[GreenKeys] EXTEL TTY

[KFIam640@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/4/2004 5:40:31 AM Pacific Daylight Time, wa2hwj@att.net 
writes:
ZCZC

I'm working in New York City as a communications consultant and recently 
visited one the New York City Fire Department's "Central Offices" (where they 
dispatch fires). Most of their stuff is old and dirty, but I was suprised to see 
an EXTEL teleprinter sitting on a table, still being used. But, get this, the 
EXTEL uses a dot-matrix typing head and this machine seems to be printing with 
only two of the seven pins. When I asked the dispatcher if he even looks at 
this machine, his answer was "sure, we can tell what it's trying to say". The 
machine is used to print out alarm info from their ancient callbox system 
(there's more than 15,000 callboxes throughout the City). In the scheme of things, 
the printer is "modern" compared to the callboxes. Each callbox has its own 
copper circuit back to the "CO", with current on the loop. They used to print out 
on a paper tape that had a spring-wound takeup reel; sound familiar?.

Jack WA2HWJ
I remember for a short time having Extel printers in our newsroom at KFI in 
Los Angeles.  Later we installed a program automation system that used an Extel 
printer for logging.  After the automation system was sold I tried the Extel 
printer on ASCII output of a computer at 100 WPM.  The machine printed fine 
for part of a line then garbled.  I learned that Extel printers for 100 wpm 
ASCII had a higher capacity power supply.  The machine was originally set up for 
slower speed service.
    I also had trouble with the pins this dot matrix printer getting stuck.  
They did need regular cleaning and lubrication.

Marvin Collins W6OQI


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