Micro-Altair tape interface

[dave at 661.org]

As I finally complete my Micro-Altair kit from Briel Computers, my 
thoughts turn to the question of how I can get an audio tape interface 
working on this machine.

I understand that the MITS tape controller is essentially a serial port 
with a simple modem bolted on the rear.  The Micro-Altair has only one 
serial port, coming off the ramdisk board, which will be used for the 
console (no, I don't want to use the built-in terminal).  How can a second 
serial port be added to this machine?

Then for recognizing Kansas City tape tones, I suppose I could clone the 
circuitry of the tape drive modem.  Then I realized I could make an 
Arduino do this with a handful of other common parts.  I could make it 
recognize Tarbell and other tape formats.  Has anyone else done this sort 
of thing?

-- 
David Griffith
dave at 661.org

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