[GreenKeys] IBM Selectric

[George B. Hutchison]

Keith - - -

My experience with IBM Selectric Typewriters as I/O devices dates back
to my days with RCA Service Company, during which time I had cognizance
in the Pacific Northwest of the Hughes Air West Reservation System, CIT
Financial Services, and the Wizard of Avis systems.

Each had their own custom devised magnet selection and mechanical
system, as well as the keyboard input system.

Air West used the same equipment as American Airlines, and those
machines had an IBM arrangement for both input and output.

The Wizard of Avis had a rinky-dink system of magnets, armatures and
pull levers which was fairly easy to adjust, but just looked hokey.
Input was from an electronic keyboard that had no mechanical tie-in
whatsoever with the electronics.

The CIT system had a system of magnets that were impossible to get
spares for, because the people who adapted the typewriter mechanism and
CIT had a falling out, and refused to supply spare parts. I re-wound
several CIT magnets after they had been fried.

I do not know if IBM still supports the Selectric series of machines.
The parts were plentiful, and for the most part very cheap.

Adjusting the machines was a skill that could best be described as
something one grew into. Schooling helped, but you just had to have your
hands on/in them for a time before you could tweak one into smooth
operation.

Most of the machines I worked on were well past their design life, and
about every one
 required a major overhaul before I considered it reliable. You must
also have a selection of tools such as a half-cycle tool, a mainshaft
manual turning wheel, center-bearing replacement tool, and psychiatric
insurance.

The things you will have to find out about your selectric are many, and
there are too many variations and permutations to go into on this short
note.

To make things simple, I would take the money one would invest in such a
project and treat the family to a nice dinner, or a vacation in Dizzy
Land.

I am not sorry for raining on your idea. We all have our little things
that make us happy, and my happiest day was when I no longer had to fly
around the Northwest and Canada fixing IBM I/O selectrics.

73,

George - W7TTY