TV Typewriter Cookbook

From: Lawrence Walker <lwalker_at_mail.interlog.com>
Date: Mon Dec 21 14:46:41 1998

On 20 Dec 98 at 18:25, Chuck McManis wrote:

>
> >My main find tho was a "TV Typewriter Cookbook" from Sams by Don Lancaster,
> >the
> >author of the TTL cookbook among others. Might be old hat to most members on
> >the list, but I find it's an amazing book. My apologies to those who've seen
> >it before.
> > Wozniac and others must have been influenced by it.
> > A quote (long) from the end of the book is interesting.
>
> Cool, I've got the follow-on book which is called the "Cheap Video
> Cookbook" that uses a 6502 as a video processor. Some interesting notes :
>
 Im going to have to keep my eyes open for any of his books. Quite fascinating
stuff from an historical perspective.
 Concerning his questions you have to keep in mind this was written in 1975.
As he says it may seem quaint or primitive at a later time , but these were
accute and problematic questions then.

> > * Can a basic low-cost tv typewriter with cursor and memory be
> > built to retail at the hobbyist level for $39.95?
>
> A "bare bones" VGA card costs $9.95, If you can find a CGA card they are less.
>
> > * Can a miniature calculator-style ASCII keyboard and encoder with
>
> > quality features (2KRO, choice of strobe, tactile response, two shot
> > keys) be built to retail at the hobbyist level for $14.95?
>
> A 101 key IBM PC compatible keyboard is now around $8.00 new, $1.00 surplus.
>
> > * What is the longest length and highest character quality that can be
>
> > obtained with direct rf entry of an unmodified tv set?
>
> You can easily do 85 x 30 lines on a modern TV using the S-video input.
>
> > * Can you build a legal, universal, single-channel rf modulator to retail
>
> > at the hobbyist level for $4.95?
>
> Yes, and from a surplus dealer they are $0.75
>
> > * What is the minimum possible cost for a snap-on Selectric base-plate
>
> > adapter and converter? How fast will it operate? Can it be made to
> > enter as well as print?
>
> Don't know...
>

 Actally he had the specs to do just that in the book.

> > * How do you add light-pen feedback to graphic and tvt displays?
>
> Interrupts. Most mono-chrome PC cards had Light pen input.
>
> > * Can a single microprocessor such as an MOS Technology 6502 provide all
>
> > the timing and control for a stand-alone tvt?
>
> Yes, and he goes on to prove it in the Cheap Video Cookbook. These days I'd
> consider using a PIC.
>
> > * What are the most effective software and algorithms needed for graphic
>
> > display games and puzzles?
>
> Turns out the bit-blt was pretty prevalent here.
>
> > * Can you design a simple CPU backup for a graphics tvt that will move
>
> > chessmen following chess notation, e.g., Bishop to King's Rook 5?
>
> Again, this is something Don does in the Cheap Video Cookbook.
>
> > * Can you build a basic compiler on a chip or two?
>
> Yes, witness the BASIC Stamp, the Phoenix, etc.
>
> You can also build BASIC into a chip, vis-a-vis the 8052AH
>
> > * What is the setup needed for a tvt-oriented wordprocessing system to
>
> > be used for addressing, printing form letters, and so on? Can this be
> > done without a CPU?
>
> Olivetti did it in 1988, there may have been others.
>
> > * What is the simplest and cheapest dedicated "super front panel" tvt
> > configuration you can come up with that will read out the entire memory
> > contents of a microcomputer a page at a time? ? Can you make it
> > sequentially read out locations in hex or octa1 instead of ASCII?
>
> ???
>
> > * Can you come up with a simple and universal locking system for video
>
> > titling and superposition on existing EIA sync programs, both for
> > studio and home video-recording uses? Can you make it crawl, have
> > variable character size and shape, etc.?
>
> Genloc chips from Motorola do this.
>
> > * How do you use a tvt for printed-circuit and schematic layouts?
>
> These days it is "How else would you do it?"
>
> > * What is he best way a CPU and tvt can interact with an electronic
> > music synthesis system?
>
> Thru an LCD panel? Most keyboards these days come with 4 line or better
> LCD panels. Then again, with a Monster Sound MX300 you've got a pretty
> good synth inside your computer!
>
> > * What about video art synthesis? Can you build a super spirograph? Make
>
> > it follow music?
>
> Seen homebrew versions, never a commercial one.
>
> --Chuck
>
lwalker_at_interlog.com
Received on Mon Dec 21 1998 - 14:46:41 GMT