This document was given to commodore.ca by Austin Hook of Canada’s (and probably North America’s) first retail computer store in October of 2002. Scans of the original document can found at the bottom of this page. Take note the formatting of the original document has been retained here as much as possible. By today’s (Oct 2002) standards it is very unprofessional but for its day, this was acceptable. I believe the document is from early 1978. If you have anything of equivalent age or older relating to Commodore computers or parts please contact us.
The Commodore PET — Its technology is so advanced: its concept, so remarkable: its ease of operation, so utterly simple, and its cost so incredibly low, that over-night it has given rise to a brand new era –The Age of the Personal Computer.
THE PET has become the standard for the emerging personal computer industry. Computer magazines, trade journals, consumer and business publications have lauded its discovery. POPULAR SCIENCE put THE PET on its October, 1977 cover, in full color, and devoted a feature news story to the corning revolution in personal and office computing. PLAYBOY, February, 1978, gave full color coverage to the “mind-boggling” PET
IN A LEAGUE WITH IBM, HP AND WANG MINICOMPUTERS THE PET should not be confused with game products that hook up to household T.V.’s. It is a minicomputer. What sets THE PET light years apart from other computers is its price. While the others cost from $11,000 to $20,000 and more, THE PET, with similar capabilities and power, costs only $1,200. One extremely important capability shared with HP’s minicomputer, and full size computers, is its IEEE-488 Bus. This standard data/control channel means your PET can be directly connected to a variety of peripherals and laboratory measuring equipment. Over 120 pieces of compatible equipment such as counters, timers, spectrum analyzers, digital voltmeters and printer plotters from manufacturers such as HP, Phillips, Fluke, and Textronix are currently available.
ROM Magazine, January 1978, writes, “THE PET comes out of the box, plugs into the wall, and is ready to use” It is equipped with a CRT video display with reverse and blink features, an alpha-numeric keyboard with complete graphics and a built-in standard cassette tape deck.
THE PET is an exceptionally powerful think tank with 8K bytes of RAM (User Memory). Optional equipment, permits expansion to 32K. The system contains 14K bytes of ROM (Program Memory).
THE PET COMMUNICATES IN THE EASIEST COMPUTER LANGUAGE Computers talk in many languages. The easiest is BASIC or English-like words. If THE PET wants you to press a key, it will flash, .’Press such and such”, right on the display. You speak back to THE PET through its full size 73-key keyboard.
EXTENSIVE CHARACTERORIENTED GRAPHICS The unit features a 9-inch, high resolution, 1000 character CRT. Characters are arranged 40 columns by 25 lines on an 8 x 8 matrix for superb graphics
WHAT IS THE PET REALLY FOR? It is the single most important teaching device for any computer related subject It can help a youngster learn number facts, or help a med student do tissue analyses It will entertain the most sophisticated data application, or the simplest inquiry-response assignment.
IN THE LAB it handles instrumentation, process monitoring, computer aided instructions, and more. A number of Fortune 500 companies have already made PETS an integral part of their lab and general office system.
As a BUSINESS TOOL it will; Maintain ledgers. Illustrate cash flow charts. Keep payroll records. Create P & L’s. Control inventory. Store and analyze sales data. Draw bar graphs. Issue invoices. Do statistical work. Hook up to on-line computer system.
THE PET is the only totally integrated, self-contained, personal computing system. It measures a compact 16 1/2” wide; 18 1/2″ deep; 14″ high, and weighs just 44 pounds.
As an AT-HOME TOOL it will; Compute state and federal tax returns. Make heat and insulation analyses. Keep Christmas lists. Keep checkbook and finances up to date. Programs are even being developed to store recipes and to compute larger or smaller portion requirements
WHO IS THE PET FOR? Engineers, scientists, doctors, educators, students of computer science, attorneys, stock brokers, realtors, insurance people, list brokers, home economists, churches, grocery store owners, automobile dealers, sales people, organizations.
JUST FOR FUN There is hardly a game, from Blackjack to Master Chess that cannot be programmed into the unit. A variety of game programs is currently available.
ANNOUNCING THE PET PRINTER This powerful word processing accessory lets you print hardcopies, invoices, and computer correspondence. Faster than an IBM Selectric, THE PET Printer delivers 60 characters per second at a sustained rate — or 3.600 characters every minute – with upper and lower case capability. Characters are 118″ tall and printed in a 7 x 8 dot matrix. The printer uses a standard 8 1/2″ wide paper roll. And most unbelievable –it is only $995.
