Most of my experience with RSTS was programming in BASIC on versions 5 and 6 using a PDP‑11/45. I thought it would be interesting to install RSTS/E V5 or V6 on my PDP‑11/70 emulator. At first, I assumed this would be straightforward.
Reading the release notes, I discovered that V6 was the first RSTS version to support the PDP‑11/70, and it could also boot from a non‑zero drive unit (e.g., DK2 instead of DK0). Full PDP‑11/70 support wasn’t essential for me, but many PDP operating systems prefer or require a zero disk unit number. Since zero drives are at a premium in my emulator, V6 seemed more practical than V5.
After some searching I found a V6C installation tape available for download at RSTS.ORG. Curiously, I could not locate any other V5 or V6 distributions, though I did find old postings from others who had been looking for them too.
I downloaded the V6C tape and attempted to install it to an RK05 disk image using SIMH. The installer allowed me to initialize the disk, but copying files failed with a disk index error:
Option: COpy INIT bug - bad disk index Fatal RSTS/E system initialization error! Option:
Assuming I had made a mistake, I checked the installation manual and examples, but saw nothing different from what I was doing. I experimented with different sequences, output disk types, and SIMH configurations, but nothing worked.
I contacted Brett Bump from RSTS.ORG, who confirmed that the tape copy I was using had always had this problem — even back in 1984, when it produced the same error on a real PDP‑11/45.
I repeated my searches for a RSTS V5 or V6 distribution or disk image, but found nothing. In desperation I posted to alt.sys.pdp11 asking if anyone knew where to find one. No response. I also saw a photo of a DECTape V6 distribution at the Wolford Witch Project and emailed to ask about obtaining a copy, but again no reply. Even if a tape survived, finding hardware to read it would be another challenge.
Reconsidering the one tape I had, I wondered if the problem was minor — perhaps just a few flipped bits. If I examined the code, maybe I could spot the issue or work around it to force the copy routine to succeed. After all, I only needed to install RSTS once.
Using SIMH I examined the failing installation code. It was checking a device index, but because the value was negative it triggered the error. I determined that for an RK05 the index should be 6, which I validated experimentally. However, even after patching in the correct value, other strange errors appeared.
I considered whether RSTS V7 could be used to read the V6 tape, since V7 was the closest codebase I could find. I tried several test setups, but this approach never worked.
Returning to the V6 code, I eventually found a command dispatch routine — crucial for understanding what the installer was doing. Each command invoked a different routine, usually by calling a common subroutine with a parameter block. Oddly, the failing routine did not call the common subroutine. Dispatch was implemented via a JMP instruction into an index table, using R0 as an offset:
Option: COpy Breakpoint, PC: 031176 (JMP @36370(R0)) sim>
I searched the V7 installation for a similar dispatch routine, but found that V7 was structured completely differently. Its copy routine was merged into a common subroutine with other commands, unlike V6. Perhaps the V6 command table was corrupt? That line of investigation yielded nothing useful.
While disassembling code, I noticed a subroutine with similar inputs and initialization to the working disk initialize routine. It even called some of the same subroutines, including one to get the date and time. This looked promising, but the code was orphaned — nothing referenced it — and it would not run successfully when executed manually.
A few days later, while tracing again, I saw that the disk copy routine went wrong when it jumped to address 124000. The code there immediately tried to use register R4, which had not been initialized. I experimented with alternatives: perhaps R4 was meant to be another register, or perhaps address 124000 was corrupted. Eventually I realized that the suspected copy code was actually located at 123000, exactly one tape block earlier. Using a binary editor, I inserted a dummy tape block before the code at 123000, relocating it to 124000.
Below is the beginning of the disk initialize code, which works and is similar in function to the disk copy routine:
sim> ex -m 104002-104100 104002: MOV #12,R0 104006: MOV #113210,R2 104012: MOVB (R1)+,(R2)+ 104014: BEQ 104024 104016: SOB R0,104012 104020: CLRB 113211 104024: JSR PC,@#43620 104030: CLRB 42677
Here is the suspiciously similar orphaned code found at address 123000:
sim> ex -m 123000-123100 123000: MOV #12,R0 123004: MOV #135432,R2 123010: MOVB (R1)+,(R2)+ 123012: BEQ 123022 123014: SOB R0,123010 123016: CLRB 134433 123022: JSR PC,@#43620
And finally here is the failing COpy command code at address 124000 which looks very different and uses R4 which has not been initialized.
sim> ex -m 124000-12410 124000: MOV R2,52(R4) 124004: JSR PC,@#47726 124010: MOV R0,54(R4) 124014: JSR PC,126104 124020: JSR PC,125462 124024: JSR PC,@#46774
Adding the dummy block was an immediate success! It relocated the above orphaned code from address 123000 to 124000 and allowed the COpy command to work without error. As a minor downside the previously working disk INitialise command now complained about a missing BADB.SYS file. I used the V7 installation tape to initialize a disk containing BADB.SYS and then used the V6 COpy command to create the other files. It looked like I might actually be able to get a V6 installation working.
But alas the next step to build the key RSTS.SIL operating system load image failed. When reviewing the installation log it appeared that the Macro assembler had simply not produced any output object files during the build. No errors or messages were reported. One possibility was that the disk initialized by V7 was causing some sort of problem for the V6 system.
