Introducing the Telstar Videotex Service
Рет қаралды 1,779
4 жыл бұрынIf you have a BBC Microcomputer and a Prestel Adapter or perhaps a Sinclair Spectrum and Prism VTX5000 and you want to relive the excitement of the communications revolution that started a decade before the internet, then this video is for you.
The TELSTAR videotex system, provides a simple viewdata/videotext platform similar to those that were prevalent during the 1980s such as Prestel (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prestel).
The aim of the system is to provide a Viewdata experience for anyone who is interested in how things 'used to be'. Services in the past typically provided access via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) connection and this is indeed how Telstar works, however, Telstar also makes use of a simple internet connection for modern internet modems.
The service can be accessed using a traditional V23 modem or an internet modem in conjunction with a home computer. In the case of the BBC Microcomputer, Acorn's Prestel adapter can be used. In addition access can be gained from from a PC or Mobile device using Richard T Russell's BBC Basic for SDL 2.0 or Matrix Brandy BASIC V for Linux.
The video demonstrates how to connect a BBC Micro, a Sinclair Specrum and a Tandata Terminal to the Telstar Videotex Service using both a WiModem232 (see link below) and also a traditiona V23 dial up modem.
With special thanks to Mackenzie Rough for allowing me to use the Prestel Sequences from his KZfaq channel: / mackenzierough
Prestel Advert: • Prestel Teletext Servi...
Links
Wimodem 232: www.cbmstuff.com/proddetail.p...
Sinclair Spectrum Next: www.specnext.com/
NexTel: www.spectrumnextgames.uk/nxtel
Tetrachloromethane (CCL4): fish.ccl4.org/java/
Closing Sequence Music
"Luminare” - Fast Action 8 Bit Rock By HeatleyBros
Download Here: kzfaq.info?v=-c...
@ANShackle 2 ай бұрын
Fantastic project! I just stumbled on it, but now have a Telecom (Australia) Computerphone connected via an asterisk softmodem. Thanks for your efforts!
@GlassTTY 2 ай бұрын
That sounds great, glad it was of use. Would love to see some pictures.
@mattsword41 9 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for this - been connecting my minitel up and it's really cool :)
@GlassTTY 9 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Take care J.
@LifeIsTooShortForQRP 3 жыл бұрын
Great! Found this by accident. I always LOVED Videotex in the days. I need to dust off my old PC based Viewdata host from Vieworld, and make a KZfaq video of it as well!
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it. I am just working on something that might be up your street... APRS from an Apple II+. I have just written an APRS client for the Apple II with the intention of making a video about it.
@RTSRetroTechShed 2 жыл бұрын
Really good video, thanks. I used Prestel back in the 80s, so has been good to play with Viewdata again :)
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment, really glad you enjoyed it. John
@bobwillett5663 3 жыл бұрын
Nice video :)
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@LifeIsTooShortForQRP 3 жыл бұрын
Do you think a V23 modem would work through a modern VoIP phone line, or would it distort the V23 tones too much? VoIP phone service is all we have here nowadays.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
The V23 modems used for telstar are hosted on SIP/VoIP lines. My experience so far is that 1200/75 is OK when called from a standard land line, and just about usable when calling from a VoIP. Oddly 300 baud can be abismal.
@OneSwitch 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing. Is there anything in the early Prestel directories you have on Telemachus, an electronic assistive technology service for Disabled people? Reg Maling was an early pioneer in using Prestel. Would love to find out any extra info on this.
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
I will check this out, it sounds interesting.
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
Alas nothing found so far... Can you give me some more background?
@lassie6 Жыл бұрын
magic 🤟
@GlassTTY Жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you liked it.
@lassie6 Жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Thank you for explaining everything simply and explicitly, much appreciate.