PERIPHERAL SECOND CASSETTE This optional component expands storage and increases flexibility. Only $130.00.
MILES OF SOFTWARE Listed below is a sampling of current is available PET programs. “BASIC BASIC” shows you how to write a program for the unit. You can actually develop your own programs to meet personal requirements.
| GAME PROGRAMS ARE $11.00 EACH [] Black Jack 11 Draw Poker [] Galaxy Games [] Space Flight [] Target Bong. Off-The-Wall [] Lunar Lander, Wumpus. Rotate. Tic-Tac-Toe [] Osero. Reverse [] Spacetrek [] Kingdom PROGRAMS AT $16.00 EACH [] Mortgage Analysis II Diet Planner and Biorhythm []1 Balk: Basic-by lodewyck and James PROGRAMS AT $27.00 EACH [] Basic Investment Analysis – loans, annuities, return on regular and irregular sequences of payments, calendar calculations [] Stock Portfolio Recordkeeping and Analysis – keeps track of buys, sells, and dividends Calculates current value, rates of return [] Checkbook Recordkeeping and Analysis, keeps track of checks and deposits Analyzes expenses by date and type PROGRAMS AT $32.00 EACH [] Basic Math Package – matrix addition, multiplication. determinants and Inverses to 16 x 16. solution of simultaneous linear equations, vector and plane geometry calculations, integration by trapezoidal. Simpson S rule or Gaussian quadrature, differentiation [] Basic Statistics Package – mean, median, variance standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, frequency distribution, linear regression, T-tests, correlation analyses |
FREE ORIENTATION PACKAGE Your PET comes complete with two programs and an easy-to-follow instruction manual. By working through the routines you will quickly discover how easy it is to gain command of your personal computer.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
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MEMORY Random Access Memory (user memory); 8K Internal, expandable to 32K bytes Read Only Memory (operating system resident in the computer): 14K bytes 8K – BASIC Interpreter program 4K – Operating system 1K – Diagnostic routine 1K – Machine language monitor VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT 9″ enclosed, black & white, high resolution CRT 1000 character display, arranged 40 columns by 25 lines 8 x 8 dot matrix for characters and continuous graphics Automatic scrolling from bottom of screen Winking cursor with full motion control Reverse field on all characters (white on black, black on white) 64 standard ASCII characters; 64 graphic characters KEYBOARD 9 ½” wide x 3″ deep: 73 keys All 64 ASCII characters available without shift. Calculator style numeric key pad. All 64 graphic and reverse field characters accessible from keyboard (with shift) Screen Control: Clear and erase Editing: Character insertion and deletion CASSETTE STORAGE Fast Commodore designed redundant-recording scheme, assuring reliable data recovery.
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Cassette drive modified by Commodore for much higher reliability of recording and record retention High noise immunity, error detection, and correction Uses standard audio cassette tapes Tape files, named OPERATING SYSTEM Supports multiple languages (BASIC resident) Machine language accessibility File management in operating system Cursor control, reverse field, and graphics under simple BASIC control Cassette file management from BASIC True random number generation or pseudo or random sequence INPUT/OUTPUT All other 110 supported through IEEE-488 instrument interface for peripherals 110 automatically managed by operating system software Single character 110 with GET command Easy screen line-edit capability Flexible 110 structure for Basic expansion with peripherals BASIC INTERPRETER Expanded 8K BASIC: 20% faster than most other 8K BASICS Upward expansion from BASIC language Strings, integers, multiple dimension arrays 10 significant digits; floating point Direct memory access’ PEEK and POKE commands
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PET and Peripherals. The external cassette (the PET CASSETTE model C2N) is shown connected to the cassette port and ready for file management. Also shown is the PET Printer, model 2020, capable of printing up to 80 characters per line on 8 ½” roll or fan-fold paper. It prints the entire complement of PET alphanumerics and graphics at approximately 120 CPS on a 7×8 dot matrix.
The unit can be programmed to print extended characters as well as a unique character (such as a corporate logo).
commodore basic
The fastest full floating-point BASIC implemented on a micro-computer. Allows communication directly from BASIC to IEEE-488 standard devices, cassettes, display, and keyboard built into PET. Accurate built-in clock is set table and readable from BASIC in decimal or string value. Full command set, including:
Standard Dartmouth BASIC Statements LET READ PRINT DATA IF THEN FOR NEXT DIM ENO GOTO
Extended BASIC Statements RESTORE REM GET GOSUB DEF RETURN STOP STEP INPUT FN ON…GOTO ON…GOSUB
Scientific Functions SGN INT ABS SOR RND SIN COS TAN ATN LOG EXP π
Logical Operators AND OR NOT
Operation Commands RUN NEW CLR LIST CONT FRE
Formatting Functions TAB POS SPC
Machine level Statements PEEK POKE Allow the user to examine and store at specific memory locations.
