Connecting a terminal to a KIM-1 single board computer. In this video you'll see how to use a Commodore VIC-20 or a Commodore 64 as a terminal for a KIM-1.
For anyone wanting to connect a Kim1 to a slightly more modern Commodore like you did, the VIC 1011A is not cheap to get hold of these days. There are modern clones available, like the GGLABS GLINK-LT, which you can find on E Bay for $50. That’s not exactly cheap either, but expect to pay at least 2x or more for an original. There are also TTL to RS232 adaptors available quite a lot cheaper than that if you have some soldering skills and a Commodore user port connector to wire to, but you need to be careful that they actually convert to 0-5V to full -12v to 12V RS232, and not just 3.3V to 5V. Many of them don’t work with actual RS232 voltages.
I appreciate how you are focused on connecting the KIM-1 to an old commodore computer, but I do not think anyone has mentioned, that it is a lot easier to connect your KIM-1 using the Corsham Board and an RS232 to USB cable connected to your modern day computer, and of course using your favorite terminal program.
This was a fun video if you want to connect your KIM-1 to an old VIC-20 and are using that to connect to a Commodore 1702 monitor. However, it is much easier to connect a KIM-1 to a monitor using the Corsham Board and a USB to Serial adapter and connecting that straight up to your computer and running a terminal program like Tera Term.
I notice with Vic20 in terminal mode KIM-1 startup memory address was 00C but on the C64 it was 004. Question What is setting the memory address on startup for the KIM-1.
The KIM-1 does not natively support RS232. Rather, it provides a current loop interface. The Corsham IO board I'm using allows you to do RS232. In addition, it provides you with audio input and output and a means to connect the Corsham sd storage device and memory expansion.
WOW I have had the VIC-1011A since last May. I got it with a very nice working SX-64 along with some business software and a few Micropose games. I bought it from the son of the man who had owned it. I wish I know what he used the RS232 for, but seeing you video and the business software packages he had maybe he used it to turn his SX-64 into a terminal. Thoughts?
I can't think of many other practical use cases for the VIC-1011A back in the day other than for terminal connectivity. There was also a VIC-1011B that did current loop and would have interfaced directly with the KIM-1.
Awesome demonstration!
LOVE YOUR MOS TECHNOLOGY SWEAT SHIRT !!!
outstanding. thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Very cool.
For anyone wanting to connect a Kim1 to a slightly more modern Commodore like you did, the VIC 1011A is not cheap to get hold of these days. There are modern clones available, like the GGLABS GLINK-LT, which you can find on E Bay for $50. That’s not exactly cheap either, but expect to pay at least 2x or more for an original. There are also TTL to RS232 adaptors available quite a lot cheaper than that if you have some soldering skills and a Commodore user port connector to wire to, but you need to be careful that they actually convert to 0-5V to full -12v to 12V RS232, and not just 3.3V to 5V. Many of them don’t work with actual RS232 voltages.
I appreciate how you are focused on connecting the KIM-1 to an old commodore computer, but I do not think anyone has mentioned, that it is a lot easier to connect your KIM-1 using the Corsham Board and an RS232 to USB cable connected to your modern day computer, and of course using your favorite terminal program.
Very interesting! Great video!
Thank you for the positive feedback!
This was a fun video if you want to connect your KIM-1 to an old VIC-20 and are using that to connect to a Commodore 1702 monitor.
However, it is much easier to connect a KIM-1 to a monitor using the Corsham Board and a USB to Serial adapter and connecting that straight up to your computer and running a terminal program like Tera Term.
4:34 Get Busy Living! Keep the faith!
More software should have little sayings like a Bronners Soap label
So I finally can remote control my kim1 from my IBM mainframe and run Crysis on it.
I notice with Vic20 in terminal mode KIM-1 startup memory address was 00C but on the C64 it was 004. Question What is setting the memory address on startup for the KIM-1.
Why such a big side-board on the Kim1, I thought it had a UART right ON THE BOARD?
The KIM-1 does not natively support RS232. Rather, it provides a current loop interface. The Corsham IO board I'm using allows you to do RS232. In addition, it provides you with audio input and output and a means to connect the Corsham sd storage device and memory expansion.
WOW I have had the VIC-1011A since last May. I got it with a very nice working SX-64 along with some business software and a few Micropose games. I bought it from the son of the man who had owned it. I wish I know what he used the RS232 for, but seeing you video and the business software packages he had maybe he used it to turn his SX-64 into a terminal. Thoughts?
I can't think of many other practical use cases for the VIC-1011A back in the day other than for terminal connectivity. There was also a VIC-1011B that did current loop and would have interfaced directly with the KIM-1.