[GreenKeys] Newbie with ASR-35

[Alan Frisbie]

Hello from a newcomer to the list.  My only prior experience with
Teletypes was as a user of ASR-33s on mini computers in the 1960s
and 1970s, and with a Model 26 on ham radio in the 1970s.  I never
had occasion to open any of them up, as they simply worked all
the time.

I just hauled home an ASR-35 and am about to start my way up the
learning curve.  I have downloaded and printed the manuals
from https://www.blunham.com/Radar/SignalsMuseum/PDFs/Telephony/ASR35/
(they are of fantastic quality!) and am a bit overwhelmed.  🙂  There
is a *LOT* to learn!  I am an absolute beginner with this machine.

My version looks to be configured for local loop, which is just what I
need to use as a console terminal on my PDP-11.   The serial number is
23453 and I am curious about when it might have been built.

The number plate also says "Code: LRPE 803".  Does anyone know what
that means?

Before I do anything stupid and possibly damage the machine, I have
a couple of beginners questions:

1. Although it looks to be relatively clean and well oiled, the seller
advised me to clean and oil it first.  What is the recommended procedure
for this?  I am assuming that each sub-assembly (printer, tape punch,
etc.) should be removed and processed.  What solvent is best, and should
it be dunked, sprayed, or what?  What lubricants should I use?  I was
thinking of just spraying it with Starrett M1 oil.  Would this be
totally wrong?   Every Teletype I've ever seen looked like the insides
had been given an oil bath.

2. It has been many years since I had to deal with current loop devices.
How do I determine (and/or change) whether it is set up for active
(supplying the 20ma) or passive mode?  Is there a "standard" I should
follow?

3. Is there a procedure I can follow to test basic functionality before
trying to connect it to the computer?

Please be patient as I work my way up the learning curve.   If these
questions have already been addressed on this list, could you give me
a pointer to them?  It is awfully tedious searching the years of
archive one month at a time, and I've only gotten through the last
year or two.

Alan Frisbie
K7AEF
Sublimity, Oregon