dlr@ihlpa.UUCP (Never a dull moment) (10/15/85)
Name: CATT - Completely Autonomous Touring Tester Manufactured by: MOMCATT - Makers Of Many CATTs Anytown USA (Offices around the World) FEATURES Low Power CPU Self Portable Operation Dual Video Inputs Dual Audio Inputs Audio Output Main Input Multiplexed with Error Output Auto Search for Input Data Auto Search for Output Bin Auto Learn Program in ROM Auto Sleep When Not in Use Wide Operating Temp. Range Self Cleaning Production Details After basic construction, the unit undergoes 6 weeks of ROM programming and burn-in testing. MOMCATT will typically reject inferior products, but sometimes people will salvage rejected units. These factory seconds may or may not perform the same as units that pass the standard acceptance testing. All of the previously listed features are installed during this interval. Since MOMCATT uses many different suppliers, there is wide variation between the individual units. Some of the component matching may be so poor that a feature may not even work. Fortunately, these units are so cheap that replacement is never difficult. Set up and Use When acquiring a CATT, it is best to visit MOMCATT and see what units are currently available. The consumer should examine each unit to verify that all I/O channels are operational. The user should also look for obvious bugs in or on the system. Although these bugs are usually trivial and easily removed, they are indicative of the production environment at the local MOMCATT outlet. When a CATT has been selected, it should be put in a suitable packing case for transport to the new operating environment. Failure to properly package a CATT may result in damage to the unit or injury to the user. When the CATT is first brought up, it should be in a quiet room, with only the primary user(s) present. The CATT should be taken out of the shipping crate and the self learning program should be started by showing the CATT the output bin. The next step is to show the CATT the input bin(s). Some CATTs need more help getting started than other CATTs. If the user already has one CATT and is bringing up a second, it may be possible to download the new CATT from the older more experienced CATT. In either case, the new CATT should be in self learn mode most of the first day or two. When the CATT is new, it also has a tendency to sleep() when the learn buffer overflows. THIS IS NORMAL. When the learn buffer fills, the CATT will go to sleep(), and the DMA system will take over and store the new data in permanent memory. In a few days, the CATT will be freely interacting with the operating environment. The user should be aware that the CATT is still too new to be allowed out of the home. Full portability comes later, after more extended burn-in (some users never let the CATT out, this has some advantages, such as longer unit life). You should also know that if a CATT gets used to going out, you will have a hard time keeping it inside for extended periods of time. One other caution, if allowed out, a CATT may try to port itself to the other side of the street. Some CATTs have been known to take fatal errors during this process, errors which are never recoverable. Your CATT should have it's own system name. This name will have to be repeated for the CATT many times so that the learn program reads it correctly. This will be important later on when you want to get the CATT's attention. Another way to get the CATT's attention is to boot it. While this is a very effective method, some users feel that too much booting is akin to abusing the system. If the CATT knows it's system name, you can cause the CATT to boot itself by shouting the name at it. Many users want to play games on their system. CATTs play games best when they are young. Older CATTs seem to lose their flexibility, and their joy- sticks lose calibration too. Some of the better CATT games are: FETCH, MIRROR, STRING, SQRT, JUMP, and CHASE. FETCH is played the same as with the K-9 system, the only difference is that the object code must be smaller. MIRROR is played by placing the CATT in front of a mirror and watching it attempt to parse itself. Occasionally, the CATT will become alarm()ed by the mirror image, panic(), and run away. Re-booting will get it back up. STRING is a game where the CATT parses the end of a data string that is dragged along the floor. SQRT is a game for when the CATT does something that you do not like, you use the well known aversion to water as a form of negative feedback. JUMP is a game like STRING, only the data string is moved through the air and the CATT reaches new heights of parsing. JUMP may also be played with a stairway or CATT pole. In these versions, the CATT jumps down instead of up. Some users may combine the two games for even more action. CHASE is a game that is played with two CATTs or a CATT and a K-9 system. In this game, each system takes a turn as the data, while the other tries to parse it. Many other games are also possible. Some of these are: SING, and DANCE. These games rely on the CATT's desire for fishy input data. By tempting the CATT with fishy data, you can extract many wonderful audio outputs. Maintenance CATTs usually require little maintenance. Every year they should be taken to a VET (Vastly Experienced Technician) for PM. The VET will check the I/O ports and the operating hardware. Any problems that arise between visits should also be taken to the VET. VET fees are usually reasonable. Some CATTs are periodically plagued by heat problems. A trip to the VET can fix this problem permanently. Conclusions As CATTs get older they generally become more docile. The learn program becomes more efficient and they sometimes get too smart for their own good. Some CATTs even start to watch television (encourage them to watch NOVA, it is good for them, esp. shows about birds and spiders). Another good thing for CATTs is tropical fish (yes, it is hard to believe, but they do start hobbies). Most CATTs also like to have a few toys. This is OK until they rip them open to see what is inside. A properly cared for CATT can give you years of steady service. Many users like the first so much that they will get a second or even third CATT. Most people really don't need all the extra capacity, but they enjoy the more complex games that can be run. I'd like to hear from other CATT users if they have any special application programs available. If there is enough interest maybe we can start a news group called net.micro.catt.
kenny@uiucdcsb.CS.UIUC.EDU (10/16/85)
Note that some CATTs' performance can be substantially improved by installing the optional CATT Non-Important Program Package (CATTNIPP), which, however, adds a certain random component to the CATT's output.