UNIVAC UNISCOPE 300 User manual

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This manual is published by the Univac Division of Sperry Rand Corporation as a rapid
and complete means of keeping recipients apprised of UNIVAC ® Systems developments.
The information presented herein may not reflect the current status of the product effort.
For the current status of the product, contact your local Univac Representative.
The Univac Division reserves the right to make such additions, corrections, and/or
deletions as in the judgment of the Univac Division are required by the development of
its respective System s.
UNIVAC is a registered trademark of Sperry Rand Corporation.
Other trademarks of Sperry Rand Corporation appearing in the text of this publication are:
UNISCOPE
©1968 - SPERRY RAND CORPORATION
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCR IPTION
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
COMPUTER SYSTEM EVOLUTION
DYNAMIC APPLICATION FOR UNISCOPE
2. UNISCOPE FEATURES
DESIGN USES DIG ITA l CONCE PTS
SYSTEMS DESIGN REDUCES LINE COST
COMPONENTS OPERA TE IN SEVERE ENVIRONMENTS
DISPlAY UN ITS SAT ISFY HUMAN REQU IREME NTS
COMPREHENSIVE AND FLEXIBLE STATION ARRANGEMENTS
SUMMARY OF TECHN ICAl ADVANTAGES
3. EQUIPMENT DESCRI PTION
SINGLE STATION UNISCOPE
MUlTISTATION UNISCOPE
CHARACTER GENERATION
OPERATOR CONTROLS
4. SPECIAL UNISCOPE FEATURES
5. OPERATION
MESSAGES
ERROR CONTROL
OPERATOR ENTRY OF DATA
TRANSMIT
RECEIVE
APPENDIX A. GENE RAL SPECI F ICATIONS
Contents
SECTION: PAGE:
CONTENTS
1 to 1
1-1 to 1-6
1-2
1-4
2-1 to 2-4
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-4
3-1 to 3-9
3-1
3-3
3-4
3-5
4-1 to 4-6
5-1
to 5-5
5-1
5-4
5-4
5-5
5-5
A-I to A-I
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UNISCOPE 300
GE NERAL DEseRI PT ION 1
SECTION:
PAGE:
1. INTRODUCTION
The UNIVAC (Fl \ UNISCOPE 300 is a visual communication terminal designed for
those applications which require
direct operator interaction with a centralized
computer. Information generated by the operator is displayed on the UNISCOPE
prior to transmission to the computer, so that the operator can make any
required changes
or edit where necessary. Data transmitted from the computer
is displayed
to the operator for interpretation and understanding.
Since the UNISCOPE
300 is not just a ne w product, but is primarily a new
product concept, the justification of such a product concept will
be briefly
examined prior to a discussion of the actual product description and character
istics. The. product concept embodied
in the UNISCOPE 300 can best be de·
veloped by
an analysis of the computer system evolution.
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL OEseRI PTION
COMPUTER SYSTEM EVOLUTION
BATCH PROCESSING SYSTEMS
SECTION:
A device such as the UNIVAC UNISCOPE 300 had no traditional basis in
the early stages
of the computer technology. These batch processing systems
required that all input data
be manually collected over a period of time, and
then
be entered into the computer in a single batch. The computer would then
generate a large volume
of output data on a computer peripheral device such
as a high speed printer. This batch output would then be manually edited and
distributed
to the desired recipients. The organization of such a system had
several disadvantages to the user. The major disadvantage was time: the
time
required to collect and prepare the data input in a form compatible to the
computer; the time required
to batch the input data for economical computer
processing
of large volumes; and the time required to manually edit and dis-
tribute the processed data to the requesting points in an organization.
REALTIME SYSTEMS
The first major technological step in the computer system evolution, di-
rected toward the elimination of the time factor, was the development of a
realtime computer. A realtime computer does not require the batching
of
input data. A realtime computer can economically accept and process small
amounts
of data. The UNIVAC 490 system, introduced in 1961, was the
first commercially available realtime computer. This computer system was
also capable of direct data communication with remote points. Univac, there-
fore, provided the first realtime processing capability and also the means of
eliminating the collection and distribution times by direct data communication
with
an organization's remote points. For the first time in the history of data
processing, data generated many miles from
an organization's computer
facility could
be immediately entered into the computer, and processed. The
results could then immediately
be sent back via data communications to the
originating points.