@DbugII 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, and thanks for both the video, and how to use Telstar :) I actually tried to connect with my Oric Atmos, using the Tansoft Prestel software, and the Oric V23 Modem in Prestel mode connected through a Linksys VoIP adapter: I got the carrier sound, the software seemed to be happy for a short while and then I got disconnected. I've managed to get a French minitel connected to a French minitel server using the same VoIP adapter, so I kind of assumed it would also work with Prestel with the V23 modem, any idea about what could be wrong (I guess it could be defects with the modem, incompatibility between the modem and the VoIP, some settings, delay problems, software not linking Telstar, etc...)
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry you had trouble, there was a DNS lookup issue yesterday that may have been there for a day or so. This was stopping the modem server (01756 664433) contacting Telstar. If you were using the PAD on 01756 664434 then let me know and I will dig deeper.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
If you get it working can I have some photos to put on glasstty.com?
@DbugII 3 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Yes of course, and if I get it working, I will probably even use Telstar as a demonstration on how the system worked for an Oriclopedia video, with links to the proper places :)
@lovemadeinjapan 3 ай бұрын
Do you know how programs were send since teletext only allowed 7-bit characters? I have the idea that the characters ¼,¾,‖,½ and █ trigger 2-nibble characters to transmit the entire 8-bit byte. So 0-31 and 128-255 are encoded behind these special characters, and that ‖ is the space. I cannot find a specification for it though.
@GlassTTY 3 ай бұрын
Can't speak for Teletext but all the Viewdata specs I have are here. github.com/johnnewcombe/telstar-2/tree/main/documents I hope it helps.
@RasheenButler Жыл бұрын
@glasstty are there any options for people who have DOS machines because DOS is pretty retro-feel and I think that the ones who made the BBC basic programs for this service did not think about DOS machines as they were the first machines for PCs. I tried telstar on windows and it is not the same retro-feel as a retro-DOS PC. Are there any suggestions
@GlassTTY Жыл бұрын
DataTalk can be used on DR DOS/MS DOS machines it has support for CGA and EGA so that should give you a retro feel. Enjoy!
@RasheenButler Жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Thanks I did find the program and it worked in viewdata mode. Thanks
@trevorboys9140 3 жыл бұрын
Great video - thanks. I've just bought the Wimodem and was interested in the cable you're using to interface it to the Beeb? I'm assuming it's a standard cable that ends in an RS423 connector?
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Glad you like the video. With respect to the cable you are correct, as far as I remember it was nothing out of the ordinary.
@trevorboys9140 3 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Very noob question, but I've picked up a cable that takes 25pin serial and goes to a 5pin DIN; I'm not having much luck with Terminal on the Beeb master, which orientation should the DIN cable be plugged in? I'm running *FX8,3 then *TERMINAL followed by AT+ITR=300 finally AT*N. Nothing coming back from the modem at all, but commands appear to be accepted immediately. Cable is with the metal hole in the shielding facing up (notch in the DIN cable facing towards the floor).
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a standard orientation. I have modems that are each configured differently. Trial and error us the order of the day, following that, a breakout box.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
I will try and put details of what I have working up on GlassTTY.com as soon as I get chance.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
I have just added the connection diagram for the Beeb to the Troubleshooting section which may help. glasstty.com/?p=1340
@Flackon 2 жыл бұрын
Is it possible to connect to these services with a client running on, say a modern GNU/Linux terminal?
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
If you take a look here, glasstty.com/?p=1 under Hardware/Software you will see a couple of options. Richard's BBC Basic option is the one I use for testing etc. This works really well. Let me know how you get on.
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
I have now added a cross platform client at the link above.
@retromobs6018 2 жыл бұрын
Who can assist me with deploying this on my local environment. I did follow the instructions on bitbucket but the last docker install command fails.
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
head on over to the telstar group on groups.io and i will do what I can to help.
