5 Feb
2019
5 Feb
'19
6:13 a.m.
Hello all,
I have built an emulator that uses an Arduino and SD card to provide four "floppy
drives" for an Epson PX8.? It may also be usable with a PX4, but I have no way of
trying it.
If you would like to build one yourself, or just read about it, the details are
here:?http://wrcooke.net/projects/pfbdk/pfbdk.html
Any feedback is appreciated (I already know the page is crummy.)? Especially if you build
it I would like to know good or bad experience.
Thanks,
Will
"He may look dumb but that's just a disguise."? -- Charlie Daniels
"The names of global variables should start with? ? // "? --?https://isocpp.org
23 Mar
23 Mar
12:07 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
12:18 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
what end of canada its a big country
On Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 2:07 AM ben via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand
alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
12:50 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/2019 1:18 AM, Adrian Stoness wrote:
what end of canada its a big country
On Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 2:07 AM ben via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org
<mailto:cctalk at classiccmp.org>> wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
Hmm We have cows and grass and oil pumps outside. This must be the
middle of the Alberta. Cold Lake if you really want to know.
I have just finished a 20 BIT CPU design with a DE1 (ORIGINAL) FPGA
development card, and looking at the 1974 - 1976 time frame for
a physical computer hardware design. The bare metal part is done, so now
have test and clean up the logic details and I/O devices. Late this
year I plan to have software and hardware pre-tested on the FPGA
card before I start laying out the mother board and PCBs.
This will be a modern version but basically a 1975 ish logic design.
Small Proms, 74LSxxx and 2901A's and MK4096 4Kx1 Dram speeds.
Ben.
1:41 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
Would this be useful?
http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
Henk, PA8PDP
________________________________
Van: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> namens ben via cctalk <cctalk at
classiccmp.org>
Verzonden: Saturday, March 23, 2019 8:07:36 AM
Aan: cctalk at classiccmp.org
Onderwerp: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
2:02 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
Would this be useful?
http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
Henk, PA8PDP
It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess.
This link might be more useful to a lot of people on the list.
TTY's and service still can be found here, if the web page can be believed.
http://www.johnwhitney.com/misc/paul-rtty.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Van:* cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> namens ben via cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org>
*Verzonden:* Saturday, March 23, 2019 8:07:36 AM
*Aan:* cctalk at classiccmp.org
*Onderwerp:* Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
9:07 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
----- Original Message -----
From: "ben via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at
classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 5:02 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
------------
I'm just about to build one of those; looks like the cost will be more like C$40.00
including 9 extra PCBs.
As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V 'pseudo-RS-232' which usually works in
my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there are tiny TTL<>RS-232
adapters on eBay for < $2.00
I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add something
m
Would this be useful?
http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
Henk, PA8PDP
It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess. 
9:15 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/19 12:07 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: "ben via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at
classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 5:02 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
Where does one get the board? Are you planning to offer any
of your extras for sale? I could definitely use one or two
of them.
bill
On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
------------
I'm just about to build one of those; looks like the cost will be more like C$40.00
including 9 extra PCBs.
As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V 'pseudo-RS-232' which usually works in
my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there are tiny TTL<>RS-232
adapters on eBay for < $2.00
I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add something Would this be useful?
http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
Henk, PA8PDP
It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess.
10:11 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Gunshannon via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
To: <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/19 12:07 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: "ben via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at
classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 5:02 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
Where does one get the board? Are you planning to offer any
of your extras for sale? I could definitely use one or two
of them.
bill
---------
The Gerber files are in the 'construction pack' at the bottom of the linked page;
the readme.txt and errata.jpg should probably be removed before sending to a PCB house.
But I'll happily send you one or two boards once they get here; just ordered them a
week ago. Maybe Rich also has a couple spare.
m
On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
------------
I'm just about to build one of those; looks like the cost will be more like C$40.00
including 9 extra PCBs.
As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V 'pseudo-RS-232' which usually works in
my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there are tiny TTL<>RS-232
adapters on eBay for < $2.00
I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add something Would this be useful?
http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
Henk, PA8PDP
It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess.
