Maxc - Revision history

Jnc: /* External links */ +Original boards from a Xerox MAXC Time Sharing System

2024-02-16T23:43:47Z

External links: +Original boards from a Xerox MAXC Time Sharing System

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:43, 16 February 2024
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	**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations] - [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/MaxcOperations0-24.press.pdf All files in one document]		**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations] - [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/MaxcOperations0-24.press.pdf All files in one document]
	*** [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/Maxc-room.pdf Maxc machine room]		*** [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/Maxc-room.pdf Maxc machine room]
			* [https://www.digibarn.com/collections/parts/maxc-board/ Original boards from a Xerox MAXC Time Sharing System]

	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]
	[[Category: Unique Computers]]		[[Category: Unique Computers]]

Jnc: link t new BBN Pager article

2024-01-08T18:06:38Z

link t new BBN Pager article

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 8 January 2024
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	The [[main memory]] was built out of then-novel [[Dynamic RAM\|DRAM]] [[integrated circuit\|chips]] from [[Intel]], the new [[Intel 1103]] 1Kx1 chip. It used [[error-correcting code\|ECC]] to produce reliable memory; with a [[word]] length of 48 bits (compared to the PDP-10's native length of 36 bits; only 7 of the extra 12 bits were used for the ECC), it could correct all single-bit errors, and detect (but not correct) double-bit errors. Thus, single failed chips could be ignored, and replaced during scheduled maintenance.		The [[main memory]] was built out of then-novel [[Dynamic RAM\|DRAM]] [[integrated circuit\|chips]] from [[Intel]], the new [[Intel 1103]] 1Kx1 chip. It used [[error-correcting code\|ECC]] to produce reliable memory; with a [[word]] length of 48 bits (compared to the PDP-10's native length of 36 bits; only 7 of the extra 12 bits were used for the ECC), it could correct all single-bit errors, and detect (but not correct) double-bit errors. Thus, single failed chips could be ignored, and replaced during scheduled maintenance.

	They ran the [[TENEX]] [[operating system]]; to do this, Maxc implemented [[virtual memory]] mechanisms comparable to those added to the [[KA10]] by [[~~Bolt, Beranek, and Newman\|~~BBN]], including a 1024x18 bit mapping memory. Both Maxc machines also supported [[PARC Universal Packet\|PUP]].		They ran the [[TENEX]] [[operating system]]; to do this, Maxc implemented [[virtual memory]] mechanisms comparable to those added to the [[KA10]] by the [[BBN Pager]], including a 1024x18 bit mapping memory. Both Maxc machines also supported [[PARC Universal Packet\|PUP]].

	Maxc1 was built during the period from February 1971 to April 1973; it was de-commissioned early in 1981. Maxc2 was built between June 1975 and April 1977.		Maxc1 was built during the period from February 1971 to April 1973; it was de-commissioned early in 1981. Maxc2 was built between June 1975 and April 1977.

Jnc: +New category - well, 2 of them - _almost_ unique! :-)

2024-01-08T00:57:08Z

+New category - well, 2 of them - _almost_ unique! :-)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:57, 8 January 2024
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	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]
			[[Category: Unique Computers]]

Jnc: typo

2023-06-10T12:43:40Z

typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 10 June 2023
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	[[Image:Maxc.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|Xerox Maxc]]		[[Image:Maxc.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|Xerox Maxc]]

	'''Maxc1''' and '''Maxc2''' (~~often~~ originally capitalized '''MAXC''' - ~~anacronym~~ for 'Multiple Access Xerox Computer') were a pair of [[PDP-10]] clones made at [[Xerox PARC]], after the Xerox corporate level objected to the acquisition of machines from outside the company, instead of from Xerox's subsidiary, Xerox Data Systems - [[Scientific Data Systems]] before it was acquired by Xerox. (They chose the PDP-10 as they wanted to be able to run [[INTERLISP]].)		'''Maxc1''' and '''Maxc2''' (originally capitalized '''MAXC''' - an acronym for 'Multiple Access Xerox Computer') were a pair of [[PDP-10]] clones made at [[Xerox PARC]], after the Xerox corporate level objected to the acquisition of machines from outside the company, instead of from Xerox's subsidiary, Xerox Data Systems - [[Scientific Data Systems]] before it was acquired by Xerox. (They chose the PDP-10 as they wanted to be able to run [[INTERLISP]].)

	They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].		They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].