So it was time to go back and find out what I had broken by inserting the dummy tape block. By reviewing disassembly listings I determined that when I had added my dummy tape block I had inadvertently relocated other code which had previously worked. By moving my inserted dummy tape block to a different position I was able to get both disk INitialise and disk COpy routines to work.
Back to building my RSTS V6 system files. Still no success — the Macro assembler would not produce any files required for the build of RSTS.SIL, even though my own test Macros all worked perfectly.
Figuring that perhaps the MACRO assembler had been corrupted I took all of the V6 source files to a RSTS V7 system and tried to build the files there. Unfortunately this generated exactly the same problem — no output files and no error messages. How could that be?
I checked that my RSTS V7 system could properly build itself from its own source files. It did, confirming that its Macro assembler was fine. I began comparing the source macro files from V6 and V7. They shared some parts in common but also had many differences — just as you would expect from different versions of an operating system.
By experimenting with dummy input files I discovered that the problem was in a particular source file called KERNEL.MAC. When comparing the V6 file with the V7 file I noticed that V6 contained an incomplete definition for a macro — essentially the last part of a multi‑line definition was missing. When I corrected that by including content borrowed from the V7 source, the V6 modules built successfully. I was able to generate the V6 RSTS.SIL image file and complete the installation of RSTS V06C‑03.
It appears that when the RSTS Macro assembler encounters a multi‑line macro without an end, it assumes all of the remaining source is part of the definition. Eventually something overflows and it crashes without displaying any indication of error. My V6 Macro assembler was not corrupt — just the macro in the file KERNEL.MAC.
I decided to see if I could edit back into the installation tape the missing section of the KERNEL.MAC macro. I doubt it is a coincidence that the section I had to insert aligned to the start of a tape block and was exactly one tape block in length.
I think we can safely say that the installation tape has at least two completely missing blocks.
While comparing files I noticed another difference: the heading of another file called COMMON.MAC was missing its copyright statement. I suspect it is about one block in length and aligns on the installation tape to the start of a block. I didn’t bother correcting this error as so far it hasn’t caused any problems.
With two insertions of tape blocks the V6 installation tape now allows me to completely install and configure a working RSTS V06C‑03 system without error. Though it works, I will never completely trust it as there is no realistic way to detect what other bits may be missing. If any vital part had not been recoverable then I suspect RSTS V6 would have been lost forever.
It is nostalgic to look at this system and consider the different era it comes from. Many programmers like me cut their teeth on similar environments.
As it stands I am unaware of any other working RSTS V5 or V6 system. So please enjoy it — take the time to boot up RSTS/E V06C‑03 at
http://skn.noip.me/pdp11/pdp11.html and maybe play a game of ACEY.BAS.
Paul Nankervis
paulnank@hotmail.com
BOOT> boot tm1
Enabling only console, disks, and tapes.
RSTS V06C (MT1)
Option: DSKINT
DD-MMM-YY? 13-MAR-76
12:00 PM? 09:00
Disk? DK0
Pack ID? SYSGEN
Pack cluster size? 1
SATT.SYS base?
MFD password? SYSTEM
MFD cluster size? 8
PUB, PRI, or SYS? SYS
Library password? SYSTEM
Library UFD cluster size? 8
Date last modified? Y
New files first? N
Use previous bad block info? N
Format? N
Patterns? 0
Proceed (Y or N)? Y
Option: DSKINT
23-Mar-76? 13-MAR-76
09:01 AM? 09:00
Disk? DK2
Pack ID? VIXEN
Pack cluster size? 1
SATT.SYS base?
MFD password? SYSTEM
MFD cluster size? 8
PUB, PRI, or SYS? SYS
Library password? SYSTEM
Library UFD cluster size? 8
Date last modified? Y
New files first? N
Use previous bad block info? N
Format? N
Patterns? 0
Proceed (Y or N)? Y
Option: COPY
13-Mar-76?
09:00 AM?
To which disk? DK0
Enabling only console, disks, and tapes.
RSTS V06C (DK0)
Option: INSTALL
SIL? SYSGEN
Rebooting . . .
RSTS V06C (DK0)
Option: REFRESH
13-Mar-76?
09:00 AM?
Disk? DK0
Clean? Y
Disk is being cleaned - wait ...
REFRESH suboption? CHANGE
SWAP.SYS changes? Y
Size? 224
Base?
SWAP0.SYS changes?
SWAP1.SYS changes?
SWAP3.SYS changes?
OVR.SYS changes?
ERR.SYS changes?
BUFF.SYS changes?
CRASH.SYS changes?
Other files?
REFRESH suboption?
Option: DEFAULT
No defaults are currently set
You currently have: JOB MAX = 2, SWAP MAX = 16K.
JOB MAX or SWAP MAX changes? Y
New JOB MAX?
New SWAP MAX? 28
You currently have: JOB MAX = 2, SWAP MAX = 28K.
JOB MAX or SWAP MAX changes?
Run Time System? RT11
Error message file? ERR
Installation name? Vixen
Memory allocation table:
0K: 00000000 - 00117777 ( 20K) : EXEC
20K: 00120000 - 00137777 ( 4K) : RTS (RT11)
24K: 00140000 - 13777777 (1512K) : USER
1536K: 14000000 - End : NXM
Table suboption?
