Data General Dasher replica
Posted: 07 May 2015, 23:17
Several years ago, the multi-tone blue Dasher video and printing terminals, produced by Data General in the 1970s for their Nova minicomputers, really captured my imagination as some of the best looking computer terminals I'd ever seen. While I'm no industrial designer, for me they are classics ranking with the ADM 3a and CBM PET, as distinctive, inviting forms that perhaps suggest a computing experience beyond the capabilities of the hardware of the day !
Indeed, real Dashers are a prospect for few of us - as terminals they're interfacable by definition, but they're uncommon to the point that there ain't enough to go around, and they are literally museum pieces (get that mini-ITX board out of my sight!) that IMO belong with their sister apparatus. Also, these keyboards aren't beamsprings, but aging foam and foil.
So, as has been a sort of dream of mine all this time, with considered compromises at times, it's probably time I actually took this thing on head on instead of skirting around it:
What I'd like is some sort of replica of a Data General Dasher keyboard.
Some things that come to mind are:
Maybe I'm not the only person interested in these ideas, so this is open to all to contribute to or pillage from as desired.
Anything that leads in a positive direction of these ideas becoming a reality is greatfully appreciated!
Plus, this subject was going too far in the Round 5 topic, which should have on-topic status updates and photos instead!
Indeed, real Dashers are a prospect for few of us - as terminals they're interfacable by definition, but they're uncommon to the point that there ain't enough to go around, and they are literally museum pieces (get that mini-ITX board out of my sight!) that IMO belong with their sister apparatus. Also, these keyboards aren't beamsprings, but aging foam and foil.
So, as has been a sort of dream of mine all this time, with considered compromises at times, it's probably time I actually took this thing on head on instead of skirting around it:
What I'd like is some sort of replica of a Data General Dasher keyboard.
- It would have two tone blue double shot sperhical profile keycaps
- It would probably be MX based
- I don't know what layout it would have - I've toyed with MX 8200 or IBM 122 variant, but also TKL or even direct replica.
- It might just be specially made caps on a stock board, custom caps on a stock board in a custom case, or all custom caps, board and case.
Some things that come to mind are:
- Define the various Dasher models and their keyboard options
- Colour match some keycaps and top frames of the real thing
- Find people who used them at time and consult on any of the above
- Gather more information on related subjects I haven't thought of yet
- Try to use this to design keysets and maybe a keyboard too
Maybe I'm not the only person interested in these ideas, so this is open to all to contribute to or pillage from as desired.
Anything that leads in a positive direction of these ideas becoming a reality is greatfully appreciated!
Plus, this subject was going too far in the Round 5 topic, which should have on-topic status updates and photos instead!
Spoiler:
crop of SP colour samples BE and BBJ, no colour correction or anything.