[GreenKeys] Teletype 33ASR

[Scott LaBombard]

Hi folks,

First off, thanks very much for all the responses ...they have been
most helpful!

I wanted to take a moment to provide a bit more detail and to
describe my observations so far. Please keep in mind that I am
completely new to the asr-33 (and teletypes in general) ...but I
did receive what I believe are the key manuals for it (Bulletin 310B
Vols. 1 and 2, and Bulletin 1184B). I am currently studying them
so that I can (hopefully!) talk semi-intelligently about the subject.

My comments and observations so far (in no particular order):

> The unit was not shipped in an ideal manner. The shipping screw
that secures the typing assembly to the base was not installed. The
unit was, however, packed in a wood crate. It did take a bit of a
beating during shipment ...the plastic case was damaged in several
areas.

> The unit was presented as working prior to shipment. A picture
was provided that showed several lines of various characters typed
out. I believe that it was indeed working ... the only question I have
is related to the SMD board. Several traces were lifted/disconnected
(I repaired them prior to firing this up for the first time). Would this
unit work with a damaged SMD board?

> This is as clean an asr-33 as one could want I imagine. There is
not a spec of rust ...and it appears to have been well maintained. It
appears to be lubricated where it should be (although I need to 
study the relevant sections of the manual to verify).

> On page 13 of 310B Vol 1 there is a drawn diagram of the switch
that sets Line or Local (or Off). It shows 'Local' to the left (I do not
have the snap-on front plate for this asr-33). However, the photos on 
pages 3 and 5 show, from what I can make out,  show 'Line' is to
the left. Regardless, when I set the switch to the left, the unit starts
repetitively typing. When set to the right, the motor spins, but the
unit does not type unless I press a key (and it only strikes once per
key press). I'm guessing the 'Local' is to the right, and I assume that
the motor should spin in this mode.

> The 'H'' shaped linkage that connects the keyboard assembly to
the typing assembly appears to be properly installed/seated. I did
use a screwdriver to gently move the linkage to the left against the
spring and back a couple of times to be sure that it was indeed
appropriately situated.

> The distributor PCB is very clean ...no lube residue or other debris
are present.

> The distributor brush holder mechanism does indeed do a complete,
single revolution upon each key press. The arm that holds the brush
always points up after each revolution ...regardless of which key is
pressed.

> There is a decided electrical 'buzz' coming from the distributor brush
area with each keypress ...but from nowhere else.

> When I press "Here is" when in local mode (or more accurately when
the switch is set to the right) the answer-back drum does a complete
revolution. None of the tines appear to have been removed on the drum.

> The typewheel does *not* appear to revolve when various keys
are pressed. It stays fixed.

> The print hammer could indeed stand to be replaced ...it is
somewhat worn.

> The electrolytic caps mentioned looked to be in excellent physical
condition (although I recognize that is no indication of proper function)
as do the transformers, and the multi-tabbed power resister mounted
to the baseplate. All are very clean.

Well folks, that is what I know so far. Any other comments/pointers
would be very much appreciated! Thanks ...


Best regards,

Scott