3 Apr
2024
3 Apr
'24
3:16 p.m.
On Apr 3, 2024, at 11:01 AM, Guy Fedorkow via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Vintage computer enthusiasts might want to keep track of where to find CRT-based analog
oscilloscopes, for use as output devices.
The early MIT and Lincoln Labs computers used D/A converters to steer and activate the
beam on analog scopes to draw vector images.
Working on Whirlwind simulation, we've been able to get this technique to work with
"real" oscilloscopes, e.g., Tek 475, but we have not yet found a single DSO that
has X/Y _and_ Z inputs (let alone the required phosphor fade).
So did a whole range of DEC computers, of course. And the famous CDC mainframe console
(DD60) though it did vectors only for text (graphics was dot-mode only since it wasn't
a major use case for that device).
I once built a graphics display setup for an 11/20 lab machine (in college) using DEC D/A
modules (AA-01?) with an RC-11 disk serving as the refresh memory, DMA direct to the D/A
data register.
paul