KEYBOARD/PRINTER INPUT AND OUTPUT
The original realtime computer systems used the keyboard/printer as the
universal means of inputting data to the computer and recording the
output
data from the computer. Many of the applications automated by a real time
computer system were dynamic applications with no requirement to preserve
the output data once
it had been interpreted by the human operator. The re~
quirement to automate dynamic applications, increasingly more important in
recent years,
has necessitated the search for a substitute for the traditional
keyboard/printer which, in addition to being slow, was not a very satisfactory
man/machine interface.
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UNISCOPE 300
GENE RAL OEseR IPT ION
STOCKROOM
HOME
OFFICE
CENTRAL
HOME
COMPUTER
RESERVATIONS CENTER
DISPATCHER
Figure 1-1. Network of Control Points within One Building Geographically remote
from the Computer and Other Control Points
NEED FOR A VISUAL DISPLAY
SECTION:
The logical substitute for the keyboard/printer is a visual display. It can be
directed by the central computer at high speed, and coupled to the operator
by means of the keyboard and display. It can also time share the communica-
tion facilities and keep line costs to a minimum. Univac, therefore, has de-
veloped the UNISCOPE 300 specifically to provide an efficient and effective
means of implementing the rapidly growing number of dynamic applications
and to provide
an over-all reduction in total systems cost. The UNISCOPE 300,
a visual communication terminal, is a member of Univac's Communication
Terminal Product Line, specifically designed
for computer controlled data
communication.
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Figure 7 -2. Network of Single Control Points Geographically Dispersed
DYNAMIC APPLICATIONS FOR UN,ISCOPE
SECTION:
The applications for the UNISCOPE all imply necessity, speed, and human inter-
vention. The feeling exists that operations and profits could be better if the
quality and timeliness of the available information were better. These applica-
tions are dynamic.
Since the applications are so varied, cover so many industries, and include a
myriad
of functions, it is impossible to describe them in detail and also difficult
to put them into categories. There are three categories, however, that will pro-
vide an adequate breakdown for examination of the broad ideas involved in
applying the UNISCOPE 300. These categories are Information Retrieval, Direct
Data Input, and Dialogue.
If any particular installation were to be examined,
it would probably be found that these categories overlap or that all three were
being covered. Applications for a visual communication terminal or cathode
ray tube display will soon be universal.
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
A corporation can benefit immensely by using UNISCOPE terminals in a com-
puter communication system for information retrieval. Before the information
can be retrieved, it must be streamlined, concise, and to the point. This means
that the data gathering function will be standardized, selected input data will
be reduced, and the controlling program will make the clearest presentation.
Applications where information retrieval can be gainfully used with respect to
management problems, services, and file inquiry are
as follows:
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1
SECTION:
PAGE:
Management Problems
Presents up-to-the-minute picture of financial reports, competitive position,
program milestones, inventory status, deliveries, product development.
Services
For use in banking, insurance, and information industries; to answer customers'
requests, centralization of records, monitoring and simplifying work flow, and
personnel deployment.
File Inquiry
Immediate presentation
of retail credit or inventory status, medical case his-
tories and references, library applications.
DIRECT DATA INPUT
Direct input of source data is finally becoming a reality after many years of
unsatisfactory unit record manipulation. To a large degree, this is becoming
possible because access to mass storage and computer power can be ac-
complished through multi-access communication systems. Keypunching, with
its slow production rate, is no longer the only choice; and the high error rate
of the keypunching technique may be substantially reduced with a UNISCOPE
communication subsystem. The UNISCOPE operator can immediately proofread
and verify his input statement after
he completes it, and edit it completely
before it is transmitted. Because of the direct interface with computer power,
human errors are minimized by immediate computer validation. The
ease of
direct data input can provide:
Simplified File Maintenance
Updating a data base in real-time
so that subsequent inquiries or running
changes to accumulate records can be made immediately; effect rapid changes
in book publishing; amplify hospital accounting and recording procedures.
New Data Entry
Ability to take new input data directly from the source, eliminating several
entry steps thereby avoiding possibility of human errors; eliminate necessity
for intermediate storage of bulky source material; eliminates need for ex-
pensive off-line data manipulating machines.