@back2skooldaze 3 жыл бұрын
Hi John, I'm Back!!! So i have the wimodem232 connected to the BBC and I have Commstar setup. The wimodem232 is factory set at 300 baud 8N1 and in terminal modem i type AT and i get OK so all that is well and dandy! Now the problem is in prestel mode i change the baud setting to receive 1200 and send 1200 and 8N1 just like in your video and now when i type AT i don't get the OK ? I get xxx Do i need to set the wimodem232 internal baud settings to 1200 which would be AT*B1200,8N1 then once set the wimodem232 will go in to 1200 baud setting so then when i go back to Commstar i go in to prestel mode i type AT and when pressing return i get # instead of OK ?? PLease can you help to get the wimodem232 setup for this telstar PLEEEEEASE! Iv'e almost given up on the modem way so my last resort is the wimodem232
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
OK, no problem, set the baudrate to 1200 using Commstar terminal (not Prestel Mode) i.e. set terminal to 300 same as modem, issue command to change to 1200, press esc and set Commstar to 1200, the AT command should return OK. Save the settings on the modem (probably AT&F). From here you can set up a few stored addresses for Telstar and other destinations etc. I would also set the modem to Telstar mode (AT*T I think?) and maybe turn Telnet mode off (can't remember the setting). Switch to Prestel mode in Commstar, set the baud rate to 1200,1200 8N1 and away you go.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
In terms of the old modem, just check the Troubleshooting guide on GlassTTY.com as there is a trick to add some attenuation by plugging a phone across the line. I think is your problem. Good Luck. P.S. Did you get the video I sent to you of the Prism Modem connecting to Telstar?
@brianmartin6296 2 жыл бұрын
Hi John, need to pick your brains once more. I now have a wimodem232 and trying to set up with commstar. Can't seem to configure commstar to allow me to enter AT Hayes commands so I can talk to the modem. I see you doing it on the video but can't see what keys are being pressed. I know this is an idiot level question but I have tried everything. Can you help me out again ? Thanks John. rian
@brianmartin6296 2 жыл бұрын
It's okay John finally worked it out . I am online with the wimodem232. Great fun. Cheers
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
There are a few things to be aware of here.... The first is that if you are in viewdata mode in Commstar (or any other viewdata software for that matter) the return key issues a hash character not a carriage return. Therefore try AT followed by control M rather than AT followed by Return. The WiModem232 now has a telstar mode which, if I remember correctly, can be set to help in this regard. The other thing is that the WiModem232 doesn't support spilt baud rates so set the baudrate of commstar to say, 1200 send and receive, 8 bits no parity. Parity is not needed when communicating directly over the Internet, and set the wimodem232 to the same. Obviously before you can change baudrates on the wimodem232 you need to be able to access it so check what speed it is set to by default and set commstar up for that to begin with. Personally I would set it up with Commstar's Terminal mode first. Dont for get to issue the command AT&W to save the settings once you are happy. I hope that all makes sense. Just shout if you need more help. J
@howmuchisenough4320 6 ай бұрын
Hello! I installed the Telstar client on my PC but it does not run on Windows 11, only on Windows 10. Is there a version that runs on Win11? Thanks!
@GlassTTY 6 ай бұрын
Can you post the error that you get?
@howmuchisenough4320 6 ай бұрын
There is no error message. When I start it, nothing happens on the screen. When check with Process Explorer if it actually loaded, it turns out to be running and doing something, but no results on the screen. After a while the blower starts running due to the increased CPU activity. When I kill the Telstar Client task through Process Explorer, the CPU load disappears. In Windows 10 nothing like this happens, I can start it and make connections with several Videotex host as it should. Hope this helps.
@GlassTTY 6 ай бұрын
Thanks. I will try and take a look.
@testcardsandmore1231 3 жыл бұрын
I connected using a Commodore 64 and CCGMS terminal software. It works (sort of) but I get a lot of garbage on the screen and no graphics. I suppose this software isn't compatible... Any solution?
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
I'm not familiar with CCGMS, is it a viewdata package or a terminal emulator?
