Difference between revisions of "TEC 440"

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| manufacturer = TEC
 
| manufacturer = TEC
 
| model = 440
 
| model = 440
−
| intro_month =June
+
| image = TEC 400.jpg
 +
| intro_month = June
 
| intro_year = 1972
 
| intro_year = 1972
 
| intro_price = $2,245
 
| intro_price = $2,245
 
| interface = RS-232C
 
| interface = RS-232C
−
| baud_rates = 110-9600
+
| interface2 = TTL serial
 +
| interface3 = 20 mA current loop
 +
| interface4 = 60 mA current loop
 +
| baud_rates = 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600
 
| display_size = 12-inch
 
| display_size = 12-inch
 +
| refresh_rate = 60
 
| char_matrix = 5x7
 
| char_matrix = 5x7
 
| char_resolution = 80x24
 
| char_resolution = 80x24
 
| char_resolution2 = 72x24
 
| char_resolution2 = 72x24
 +
| graphics_resolution =
 +
| attributes = normal
 +
}}
 +
 +
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a "fourth-generation"
 +
asynchronous CRT computer terminal manufactured by '''TEC, Incorporated'''
 +
of Tucson, Arizona. Formally introduced in June 1972,
 +
the Model 440 was designed as a high-reliability, solid-state
 +
alternative to mechanical teleprinters, providing a plug-compatible
 +
replacement for the [[Teletype Model 33]] and [[Teletype Model 35]]
 +
KSR units.<ref>{{manx details|111,18397|Teletype Replaceable Data-Screen Terminal Model 440 Product Description}}</ref>
  
 +
==Design and Hardware==
 +
The terminal features a 12-inch (diagonal) cathode-ray tube with a
 +
high-contrast bonded-glass faceplate. The display logic generates a
 +
64-character ASCII set using a 5x7 dot matrix. A defining hardware
 +
feature of the Model 440 is its switch-selectable line length,
 +
allowing for either 72 or 80 characters per line across a 24-line
 +
display.
 +
{{Computerworld
 +
| id = _GFqy-RrTtAC
 +
| page_prefix = PT
 +
| pg = 12
 +
| title = "Tec CRT Handles Dual Speed Data Flow to Optimize CPU"
 +
| date = June 28, 1972
 
}}
 
}}
−
The {{PAGENAME}} terminal was introduced in June, 1972 at a price of $2,245.{{Computerworld
+
 
−
| id=_GFqy-RrTtAC
+
Internally, the Model 440 utilizes modular printed circuit boards for
−
| page_prefix=PT
+
timing, memory, and character generation. It supports asynchronous
−
| pg=12
+
serial communication via an RS-232C interface at baud rates ranging
−
| title="Tec CRT Handles Dual Speed Data Flow to Optimize CPU"
+
from 110 up to 9600. The memory architecture consists of 1,920
−
| date=June 28, 1972
+
character MOS shift-register storage. The unit also features an
 +
auxiliary 9-pin connector to drive an external Receive-Only (RO)
 +
printer for hard-copy requirements.
 +
 
 +
==Functional Features==
 +
To minimize software overhead for users transitioning from mechanical
 +
systems, the Model 440 employs specialized display logic to simulate
 +
Teletype-style input/output. The terminal was notably marketed for its
 +
ability to handle dual-speed data flows to optimize CPU efficiency
 +
during transmission.
 +
 
 +
The unit mimics the paper-feed behavior of a physical teleprinter by
 +
utilizing the bottom line of the screen for data entry, with existing
 +
text scrolling upward. Additionally, built-in logic provides
 +
automatic carriage return and line feed, preventing the "end-of-line
 +
hang-ups" common in older mechanical systems.<ref>
 +
{{cite web
 +
| url = http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/197211.pdf
 +
| title = TEC DATA-SCREEN Terminals (Advertisement)
 +
| work = Datamation
 +
| volume = 18
 +
| issue = 11
 +
| date = November 1972  
 +
| publisher = Technical Publishing Co.
 +
| pages = 33-40
 +
| accessdate = February 24, 2026
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
Introduced at a price of $2,245, the Model 440 was positioned as a
 +
premium "electronic teletype" intended to reduce maintenance costs
 +
and noise in time-sharing and minicomputer environments.
 +
{{InfoWorld
 +
| id = 9D4EAAAAMBAJ
 +
| pg = 44
 +
| title = "Looking back at the Series 400"  
 +
| date = August 31, 1981
 
}}
 
}}
 +
Its rugged design and "handsome styling" were hallmarks of TEC's
 +
DATA-SCREEN Series 400 family.
  
