atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems 1A2 and Comkey Telephones & Systems 1A2 and some old WECO stuff

Thanks Carl,

This is exactly the idea which came to my mind while thinking about Selectric: to make an interface based on solenoids to print from PC. Need to see, probably some are still available around.

I have two dot matrix printers here (actually 3 - third is for printing log from PBX): one for A4 width and one big for A3. Both equipped with continuous paper. I print long lists on them. Smaller one is cool - I have a color cartridge for it - CMYK, so it allows to print in color. That was like the top of dot matrix technology just before it died.

But typewriter type printer is much cooler. There were big ones with daisy wheel, which printed the whole line in one hit, but they are rare and expensive. They were very fast in printing

Underground Phone Lab creation project has started. Underground because it is physically under the ground - in basement.

Here they are! Picked up from the owners on the way to business trip.



So far the idea was to take 2 or 3 with different defects at negligible cost and make out of that one good. But it looks I was wrong: IBM in 1970s produced with the same approach as Western Electric - i.e. Last Forever. Out of two one has been already repaired by me in the hotel room with no tools (fingers hurt a bit).



I'm afraid now that I will end up with 4 good red Selectrics, since I've contacted several people and all of them committed to give their ones away since they can't repair them and most probably don't need.

In States these are pricey. Here people give it for $5-10 only to get rid of them.

I was impressed with the quality: first time saw a carbon tape (this is the one time tape) - quality of printing is exact as on high resolution laser printer or better.

Wow...very neat!

Wouldn't know, ours went in the dumpster about 10 years ago. I really don't think they are worth anything here either. Mine had a couple of AA batteries down inside on the bottom when you lifted the cover. Never could figure out what they were for. Don't remember it looking like those- completely mechanical.

-Hal

Go to eBay and see what people ask for Selectric II or I. I was shocked!

This is the example of test printout:

We had one Selectric II in the office that we would fight over. It was on a mobile cart, and you never knew where it would end up.

I have four of them now. May share one with you, if you want:)

Western Electric 2632CM1 beige Call Director has arrived today safely.

This will be a long restoration project - it looks like it has spend couple of decades in a very humid place, so a lot of oxidation and rust on all metal parts inside and outside. Base will need to be re-painted on the bottom. Nevertheless initial check indicated functionality of all major components within the set.



Restoration plan includes complete cleanup of all internal and external parts, housing sanding and repolishing, upgrade to the full 18-buttons functionality and a new paper insert under the faceplate.

Long way to go, but this guy has all chances to see his better times and come back to the mint condition.

P.S. Insects debris has been already removed from the set...

Good luck! That's going to be a long time labor of love!.

Sam