12:27 p.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 3/23/2019 10:07 AM, Mike Stein wrote:
As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V
'pseudo-RS-232' which usually works in my experience, but if you need
'true' RS-232 there are tiny TTL<>RS-232 adapters on eBay for < $2.00
But $80 shipping over night to canada with my luck.
I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add
something
Australia is a good ways away from here.
The link is here for the micro controller and PCB.
https://www.siliconchip.com.au/Shop/8/2760
It is a good deal if you have the other parts,
but I am looking for a older terminal with a
real keyboard and screen. The first computer
I used had the TTY I/O and I liked that keyboard feel.
Ben.
24 Mar
24 Mar
5:51 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 2019-03-23 3:27 p.m., ben via cctalk wrote:
On 3/23/2019 10:07 AM, Mike Stein wrote:
Here is a project I bookmarked some time ago - make your own vt220
https://hackaday.com/2018/12/20/behold-the-wt-220-a-clever-vt-220-terminal/
/ps
As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V
'pseudo-RS-232' which
usually works in my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there
are tiny TTL<>RS-232 adapters on eBay for < $2.00
But $80 shipping over night to canada with my luck.
I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add
something
Australia is a good ways away from here.
The link is here for the micro controller and PCB.
https://www.siliconchip.com.au/Shop/8/2760
It is a good deal if you have the other parts,
but I am looking for a older terminal with a
real keyboard and screen. The first computer
I used had the TTY I/O and I liked that keyboard feel.
Ben. 
23 Mar
23 Mar
6:50 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On 03/23/19 03:07, ben via cctalk wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand
alone dumb terminal
like a VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware
Solutions here in Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
Livewire was mentioned to me once -- they sell new and used stuff. I
have not dealt with them so I cannot personally vouch for them but they
may be worth an email.
Steve Pinto
Livewire Computer Solutions Inc
116 Galaxy Blvd
Toronto ON M9W 4Y6
416-798-3410
spinto at livewire.ca <mailto:spinto at livewire.ca>
N.
7:56 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, ben via cctalk wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand
alone dumb terminal like a
VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware Solutions here in
Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
I have a couple Volker-Craigs in the attic doing nothing. They are a
bit newer than a VT52 but they are pretty dumb and I am in Athabasca.
You can have them for free, you can get them soon if you come get them
yourself. You can get them later if you wait for me to bring them to you.
Volker-Craigs were built out of TTL in Waterloo, Ontario between 1980
and 1985 and they do RS-232. I probably have the service manual if I
look hard.
--
Richard Loken VE6BSV : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
Athabasca, Alberta Canada : our heads are naked!"
** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black
8:27 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
I have a several in Ottawa as well. A few different brands, ASR, Dec, VC
----- Richard Loken via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, ben via cctalk wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand
alone dumb terminal like a
VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware Solutions here in
Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
I have a couple Volker-Craigs in the attic doing nothing. They are a
bit newer than a VT52 but they are pretty dumb and I am in Athabasca.
You can have them for free, you can get them soon if you come get them
yourself. You can get them later if you wait for me to bring them to you.
Volker-Craigs were built out of TTL in Waterloo, Ontario between 1980
and 1985 and they do RS-232. I probably have the service manual if I
look hard.
--
Richard Loken VE6BSV : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
Athabasca, Alberta Canada : our heads are naked!"
** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black
24 Mar
24 Mar
7:42 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, Mike Kenzie via cctalk wrote:
I have a several in Ottawa as well. A few different
brands, ASR, Dec, VC
Do you have any Volker-Craig user or service documentation? Docs from
Canadian companies seem to disappear in a puff of green smoke.
--
Richard Loken VE6BSV : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
Athabasca, Alberta Canada : our heads are naked!"
** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black
9:36 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Loken via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
To: "Mike Kenzie" <reboot at ncf.ca>; "General Discussion: On-Topic
and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2019 10:42 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, Mike Kenzie via cctalk wrote:
--------------------
No VC but I've got some Northern Technologies and Lanpar/Microterm docs somewhere.
Also Burroughs TD800, various Falcos.
I have a several in Ottawa as well. A few
different brands, ASR, Dec, VC
Do you have any Volker-Craig user or service documentation? Docs from
Canadian companies seem to disappear in a puff of green smoke. 