You currently have crash dump disabled.
Warning - CRASH.SYS file of 24 blocks is not available
Crash dump? N
Magtape labelling default (none)? DOS
Preferred clock (L)?
Date format (ALPHABETIC)?
Time format (AM/PM)?
Power fail delay (1)?
Option: START
You currently have: JOB MAX = 2, SWAP MAX = 28K.
JOB MAX or SWAP MAX changes?
Any memory allocation changes?
You currently have crash dump disabled.
13-Mar-76?
09:00 AM?
BUFF.SYS not found or too small - DECtape disabled
DF0: disabled - no RF: controller
DS0: disabled - no RS: controller
DS1: disabled - no RS: controller
DM0: disabled - no RM: controller
DM1: disabled - no RM: controller
DP0: disabled - no RP: controller
DP1: disabled - no RP: controller
DR0: disabled - no RR: controller
DR1: disabled - no RR: controller
DB0: disabled - no RB: controller
DB1: disabled - no RB: controller
MM0: disabled - no TU: controller
MM1: disabled - no TU: controller
DT0: disabled - no TC: controller
DT1: disabled - no TC: controller
DX0: disabled - no RX0: controller
DX1: disabled - no RX0: controller
17 devices disabled
?Can't find file or account
.R MT1:CREATE
^C
HELLO 1/2
Password:
1 other user is logged in under this account
.
.ASSIGN MT1: .DOS
.ASSIGN MT1: IN
.R IN:PIP.SAV
*SY:$*.*<232>=IN:$LOGIN.SAV,$LOGOUT.SAV,$PIP.SAV
*SY:$*.*<104>=IN:$UTILTY.SAV
*SY:$*.*<104>=IN:$MACRO.SAV,$CREF.SAV,$LINK.SAV
*SY:$*.*<104>=IN:$SILUS.SAV,$HOOK.SAV,$SYSGEN.SAV/NOREW
*SY:$*.*<124>=IN:$SYSBAT.SAV
*SY:$*.*<104>=IN:$ONLPAT.SAV
*DK:$*.*<40>=IN:$ERR.STB,$PIPSAV.TXT/NOREW
*^C
.DEASSIGN IN
.DEASSIGN MT1:
.R LOGOUT
Confirm: Y
Saved all disk files; 357 blocks in use
Job 2 User 1,2 logged off KB1 at 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
1 other user still logged in under this account
System RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
Run time was 0 seconds
Elapsed time was 0 minutes
Good morning
**13-Mar-76**
Beginning of RSTS/E system generation.
Questions come in long and short forms.
If you are familiar with them, answer
"S" for short; otherwise, answer "L" for
long form.
Form ? #S #
Same system ? #Y #
Distribution medium ? #MT#
Output medium ? #MT# DK
Pack ID ? #??# VIXEN
Delete files ? #NO# Y
LP for SYSGEN ? *Y * N
Generate monitor ? #Y # Y/L
Monitor name ? #RSTS#
Monitor patching ? #??# N
Save RT11.RTS and PIP.SAV ? #Y #
Generate BASIC-PLUS ? #Y #
BASIC-PLUS RTS name ? #BASIC#
BASIC-PLUS patching ? #??# N
Now you must specify the hardware con-
figuration on which this RSTS/E system
will run.
KL11,LC11,DL11A,DL11B's ? *03*
DL11C, DL11D's ? *00*
DC11's ? *00*
DL11E's ? *00*
DJ11's ? *00*
DH11's ? *00*
DZ11's ? *00*
Pseudo keyboards ? #04#
Multi-terminal service ? #Y #
Echo control ? #Y #
RC11/RS64's ? *NO*
RF/RS11's ? *NO*
RS03/RS04's ? *00*
RK05's ? #08# 4
Overlapped seek ? *Y * N
RK06's ? *00*
RP02/RP03's ? *00*
RM03's ? *00*
RP04/RP05/RP06's ? *00*
TU16/TE16/TU45's ? *00*
TU10/TE10/TS03's ? #08# 4
DECtapes ? *00*
Printers ? *01*
RX01's ? *00*
CR11/CM11 card reader ? *NO*
CD11 card reader ? *NO*
P.T. reader ? *Y *
P.T. punch ? *NO*
DMC11's ? *00*
2780 support ? #NO#
Maximum jobs ? #10# 8
Small buffers ? #152# 192
System wide logicals ? #10#
Monitor statistics ? #NO#
FIP buffering ? #Y #
Resident disk handling ? #Y #
Resident send/receive ? #NO# Y
Resident simple SYS calls ? #NO# Y
Resident file delete/rename ? #NO# Y
Res. login/attach/attribute ? #NO# Y
Resident catalog/lookup ? #NO# Y
The following questions deal with the
BASIC-PLUS run-time system
FPP ? *Y *
Math precision ? #02# 4
Log functions ? #Y #
Trig functions ? #Y #
Print using ? #Y #
Matrices ? #NO# Y
String arithmetic ? #NO#
The system generation dialog is finish-
ed. If you have any special requirements
which require editing the generated file
CONFIG.MAC(system configuration file) or
SYSGEN.CTL(batch control file) you may
do it now. When ready type "R SYSBAT".
