Build instructions for the video-terminal-revival project.
Connect the TV via the RCA cable to the RCA socket, then through a voltage divider into the ESP32:
ESP32 TV
-------+
GND |-+------------------ Composite (-)
| | ____ 1k ohm
| +-|____|-+ (RCA socket)
| ____ |
pin25 |---|____|-+--------- Composite (+)
-------+ 1k ohm
Connect the keyboard into the RJ-11 socket, hook that into a 12V power source and the RS-232 converter, then to the ESP32’s serial port:
[GND][12V]
[1] | | [2]
| | | |
------------------- MAX2323 ESP32
| " " " " | +-----------+ +--------
| E G 1 L | [1]--| <- - |-----------| GND
| S N 2 K | [2]--| -> + |--[5V] |
| P D V -> | x-| + <- |-----------| pin17
| -> E | [GND]--| - -> |-----------| pin16
| L S | +-----------+ +--------
| K P |
-- --
| |
-- --
| |
-------
Looking into the RJ-11 Socket
on the ESP32-side (i.e. DEC)
Source: LK201 Interface
This part depends on what serial port you are connecting to. Most SBCs (e.g. Orange Pi) provide pins for TTL serial port, alternatively you can use a USB-Serial dongle. Either way you can connect the ESP32 directly to this:
ESP32 Serial port
-------+ +---
GND |--------------|GND
pin18 |--------------|TX
pin19 |--------------|RX
-------+ +---
The ESP32 should now be connected to both the keyboard and the display, as well as the “mainframe” (serial port) it will be talking to.
For development (or at least the first flashing), all that remains is to connect it over USB to a computer with the Arduino IDE.
For production use, connect it to a 5V power source.
For bonus points, place everything on a PCB, solder it, put it into a cool enclosure and go impress your friends!
Following is a gallery of one possible solution.