DIALOGUE
Dialogue is a combination of direct data input and information retrieval. Time,
however, in the case
of dialogue is a much more important factor because the
effect
of input on output is immediately required by the one who provides the
input. Input action immediately effects the data base, produces a reaction, and
modifies the output. Its
use varies with the exact application, but basically
dialogue provides immediate satisfactory answers to queries or
it provides auto-
matic solutions to presented problems. Practical examples of this can be found
in the following areas:
Simulation
Provides real-time testing of scientific information, sales data, advertising
effectiveness, budget information, operational efficiency.
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION I
SECTOON> 1
Inventory and Sales
Gives immediate information to prevent both overselling and underselling of
space, time, or material; up-to-the-second inventory records lets each trans-
action modify the data base; alternate solutions to customer problems can be
given_
Training, Education and Programming
Allows efficient student self-testing; can' act as scientific conversational pro-
gramming terminal to construct, verify, and transmit code to the computer for
execution or compilation.
PRODUCTION
CONTROL
BUILDING # I
CENTRAL COMPUTER
BU1LDING#2
EXECUTIVE
OFFICES
Figure 7 -3. Network of Single Control Points within One Building
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION:
2
PAGE:
2. UNISCOPE FEATURES
The UNISCOPE visual communication terminal has been designed and pro-
duced to fulfill the market requirement for a general purpose alphanumeric
display subsystem oriented towards minimizing systems cost. Using a cathode
ray tube (CRT) display, the UNISCOPE presents many excellent features at
no
extra charge to keep communication costs, software costs, and maintenance
at a minimum.
DESIGN USES DIGITAL CONCEPTS
It is well worth noting that the UNISCOPE has been designed using digital. con·
cepts. This design provides three major advantages to the user. First, the in-
corporation of a digital scanning technique guarantees excellent linearity and
consistent character spacing. Next,
the characters are generated by a read
only digital stroke generator which produces uniquely shaped characters that
can
be recognized at a glance. Also, since the UNIVAC field engineering force
has extensive digital computer training, it is relatively simple for a field
en-
gineer to master the UNISCOPE visual communication terminal.
SYSTEMS DESIGNED TO REDUCE LINE COSTS
UNIVAC's extensive systems experience plays an important role in the design
philosophy of the UNISCOPE since the unit was developed to be an integral part
of a UNIVAC computer communication system. One of Univac's major con-
siderations in a large system is the line cost or telephone company facilities
which may account for as much as one third of the total systems cost.
POLLING UTILIZES FULL LINE CAPACITY
By keeping the number of telephone lines to a minimum, the line costs can
be kept down. Also, by keeping the lines busy, more traffic can be transmitted
per
unit of time, and fewer lines will be required to handle the load. The
UNISCOPE polling techniques aid these objectives and also allow single station
units and multistation units to
be mixed on one party line. These techniques
keep traffic going in both directions simultaneously (full duplex) in order to
keep the line efficiency at a maximum.
EFFICIENT MESSAGE INTERLEAVING
In order to maintain two-way traffic on the telephone lines at all times, the
UNISCOPE terminal will accept a break signal from the computer and will idle
during the break time while the computer polls another UNISCOPE
for input
or output data. This procedure is called message interleaving. The original
UNISCOPE that had its transmission broken will recognize a resume function
from the computer to enable
it to continue to receive its incoming message.
AUTOMATIC STRIPOUT OF NON·SIGNIFICANT SPACES
Another technique for efficient transmission is also built into the UNISCOPE
hardware. The transmission to and from the UNISCOPE does not contain any
non-significant spaces. Non-significant spaces are automatically stripped out,
and carriage return line feed signals are inserted while transmitting data to
the computer from the display memory. The automatic insertion of carriage
return line feed signals is significant because these characters need not occupy
valuable data locations in the core memory.
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
DUAL MODEM SERVES AS BACKUP AND INCREASES THROUGHPUT
SECTION:
The dual modem (telephone line adapter) feature provides two system advan-
tages. First, it serves as a backup in case trouble should develop on one of
the telephone lines. Secondly, the dual modem can increase systems through-
put because the multistation control unit can now handle simultaneous trans-
mission and/or reception between the computer and two UNISCOPE terminals
via two independent telephone lines.
COMPONENTS OPERATE IN SEVERE ENVIRONMENTS
The UNISCOPE subsystem, and all its components, will operate under severe
environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity limits are termed
by
UNIVAC as Class C, or warehouse environment. No input power regulation is
required, and the memory automatically compensates for changes in tem-
perature, thus assuring a dependable UNIVAC computer communication system.
