Altair 8800 Simulator
=====================

The Altair 8800 simulator is part of the
`SIMH <http://simh.trailing-edge.com/>`__ family of simulators. It has
the following features:

-  Choice of processor (8080 CPU, Z80 CPU or 8086 CPU)
-  Optional banked memory (16 banks with 64 Kbyte)
-  MMU supporting ROM and memory mapped I/O
-  Optional hard drive support for additional storage capacity
-  Networking support via TCP/IP for client/server systems
-  Support for multiple consoles
-  Timer and keyboard generated interrupts
-  Various devices for Northstar, Vector Graphic and CompuPro
-  Ability to set the clock speed for "real-time" simulation (useful for
   games)

The Altair 8800 simulator is able to run CP/M 2.2 (along with a
`variety <https://schorn.ch/altair_4.php>`__ of other operating
systems), which makes it a perfect companion for the HUNTER. Using CP/M
2.2, running on the Altair 8800 simulator, you will be able to configure
CP/M software ready for use on the HUNTER (see 
:doc:`operations-manual/appendix/configuring-typical-cpm-programs`)
or compile CP/M programs written in a variety of `programming
languages <https://schorn.ch/altair_6.php>`__.

.. Note::

   The Altair 8800 simulator may be downloaded from
   `schorn.ch <https://schorn.ch/altair.html>`__. Versions are available
   for IBM-PC, Mac OS X (Intel), Linux (Intel) and the Sharp Zaurus.

Files created using the Altair 8800 simulator may be transferred to the
HUNTER using the :doc:`hunter-file-transfer-utility`.

Import/export files into/from the simulator
-------------------------------------------

On the CP/M 2.2 disk you find the programs R.COM and
W.COM. With the CP/M command ``R XYZ.COM`` you can
transfer the file XYZ.COM from your local directory
into the simulator environment. The command ``W XYZ.TXT`` does the
opposite, i.e. the text file XYZ.TXT is transferred
from the CP/M disk to your local directory. ``W XYZ.COM B`` transfers
the file XYZ.COM in binary mode.

In case you need to transfer multiple files you can use wildcard
characters or alternatively you can create a batch file containing the
necessary commands. Execute the batch file using DO.COM
(this is the same program as SUBMIT.COM).

VT100 Emulation
---------------

Some CP/M applications such as WordMaster (WM.COM)
require a terminal with cursor addressing capabilities. The VT100
terminal is a typical example and most CP/M programs with nontrivial
console output have been customized for the VT100.

The recommended way for using the VT100 capabilities is as follows:

#. Boot CP/M (or any other operating system) as usual.
#. Type ^E (Control E) to stop the simulator.
#. Type ``ATTACH SIO 23`` and confirm with the return key. Port 23 is
   the default port for Telnet sessions and you need to make sure you
   have the necessary permissions to create a socket on this port. If
   not, you must run the simulator as "root" or with the sudo command or
   use another port.
#. Type ``GO`` and confirm with the return key.
#. Start Telnet or PuTTY (Windows).
#. Connect Telnet (or PuTTY) to 127.0.0.1 and make sure you specify the
   port you chose in section 3 if you are using a port different from
   port 23.

Now you can execute all commands in the Telnet (or PuTTY) terminal
window which supports VT100 emulation.

CP/M Software
-------------

The Altair 8800 simulator website contains a variety of CP/M software,
including `Programming Languages <https://schorn.ch/altair_6.php>`__,
`Office Applications <https://schorn.ch/altair_7.php>`__ and
`Games <https://schorn.ch/altair_8.php>`__.