24 Aug
2007
24 Aug
'07
3:49 p.m.
On 8/23/07, Tony Duell <ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
I have a real DEC VR241 that I use with my Pros and 'Bow.
I've just bought the base unit (VS240) for a
VT240 terminal on E-bay and
know little about it (OK, I know it's a DEC graphics terminal). Perhaps
somebody can enlightent me
I can try.
1) One site i looked at said a VT240 is a
monochrome unit, a VT241 is the
colour version. Is the only difference the monitor? Can I use a colour
monitor with my base unit?
Yes. You just need the right cable. You can use a VR241, if it's
easier to find in the UK, or back in the day, many folks used an NTSC-frequency Barco-brand monitor, of a variety that
had four BNCs
RGB + Csync).
I also have such a Barco. It's actually set up for UK TV rates, but
according to the (excellent) manual, it can be twiddled for NTSC rates as
well.
2) On the back are obvious connectors for an
RS232 port (DB25), current
loop (8 pin mate-n-lock). There's a DE9 labelled 'PR', presumably a
printer port, also RS232.
I believe it's a printer port, but I am reasonably certain it's not
the same pinout as a PC-AT. It should be some DEC pinout. I don't recall that part, but I would expect the
keyboard to work in
either place. I doubt anything will be harmed by trying. Most of the
time, DEC was good about that sort of stuff.
Indeed. It also won't be hard to see if the appropriate pins on the DA15
connect to the RJ11, or indeed if they go anywhere.
-tony