[GreenKeys] BRPE Restoration
Eric Moore
mooreericnyc at gmail.com
Sun Dec 31 11:45:14 EST 2023
https://github.com/emooreatx/Teletype-BRPE
https://youtu.be/-aZl8rMT8Aw
Here you are, code and video. I got the BRPE going full speed later.
I will try and find the updated code from MIT I am now using. Not sure I
ever updated github.
-Eric
On Sun, Dec 31, 2023, 6:03 AM <pbirkel at gmail.com> wrote:
> I was lucky enough(?) to acquire a BRPE21 on eBay. Some pics at:
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/335180419867
>
>
>
> It arrived yesterday and “now comes the fun part” :->. Overall it’s in
> pretty good shape, as seen in the pics, however two pins are stuck and some
> others are sticky. Not too surprising but I’m enthusiastic about having to
> disassemble this unit down to the punch-block and then getting it back to
> operational order. So I’m very interested in hearing from anyone
> maintaining a similar unit. The vital information:
>
>
>
> Base unit is BRPEB11 (side plate by power switch).
>
> Punch unit is BRPE21 (8 level with three suppression switches).
>
> Motor unit is LMU6 (plate on motor mount).
>
> Motor plate states: 5PA66HV2A / Type: PA / V: 115 / CY: 60/50 / WD: SERIES
>
>
>
> Base unit includes 9x top-hat diodes and 9x 25 ohm power (wire-wound?)
> resistors. Signal connector is a 24-pin CINCH 57-40240 female with cable
> retention clips. Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394787953341 The
> connector is mounted in a wider cutout (but same end-to-end mounting
> points) so presumably there were alternative connectors in use. Includes
> cable retention clips. Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394787953341
> Power connector is a recessed socket sporting a center pin plus a pair of
> curved blades (one locking); I’ve never had any luck matching that style of
> socket connector so I guess that I’ll need to replace it, unless someone
> has the right plug, unused.
>
>
>
> This unit appears to be a modestly newer than those documented in
> 1154B_BRPE_Parts_Catalog_Jul1960.pdf (which appears to only document up to
> the BRPE11 punch and BRPEB8 base) although
> 215B_BRPE_Technical_Manual_May1971.pdf does seem to apply.
>
>
>
> In 1154B_BRPE_Parts_Catalog_Jun1966.pdf, page 32 (Figure 1) the population
> of the back-plate appears to correspond, so I think that PN #114466 may be
> the matching power plug (however that PN is subsequently described as
> “Connector, Receptacle (2 Pt)” rather than as the plug). Note also in the
> figure the four rubber grommets (PN #154697) affixed to both sides of the
> base fore(ish) and aft. What purpose are these intended to serve?
>
>
>
> Also in 1154B_BRPE_Parts_Catalog_Jun1966.pdf, page 33 (Figure 2) note the
> two-part metal tape reel (PN #146689 “Disk, W/Hub” & #146690 “Disk,
> W/Flange”) that is used to dispense tape. I seek one of these, or
> guidance/experience in creating a substitute.
>
>
>
> Also in 1154B_BRPE_Parts_Catalog_Jun1966.pdf, page 35 (Figure 4) is
> illustrated the “motor cover” that I’m missing (PN #143092 or perhaps
> #142991). Just askin’ …
>
>
>
> Finally in 1154B_BRPE_Parts_Catalog_Jun1966.pdf, page 44 (Figure 7) I’m
> missing the chad box (PN #142933; appears to be a simple metal bin but the
> HappyComputerGuy video on YouTube shows one in transparent plastic, which
> makes a bit more sense) and then on page 45 (Figure 8) the “Guide, Tape” PN
> #142983 has somehow been broken in half (looks like a lot of metal fatigue;
> strange). At least these are parts that I can manufacture for myself …
> although an original chad box would be a lot nicer than anything that I’ll
> be able to produce.
