Linux – How to use a Minitel terminal as a linux dumb terminal

linuxserial

I recently purchased a US version of the Alcatel Minitel terminal. I think it's a 1B version. Pictures of it here:

http://www.catpa.ws/pics/minitel2.jpg

http://www.catpa.ws/pics/minitel3.jpg

I tried connecting a null modem to the 25 pin port on the back and plugging it into a linux box running agetty but I couldn't get it to show any signs of being connected. I used Google Translate to translate this document into English: http://mirabellug.org/wikini/upload/Documentations_minitel.pdf

As far as I can tell, you take it out of videotex mode by typing Fcnt-T A, then turn off local echo with Fcnt-T E, then set it to 4800 baud with Fcnt-P 4. I presume Fcnt refers to the "CTRL" key on my terminal. But I think I'm doing something wrong, because it doesn't look like it's recognising the keystrokes, because "Fcnt-T A" just prints the letter A to the screen, which is not what you'd expect a function key combo to do.

Has anyone used these minitel terminals as a linux terminal, and if so, please can you share how to configure the minitel to run as a terminal ? Is the 25 pin plug even the correct port to use ? I read something online that indicated you're supposed to use the 5 pin DIN plug instead, is that right ? If so, what's the 25 pin plug for ? If I am supposed to use the DIN plug, does anyone know the pinouts so I can make a cable ?

Best Answer

I recently came across a Minitel 1B made for the US market and got it running. There are a couple of differences from the French version: it runs off 120VAC, it has a 6 pin DIN connector instead of 5 pin, and it uses RS232 line levels instead of 5V TTL. The pinout is below; pin locations assume you're behind the unit facing towards the connector.

  • pin 1 (upper right) - RX
  • pin 3 (bottom) - ground
  • pin 5 (upper left) - TX

Like the unit described above it defaults to 1200 7E1. It also appears to use slightly different "Fnct" commands than the French model; here's what I've sussed out so far:

  • Fnct-B 1 : set baud rate to 1200.
  • Fnct-B 4 : set baud rate to 4800.
  • Fnct-M E : toggle echo.
  • Fnct-M A : 80-column ANSI mode. The text will be noticeably dimmer in this mode (although you can set bold text with ESC [ 1 m, which will be closer to the brightness you see at boot).
  • Fnct-M V : 40-column Videotex mode

I'm talking to it with an FTDI cable passed through a max232. They're fun little terminals!