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PDP-10 Archives
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decuslib10-08
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43,50473/pia.txt
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Notes on DTCERT for the Installer
Note on PI assignment. DTCERT must run on a channel high
enough so it does not get the error message DATA MISSED.
Anything higher is nice but not necessary. PI1 is the
highest priority level and PI7 is the lowest. The easiest
way to find out what channel to run DTCERT on is by trial
(unless you know how your system PI channels are used. If
so, DTCERT will need to be higher than the clock). At the
University of Arizona, due to our configuration, we run
DTCERT on PI channel 1. Other sites may wish to start by
setting the symbol PIA to 4. Assemble DTCERT as per the
instructions below. Run DTCERT and try to certify some
tapes. If you get the message DATA MISSED, reassemble for a
higher PI channel. If you get the message RATTRP UUO
FAILED, you either are not priviliged or the PI channel is
occupied by a BLKI/O and cannot be used by this program.
Try all the PI channels until you have tried PI1 if
necessary.
DTCERT must interupt the processer once ever 400uS when
writing the timing marks and spends about 50uS to 90uS at
interrupt level when doing so. If you get DATA MISSED even
on the highest PI channel, it may be necessary that you
certify DECtapes on a lightly loaded system (not on prime
shift). DTCERT will use about 12% to 20% of the processer
when certifying tapes depending on the processer used.
The author has certified DECTAPEs in the middle of the day
when the system was heavily loaded on KI-10s and on KL-10s
and found that DATA MISSED errors occur every 3 to 4 tapes
certified. We know of nothing that can be done. Some other
program is probably spending too much time with the PI
system disabled or at a higher channel every once in a
while. The only known solution is to try to certify the
tape again. We have never had any trouble with any tape
certified or recertified using this DTCERT program.
Assembly instructions:
.R MACRO
*DTCERT,DTCERT/CREF=DTCERT
*^C
.LOAD DTCERT.REL
.SAVE DTCERT
.R CREF
*DTCERT.LST=DTCERT.CRF
*^C
If you have any problems with DTCERT, please report them to the
University of Arizona Computer Center so that they may be repaired.
Suggested code and enhancements are welcome.
Chris Janton
System Programmer
University of Arizona Computer Center
Tucson, Arizona 85721
Phone: (602) 884-1233