#159 -

Posted on Wed 10/12/05 at 16:41, 2307 days ago

When I was in Finland this summer I bought an old Texas Instruments Model 703 Data Terminal in a used military supplies shop for 4 euros. The only problem was that it was lacking a power supply. When I found out that the power supply for our school project laptop was compatible with the specifications of the data terminal I just had to try plugging it in. So I bought the necessary parts to connect the power supply to the terminal.

When I switched the on power, the printer calibrated itself and gave off a short beep. I then connected a serial cable between my server and the terminal. Third I wrote a Python script to manage the serial connection. I also set up mIRC to relay all the messages I got to the server. Voilá, the data terminal was printing my IRC conversations.

I have now extended the system a little. I have, among other things, added a simple web form with which anyone can send messages directly to the data terminal. Do try it out.

I need yet to come up with more interesting applications for this contraption. If I do, I'll report it here.

By the way, I want to thank everyone who gave me gifts for my birthday. I apprectiate them very much. Kiitoksia kaikille suomessa kanssa :)

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