Courier Executerm I
| Courier Executerm I | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Courier |
| Model | Executerm I |
| Lifetime | |
| Introduced | 1969 |
| Communication | |
| Interface | RS-232B |
| Baud Rates | 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200 |
| Display | |
| Refresh Rate | 66 Hz |
| Character Modes | |
| Resolution | 40x15 |
| Matrix | 7x8 |
The Executerm I was a raster-scan video display terminal introduced in 1969 by Courier Terminal Systems, Inc.[1] It was designed as a self-contained display terminal for connection to time-sharing systems and general-purpose computers using standard serial interfaces.[1]
Contents
Design and construction
The Executerm I employed a cathode-ray tube (CRT) display refreshed at 66 Hz.[1] Characters were formed in a 7 x 8 dot matrix and arranged on the screen in a 40 column by 15 line format, providing a total display capacity of 600 characters.[1] This configuration reflects the constraints of contemporary video memory and timing circuitry typical of early raster terminals.[1]
The terminal incorporated an integrated keyboard within a single console enclosure.[1] Display memory was continuously refreshed to maintain a stable image at the specified refresh rate.[1] Character generation was implemented using solid-state logic, consistent with late-1960s terminal design practice.[1]
Communications
The Executerm I provided an asynchronous serial interface conforming to RS-232B signal conventions.[1] Selectable transmission speeds of 110, 150, 300, 600, and 1200 baud enabled operation over dial-up or leased telephone circuits when used in conjunction with a compatible modem.[1] The terminal was marketed for use with remote time-sharing services as well as local computer installations equipped with compatible serial ports.[1]
Character set and operation
The terminal supported upper-case alphabetic characters, numerals, and standard punctuation symbols appropriate to business and scientific computing applications of the period.[1] It was an upper-case-only device. Screen control and cursor positioning were accomplished through control characters transmitted by the host system.[1]
Historical context
Introduced during the formative period of commercial video display terminals, the Executerm I represents an early raster terminal offered as an alternative to electromechanical teleprinters. By providing a reusable CRT display and higher data rates than most mechanical devices, such terminals reduced consumable costs and supported more efficient interactive time-sharing workflows.[1]
