DEC handbooks at LA estate sale

[Jon Elson]

On 02/27/2015 10:23 PM, Billy Pettit wrote:
> Jim,
>
> This is actually an IBM Model B typewriter.  It is the 
> older predecesor to the Selectric.
>
> And, it is a more reliable and easier to interface device 
> for the enthusiast to work with.  The key is finding an 
> encoder/decoder on the underneath of the keys.  As far as 
> I know, only Soroban made these devices.  Judging from the 
> wires, I would guess that this typer has the Soroban (or 
> equivalent unit).
>
> I already have one, badly in need of rubber replacements.  
> That is the problem with older typewriters - the rubber 
> breaks down into dry powder. The model B has a power 
> roller of rubber.  It has an individual trip cam for each 
> physical key, so loss of rubber means nothing works.
>
Oh, boy!  That sounds just like how a Flexowriter works. I 
had one, and the rubber was
hard and glazed.  You had to exercise all the keys for ten 
minutes any time you wanted
to use it, and then if you didn't use it for a week, you had 
to do it all over again.

Jon