An idea for Kenbak-1 data entry assistance

[sje]

Here's an idea for Kenbak-1 data entry assistance that's inexpensive and doesn't interfere with the operational authenticity of the replica. It could even be adapted to original equipment Kenbak-1 units.

Start with getting an inexpensive PIC or similar microcontroller chip from Parallax or similar vendor. As long as it has plenty of general purpose I/O pins, it'll probably work. Take the Kenbak-1 front panel push button switch set signal output wires, sever them from the motherboard, and connect them to inputs on the PIC. Then connect the same number of PIC outputs to the appropriate Kenbak-1 motherboard pads. Allocate a few extra connections on the PIC for a serial port, and then load the PIC with a little monitor program.

In the PIC's default state, all signals from the Kenbak-1 front panel are passed through untouched and there's no change in operation. However, when given the right inputs from an external source via its serial connection, the PIC will temporarily takeover the Kenbak-1 front panel push button input and supply its own input instead.

A few more modifications and maybe some glue chips could have the PIC handle all the front panel controls along with relaying the front panel indicators along the serial link to the external controlling source.