Hi Paul, (01)
Yes, as part of the NLS/Augment project, we have been tracking down the
different types of keysets that were used with NLS. So far, we have
identified three types of keysets (I am labeling them A, B, C for now)
that were used with NLS. (02)
We have the pinouts for all three types, and we have built converter
cables that allows us to plug in any of the three keyset types into a
modern day PC in order to connect to a back-end Augment system.
http://blueoxen.net/c/hyperscope/wiki.pl?KeysetPinouts (03)
Just for completeness, we were also curious as to the Alto keyset. I
understand that it was never used with NLS, but since Bill English
brought the keyset idea with him from SRI to PARC, it seemed worth
tracking down as well. Moreover, the keysets that the CHM has are all
Alto keysets, not NLS ones (which I find somewhat surprising). (04)
As a side project, we have also been interested in finding someone to
build new keysets. Is Sellam still looking into this area, now that he
is not working with the museum? If so, it would be a good idea for us to
join forces on this. (05)
Thanks for the link to Al's site. I wasn't aware the schematics were
available there. (06)
Al, I noticed that the schematics are labeled "exclusive property" of
Xerox. Were you able to obtain permission from someone at Xerox for
making these materials available? I'm asking because we also have a
number of materials that we would like to make available for the
NLS/Augment project, and it would be good to know any suggestions you
have for establishing this precedent as we try to do the same. (07)
Thanks, (08)
Jonathan (09)
Paul McJones wrote:
> Jonathan,
>
> I understand you are interested in information on Alto keysets. Al
> Kossow has scanned a document with schematics for the Alto keyboard
> cable/connectors, which includes the mouse and keyset -- see pages 4 and
> 5 of http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/alto/AltoSchems/05b_KBD.pdf .
> This seems like it is consistent with your photograph
> http://nlsaugment.org/pics/xerox-alto-keyset.jpg .
>
> I asked Al about the availability of these Alto keysets, and he replied:
>
> I really would suggest building new ones, though. Keysets are extremely
> rare. Sellam has been trying to find one for a deep pockets collector for a
> while now. The real Alto ones have an uncommon connector, too.
>
>
>
> Paul (010)
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