DISPLAY UNITS SATISFY HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
A complex subsystem such as the UNISCOPE, which actually extends man's
cognition and permits him to interface directly with the power of the computer,
had
to be conceived and designed with the man in mind. The total computer
communication system
can operate efficiently only if the people within the
system
can function effectively. Univac made extensive human factors studies,
evaluations, and experiments
on the UNISCOPE and the man/machine interface
by UNIVAC. The entire design effort
has been directed towards fostering opera-
tor acceptance which will result in efficient, satisfactory system operation.
COMFORTABLE TO OPERATE
The UNISCOPE was designed to be a comfortable machine to operate in that it
does not require awkward head movements or body positions. Once an operator
positions himself at the keyboard, the viewing angle and the viewing distance
to the display surface remains almost constant.
In addition, the viewing perspec·
tive is well within the range of normal eye movement.
NO EYE FATIGUE
Characters are displayed on a nonglare screen. A character brightness control
enables the operator to establish 70 to
100% of brightness, according to his
own preference. No jittering or flickering can be perceived by the operator.
Character size, spacing, aspect ratio, and
so forth, have been optimized for
maximum legibility and readibility.
ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD
The typewriter keyboard has been functionally designed to approximate the
conventional electric typewriter, with its keyboard appearance, touch pressure,
key travel, and slope characteristics. Typewriting speeds in excess of eighty
words per minute
can be accommodated by the keyboard. Because of its sim·
ilarity to the standard typewriter, very little additional training is required to
operate it.
BALANCED KEY ASSIGNMENT
The total UNISCOPE keyboard also includes the cursor controls, editing keys,
and a group of function keys. The overall keyboard layout incorporates good
right·left assignment balance to efficiently distribute the work load, and the
key sets have
been grouped for maximum ease in discrimination.
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UNISCOPE 300 2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION SECTION:
COMPREHENSIVE AND FLEXIBLE STATION ARRANGEMENTS
SINGLE STATION
PAGE:
The single station UNISCOPE is a self·contained communication terminal that
operates independently of all other terminal equipment. The unit stores and
displays
1,024 alphanumeric characters or special symbols. Data is entered
from the phone line or from associated UNISCOPE keyboards. The single
station UNISCOPE consists of a
CRT display, keyboard, memory, and con·
trol logic. The
unit is designed for synchronous transmission at speeds of
2,000 bits per second and higher. It interfaces a dataset (modem) such as the
AT&T 201 through the Electronic Industries Association standard interfaces
RS
232. In addition to operating individually on a private line, the single station
unit may be connected to a multipoint party line and will respond to a po"
code from the central computer. Character and message parity are checked
on each incoming message and generated for each outgoing message.
Erroneous blocks are retransmitted automatically upon request from the
computer.
MODEM
MODEM
SINGLE STATION
UNISCOPE
MULTISTATION
CONTROL
UNIT
MUL TISTATION
UNISCOPE
2 TO 48
UNITS
MUL TISTATION
UNISCOPE
Figure 2-7. Two Basic Station Arrangements
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DEseRI PTION
SECTION:
MUlTISTATION
The UNISCOPE multistation arrangement consists of a multistation control
unit (MSCU) and multistation display units. The purpose of the multistation
control
unit is to provide a more economical alphanumeric display system when
a number of UNISCOPE terminals are required. The control unit
is of a modular
nature and provides input-output message buffering, character generation,
and control
for 2 to 24 UNISCOPE terminals of 1,024 characters, each and for
2 to
48 UNISCOPE terminals of 512 characters, each.
This unique system permits operators at the UNISCOPE keyboard to type
in
inquiry or input messages, completely independent of each other. Each char-
acter entered by an operator is immediately displayed on the UNISCOPE and
stored
in the control unit memory. A completed message may be visually verified
and edited and then transmitted
to the computer. A subsequent acknowledg-
ment or reply message may then, under computer program control, be received
from the computer and displayed in place of, or,
in addition to, the input
message. The MSCU
is also designed to operate as a remote device connected
to a data set. The data set should
be designed to operate at 2,000 bits per
second or more and have an EIA RS 232 interface.
SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
• Up to 48 UNISCOPE terminals can be operated per MSCU
• Completely self·contained single station UNISCOPE
• Random access computer core memory
• 1,024 character display capability
• Digital scan techniques used
• Stroke character generator
• Error checking and low overhead acknowledge scheme
• Up to 40 function keys with over 4,000 different meanings
• Seven standard editing functions
• Line insert and line delete (roll and scroll) capability
• Dual modem simultaneity
• Program controlled fall back
• Telephone line economy
Party line
Message segmentation
Non-significant space suppression
Full duplex operation
• Multistation UNISCOPE may be located 1,500 feet from the control unit
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION:
3
PAGE:
3. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
SINGLE STATION UNISCOPE
The Single Station UNISCOPE is completely self-contained in one case. It inter-
faces with the operator
on one side and with the telephone facility on the other.
This
unit will operate independent of any other UNISCOPE in the system. It
consists basically of a display screen, memory, control, input/output section
and a character generator.
DISPLAY SCREEN
The display screen is a cathode ray tube (CRT) with a viewing surface that is
10 inches wide and 5 inches high. A display format of 64 characters per line
on 16 lines per display is provided, permitting a total of 1,024 characters. The
display uses a digital scanning technique,
as opposed to a TV scan, to provide
excellent linearity. Spacing between characters is consistent from one end
of
the screen to the other, and the size and shape of each character does not
change relative to its position
on the screen. The character style maximizes
legibility and readability.
Each character is .150 x .113 inches and is readable
from a distance
of seven feet. The character brightness may be varied by the
operator from 70% of brightness to full brightness.
The presentation is such
that no flicker or jitter is perceptible to the operator.
In order to accomplish this, each of the 1,024 characters is repainted on the
display surface
60 times each second. To eliminate any interference with the 60
cycle power supply, the regeneration is synchronized with the power source.
Figure 3-7. An Example of a Banking Transaction Displayed on the UNISCOPE
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION:
DISPLAY MEMORY
The display memory has a capacity of 1, 024 seven bit characters. It is a com-
puter core memory and therefore provides the sa me reliability, speed (7.2
microseconds per character), and random access that you will find in proven
UNIVAC comput er systems. The use of a core memory also simplifies control
hardware, since
timing restrictions are not required on the reading or writing
of data. Because the display is regenerated from this memory, the traffic be-
tween the UNISCOPE and the computer will only be for the purpose of inpu tting
or sending out new data. The lines will not be burdened by refreshing directly
from the processor memory_
CONTROL SECTION
The control section of the single station UNISCOPE directs all the UNISCOPE
operations. It interprets all instructions and generates commands to the various
other sections
of the unit. In general, the control section sequences I/ O opera-
tions, positions the cursor (p osition marker), addresses memory for painting
characters, and handles block moves
of data.
INPUT/ OUTPUT SECTION
The input /output section interfaces the communication facility or modem (data
set). When a
transmit order is given by the operator at the keyboard for in-
formation which was typ ed into the memory, this section takes the contents of
the memory and serializes it to a string of bits suitable for data transmission.
The I/ O section will accept incoming messages from the modem, staticize them
into displayable characters, and transfer them to memory.
KEYBOARD
The keyboard is the operator's interface with the UNISCOPE and with the com-
puter. From the keyboard the operator can control the UNISCOPE, can input
data to the memory, and can request data from the computer. Each time a key
is depressed, a unique code is sent to the keyboard control section which
. ~x
amines this code to see if it is data or a function. If it is data, it will be entered
in the position indicated by the cursor. Functions generally cause block data
moves
or a repositioning of the cursor.
Figure 3-2 . Ov erall Vie w of UNISCOPE Keyboard
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL OEseR IPT ION
MUlTISTATION UNISCOPE
SEC T ION:
3
PAGE:
The Multistation UNISCOPE provides an economical way to expand the UNI-
SCOPE subsystem. Each Multistation Control Unit (MSCU) can interface the
communication facilities
on one side and the multistation display units on the
other. This arrangement allows one telephone line to serve up to 48 displays.
Each display unit, however, operates as if it were completely independent of all
the other display units. This is accomplished with multiplexing circuitry in the
MSCU which permits the entire contents of the memory to be continuously
and automatically distributed to the UNISCOPE terminals.
The display format for the larger screen is 64 characters per line by 16 lines.
