[GreenKeys] Model 14 Typing Reperforator

[pacquerat at comcast.net]

Derek, 

I have found the 14 reperf a fun machine. It closes the hardware loop required to do PIX authoring as well as generating loops for Test, CQ, contesting. 

The platen durometer is important if the printing is to be correct. The rubber goes hard over time and makes for poor character impressions. Sorry, I do not know what the correct durometer is :(. Obviously, too soft and the characters will blacken out, even damage the tape so the perforator will jam. Too hard, or worn down and uneven will cause poor character fill-out. I had several base only machines that were once part of a TTY relay setup, the plattens were as hard as bakelite and the key tops were all smashed flat almost illegible. 

There is a tool that looks a lot like a stapler. There are alignment tracks and a clamp that hold overlapping ends of the chad-less tape in position. The tool is depressed and the chad "lids" pass through each end of the tapes and join the tapes. The joined tape is surprisingly rugged and will pass many times through the reader before breaking down. Customarily, the tape is ended with 10 or so "letters" and the beginning of the next tape has at least 10 "letters" as well. I got my tape splicer many years ago from John Meshna in Lynn, MA. Again sorry, I don't know what the model number is of the tape splicer. 

Good Luck with your reperf. 

Charlie 

WA1JFD