.R SYSBAT
SYSGEN batch processing has started.
If any problems develop during the batch
process it may be aborted by typing
"Control/C". To restart type "R SYSBAT".
^C
HELLO 1/2
Password:
1 other user is logged in under this account
.
.SIZE 24
MOUNT AP-2773F-BC OR AP-2772F-BC ON A MAGTAPE DRIVE
WITH NO "WRITE RING" AND SET TO "ON LINE"
Mount MT:"SYSGNF"-write locked
Unit ? 1
.ASSIGN MT1: .DOS
.ASSIGN MT1: TAPE
.R PIP.SAV
**.*<40>=TAPE:$COMMON.MAC
**.*=TAPE:$*.MAC/HALT/NOREW
**.*=TAPE:$*.OBJ/HALT/NOREW
**.*=TAPE:$*.SAV/HALT/NOREW
*ODT.SAV<60>/RE
*DEFALT.SAV<60>/RE
**.*=TAPE:$*.STB/HALT/NOREW
*^C
Dismount MT1:
.DEASSIGN TAPE
.DEASSIGN MT1:
.ASSIGN SY: IN
.R PIP.SAV
*TBL.OBJ,TTDINT.OBJ,TTDVR.OBJ/DE
?Can't find file or account - file TBL .OBJ - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TTDINT.OBJ - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TTDVR .OBJ - continuing
*TBL.LST,TTDINT.LST,TTDVR.LST/DE
?Can't find file or account - file TBL .LST - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TTDINT.LST - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TTDVR .LST - continuing
*RSTS.SAV,TER.SAV,EMT.SAV,FIP.SAV,OVR.SAV/DE
?Can't find file or account - file RSTS .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TER .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file EMT .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file FIP .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file OVR .SAV - continuing
*RSTS.MAP,TER.MAP,EMT.MAP,FIP.MAP,OVR.MAP/DE
?Can't find file or account - file RSTS .MAP - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TER .MAP - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file EMT .MAP - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file FIP .MAP - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file OVR .MAP - continuing
*RSTS.STB,TER.STB,EMT.STB,FIP.STB,OVR.STB/DE
?Can't find file or account - file RSTS .STB - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file TER .STB - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file EMT .STB - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file FIP .STB - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file OVR .STB - continuing
*NSP.SAV,RJ2780.SAV/DE
?Can't find file or account - file NSP .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file RJ2780.SAV - continuing
*NSP.MAP,RJ2780.MAP/DE
?Can't find file or account - file NSP .MAP - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file RJ2780.MAP - continuing
*NSP.STB,RJ2780.STB/DE
?Can't find file or account - file NSP .STB - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file RJ2780.STB - continuing
*^C
.R MACRO.SAV
*TTDVR=IN:COMMON,KERNEL,DK:CONFIG,IN:CHECK,KBDEF,TTDVR
ERRORS DETECTED: 0
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*TTDVR.MAC/DE
*^C
.R MACRO.SAV
*TTDINT=IN:COMMON,KERNEL,DK:CONFIG,IN:CHECK,KBDEF,TTDINT
ERRORS DETECTED: 0
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*KBDEF.MAC,TTDINT.MAC/DE
*^C
.R MACRO.SAV
*TBL=IN:COMMON,KERNEL,DK:CONFIG,IN:CHECK,TBL
ERRORS DETECTED: 0
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*COMMON.MAC,KERNEL.MAC,CHECK.MAC,TBL.MAC/DE
*^C
.R LINK.SAV
*RSTS/Z,RSTS/A/W,RSTS=TBL,$ERR.STB/X/B:0/U:#1000/I/C
*TTDINT/C
*IN:RSTS
Round section? MORBUF
Library search? BUF
Library search? LIGHTS
Library search?
*^C
.R LINK.SAV
*TER/Z,TER/A/W,TER=IN:TER,DK:RSTS.STB/X/B:#117000/U:#1000/C
*TTDVR
Round section? TERPAT
*^C
.R LINK.SAV
*EMT/Z,EMT/A/W,EMT=IN:EMT,DK:RSTS.STB/X/B:#117000/U:#1000/C
*IN:RSTS
Round section? EMTPAT
*^C
.R LINK.SAV
*FIP/Z,FIP/A/W,FIP=IN:FIP,DK:RSTS.STB/X/B:#117000/U:#1000/I/C
*IN:RSTS
Round section? FIPPAT
Library search? OPN
Library search? UUO
Library search? SND
Library search? LIN
Library search? DLN
Library search? DIR
Library search?
