Instructions for use of INTAPE to read alien tapes

INTAPE is a program to read character-code tapes in ASCII, EBCDIC or ICL 1900 character code (amongst other irrelevant things). It will optionally cut long records into shorter pieces, skip files (and header labels), reverse along the tape and chain files together.

1. Load tape in the deck. A MOUNT command is not needed.
2. Type

INTAPE

the default code is ASCII, and although code can be switched to EBCDIC or whatever inside the program it is more convenient to type

INTAPE E

to select EBCDIC directly (note that tapes from House of Cards Ltd. are usually in EBCDIC); or

INTAPE I

to select ICL 1900 character code.

3. Program now asks various questions:

Is the tape to be rewound?

normally YES, unless it is already parked at the beginning of the file needed;

Please give length of output records if cutting-up needed:

just hit 'return' or give the output field width in characters.

4. Program now reads the first record on tape and says what the field width is etc.
5. More questions:

Please type file name or MULTI or MOVE or RESET or STOP:

give name of destination file (not necessary to append .DAT) and relax while everything happens (or not); or one of the options:

MOVE

program then asks

Please type number of files to pass (negative to reverse):

give number as requested and when the move has occurred return to (4);

MULTI

program then asks

How many files are to be chained together?

give number as requested. It will then ask for file name and put the next however-many files into it in continuous sequence;

RESET

program then asks

Is the tape to be rewound?

reply as in (3);

Please specify ... ASCII ... EBCDIC ... ICL ... if required:

reply ASCII, EBCDIC or ICL. Then life returns to (3) with questions about cutting-up etc;

STOP

guess what! (The tape is not rewound afterwards, in case you wish to INTAPE on from the current position).

94. If the end-of-tape mark is encountered, you are asked:

Continue reading?

reply YES to recover stuff beyond the official double file mark.

999. Sometimes a horrible System Call Return Code occurs. This usually means that the tape is unreadable. It might be recorded at density 6250 b.p.i. (a job for the 2988), or with blocksize exceeding 32000 bytes, or in 7-track format, or worse.....

This program comes with an unlimited manufacturer's guarantee. Please let me know of any 'funnies' which occur. Jon Godwin

[End of document of 28 May 1987, updated]