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