@testcardsandmore1231 3 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY It's a terminal emulator. It works very well with, for instance, theoldnet.com:6400
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
Telstar is a videotex service which explains the issue you have. You need to use viewdata/videotex software such as that used to access prestel back in the day.
@testcardsandmore1231 3 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Are there any viewdata/videotex software out there for the C64 that you know of? I have found a couple but they seem to be incompatible with modern modem emulation hardware.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
@@testcardsandmore1231 I know very little about Commodore machines or their software, however, Telstar has a dial in service which means you can use an old modem if you want. Having said that, the dial in gateway has been in storage due to an office move. The equipment arrives at the new office on Wednesday (20th Jan) and the fibre was installed today, so hopefully dial in service will be resumed by the 22nd Jan 2021.
@RetroMarkyRM 2 жыл бұрын
HELP!! I can get all the way to using commstar BUT cannot issue any "AT" commands, any ideas please?
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
What modem are you using?
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
If you are in Comstars Prestel mode try Ctrl M instead of CR
@RetroMarkyRM 2 жыл бұрын
connected to my beeb via a serial cable (from scrow). I have tested terminal mode on my master using the serial cable so know what's working ok. So everything working up until I boot commstar rom and then do the settings (as per your advice) then it just kind of sits there!
@RetroMarkyRM 2 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY Simple Wifi RS232 Modem (from tindle) with a 9 pin serial to beeb
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
Are you sure that the baid rate and parity etc are set the same on your modem and Commstar? I don't have a Master and am not sure what you mean when you say you tested it in terminal mode. You should use 8N1 on Commstar and that's what the modem should be set to. Can you add some detail as to exactly what tests you have done and what settings you have used, in each case?
@mathewnewcombe3498 3 жыл бұрын
Did at&t own telstar?
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
No, Telstar was originally a BBS run in the UK, the name came from an anagram of T. Slater, a friend of mine who helped set it all up. Telstar is now a viewdata service run by me here in the UK.
@mathewnewcombe3498 3 жыл бұрын
I seem to remember there being a link between the two... But it's impressive none the less I admire your efforts.
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
@@mathewnewcombe3498 At&T did do some stuff with the TELSTAR Satellite, perhaps that's what you are thinking of. But thanks for the positive comments.
@back2skooldaze 3 жыл бұрын
Hi John when will telstar be back up and running
@GlassTTY 3 жыл бұрын
@@back2skooldaze Telstar itself has been up and running continuously, however the dial in gateway has been in storage. The equipment arrives at the new office on Wednesday (20th) and the fibre was in stalled today, so hopefully dial in service will be resumed by the 22nd Jan 2021.
@loganmacgyver2625 2 жыл бұрын
What's the phone number?
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
Telstar can be accessed on 01756 664433 and 01756 664434. The line levels are different on each line in order to cover as many line types (POTS/VOIP etc) as possible, so if line 1 doesn't work for you try line 2. See here for details glasstty.com/?p=1
@loganmacgyver2625 2 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY thanks. And i assume i can dial in from Europe right?
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
@@loganmacgyver2625 Sure, the lines are hosted by sipgate.co.uk which I believe is in Germany anyway. Didi I just hear you try to connect? No Carrier was the error, typical of signal level being too high or too low. It's a real problem with old modems on these VOIP/SIP connections. Don't forget to try both lines, when trying to connect.
@loganmacgyver2625 2 жыл бұрын
@@GlassTTY i tried a modern acoustic coupler software (minimodem on linux) then once i dialed in i got interrupted by a "your calling card credit is low" message :D. I was using an international calling card service also hosted on VOIP. I'll need to get audio cables to properly hook my cellphone up to the soundcard of my computer
@GlassTTY 2 жыл бұрын
@@loganmacgyver2625 Maybe just call it over the internet :) I can't imagine using a cellphone is all that nostalgic. glasstty.com:6502
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