Jnc: Origin of name

2023-06-10T12:42:47Z

Origin of name

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 10 June 2023
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	[[Image:Maxc.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|Xerox Maxc]]		[[Image:Maxc.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|Xerox Maxc]]

	'''Maxc1''' and '''Maxc2''' (often capitalized '''MAXC''') were a pair of [[PDP-10]] clones made at [[Xerox PARC]], after the Xerox corporate level objected to the acquisition of machines from outside the company, instead of from Xerox's subsidiary, Xerox Data Systems - [[Scientific Data Systems]] before it was acquired by Xerox. (They chose the PDP-10 as they wanted to be able to run [[INTERLISP]].)		'''Maxc1''' and '''Maxc2''' (often originally capitalized '''MAXC''' - anacronym for 'Multiple Access Xerox Computer') were a pair of [[PDP-10]] clones made at [[Xerox PARC]], after the Xerox corporate level objected to the acquisition of machines from outside the company, instead of from Xerox's subsidiary, Xerox Data Systems - [[Scientific Data Systems]] before it was acquired by Xerox. (They chose the PDP-10 as they wanted to be able to run [[INTERLISP]].)

	They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].		They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].

Larsbrinkhoff: /* External links */ Maxc machine room.

2023-05-14T05:50:14Z

External links: Maxc machine room.

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:50, 14 May 2023
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	*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12diag.dm!1_/.index.html Microcode diagnostics]		*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12diag.dm!1_/.index.html Microcode diagnostics]
	**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations] - [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/MaxcOperations0-24.press.pdf All files in one document]		**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations] - [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/MaxcOperations0-24.press.pdf All files in one document]
			*** [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/Maxc-room.pdf Maxc machine room]

	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]

Larsbrinkhoff: /* External links */ The complete 1981 Maxc Operations in a single document. Rendered from original files by Josh Dersch using ContrAlto.

2023-05-14T05:47:04Z

External links: The complete 1981 Maxc Operations in a single document. Rendered from original files by Josh Dersch using ContrAlto.

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:47, 14 May 2023
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	*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/diagnostics/.index.html Diagnostics]		*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/diagnostics/.index.html Diagnostics]
	*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12diag.dm!1_/.index.html Microcode diagnostics]		*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12diag.dm!1_/.index.html Microcode diagnostics]
	**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations]		**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations] - [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PDP-10/maxc/master/pdf/MaxcOperations0-24.press.pdf All files in one document]

	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]

Larsbrinkhoff: Link to Byte Lisp information.

2023-05-12T07:36:15Z

Link to Byte Lisp information.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:36, 12 May 2023
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	They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].		They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].

	In addition to a PDP-10-compatible mode, Maxc microcode also implemented a '''Byte Lisp''' mode with 9-bit instructions specially tailored for [[LISP]]. The INTERLISP compiler and runtime has support for this instruction set under a Maxc condition, and the Maxc monitor has special JSYS calls to facilitate Byte Lisp code.		In addition to a PDP-10-compatible mode, Maxc microcode also implemented a '''[[Maxc Byte Lisp\|Byte Lisp]]''' mode with 9-bit instructions specially tailored for [[LISP]]. The INTERLISP compiler and runtime has support for this instruction set under a Maxc condition, and the Maxc monitor has special JSYS calls to facilitate Byte Lisp code.

	A [[front end]] (a [[Data General Nova]] on Maxc1, and an Alto on Maxc2) was used to load and [[debug]] the microcode; all the [[input/output]] [[peripheral]]s other than the disks were also connected to the front end.		A [[front end]] (a [[Data General Nova]] on Maxc1, and an Alto on Maxc2) was used to load and [[debug]] the microcode; all the [[input/output]] [[peripheral]]s other than the disks were also connected to the front end.

Jnc: Also supported PUP; link to some goodies

2023-05-11T14:56:09Z

Also supported PUP; link to some goodies

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:56, 11 May 2023
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	They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].		They were [[microcode]]d machines, using an 72-bit [[instruction\|microinstruction]]. They contained 2K [[word]]s of microcode, and microinstructions executed in 200 nsec (Maxc1); 4K words, at 150 nsec (Maxc2). The hardware supported up to 16 levels of [[subroutine]] calls in the microcode. This capability was used to support bulk data transfers (from [[disk]] [[mass storage]]); a technique which was later used in the [[Xerox Alto\|Alto]].

	In addition to a PDP-10-compatible mode, ~~MAXC~~ microcode also implemented a '''Byte Lisp''' mode with 9-bit instructions specially tailored for [[LISP]]. The INTERLISP compiler and runtime has support for this instruction set under a ~~MAXC~~ condition, and the ~~MAXC~~ monitor has special JSYS calls to facilitate Byte Lisp code.		In addition to a PDP-10-compatible mode, Maxc microcode also implemented a '''Byte Lisp''' mode with 9-bit instructions specially tailored for [[LISP]]. The INTERLISP compiler and runtime has support for this instruction set under a Maxc condition, and the Maxc monitor has special JSYS calls to facilitate Byte Lisp code.

