https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pertec_Computer
Virtual Altair Museum Introduction:
http://www.virtualaltair.com/virtualalt ... pertec.asp
Index of /pdf/pertec:
http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/pertec/
There is a large empty area on the right hand side where the numpad would be. Apart from QWERTY I do not know what the correct technical term is for this type of layout.Pertec XL-40[edit]
Pertec XL-40, introduced in 1977, was a more successful successor of Pertec PCC-2100.[4] The XL-40 machine used custom 16-bit processors built from the TI3000 or AMD2900 slices, up to 512 KB operating memory and dedicated master-capable DMA controllers for tape units, floppy and rigid disk units, printers, card reader and terminals.
The maximum configuration came in two different versions. One featured four T1600 / T1800 tape units (manufactured by Pertec), two floppy disk units (manufactured by IBM or Pertec) and four D1400 / D3400 rigid disk units (4.4, 8.8, 17.6 MB formatted capacity, manufactured by Pertec or Kennedy). The other one featured two large capacity disk units (up to 70 MB formatted capacity, manufactured by Kennedy or NEC), one line printer connected through long-line interface (DataProducts LP600, LP1200, B300, Printronix P300, P600), four station printers connected through coaxial cable (Centronics), one card reader (Pertec), four SDLC communication channels and 30 proprietary coax terminals (Model 4141 with 40x12 characters or Model 4143 with 80x25 characters).
The system was mainly used for key-to-disk operations to replace the previously popular IBM card punches and more advanced key-to-tape systems manufactured for example by Mohawk Data Sciences (MDS) or Singer. In addition to the basic key-to-disk function, the proprietary operating system, called XLOS, supported indexed file operations for on-line transaction processing even with data journaling. The system was programmed in two different ways. The data entry was either described in several tables that specified the format of the input record with optional automatic data validation procedures or the indexed file operations were programmed in a special COBOL dialect with IDX and SEQ file support.
System maintenance operations were performed in a protected supervisor mode; the system supported batched operations in the supervisor mode through the use of batch files that specified operator selections. The operating system interacted with the user through a series of prompts with automatic on-screen explanations and default selections, probably the ultimate user-friendliness achievable in text-only human-computer interaction. The XL-40 was also marketed by Triumph-Adler in Europe as TA1540 or Alphatronic P40, the beginning of a relationship that would eventually see a merger of the two companies.
Pertec used Honeywell Hall Effect switches for this keyboard. These Honeywell Hall Effect switches are marked "4A3B", "4A3A" and "6A1D" for the stabilizers. They feel lighter in keyweight than those on my other Micro Switch keyboards, quite nice.
As usual the base of the switch housing reads "MICRO USA". Biggest discovery on this one: no Micro Switch sticker anywhere on the keyboard, no Micro Switch marking on the PCB either! This may also have to do with the fact that Pertec ordered keyboards in bigger quantity but of course I do not know that. This busts my theory that all Honeywell Hall Effect keyboards have Micro Switch labels, I guess not.
This keyboard has a "tweeter". There are two main PCC labels, one on the backplate, one on the inside including a total of eleven different serial numbers on labels, stickers and the case itself. The connector cable is missing.
The keycaps are Micro Switch typical thick doubleshots except these are not glossy on the top but have a matt structured .Flat top three is used.