[GreenKeys] Model 31 - 'Old' portable Teletype...

[wa2hwj at att.net]

ZCZC

I had heard that the 31 was used as a portable news/sports reporting
machine (the first "laptop"?). It's a heck of a lot lighter than hauling around
a Model 14 strip printer. I recently sent a 31 to W7TTY and I believe
I also sent one to K9TTY some years ago. They both came from the
K2AGI collection. I have a complete original set of Teletype Corp.
manuals for the thing...

Jack K0TTY

NNNN






-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Duncan M. Brown" <duncanancy at earthlink.net>
>
> Ken,
> 
> The Model 31 was produced from 1949-1959, only about 500 units were made. 
> It was originally designed for the military as a light weight and compact
> mobile terminal for RTTY.  The military version, TT-30/AGA-1, ran on 24VDC
> and is the only known teletypewriter to use both a dynamotor and an tube! 
> There is a 250VDC generator built into the 24VDC motor to provide loop
> current and operate the RTTY converter.  They were apparently worried that
> the motor governor would generate RFI, so there is a 25L6GT sticking out of
> the top of the unit that does the motor governor switching.  There is an
> extra contact on the keyboard transmitter designed to key the transmitter
> when you start typing.
> 
> I have a feeling that as a military unit it was a flop (since they didn't
> make many of them), though President Truman's plane had one installed. 
> Since the military wasn't interested, Teletype Corp. apparently put in an
> AC sync motor and a handle on the top and sold it as a "portable" to be
> taken to sports events.
> 
> Don't know why they didn't use the M14, unless they were looking for
> something a little newer and/or different shape factor.
> 
> The AWA Museum has a working TT-30/AGA-1.
> 
> 73 & have fun,
> 
> Duncan Brown, K2OEQ
> USASA  31J
> 
> Chief TTY operator & repairman
> AWA Electronic Communication Museum
> http://www.antiquewireless.org/
> 
> 
> > [Original Message]
> > From: Ken L. Gartland <trnsrme at glinx.com>
> > To: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
> > Date: 09-Feb-10 09:39:01
> > Subject: [GreenKeys] 'Old' portable Teletype...
> >
> > To all...
> >
> > A few weeks back, on our favourite (!) auction site, there was a small
> portable Teletype machine listed, which was
> > identified by Don, K9TTY as a Model 31...
> >
> > I remember seeing one of these machines way back in 1970
> > in a broadcasting booth at our local sports stadium...
> >
> > At the time, I was covering a svc call on a M20RO with
> > a 'Crusty old guy'  who was intent on teaching the 'New kid on the block'
> the ropes!  While he was getting the cover off the M.20, I happened to spot
> a 'Smallish' machine sitting
> > off to the left in one of the broadcasting cubicles. It
> > had a 'Teletype' logo plate on it, was all black, with a very
> > small keyboard w/keys similar to the Model 28...
> >
> > My curiosity got the best of me, turned it on, and it ran
> > 'Closed'...I managed to get off one line of  'Now is
> > the time for all good men etc.'  before the old guy barked at me to pay
> attention to what I was there for! I never saw one again. I do remember
> seeing the type head swing back & forth somewhat like a pendulum, and the
> peculiar sound the
> > printing mechanism made...Unlike any other TTY I have ever seen/heard.
> >
> >
> > The model shown on the auction site was green and was in some kind of
> carrying case. The one I saw years ago seemed to be a table type model in
> its' own cover...
> >
> > Does anyone out there know the approximate production
> > numbers of this machine, how it came to be, what were they used for, and
> who used them?
> >
> > Don, K9TTY had mentioned there were less
> > than 7 units known of. I am also wondering, why Teletype
> > Corp'n developed and mfd. this particular machine, when
> > even back in the 1970's, we had many M14KSR strip
> > (Tape) printers still in svc. especially in Brokerage houses.
> >
> > I am hoping some of you guys will be able to offer some insight into this
> unusual machine...It certainly brought back
> > memories of my early years in the trade...I gess after all, I do owe a
> lot to that 'Crusty' old guy!!
> >
> > ' 73
> >
> > Ken VE3-HMQ
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