUB manual, CUSP guide.
SYSTEM MEETING 5 April 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Crossbar works, rest of memory needs testing - TED.
Arms: Blue working; Gold still being refurbished by VDS - TED.
Datamedias: Still awaiting two new Centrex lines. Two terminals delivered,
two more ordered - LES.
KL-10: DEC Revision 8 installed - TED.
New Ampex core: Redesign done, not checked - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still sick.
Music Box: Smoke test at SC this week; delivery still two months away - TED.
PJ display: Broken by PJ. PC version in limbo - PMF.
Tape drives: Probably fixed - TED.
9 track tape: Tymshare offer has gone into limbo for at least 6 months - TED.
Thermometer: Connected - PMF.
Suppes memory: Awaiting parts - ELM.
PDP-6 Connected to Old Ampex Core. Has TTL IO bus & KL10 interface
- TED, JAM.
3 us. memory: Ampex has semi-volunteered to lend us 500k words of 3 microsecond
memory to assess its performance in a timesharing environment - LES.
Task queue: Survivable clock.
Possible buys: New channel from SC or Foonly ($30k or $20k),
additional Ampex disk controller ($38k + $27.75k for conversion),
new TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 3 us. for $150k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
6 more Datamedias ($15k).
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SPY: Old SPY retired. New version is producing some garbage, which
causes BUREAU to barf - LES.
Operating system: Multipack swapping awaits availability of additional disk pack.
Expanded UFD format soon - JBR.
System line editor changed to permit partial activation of a line
- ME.
E: Up at IRCAM. Will be demonstrated at Spring DECUS meeting - ME.
RSL: Is excessively generous with some people's reservations. Reason
obscure - LES.
XSPOOL: KS has volunteered to modify so as to automatically break long
listings and activate REPEAT switch - LES.
DOCUMENTS
Task queue: PUB manual, CUSP guide.
SYSTEM MEETING 3 May 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Waiting for PROM; will try it mid-May - PMF.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS.
Datamedias: We now have three Centrex lines - LES.
IMLACs: RWW's down; wants to swap with PMF - LES.
New Ampex core: Some parts ordered - JBR.
TV cameras: Cohu fixed? Sierra fades away - HPM.
Music Box: Delivery now down to a constant one month away. Executes half
of its 30 instructions - JAM.
PJ display: In limbo - PMF.
Suppes memory: Awaiting parts - ELM.
KIM: TTY interface up; terminals being installed in Music Lab. - JAM.
RH-11: Mass bus controller removed from KL10. We plan to lease it to
Micro-computer Systems for a few months - LES.
3330 disk packs:We are buying 13 from SCIP and 5 from Nashua at the incredibly
low price of just under $200 each - RP, LES.
Disk channel: Ordered a new pseudo-IBM channel from Foonly Inc., using
Music money - LES.
Disk controller:Ordered a second Ampex disk controller to improve throughput,
using Music money - LES.
Task queue: Survivable clock.
Possible buys: new TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 3 us. for $150k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
6 more Datamedias ($15k).
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
SPY: RP is developing a program to display system load average as a
function of time of day, based on data from SPY.
Operating system: Multipack swapping up. DSKSER is being rewritten to cope with
two controllers and exploit multi-seek capability.
Expanded UFD format delayed; will be part of new DSKSER - JBR.
RSL: Excessive generosity for some people has been curbed. Users are
invited to squeal on anyone who appears to be getting too much - LES.
XSPOOL: Thinking about modifying so as to automatically break long
listings and activate REPEAT switch - KS.
POLICY
Multiple jobs: JMC decrees that no one should have more than one compute-bound
job at a given time. JBR will look into making system scheduler
treat multiple jobs for a single user as one for service level
purposes.
Music 220: Regular students in the Music 220 class are supposed to run in
the 3 AM to 9 AM time period on weekdays or any time on weekends.
(Weekends are from 5 PM Friday through 9 AM Monday.)
Rule breakers: If you see an outlaw on the system or someone running at a time
when he shouldn't be, please send a message describing the
circumstances to LES.
SYSTEM MEETING 7 June 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Partly working in one box - TED.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS. Blue arm munged its rack;
VDS fixed it. Electronics now broken - TED.
Datamedias: JBR will soon get one from ROZ. Two modems for hand-eye DMs
are here.
