Abstract
Most lab-control programs for small (4K) computers must be written in assembly or machine language, making it necessary for the user to expend considerable time and effort both in learning assembly-programming skills and in writing programs. One of the most frequently used small laboratory computers (the PDP-8 series) can, however, be programmed to provide sophisticated control using an algebraic language (FOCAL) in as little as 4K memory locations. The FOCAL language includes a special program sequence, FNEW, which provides capacity for a single user-defined function written in machine language. This paper describes an implementation of the FNEW sequence that permits execution of multiple user-written machine language subprograms within a FOCAL program. Use of this capability in the context of process-control problems in the behavioral laboratory is discussed and illustrated.
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References
Restle, P., & Brown, T. V. A computer running several psychological laboratories. Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation, 1969, 1, 312–317.
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Vitulli, N., Reynolds, J.H. Use of an algebraic language in laboratory control programming with small (4K) computers. Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation 6, 493–496 (1974). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03201070
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03201070