HARDWARE NEWS A full microcomputer system with floppy discs available from Rapid Recall A full microcomputer system employing two full sized floppy discs is available from Rapid Recall. The system known as the DEC I lV03-L includes a microprocessor (LSI-I1), random access memory (32K bytes), a data terminal, two double density floppy discs (1M byte), and the necessary operating system software. Designed to save money, time and effort for OEM's, the l lV03-L costs considerably less than the sum of the component values. It is a simple to use and simple to install system, that is totally compatible with the rest of the PDP-II family, thus allowing larger or smaller systems to be configured without having to scrap original software. Included in the 11V03-L system is the RX02 double density floppy disc system. The RX02 is reliable and will store up to 512K bytes per disc. The RX02 subsystem consists of two drives, a read/write module, microprogrammed control module and a power supply all contained in a self-cooled chassis. The system has a direct memory access capability which increases the system throughput. Parity checks and cyclic redundancy checks are carried out to ensure data integrity. The average access time (including head positioning, settling and rotation time) is less than 483 msec, and an average transfer rate is 20K bytes per second. The l l/03-L microcomputer is a high performance, versatile, based version of the popular 16-bit LSI-11 microcomputer. In its packaged system form, the 11/03-L also includes an extended/floating point instruction set that provides integer multiply and divide, arithmetic shifts and single or double precision floating point arithmetic, 32K byte of MOS random access memory and the BDV11-AA bootstrap/diagnostic/PROM-ROM module with serial line interface. A choice of two data terminals is offered with the system: the LA36 DECwriter II, or the VT-100 VDU. The LA36 DECwriter II is a compact, quiet, 300 baud keyboard/printer which can be operated either locally or remotely. The VT-100, DEC's latest video terminal, has a 132-column, 7 x9 dot matrix display which displays characters with true descenders and ascenders for easy reading. Other features of this terminal include selectable double height/double width characters, double intensity, normal Or reverse video, blinking, underlining, and variable tabulation. The detachable typewriter style keyboard has a separate !8-key numeric/control keypad. The operating system supplied with this system is RTI1 which is a high performance disc-based package designed for interactive program development and online applications. RT-11 will support Fortran IV, Basic, multi-user Basic and APL language processors. Additional options are available for users of the 11V03L system including a programmable crystal clock, additional data terminals (graphic CRT's and high speed printers), RSX-11S multiprogramming operating system and high-level language processors such as Fortran, Basic and APL. This system is ideal in small applications, with all the necessary hardware supplied in one simple purchase.
They are also very useful development tools for OEM's planning to use the smaller ll/03s or LSI-11s in instrumentation control or communications systems. Power supplies for the system is either 115V or 230V at 50-60 Hz. As with all systems supplied by Rapid Recall comprehensive Service Contracts are available. Rapid Recall, 6 Soho Mills, Wooburn Industrial Park, Wooburn Green, Bucks, UK.
Intei publish a guide to the microcomputer and memory families Intel (UK) have just published a 20-page brochure~ called
Intelligence, which provides a brief description of all their microcomputer families as well as the most popular memory products. The main characteristics of each family is discussed in turn and brief details of the support available are given. Tlae brochure is intended for engineers who are unfamiliar to Inters product range and is available free of charge. lntel Corporation (UK) l.td, Dorcan House, Eldene Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 3TU, UK.
Burr-Brown publish a data sheet on their new TM25 display terminal Burr-Brown have published an interim data sheet on their low cost TM25 display terminal. The leaflet describes the unit in detail, gives examples of its applications and provides ordering information. A full manual on the TM25 will be available soon. Designed to be mounted on a control console, the compact TM25 provides a simple human/computer interface. The TM25 comprises an eight-digit hexadecimal display, a numeric or hexadecimal keyboard with decimal point and minus keys, seven function lights, seven function keys, a CLEAR key and an ENTER key. Interface to a computer is achieved using either CCITT V24 (EIA RS232-C) or 2 mA current loop (both standard) which are brought out to a standard 25 pin connector. One pin of this connector is also used for the 15 V power supply. Communication can be at either 110 or 300 baud. Information from the computer can be either decimal or hexadecimal, and is presented on the display. Some typical applications for the TM25 include test equipment control, video monitor control, an identification control, a product ordering terminal, a machine controller and a data acquisition terminal. All versions are priced at £176.80 (1 off)and £98.35 (250 up). Delivery is 2-4 weeks for small quantities. Burr-Brown International, Cassiobury House, 11-19 Station Road, Watford, Herts, UK.
High performance industrial grade single chip 8-bit microcomputers from lntel Two new high performance industrial grade 8-bit microcomputers have been introduced by Intel. Known as the ID 8049 and ID 8039 they are manufactured on a single silicon chip using Intel's N-channel silicon gate MOS process.