	A [[front end]] (a [[Data General Nova]] on Maxc1, and an Alto on Maxc2) was used to load and [[debug]] the microcode; all the [[input/output]] [[peripheral]]s other than the disks were also connected to the front end.		A [[front end]] (a [[Data General Nova]] on Maxc1, and an Alto on Maxc2) was used to load and [[debug]] the microcode; all the [[input/output]] [[peripheral]]s other than the disks were also connected to the front end.
Line 11:		Line 11:
	The [[main memory]] was built out of then-novel [[Dynamic RAM\|DRAM]] [[integrated circuit\|chips]] from [[Intel]], the new [[Intel 1103]] 1Kx1 chip. It used [[error-correcting code\|ECC]] to produce reliable memory; with a [[word]] length of 48 bits (compared to the PDP-10's native length of 36 bits; only 7 of the extra 12 bits were used for the ECC), it could correct all single-bit errors, and detect (but not correct) double-bit errors. Thus, single failed chips could be ignored, and replaced during scheduled maintenance.		The [[main memory]] was built out of then-novel [[Dynamic RAM\|DRAM]] [[integrated circuit\|chips]] from [[Intel]], the new [[Intel 1103]] 1Kx1 chip. It used [[error-correcting code\|ECC]] to produce reliable memory; with a [[word]] length of 48 bits (compared to the PDP-10's native length of 36 bits; only 7 of the extra 12 bits were used for the ECC), it could correct all single-bit errors, and detect (but not correct) double-bit errors. Thus, single failed chips could be ignored, and replaced during scheduled maintenance.

	They ran the [[TENEX]] [[operating system]]; to do this, Maxc implemented [[virtual memory]] mechanisms comparable to those added to the [[KA10]] by [[Bolt, Beranek, and Newman\|BBN]], including a 1024x18 bit mapping memory.		They ran the [[TENEX]] [[operating system]]; to do this, Maxc implemented [[virtual memory]] mechanisms comparable to those added to the [[KA10]] by [[Bolt, Beranek, and Newman\|BBN]], including a 1024x18 bit mapping memory. Both Maxc machines also supported [[PARC Universal Packet\|PUP]].

	Maxc1 was built during the period from February 1971 to April 1973; it was de-commissioned early in 1981. Maxc2 was built between June 1975 and April 1977.		Maxc1 was built during the period from February 1971 to April 1973; it was de-commissioned early in 1981. Maxc2 was built between June 1975 and April 1977.
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	** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/maxc/MAXC_8.2_Spec.pdf The MAXC Microprocessor]		** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/maxc/MAXC_8.2_Spec.pdf The MAXC Microprocessor]
	* [http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/LISP/interlisp-d/Deutsch-3IJCAI.pdf A LISP Machine with Very Compact Programs], L. Peter Deutsch, 1973.		* [http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/LISP/interlisp-d/Deutsch-3IJCAI.pdf A LISP Machine with Very Compact Programs], L. Peter Deutsch, 1973.
	* [https://github.com/PDP-10/maxc/tree/master/monitor Maxc monitor sources (and other files related to PUP)]		* [https://github.com/PDP-10/maxc/tree/master/monitor Monitor] - Maxc monitor sources (and other files related to PUP)]
	* ~~Files from~~ Xerox PARC ~~archives~~: [https://~~xeroxalto~~.computerhistory.org/~~_cd8_~~/~~pup~~/.index.html ~~PUP~~], [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/.index.html Maxc ~~microcode, diagnostics, etc~~]		* [https://xeroxalto.computerhistory.org/ Xerox PARC Alto filesystem archive]
			** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/.index.html Maxc material]
			*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12microcode.dm!3_/.index.html Microcode]
			*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/diagnostics/.index.html Diagnostics]
			*** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/maxc12diag.dm!1_/.index.html Microcode diagnostics]
			**** [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/MaxcOperations0-24Press.Dm!3_/.MaxcOps0.Press.pdf Maxc Operations]

	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]

Larsbrinkhoff: /* External links */ Microcode etc.

2023-05-11T12:40:16Z

External links: Microcode etc.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 11 May 2023
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	* [http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/LISP/interlisp-d/Deutsch-3IJCAI.pdf A LISP Machine with Very Compact Programs], L. Peter Deutsch, 1973.		* [http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/LISP/interlisp-d/Deutsch-3IJCAI.pdf A LISP Machine with Very Compact Programs], L. Peter Deutsch, 1973.
	* [https://github.com/PDP-10/maxc/tree/master/monitor Maxc monitor sources (and other files related to PUP)]		* [https://github.com/PDP-10/maxc/tree/master/monitor Maxc monitor sources (and other files related to PUP)]
	* [https://xeroxalto.computerhistory.org/_cd8_/pup/.index.html ~~Alto directory with some Maxc files~~], i.e. .~~MAC,~~ .~~SAV~~, ~~.REL~~, ~~.UNV.~~		* Files from Xerox PARC archives: [https://xeroxalto.computerhistory.org/_cd8_/pup/.index.html PUP], [https://xeroxparcarchive.computerhistory.org/indigo/maxc/.index.html Maxc microcode, diagnostics, etc]

	[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]		[[Category: PDP-10 Systems]]
	[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]		[[Category: Xerox Mainframes]]