Jolitz Heritage

Programs were written in C and assembler on UNIX, then the remote host serial line was switched from the terminal to the LSI-11, where the remote host would download a bootstrap over the line, and then the program. The controller would then be switched to the terminal, and then the program could be run. Just assembling the parts, building a 20 Amp linear power supply (switching power supply not donated nor affordable!), and getting the software framework to run took many months. Debugging the electronics and interface issue took months. The interesting part was the dynamic parser, which could figure out just from context clues what application was running and adapt to speak, spell, translate, or rephrase display/keyboard interactions as needed. This part was done in a rushed week.