*^C
.R LINK.SAV
*OVR/Z,OVR/A/W,OVR=IN:OVR,DK:FIP.STB/X/B:#1000/C
*IN:RSTS
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*TBL.OBJ,TTDINT.OBJ,TTDVR.OBJ/DE
*RSTS.OBJ,TER.OBJ,EMT.OBJ,FIP.OBJ,OVR.OBJ/DE
*^C
.R SILUS.SAV
*RSTS.SIL=RSTS,TER/M,EMT/M,FIP/M/C
*OVR/M/C
*IN:ODT,DEFALT
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*RSTS.SAV,RSTS.STB/DE
*TER.SAV,TER.STB/DE
*EMT.SAV,EMT.STB/DE
*FIP.SAV,FIP.STB/DE
*OVR.SAV,OVR.STB/DE
*ODT.SAV,ODT.STB/DE
*DEFALT.SAV,DEFALT.STB/DE
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*BASIC.SAV,BASIC.STB/DE
?Can't find file or account - file BASIC .SAV - continuing
?Can't find file or account - file BASIC .STB - continuing
MOUNT AP-2773F-BC OR AP-2772F-BC ON A MAGTAPE DRIVE
WITH NO "WRITE RING" AND SET TO "ON LINE"
Mount MT:"SYSGNF"-write locked
Unit ? 1
*^C
.ASSIGN MT1: .DOS
.ASSIGN MT1: TAPE
.R PIP.SAV
**.*=TAPE:$RTS.OBJ
**.*=TAPE:$*.OBJ/NOREW
*^C
Dismount MT1:
.DEASSIGN TAPE
.DEASSIGN MT1:
.R LINK.SAV
*BASIC/Z,BASIC/A/W,BASIC=IN:RTS,DK:$ERR.STB/X/H:#177776/U:#4000/C
*IN:MA4F/C
*IN:XL4F/C
*IN:XT4F/C
*IN:IO/C
*IN:PU/C
*IN:MX/C
*IN:SN/C
*IN:VE
Round section? PA
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*RTS.OBJ/DE
*MA2.OBJ,MA2I.OBJ,MA2F.OBJ,MA4.OBJ,MA4F.OBJ,MA4D.OBJ/DE
*XL2.OBJ,XL2I.OBJ,XL2F.OBJ,XL4.OBJ,XL4F.OBJ/DE
*XT2.OBJ,XT2I.OBJ,XT2F.OBJ,XT4.OBJ,XT4F.OBJ/DE
*SF.OBJ,IO.OBJ,PU.OBJ,MX.OBJ/DE
*SN.OBJ,VE.OBJ/DE
*^C
.R SILUS.SAV
*BASIC.RTS=BASIC
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*BASIC.SAV,BASIC.STB/DE
*^C
.DEASSIGN IN
MOUNT THE NEWLY INITIALIZED DISK "VIXEN" ON A DISK DRIVE
READY AND WRITE ENABLE THE DRIVE
Mount DK:"VIXEN "-write enabled
Unit ? 2
.ASSIGN DK2: VIXEN
.R PIP.SAV
*VIXEN:[0,1]*.*=SY0:[0,1]INIT.SYS
*^C
.R HOOK.SAV
*VIXEN:[0,1]INIT.SYS
Hook complete
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*VIXEN:[0,1]*.*/CLU:-8./MODE:16.=SY0:[0,1]ERR.ERR
*VIXEN:[0,1]*.*=RSTS.SIL
*^C
.R PIP.SAV
*VIXEN:[0,1]*.*/MODE:16.=BASIC.RTS
*VIXEN:[0,1]*.*/MODE:16.=SY0:[0,1]RT11.RTS
*VIXEN:$*.*=$PIP.SAV,$PIPSAV.TXT
*BASIC.RTS/DE
*^C
Dismount DK2:
.DEASSIGN VIXEN
.R LOGOUT
Confirm: Y
Saved all disk files; 790 blocks in use
Job 2 User 1,2 logged off KB1 at 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
1 other user still logged in under this account
System RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
Run time was 1.7 seconds
Elapsed time was 0 minutes
Good morning
Batch job completed.
.
BOOT> boot rk2
Enabling only console, disks, and tapes.
RSTS V06C (DK2)
Option: INSTALL
SIL? RSTS
Rebooting . . .
RSTS V06C (DK2)
Option: HARDWR
HARDWR suboption? HERTZ
New AC line hertz? 50
HARDWR suboption?
1 change being made.
Rebooting . . .
RSTS V06C (DK2)
Option: REFRESH
DD-MMM-YY? 13-MAR-76
12:00 PM? 09:00
Disk? DK2
Clean? Y
Disk is being cleaned - wait ...
REFRESH suboption? CHANGE
SWAP.SYS changes? Y
Size? 448
Base?
SWAP0.SYS changes?
SWAP1.SYS changes?
SWAP3.SYS changes?
OVR.SYS changes?
ERR.SYS changes?
BUFF.SYS changes?
CRASH.SYS changes?
Other files?
REFRESH suboption?
Option: DEFAULT
No defaults are currently set
You currently have: JOB MAX = 8, SWAP MAX = 16K.
JOB MAX or SWAP MAX changes? Y
New JOB MAX? 4
New SWAP MAX? 28
You currently have: JOB MAX = 4, SWAP MAX = 28K.
JOB MAX or SWAP MAX changes?
Run Time System? BASIC
Error message file? ERR
Installation name? Vixen
Memory allocation table:
0K: 00000000 - 00137777 ( 24K) : EXEC
24K: 00140000 - 00237777 ( 16K) : RTS (BASIC)
40K: 00240000 - 13777777 (1496K) : USER
1536K: 14000000 - End : NXM
Table suboption?
You currently have crash dump disabled.
Warning - CRASH.SYS file of 28 blocks is not available
Crash dump? N
Magtape labelling default (none)? DOS
Preferred clock (L)?