IMLACs: RWW's TTY transmitter card is broken - RWW.
New Ampex core: Most parts here. Wirewrap cards under construction. Backpanel
is a mess, but should be rewired shortly - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still broken. Sierra still fades away - TED.
Music Box: Still one month away - RP.
PJ display: In limbo.
Suppes memory: Still in progress - TED.
KIM-1: Up with 4 keyboards - RP.
RH-11: Has been leased to Micro-computer Systems for a few months - LES.
3330 disk packs:18 used packs purchased from SCIP and Nashua - LES.
Disk channel: Foonly channel sheduled for delivery in July - LES.
Disk controller:Delivered by Ampex this morning. "Two headed" mods to existing
drives and controller should be ordered soon - LES.
Task queue: Survivable clock.
Possible buys: new TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 3 us. for $150k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
LOADAV: RP's new program shows system load by time of day
based on data from SPY.
Operating system: Uptime for May was 96%, compared with long-term average of 92%.
DSKSER still being rewritten to cope with
two controllers and exploit multi-seek capability.
It should include a way to guarantee good service to certain
realtime programs - JBR.
E: Multiple macros up. Needs directory offset and better I/O
buffering - JBR.
XSPOOL: KS supposedly modifying so as to automatically break long
listings and activate REPEAT switch - KS.
SAIL: Exponentiation of long reals hasn't been implemented (Sail
generates a call to a nonexistent subroutine). A voluteer
to fill this void would be welcome - MWK.
SYSTEM MEETING 5 July 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: 32k words work without error correction - TED.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS - TOB
Datamedias: 2 received for Hand-eye; should be ready in a week or so - TED.
IMLACs: 3 working - TED.
New Ampex core: Backpanel still being rewired - TED.
TV cameras: Sierra repaired; Cohu still broken - TED.
Music Box: Still one month away - RP.
FRM box: Ready to be interfaced - RP.
PDP-6: DAC and AD working on PDP-6 - RP.
KIM-1: Organ keyboards work - RP.
PJ display: In limbo.
Suppes memory: Still in progress - TED.
Disk controller:Installed by Ampex. Will be tested beginning today - JBR.
Foonly channel: Should arrive 11 July; tests 2 days later - JBR.
Mouse: RP proposes to build a digital mouse that generates a cursor
on DD displays.
Task queue: Survivable clock, serialized keyboard scanner.
Possible buys: new TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 3 us. for $150k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for June was 96.4%. DSKSER still being rewritten
to cope with two controllers and exploit multi-seek capability.
Accounting: SMERGE seen hung twice; JAB is gone. Sigh - LES.
Mainsail: Supposedly up. Is anyone using? - LES.
E: Improved IO buffering has improved speed. Hidden directories
partly implemented - ME.
Sail: Exponentiation of long reals hasn't been implemented (Sail
generates a call to a nonexistent subroutine). A voluteer
to fill this void would be welcome - LES.
Fail: Doesn't use a large enough buffer when reading Snail TMPCOR
files, which can be up to 400 words - TVR.
SYSTEM MEETING 2 August 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: 32k words work without error correction and with errors.- TED.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS. Force bridge for blue
arm arriving soon. - TOB
Datamedias: 2 received for Hand-eye; should be ready in a week or so - TED.
BPM datamedia blew its power supply. fixed. -TED
New Ampex core: Backpanel still being rewired - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still broken - TED.
Music Box: Still one month away - KS.
FRM box: Has been interfaced. All of it that has been built, works. -KS
PJ display: In limbo.
Suppes memory: Status upgraded to limbo. - TED.
Disk controller:Still flakey. Still no documentation. - JBR.
Foonly channel: Delivered but not installed. Penaltys begin tomorrow. Only
one channel is here, and all support stuff. Debugging is
progressing; close to being connected to a disk.
Mouse: RP proposes to build a digital mouse that generates a cursor
on DD displays.
Survivable clock: A local company makes a board that plugs into our console
PDP11 and includes batteries and charger. Approval has been
requested. - TED
Serialized keyboard scanner.
Preliminary design work has begun. An attempt is being made to
coordinate this with the proposed Computer Science Department
Display System. -TED
Possible buys: new TTY scanner (e.g. 16 lines @ $6k from DEC),
more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 3 us. for $150k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: File system crash on July 29 lost several hundred files.
