Iris

Iris is a serial terminal software based on the excellent work by David Hansel on the original VersaTerm project, designed for the Protea development board, providing instant-access computing without the overhead of a traditional operating system. Named after the Greek messenger goddess who connected heaven and earth via rainbow bridges, Iris serves as your communication bridge to vintage computing networks, BBS systems, and serial devices. Iris eliminates the frustration of waiting for operating systems to boot or the need for safe shutdown procedures. Power on your Protea board and you’re immediately ready to connect to BBS systems, serial devices, or explore text-mode computing. Experience computing the way it was meant to be - direct, immediate, and focused. Iris provides genuine VT100/VT102 terminal emulation that passes professional VTTest validation, ensuring compatibility with vintage systems and modern terminal-based applications.
Version
1.00
FirmwareDownload
Source CodeRepository
LicenseGPL v3

Iris runs directly on the RP2040 microcontroller within your Protea board, utilizing its dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processors for responsive terminal processing and native HDMI video generation. The software generates native digital HDMI output without conversion, providing crisp text display on modern monitors while maintaining the aesthetic of classic terminal computing. Iris supports USB keyboards including those with integrated hubs, automatically handling keyboard enumeration and providing responsive character input with proper terminal key mapping.

The terminal interfaces with the Protea board’s DB9 RS232 port through proper level conversion, enabling direct connection to vintage computers, serial devices, or the onboard Hermes Wi-Fi modem.

Flashing Firmware

Prerequisites: Protea development board, USB-C cable for programming, computer USB flash drive support (Windows, macOS, or Linux), latest Iris firmware file (.uf2 format).

Step 1: Enter Bootloader Mode

Locate the BOOT button on the Protea board. Hold down the BOOT button while connecting the USB-C cable to your computer. Release the BOOT button after the USB connection is established: the RP2040 will enter BOOTSEL mode.

Step 2: Verify Bootloader Detection

Your operating system should detect a new USB mass storage device named "RPI-RP2". This appears as a removable drive in your file manager; if the drive doesn’t appear, disconnect USB, and repeat Step 1.

Step 3: Flash the Firmware

Open your file manager and navigate to the `RPI-RP2` drive. Copy the Iris firmware file (ending in `.uf2`) to the `RPI-RP2` drive. Once the copy completes, restart the board with the new firmware. The `RPI-RP2` drive will disappear, indicating successful flashing.

Step 4: Verify Installation

Connect an HDMI monitor to your Protea board, then connect a USB keyboard to the USB-A port. Power cycle the board. Iris should display its terminal interface immediately upon power-on.

Once flashed, Iris operates with sensible defaults but can be configured through its built-in menu system. Font uploads and advanced terminal settings can be adjusted to match your specific requirements.