>
>
>
> Aside from the “parts call”, above, my initial questions:
>
>
>
> 1. 295B-6504.pdf states that the LMU6 series (governed) motor is
> AC/DC. I infer that if I simply supply 120VAC 60Hz the governing
> components/circuitry will have no adverse effect, but that’s not made clear
> anywhere. The curved-blade power socket seems to suggest that this
> installation was intended for DC operation, so I’m reticent to simply
> supply AC “and see what happens”. (Shaft turns freely and depressing the
> four spring-ball oiling ports appears to indicate the presence of
> sufficient light-weight oil, so other than modest cleaning the motor
> assembly appears to be ready-to-go.) Figure 5 (page 16) in 295B-6504.pdf
> is the applicable schematic; there’s no evidence of power supply
> polarization. Is this correct for DC operation (either orientation is
> fine)? Can I simply use AC without any changes?
>
>
>
> 1. 215B_BRPE_Technical_Manual_May1971.pdf has very little to say
> regarding how the BRPE was driven (“deserialization" / "receiver set").
> Sections 3.05 through 4.02 (page 21 of the PDF) provide a very generic
> description of signaling, and then Figure 3 (page 22) documents a
> conceptual diagram including a “SIGNAL REGISTER” with input “SYNCHRONIZING
> PULSE SENT TO SIGNAL REGISTER” and output “FEED AND CODE PULSES SENT TO
> MAGNETS”. I’ve not found any schematics for the BRPE base, however as it
> houses 9x diodes and power resisters I’m guessing that the code pulses are
> “typical” 100Vdc’ish signals. Is that correct? Note that the
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aZl8rMT8Aw video shows a 28Vdc power
> supply present for some purpose; as it peaks at ~530 mA during operation I
> presume that it’s the magnet supply.
> https://github.com/emooreatx/Teletype-BRPE/ certainly draws that
> relationship.
>
>
>
> Timing of the code vs. feed pulses isn’t stated anywhere, nor their
> durations. Figure 2 (Page 20) is rather stylized and implies that the feed
> pulse is concurrent with the code pulses, which I guess based on initial
> study of the mechanics could very well be true. Based on the time-line
> across the top of Figure 3 it appears as if both code & feed pulses start
> with the synchronizing pulse at 90 degrees before TDC and end ~80 degrees
> after TDC, so a nominal duration of somewhat under a half-cycle. It looks
> like the mechanism deals with offsetting the actual punch and advance
> actions. (Yes the Arduino code in GitHub documents one timing approach;
> I’d like to determine if it’s the proper one …)
>
>
>
> The synchronization pulse is just the raw magnetic pickup, so the
> implementation of the “SIGNAL REGISTER” needs to both amplify/trigger and
> then create the correctly timed (and gated in the case of the code)
> pulses. It would be quite helpful to see the schematic & technical
> description of the Teletype equipment that implemented this function!
>
>
>
> As my primary use-case is based on a TTL source it looks like I’ll need to
> not only handle the triggering and timing but also opto-isolation of 10x
> 100 Vdc signals for the various relays (or maybe that’s “only” 28Vdc). Has
> anyone here been down this road, even part way, before me?
>
>
>
> 1. There really isn’t any documentation that I can find that addresses
> punch disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly … although proper lubrication
> is addressed. I’m not enthusiastic about tackling the breakdown necessary
> to properly service the punch block/pins lacking documentation. I’m hoping
> that I can extract a subassembly that I can simply immerse in solvent or
> otherwise apply solvent to selected points while working individual pins to
> get them moving freely, and then relubricate. Unfortunately I don’t see
> any way to accomplish this without a pretty complete disassembly :-<.
> Suggestions? I am assuming that a lightweight “sewing machine” oil will be
> satisfactory when relubricating. Is that correct?
>
>
>
> I do spy https://www.navy-radio.com/tty/brpe.htm so maybe Nick has
> answers (and more!) to all of my initial questions.
>
>
>
> Thoughts, observations, experience, etc. that have a bearing on my BRPE
> will be much appreciated. And …
>
>
>
> An early Happy New Year! One hopes that 2024 will be less “interesting
> times” than 2023. But hope is not a method …
>
>
>
> paul
>
>
>
>
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