This is a serial terminal add-on board for the RC2014 computer that adds support for VGA text at 80x25 with 16 colors, ANSI / VT-100 terminal emulation, and USB keyboard support.

Why did you make it?

I did this to make the RC2014 computer less dependent from a PC connected with a serial cable.

What makes it special?

The board uses a single Parallax Propeller microcontroller running at 80MHz to generate the VGA signals at 640x400@70Hz and the USB host protocol. It connects directly with the standard RX and TX lines on the bus and doesn't require any dedicated driver.

Compatible with all RC2014 configurations, including the Mini variant.

Notes

• Basic electronics components knowledge and soldering skills are required to build this product. If you are unsure, please ask before purchase.

• The USB host supports keyboards only, no other devices are supported including hubs.

• The Propeller microcontroller doesn't have hardware support for USB host, the implementation is all software, and despite it was tested with different keyboard models and manufacturers there is absolutely no guarantee that it works with your keyboard.

• The EEPROM is pre-programmed with the latest firmware available at the time of purchase. Future updates requires to program the EEPROM with a Propeller-compatible uploader using the programming header or an external device capable of programming serial EEPROMs.

• The programming header can be used as an auxiliary serial input, all characters received are sent to the RC2014 as they were typed by the user. Beware that the port levels are 3.3 volts only.