11:20 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 2:42 PM Richard Loken via cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, Mike Kenzie via cctalk wrote:
I'm not in Canada but I have a Volker-Craig VC414 (APL version) _with the
service manual_. This is a poor copy (obtained from VC -- and they forgot
to copy half of one of the schematics so I had to reverse-engineer that
part) but I can try to scan it sometime.
-tony
I have a several in Ottawa as well. A few
different brands, ASR, Dec, VC
Do you have any Volker-Craig user or service documentation? Docs from
Canadian companies seem to disappear in a puff of green smoke.
4:03 p.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
On Sun, 24 Mar 2019, Tony Duell wrote:
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 2:42 PM Richard Loken via
cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
I'm not in Canada but I have a Volker-Craig VC414
(APL version) _with the
service manual_. This is a poor copy (obtained from VC -- and they forgot
to copy half of one of the schematics so I had to reverse-engineer that
part) but I can try to scan it sometime.
I would like to see that scanned and set to bitsavers, all they have right
now is some vc4404 material.
--
Richard Loken VE6BSV : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
Athabasca, Alberta Canada : our heads are naked!"
** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black
9:27 a.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
And I have some in Toronto; Falco, ADM-11 and bits & pieces.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Kenzie via cctalk" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Cc: <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
I have a several in Ottawa as well. A few different
brands, ASR, Dec, VC
----- Richard Loken via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, ben via cctalk wrote:
I am building a project that needs to use a Stand
alone dumb terminal like a
VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware Solutions here in
Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
would help. Ben.
I have a couple Volker-Craigs in the attic doing nothing. They are a
bit newer than a VT52 but they are pretty dumb and I am in Athabasca.
You can have them for free, you can get them soon if you come get them
yourself. You can get them later if you wait for me to bring them to you.
Volker-Craigs were built out of TTL in Waterloo, Ontario between 1980
and 1985 and they do RS-232. I probably have the service manual if I
look hard.
--
Richard Loken VE6BSV : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
Athabasca, Alberta Canada : our heads are naked!"
** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black 
6:15 p.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals - video tex
On 2019-Mar-24, at 3:14 PM, ben via cctalk wrote:
On 3/24/2019 10:27 AM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
Like this?:
http://madrona.ca/e/telidon/index.html
Can't say I bought it, it was a donation, and I don't know the story of whoever
donated it.
Might have been purchased from the surplus store BCTel used to run, or it may have come
from a former Microtel employee, or who knows.
Saw a boxed converter-only unit (needed a TV for the display) in a thrift store around
2000, but passed it over.
(I'm sure everybody else did too).
I also scrapped a converter-only unit back around 2000 or so.
And I have some in Toronto; Falco, ADM-11 and
bits & pieces.
Did anyone out there (In Canada) buy the surplus VideoTex
terminals,
I saw Many Many years ago.
6:56 p.m.
New subject: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals - video tex
On 3/24/2019 7:15 PM, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:
Like this?:
http://madrona.ca/e/telidon/index.html
It was in a surplus store,So I expect it was parts from some larger device.
This was in Vancover about 1990 ish.
Can't say I bought it, it was a donation, and I
don't know the story of whoever donated it.
Might have been purchased from the surplus store BCTel used to run, or it may have come
from a former Microtel employee, or who knows.
Saw a boxed converter-only unit (needed a TV for the display) in a thrift store around
2000, but passed it over.
(I'm sure everybody else did too).
I also scrapped a converter-only unit back around 2000 or so.
Ben.
2416
days inactive
2464
days old
22 comments
13 participants
participants (13)
-
aek＠bitsavers.org -
ard.p850ug1＠gmail.com -
bfranchuk＠jetnet.ab.ca -
bhilpert＠shaw.ca -
bill.gunshannon＠hotmail.com -
cym224＠gmail.com -
henk.gooijen＠hotmail.com -
mhs.stein＠gmail.com -
peters-cctech＠techwiz.ca -
reboot＠ncf.ca -
rlloken＠telus.net -
tdk.knight＠gmail.com -
wrcooke＠wrcooke.net