−
Features:
+
== [[Manx]] ==
−
* simulates TTY style I/O with a bottom line for data entry and scrolling
+
* {{manx details|111,18397|Teletype Replaceable Data-Screen Terminal Model 440 Product Description}}, October, 1972
−
* 72 or 80 characters/line
+
* {{manx details|111,18396|TEC Data-Screen Terminals Reference Drawings Model 440}}, September, 1974
−
 
 
−
== [[BitSavers]] ==
 
  
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/tec/832_TEC_440_Product_Description_Oct_1972.pdf TEC 440 Product Description], October, 1972
+
==Images==
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/tec/965010-001_TEC_440_Reference_Drawings_Sep_1974.pdf TEC 440 Reference Drawings], September, 1974
+
<gallery>
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-1.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-2.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-3.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-4.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-5.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-6.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-7.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-8.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-9.jpg
 +
File:TEC 440 252569897814-10.jpg
 +
File:TEC 400 advertisement 1970-07.jpg
 +
File:TEC 400.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
 +
==References==
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
  

Latest revision as of 14:47, 10 March 2026

TEC 440
TEC 400.jpg
Manufacturer TEC
Model 440
Lifetime
Introduced June, 1972
Introductory Price $2,245
Communication
Interfaces RS-232C,
TTL serial,
20 mA current loop,
60 mA current loop
Baud Rates 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600
Display
Size 12-inch
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Character Modes
Resolutions 80x24, 72x24
Attributes Normal
Matrix 5x7

The TEC 440 is a "fourth-generation" asynchronous CRT computer terminal manufactured by TEC, Incorporated of Tucson, Arizona. Formally introduced in June 1972, the Model 440 was designed as a high-reliability, solid-state alternative to mechanical teleprinters, providing a plug-compatible replacement for the Teletype Model 33 and Teletype Model 35 KSR units.[1]

Design and Hardware

The terminal features a 12-inch (diagonal) cathode-ray tube with a high-contrast bonded-glass faceplate. The display logic generates a 64-character ASCII set using a 5x7 dot matrix. A defining hardware feature of the Model 440 is its switch-selectable line length, allowing for either 72 or 80 characters per line across a 24-line display. [2]

Internally, the Model 440 utilizes modular printed circuit boards for timing, memory, and character generation. It supports asynchronous serial communication via an RS-232C interface at baud rates ranging from 110 up to 9600. The memory architecture consists of 1,920 character MOS shift-register storage. The unit also features an auxiliary 9-pin connector to drive an external Receive-Only (RO) printer for hard-copy requirements.

Functional Features

To minimize software overhead for users transitioning from mechanical systems, the Model 440 employs specialized display logic to simulate Teletype-style input/output. The terminal was notably marketed for its ability to handle dual-speed data flows to optimize CPU efficiency during transmission.

The unit mimics the paper-feed behavior of a physical teleprinter by utilizing the bottom line of the screen for data entry, with existing text scrolling upward. Additionally, built-in logic provides automatic carriage return and line feed, preventing the "end-of-line hang-ups" common in older mechanical systems.[3]

History

Introduced at a price of $2,245, the Model 440 was positioned as a premium "electronic teletype" intended to reduce maintenance costs and noise in time-sharing and minicomputer environments. [4] Its rugged design and "handsome styling" were hallmarks of TEC's DATA-SCREEN Series 400 family.

Manx

Images

  • TEC 440 252569897814-1.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-2.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-3.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-4.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-5.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-6.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-7.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-8.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-9.jpg
  • TEC 440 252569897814-10.jpg
  • TEC 400 advertisement 1970-07.jpg
  • TEC 400.jpg

References

References

  1. ↑ Teletype Replaceable Data-Screen Terminal Model 440 Product Description
  2. ↑ "Tec CRT Handles Dual Speed Data Flow to Optimize CPU", Computerworld, June 28, 1972, pg. 12
  3. ↑ "TEC DATA-SCREEN Terminals (Advertisement)". Datamation. Technical Publishing Co.. November 1972. pp. 33-40. http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/197211.pdf. Retrieved February 24, 2026. 
  4. ↑ "Looking back at the Series 400", InfoWorld, August 31, 1981, pg. 44
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