Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

28 posts / 0 new
Last post
amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Hi to all !

If the winner of this auction is here, can he contact me by PM, please ?
I'm looking for the manual of this rare card.

I've already tried to contact the seller to get the buyer's email but haven't received any answer.

Thanks in advance.

speedyG's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 years 9 months ago
Joined: Nov 16 2011 - 07:45
Posts: 2493
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Hello amauget,

this link is not to the manual of this exact board.
But in fact this card is a similar kind of "pre-version" of that PCB.
so probably some part of the description might turn out to become valid at
this card too... most interesting is possible similarity of the circuitplan
at the end of the manual which explain part of the function....
speedyG

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Which version of the "old-style" enhancer card is in question?

KDE-700
(Rev. 7 or greater)

OR

KDE-000
(Rev. 6 or less)

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

@Speedy

Greets. The old "Keyboard & Display Enhancer" and new "Enhancer II" are completely different. The old one is a daughterboard which connects to the main motherboard. You have to remove several chips and seat it on top. The new Enhancer II is a direct replacement of the keyboard encoder card.

In addition to the functions provided by the older model, the new Enhancer II supports macros via the add-on Function Strip. It also has a type-ahead buffer. You type while disk access is going on, and upon return of focus to the prompt, the characters are then sent to the system and acted upon. It has a 6504 (6502 variant) and 2 x 2114 RAM on board to facilitate those functions. And more.

speedyG's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 years 9 months ago
Joined: Nov 16 2011 - 07:45
Posts: 2493
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Helllo Keatah,
it was never a question that the manual i spotted out is different from the one amauget is searching.
But while the old version is still located at the keyboard and the new one i spotted is connected only
by the keyboard ribbon and the fact that the new Enhancer II has features that are not availiable at the
old version - i just mentioned "some" similarity by the way the upper and lower case are implemented
( meaning similar activation codes and similar basic structure ).
Of course the correct manual will fit much more proper the needs of amauget if he gets one.
It was just a hint in case that no information is passed at all....
in such case - small info´s are rather better than no information at all.... LOL
speedyG

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Which version of the "old-style" enhancer card is in question?

KDE-700
(Rev. 7 or greater)

OR

KDE-000
(Rev. 6 or less)


I don't know exactly. Mine has KBE 41128 sticker with an "Enhancer 2.0 (c) 1980 VIDEX" EPROM. It's a Rev B.

And yes, this card is totally different from the Enhancer II.

gsmcten's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 8 months ago
Joined: Oct 4 2005 - 18:52
Posts: 2629
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

amauget,

I'm not sure you will get an answer from the seller.
eBay rules may not permit it (Privacy Issues).

Steven Smile

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Good on the serial number and EPROM Label !

One or two sets of dip switches?
Any other numbers or markings?

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

eBay rules prohibit exchange of email addresses. And they screen for it. You have to obfuscate it. Something like:

ehX whY Zee at kahmcast dawt net. For xyz@comcast.net
Or make the first letter of each sentence be a character in the address. Then write a lengthy paragraph on nothing.

Next you have to convince the seller to get permission from the buyer. That doesn't always work because the seller might think it's some scam. Or they don't want to bother. Offering extra money doesn't always help, unless it is several multiples of what the auction sold for. Sometimes a seller will forward your request to the buyer. Then you have to hope the buyer is not a sealed box collector and has a scanner and time and know-how to scan it for you. I've found most eBay sellers just want to get it shipped and collect their payment. Done.

Offline
Last seen: 5 hours 30 min ago
Joined: Dec 20 2003 - 10:38
Posts: 569
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

I'm not the winner but I do have the manual pictured.
Possibly more than one. I put all the loose Videx stuff in a box in storage. Problem is which storage and how far back.

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Good on the serial number and EPROM Label !

One or two sets of dip switches?
Any other numbers or markings?

Only one dip switches.
I've uploaded pictures of the front & the back of the card.

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Wayne and all, the manual pictured in the auction is for a VideoTerm 80-column card and isn't for the shrink wrapped Enhancer.

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Good news and bad news.

I have the exact manual you need.
I do not have a working scanner to scan it.

speedyG's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 years 9 months ago
Joined: Nov 16 2011 - 07:45
Posts: 2493
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

pm for solution sent to Keatah.
speedyG

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Thanks sppedyG !

We are trying to find a solution by PM.

1978AppleII's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 years 1 day ago
Joined: Jul 5 2015 - 16:54
Posts: 223
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

I also just purchased an Apple II+ (early) which had one of these Videx KDE-000 (rev 0-6) boards installed and am looking for the manual.

Mine has the stickers "KBE 21982" and "For use with Rev 0-6 only" which I assume relates to the revision of the motherboard.

Also found an ad for one of these beasts...

It can be found here: https://ia601208.us.archive.org/34/items/Apple-Orchard-v2n2-1981-Summer/Apple-Orchard-v2n2-1981-Summer.pdf

Its at the bottom of the ad on page 57.

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Hi,

I'm always looking for technical information about this rare card.
Keatah, do you still have the manual ?

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

I still have the manual. Just no way of scanning it in. I've not had much luck finding a suitably priced non-contact CCD scanner. I won't bother wasting money on a contact-CMOS unit. The slightest difference in spacing between the glass and paper results in a blurry image with those.

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Thanks Keatah.
What about taking pictures ? I know it should be very time consuming but it would help a lot.

1978AppleII's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 years 1 day ago
Joined: Jul 5 2015 - 16:54
Posts: 223
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

So I searched online high and low, and could not find a copy of the manual online anywhere...

Out of desperation I sent an email to support@videx.com (they are still in business) and within about 4 hours they responded with a link to a PDF copy of the manual!!

They actually dug through their piles of stuff, found it, made a PDF and sent me the link. I was speechless!!

So I have the PDF copy but its too large to email - if someone has an FTP site I can drop it at I will do so. (I have asked the folks at Videx if it is OK to do this - once I hear back and know its' ok I will make it available to whatever FTP site wants it)

Jennifer

ps: There is one on sale on eBay - but the seller is on vacation so it cannot be purchased until they get back and re-list it. (Why bother listing it in the first place if it can't be sold if you are out??)

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

That's remarkable they still offer manuals.

As far as eBay goes, more time = more exposure = better chance of sale. Greed for money knows no boundaries.

I'd avoid posting to Asimov till they get back on the ball. And besides, how do "know" when an FTP site wants it?

Dog Cow's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 years 9 months ago
Joined: Dec 11 2008 - 16:26
Posts: 554
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

So I searched online high and low, and could not find a copy of the manual online anywhere...

Out of desperation I sent an email to support@videx.com (they are still in business) and within about 4 hours they responded with a link to a PDF copy of the manual!!

They actually dug through their piles of stuff, found it, made a PDF and sent me the link. I was speechless!!


That's pretty amazing! I'm glad you thought to ask. I had no idea they are still around. Smile

MarkO's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 week 3 days ago
Joined: Dec 10 2011 - 16:26
Posts: 688
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

So I searched online high and low, and could not find a copy of the manual online anywhere...

Out of desperation I sent an email to support@videx.com (they are still in business) and within about 4 hours they responded with a link to a PDF copy of the manual!!

They actually dug through their piles of stuff, found it, made a PDF and sent me the link. I was speechless!!

<< SNIP >>

That is fantastic that they still have the manuals.. And that they would send them to you..

Videx is still in business, and right across Circle Boulevard from Hewlett-Packard in Corvallis Oregon..

Videx is about 13 Miles from my House, in Albany, Oregon.. I actually drive by there often, since the closest Radio-Shack is about 10 blocks to the West of Videx's office on Circle.

MarkO

Offline
Last seen: 3 days 19 hours ago
Joined: Apr 13 2006 - 22:28
Posts: 147
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

So I searched online high and low, and could not find a copy of the manual online anywhere...

Out of desperation I sent an email to support@videx.com (they are still in business) and within about 4 hours they responded with a link to a PDF copy of the manual!!

They actually dug through their piles of stuff, found it, made a PDF and sent me the link. I was speechless!!

So I have the PDF copy but its too large to email - if someone has an FTP site I can drop it at I will do so. (I have asked the folks at Videx if it is OK to do this - once I hear back and know its' ok I will make it available to whatever FTP site wants it)

Jennifer

ps: There is one on sale on eBay - but the seller is on vacation so it cannot be purchased until they get back and re-list it. (Why bother listing it in the first place if it can't be sold if you are out??)

Not only is it impressive that this company still exists, but the fact that they took the time to help a customer with a product that is nearly 40 years old is simply incredible!

That is definitely above and beyond the norm. I tip my hat to them.

Cheers,
Mike

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 1 month ago
Joined: May 27 2009 - 01:37
Posts: 1002
Re: Looking for Videx keyboard and display enhancer manual

Anything ever come of this? What's the final deposition?

Offline
Last seen: 5 hours 30 min ago
Joined: Dec 20 2003 - 10:38
Posts: 569
I discovered that i have this

I discovered that i have this card. Hoping someone has the manual

amauget's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 15 hours ago
Joined: Jan 3 2011 - 11:34
Posts: 339
You can find it here

You can find it here

Offline
Last seen: 5 hours 30 min ago
Joined: Dec 20 2003 - 10:38
Posts: 569
Thanks

Thanks

Log in or register to post comments