[GreenKeys] The Project...

[Randy or Sherry Guttery]

Got the 28 back together last evening - and took it out for a spin. 
Maybe it's just me (or getting used to it running naked (on a bench with 
no cabinet) but - it seems to be getting even quieter as it gets a 
little time on it.  Ran it off of the AP feed of HeavyMetal for quite a 
while. The keyboard repair is working wonderful. I found that the spring 
on the operating lever was only pulling about 3 ounces - and was not 
providing reliable tripping every time.  The book calls for 3-5 ounces 
so I went through my collection of springs and found one that pulls 
about 6.  While a touch over spec - the operation is now solid every 
time, the spring is at a good "extension" length (not over stretched, 
etc.) and the felt core fits just fine.

There is an issue, though - a puzzle for you Greenkeyers... I know the 
cause - but I'll let you figure the puzzle out on your own...  but I 
would certainly welcome any "tips" on a fix. (I won't go into specifics 
yet - it'd give away the solution to the puzzle).

OK as those of you who have been following along on the project's 
progress know -  the Code Bar Reset Bail Latch broke. This is a "pre- 
Mark I" keyboard - for which the latch has become as rare as hen's 
teeth. A Mk I latch will fit - though there is an "issue" with that 
substitution - in that the Mk I does not have the lever extension out 
the left side (as you face the keyboard). That lever extension is the 
means the repeat function was implemented - and without that lever 
(which the newer part doesn't have) the existing repeat function won't 
work.

To remedy that - I installed the parts to the repeat mechanism as it's 
implemented in the Mk Is (and newer).  That involved a new non-repeat 
lever (with it's own "extension"), a keylever to operate that 
"extension" which is installed in slot #37; and of course moving the 
repeat key from the center of the keyboard (slot #21) to the newly 
installed keylever in slot #37.

Here's the puzzle:

With the new hardware installed - the keyboard operates as expected with 
one minor exception:  When the repeat key is held down with another key 
- the keyboard indeed goes into repeat mode - (i.e. the latch is never 
allowed to "latch") BUT the character typed is ---- a blank. No matter 
which key is held down with the repeat key - you get a blank.

Here is a hint (ought to be a spoiler!): If you continue to hold the 
character key down and release the repeat key - the unit cycles one 
final time - and you DO get the character you are holding down.

Anyone care to guess what's going on here?

best regards!
-- 
randy guttery

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