Hi friends,

I have a 28ASR with a chadless perforator/reperf. The way it is set up is when the K/KT/T switch is in “T” mode, it will punch tape from the keyboard. There is also a switch that allows the reperf to punch the tape from the loop. When I punch tape from the loop the perf works great. Always repeatable and correct. However, in KT or T mode, it is not consistent. Almost always there is some stuck bits. Recently it was punching all 5 holes regardless of what I typed. And then again it will work but bit 5 might be stuck on. But it always works great when configured in the loop.

A few years ago I bought a plastic print head from K6YIC for the perf to install it. The procedure looks quite involved. So I got to thinkin’. I’ve always wanted a full chad perforator. Even if I have to deal with the punched chads. I think it demonstrates better and I do enjoy demonstrating for shack visitors.

So I am wondering, maybe now is the time to swap out my perf with a full chad version and also install the new plastic print head at the same time? Can anyone tell me a few things?

Are the sticking bits most likely an issue with the perf mechanism or the keyboard levers? If it is the keyboard, then a new perforator wouldn’t help fix it
What is involved in swapping a perforator? Hard? Easy?
Where do the chads go with a full chad unit? How are the chads emptied? Are there any modifications I would need to my cabinet? Anyone have a video on this?
Anyone have a spare full-chad perforator for sale?

I guess I could attempt to find the cause of the sticking bits, but if I really want a full chad unit, why not just replace it. Would seem the path of least resistance. But open to ideas.

73 Eugene W2HX
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