> Once the ASIC has the hook to read in an externally set arbitrary mode,
> the external tool could be implemented in a var
>iety of ways to suit different users' preferences. It could be just a bank
> of DIP switches to set the dot counts in raw bi
>nary form, or it could be something with an embedded microcontroller
> and an RS-232 interface that lets you type in the timi
>ng specs from a terminal and re-flash the EEPROM when you're satisfied it
>works.
Am I correct in thinking that this method of adding a RS-232 interface
via SPI is only useful for setting the video mode?
When I suggested adding a RS-232 port, I had other uses for it in mind
besides just setting the video mode.
1) Capture text that the mainboard's firmware sends to the graphics
card, and send it out the RS-232 port.
Useful for firmware development, such as linuxbios.
Useful for debugging an OS.
Useful for people who need/want a remote system console.
Or who simply prefer a RS-232 console.
2) Can be used simply as an extra RS-232 port.
3) Timothy's idea of a VT100 emulator. Which would be a good
addition to the video/audio/X11 server idea.
There could be a UART in the ASIC. Add a MAX232 and 8 header pins.
> If you want to leave
> it permanently plugged into the OGC1 board and install it in the target
> computer,
> you probably want the DIPswitch board.
If it is going to be left installed, this aux board would need to be
secured somehow. You don't want it flopping around and shorting something,
or blocking airflow. Given the wide variety of computer cases, this could
be a bigger challenge than designing the electronics.
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