[GreenKeys] TT-4C start-up progress

[Greg Arnoldussen]

I spent most of my nights this week cleaning the first of my two TT-4Cs, serial number AW-176 (with the other being AW-247).  I chose the one with the surface corrosion - a white crystalline deposit which was removed using fine sandpaper, a toothbrush and simple green, taking care not to allow any of the debris to fall into the mechanism, where possible I wedged in a cloth underneath to help.  I decided it was far better not to take apart this machine to the point where I could have trouble getting it back together again (even by following the manual).  I still have more cleaning to do.  The removal of the paper guard on the rear really helped with accessibility.  

This machine is already well greased but I oiled the felts and turned the motor by hand and all of the components respond without complaint.  The fuses seemed OK.

I purchased a 240 to 115V transformer and plugged in the machine, the earth strap is designed to connect to a wire which ends up connected to a post in the ground (for Army field use) but as the best earth I could use is the earth pin of the socket itself I have used that.  It is not pretty but it does the job for now and I will have to purchase modern proper US style plugs (retaining the original plugs of course).

I switched on the unit with no effect.  I tried the break switch with no luck.  I tried striking some keys and no good.  I put the cover back on to see if the light worked and yes it did, so that told me power was getting in.  Nonetheless, I still could not get the motor to work.  I replaced a fuse without luck.  I removed the TT from the base and turned it carefully onto its side to remove the electronic circuit cover at the rear.  It is amazingly clean as if it was made yesterday.  Nothing looked leaky and cables were not loose.

Last night my electrical engineering friend (a very cluey guy)came around and after an hour or so worked out the relay beside the bell on the right hand rear corner of the machine was open, its normal state is closed.  When we closed the relay and started the motor everything fired with a steady "tat, tat, tat" noise.  This is good!  We tried to understand why the relay was open.  The only way to close it was by hand, and we figured that either (a) the machine had been decommissioned and this was a safety step or (b) a remote TT had opened the relay and only a remote TT can open it again.  Personally I thought the BREAK switch should engage the motor as stated in the manual, but it did not work when I tried, perhaps someone might know?  I struck a few keys but nothing typed, maybe this has something to do with the armature setting or jumper settings. Despite reading both op and service manuals it is still a whole new world to me and I have to
 remind myself I am dealing with fifty year old technology!   

I do not want to run this machine too much yet before I am confident everything is working internally with grease and oil.  So I am now going to go over the lubrication schedule next and to synchronise the motor with the tuning fork (I am have trouble with this, I think the procedure requires a fairly fine turn of the screw).  All in all a very successful week.

PS.  Where do you guys source rolls of  paper from?  I got some strange looks from the office supply shop.  Fax paper is not the right paper I told them. 


cheers,

Greg in Wangaratta.
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