[GreenKeys] Teleprinter demo project

[Bob Camp]

Hi

There are a number of outfits that make single board / no disk / CF  
based computers. Typically they run Linux or FreeBSD. With some work,  
one could be set up to do what you are talking about. You would need a  
loop supply and a keyer to finish the setup.

Bob


On Jun 8, 2008, at 11:39 AM, Peter Gottlieb wrote:

> 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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