Chuck,
True, the 1620 Model 1 Model B typewriter (1st gen). The 1620 Model 2
used a Selectric (2nd gen). We're using the 3rd generation IBM electric
typewriter (Wheelwriter) with the 1620 Jr. (3rd gen 1620?). [I know
it's a stretch.]
The issue is that for Jr. we needed a reliable, robust, very low
maintenance device. The IBM 1620 Jr. will be used by the CHM Education
Department and needs to stand up to hands-on use without needed
difficult & expensive maintenance.
Here's the keyboard of our Wheelwriter-based IBM 1620 Jr. Console
Typewriter:
And here is the printed output:
Note the slashed zero, flagged digits, and all of the 1620 special
characters. :-)
Thanks,
Dave
On 4/10/2019 10:56 AM, Chuck Guzis via cctech wrote:
On 4/10/19 10:35 AM, Dave Babcock via cctech wrote:
To all,
The Computer History Museum's IBM 1620 Jr. project has already done
this. We have converted an IBM Wheelwriter 1000 electric typewriter
into a computer terminal. The conversion consists of a custom PCB with
an Arduino Teensy 3.5 microcontroller which is physically installed in
the typewriter, electrically in-between the keyboard and typewriter
motherboard, with custom firmware.
Aw, that's too bad! The original Model I (CADET) 1620 had a console
typewriter (was it based on the IBM Model B electric?) that gyrated
enough, particularly on carriage returns, that made you wonder if it was
going to fly to pieces at any time. It was all part of the experience.
What did you do about the 1620-specific keys? I don't think that record
mark or R-S was a keytop legend ona Weheelwriter...
--Chuck
