“DECtalk is a text-to-speech converter that provides any computer with a human-sounding voice. You can enter the text from a host computer or a terminal keyboard connected to the unit. You can hear the resulting speech through the built-in speaker, a headset, external speakers with an amplifier, or a telephone. You can also display the spoken output on a monitor screen or print it in hardcopy form.”
DECtalk model DTC01 documentation
This unit, pictured above was owned and operated by Eric Lundquist. It was utilized both the for the Robot Brain and Babbling Head projects .
For a short history of DECtalk development by Edward Bruckert, see here. Thanks to Tom Morin for locating this link.
[Text and image originally from http://wiki.therobotgroup.org/wiki/DecTalk]