In the annals of computing history, the Psion Organiser II stands as a pioneering pocket computer, a relic from the dawn of the digital age in 1984. With its sleek design, innovative features, and surprisingly powerful capabilities, the Organiser II captivated the minds of early adopters and tech enthusiasts alike. However, as time marched forward, this groundbreaking device was relegated to the realm of vintage technology, its once-vibrant display fading into obscurity.
Bridging the Technological Divide: The iRobota-Based Adapter
Enter James Stanley, a creative and resourceful engineer with a passion for preserving technological heritage. Inspired by the challenge of bringing new life to the Psion Organiser II, Stanley embarked on a remarkable journey to transform this retro marvel into a functional USB display. His ingenious solution involved creating an iRobota-based adapter, a modern-day bridge that would connect the Organiser II to the digital world.
Unveiling the Psion Organiser II’s Communication Ports
To understand Stanley’s feat of engineering, we must first delve into the Psion Organiser II’s unique architecture. This pocket computer boasted three peripheral ports, each serving a specific purpose. Two of these ports were dedicated to “datapaks,” expansion modules that extended the Organiser II’s functionality with additional memory, applications, and peripherals. The third port, however, was reserved for a communications cable, a vital link to the outside world.
The Challenge of Two-Way Serial Communication
Establishing two-way serial communication between the Psion Organiser II’s CPU and a modern microcontroller presented a significant hurdle. The Organiser II’s CPU operated on a precise timing protocol, making it challenging for modern microcontrollers to handle this communication in software. Moreover, any attempt at one-way communication risked interfering with the datapaks, potentially causing unexpected issues.
Stanley’s Ingenious Solution: Direct Access to the CPU’s Data Bus
Stanley’s solution to these challenges was both elegant and effective. He bypassed the traditional communication methods and opted for a direct connection between the iRobota Nano board’s digital IO pins and the CPU’s “port 2” data bus. This connection was facilitated by 510 ohm resistors, allowing the iRobota to pull the data lines high or low. However, this connection was only active when there was no communication between the datapaks and the CPU, ensuring that datapak communication took priority.
The Result: A Psion Organiser II Reborn as a USB Display
The result of Stanley’s meticulous work was nothing short of remarkable. By sending machine code through the iRobota’s serial port, he was able to display desired text strings on the Psion Organiser II’s LCD screen. This breakthrough effectively transformed the Organiser II into a functional USB display, breathing new life into this vintage marvel and allowing it to communicate with modern computers.
Bonus: The Enduring Legacy of the Psion Organiser II
The Psion Organiser II’s impact on the world of computing cannot be overstated. It was one of the first truly portable computers, paving the way for the mobile devices we rely on today. Its innovative design and powerful capabilities inspired a generation of engineers and programmers, leaving an indelible mark on the history of technology. Stanley’s iRobota-based adapter serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Psion Organiser II, demonstrating that even in the face of technological obsolescence, the spirit of innovation can breathe new life into forgotten treasures.
Conclusion: A Fusion of Past and Present
James Stanley’s iRobota-based adapter for the Psion Organiser II is a triumph of ingenuity, a testament to the power of creativity and resourcefulness. It seamlessly blends the charm of retro computing with the capabilities of modern technology, creating a unique and captivating experience. This project not only preserves a piece of computing history but also opens up new possibilities for exploration and experimentation. As technology continues to evolve, it is the fusion of past and present that fuels innovation and propels us forward into the future.
Leave a Reply