[GreenKeys] Happened to find these on line... a question

[Mark Hall]

Gentlemen,

I have a small supply of aforementioned ribbons from said Seller. The metal
reels lend a nice authentic touch to any Teletype and after gingerly
moistening
one ribbon with a light application of WD-40 I obtained reasonably clear
copy. I did let the ribbon absorb the spray and dry somewhat overnight. The
topic of
re-inking, which to some represents one of the most odious of tasks, is
interesting to me. I would welcome hearing from others of greater
experiences and
wisdom who have done their own re-inking.

With the advent of the Cybermarket, it is possible to find some of the most
esoteric of things, shoes and ships and sealing wax, cabbages and strings!
I mean
kings...

Sure. Ribbons are easily obtained, in a plethora of eye-captivating colors
(including hot pink). But, there is a charm to learning an obscure skill
prior to an
Apocalyptic/SHTF event or era. Then when tanks and zombies are trundling
through the streets, I will be all cosy in my bunker practising my
marketable arts
of re-inking, distillery and zymurgy. Then, as the sunlight deems us the
safety to venture out of our lairs to commingle and commarket for staples,
I will ply for
my needs by offering things readily desired by most, to wit consumable
medicinal alcohol, adult malt based beverages, and lovingly hand-re-inked
Teletype
ribbons. I will even offer a deposit on returned reels. In this way
business is repeated with joy. Harmony and good will among men shall
abound. And cough syrup
will be of the most efficacious admixture.

OK. My question:

In the pic of the 15 KSR for RTTY there is a socket with a light bulb under
the table top of the 15 KSR's table. I have also posed this question to
Seller of same
device: "What is this for?" At present I can only surmise two utilities for
such an implementation:

#1 Repulsion of Teletype spiders.

The light bulb (most effective if 100 watt incandescent variety) would be
sufficient to ward of the deadly poisonous Teletypicus Urticarious spider
which afflicts its
victim in the most specious manner, attacking the nervous system with
neurotoxins in its bite, causing the hapless victim to collect all things
Teletype and
live after the Baudot or ASCII manner, with all compliance. This is similar
to, and considered a variant of the "zombie" state, without the culinary
desire for fresh
brains. Instead old lubricant saturated felts and crusty insulation are
relished as delicacies and the aroma of Teletype oil is almost aphrodisiac
in effect.

#2 Knee warmer

In a Godforsaken, damned cold environment where the ham/RTTY operator finds
himself exiled, from warmth, companionship and loving family- such as attic
or
basement, the knee warmer light is a godsend for those with achy lower
extremities. The warmth keeps the joints ready to allow vertical
re-disposition and ambulation
of the person to interrupt fights amongst unruly children, hauling garbage
for the beloved or merely fetching another beer from the 'fridge. #1 still
applies with this,
because Teletype and basement toilet spiders adore lonely cold places too.

OK. It's time for me to open that "Bedtime" compartment on my pill
organizer. I bid all of the peace and sleep this even.

73!

Mark

i-Telex # 74047
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