Gigatron:
========
1. Load the Gigatron tools from Github: https://github.com/kervinck/gigatron-rom
2. Place the folder gigatron-rom-master wherever you want.
3. Goto: gigatron-rom-master/Utils/LoaderTest/
Arduino:
========
1. Get the Arduino IDE from here: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
2. Install the PS2Keyboard library from Menu: Sketch->Include Library->Manage Libraries...
Python:
========
1. Python 2.7 (already installed on OS X)
2. If you don't have it, get it from here: https://www.python.org
3. Install Python...
4. Open the Terminal in OS X and something similar on Windows or Linux
5. Test if pyserial is installed: >python -m serial.tools.list_ports
6. If not then load and install the serial module pyserial.
(That was the hardest part for me, because there was no PIP on my OS X and easy_install doesn't work.
After a long time ... I choose the manual installation and it was so easy... 
)7. load pyserial from https://pypi.org/project/pyserial/#files
- For the next steps you have to be administrator at the machine or know the admin password!
8. unpack it somewhere with a double click (OS X) or >sudo tar -xzf pyserial-2.7.tar.gz
9. go into the folder: >cd pyserial-2.7
10. install: >sudo python setup.py install
11. test the installation: >python -m serial.tools.list_ports
I also have to comment out the Wait for prompt command in sendGt1.py. It doesn't get any prompt from the Gigatron on my system and wait forever?
Code: Select all
...
#-----------------------------------------------------------------------
# Send program
#-----------------------------------------------------------------------
print 'Open file:', args.filename
if args.filename:
try:
fp = open(args.filename, 'rb')
except Exception, e:
print 'Failed: ' + str(e)
exit(1)
else:
fp = sys.stdin
#print 'Wait for prompt...', port
#sendCommand() # Wait for prompt
print 'Reseting Gigatron'
sendCommand('R')
print 'Starting Loader'
sendCommand('L')
...
Arduino Uno:
========
- Connect the Uno and the Gigatron DB9 connector with 4 wires
- Use this one for example: https://www.reichelt.de/?ARTICLE=127440
- Here you will find the exact wiring scheme: https://hackaday.io/project/20781-gigat ... typewriter
Arduino Micro:
========
- Connect the Micro and the Gigatron DB9 connector with 4 wires.
- Use this one for example: https://www.reichelt.de/?ARTICLE=177387
-- Gigatron DB9-Pin8 (GND) <- with -> Arduino Micro ICSP port pin 6
-- Gigatron DB9-Pin2 (SER_DATA) <- with -> Arduino Micro ICSP port pin 3
-- Gigatron DB9-Pin3 (SER_LATCH) <- with -> Arduino Micro ICSP port pin 1
-- Gigatron DB9-Pin4 (SER_PULSE) <- with -> Arduino Micro ICSP port pin 4
Code: Select all
--------------------+
Reset |
Arduino +---+ |
Micro | O | |
+---+ |
|
2 4 6 |
ICSP-> o o o |
Port .o o o |
1 3 5 |
--------------------+
- Find and replace all
-- "PORTB5" with "SER_DATA"
-- "PORTB4" with "SER_LATCH"
-- "PORTB3" with "SER_PULSE"
- then add the source below the original Arduino Uno comment (line46):
Code: Select all
...
/*
* Link to Gigatron using its serial game controller port
*/
// Arduino AVR Gigatron Schematic Controller PCB Gigatron
// Uno Name OUT bit CD4021 74HC595 (U39) DB9
// ------- ------ -------- --------- ---------- ---------------- -------- --------
// Pin 13 PORTB5 None SER_DATA 11 SER INP 14 SER 2
// Pin 12 PORTB4 7 vSync SER_LATCH 0 PAR/SER None 3
// Pin 11 PORTB3 6 hSync SER_PULSE 10 CLOCK 11 SRCLK 12 RCLK 4
//#define SER_DATA PORTB5
//#define SER_LATCH PORTB4
//#define SER_PULSE PORTB3
// Arduino AVR Gigatron Schematic Controller PCB Gigatron SPI Pin
// Micro Name OUT bit CD4021 74HC595 (U39) DB9 Name
// ------- ------ -------- --------- ---------- ---------------- -------- -------
// SCLK PORTB1 None SER_DATA 11 SER INP 14 SER 2 (SCLK)
// MISO PORTB3 7 vSync SER_LATCH 0 PAR/SER None 3 (MISO)
// MOSI PORTB2 6 hSync SER_PULSE 10 CLOCK 11 SRCLK 12 RCLK 4 (MOSI)
#define SER_DATA PORTB1
#define SER_LATCH PORTB3
#define SER_PULSE PORTB2
// Game controller button mapping. The kit's controller gives inverted signals.
...
Now you are ready to upload .gt1 files or send some commands via the Arduino IDE build in serial terminal. 115200 Baud & new line. Then type h for help...
If you use sendGt1.py turn of the Arduino IDE serial terminal before. It blocks the serial port!
Have fun with gt1...
Michael
