[GreenKeys] Introduction and ASR-33

[Clay Archer]

Welcome to the group!   I too recently restored an ASR-33 for use as
computer console.   I currently have it connected to an Imsai 8080 (my first
personal computer from 1977) and also have connected it to an Interdata
Model 1.
The group has been very helpful in resolving issues with my unit and great
at locating spare parts.  Before you power up the unit there are several
things to check, such as the print hammer.  The rubber is most likely gone
and it will destroy the print head if you attempt to print.   Search the
archive on replacing it with plastic tubing and other helpful information.

Good luck with your project!

Clay Archer


-----Original Message-----
From: greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Seth Morabito
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:57 PM
To: GreenKeys at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [GreenKeys] Introduction and ASR-33

Hello everyone,

I just joined the list and I wanted to introduce myself and say hello.

I'm an amateur radio operator and vintage computer enthusiast, so I hope I'm
going to fit right in here. I've been collecting and restoring vintage
electronics for many years.

Last week I received an ASR-33 from a friend, and I'd very much like to
restore it and get it in tip-top shape again. I hope it doesn't sound like
sacrilege to too many of you, but I don't intend to use it for RTTY -
instead, I want to use it as the console terminal on my PDP-11/35.

It has some cosmetic problems and it's very dirty and greasy, but otherwise
it looks like it's in excellent mechanical shape. I have a gallery of photos
here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twylo/sets/72157635606350546/


The cosmetic problems are pretty minor.

1. It's missing one of the clear plastic tape punch buttons.

2. It's missing the knob for the LINE / OFF / LOCAL rotary switch.

3. The platen knob shaft is split and held together with masking tape.

4. The plastic shell is very brittle and has lost a few studs and heat
stakes, causing the clear plastic window to come off.

5. It has a very small crack in the tape reader cover.

But really, this all seems pretty minor to me. How hard is it to come by the
two missing parts? I can always make suitable replacements from modern parts
if I have to, of course, but it's so nice to have originals.

I'm not quite ready to dive in and start restoring it yet, so in the
meantime, I'm going to read through the archives of this reflector to see
what I can learn from everyone. 

Best Wishes all,

- Seth, NF6Q
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