Date format (NUMERIC)? AL
Time format (24-HOUR)? AM
Power fail delay (1)?
Option:
You currently have: JOB MAX = 4, SWAP MAX = 28K.
You currently have crash dump disabled.
13-Mar-76?
09:00 AM?
?Can't find file or account
?Program lost-Sorry
Ready
RUN MT1:BUILD
BUILD V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
System Build <No>? Y
Source Input Device <MT1:/DENSITY:800/PARITY:ODD>?
Library Output Device <SY:>?
Target System Device <SY0:>?
Library Account <[1,2]>?
*** Copying file MT1:[1,2]BUILD.CTL to SY:BUILD.TMP
ASSIGN SY0:SYSDSK
ASSIGN [1,2]
ASSIGN MT1:INPUT
OLD INPUT:$LOGIN
COMPILE SYSDSK:@LOGIN
CHAIN 'INPUT:$BUILD' 31000
Ready
Ready
Ready
Ready
Ready
Ready
BUILD Detaching...
^C
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
#1/2
Password:
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to?
1 other user is logged in under this account
Ready
ASSIGN SY0:SYSDSK
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSTEM
Ready
ASSIGN [1,2]
Ready
ASSIGN MT1:INPUT
Ready
!********** BUILD.CTL - STANDARD LIBRARY PROGRAMS
OLD INPUT:$PATCPY
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@PATCPY
Ready
OLD INPUT:$PBUILD
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@PBUILD
Ready
OLD INPUT:$CPATCH
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@CPATCH
Ready
OLD INPUT:$AUTOED
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@AUTOED
Ready
OLD INPUT:$LOGOUT
Ready
COMPILE SYSDSK:@LOGOUT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$UTILTY
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@UTILTY
Ready
OLD INPUT:$UTILT1
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@UTILT1
Ready
OLD INPUT:$INIT
Ready
COMPILE SYSDSK:@INIT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$SHUTUP
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@SHUTUP
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ERRBLD
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ERRBLD
Ready
RUN SYSTEM:@ERRBLD
ERRBLD V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ERRINT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ERRINT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ERRCPY
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ERRCPY
Ready
OLD INPUT:$PIPSML
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@PIPSML<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$DIRECT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@DIRECT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$TTYSET
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@TTYSET
Ready
OLD INPUT:$SYSTAT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@SYSTAT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$EDIT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@EDIT<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$EDITCH
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@EDITCH<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$BUILD
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@BUILD
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ERRDIS
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ERRDIS
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ERRDET
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ERRDET
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ANALYS
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ANALYS
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ANALY1
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ANALY1
Ready
OLD INPUT:$SYSCAT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@SYSCAT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$PRIOR
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@PRIOR
Ready
OLD INPUT:$ODT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@ODT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$REACT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@REACT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$REORDR
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@REORDR
Ready
OLD INPUT:$DSKINT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@DSKINT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$UMOUNT
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@UMOUNT
Ready
OLD INPUT:$COPY
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@COPY<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$FILCOM
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@FILCOM<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$QUOLST
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@QUOLST
Ready
OLD INPUT:$MONEY
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@MONEY<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$GRIPE
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@GRIPE
Ready
OLD INPUT:$TALK
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@TALK
Ready
OLD INPUT:$PLEASE
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@PLEASE
Ready
OLD INPUT:$INUSE
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@INUSE<40>
Ready
OLD INPUT:$SWITCH
Ready
COMPILE SYSTEM:@SWITCH
Ready
RUN SYSTEM:@PIPSML
PIPSML V06C-03 - RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#SYSTEM:@NOTICE.TXT<40>=INPUT:$NOTICE.TXT/FA
#SYSTEM:@HELP .TXT<40>=INPUT:$HELP .TXT/FA
#SYSDSK:@START .CTL =INPUT:$START .CTL/FA
#SYSTEM:@TTY .CMD =INPUT:$TTY .CMD/FA
#SYSTEM:@SPOOL .CMD =INPUT:$SPOOL .CMD/FA
#SYSTEM:@RTS .CMD =INPUT:$RTS .CMD/FA
#SYSTEM:@CCL .CMD =INPUT:$CCL .CMD/FA
#SYSDSK:@CRASH .CTL =INPUT:$CRASH .CTL/FA
#SYSTEM:@ANALYS.CMD =INPUT:$ANALYS.CMD
#SYSTEM:@UTILTY.TXT =INPUT:$UTILTY.TXT/FA
#SYSTEM:@PIPSML.TXT<40>=INPUT:$PIPSML.TXT/FA
#SYSTEM:@DIRECT.HLP<40>=INPUT:$DIRECT.HLP/FA
#SYSTEM:@ERRDIS.HLP =INPUT:$ERRDIS.HLP/FA
#SYSTEM:@ACCT .SYS =INPUT:$ACCT .SYS/FA
#SYSTEM:@COPY .TXT<40>=INPUT:$COPY .TXT/FA
#=SYSDSK:@LOGIN .BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSDSK:@LOGOUT.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@DIRECT.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@TTYSET.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@SYSTAT.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@UMOUNT.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@QUOLST.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@GRIPE .BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@TALK .BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@PLEASE.BAC<232>/RE
#=SYSTEM:@SWITCH.BAC<232>/RE
#^Z
Ready
RUN SYSTEM:@UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#LOGINS
#EXIT
Ready
^C
Ready
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 [1,2] KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to? 1
Attaching to job 1
BUILD Complete
Ready
RUN MT1:BUILD
BUILD V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
System Build <No>?
