Summary of Modern hardware transforms this 80s typewriter into a Linux terminal and ASCII art printer
Repurposing a late-1980s Brother AX-25 daisy-wheel electronic typewriter, YouTuber Riley (Artillect) connected the machine to modern hardware to use it as a rudimentary Linux terminal and ASCII art printer. An Arduino Uno controls two multiplexers on a breadboard and links via serial to a Raspberry Pi (with a voltage divider for level shifting) and a laptop over USB. Code is on GitHub; Riley plans to add a keyboard so the typewriter can operate as a standalone computer.
Parts used in the Brother AX-25 typewriter project:
- Brother AX-25 electronic typewriter (late 1980s)
- Daisy wheel ribbon (typewriter ribbon)
- Arduino Uno
- Raspberry Pi
- Voltage divider (for 5V to 3.3V level shifting)
- Breadboard
- Two multiplexers
- USB cable (Arduino to laptop)
- Serial connection between Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- Laptop (for controlling terminal)
- Replacement ribbon (planned/optional)
Bottom line: Repurposing obsolete hardware is a popular pastime among the tech community, and the latest project from the YouTube channel Artillect is a fine example of what’s possible when thinking outside of the box. Is it practical? No, not really. Is it neat? Absolutely.
Riley took a Brother AX-25 electronic typewriter from the late 1980s that utilizes a daisy wheel to print text and spruced it up with some modern hardware. The AX-25 features a 16-character LCD capable of editing documents stored on its 8kb of memory but of course, we can do better today.
It’s still a work in progress but at this stage, the typewriter is connected to a breadboard circuit with two multiplexers that are controlled by an Arduino Uno.
The Arduino is connected to a Raspberry Pi over serial with a voltage divider in the middle to convert the Arduino’s 5v output to 3.3v, thus preventing the Raspberry Pi from getting damaged. It is also connected to a laptop via USB. The link allows Riley to use the typewriter as a Linux terminal although admittedly, functionality is somewhat limited.
The contraption is quite handy for creating ASCII art, however, as Riley demonstrated. He didn’t want to create a piece that was too detailed until he gets a replacement ribbon for the typewriter, but the small example looks great.
Riley uploaded the code he wrote for the system to GitHub for those interested in tinkering around with their own project. There are even some examples of the typewriter for sale on eBay if you’re looking for this exact model.
The YouTuber eventually wants to turn the machine into a fully functioning computer, and the next step will be to hook up a keyboard to the Arduino so he doesn’t have to use another computer to control it. We will keep an eye on this project to see how it evolves over the coming weeks and months.
Source: Modern hardware transforms this 80s typewriter into a Linux terminal and ASCII art printer
- What typewriter model was used in the project?
The project used a Brother AX-25 electronic typewriter from the late 1980s. - How is the Arduino connected to the Raspberry Pi?
The Arduino is connected to the Raspberry Pi over serial with a voltage divider between them to convert 5V to 3.3V. - What role do the multiplexers play in the setup?
The two multiplexers are on a breadboard and are controlled by the Arduino to interface with the typewriter hardware. - Can the typewriter be used as a Linux terminal?
Yes, the typewriter is used as a Linux terminal by linking the Arduino to a Raspberry Pi and a laptop, though functionality is limited. - Is the project capable of printing ASCII art?
Yes, the contraption is handy for creating ASCII art, as demonstrated by Riley. - Where can the project code be found?
Riley uploaded the code for the system to GitHub. - Does the setup require a replacement ribbon?
Riley wanted a replacement ribbon to create more detailed prints, so a replacement ribbon is desired but optional. - What is the next planned upgrade for the machine?
The next step is to hook up a keyboard to the Arduino so the typewriter can be used without another computer. - Are examples of this typewriter model available for purchase?
Yes, there are examples of this typewriter model for sale on eBay.
