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Husky Hunter User Manual

Husky Hunter
499 pages
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Operations Manual Z
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Husky Hunter Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandHusky
ModelHunter
CategoryComputer Hardware
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Husky Hunter Operations Manual

Preface

Reported Bugs

Communication Parameters

Introduction to Hunter

Welcome to Hunter

Provides an overview of the Hunter microcomputer, its features, and its resistance to environmental factors.

Using the Manual

Explains the structure and purpose of the manual, detailing its intended use for understanding Hunter operation and programming.

Page Formats

Describes the standard layout of each page in the manual, including identification of parts and section numbers.

Hunter Operation

Hunter Layout

Illustrates the physical layout of the Hunter, identifying key components like the screen, keyboard, and connectors.

Switching On

Details the procedure for powering on the Hunter, including troubleshooting display issues and auto-start programs.

File Manager Display

Describes the File Manager screen interface, its functions, and the operation of soft keys for program selection.

Hunter System Files

Explains the purpose and function of built-in utility programs that support the computer's operation.

Keyboard

Provides an overview of the Hunter's keyboard, including its 58 keys, auto-repeat function, and special keys.

Screen

Details the Hunter's LCD screen capabilities, character set, graphics display, and screen modes (Text/Graphics).

Virtual Screen

Explains the virtual screen concept, its size, and methods for moving the window to inspect contents.

Communication

Describes the Hunter's industry-standard RS-232/V24 serial communications port and its connection details.

Batteries

Covers battery power, installation, primary and rechargeable cells, and low battery warnings.

Panic

Discusses potential system issues like crashes, illegal system calls, physical degradation, and operations outside temperature range.

File Manager

Demos - File Manager

Introduces the Hunter's File Manager (DEMOS), its role in manipulating files and running CP/M programs.

File Names

Explains the standard CP/M file naming conventions, including the use of extensions like .HBA, .COM, .DTA, .TXT, and .SYS.

Program Execution

Details how to run both HUNTER Basic (.HBA) and standard CP/M (.COM) programs from the File Manager.

File Structure and Memory Organisation

Describes how Hunter stores information in its memory, comparing it to a 'RAM Disk' and detailing its efficient utilization.

File Manager Commands

Explains the syntax for File Manager commands, including the use of wildcards like '?' and '*' for file searches.

Command: BAS

Details the 'BAS' command to execute the Hunter Basic interpreter and its initial screen.

Command: CLCK

Explains how to set the internal calendar clock to the desired date and time, including synchronization steps.

Command: COMS

Describes the process of initializing communication parameters using two screens for selection.

Command: CONT

Explains the 'CONT' command for continuing program execution, especially after power loss or manual interruption.

Command: DIR

Details the 'DIR' command for displaying the file directory, including its use with wildcards and scrolling.

Command: EDIT

Explains how to use the 'EDIT' command to edit ASCII text or Husky Basic (.HBA) files.

Command: ERA

Describes the 'ERA' command for erasing specified files, including its use with wildcards and confirmation prompts.

Command: EXECUTE

Explains the 'EXECUTE' command for running the current program in executable RAM.

Command: FORMAT

Details the 'FORMAT' command for resetting Hunter's filing system, cautioning about data loss.

Command: INP

Describes the 'INP' command for inputting files via the serial port in Intel Hex or 8-bit format.

Command: KEYS

Explains the operation of the 'KEYS' function to display alternate function key lines.

Command: LOAD

Details the 'LOAD' command for loading programs into RAM page 0 for execution or serial port dumping.

Command: REN

Explains the 'REN' command for renaming files, emphasizing caution to prevent duplicate names.

Command: SAVE

Describes the 'SAVE' command for creating a file from current memory, specifying block count and filename.

Command: SEND

Explains the 'SEND' command for outputting files via the serial port in 8-bit or Intel Hex format.

Command: STAT

Details the 'STAT' command for extended file directory display, showing file details and available bytes.

Command: TERM

Describes the 'TERM' command for emulating a CRT terminal and its applications.

CP/M Interface

Explains the CP/M universal interface for linking applications, detailing system calls and file I/O organization.

File Control Block

Describes the FCB structure, containing 36 bytes of information on the current file being accessed.

Basic Programming

Introduction

Introduces Hunter Basic as a powerful interpreter with unique features for portable environments, supporting programs and data retention.

Basic Programs

Details sources for program code, including .HBA files, text files, direct keyboard entry, and down-line loading.

Syntax

Explains the conventions for Basic statements and commands, including reserved words, arguments, and punctuation.

Expressions and Operators

Lists symbolic operators for use with numerical and string variables, including arithmetic and logical operations.

Variables

Describes variable storage, including single/double precision, numerical arrays, and string arrays.

Editor

Introduces the advanced Editor for creating and modifying text/Basic files, accessed via EDIT command or function key 3.

Function Keys

Explains the eight programmable function keys, usable for commands or as separate interrupt keys.

Memory Allocation

Details program limits and memory usage, covering variable ranges, precision, memory overhead, and dynamic allocation.

Hunter's Graphics

Describes Hunter's graphics display capabilities, including statements for drawing characters, lines, and circles.

Machine Code Calls

Explains how to call machine code routines from Basic and pass parameters, emphasizing safe usage.

Programming Techniques

Discusses techniques for reliable and user-friendly programming, focusing on error-free programs and careful structures.

Data Input Techniques

Covers data input methods like 'INPUT USING' to validate data against masks and optimize screen usage.

Power Warning

Explains the power warning messages displayed when batteries are low and the system's behavior.

Off-Line Program Storage

Details methods for storing and loading Basic programs using LLIST and LLOAD commands via the serial port.

Important Note

Provides critical notes on program alteration, variable clearing, and the LLIST command's behavior.

