[GreenKeys] IBM 2471

[Paul Heller]

In the 70s I was a budding programmer and worked for an individual who was reselling Wang 2200 based systems to automobile dealers all over northern New Jersey. The system was a Wang 2200 PCS-II computer with a Wang branded IBM Selectric as you are all describing.

The typewriter was sold as a Wang 2201. You can see it at the Computer History Museum exhibit in person, or see a photo here: http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X602.85E

My job was to program the computer to print out the various forms required by the NJ DMV as well as the various leasing agencies. The dealer would input data like VIN#, price, rate, # months, etc. and the computer would automatically calculate the financing and fill in the multi-part forms using the typewriter printer! It had to be a typewriter because of the multi-part forms, and what we now of as the PC had not been invented yet. It was a huge success. I've been looking for a 2201 ever since and only saw one once but I was quickly outbid on it.

Interesting note on the PCS-II: This computer had two 5.25" drives and is the computer that the 5.25" floppy was invented for! Wang decided that 8" drives were too cumbersome so they contacted Shugart for development of the smaller drives and media.

Paul

> On Aug 10, 2016, at 5:02 PM, Keith Densmore <ve3gem at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Greetings Listees,
> All this talk about the Selectric  I/O prompts a memory of mine from the early 80's. I bought a 2471 printer at a hamfest but bringing it back to Canada the customs officer did not believe the 10.00 dollar receipt I provided. Ended up having it seized at the border.
> I am fascinated with these since my days at university in the late sixties seeing one print out mortgage tables.  Since then I have always wanted to see another  working system. Does anyone know of a working system or better yet, have links to the video of it?
> 
> Thanks, all the best,
> Keith ve3ts
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