Re: HP80 Series Computers (HP85, HP86, HP87)
Fair enough - I suppose there is an OS there. It cannot do anything but run Basic programs, but does have all the drivers to allow HPIB/GPIB equipment to communicate, and to manage "mass storage" on tape or disk.
I write everything in Basic as speed is not an issue with test equipment control, even with a CPU running at about 650KHz (NOT MHz!). The HP Basic is not extensive, but runs well, and can be enhanced with further ROMs, each of which adds more Basic keywords to those already available. For instance, a Printer ROM adds a "Printer is ..." command that lets you define on any external interface where to find the printer.
There is an assembler rom that you can slot in and assembler programs can access a lot of software calls in the existing "OS". I have never tried it.
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