https://github.com/ronibandini/tv-typewriter
Homage to the legenadary TV Typewriter made with Arduino Nano and a small keypad
https://github.com/ronibandini/tv-typewriter
Last synced: 2 months ago
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Homage to the legenadary TV Typewriter made with Arduino Nano and a small keypad
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/ronibandini/tv-typewriter
- Owner: ronibandini
- Created: 2026-03-11T20:40:50.000Z (3 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-03-12T01:10:23.000Z (3 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-03-12T01:31:37.024Z (3 months ago)
- Language: C++
- Size: 16.6 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# TV-Typewriter
Homage to the legendary **TV Typewriter (1973)** by Don Lancaster, recreated with an **Arduino Nano** and a small **analog keypad**.
This project generates **composite video output** directly from the Arduino and lets you type characters that appear on a television screen, similar to the original homebrew video terminal.
---
# Hardware
## Parts
- **Arduino Nano**
https://www.dfrobot.com/product-67.html?tracking=hOuIhw4fDaJRTdy4abz04npbQC78dqxBkqVt7XMFYxEXj2s0ukWgm71wbut0ewUP
- **Analog Keypad**
(use **3 keypads** for the complete alphabet)
https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2267.html?tracking=hOuIhw4fDaJRTdy4abz04npbQC78dqxBkqVt7XMFYxEXj2s0ukWgm71wbut0ewUP
- 1 × **330 Ω resistor**
- 1 × **1 kΩ resistor**
- 1 × **RCA connector**
---
# Wiring
Build the **TVOut cable** according to the following diagram.
### Pin connections
| Signal | Arduino Pin |
|------|------|
| SYNC | D7 |
| VIDEO | D9 |
| Keypad output | A0 |
| GND | GND |
The RCA connector goes to the **composite VIDEO IN** of the TV.
---
# Software
## 1. Install TVOut Library
Install the **TVOut** library in the Arduino IDE.
Then copy the folder:
```
TVOutFonts
```
into:
```
Arduino/libraries/
```
---
## 2. Upload the code
Upload the provided **.ino sketch** to the Arduino Nano.
---
## 3. Connect the TV
Connect the **RCA cable** to the **VIDEO IN** port of your TV.
After reset, characters typed on the keypad will appear on the screen.
---
# Notes
- One keypad provides **10 keys**.
- To cover the full alphabet you can connect **three keypads** and map additional characters in the sketch.
- The video signal is **composite NTSC**, generated directly by the Arduino using the **TVOut** library.
---
# Contact
**Roni Bandini**
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronibandini/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ronibandini/