TL;DR
Blaze is a terminal emulator that reproduces the DEC VT420’s hardware and features, implemented in Rust. It supports multiple connection backends (including a browser build via WebAssembly), emulates key chips and peripherals, and the author is seeking EEPROM images for certain language models.
What happened
A new emulator named Blaze reproduces the DEC VT420 terminal at the hardware level. Implemented in Rust, the project builds on an i8051 CPU emulation crate and uses the Pixels framebuffer library for rendering. Blaze aims to simulate the terminal’s components end-to-end: the LK201 keyboard, DC7166B/DC7166C video processor (with smooth scrolling), multi-session operation, and 132-column mode, as well as on-board parts such as the 8051 CPU, 5911 EEPROM and a DUART. It can be driven by several backends, including a process on a PTY, a WebAssembly module that runs in a browser, a serial port or a local pipe. The repository includes demo programs (for example, a Tetris clone and a Hello World demo) and keyboard shortcuts for configuration and session management. The developer has requested help obtaining EEPROM images for specific PCTERM-capable units and asks contributors to file issues on the project’s GitHub repository.
Why it matters
- Recreates a widely used vintage terminal at the hardware level, aiding software and hardware preservation.
- Browser-compatible backend via WebAssembly lowers the barrier to trying legacy terminal behavior without physical hardware.
- Multi-session and 132-column support preserve advanced VT420 capabilities important to some legacy workflows and demos.
- Open call for EEPROM images highlights community-driven reconstruction of language/model-specific firmware.
Key facts
- Blaze is written in Rust and uses the i8051 emulator crate for CPU emulation.
- Rendering is handled with the Pixels framebuffer library.
- Emulates VT420 hardware components including LK201 keyboard and DC7166B/DC7166C video processor with smooth scrolling.
- Supports multi-session operation and a 132-column display mode.
- Also models on-board devices such as the 8051 CPU, 5911 EEPROM and a DUART.
- Connection backends include a PTY process, a WebAssembly module for browser use, a serial port, and a local pipe.
- Repository includes example demonstrations such as a Tetris-like terminal game (Termtris) and a Hello World demo.
- Keyboard tips: press F3 to configure the terminal, F4 to switch sessions, and Ctrl+F4 to split the screen.
- The developer requests EEPROM images for VT420 units with the PCTERM option (Olivetti WS-885 or VT420-D6) and asks contributors to file issues on the GitHub repository.
What to watch next
- Upcoming Paleotechnica YouTube videos that will show the VT420 and how the Blaze emulator works.
- Availability or contribution of PCTERM EEPROM images for models like the Olivetti WS-885 and VT420-D6 — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Emulator: Software that imitates the hardware and behavior of another device so programs written for that device can run on different platforms.
- VT420: A model in DEC’s line of VT series text terminals, used historically for interacting with mainframes and minicomputers.
- 8051 (Intel 8051): A widely used family of 8-bit microcontroller cores; many embedded systems and peripherals were built around derivatives of this design.
- EEPROM: Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory used to store firmware, configuration, or other non-volatile data on hardware devices.
- WebAssembly (WASM): A binary instruction format that enables compiled code to run in web browsers with near-native performance.
Reader FAQ
What does Blaze emulate?
Blaze reproduces VT420 terminal hardware including keyboard, video processor, CPU core and peripheral chips as listed in the project materials.
What is Blaze written in and what libraries does it use?
The project is implemented in Rust and uses an i8051 emulator crate along with the Pixels framebuffer library.
Can I run Blaze in my browser?
Yes. Blaze can be built as a WebAssembly module to run in a browser according to the project information.
How can I contribute firmware or images?
The developer asks that anyone with access to VT420 units (PCTERM option) or other language models file an issue on the project’s GitHub repository.
Is there a video walkthrough of Blaze?
The developer indicated upcoming videos on the Paleotechnica YouTube channel — not confirmed in the source when they will be published.
Blaze: a DEC VT420 (and more) Emulator Want to learn more? Subscribe to @Paleotechnica on YouTube for some upcoming videos about the VT420 and how the emulator works! Blaze is…
Sources
- Blaze: A Dec VT420 (and More) Emulator
- Deep Dive into the VT420 Hardware
- VT220 | VT320 | VT420 Terminal Emulator – Turbosoft
- Resurrecting Ancient Operating Systems on Debian …
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