USR SVS Link BASIC to machine language subroutines with parameter passing or developmental subsystems.
WAIT Monitors status of a memory location such as an 1/0 port until specified bits are set.
String Functions
LEFTS RIGHTS MID$ Returns substrings (of specified length and position of string acted upon.
CHR$ ASC CHR$ returns a character, given a numeric code. ASC returns a numeric code corresponding to a character.
LEN Returns the length of a string.
VAL STRS Convert decimal values to numeric strings and vice-versa.
Extended I/0 Statements OPEN CLOSE Control association of a logical file number to a physical device and, optionally, a file name on the device.
SAVE LOAD VERIFY Store and retrieve a program, with optional file number, on a physical device. Load allows for program overlay.
VERIFY compares contents of memory to stored program
PRINT# INPUT# GET Allow communication with logical device numbers other than keyboard or screen.
GET# inputs one character.
CMD Permits communication with multiple devices simultaneously.
Example of I/0 Operations Tape-to-tape file copy 10 OPEN 5,1,0, “OLD FILE’. 20 OPEN 6,2,1, “NEW FILE” 30 INPUT#6,A$ 40 IF ST AND 64 GO TO 70 50 PRINT#6,A$ 60 GO TO 30 70 CLOSE 5 80 CLOSE 6 Program locates “OLD FILE” on tape #1, writes file header for “NEW FILE” on tape #2, then copies tape #1 to #2 until it encounters an EOF on #1, and then writes an EOF on #2.
Variables TYPES: Real Integer (%) String ($) NAMES: Variable names are uniquely given as a letter or a letter followed by a letter or a digit.
Special Variables TI TI$ Time of day ST Status word for I/0 operations
The PET Keyboard
The PET keyboard consists of 73 keys. There are the usual alphanumerics (A-Z and 0-9) found on typewriters and calculators and many computers.
But the PET has something more: 63 graphic characters. The graphics can be used for plots, for fun and games, or for artwork.
There are also special screen and keyboard control keys including the complete movement of the cursor, reversing the characters and background, insertion and deletion of characters, shift and run/stop.
specifications
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
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Dimensions: 16 ½” wide by 18 ½” deep 14 ” overall height Weight: 44 lbs. MEMORY Random Access Memory (user memory); 8K Internal, expandable to 32K bytes Read Only Memory (operating system resident in the computer): 14K bytes 8K – BASIC Interpreter program 4K – Operating system 1K – Diagnostic routine 1K – Machine language monitor VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT 9″ enclosed, black & white, high resolution CRT 1000 character display, arranged 40 columns by 25 lines 8 x 8 dot matrix for characters and continuous graphics Automatic scrolling from bottom of screen Winking cursor with full motion control |
Reverse field on all characters (white on black, black on white) 64 standard ASCII characters; 64 graphic characters KEYBOARD 9 ½” wide x 3″ deep: 73 keys All 64 ASCII characters available without shift. Calculator style numeric key pad. All 64 graphic and reverse field characters accessible from keyboard (with shift) Screen Control: Clear and erase Editing: Character insertion and deletion CASSETTE STORAGE Fast Commodore designed redundant-recording scheme, assuring reliable data recovery. Cassette drive modified by Commodore for much higher reliability of recording and record retention High noise immunity, error detection, and correction Uses standard audio cassette tapes Tape files, named OPERATING SYSTEM Supports multiple languages (BASIC resident) |
Machine language accessibility File management in operating system Cursor control, reverse field, and graphics under simple BASIC control Cassette file management from BASIC True random number generation or pseudo or random sequence INPUT/OUTPUT All other 110 supported through IEEE-488 instrument interface for peripherals 110 automatically managed by operating system software Single character 110 with GET command Easy screen line-edit capability Flexible 110 structure for Basic expansion with peripherals BASIC INTERPRETER Expanded 8K BASIC: 20% faster than most other 8K BASICS Upward expansion from BASIC language Strings, integers, multiple dimension arrays 10 significant digits; floating point Direct memory access’ PEEK and POKE commands
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