Monitor Console Revamp

15 Dec 2024 - smokku

While working on the VPU implementation, I’ve somewhat neglected support for the monitor console. Now I’ve brought it back, extending it to 96×30 characters with 256 colors support.

Monitor Console in action

This monitor is built into the machine, allowing users to load and update the firmware, install ROMs, and debug memory content. Normally, it isn’t visible because the default ROM firmware starts automatically after boot. You can access it via a USB serial connection or by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del.

Monitor Console 256 colors

The VTY implementation supports 256 colors, which aren’t currently in use but might prove useful in the future.

//    0-  7:  standard colors (ESC [ 30–37 m)
//    8- 15:  high intensity colors (ESC [ 90–97 m)
//   16-231:  6 × 6 × 6 cube (216 colors)
//  232-255:  grayscale from dark to light in 24 steps