Perl via Paper Ink Metal and Oil

By John Whitney
Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2015 13:30
Duration: 50 minutes
Target audience: Any
Language: English
Tags: history perl teletypes

You can find more information on the speaker's site:

Abstract: http://www.vintagebytes.com/tty/system-testing.html
Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUsELSay2v0

Goal was to create a functioning system that merged old and new computing technology...

* Using Teletype Data Terminals from 1965 for input and output (the old)
* Using Perl with Linux operating system (the new)
* To be 'light-switch' simple to operate
* Can be used in productive fun ways

Mechanical Teletypes are fascinating machines, because they are physical, with movement, sounds, and smells. The clicking and clacking, the bells, and the carriage swinging back to its return spot is, all fascinating to watch when everything is oiled and working properly.

These were the first I/O devices used on early computers. The talk covers the restoration of two 50 year old teletypes, and getting them connected to the Internet, including the software, Perl applications, Linux, and custom developed interface hardware, including some historical snapshots of Teletype Corporation, an iconic company. After the talk, the audience is invited to use the machines to that are connected to the Linux box, then to the Internet, along with the ability to send and receive emails.

Attended by: Graham Ollis (‎plicease‎), David Oswald (‎davido‎), Thomas Sibley (‎trs‎), Jan Peterson (‎jlp‎), Paul Seamons, Yanick Champoux (‎Yanick‎), Wes Malone (‎wesm‎), Joelle Maslak, Liam McNerney (‎Lthemick‎), Chas. Owens (‎cowens‎), Geoffrey Darling (‎Geoff‎), Ryan Chaudhry, Ben Grimm, Travis Chase, Mark Gardner (‎mjgardner‎), John D Jones III (‎jnbek‎), Nathan Sullivan, Stephen Scaffidi (‎hercynium‎), Mike Greb (‎mikegrb‎), Louis Erickson, Jay Hannah (‎jhannah‎), Scott O'Neil, James Morgan (‎Ven'Tatsu‎), R Geoffrey Avery (‎rGeoffrey‎),