Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 13 minutes ago
In this video I create a classic wireframe “Black Hole” style gravity well effect on a 1981 IBM 5150 using CGA high resolution graphics and IBM Cassette BASIC.
I also show the complete workflow I use to get programs onto the machine without using an actual cassette recorder. First I convert a BASIC text listing into a WAV audio file using Python on Linux, then transfer the WAV file to an Android tablet SD card, and finally load the program directly into the IBM 5150 through the cassette input.
The result is a very retro sci-fi looking graphics demo inspired by Disney’s The Black Hole and other late 70s / early 80s vector-style computer graphics.
Topics covered:
IBM 5150 Cassette BASIC
CGA high resolution graphics
Generating wireframe graphics using LINE commands
Converting BASIC listings to WAV files with Python
Loading programs into the IBM PC through cassette input
Retro computing workflows without floppy disks
1980s computer graphics techniques
Hardware Used:
IBM 5150
CGA graphics
Composite monitor
Android tablet for cassette audio playback
If you enjoy retro computing, vintage IBM PCs, BASIC programming, and old-school graphics experiments, you’re in the right place.
Python Script: github.com/ShreksHellraiser/ibm-cassette-maker-py
In this video I create a classic wireframe “Black Hole” style gravity well effect on a 1981 IBM 5150 using CGA high resolution graphics and IBM Cassette BASIC.
I also show the complete workflow I use to get programs onto the machine without using an actual cassette recorder. First I convert a BASIC text listing into a WAV audio file using Python on Linux, then transfer the WAV file to an Android tablet SD card, and finally load the program directly into the IBM 5150 through the cassette input.
The result is a very retro sci-fi looking graphics demo inspired by Disney’s The Black Hole and other late 70s / early 80s vector-style computer graphics.
Topics covered:
IBM 5150 Cassette BASIC
CGA high resolution graphics
Generating wireframe graphics using LINE commands
Converting BASIC listings to WAV files with Python
Loading programs into the IBM PC through cassette input
Retro computing workflows without floppy disks
1980s computer graphics techniques
Hardware Used:
IBM 5150
CGA graphics
Composite monitor
Android tablet for cassette audio playback
If you enjoy retro computing, vintage IBM PCs, BASIC programming, and old-school graphics experiments, you’re in the right place.
Python Script: github.com/ShreksHellraiser/ibm-cassette-maker-py