The 512 character display is laid out in eight lines of 64 characters each.
MEMORY
The memory in the MSCU can hold 24,576 characters for distribution to a
maximum of 48 display units. The memory is modular
in sets of 8,192 char-
acters, and each 8,192 characters of memory can service either eight large
capacity display units with 1,024 cha racters or 16 lower capacity terminal
units
that can display a maximum of 512 characters. The memory is a com-
puter core memory, as in the case of the single station unit, and provides the
same advantages as the single station Uniscope.
Additionally, the memory access time is reduced to 1.8 microseconds per
character.
On the basis of one or two displays, the benefit of a fast random
access memory is hard to
see; but with respect to the total system, the system
response
time is greatly enhanced.
DISPLAY REGENERATION
Display regeneration is also controlled by the MSCU. The regeneration process
is essentially the same as that described in the section on the single station
unit, except that the regeneration
in this case is accomplished with a faster
memory transfer rate (1.8 microseconds) and a more sophisticated timing.
These differences are required
in order to maintain the flicker-free refreshing
of the larger quantity of displays. Essentially, each character is repainted on
the display screen at 60 cycles per second with up to eight continuous strokes
per character.
The control
unit also interrogates the total number of attached keyboards and
stores the results that are input.
As each character is received from the UN I-
SCOPE keyboard, it is immediately written into the proper memory location and
displayed
on the respective Multistation UNISCOPE. The interrogation rate is
high enough so that operator typing speed of 80 words per minute can be
maintained without any loss of data.
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UNISCOPE 300 3
. GENERAL DESCR IPTION
SEC T ION:
OPERAT OR CONTROLS
As previously mentioned, the operator is an extremely important part of a
computer communication system. Since the controls are the way by which the
operator interfaces himself with the system, they too are
an extremely important
part
of the system. An operator who is happy at the controls will be content
with h
is system. This philosophy has consistently been kept in mind by Univac
wi th respect to the operator controls of the UNISCOPE terminal.
The operator controls consist
of an alphanumeric typewriter keyboard, cursor
control keys, editing keys, and a few adjustments and indicators. To the right
of the se controls there is space for a bank of function keys.
TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD
The type writer keyboard very closely resembles the standard electric type-
writer. It approximates
as close as possible the key shape, key travel, and
touch pressure
that will be found with the electric typewriter. The slope of the
keys has been designed
to allow the operator to perform to the best of his
ability while still being very comfortable. An operator can type at various
speeds, and even speeds in excess of
80 words per minute can be accom-
modated_Because of the
similarity to a typewriter, very little operator training
is necessary.
The purpo
se of the keyboard is to compose messages that are destined for
the computer. As the keys are depressed, the data will go simultaneously to
the memory and to the display screen. It will remain there until the operator
has had a chance to edit and verify the data before being transmi
tted at the
operator's command.
Figure 3-4. Typewriter Portion of the Keyboard
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UNISCOPE 300
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION:
CURSOR
The cursor is a unique character that is displayed on the CRT at all times. The
cursor indicates the location at which the
ne xt data character will be displayed.
It also indicates the starting position from which data will be transmitted to
the computer. Whenever the cursor
is positioned over a displayable character,
the two of them will blink automatically at a rate
that can be preset between
four cycles per second and ten cycles per second. The
blinking prevents the
operator from losing track of the cursor when
it is positioned over a character.
The cursor will advance one step
for each character that is typed and can be
positioned by the cursor control keys. The cursor control keys are nondestruc·
tive and do not effect the information in memory.
As the cursor moves to within eight positions of the end of any line, an audible
alarm will momentarily sound and
an indicator light which says "End of Line"
will be lit. The indicator will remain lit as long as the cursor occupies one of
the last eight character positions. Additionally, as the cursor enters the bottom
line
of the display, the alarm will sound and the "Last Line" indicator will be
illuminated.
Figure 3- 5. Cursor and Editing Controls
CURSOR CONTROL KEYS
The operator will use the eight cursor control keys listed below when compos-
ing
or editing messages on the display.
Scan
Forward-
This positioning key moves the cursor forward one space at a time, or at
ten spaces per second when held down.
Scan Backward-
This positioning key moves the cursor backward one space at a time, or
at ten spaces per second if held down.
Scan up-
This positioning key moves the cursor up one line at a time or at ten lines
per second
if held down.
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