It had a built-in watchdog with automatic restart of the program: "The normal alarm gives a warning if the computer is inactive for 30-60 seconds. The delayed alarm returns the computer to the beginning of the programme when a period of inactivity is detected if the inactivity is not due to either Signal order."
Rudimentary 'stack trace': "When the computer stops owing to a programme error on a faulty tape it is useful to know what order is stored in the control section of the computer or the address from which an order is being read. Five keys on the Control racks switch in a lamp display showing this information."
Programs were written, debugged and staged on paper tape, then went into production: "The normal procedure is to make a paper original using the keyboard perforator. From this a printed slip is produced and checked against the manuscript programme. Any errors are marked up and if necessary a corrected paper copy is made. The paper original or copy may then be proved in the computer and any further corrections inserted. Where the final loops of tape are required to pass through the computer more than a few dozen times linen copies are made from the paper originals."
Typing errors on the tape were corrected by backspacing over the error, then punching all holes open. I guess the reading unit recognized this as a NOP or NULL character.
Deployment of programs were done by glueing both ends of the tape together, so it formed a loop: "Splice the tape into loops by cutting the ends to a blunt point, allowing an overlap of two or three rows. Coat both ends sparingly with thick paste on one side and join, with the leading end on top. The joint should be lined up carefully to ensure that there is no discontinuity at the edges and that the feed holes are clear. Press the joint together firmly and dry thoroughly before use. Avoid excess paste on the linen tape as the starch impregnation is easily removed by moisture."
Rudimentary 'stack trace': "When the computer stops owing to a programme error on a faulty tape it is useful to know what order is stored in the control section of the computer or the address from which an order is being read. Five keys on the Control racks switch in a lamp display showing this information."
Programs were written, debugged and staged on paper tape, then went into production: "The normal procedure is to make a paper original using the keyboard perforator. From this a printed slip is produced and checked against the manuscript programme. Any errors are marked up and if necessary a corrected paper copy is made. The paper original or copy may then be proved in the computer and any further corrections inserted. Where the final loops of tape are required to pass through the computer more than a few dozen times linen copies are made from the paper originals."
Typing errors on the tape were corrected by backspacing over the error, then punching all holes open. I guess the reading unit recognized this as a NOP or NULL character.
Deployment of programs were done by glueing both ends of the tape together, so it formed a loop: "Splice the tape into loops by cutting the ends to a blunt point, allowing an overlap of two or three rows. Coat both ends sparingly with thick paste on one side and join, with the leading end on top. The joint should be lined up carefully to ensure that there is no discontinuity at the edges and that the feed holes are clear. Press the joint together firmly and dry thoroughly before use. Avoid excess paste on the linen tape as the starch impregnation is easily removed by moisture."