12 Dec
2006
12 Dec
'06
11:29 p.m.
On Tue, 12 Dec 2006, Billy Pettit wrote:
Many of the computer systems of the 1960's and and
early 70's used the
IBM Selectric typewriter as a console device. A few even used it as a
peripheral (ex. IBM 2741).
The typewriters were not standard office machines. They had a series of
switches indicating status, key strike, end of line, etc. They also had
solenoids on the control bars, and a timing distributor.
I've been looking for one of these modified Selectrics for several
months. Does anyone in this group have one they would be willing to sell
or trade? Or knows where one is available?
I have one that I posted about several years ago though its not for sale.
You might be able to find the post in the list archive. It was modified to
work as a printer for a TRS-80 model 1. It has a special interface box
that the TRS-80's printer cable connects to. It came with a Selectric
typewriter service manual when I got it from the original owner, but that
manual doesn't exactly cover the whole unit as it isn't a true typewriter.
The keys would not do anything the last time I had it set up. I think when
the modifications were made to it the keys were disabled somehow. I plan
to fully restore it to working condition one of these days...
-Toth