Introduction: Configuring Xmodem Gateway Configuring Xmodem Gateway is done through a single file called xmodem.conf, located in the same directory as the server binary. If the file does not exist when the server starts, it will create a default copy automatically. The format is straightforward: one key=value pair per line, Read More »
Introduction to the MITS Altair 8800 Front Panel The Altair 8800 Front Panel is one of the most iconic interfaces in early personal computing. Long before graphical operating systems, keyboards, and monitors became standard, computers were often operated directly through rows of switches and blinking lights. Understanding the Altair front Read More »
Introduction to XMODEM Gateway If you have a Commodore 64, an AltairDuino running CP/M, or any terminal that speaks telnet, XMODEM Gateway gives you file transfers, SSH access to remote servers, and AI chat — all from a single telnet connection. I’ve tested this with IMP8 on the Altairduino. IMP8 Read More »
Introduction to Using UNZIP on the Altair Duino Using UNZIP on the Altair allows you to zip multiple files on another machine. Once you zip a series of files, they become one file with the .ZIP extension. That way, you only need to transfer one file over XMODEM. Not only Read More »
Introduction to the Altair BASIC Stopwatch In this section, we’ll write an Altair BASIC Stopwatch. Basically, we’ll use the first sensor input (switch 8) to start and stop the watch. When we turn on switch 8, the stopwatch will start. After that, if we shut off switch #8, the clock Read More »
Introduction to Altair Front Panel Programming Altair Front Panel Programming allows us to enter a program using the front panel switches. In the early days of computers, terminals were expensive. Most of those who were building the Altair 8800 would enter a program through the front panel switches. The advantage Read More »
Introduction to The Meaning of TRON When some of us think of The Meaning of TRON, we think of a movie with cartoon-like motorcycles. For others, we think of TRON as being part of the name of a machine with lots of gadgets from an old black and white SciFi Read More »
Introduction to BASIC READ DATA RESTORE The BASIC READ DATA RESTORE command allows you to easily set up data that you use in a program. BASIC was one of the early “High Level” programming languages. In other words, you don’t need to know much about how the computer itself operates. Read More »
Introduction to the BASIC Input Command In this post, we’ll cover the BASIC Input Command. In our last post, we discussed the FOR NEXT loop. This allowed us to calculate our salary for the next 10 years. Our variables were coded into the program. Obviously, though, we would want to Read More »
Introduction to Altair BASIC For Next Loop In this section, we’ll discuss the Altair BASIC For Next Loop. Manipulating variables is an important part of any programming language. For this example, let’s go back to 1975. The median pay was $13,720 per year. We’ll assume that you signed a contract Read More »
