-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org
[mailto:cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Richard Atkinson
Sent: 22 January 2012 01:13
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Cc: General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only
Subject: DEC terminals for New England Digital Synclavier II
Hello,
I'm looking for a bit of information regarding old terminals. My New
England Digital Synclavier II (an old computer based music
synthesizer) has
the option of having a terminal connected via RS232, and the manual
specifically mentions the following three terminals:
VT100
VT640
ADM-3A
Am I correct in understanding the first two are by DEC
(Digital Equipment
Corporation) and the third one is by Lear Siegler?
I guess that's the case, but I can't find any reference to the VT640....
How common
were and are
these three terminals?
In DEC shops the VT100 and its successors
http://vt100.net/vt_history
were pretty common. Not sure about the ADM-3A but again widely used. I
wouldn't say these are now "rare" but depending on where you are (and I
guess from the comment on the you tube video you are in the UK) finding one
in working order would be both challenging and expensive.
I'd like to get hold of one for use with the
Synclavier, just wondering what views people hold on them,
both from a
popularity point of view and in terms of usability.
Presumably you get a
slightly different experience using all three, at least in
terms of build
quality, display type, keyboard type etc, if not in terms of
supported
terminal modes as well.
I don't actually think there is much difference in build quality between the
ADM-3A and the VT100. From what I remember they are both well built solid
construction, typical of the time. Also note that many other terminals
supported VT100 (very popular)and/or ADM-3A emulation. In fact I think VT100
which actually conforms to the ANSi standard was really the defacto standard
for many terminals. So whilst it wasn't standard on the Atari ST, which was
popular with musicians, there was a VT100 cartridge option to allow the ST
to function as a VT100 terminal.
Curious to hear what people think. If you're
interested,
there's a video of
me demonstrating the Synclavier on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuUh4eIE3-k
Richard
Not had a look yet. I'll have a peek later...
Dave