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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:19:48

Title: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:19:48: While browsing my regular used computer parts stores, I came accross two IBM wheelwriter typewriters: a Wheelwriter 2, and a Wheelwriter 50 Series ii. Both devices do not function. One powers on but beeps loudly and does not function, the other does nothing when plugged in. One is missing a few keys, but other than that the keyboard portion on each typewriter seems intact. I've no use for them in my typewriter collection even if they were fully functional, but I can get them for $15 a piece.

Does this seem like a good deal? I have a Model M so I figure I could use the keycaps to deck out my keyboard with some of the cool typewriter keys. I've also heard the keyboard part of the Wheelwriter is identical to a Model M except it lacks a controller (which can be replaced with an Arduino Teensy, somehow?) and some modern function keys.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:37:23: One thing that I think is pretty great is replacing the spacebar and alt keys on a Model F122, 4704 banking terminal board, “space unsaver”, or bolt-modded Model M with the “code” key and spacebar from a wheelwriter. Sacrifices the right Alt key for a left Alt key that is very easy and pleasant to press with a thumb.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:41:42: Quote from: jacobolus on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:37:23
One thing that I think is pretty great is replacing the spacebar and alt keys on a Model F122, 4704 banking terminal board, “space unsaver”, or bolt-modded Model M with the “code” key and spacebar from a wheelwriter. Sacrifices the right Alt key for a left Alt key that is very easy and pleasant to press with a thumb.

Wait, how do you get the code key on the model M and where?

do you mean remove the right alt key and move the space bar over and then put the code key where left alt is? Sorry if obvious and I am just not understanding.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:51:04: Never mind, answered my own question

[attach=1]
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:00:19: That's a good thought, I might consider that but I currently have my right alt mapped to AltGr for typing in Spanish.

@fanpeople, are your coloured keys from Unicomp or elsewhere? That looks nice.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:02:01: Quote from: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:00:19
That's a good thought, I might consider that but I currently have my right alt mapped to AltGr for typing in Spanish.

@fanpeople, are your coloured keys from Unicomp or elsewhere? That looks nice.

G'day, cheers

yeah all from Unicomp.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:35:44: Quote from: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:51:04
Never mind, answered my own question

Show Image
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=67496.0;attach=86729;image)

Ummmm. I get how that Code key mounts, but not how the spacebar mounts?
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:40:53: Quote from: 0100010 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:35:44
Ummmm. I get how that Code key mounts, but not how the spacebar mounts?
The spacebar is 7.25u and has its stems offset, i.e. it’s explicitly designed to fit on the barrels from a standard spacebar and right alt key.

The one slight thing that needs help is the spacebar stabilizer, but wcass’s washer method should work pretty well.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:41:48: Quote from: 0100010 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:35:44
Quote from: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 18:51:04
Never mind, answered my own question

Show Image
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=67496.0;attach=86729;image)

Ummmm. I get how that Code key mounts, but not how the spacebar mounts?

The code key takes the place of L ALT and also uses the left stabilizer hole of the spacebar. The WW spacebar is "moved over" and takes the spacebar hole with the spring in it and the R ALT hole for stabilization. Bolt mod not required however the spacebar stab wire did not line up properly with the clips so one will have to be added.

I found this out a while ago and was going to shock the community but instead I got busy and just told interested people about it. I'm sure others figured it out as well.

Anyway @OP: $15 is a great deal. I still regret not getting more for that price when I had the chance. If you don't want, I'll gladly buy the KBs from the broken ones at that price.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:43:21: Quote from: dorkvader on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:41:48
Bolt mod not required
Ah, I guess the useless right Alt spring just sits there and doesn’t get in the way. I was thinking it should be removed.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:56:10: Ahhh........

I was thinking the Model M spacebar. I pulled out one of my wheelwriter key sets, and I see you have to use the wheelwriter spacebar.

(http://s7.postimg.org/tuk3ced87/smiley_abused.gif)
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:34:07: It sounds like some of you have Wheelwriters. Do you use them for anything in particular, or just a desk piece?

I think at this point I'm trying to justify buying things just because I like the keyboard even though I can't use them in their current state.
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 09 January 2015, 00:51:55: Quote from: jacobolus on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:43:21
Quote from: dorkvader on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:41:48
Bolt mod not required
Ah, I guess the useless right Alt spring just sits there and doesn’t get in the way. I was thinking it should be removed.
Remove with chopstick.

Quote from: meztek on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:34:07
It sounds like some of you have Wheelwriters. Do you use them for anything in particular, or just a desk piece?

I think at this point I'm trying to justify buying things just because I like the keyboard even though I can't use them in their current state.
I type notes on mine all the time. It's lighter than the selectric and has spell-check!

Sethstorm turned a WW KB into a DIY 75% model M. I have a few extra KBs that I was thinking of doing that with.

here's the one I bolt modded and use on the typewriter. https://www.flickr.com/photos/dork_vader/sets/72157649783456209/
Title: Re: IBM Wheelwriter Typewriters
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 09 January 2015, 01:29:04: Ah, too bad it isn't Model F. That membrane thing isn't so nice.

I am still daydreaming about getting my split matrix Model F.