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As with all Intel industrial grade products, the ID 8049/8039 microcomputers are designed to operate within extended operating temperatures (-40°C to + 85°C), and, since they are intended for use in severe industrial environments, they are fully tested and burnedin prior to deli~/ery. The ID 8049 contains 2K x 8 ROM memory, 128 x 8 RAM memory, 27 I/O lines and an 8-bit timer/counter in addition to on-board oscillator and clock circuits. The ID 8039 is identical to the 8049 except that it does not have any ROM memory and is mainly intended for prototype and pre-production systems employing external program memories. Both devices can operate at high speed of up to 11 MHz clock rate. Designed to be an efficient controller as well as an arithmetic processor the ID 8049 and ID 8039 have extensive bit handling capability as well as facilities for both binary and BCD arithmetic. The instruction set for both microprocessors consists mainly of single byte instructions (7070) and no instruction is greater than 2 bytes, thus very efficient use is made of existing program m~mory. The ID 8049, when employed in systems requiring extra ROM capacity, can be easily expanded using standard memories and MCS 80/MCS 85 peripherals. lntel International, Parc Seny, Rud du Moulin a Papier, 51-Boite 1, B-1160 Brussels, Belgium.
Rapid Recall's pocket guide to lntel OEM computers Rapid Recall have just published a pocket guide to the Intel iSBC range of single-board OEM computers and expansion boards. The guide, although very small in size, provides all the most significant data and incorporates a simple system configuration planner. Rapid Recall carry verp large stocks of Intel systems and offer their customers the choice of a variety of service contracts. These include a flat rate repair scheme under which faulty boards can be returned for repair at a fixed charge.
Dual standard switchable EIA/ASCII ASR from Data Dynamics Available from Data Dynamics is a ZIP ASR terminal (MZ004) which will operate with either EIA or ASCII coded systems, depending on the position of a switch. Data Dynamics are able to provide dual standard coding on their ZIP terminals because of the modular design and because the internal microprocessor has been programmed with flexibility in mind. The ZIP ASR is a rugged 5 x 7 dot matrix printer and will operate at either 110 or 300 baud. There is a choice of AZERTY or QWERTY keyboards. An internal buffer ensures that a true 30 characters per second print rate is maintained, and a last character visibility feature is included as standard. Teletype 33 owners who are up-
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grading will be pleased that ZIP terminals employ standard Teleprinter roll paper. In fact, the ZIP ASR is a direct plug-in replacement for the Teletype 33, offering a 20070 increase in speed while employing the same stationery. If desired, the ZIP ASR can be switched to 10 characters per second operation. The speed change facility allows the terminal to be upgraded at the touch of a switch. In addition to friction platen printers, sprocket fed versions are also available. There is a choice of 80 or 132 columns print width and a red/black printing option. The standard interface if CCITT V24 (RS232) or 20 mA current loop. As standard, Punch and Reader control can either be carried out manually using convenient push buttons, automatically in response to coded signals from the line or by actuating internal relays via Reader/Punch control inputs.
Data Dynamics publish a brochure on their new DD912 and DD920 VDUs Data Dynamics have published a brochure on their new DD912 and DD920 visual display units. The brochure gives a general introduction to both models and highlights the major differences. Also included is a complete breakdown of the control keys on each terminal with a functional description of their operation. Full specifications and escape sequences of the terminals are listed. The DD912 and DD920 employ the latest silicon microcircuit technologies to provide a high level of inbuilt versatility at a low cost. Both are very similar in appearance and design, however, the DD920 has an additional eleven user designated function keys and several extra dedicated editing and transmission control keys which initiate actions that require 'escape' or 'control' sequences on the model 912. Both models have a separate numeric keyboard which includes 0-9, TAB, full stop and RETURN KEYS. The display has a 1920 character capacity arranged in 24 lines of 80 characters. The full upper and lower case 96 character alphabet can be displayed in 7 x 10 dot matrix format. Display features include blinking characters, underlined characters, white on black characters, black on white characters, protected characters, secure characters (not displayed) and characters displayed at half intensity. Up, down, left and right cursor control keys are included as are new line, home tab and back tab. Cursor control can be by either operator or the host computer. Data transmission on both models can be either character-by-character (conversational mode) or a full J screen at a time (block mode) at transmission speeds of 75 to 19,200 baud (in ten steps). Interfaces on the 912 and 920 are both V24 (RS232C) and 20 mA current loop as standard. Only two options are available, everything else is standard: a printer port controlled by a 'print' key and an extra 1920 character page of memory. Data Dynamics, Data House, Springfield Road, Hayes, Middx, UK.