Trying to get some new posts going as I’ve been slacking lately, but for a good reason; I’ve been crazy busy! One project that someone turned me on to was one found on Hackaday; specifically this project: https://hackaday.io/project/2836-arduino-teletype
The project is relatively simple: use a relay shield on an Arduino to bit-bang baudot on a current-loop to a Teletype, and I gotta say, it actually works! Here’s the video from the project page, which is interesting as that teletype is distinctly quieter than my Model 32 that bangs away.
I’m not sure how happy the cheapo relays on the Arduino shields would continue to be, switching ~160v DC (at low current), but for now I’m having fun with this and may use the idea to set up a simple teletype tester box (with a current loop supply). I’ve already cleaned up the code a bit and added provisions for starting the demos via a pushbutton on one of the Arduino IO pins, as well as added some line wrapping at 70 columns for larger messages, so this could be hooked up as a potential Teletype demo. Stay tuned as I have some “things in the works”. 😉
I may try to take this further by seeing if I can get some solid state relays, or perhaps conjure up a transistor configuration that wouldn’t eventually “wear out” or get carboned to death by high voltage.
PS – If I ever start a band, I’m definitely calling it “Bit Bang Baudot” LOL!!!