Uptime for June was 96%. Poor proformance is mostly
attributed to new disk channel debugging. DSKSER still
being rewritten to cope with two controllers and exploit
multi-seek capability. -JBR
Datamedia service:
Occasionally, TTY0 gets disconnected from its job, but
job is still connected to TTY0. The only way to get out
of this state is to kill the job (losing the edit or
whatever). -TOB
When it happens again, i'll look at it. -JBR
Accounting: SMERGE seen hung twice; JAB is gone. Nothing happening -JBR
Mainsail: Exists. PDP11 version in the works. - TOB.
E: Some new features. Hidden directories partly implemented;
no progress. - ME.
Sail: A number of documented bugs (in gripe file) exixt. still
looking for someone to maintain. -JBR
SYSTEM MEETING 6 Sept. 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: 32k words work without error correction and with few errors.- TED.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS. Force bridge for blue
arm arrived and installed but not interfaced. - TED
Datamedias: 15 are in use, 2 more on order (for Manna) - LES.
New Ampex core: Backpanel still being rewired - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still broken - TED.
Music Box: Now two weeks away - KS.
PJ display: In limbo.
Suppes memory: Limbo. - TED.
Disk controller:Floppy disk broken, still flakey, still no documentation. - JBR.
Foonly channel: Two channels here. Noise problem when lights on - JBR.
Mag Tape drives: Continuing to have have head alignment problems, so that
tapes written on one drive often can't be read on the other.
Suggest a weekly test with a tape written on each drive followed
by reading both on both drives.
Survivable clock: Ordered from Digital Pathways, Inc. - TED.
New keyboard scanner: Preliminary design work has begun - TED.
TIP: Our IMP will be replaced with a TIP (formerly the Tymeshare TIP)
on or about 1 October. Expect some network downtime.
Entries in the "Name that TIP" contest should be sent to BPM.
Obscene entries are acceptable provided that are subtle.
Possible buys: more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 1.5 us. for $220k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for July and August was 92%. New DSKSER written,
mostly debugged. LIV privilege now available to anyone to
suppress autologout - JBR.
Page printer: Would be nice if page printer buffers were associated with
jobs rather than terminals, so that output from detached
jobs could be captured and examined later - PAM.
Too horrible to comtemplate, but I'll think about ways to
accomplish the same result - JBR.
SYSTEM MEETING 4 Oct. 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: 1/3 works! Now for the other 2/3 - TED.
Arms: Gold still being refurbished by VDS - TED
New Ampex core: Limbo - TED.
TV cameras: Cohu still broken
Music Box: A letter has been sent to Systems Concepts telling them that
if it isn't delivered in full working condition by October 14,
the contract will be considered cancelled - LES.
Bit map display: Limbo.
Suppes memory: Limbo. - TED.
Disk controller: Accepted - JBR.
Foonly channel: Doesn't have PROMs yet, microcode has bugs, no documentation - JBR.
Survivable clock: Awaiting delivery from Digital Pathways, Inc. - TED.
New keyboard scanner: Design work in progress - TED.
TIP: IMP-TIP swap scheduled for Oct. 5.
Possible buys: more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 1.5 us. for $220k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for September was 89.6%. New DSKSER up,
but hardware and software bugs have caused much downtime.
DMERGE: Gets stuck in compute loop every night at midnight and must
be killed. Thus, accounting information is not being updated.
This may be a disk system bug.
S-1 project: Consideration is being given to developing an operating system
for the S-1 computer, which was designed by Widdoes and McWilliams
and is being built by LLL.
DOCUMENTATION
UUO Manual: ME is updating the UUO manual, which will be reprinted soon.
SYSTEM MEETING 1 Nov. 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Completion mainly waiting on technician power - TED.
Arms: Gold arm still being refurbished by VDS.
Force wrist about to be installed as well as PDP-11 interface
for vice and screwdriver - TED.
New Ampex core: Limbo - TED.
Music Box: Delivered on last acceptable day: Oct 14. Being tested.
Documentation incomplete - KS.
Suppes memory: Loaned to Music group, which hopes to get it working on the PDP-6
- TED.
Foonly channel: Hardware apparently works. Documentation, training, and spares
incomplete - JBR.
