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typewriter terminal

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 3:21 pm
by Klyball
I thought it would be cool to have a golf ball typewriter for a terminal running focal on the 560z. After doing a pile of research I decided the easiest way would be to use a IBM electronic 50-85 series typewriter. They are a hybrid that squeezes in between the completely mechanical Selectric and wheel writer. After searching ,a local fellow answered a add i had , he had a electronic 50 he wanted to give away. When I picked it it up he also had a Selectric ii from 1974 so I grabbed that too. After going on some typewriter groups I soon discovered that those 50-85 series are very unreliable .hard to fix and parts are unobtainium. But to my surprise that Selectric ii had a computer interface already attached to it.
It is made up of 14 solenoids and 17 switches that control all the mechanicals. These typewriter are a mechanical nightmare, and super complicated arrangement of clutches ,gears and pulleys. It so happen we have a guy around here who still repairs these things, so I took it to him to get it working. He said it not worth fixing your better of buying a refurbished machine.well I decided I'm gonna fix it and I did, after hours of reading ,hours of videos ,hours of cleaning and de greasing, some new parts its almost as good as new. Next step was to figure out how to interface to the computer, the is a control board on the unit for solenoids and switches. I designed up a circuit to connect to the computer and wrote some firmware. I am just waiting for the cable and I'm ready to test. Well that's what I've been up to.
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Re: typewriter terminal

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 3:50 pm
by gekaufman
Beautiful job.

My father who worked well into his 80's was a typewriter repairman, and specialized in Selectrics. I still have a large supply of type elements should you need any, as well as a few service manuals.

Amazing machines, and always fun to watch my dad replacing the turn and tilt tapes and clutches. Sadly I never learned those skills from him.

- Gary

Re: typewriter terminal

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:08 pm
by Klyball
Yes , it was a very skillful profession repairing those, they are a mechanical marvel.

you wouldn't have a an 3/360 or ocr b in 88 or even 96 ,
as my next project is a electronic 75. it a hybrid between selectric and wheel writer