[GreenKeys] Where to start?

[Steve Garrison]

Just follow Duncan's advise.  It's right on the button.

Steve G./N4TTY

-----Original Message-----
From: greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Duncan Brown
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 4:47 PM
To: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Where to start?

Paul,

You won't do any damage letting the unit "run open", it is not that
different from normal operation.  A good thing to do initially (and good for
troubleshooting) is to just turn the motor by hand and see if everything
moves OK. (Only problem is knowing which way the motor turns.  On the
Kleinschmidts, they turn clockwise, but don't remember about the M14 & 15.
I usually put a mark on the motor once I've figured it out.)  With a loop
supply connected, you can press a key, turn the motor by hand and see the
selector magnet armature move and the selected type bar move up to the
platen (it may not actually strike the platen due to lack of inertia when
the motor is turned slowly). If turning the motor by hand works, its OK to
put power to the motor, just watch/check for overheating in the motor or
bearings. Occasionally you may hear a grinding sound when the motor is first
turned on (especially if you were turning it by hand).  This is usually a
mechanical clutch that has not disengaged comepletly. Pressing a key (with
the motor going) will initaite a full cycle and reset it properly.

So it should be pretty straightforward to fire up the M14 & 15.  The
TT-272 is a little more complicated because of its built-in loop supply and
many different configurations.  Check that the AC line jumper is set for
115V input.  Put a voltmeter on the loop supply test points and slowly bring
the voltage up with a Variac to check the loop supply & components.  It
probably has a selenium rectifier which can degrade with time and can put
off noxious fumes. It may also have electrolytic 
capacitors that quit after a few decades.   The mechanical checks above 
apply to KLI equipment as well.

Once the machines have passed the initial operation tests, give them a good
lube job (oil all the felts and grease gears)  and do a more thourough
function check.  There may be parts sticking that need more lubrication or
disassembly and deep cleaning.

Have fun & good luck!

Duncan
K2OEQ

On 04-Jan-12 15:32, Paul Beckmann wrote:
> I now have a collection of RTTY machines that cover all functions. 
> (Model 15, TT-14TD, and Kleinschmidt TT-272/FG). These pieces have not 
> been run in a while. The Model 15 was running at one time before I 
> inherited it as was the Model 14 TD. The 272 was running before being 
> acquired by a party in MA and then shipped to me.
>
> Here's the question of the day for Greenkeys: Do I dare plug these 
> things in and flip the power switch? Am I in danger of braking 
> something? I've checked to see that no major pieces of debris, animal 
> parts or waste, or broken pieces are lodged within. What should I 
> watch/listen for? I assume it would be a good idea to, rather quickly, 
> power the loop to prevent them from running "open". (I don't think 
> that's the technical term, but you know what I mean.) I can try the 
> Model 15 first, maybe with the Dovetron as a loop source, see if it 
> prints what I type, and add the 272 to the loop. Does that make sense?
>
> My inclination is to dismantle, clean, and lube/reassemble everything 
> first. However, it seems worthwhile to power them up to see if they 
> work, what their issues are, and then make a decision on the sequence 
> of TLC to give them.
>
> Any ideas and/or suggestions?
>
> 73
> --Paul, wa0rse
>
> P.S. Still looking for a Kleinschmidt 271 or a Model 28 KSR or ASR in 
> Minnesota or Western Wisconsin....
>
>
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