HP-71B SUPERLEX LEX File Manual

[Valentin Albillo]

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Hi, Bob:

(12-11-2018 02:17 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  The 75 series used RAM (or ROM) based LEX files, similar to the 71B, while the Series-80 used ROM-based extensions (e.g. Graphics ROM added new commands for Graphics features, etc.).

Not so, Series 80 models (i.e., HP86, HP87) coud also use RAM-based binary files (BIN) to extend the BASIC language and the operating system's capabilities, and of course conversely the Series 70 models (HP-71, HP-75) could also use ROM-based extensions. There were no differences between both series in that regard.

Quote:The 71 and 75 series LEX files could be copied into the machine's RAM, while for Series-80, the ROM module must be present.

Again, there's no difference in that regard. For the Series 70 machines, you can have both ROM-based extensions, say the Math ROM's keywords, which can or can't be copied to RAM depending on several factors (hardwired, PRIVATE, etc) and RAM-based extensions, say LEX files, either copied from mass storage or directly created and assembled in the machine proper..

Same for Series 80 machines. You can have ROM-based extensions (the Matrix ROM for example), which usually can't be copied to RAM, but you can also use RAM-based extensions in the form of binary (BIN) programs, the equivalent of LEX files, which you could either load from mass storage (using the BASIC keyword LOADBIN) or create and assemble in place (using either the Assembler ROM or a RAM-based assembler program).

So, there's really no difference. The HP-85 operating system could only load one binary program at a time, using the mainframe LOADBIN keyword, but the developers were thick enough that they didn't include the sorely needed SCRATCHBIN keyword in the basic BASIC and thus you could only load and use just one BIN file at a time, no way to unload it to make room for another.

In time they learnt and began to include the SCRATCHBIN keyword in newer BIN files (and even retrofitted existing ones to include it) so that the programmer could load one binary, use its keywords, then unload it and load another one, in a serial fashion. The source code for the SCRATCHBIN keyword was made available by HP and I included it in every BIN file that I created at the time, using a RAM-based assembler (no Aseembler ROM required).

By the time they released the HP86/87, the developers had fully learnt the lesson and now you could load up to five binary programs at a time, which was extremely convenient. The professional programs I developed back then frequently loaded all 5 slots available for binary programs, some HP-provided and some created and assembled by myself (this time using the Assembler ROM).

I could go on and on re Series 80 binary subprogramas and their creation but I've digressed long enough. I'll only add one thing: the HP86/87 Assembler ROM came with the very worst documentation set I've ever seen HP produce. The manual in particular was of abysmal quality, utterly incomplete and insufficient for any serious, professional work, actually it was utter rubbish.

Regards.
V.