Survivable clock: Delivered; will be installed soon - TED.
New keyboard scanner: Design work in progress - TED.
TIP: IMP-TIP swap completed Oct. 6 - BPM.
2 UDS 1200/150 baud modems have been ordered for TIP connection - LES.
XGP: Default value of PMAR (height of printed portion of page has been
fiddled lately, which causes some existing XGP files to no longer
print correctly. It will be changed to 1800 and left there and
page length adjustments will be done through the XGP interface
hardware.
Datamedias: 2 terminals for Manna group have arrived; awaiting modems - LES.
Possible buys: more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 1.5 us. with 8-port interface for $110k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for October was 93.5%. Possibility of sticking with
Pacific Standard Time for internal system records was discussed - JBR.
Arpanet: New Telnet protocol becomes standard today. See TIPUG.BBN[UP,DOC]
for documentation.
Accounting: Bug that permanently crashed DMERGE was found and circumvented.
Beginning next year, old-style accounting will go away - LES.
DD channel ownership: System now keeps track of who last typed on a given DD
channel. With a bit more system programming, we may be able
to create the long-sought "virtual terminal" out of this feature
- ME.
Repeat keystroke: It would be convenient to make the line editor cursor repeatedly
step left or right by, say, holding down ⊗<space> or ⊗<backspace>.
Hardware characteristics would permit this only for DD and III
displays. Might be possible to provide more general repeat
key which would cause ANY key to repeat indefinitely. TED
will examine the latter possibility.
Master account: It is proposed that LOGIN be modified so that "L <pn>" is
equivalent to "L 1/<pn>". Furthermore, give "1,<pn>" access
to [*,<pn>] files even if they are protected. This makes "1"
the "master" account. Comments → LES.
Purger: As soon as possible, the purger will be modified to treat
mail and plan files as part of the individual's file storage
allocation and subject to purging - LES.
Spawning accounts: Remote users need a program that can create new PPNs with
the same PN as the user - DPB. LES would like a private version
that can create any PPN, complete with password.
Snooping: A spirited discussion of attitudes toward snooping led to
conclusions that: (1) programs and system features for
penetrating hidden channels (e.g. PEEK and UNHIDE-BY-GOD)
should be made generally available, and (2) their misuse
(e.g. for random snooping) will be considered serious misconduct.
E formatting: Special formatting features for LISP programs and advanced
macro facilities should be added to E - WLS.
DOCUMENTATION
UUO Manual: Essentially done, about to be printed - ME.
SYSTEM MEETING 7 Dec. 1977
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Flakey somewhere between error correction and PDP-11 - JBR
Mapping error - TOB
Arms: Gold arm still being refurbished by VDS.
Blue arm's harmonic drives are wearing out - TOB.
Force wrist being installed - TOB.
New Ampex core: New technician hired - JBR.
Music Box: Has bugs; SC is refusing to provide documentation.
Suppes memory: To be connected to PDP-6.
Foonly channel: Accepted; hangs sometimes - JBR.
Survivable clock: Installed; software doesn't use it yet - JBR.
New keyboard scanner: Design work in progress - TED.
TIP: Vadic 1200/1200 baud modem to be installed tomorrow - BPM.
Mag. tapes: Can't read anything. Perhaps a system software problem - JBR.
Datamedias: 2 terminals for Manna group awaiting modems - LES.
Main memory: We plan to buy 1-2 million words of main memory soon. An RFP
will be issued - LES.
9-track tapes: Plan to buy some; probably a used 1600 bpi drive from IBM - JBR.
Possible buys: more main memory (e.g. 262k 1 us. for $90k or
1 megaword 1.5 us. with 8-port interface for $110k),
9 track tape drive & controller ($28k),
Printronix printer ($4k),
New display system ($63k),
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for November was 93.4%. Long UFD data will be in soon.
New disk system up with multiple system buffers.
Read-alter quick bit helps for large files in some cases - JBR.
Improved DD mapping features up. Repeat <space> and <BS> put
in line editor - ME.
E READ will be changed to find documentation files and enter in
read-only mode - ME.
Purger Now includes mail and plan files that belong to you.
Will preserve at least one UFD for an authorized user, preferably
1,... - JBR.
