Martin Hepperle
Experienced Member
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2014
- Messages
- 217
In the place where I work they used a PDS 1020 computer in the second half of the 1960s as part of a larger measurement system which also included a HP 2116 for data acquisition and preprocessing.
The hardware consisted of a table with the computer and its control panel built-in and an IBM typewriter for output mounted on top.
The PDS 1020 was used for postprocessing calculations and for driving x-y-plotters.
Later the system was replaced by other HP 1000 systems and the programs were re-implemented in FORTRAN.
The PDS 1020 uses a simple, proprietary programming language.
I came across some internal reports which include a description of its application as well as some program listings.
The listings are on paper in the form of a sequence of 4 signed digit codes - no mnemonics.
Some high level flow charts for these listings are also included in these reports.
My plan is to write a small translator for these machine codes into mnemonics (as a project for the Christmas holidays).
For this purpose I have downloaded the available manuals from bitsavers.
Before I dig into this terrain, I am wondering whether someone has already written a simulator or other tools like a disassembler for this system.
As I found out so far, one such system exists in the CHM and another one in Australia. I am not sure about their working condition.
They seem to have been quite popular at the time (due to their low cost of about $20'000).
Martin
The hardware consisted of a table with the computer and its control panel built-in and an IBM typewriter for output mounted on top.
The PDS 1020 was used for postprocessing calculations and for driving x-y-plotters.
Later the system was replaced by other HP 1000 systems and the programs were re-implemented in FORTRAN.
The PDS 1020 uses a simple, proprietary programming language.
I came across some internal reports which include a description of its application as well as some program listings.
The listings are on paper in the form of a sequence of 4 signed digit codes - no mnemonics.
Some high level flow charts for these listings are also included in these reports.
My plan is to write a small translator for these machine codes into mnemonics (as a project for the Christmas holidays).
For this purpose I have downloaded the available manuals from bitsavers.
Before I dig into this terrain, I am wondering whether someone has already written a simulator or other tools like a disassembler for this system.
As I found out so far, one such system exists in the CHM and another one in Australia. I am not sure about their working condition.
They seem to have been quite popular at the time (due to their low cost of about $20'000).
Martin
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