EMinEx, videotex CEPT-2 emulator

The idea would be to use the ESP32-S3 as a communication coprocessor. The Micro-8 would exchange data with it through a very simple & fast protocol. The ESP32 would then handle all the modern complexity itself: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, TCP/IP, HTTP, etc. converted in simple small block.The goal is not high speed, but simple and reliable low-bandwidth connectivity, which would already be more than enough for BBS access, terminal applications, multiplayer games, online high scores or small file transfers.I have already experimented successfully with a similar concept on the TI-99. In that case, I did not even use an 8-bit port — I simply used the joystick port as the communication interface, and it worked very well.

Garettx showed me his file transfer through Midi ( +- 300kb/s ) and it gave me idea to try with ESP32.   I’ve already done a few tests on Micro-8 and i got faster speed, but for now it’s without CRC./ any protocol.I’m going to measure it against MIDI using a proper, complete data-transfer protocol.

Interesting!

Have you considered using the Zimodem firmware (with AT Hayes-style commands) on an ESP32 for Internet connectivity?

It's the firmware used by quite a few devices to turn an ESP32 into a Wi-Fi modem.

Regarding the connection to the MIDI port, how exactly do you do it?

From a programming point of view, as things currently stand, do you create "fake" MIDI messages that actually contain your data?

 

Yes, I hadn’t thought of that at all, but it’s actually a very elegant approach. I wasn’t familiar with Zimodem, so I’m going to look into it in more detail.
The only drawback is that it would require some rewriting of the firmware to replace the UART communication with our 8-bit parallel port interface.

For the MIDI transfer, I didn’t code it — @Garettx did ( he sent me a video of his tool ). It hasn’t been posted yet, as I assume he’s still working on it.

to replace the UART communication with our 8-bit parallel port interface.

Your idea, with the Micro-8, would be to use the joystick port as you did on TI99?
I would be very intersted in seeing the @Garettx code!

no, i'm using directly the 8 bits user port.

talked to Garettx , he will upload it soon
 

for the fun, I have test midi transfert between pc-python <usb midi adapter> micro-8-lofi, it's work but not perfect ( i have trouble with the "end" of file and other bug ) the speed are very slow too ... 100o/s

I put the python code and src file this evening ( i have to test the working code )

for the moment, with a micro-8 ( v80 ) , i think that use optocoupler for isolation on the midi port
micro-8 <> opto <> esp32
i have all tools here, i want to try this

exemple of "board"
www.vanheusden.com/electronics/ESP32-MIDI-synth/
electroniqueamateur.blogspot.com/2023/09...-midi-in-et-out.html



MIDI OUT (midiSend())
MIDI IN (midiUpdt())