DSKSIZ New program tells amount of disk space you have, including Mail
and Plan files - JBR.
UFD New program lets you create and delete directories under your PN
- MRC.
LOGIN "L foo" is now eqivalent to "L 1/foo". Other OPTION.TXT features
added. Say "R NEWS<cr>DEC<tab>LOGIN" for more information - MRC.
DART Now dumps .RPG files, doesn't dump swap area - EJG.
Font compiler Will be modified to permit up to 128 fonts with partial loading
of character sets permitted - ME.
DOCUMENTATION
UUO Manual: At printers - ME.
SYSTEM MEETING 4 Jan. 1978
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: Horrible bug requires PC card changes. Underway - TED.
Arms: Gold arm still being refurbished by VDS.
Force wrist being installed - TED.
New Ampex interface: Being wired - TED.
Music Box: Makes pretty music; has bugs - TED.
Foonly channel: Vectorboard panel and cable dressing still not finished.
Hangs occasionally; may still have bugs - JBR.
Survivable clock: Installed; software doesn't use it yet - JBR.
Mag. tapes: Last month's bug fixed -- it was software - JBR.
New keyboard scanner: Three alternatives under examination: H-P 21MX system at $35k,
one without a computer at $35k, and a DEC 11/34 version at $40k - TED.
Datamedias: 2 terminals for Manna group awaiting modems. We might upgrade
existing terminals to use SAIL character set both on keyboards
and displays - LES.
Imlac: Will order another UDS Stanford modem for RWW's terminal, to free
a TTY port for Dialnet - LES.
Main memory: We plan to buy 1-2 million words of main memory soon. A Request
for Proposals will be issued in next week or so - LES.
9-track tapes: Plan to buy some; probably a used 1600 bpi drive from IBM - JBR.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for December was 93%, including a run of 137 hours
that could have been longer without help from friends.
New UFD format in, almost debugged - JBR.
E EREAD command and ">" feature for file extensions added - ME.
Font compiler Now permits up to 128 fonts with partial loading of character
sets - ME.
Privileges: Discussion pointed up inadequacies in existing file protection
and privilege capabilities of existing monitor - LES.
In subsequent discussion, a plan for a more general access
control scheme was developed based on placing people in
groups and providing group access to certain file areas.
This scheme is now being implemented - JBR.
DOCUMENTATION
UUO Manual: Now available (front hall) - ME.
SYSTEM MEETING 8 Feb. 1978
EQUIPMENT
11/45 memory: 1/3 works, remainder being modified - TED.
New Ampex Interface being rewired - TED.
Arms: Gold arm still being refurbished by VDS. Force wrist being
installed - TED. Blue arm joint 1 replaced, new drives for
joints 2 and 3 ordered - TOB.
Music Box: Accepted Feb 7. Logic drawings not complete - KS.
Foonly channel: Vectorboard panel and cable dressing still not finished.
Hangs occasionally; may still have bugs - JBR.
Survivable clock: Works fully -- survived last powere failure - JBR.
Modems: Two Vadic 1200/1200 modems ordered for Dialnet, one for here
and one for LOTS - LES.
Datamedias: Modem boards for Manna's terminals due Feb. 16 - TED.
New KBD scanner: DCA equipment at $35k currently most attractive - TED.
Main memory: Proposals for 1-2 million word memories due Feb. 15.
Looks like there will be 3 or 4 vendors - LES.
9-track tapes: Request for quote to be issued soon - LES.
Typesetter: DEK and LES have been looking at high quality photo-typsetting
machines. There are at least 4 interesting machines on the
market with varying degrees of automation and other features.
Prices range from $25k to $180k.
11/45 disk: Need one. Can buy with NSF funds - TOB.
TV cameras: New ones needed - TOB.
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Operating system: Uptime for January was 94%. New UFD format up; SNAIL, DIRED and
DSKSIZ use it, DART and COPY should be converted. Work started
on demand paging - JBR.
LISP: Decided to make "LISP" command run MACLSP instead of LISP 1.6 as
at present, per RPG proposal.
(X)SPOOL Now records number of pages printed in a record files. This
information will be incorporated into the accounting system - ME.
PEEK: Discreet PEEK up - ME.
Privileges: New group privilege scheme up. No complaints were reported at
the meeting - LES.
HELP: Information files need updating.