Source Input Device <MT1:/DENSITY:800/PARITY:ODD>?
Library Output Device <SY:>?
Library Account <[1,2]>?
Control File is? MT1:RSXBLD.CTL
*** Copying file MT1:RSXBLD.CTL to SY:BUILD.TMP
BUILD Detaching...
^C
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
#1/2
Password:
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to?
1 other user is logged in under this account
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSDSK
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSTEM
Ready
ASSIGN [1,2]
Ready
ASSIGN MT1:INPUT
Ready
!
! BUILD PROCEDURE FOR RSX RUN-TIME SYSTEM AND UTILITIES
!
!
! MAKE SURE RT11 RUN-TIME SYSTEM IS ADDED
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD RT11
#EXIT
Ready
!
! COPY RUN-TIME SYSTEM FROM DISTRIBUTION KIT
!
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:[0,1]=INPUT:$RSX.RTS/BL
*SYSTEM:[0,1]/MODE:16.=SYSTEM:[0,1]RSX.RTS
*^Z
Ready
!
! ADD THE RUN-TIME SYSTEM
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD SYSTEM:RSX
#EXIT
Ready
!
! COPY SYSTEM LIBRARIES AND PROGRAMS TO TARGET SYSTEM
!
ASSIGN <40>
Ready
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$SYSLIB.OLB/BL
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RSXMAC.SML/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$TKB.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$MAC.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$LBR.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$PAT.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$EDT.TSK/BL
*SY:=INPUT:$EDTCOM.TXT
*^Z
Ready
!
! ENSURE RIGHT RTS NAMES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH .TSK FILES
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@TKB.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@MAC.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@LBR.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@PAT.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@EDT.TSK
#EXIT
Ready
!
! ADD THE FOLLOWING UTILTY COMMANDS TO SYSTEM START-UP FILE
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#CCL TKB=$TKB.TSK
#CCL MAC=$MAC.TSK
#CCL LBR=$LBR.TSK
#CCL PAT=$PAT.TSK
#CCL EDT=$EDT.TSK
#EXIT
Ready
!
! EXTRACT ODT.OBJ FROM SYSLIB
!
LBR SYSTEM:[1,1]ODT=SYSTEM:[1,1]SYSLIB/EX:ODTRSX
Ready
!
! FORMAT THE EDITOR'S DIAGNOSTIC TEXT FILE
! IF THE FILE DOESN'T EXIST ALREADY, EXPECT AN ERROR MESSAGE
!
RUN SYSTEM:@EDT
EDT>SYSTEM:@EDTCOM.MSG=SY:EDTCOM.TXT
DIAGNOSTIC FILE NOT PRESENT OR INCORRECTLY DEFINED
*EX/DI
162 LINES OUTPUT
Ready
!
! CREATE A PIP.BAC FOR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES DEPENDING ON IT
!
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:@.BAC/PR=$PIP.SAV
*^Z
Ready
!
! END OF RSX BUILD PROCEDURE
!
DEASSIGN
Ready
^C
Ready
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 [1,2] KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to? 1
Attaching to job 1
BUILD Complete
Ready
RUN MT1:BUILD
BUILD V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
System Build <No>?
Source Input Device <MT1:/DENSITY:800/PARITY:ODD>?
Library Output Device <SY:>?
Library Account <[1,2]>?
Control File is? MT1:RMSBLD.CTL
*** Copying file MT1:RMSBLD.CTL to SY:BUILD.TMP
BUILD Detaching...
^C
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
#1/2
Password:
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to?
1 other user is logged in under this account
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSDSK
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSTEM
Ready
ASSIGN [1,2]
Ready
ASSIGN MT1:INPUT
Ready
!
! BUILD PROCEDURE FOR RMS RUN-TIME SYSTEM AND UTILITIES
!
!
! MAKE SURE RT11 RUN-TIME SYSTEM IS ADDED
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD RT11
?Name or account now exists - in ADD
#EXIT
Ready
!
! COPY RUN-TIME SYSTEM FROM DISTRIBUTION KIT
!
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:[0,1]=INPUT:$RMS11.RTS/BL
*SYSTEM:[0,1]/MODE:16.=SYSTEM:[0,1]RMS11.RTS
*^Z
Ready
!
! ADD THE RUN-TIME SYSTEM
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD SYSTEM:RMS11
#EXIT
Ready
!
! COPY THE RMS COMPONENTS TO THE TARGET SYSTEM
!
ASSIGN <40>
Ready
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RMS11.ODL
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RMS11.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RMS11.STB
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RMSMAC.MLB/BL
*SYSTEM:[1,1]=INPUT:$RMSLIB.OLB/BL
*^Z
Ready
!
! COPY THE RMS UTILITIES TO THE TARGET LIBRARY
!
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$RMSBCK.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<232>=INPUT:$RMSRST.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$RMSDFN.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$RMSDEF.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$RMSDSP.TSK/BL
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$RMSCNV.TSK/BL
*^Z
Ready
!
