[GreenKeys] Just bought an Ebay ASR33 in the UK

Fri Feb 7 05:54:02 EST 2025

Thanks all.

I have been watching Jerry Walkers refurbishment series on YouTube - he does an amazing job on two separate ASR 33's with different problems. I'm currently watching his ASR #2 vide where he's dealing with a really gummed up stiff mechanism (amongst other things). I have the same problem with mine at the moment.

I think my biggest problem is the platen being sized solid - I will probably need to dismantle it.
2nd biggest problem is the stiffness of the whole print and punch mechanism. After cleaning and oiling, Jerry is eventually able to turn the main shaft by hand and run the printer through a mechanical cycle with absolute ease.
Mine however, is incredibly stiff to turn through a cycle even after considerable cleaning. I can do it but is really hard. I do note though that in Jerrys video, the motor and punch mechanism are disconnected form the printer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HyfdwRrF4
[https://i.ytimg.com/vi/z9HyfdwRrF4/maxresdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEmCIAKENAF8quKqQMa8AEB-AHUBoAC4AOKAgwIABABGFMgWShlMA8=&rs=AOn4CLDI5O_xjmjl_DYfAJxM52eujAqDwQ]<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HyfdwRrF4>
ASR33 #2 Repair Part3<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HyfdwRrF4>
In this video I try repairing the ASR33 Printer machanism and motor drive. The motor tries to release the magic smoke.
www.youtube.com

How 'easy' should it be to hand turn the mechanism with motor and punch all still connected ? Ans is a siezed platen a contributor to the stiffness ?
I have no idea how much torque the motor can apply but the whole mechanism feels too stiff for me to try it out yet.

I still have loads of cleaning to do as the ratchet on the carriage does not always engage and is proving sticky. I have freed up the carriage and it now moves smoothly back and forth - the latter rapidly under the return spring torsion.
I think I will have to dismantle clean and lubricate the keyboard (my goodness it looks complicated) as the 'here is' button remains stubbornly stuck.

I'm a long way from applying power to this unit (even with a replacement rubber hammer or temporary print head protector in place.
________________________________
From: Jeff G <jeffg at junknet.net>
Sent: 07 February 2025 05:56
To: ian parr <parrid at hotmail.com>
Cc: WAYNE <teletypeparts at comcast.net>; greenkeys at mailman.qth.net <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Just bought an Ebay ASR33 in the UK

For the platen knob - if you know someone with a 3d printer or have one yourself, you can print a new one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4600534
(While I haven't seen one yet, hoping that eventually someone will model the clip you need for the tape reader)

The here is button being stuck - as the machine runs it constantly "resets" the keys - possible it may just need a reset (keyboard can also be needing lube). The mechanical "reset" comes through the "h clip" thats behind the keyboard on the right side. (H clip, X clip whatever)

For the burnt board, as someone else mentioned, completely normal, but inspect the solder connections on that board and re-flow any that look critical.

Print head - def hit up Wayne for a new hammer, dont run it with the old one or without something else like a piece of hose slipped over it first.

Have fun!

Jeff

On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM ian parr <parrid at hotmail.com<mailto:parrid at hotmail.com>> wrote:
Well, I now have the teletype.

Disconnected from the pedestal - a rat or mouse seemed to have made its home in the pedestal as it was full of horrible debris. The pedestal houses a large step down transformer and an old UK mains plug was fitted which is encouraging that it has perhaps been used over here.

Case removed (one small crack in the main body) and I have carefully vacuumed the debris from the base and wiped off the cobwebs etc from the unit.

It doesn't look quite so bad and most of the crud appears to be rather stale grease covering almost everything.

Observations so far:

  1.
The punch unit seems a bit rusty and is missing a spring from the rear (see photos) so Ill certainly need one of those (advice or source welcome please)
  2.
The tape reader plastic cover seems to have a clip missing/broken from the RHS to hold the plastic down.
  3.
The print head hammer seems to have most of its original rubber in place but its crumbly and needs to be replaced with a vinyl cover. Encouraging though as I hope it mead the print head has not taken a bashing from metal.
  4.
The platen knob is missing - I can't easily turn the platen so it may be seized but I didn't want to apply any force as perhaps it needs some power to move ?
  5.
The front facia panel and local/online know is missing
  6.
Some signs of heat/burning from the large resistor board on the RHS as the board is discoloured.
  7.
The keyboard keys are really 'chalky'
  8.
The 'here is' button seems to be stuck down.

Pretty much everything seems to have some movement where its obvious it should move.

Some photos after it has had a wipe down:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DUwW8V4CboXCssUx6
________________________________
From: WAYNE <teletypeparts at comcast.net<mailto:teletypeparts at comcast.net>>
Sent: 05 February 2025 17:55
To: ian parr <parrid at hotmail.com<mailto:parrid at hotmail.com>>; greenkeys at mailman.qth.net<mailto:greenkeys at mailman.qth.net> <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net<mailto:greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>>
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Just bought an Ebay ASR33 in the UK

Ian,

Doug's advice is good.  There is a wiki site you might want to refer to before you pick up the 33.

https://wiki.theretrowagon.com/wiki/Teletype_Model_33

Look up "Assembly after pickup" and reverse the info about installing the machine on the pedestal to remove it.

Some other good info there as well.

I can send you some parts sometime including the vinyl hammer to replace the rubber one that is on it.  Instructions for replacing that on the wiki site as well.

Go slow and enjoy the work.  It will take some time to get it all up to snuff.

Best regards,

Wayne
KB1FDW
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