Teletype Troubleshooting - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

29 Apr 2005

Hi
 You can disconnect the motor and run it by hand, turning
the shaft. First after powering up, you need to turn the
shaft until the clutches release. You need to squeeze
the two tabs together that come from each clutch to
keep them from dragging when running slow. It is a little
hard to do while also holding the shaft. Once you've done
it, you'll understand.
 Anyway, you should be able to walk it through a letter
...
 from the keyboard and you can watch to see what
isn't working right. Erratic operation is a little tougher
to find when running by hand because it tends to work
right at the slower speeds.
 I hope you have a manual. If not download the stuff
...
 from the web page. You'll need the manual for
adjustments and disassembly.
Dwight

...
 From: "Bill Kotaska" <bkotaska at
charter.net>

I am looking for troubleshooting tips for a 33 teletype.

I'm testing in local mode and am getting incorrect characters 
on (almost) every keypress. The characters will change even 
with repeated pressings of the same key. I am pretty sure the 
keyboard is outputting the correct codes.

I wiped down the distributor surface (it was pretty grimy) and no change.
I tried adjusting the range finder but could never find a point where the 
characters were consistent.

Is it possible to disconnect the motor drive belt and rotate the shaft 
manually to get a closer look at what is happening mechanically?
It's very hard to see what is going on in the selector area with the
shaft spinning so fast.

By the way, my drive belt is somewhat loose. Is there still a source
for these? Or maybe an adjustment for tightening?

Thanks,
Bill