[Boatanchors] IBM Selectric Terminal

mikea mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Sun Dec 26 17:53:33 EST 2010


On Sun, Dec 26, 2010 at 05:18:06PM -0500, Keith Densmore wrote:
> Greetings,
> Hope everyone survived Christmas!
> 
> This is sorta OT, but I don't know who else to ask.
> As a project, I'd like to configure an old IBM Selectric as a computer 
> printer/teletype terminal.
> 
> I know some companies modified the typewriters into terminals  back in the 
> early '80's. One such enterprise was the Data-Trans 1000 which converted the 
> IBM into a 300 baud ASCII terminal.
> 
> Actually, there is an old ad for one currently on epay
> 190361445421
> 
> Anyone happen to know any possible source for the hardware/software to do 
> the conversion??

DATEL did it in the 1970s, and Control Data Corp. (CDC) used IBM Selectrics
as console keyboard/printers on their 3200, 3600, and 3800 mainframes[1].
IIRC, and I think I do, it was pure hardware, no programming involved:
logic to read the bits in the character buffer and set the tilt-and-rotate
solenoids up for the right printed character, and logic to read the key
depression and convert it into bits.

Hunt up a Selectric repairman at your local retired IBMer coffees and
see what you can find out. Schematics and whatnot may be available, too. 

[1]  _DAMN_ fine machines. Loved them!

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin 


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