[Boatanchors] IBM Selectric Terminal

[Glenn Little WB4UIV]

We used these as an output device on the SSBN Navigation system.
They were used originally for the output device for the SINS (ships 
Inertial Navigation System).
Later it was used with the computer writer adapter as a diagnostic 
output device for the CNC (Central Navigation Computer).
These were hard to maintain if used a lot as the tilt and/or rotate 
tapes would get off a little and cause misprinted symbols.
I guess the Selectric lasted longer as a typewriter because the 
typist speed was slower than the computer could drive the Selectric.
The SINS techs hated it when the CNC techs had to do long diagnostics 
as the SINS techs had to maintain the Selectric.
We only had one on board and if The SINS needed certain calibrations, 
the Selectric was a required output device.

I would not consider this to be a viable, current, output device.

Years ago when laser printers and ink jet printers were not 
available, they were an alternative.

I wish you luck with you endeavors.

73
Glenn
WB4UIV


At 05:18 PM 12/26/2010, 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??
>
>Thanks, all the best,
>Keith ve3ts
>
>
>
>
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