[GreenKeys] Teletype 33ASR

[Don Robert House]

The problem with 33s is that the reader, the keyboard, and the 
answerback drum contacts are all in parallel.  They all have to be 
positioned properly or all you will get is garble.  The distributor 
at the right rear of the machine is responsible for serializing the 
parallel signals for the selector magnet driver circuitry..  Almost 
all SMD cards show some burning on the PC board.  The ceramic 
resister gets quite warm so do not worry and do not touch it.

1. Make sure the disributor clutch is tripped every time you hit a key.

2. Try holding down the tape out contact on the reader with the 
reader control lever in the run position... then cover each of the 
reading fingers to see if the holes in the tape follow what you are 
causing to be spacing.

3. The brush holder on the distributor should always stop with the 
small pointer at the top right where a trace leaves that segment. 
There is also a small "tit" on the pc board there.

4. Make sure you have an adjustment manual.  I can send you one if you need it.

5. Make sure the "H" lever is adjusted properly.  It is the part that 
looks like an "X" with a slot in the middle.  It connects the 
keyboard reset to the distributor clutch assembly.  It has to be just 
right or the machine will not print right.

6.  Look for rust marks and oil anything that looks rusty (except the 
selector mechanism.

7. Make sure you have a good stiff rubber print head on the print 
hammer assembly.  Most of them turn into mush after a few years.  I 
am looking into having them reproduced..

8. If all else fails there may be a former 33/32 repairman in your 
area that can help.  Where are you located?

Regards,
Don

Curator - NADCOMM