! ENSURE CORRECT RTS NAME IS ASSOCIATED WITH .TSK FILES
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSBCK.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSRST.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSDFN.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSDEF.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSDSP.TSK
#NAME RSX=SYSTEM:@RMSCNV.TSK
#EXIT
Ready
!
! ADD THE FOLLOWING UTILTY COMMANDS TO SYSTEM START-UP FILE
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#CCL BCK=$RMSBCK.TSK
#CCL RST=$RMSRST.TSK;PRIV
#CCL DFN=$RMSDFN.TSK
#CCL DEF=$RMSDEF.TSK
#CCL DSP=$RMSDSP.TSK
#CCL CNV=$RMSCNV.TSK
#EXIT
Ready
!
! END OF RMS BUILD PROCEDURE
!
DEASSIGN
Ready
^C
Ready
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 [1,2] KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to? 1
Attaching to job 1
BUILD Complete
Ready
RUN MT1:BUILD
BUILD V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
System Build <No>?
Source Input Device <MT1:/DENSITY:800/PARITY:ODD>?
Library Output Device <SY:>?
Library Account <[1,2]>?
Control File is? MT1:$TECBLD.CTL
*** Copying file MT1:$TECBLD.CTL to SY:BUILD.TMP
BUILD Detaching...
^C
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
#1/2
Password:
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to?
1 other user is logged in under this account
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSDSK
Ready
ASSIGN SY:SYSTEM
Ready
ASSIGN [1,2]
Ready
ASSIGN MT1:INPUT
Ready
!
! BUILD PROCEDURE FOR TECO
!
!
! MAKE SURE RT11 RUN-TIME SYSTEM IS ADDED
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD RT11
?Name or account now exists - in ADD
#EXIT
Ready
!
! COPY ALL TECO COMPONENTS FROM DISTRIBUTION KIT
!
RUN $PIP.SAV
*SYSTEM:[0,1]<60>=INPUT:$TECO.RTS
*SYSTEM:[0,1]<60>/MODE:16.=SYSTEM:[0,1]TECO.RTS
*SYSTEM:@<232>=INPUT:$TECO.TEC
*SYSTEM:@<232>=INPUT:$VT52.TEC
*SYSTEM:@<104>=INPUT:$TYPE.TEC
*SYSTEM:@< 40>=INPUT:$TECO.DOC
*^Z
Ready
!
! SET RTS NAME TO TECO FOR THE .TEC FILES
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#NAME TECO=SYSTEM:@TECO.TEC
#NAME TECO=SYSTEM:@VT52.TEC
#NAME TECO=SYSTEM:@TYPE.TEC
#EXIT
Ready
!
! ADD THE FOLLOWING UTILTY COMMANDS TO SYSTEM START-UP FILE
!
RUN $UTILTY
UTILTY V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
#ADD TECO
#CCL MAK-E=$TECO.TEC;0
#CCL MU-NG=$TECO.TEC;0
#CCL TE-CO=$TECO.TEC;0
#CCL TY-PE=$TYPE.TEC;8
#EXIT
Ready
!
! END OF BUILD PROCEDURE FOR TECO
!
DEASSIGN
Ready
^C
Ready
HELLO
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen Job 2 [1,2] KB0 13-Mar-76 09:00 AM
Job 1 is detached under this account
Job number to attach to? 1
Attaching to job 1
BUILD Complete
Ready
RUN TTYSET
TTYSET V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
Terminal characteristics program
? LC INPUT
? ^Z
Ready
run pip
*$*.*<40>=MT1:$MACRO.SAV,$CREF.SAV,$LINK.SAV,$LIBR.SAV
*notice.txt<40>=tt:
Welcome to RSTS V06C-03 time sharing
This system was installed from a tape with missing blocks!!
Errors which caused the installation and build to fail have been
manually patched or worked around. The result is a system which
runs but should not be relied upon too much.
I don't have any optional software tapes so this is a pretty basic
system (pun intended)
Rather interesting to look back at how things were done in the
good old days.
Paul Nankervis
paulnank@hotmail.com
http://skn.noip.me/pdp11/pdp11.html
^Z
*^Z
Ready
run react
REACT V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
System Account Manager
Function? s
Account [1,1] being bypassed
Account [1,2] on System Disk being bypassed
All Accounts in Account File are now Entered
Function? e
Proj,Prog? 11,70
Disk:Password? sy:pdp
Quota? 500
Cluster Size? 2
Account Name? PDP 11/70 Emulator
Proj,Prog? ^Z
Ready
mount dk1: vixen
Ready
run pip
*teco.doc/de
*[11,70]=dk1:[11,70]*.*
*^Z
Ready
run $shutup
SHUTUP V06C-03 RSTS V06C-03 Vixen
######## Set-up Dialogue Phase ########
Type 'ESC'('ALT') to any query to backup one (1) step
'OPSER' not running
Minutes until system shutdown (0-99) <5>? 0
######## Warning Message Phase ########
Further LOGINs are now disabled
######## Initial Job Killing Phase ########
######## Unload/Remove RTS Phase ########
######## SWAP File Removal Phase ########
######## Disk DISMOUNT Phase ########
######## Final Shutdown Phase ########
Please wait for system to re-boot itself
RSTS V06C-03 Vixen (DK2)
Option: