Introduction
This is the final part of my series discussing my Macintosh Classic CRT project. In this article I want to give you a summary of my future ideas for the macdisplay project.
After I (finally) found the time to fix the display bugs that bothered me (the article discussing the software was updated), I was more or less done with my macdisplay project. My actual goal was to display black/white images on the CRT, which was a success after all. Now I want to take the project to the next step and I have some ideas to make it even better:
Display linux console/desktop
I want to display the BBB’s console and desktop output on the display. At this point I do not really know how to do this, but I have an idea that has to do with the X window server. After this is done, I would love to emulate the Macintosh Classic’s original OS on the BBB and display the output on the CRT.
Figure 1: Macintosh Classic OS
Link to the article (This was done with a Raspberry Pi 4, not the BBB)
Connect the old Keyboard/Mouse and make it work
I probably could just buy a cheap ADB to USB converter for that one, but of course I want to build my own solution for this. I have the original mouse and keyboard the computer came with, which are both in good condition.
Figure 2: Macintosh Classic’s Mouse and Keyboard
Update: Unfortunately the mouse broke while I tried to work on an ADB to USB converter and I guess this is cancelled for now.
Refresh the colors
The plastics on the computer itself and the keyboard and mouse got pretty yellow over the years. I want to fix this and get the default metallic grey/platinum look back.
Link to the article (will be available soon).
3D-printed case for the BBB
I want to mount the BBB into the Macintosh Classic’s case. I plan to remove the HDD (which is obviously not needed any more) and to design a case for the BBB that replaces it. I will then manufacture that case with the help of a 3D printer and I will rework the internal wiring of the Macintosh to feed the BBB.
Link to the article (will be available soon).
A new floppy disk drive
The Macintosh used a 3.5” floppy disk drive to read data that was stored externally. Even though this format is more or less outdated (and useless) today, I absolutely love the look of floppy disks. I therefore decided to modify the FDD and some floppy disks to work as an USB or SD-card reader.
Link to the article (will be available soon).
Table of contents
Part 0 – The story behind the project
Part 1 – The CRT
Part 2 - The Software
Part 3 - Additional Thoughts (You are here)
An alternative version of this project using a Raspberry Pi 4.
