[GreenKeys] Teleprinter demo project

[Peter Gottlieb]

I was thinking a device connected to the net which people could send 
text messages to and have them print would be cool.  Kids would all be 
there texting the thing.

Peter




Ken Schwieker wrote:
>
> I think that there is a need for a small stand alone device that will 
> store in memory multiple teletype messages and would output one or a 
> string to a teleprinter when prompted to do so via the push of a 
> switch. For several reasons I don't want to use a laptop, a paper tape 
> reader, etc or any external data lines. Just connect the device to AC 
> and the teleprinter and it would be ready to go. A small 
> microprocessor or a pic device on a small circuit board would seem to 
> be ideal if capabilities were sufficient including enough memory to 
> hold quite a few messages.
>
> Our museum here has an AP model 15 machine just begging to come back 
> to life. The museum personnel are non technical so operation will need 
> to be pretty basic. It would need to be a connect and forget type of 
> system other than the occasional paper or ribbon  change and have very 
> low maintenance requirements.  I think it would be nice if a visitor 
> could push a "demo" push button that would start up the teleprinter, 
> print out at least one complete AP/UPI type message and then turn off 
> the machine. Most any vintage messages would be appropriate but any 
> pertaining to significant events would probably generate more 
> interest. Also a short history of teleprinters or a message pertaining 
> to the museum could be printed out.
>
> Idea would be to expose as many people as possible to teleprinter 
> operation as I am sure many have never seen one of these machines 
> running. I will be building and donating this to our local museum so a 
> reasonable cost is somewhat of a consideration. If this gets off the 
> ground maybe other greenkeyers would want to introduce the demo 
> project into their local museum or other demonstration possibilities.
>
> A question I have is if there is some unit already available that 
> could be used as is in this project with the addition a power supply, 
> etc.
>
> Anyway, I am hoping that some of you out there that are more 
> knowledgeable about the design of this type of device would have some 
> ideas on this or for that matter could/would assist in the design and 
> programming of one or even produce a kit as a project available to the 
> group.
>
> Ken S
>
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