Other Communication Parameters

Discusses protocol settings, NULL and LF parameters, terminators, and delete functions for communication.

Auto Power Feature

Explains functions related to the POWER key, allowing control over power-on behavior and automatic shutdown.

File Handling

Details commands and statements for communicating with the File Manager, including file operations.

Errors and Warnings

Lists and explains error messages displayed by the Basic Interpreter, including error numbers and their meanings.

Communications

Introduction

Highlights Hunter's powerful and flexible communications facility, its RS-232 interface, and its role as a Data Terminal Equipment.

Applications

Explains Hunter's use in transferring programs and data, accessing databases, and integrating with existing software.

Hardware Characteristics

Details the interface connections, including the 25-pin 'D' connector, and electrical characteristics of output voltages.

Communication Parameter Screens

Guides the user through initializing port parameters via menu-driven choices for transmission and receiving.

Asynchronous Character Handling

Explains how Hunter's serial communications are handled by a separate software package, detailing buffers and user program interaction.

Asynchronous Protocols

Describes protocols like NONE, XON/XOFF, ETX/ACK, ACK/NAK, and SLAVE for data communication.

Synchronous Protocols

Details synchronous communication, including the IBM 2780 protocol for high-integrity, high-speed data transfer.

Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC)

Explains the BSC procedure, its character set (EBCDIC/ASCII), text blocking, error checking (CRC-16), and control characters.

Terminal Emulation

Covers Hunter's ability to emulate CRT terminals for remote access, peripheral use, or portable Telex functionality.

Communications Errors

Lists and explains various communications error messages, designed to be trapped by the ONCOMMS statement.

Editor

Introduction

Highlights the Hunter's built-in text editor for practical text handling, file creation, alteration, and direct editing of Basic files.

Initiating the Editor

Explains how to invoke the editor from the operating system, DEMOS, or BASIC, including filename entry and screen information.

Entry from BASIC

Details how to load or edit a program directly from BASIC, including un-tokenizing to ASCII and exiting procedures.

Editor Operation

Describes the editor's integration into the operating system, its workspace, handling of Basic files, and keyboard functions.

Editor Commands

Explains commands accessed through function and control keys, providing a reference to available keyboard functions.

Arrows

Describes the function of arrow keys for non-destructive cursor movement and their use with 'CTL/FN' for virtual screen access.

Caps Lock & Tab

Explains the CAPS lock function for forcing alphabetic characters to capitals and the TAB key for cursor positioning.

Character Insert

Details the character insert function, enabling or disabling it, and its effect on text entry and line breaks.

Delete

Explains the Delete, Backspace, and Delete Ahead functions for destructively removing characters and their effect on lines.

Exit

Describes the 'Exit' command's behavior depending on the entry source (DEMOS or BASIC), including saving changes.

File Start and End

Explains commands to non-destructively place the cursor at the beginning or end of the file, useful for text addition.

Find

Details the 'Find' function for searching the file for a specified string, including match results and abortion.

Line Delete

Explains the 'Line Delete' function, which removes the line containing the cursor, requiring cursor placement at the line's beginning.

Line Start and End

Describes keys that move the cursor non-destructively to the beginning or end of a line, useful for text editing.

Page Scroll

Explains keys used for scrolling text page by page, allowing users to review text efficiently.

Save

Details the 'Save' command for saving modified text into a file, including handling insufficient disk space.

Word Skip

Describes keys that move the cursor non-destructively left and right, pausing on spaces for efficient text navigation.

Maintenance and Accessories

Operating System Replacement

Discusses updating the Hunter's operating system ROMs by replacing them, recommending return to authorized agents.

Case Sealing

Explains the integral seals on all Hunters for protection against environmental factors and the battery seal specification.

Pressure Relief

Addresses pressure differences that may affect Hunter's operation due to altitude changes and suggests releasing differential pressure.

Humidity Indicator

Describes the humidity indicator's function and color changes, advising prompt return to service if moisture is suspected.

Bar Codes and Light Pens

Covers Hunter's capability to read barcodes (Code 39, EAN 8/13) and techniques for effective bar code scanning.

Code 39

Explains the Code 39 alphanumeric bar code structure, its characters, scanning methods, and check digit calculation.

Battery Charger

Provides instructions for using the special Husky Hunter battery charger, including warnings and operation procedures.

Appendix

Hunter Specification

Details the physical, screen, keyboard, programming, and communication specifications of the Hunter.

Communications

Outlines communication types, configurations, baud rates, protocols, handshaking, graphics, and sound capabilities.

Character Sets

Describes the five selectable character sets available in graphics mode, including true descenders and reverse video.

Memory

Details Hunter's memory type (CMOS RAM), retention (Ni/Cd backup), capacity options, and firmware.

Batteries

Covers the main and secondary battery types, their operating lifetimes, and replacement recommendations.

NSC800 Machine Code

Provides information on the NSC800 microprocessor, its instruction set compatibility, and flag operations.

Summary of Flag Operation

Details the functionality of various CPU flags (C, Z, P/V, S, N, H) and their interaction with operations.

Program 1

Presents a demonstration program showcasing graphics, sound, and character display features.

Program 2

Provides a second demonstration program illustrating graphics commands like CIRCLE, LINE, and PSET.

Program 3

Features a demonstration program showcasing various screen and input functions, including bar code scanning.

Program 4 'UNLOAD'

Explains how to use the UNLOAD utility to convert files to INTEL HEX format for data transfer.

Index

Alpha Index

An alphabetical listing of all topics, commands, and features covered in the manual.

Index to Figures

A cross-reference list of all figures included in the manual, aiding in locating visual information.

Index to Tables

A cross-reference list of all tables included in the manual, facilitating quick access to structured data.