[GreenKeys] ASR 33

[Doug Alderdice]

At 03:42 PM 2/7/2008 -0600, Jim Haynes wrote:
>However if you have something like a PK-232 it talks ASCII out the serial
>port but talks Baudot on the RTTY signal.

Indeed.  Also, if you can find one, an old Kantronics UTU (Universal 
Terminal Unit) will allow you to use a 33 (or other ASCII terminal) with 
RTTY.  I got my own start in RTTY with that very setup: a UTU and a 
33.  The UTU doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a PK232, but will 
allow one to run RTTY with any ASCII terminal, and thus may be a bit 
cheaper where you might happen across one.  It's been ages since I've used 
mine, but as I recall the UTU will run RTTY, CW, and AMTOR.

All hope is not lost by having a 33, and perhaps I was a bit too harsh in 
my last reply, it is just unfortunately not simply a matter of 
"plug-n-play" for running RTTY with a 33 as it would be with a 5-level set 
like a 28, 26, 19, 15, 14, etc. etc.   With the 33 you will need to build 
some level converting circuitry to interface between the RS232 signals and 
the 20 ma loop that the selector in the 33 requires.  There was an RS232 
option available for the 33 (I believe) but not all 33s have them.

And Prof. George is right: hang onto that ST-6!!  And because the old 
computer collectors just LOVE those 33s (they were the terminals and 
operator consoles on the early mini computers) they command those high 
prices he mentioned.

Good luck es 73,

Doug, KA2WFT